Hang On, Christmas.

I hope everyone out there had a great Christmas holiday. I guess Christmas takes on a different vibe the older you get. I still haven't figured it out. It's a mixed bag of emotions for me. It is better to give than receive.

I want to share more music with you. About 2 years ago, I was introduced to a group called Dr. Dog. They have turned out to be one of my favorite bands. I imagine you haven't heard of them. If I "had" to describe them I would construct this equation: Beach Boys + The Band + Paul McCartney = Dr. Dog.

I've attached a video clip from their latest album of 2008, Fate. It's worth your time.

(Hang On)

Hurt.

This is the first video that made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. It still gives me chills to this day. Powerful. The song and video work well together. I'm going by memory here, but in one of Cash's books he tells that June had just gotten the news of her illness just before the video shoot. He was not even aware of the news.

What is your take on the video?

Don't Mess with the Masked Blogger!!!

Texas Got Messed With.

We have all heard the phrase, “don’t mess with Texas”. I attended a small, private university that had at least one student from every state in the union. Every start of the school year, we would have an assembly where the state and country flags would be hoisted to represent the various homes of the university’s students. The point was to show the diversity within the university. Without exception the Texans would be the most obnoxious of all. They would see their flag and go nuts. I must admit that this experience jaded me towards the Lonestar State.

However, as of late, I find myself sympathizing with Texas. The Texas Longhorns were the nations #1 ranked football team for a lot of the season. They lost only one game (Texas Tech), but beat notables Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, and Missouri. Yet, they were not invited to the Big 12 Championship Game, but Oklahoma and Missouri was. Subsequently, Texas has no shot at the National Title.

These decisions were not made on the field of play, but by computer geeks associated with the BCS. In addition to the Big 12 Championship and National Championship Games, Texas will miss out on the Sugar Bowl where they would have played Alabama. Alabama also has only one loss and was #1 when Texas wasn’t. Instead, Texas is slated to play in the Fiesta Bowl. Waiting for them is the biggest, big game chokers of all, “Thee Ohio State”. Hook ‘em horns!

The Lone Ranger

The Radio City Rockettes

The other day I met at friend at the Capitol. While I was talking with him, I brushed shoulders with the governor, Former Senator David Pryor and the entire Radio City Rockette dance crew. So, I think I did what any red blooded male would do. I stumbled over to my favorite Rockette and got a picture.

Oh, yeah, who is the governor of Arkansas anyway?

Harder, Longer and Faster

The NFL handed down 6 suspensions today for doping. Bryan Pittman (Houston Texans) received one of the hand slaps. The violations stemmed from a diurectic often used with steroids.

Oh, yeah, Bryan Pittman is the Long Snapper for the Houston Texans. I guess he thought he could snap it harder, longer and faster with steroid use.

I kinda find that amusing.

The Return of the Mask...Blogger that is...

Headliner to Flatliner

From time to time there are big name celebrities that sink against their will into obscurity. Their careers go from vibrant to non-existent. They no longer sell out arenas, have hit TV shows, or are they big box office. It’s like one-day fans, casting crews, and the like wake up and say, “that person is not talented anymore.” But there are also those who have a lot of talent that disappear. John Travolta was a TV and movie star and he has certainly seen his valleys. In fact, if it wasn’t for Look Who’s Talking, there may have never been a Pulp Fiction, which catapulted him back to stardom.

Beyond a shadow of a doubt, there are two that epitomize this collapse with no resurrection in sight. Chevy Chase and Andrew “Dice” Clay. Chevy’s work includes SNL, Vacation, and Fletch. Chevy’s physical comedy coupled with his comedic timing made him a star, but now he is invisible. “Dice” on the other hand was known solely for stand up comedy. He was the first comedian to sell out Madison Square Garden and he had a faithful following quoting his nursery rhymes and dubbing his gestures. After a long run and a longer disappearing act, he even tried to enter the ranks of reality TV with other lesser talents such as Flavor Flav and Bret Michaels. If you see “Dice” now it really is a sad sight. The once King of Comedy is now rather pathetic. His fate, like Chevy’s, is tied to a lack of talent, but a greater lack of acceptance.

