Last week I got to see the latest in television technology — 3-D TV and, sorry to say, I wasn’t that bowled over. Samsung has created a process that brings 3-D films to your living room. Unfortunately, you still have to wear the glasses and there aren’t that many films available in the format.
“Mostly, people are getting it for video games,” the expert told me.
So, he cranked up a game. I put on the glasses and, yup, it looked like they were shooting at me. After a few minutes, though, I felt dizzy and didn’t really want to see things in 3-D. Supposedly, it’s the wave of the future. Right now, it’s a better sideshow attraction.
Unlike other new TV innovations, it isn’t expensive. Still? Do I need the headache?

A few things dawned on me during my recent vacation to New York.

1. Why doesn’t the Minneapolis airport publicize the Larry Craig rest room? I swear I would have gone to see it during a two-hour layover. (And, for the life of me, I can’t imagine how anyone would want to do anything in some of those rest rooms. They’re filthy.)

2. Someone could make a fortune inventing a pouch that would include your ticket and your ID. During security checks, you’re asked to remove so much stuff, you’re almost better off wearing nothing. Then you wouldn’t lose anything. (But you might find Larry Craig.)

3. Air travel is not fun anymore. In addition to MEALS, airlines used to offer pillows, magazines and decks of cards. Now, you’re lucky to score a blanket. When a woman next to me asked for  a pillow, the attendant curtly told her, “We haven’t had them since 2003. Roll up a blanket and use that.”

4. The disparity is obvious. Even though flight attendants put up some flimsy barrier between first class and coach, you can still see the gaggle of help serving everything from champagne to full-course meals. There’s laughter there, too, and a real sense of attitude that isn’t lost on those of us in steerage. Between the popping corks, you can get a real glare if you try to cross the barrier and use the restroom in first class.

5. “Snack packs” are loaded with calories. And they’re not as much fun as champagne.

6. Those airport stores don’t look that busy.

7. The Sioux City gate is always five miles away from the one you need to connect to.

8. Folks driving those carts around the airport never ask if they can give you a lift.

9.  You think you’re losing weight sprinting through the airport but one of those Cinnabons can kill everything.

10. There are a lot of foreign travelers — and the reason is? The dollar is weak and their currency isn’t.

Kinda makes you glad to be home, doesn’t it?

Los Angeles is supposed to be the land of stars — but I spied quite a few over the weekend in New York.

Walking down Madison Avenue: Cindy Crawford and her husband (I recognized him first, then her mole. They both looked great).

At a special performance of  “Passing Strange” (a hip new musical): Laurence Fishburne, Phylicia Rashad, a good chunk of the cast of “August: Osage County” and, get this: The Cat Woman. There’s a socialite in New York who’s known for the excessive amounts of plastic surgery she has had. The effect is so, well, shocking, she looks like a lion. And she does…she really does. She needs to lay off the lip enhancers, though. They’re, um, a little too big. While looking at her I almost missed three Tony winners who were chatting each other up.

If you go to New York, head to Angus McIndoe, a restaurant in the theater district. Most nights AFTER the shows, you’ll see a wad of stars turn up. And if you want autographs, wait until they leave. Then, they’re more than willing to sign.

Times Square? Avoid it. No one famous goes there. Even the Naked Cowboy doesn’t hang around much anymore.

David Cook won. DAVID COOK WON? I can’t believe it.

After Simon all but crowned David Archuleta Tuesday night?

It must have been the confidence factor…fans didn’t call in because they thought he’d win. Or one of the producers decided he didn’t want to put up with David A’s dad.

Whatever, the kid was robbed. Just remember: Taylor Hicks, Ruben Studdard and Jordin Sparks also won. And their albums are…where, people? David Cook did show growth over the season and David Archuleta still looked like a scared kid. But I’m betting David A is going to sell more CDs.

That said, did you notice:

1. The person who sat behind Paula Abdul had the worst seat in the house. She never sat down and, obviously, obscured the view.

2. Jordin’s stylist hated her. (Where did that foil dress come from? Reynolds Wrap?)

3. Randy looked like he was ready for “The Music (Dawg) Man.”

4. The runners-up need to do more rehearsing. Yup, even the stripper.

5. Michael Johns still thinks he’s too good for the room.

6. Why does “Idol” attract so many people who had careers in the ’70s and ’80s? Donna Summer? George Michael? Where were the New Kids on the Block? Aren’t they on the stump now? And what about the Go-Gos?

