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Funny how the past can creep up from behind and smack you on the head. Back in the 90s, when my son was still a yard-ape, our home became the unofficial safe house of the neighborhood. We lived in the center of a cul-de-sac, easy access to all, and I was a stay-at-home mom who might, without warning, whip up a batch of cookies. To darken our doorstep at least once a day was in the best interest of the child. Some never wanted to go home, but that's another story.

The ones who came and went were naturally diverse. Most were delightful, a couple were disturbed and one was downright ghostly. Nobody knew where he lived. But those who stood out the most were the Cook brothers. Andrew, who shared the same age as my son, was sweet, shy and playful. He made us laugh. David, the eldest, was more serious. He earned good grades, used the term “ma'am” and cultivated early on a deep appreciation for music. He joined the school band, played several instruments and even wrote songs. These guys became so close to our family, we thought nothing of taking them with us to stores, theaters, restaurants, fairs, etc. And I have plenty of photos to prove their goofiness. Years later, when we moved to Denver, we lost touch. But over the years, we've often wondered how they turned out.

Well, the other night I flipped to American Idol just as a young man walked into the audition room. Poised, polite and sporting a purple Mohawk, he launched into a flawless interpretation of a Bon Jovi song. My first impression was, “Wow, this guy could front any rock band, including Bon Jovi.” He won thumbs-up from all three judges and received a gold ticket that ushered him on to Hollywood. Good job. Next!

Later that night, my son called from a friend's house (they were watching it on TiVo), and he said, “Do you know who that was?”

No way.

Next day, I watched his performance online and gave him a closer inspection. Sure nuff, that Bon Jovi singer was the same yard-ape who used to hang out with us, lugging around a trombone case. I felt so proud. A serious little boy from the past had not only grown up, he'd brought his serious dream along with him.

So we're rooting for you, David Cook. And if you do become the next American Idol and need some goofy childhood photos—I got you covered.

HORN-TOOTIN' TIME
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Writer Joyce Laird has two new Chicken Soup books hitting bookstores. Chicken Soup: Celebrating People Who Make a Difference (her story is “The Boss”) and Chicken Soup for the Lover's Soul (her story is “The Last Dance”). Stop by your Borders or Barnes & Noble and thumb through them.

Krista Barrett is seeking submissions for her third book of the Inside Writer's Guide To... series. This one is titled Writer Calamities. She's looking for wacky, unbelievable, and/or humorous stories. What's the wildest writer-related experience you've ever had? Full details are here.

New Yorker cartoonist Zachary Kanin has published his first book. The Short Book is a humorous look at being short, dealing with shortcomings, and learning about famous short people. It offers funny facts, anecdotes and advice on topics including the science behind shortness, average heights throughout history, Napoleon's actual height (he wasn't short!), nicknames, discrimination against short people in the workplace and in the dating world, analysis of Randy Newman’s song “Short People,” and much, much more. Check it out here.

And now, without further ado . . . turn the page.

Elizabeth Guy
 Editor

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This issue 
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under the musical 
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THE
GOO GOO DOLLS
Greatest Hits - Volume One
The Singles