I can’t explain exactly why this rise and fall effect happens to some celebrities, but I do know that as long as Dustin Diamond still has a career, anyone has a chance.

Dang.

And no, Jim did not ride with me to lunch.

I can see 57 states from my house!

How much did the media affect your vote?

The Masked Blogger - Palin's Pain

Sounds like the Masked Blogger has him a little crush. I give the blog a C-.

It’s a known fact that you do not kick someone when they are down. Due to the election, Governor Sarah Palin finds herself in a down predicament. Yet, the media and others, continue to pile on. In regards to the onslaught, I honestly don’t know what the motive is. Are Palin’s opponents scared of the Alaskan? Do they truly view her as Tina Fey’s portrayal rather than who she truly is? Is there a lack of acceptance for another strong political woman in addition to Condoleezza Rice and Hilary Clinton? Are the Democrats looking for the new Dan Quayle?
Opponents can stay on the Palin attack if they so choose. However, short of a John Edwards type scandal, I don’t think we have heard the last from Sarah Palin in connection with the Presidency. Whether you like her or not, people of all political views gravitate to looks, charisma, and eloquence. Sometimes these three can be so intoxicating that content is ignored. Sound familiar?

Peace in the Valley - Favorite Tunes - Pt.2

"Peace in the Valley" was the first gospel tune to sell 1 million copies. It was written by Thomas Dorsey in 1939 for Mahalia Jackson. However, in 1951, Red Foley got his hand on the song and made it into a hit. The song has been covered many times, but the Elvis Presley/Jordanaires' version is the best in my opinion. Take a listen.

The Masked Blogger - CMA's

The Masked Man has done it again. This may be his best effort to date.
I give it a B+. Enjoy.

CMA's.
Wednesday night was Country Music’s biggest night of the year. The forty-second Country Music Awards saw Kenny Chesney, who was once called a "fraud" by ex-wife of one-minute Renee Zellweger, nab his fourth Entertainer of the Year award. This ties him with Garth Brooks for the most times to receive this award. Country legends such as Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, and Merle Haggard have only won this award once. If the CMA’s represent the greatest achievements in the industry, what does this tells us about Kenny Chesney? Joe Montana, quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers, won four Super Bowl titles and is widely considered the greatest of all-time. Should this same principle be used for Chesney? Fifty years from now will "She thinks my tractor’s sexy" be elevated to anthem status. Kenny Chesney is the emblem of the American Dream. His rise to success could be summarized as no hair, no talent, and no problems. I know that Chesney is not going away anytime soon, but if he won’t, the CMA’s should.

White Collar Crime

I'm so sick of this bailout garbage.

GM, come on down...you're the next contestant on the Price is Right bailout challenge. I'm starting to feel like the customer that sits in the waiting room for an oil change and about halfway in the disheartened attendant comes in to bring you the not so good news. I imagine you know exactly what I'm talking about. There are just so many times you can have your intellect "flushed" before you feel like you are getting the ole "grease" job. These guys just have you over the barrel because you have no idea about what is going on.

The U.S. Government is starting to take on the persona of Andy Taylor. If you remember, Andy always found a way to make the incompetent deputy, Barney, look like the hero. Now we've bailed out Wall Street and now GM? Where do we draw the line? I doubt we will make it to my mortgage, right? I would hope at some point that Andy will have a job interview in Mount Pilot and won't be there to bailout these bad businessmen. This is nothing short of white collar crime. I'm sick of people dodging responsibility.