7. And why are there several shameless pitches for summer movies?

8. The best moments of the night: The two Davids doing “Risky Business” moves during Guitar Hero commercials. Sweet.

9. Syesha looked and sounded smashing. The red dress was meant for her.

10. David Cook? Come on. Really? Are you sure we counted Michigan and Florida?

Seacrest out.

If David Archuleta doesn’t win “American Idol” there are hanging chads in Hollywood. The kid was clearly the better man in Tuesday’s competition. He scored 3 out of 3 with his songs and, face it, made David Cook look like a pretender to the throne.

“Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me” had the oomph he needed; “In this Moment” was a cocky declaration and “Imagine” was the ultimate display of ability.

Yeah, David C. has the rocker chops. But David A. has the raw material needed to make a star. Mark my words: He’ll be nominated for the Grammy for Best Newcomer once his debut album comes out.

The show was a little cheesy with its boxing metaphors but it did something “Dancing with the Stars” didn’t: It moved along. Keeping it to an hour was wise indeed. And Paula actually sounded like her old self. (Note to “Idol” producers: You misspelled Andrew Lloyd Webber’s name.)

If you’re not a David Archuleta fan, get your hands on his music and listen. It’ll make you weep he’s so good. No matter how the voting goes, he is the winner. Check record sales next year. You’ll see what I mean.

I know it stands for Academy of Country Music, but I gotta think “cleavage” is in there somewhere. Thanks to the Kellie Picklers of the biz, some of the older gals are pushin’ ‘em up and headin’ ‘em out.

At Sunday’s event, there was so much cleavage you wonder what was left for the Las Vegas Strip. And, I gotta tell ya, I never thought Trisha Yearwood would be one of them. She had one of those omigod dresses on when she sang with hubby Garth. She looked fine, but that was never what she was about. Seeing the Carries, Mirandas and Taylors of the biz with lowcut dresses she (and Reba) must have felt they needed to compete. Not a good move.

LeAnn Rimes tried a little too hard, too, to out-Taylor Taylor Swift. My bet? She’s going to be on the next “Celebrity Apprentice.” The show just screams career renaissance.

The ceremony was pretty ragtag and the usual suspects won. But it was nice to see Miranda Lambert and Sugarland make a dent. Now, if someone could give Brooks and Dunn a lifetime achievement award (and let them retire from competition), there’d be room for some others to slip in.

Best bit of the night: Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley singing “Make the World Go Away” as a tribute to Eddy Arnold.

Worst idea: Letting the audience choose the entertainer of the year. Thankfully, it went to Kenny Chesney. But do you really think George Strait’s fans are going to phone in on a Sunday night? That idea should be rethought. The People’s Choice Awards let the people vote. We don’t need another popularity contest.

OK…you really want to know who’s better? Just go to iTunes and download David Cook and David Archuleta. Play ‘em both on your iPod and you’ll see. David Archuleta wipes the floor with David Cook. Even if he doesn’t win “Idol” he’ll get a record deal and should sell better’n Miley Cyrus.

Just listen.

I got a copy of the upcoming CBS show, “Swingtown,” and decided to check out its take on the ’70s. While the clothes looked right (and cans of Tab were everywhere), I didn’t remember that it was such an era of wife-swapping and orgies.

Grant Show plays a real hipster (note the porn star mustache) who introduces the new neighbors to his swinging lifestyle.

I was shocked to learn the newbie’s name: Bruce Miller.

Where’d the producers get that? I gotta know.

Quick! Get to the Tulip Festival in Orange City and be sure to check out the photo show at the bank…it has some very neat twists on Dutch traditions.  Santa Claus isn’t the same old guy. And cheerleading? It’s got a whole new twist in wooden shoes.

The real treat? “The Sound of Music” at City Hall. The show sings.

If you can’t make either of those, at least watch the parade, then grab some food. You won’t be disappointed.

It’s David vs. David. Didn’t we say that several weeks ago?

You could kinda tell, too, by the size of the crowds who came out to see the finalists in their home towns.

Producers, though, drag out something that could be over in a minute.

David Cook got to introduce his brother (good move). David Archuleta cried (good move).

Syesha Mercado left with her head held high. She’ll get work. No worries.

Next week, it’ll depend on a wowser performance. Or little girls who can text quickly.

I’m still voting Archuleta.