Free from 19E! Free from BMG!

Today is the date long awaited by Yaminions, E-Trainers and, I imagine, by the man himself -- Elliott Yamin Independence Day! From this day forward, Elliott is no longer contractually obligated to 19E and BMG. He is a free agent who can determine his own musical destiny.

Clive Davis, who recognized early greatness in Carlos Santana, Janis Joplin, Barry Manilow and Bruce Springsteen, took a pass on Elliott. His loss.

Therefore, I declare that August 25, 2006 is also Freedhem Day for Mr. Davis. You've seen the ad for FREEdHEM hemorrhoid cream tacked onto the end of that annoying Head On/Activ On commercial, haven't you? It's the cheapest cure for recording executives suffering from a swollen ego and schmidt for brains.

FREEdHEM. Apply directly to Clive's forehead. FREEdHEM. Apply directly to Clive's forehead. FREEdHEM. Apply directly to Clive's forehead.

Life of Surprises

Three years ago this month, when I began my chemotherapy treatment, I prayed that I would live long enough to turn 50. Prayed, yes, and hoped, but I dared not count on reaching such an ambitious milestone when the future was shrouded in fear and uncertainty.

Today I made it!

Perhaps I should have aimed higher.

Since June I have been undergoing tests to determine if my breast cancer has spread to my hip. Thus far there is no confirming diagnosis, but my doctors act as though my fate is sealed in embalming tape.

When I met my new oncologist in July, he asked about my age.

"I will be 50 on August 24th," I told him, feeling so grateful as always for the gift of time these past three years.

Glancing up from my chart, he said with a bracing look, "Well, you should make it to 50."

Next up: a PET scan tomorrow to determine if cancer has spread to my organs. But today I party! By party, I mean enjoy a prime rib dinner free of carbohydrates with my family in preparation for my pre-scan glucose injection.

My son turns 23 on Sunday, but he will spend that evening with friends while my gorgeous husband and I attend the American Idols Live concert starring Elliott Yamin and Taylor Hicks at the Arrowhead Pond. We'll celebrate his birthday on Saturday and I can indulge in all the carbs I want. Hmmm, Cheesecake Factory tiramisu.

As Paddy McAloon wrote, it's been a life of surprises. And I've got news for you, Doc -- it ain't over yet.

McAloon is the genius behind the best band nobody's ever heard of, Prefab Sprout. Please enjoy their video posted above, Life of Surprises.

American Idol Tickets for Sale at the Arrowhead Pond in Anaheim on August 27

When I bought 4 pairs of tickets to see Elliott Yamin, Taylor Hicks and the AI5 Top Ten at the Arrowhead Pond in Anaheim, I assumed that friends and co-workers would be interested in the other tickets.

I was wrong.

I am trying to sell the remaining 3 pairs of tickets on eBay here, here and here. Such a deal!

Any bidders?