I can't talk that much about Wall Street, but GM I can. GM is not competitive, bottom line. If you read any Consumer Reports type magazine, you will recognize very quickly they will not have a vehicle listed with any regularity in the critics' picks. A lot of things are taken into consideration for this selection: gas mileage, dependability, durability, affordability (off the top of my head). I have had 2 GM cars and have hated both of them. I think it is absurd we are constantly reminded to "Buy American." And if we don't, we have sinned. OK, so here is the theory: I'll "buy" American, and then "buy" foreign gas to put in it all the time because it's not fuel efficient. Remember friends, if you don't look out for number one, you might just step in number two. I bought a Toyota in 2004 and am now over 100,000 miles with no problems other than oil changes. And it IS fuel efficient, durable, affordable and dependable. Secondly, IF there is a bailout, I wonder where that money will come from....you guessed it....probably China. "Buy American"....Come on, give me a break. Once again, a failed response of someone trying to pass the buck on their failed responsibility.

I say let GM fold by their own merits. Let each of the CEOs keep a Hummer apiece and give them one of those $2.99 gas cards for the next 3 years. Also install in each Hummer one CD on steady rotation for the life of the vehicle:

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Aaron Neville's Christmas Favorites. That should do the trick.

Movie Review - "W" - Masked Blogger

Well, the ole "Lone Ranger" is at it again. This time he/she is giving us a movie review. Who knows what next week holds...? Keys to our salvation? How to clear out our septic tank? Personal hygiene shortcuts? Enjoy.

W.

With all of the buzz around the election, President George W. Bush seems to be amongst the missing. In fact, the only time he seems to pop up is in connection with SNL and Frank TV. One of the true conspiracy theorists of our time is Oliver Stone. Stone made his mark as the Screenplay Writer for Scarface. He also has directed movies such as Platoon, JFK, and Natural Born Killers. His most recent effort is W., a biographical sketch of our outgoing President.

The movie focuses on various phases of the President’s life. W’s phases could be summarized with attitudes such as: ‘I am a fraternity party animal’, ‘I can’t keep a job’, ‘I am an embarrassment to my family’, ‘Dad loves Jeb more’, ‘I can’t stop eating’, ‘Dad doesn’t want me to out success him’, and ‘I’m the President’. I know this will shock many, but the President is even portrayed as an idiot. The President is visualized as a constant dichotomy: egomaniac with a severe inferiority complex.

Look, there is not a person with any sense that would proclaim the 43rd President as a good one. However, no one with any sense would accept Oliver Stone as a pop psychologist either. This movie actually has a few solid performances by the likes of Josh Brolin (W) and Richard Dreyfuss (Cheney). The movie has very odd time sequence changes and one really bad acting performance (Condoleezza). It also presents a man from extreme wealth, in a high spotlight family, who attended Ivy League Schools, and rose to the highest office in our nation as having no social graces or etiquette.

If Stone is looking to further tarnish Bush’s legacy, I don’t think this movie will do the trick. W. is one of those movies that has a ‘B’ rated feel, with a ‘D-’ outcome.

What do these two people have in common?

I watched John McCain's concession speech the other night. He made the statement that his defeat should all be placed upon his shoulders. I don't know if those were his exact words, but definitely his sentiments. I thought that to be a tad odd. In these times, it's a little out of the norm for anyone to take the blame for anything. Once he made the statement, of course, he was greeted with many boos. He then gingerly raised his arms in humility.

In the past few days, I believe I concur with Senator McCain. It was his fault. It all backfired in his face. His political move to capitalize on the situation did not work. Sarah Palin was the weak link on the Republican ticket. She helped the ticket for about a 72 hour period. I started to become a little weary once I heard the phrases (and the same speech for that matter) "bridge to nowhere", "maverick", "you betcha", "soccer moms", etc...during numerous stops of Palin's first week on the scene. She started to seem like a programmed robot. The whole Alaska ordeal got to be old hash to me. The V.P. debate was unbearable. Sarah, it was not a strong move to start out a rebuttal statement by saying, "As mayor I...blah, blah, blah,....." especially when experience is not in your favor. Why remind the people? Sarah, You lost me at mayor.

Well, now she has some experience in debating. Maybe she will use all of this experience to her advantage in the future - "maybe in eight years." Wow. Wonder why McCain and his "handlers" didn't want her to go on the O'Reilly Factor and do other interviews.

