The biggest argument I ever had with my Mother was over Elian Gonzales. I never tried to hit her with a bike chain though.
At least your were arguing over an important issue! I've never watched this American Idol nonsense, but I can't imagine attacking one's mother over something as stupid as a television show.
I had to forbid discussion of Elian around me, since my otherwise perfectly sensible family kept insisting that "it's right for him to be back with his father," all evidence that he wouldn't BE back with his father notwithstanding.