All righty – feel free to chime in with your favorite moments from tonight’s episode of The Office.

My top 5:

1. Stanley getting his groove on to the website music
2. Andy and the bear horn, especially when sounding the bear horn was accompanied by Andy’s version of The Running Man
3. “Take A Chance On Me”
4. Michael’s tight purple shirt
5. Jim signing Meredith’s cast

And Dwight vs. The Computer?

Gold.

If you too are trying to figure out how you can get a Schrute Farms Beets t-shirt, then we may need to chat in the comments.

Because in all honesty I was a little worried about a season premiere let-down, but oh, tonight’s hour-long episode of The Office did not disappoint.

I’ll put my favorite moments in the comments – and I’d love for those of you who watched to chime in.

If you’re not too busy trying to raise money for rabies awareness, that is.

Last weekend D. was talking to his brother – who is married to Rose, the “Reggie & Kathleen” fan – and D.’s brother was telling D. all about a recent trip he and Rose had taken to Canada.

My brother-in-law mentioned that they had more time than usual for rest and relaxation, and so, in a fit of novelty, he decided that he’d turn on the television in their hotel room.

And then he said:

“When I was watching TV, I saw this show – I don’t know if you’ve ever heard of it – but it was the funniest thing! They played about four of this show in a row, and gosh, I really laughed. I did! It was hilarious! Have you ever heard of a show called, um, Everybody Loves Raymond or something like that?”

Don’t think for one second that I’m kidding.

So, in light of Scott’s exciting new discovery, I would just like to say, “Welcome, Scott, to 1996.”

Plus, you know, ELEVEN YEARS.

And you’re gonna love this show called American Idol.

When you catch the re-runs in 2013.

I think I’m about a year behind the curve on this one (SHOCKING, I know) – but in all my recent HD channel surfing, I’ve run across the most stunning program.

It’s called Windsor Castle: A Royal Year – and it is just breathtaking. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the daily operations of Windsor Castle, and if you are an Anglophile, it will be a little piece of heaven on earth for you. If you’re not necessarily an Anglophile but love to entertain, you will be fascinated by the intricacy of their preparations for a state dinner. I could’ve watched hours and hours about the housekeeping staff alone.

If this series isn’t on in your area, you can also buy the DVD.

I just read a funny, dead-on wrap up of this year’s American Idol written by Tom Gliatto of People magazine.

And here’s my favorite part:

In fact, [Blake] was given free rein to beatbox with Doug E. Fresh last night: I think I heard everything come out of his mouth except the cry of the lonesome whip-poor-will.

Until next year….

Oh, I am but a weak vessel. But the TV and I have made up – due in large part to this past week’s episode of “The Office,” which was the cure for a world of TV hurts.

Plus, our friend Todd is actually at the finals tonight because new Marti‘s brother-in-law is one of the musical directors for the show. Todd’s in the second balcony in the center, behind three girls holding a poster for Blake. I’m sure we’ll be able to see him.

Ahem.

Blake Lewis –

“You Give Love A Bad Name” – Loved this the first time around. Very fun performance.

“She Will Be Loved” – Y’all know I don’t like it when Blake sings slow songs because he doesn’t blink. And it drives me a little crazy. But seeing as how his voice seems to have the exact same range as Adam Levine, it’s a good song choice for him. However, I have to say that if I had to listen to Blake sing in a falsetto for more than about ten minutes, I would start gouging my eyeballs with whatever objects I happened to have handy. But apparently that’s just me, because the rest of the free world seems to love him.

“This Is My Now” – I have to say that this year’s Obligatory Power Ballad isn’t nearly as bad as what we’ve been subjected to for the last couple of years. And Blake did give the song a little bit of an alternative feel, which was kind of interesting. But I think this song, unfortunately, showcased his weaknesses as a singer. The whole thing was sort of like me trying to rap: not impossible, probably, but really uncomfortable to watch.

Jordin Sparks –

“Fighter” – I think this was her answer to Simon’s observation last week that she wasn’t youthful enough. And she nailed this song. Very feisty and fun.

“Broken Wing” – Beautiful. And like I just told D.: if you gave Blake a song that required that kind of range, there’s no way he could do what she just did. And granted, Jordin probably can’t beat box – but IT’S A SINGING COMPETITION. And I just think Jordin is in a different league.

“This Is My Now” – Okay, so obviously this song was way better suited for her. She did a great job – and definitely won the ballad round.

Who should win? – Melinda. OH WAIT, SHE’S NOT THERE ANYMORE.

Seriously, Jordin should win. Because it’s a singing competition. And she’s far and away the better singer of the two finalists. Regardless of the outcome, though, I think she’s going to have a long career. And honestly, I almost feel like Blake’s better off being the runner-up – I just can’t see him cranking out the kind of pop product that he’d have to record if he won.

All righty – for the last time this year – if you posted about AI on your blog, feel free to add a link to your specific post below.

It’s been fun, y’all!