Final Analysis: The people selected Obama. I will support him and give him a fighting chance. I voted for McCain. However, I was not thrilled with either. McCain's stance on key issues was somewhat wishy-washy and many times was left open ended to each state's interpretation. Definitely, knowing what I know now, it would have been scary having a Vice President in office that doesn't know Africa is a continent and most of all having ole Bocephus as McCain's Chief of Staff.

Answer: Struggling careers.

Favorite Songs Pt. 1

Once a week I am going to leave you a sample of a great song. These songs are songs that will leave the hair on the back of your neck standing up. A few of these I've listened to hundreds of times in my life, but never really listened to - if you know what I mean. Your mind is a terrible thing to waste. Can we ever have a "Satisfied Mind"?

This first song was made popular by the late great Porter Wagoner - "Satisfied Mind"



How many times have you heard someone say
If I had his money I could do things my way
But little they know that it's so hard to find
One rich man in ten with a satisfied mind
Once I was waitin' in fortune and fame
Everything that I dreamed for to get a start in life's game
Then suddenly it happened I lost every dime
But I'm richer by far with a satisfied mind
Money can't buy back your youth when you're old
Or a friend when you're lonely or a love that's grown cold
The wealthiest person is a pauper at times
Compared to the man with a satisfied mind
When my life has ended and my time has run out
My friends and my loved ones I 'll leave there's no doubt
But one thing's for certain when it comes my time
I'll leave this old world with a satisfied mind.

The Masked Blogger (Turkey Attack)

I am a child of the 80’s. I wore stonewashed jeans, tight-rolled them, and listened to the likes of Van Halen, Def Leppard, and Quiet Riot, and watched movies such as ‘Sixteen Candles’ and ‘The Breakfast Club’.

During these times, the NBA was flourishing. Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, and Magic Johnson brought an energy to the game that caused a need to emulate them. I mean really, who didn’t want to be like Mike. During the 80’s, most NBA players were not just great Basketball players but college graduates as well.

Today’s game is vastly different. LeBron James and Kobe Bryant are unquestionably the two best players and yet both were drafted without College experience. To prohibit this pattern, the NBA has implemented a policy that requires all drafted players to have completed one year of collegiate play. Look, I am not saying that you should be a Professor to play hoops, but I don’t think the NBA should cater to those who are simply athletic. The fact is, education should be a major emphasis whether you have physical talent or not. Today’s NBA seems to be filled with selfishness and a lack of discipline. These are the very issues that are addressed in a Collegiate Athletic Program. The NBA has been marred with corruption, greed, illegal activity, and laziness that make the sport down right unwatchable. The things that go on in today’s game are the by-products of a lack of mentoring in a College atmosphere.

I don’t pretend to have all of the answers. Certainly, college recruiting is one of the big ways to address this problem. My point of contention is that a game that I grew up watching and playing is something that I find less entertaining than ‘Dr. Phil’.

Only 2 more days to spread discord

Well, we only have 2 more days till the election. That's bad news for a handful of people. That means they only have 2 more days to send emails and forward emails claiming that Obama is not American OR claim that Sarah Palin is too nicely dressed and under qualified for the Vice Presidency OR state that John McCain owns 7 homes and does not care about the middle class OR show a picture of Obama where he does not cover his heart during the pledge OR ...you get the picture. I've heard and seen it all and I'm about sick of it. I imagine that you are too.

The good news, Kool-Aid drinkers, is that you all have 2 more days to spread your message. Whether your message is based upon facts or smoke and mirrors, Wednesday will merit a verdict.

By all means, America, stand behind whomever the people select as our new President. They will have earned the honor.

Quote of the Day... by Judge Smails

"It's easy to grin when your ship comes in. And you've got the stock market beat. But the man worthwhile, is the man who can smile, when his shorts are too tight in the seat."

I've got your guarantee right here Chrysler!

Do you remember when summer gas prices were outrageous? Actually, you don't even have to look that far back. Chrysler motors (GM) introduced a 'too-good-to-be-true' incentive: THE NEW $2.99 GUARANTEE. The plan guaranteed gas for $2.99 per gallon for 3 years - ONLY if you bought one of their shiny, new cars.

Fast Forward a few months - we have a problem, America. Gas is $2.27 cents a gallon in my neighborhood. Once again the consumers have been HOSED and now the joke's on Chrysler and it makes me laugh pretty hard. I'm really trying my best not to call my local dealership and ask them if that $2.99 gas is rocket fuel.

Maybe it's bad juju because they are in cahoots with Saturn in a roundabout way. Works for me at least.

The Masked Blogger (Second Attack)

Well, the masked man is at it again.

After a long day of working the streets, the masked blogger sat down just long enough to write down a few words. The content of forthcoming blog is something that I know is on the hearts of all Americans during these tough times. No matter whether you are a traditionalist or not, you would have to admit we have fallen on tough times.

Please indulge us, o masked one.

The State of Country Music

Annually we are treated to the State of the Union Address. The purpose of this speech is for the President to identify the country's current issues. I believe that country music is at an all-time low. With the exception of Carrie Underwood and few others I see this industry thirsting for real talent.

With full respect to David Letterman, I submit to you a Top Ten List to convey the State of Country Music based upon its biggest names.

10. Keith Urban- could not make it in rock, so he tried country.
9. Rascal Flatts- could not make it in pop, so they tried country.
8. Tim McGraw- married someone significantly more talented to convince us that he has talent.
7. Toby Keith and others- need to stop making money under the guise of patriotism.
6. Brooks and Dunn- Dunn should go solo.
5. Trace Adkins- he should hope that his legacy is tied to the 'The Apprentice'.
4. Brad Paisley- Jumped the Shark when he checked for ticks.
3. Reba McEntire- Recorded her old hits in duet form. Thanks for keeping things fresh.
2. George Strait- Has traded quality for quantity.
1. Kenny Chesney- has successfully ripped off Jimmy Buffet's aura with less talent.

And the home of the...FREE!

The Masked Blogger

I am pleased to announce a weekly installment to I could be wrong, but...

Each week the blog will feature a installment from an estranged journalist who piddled in a little bit of this and a little bit of that. Currently, he is holding up shop in a run down motel in Boston Mountains of Arkansas. Needless to say, he's got a lot on his mind. It's just him, his laptop and his floppy disc. Let me be perfectly clear and say this is a guest writer that will be featured each week and NOT your's truly.

His first entry is titled: Politics As Usual

I don’t pretend to be a political junky. I delete politically driven emails before reading them. I don’t watch ‘Hardball’, ‘Hannity and Colmes’, or any other politically based program with any regularity. My political persuasions are conservative in nature, but that doesn’t mean that I always endorse the Republican point of view.

For example, following General Colin Powell’s controversial endorsement of Senator Barack Obama, Radio-Talk show Host, Rush Limbaugh, who probably has an elephant tattoo to display his loyalty to his party, condemned Powell’s choice. Of course, Powell is a known Republican and yet he will vote for Obama? Limbaugh, who loves controversy, attributed Powell’s choice to simply a matter of skin color. Wasn’t it this same Limbaugh who got fired from ESPN because he made some comments based solely upon skin color? Look, I am not saying that Rush Limbaugh is a racist. But what I am saying is that Limbaugh’s continuous over the top opinions, coupled with his shady personal problems, diminish his credibility. Should anyone who sees all the angles and knows exactly how our country should be run and yet stays behind a microphone be taken seriously? Doesn’t an American hero such as Colin Powell deserve a little more respect and the benefit of the doubt?
I know that people like Rush, O’Reilly, Maher, etc., but please understand that these are men who are extremely opinionated, but will never couple those opinions with service. Comedian Al Franken has been a proud member of this all talk, no rock fraternity and yet he has decided to put his service where his mouth is by running for the U.S. Senate. Jesse “The Body” Ventura and now Al Franken, good luck to the Golden Gopher.

Loser leave town match last night...

If you didn't know, President Bill Clinton started a school (affiliated with the University of Arkansas) of public service here in Little Rock. It is the only graduate school in the nation offering a Master's degree of Public Service. Bill's educational dream finally came to fruition in 2004. The school stands right next door to the William Jefferson Clinton presidential library bordering the Arkansas river.

Last night, the school of public service hosted a keynote speaker. The keynote speaker focused on his/her contributions to public service and contributing to the 'American Dream.'

Any ideas who they may have selected?

Colin Powell, Jimmy Carter, Norman Schwarzkopf, Nelson Mandela OR maybe even Angelina Jolie...nope....

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WOW.

I guess Monica was booked.

Everyday I write the book...

Elvis Costello wrote a cleverly titled song called, "Everyday I write the book." It was a song talking about a love relationship that never really flourished, however, it continued to be a work in progress. What a great concept.

I have had such a relationship as well. It has been going on since 2003. My wife and I bought a Saturn VUE in 2003 and let's just say I concluded the book yesterday. I may waste my money on gumball machines, cotton candy, big foam cowboy hats, big bags of baked potato chips filled with factory air or 7 things from the dollar store that I can throw on the kitchen counter...BUT I will NOT give Saturn or GM another penny of my money. My feelings for Saturn kinda parallel Johnny Cash's feelings for San Quentin.

Amy took the Saturn in yesterday for a routine oil change. The check engine light had come on, but that was not out of the ordinary because we were overdue for our regular oil change. She dropped it off and the service tech "RICK" told her that we'll have you taken care of shortly. He did return shortly with the keys and thanked her for the service and she stepped up to counter to pay. The bill was $158 (?) some odd dollars....what? give me a break!? When questioned, he said that they had do a diagnostic test to determine why the check engine light was coming on. There is one problem to that scenario - He never said they were doing a diagnostic test and furthermore, the diagnostic test came back negative meaning they didn't know why it came on in the first place. In Layman's terms, a rip off.

I called the service manager and had a good ole 'Jed to Jethro' long talk with him. I told him that I have been providing him a living since 2003. I also told him that as far as I was concerned, there is only 1 Saturn dealership in the world and that's in North Little Rock. I conveyed to him that your dealership's service has continually been at the bottom of the barrel, and most of all I'm completely sick of it. His response was, "I appreciate your business since 2003 and will give you a free oil change the next time you come in." And let me say this cat was not the nicest guy in the world and had the personality of Ben Stein hopped up muscle relaxers. I wanted to ask him if I could get 2 free oil changes so I crap on one and cover it up with the other, but I didn't. I guess I'm better than that, barely.

I pleasantly declined his offer and I told him, "You see, Sir, I've been writing this book since 2003 and I guess today is the day that I'm going to have to finish it. I'm moving on. Thank you for taking my call."

Reasons not to purchase a Saturn at Saturn of Greater Little Rock:

1. It's a Saturn - Things that went wrong just within the first 3 years that I can remember:
2 defrosters went out, 1 stering column, had to re-configure the transmission, cd player skipping, heated seat quit working, battery died and left us stranded out of town over a weekend and lost a day's wages (Memphis/LR), one night trip we had a bug get in the car and we lowered the windows down and it blew out a fuse and we had to make the whole 2 hour trip w/ the windows down with a newborn. When we called the next day, the recommendation was to bring it in for diagnostic testing (100 mile round trip with windows down in 100 degree temps with a newborn). We finally convinced them it may be a fuse. They said maybe. After a long time of hassling them, they finally told us right where to go and we changed it ourself. Go figure.

2. Poor, Poor Customer Service

3. Location is terrible - It's like playing double dutch in high speed traffic - Real life Frogger

4. Only 1 Saturn that's anywhere close to you - You feel like you are on an episode of Survivor, but you are not getting paid for it. You are paying them!
If you have any trouble, you will have to have it towed. If it's under warranty, you will run into other problems if it's towed to other Saturns because they will not honor from Saturn to Saturn. Sounds stupid, but believe me. I've had one since 2003. I've lived it my friend and I've got the scars to prove it.

In case you are wondering:
Saturn of Greater Little Rock
5105 Warden Rd
North Little Rock, AR 72116

NCAA or WWE?

I couldn't find the video, but it is said that during next play the ref dug down deep into his tights and got a chain. He then proceeded to wrap the chain around his right hand numerous times and cold cocked one of the players under his face mask and then nonchalantly discarded the chain.

Stick your neck out...both of 'em

If you haven't heard of Junior Brown, I doubt you'll read this post. Anyhow, he is a traditional style country music singer/guitarist. He is mainly known for his deep voice and his weird looking guitar. As the story was told, he said that he had a dream one night about a guitar that had a two necks. And if you do not know what a guitar neck is...please stop and read no more.

The top neck was a regular full scale neck and the bottom neck was a 6 string steel guitar neck. After consulting with Fender, his dreams became a reality and the novelty began. In 1993, he began his career by releasing 2 albums at the same time. This unusual release has been his best work to date. Since the dual release, he has put out a few more albums and narrated the 2005 Dukes of Hazzard motion picture release.

Well, last night my band had the opportunity to play with him. Over the years I've seen him numerous times and my thoughts on his performances have been a mixed bag (just as the album Mixed Bag). I first saw him in the early 90's and he was great. He had a 4 piece band that included his wife playing acoustic guitar. The second time I saw him it was great. He had a different band with Buddy Miles playing drums and his wife playing acoustic. However, he and his wife argued outside prior to the encore. The third time I saw him it was only a 3 piece and a completely different band and no wife and no acoustic guitar. He came in about 30 minutes late and mumbled through the set. I think he wished he was on Coconut Island. That's a Junior Brown joke. I know nobody will get that one.

Last night was a combo of all of those. I did know the bass player, but a new drummer and no acoustic...so a 3 piece. He was fashionably 20 minutes late and sounded great with all the Junior Brown country classics. The highlight of the night for me were two cover tunes he did. One was Ernest Tubb's "Gimme a little old fashion love" and the Ventures' "Apache".




Junior appeals to a cross section of fans ranging from Ernest Tubb fans to Jimi Hendrix fans. He is known to mix in licks from famous guitarists that only a few people can spot leaving the traditionalist crowd just thinking he is a little crazy.

The cons to the show: He played too many meaningless blues songs with too many meaningless blues licks for too long.

Gambling?

The recent economic state has left me with one question: Is playing the stock market the same as gambling?

Please justify your answer.

Ex. Is an educated man who knows how to play blackjack and the person who buys and sells stocks on the wall street floor in the same business?

Let me clarify one thing. The man who plays blackjack (knows how to work the system) does not play blackjack as a hobby, but treats it as a job.

The World Series of Poker...

Is there anybody else out there about tired of the World Series of Poker being on TV 24/7? Not so much being on TV, but being on the "sports" network? It doesn't matter if you flip over to ESPN between the debates OR stumble down the stairs at 4 in the morning, you will be greeted with another World Series of Poker. How many World Series of Poker can there be out there? Seriously, at this current rate of media, the ESPN broadcasting 'flush' could reach to Uranus and back.

How is playing cards more of a sport than...let's say...a competition of baking cakes?

I have a proposal. Since the World Series of Poker has so much footage, why not start their own channel? Maybe, The World of Poker channel? I think using the word series misleads the public. One tends to think someone could possibly turn a double play and get out of the inning and the show will be over, but that's not the way it works in this case. This series never ends.

WSoP, it's time for you to go all-in or fold and get your own network and get off my ESPN.

I'm not bluffing.

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I have added a new video to the video bar. I can't determine if this video brings people to Jesus or turns them away from him.

How do you get to the Grand Ole Opry?

The Grand Ole Opry is the oldest continuous radio program in US history. It is considered to the be the high church of country music. In 1943, the Grand Ole Opry moved to the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. The Ryman Auditorium initially served as the Union Gospel Tabernacle.

Becoming a member of the Grand Ole Opry used to the ultimate honor that could be bestowed upon an artist. If you noticed I used the past tense. I don't know if it means a hill of beans these days. The Grand Ole Opry I remember required a long time career of country music, success and a strong contribution to country music. NOW I think the only requirement is what you look like and if you have had somewhat of a hit. It seems as though the Grand Ole Opry is passing out more memberships than your local Gold's gym.

Come on, Craig Morgan? I challenge anyone out there to tell me one song of Craig Morgan's without researching it? Dierks Bentley? Come on G.O.O. - Take one for collective country music team and do what's right for country music and not just for your pocket book. County music is suffering because of it. Don't believe me? Just listen to the radio.

Grand Ole Opry, I'm disappointed in you.

On the job training?

I hate debates...

Am I the only one who thinks debates are useless?

Each candidate has about 4 or 5 catch phrases that is constant in any forum. You could ask McCain who's going to win the World Series?

His response may be,

"You know that's a great question and a question that all Americans are probably pondering at this time of economic crisis. I just wish we could get more people in the seats during the playoffs. That's what I'm going to do as president. I'm going to cut taxes on Americans so they can buy more hot dogs, more beverages, more itchy replica baseball shirts and more of those tiny baseball bats for the kiddos while working across the aisle with the American and National leagues respectively. And friends, that's what America is all about. Oh, and by the way, did I mention that we will be looking for alternative energy as well? Yes, my friends, it's true. We will be looking for alternative energy. Nuclear, clean coal, off shore drilling and THAT, my friends, will play a gigantic role in the outcome of America's own, major league baseball World Series."

Rebuttal Mr. Obama (use your best Obama voice including choppy breaks between words that prohibit a continual train of thought with a hard emphasis on the first syllable of each word),

"Baseball is America's true pastime. During the last 8 years there has been a steady decline in America's interest with major league baseball. I understand why the middle class feels that way. Ticket prices are continuing to go up while we are going through the largest fiscal decline in this great country's history. I have voted numerous times to lower ticket prices while Senator McCain has voted against it 94.2% of the time. Oh, and did I mention, we shouldn't have even gone to war with Iraq?"

I think the best forum to serve the public would be granting each candidate 1 hour of television time. Just one camera focused in on the noggin of the candidate. Each broadcast would focus on 2 topics. An example would be Economic Reform and Health care. The candidate could then go into detail regarding specific things they are proposing and use charts and graphs or whatever they choose. I guess that makes too much sense.

No spin zone...

I have tried to somewhat stay up on the issues of late. With the latest economic crisis, it really doesn't help one to be "up" on the issues or not. The ignorant are getting hosed as much as the informed - and you usually that's the case with anything political. So, that leaves me wondering why do I waste my time? I guess it's somewhat entertaining.

You either love Bill O'Reilly or you hate him. Personally, I think he is very entertaining. I respect him because he doesn't sugarcoat questions with any of his guests whether Dem/Rep. I will have to say that he can be somewhat rude with his guests, but that's all part of the entertainment factor. I do respect his intelligence on most issues. He does make a point of researching everything that he supports. Whether I agree with him or not, I respect him for fact finding. That's a whole lot better than someone saying I support _______ and not have a clue on any issue. Even though Bill is a far cry from be the average, middle income American citizen, I respect him for holding anyone's feet to the fire on their views they push.

On the blog, I will feature a video (or two) of the week that needs your attention.

The first blog is from The O'Reilly factor. In this clip, Bill interviews Barney Frank regarding his supervision of the economic crisis and the misleading information that he continually gave regarding Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. On numerous occasions, Mr. Frank spoke highly of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and assured people that they would not fail. This is one instance in which Bill's rudeness is somewhat justified.

You can click on the video to the right.

Enjoy.

Here are some things I promise to you...

I promise that this blog means very little.

I promise that it will sometimes be informative and sometimes humorous. However, I will leave that up to the reader.

I promise that I will never concentrate on having perfect punctuation and spelling.

I promise that I will not worry if my dangling participle is dangling. I will speak to you from the heart, not a textbook. I will be considered the ee cummings of the blog world.

I promise that I will never meet the high standards of Jim Miller's blogs.