I just heard.

Well, Michael is gone. I just heard the news.

I have mixed feelings about Michael. I have to admit the Thriller album did hit hard during my third grade year of school. I remember I had a notebook with all the Jacksons' names on it. Yeah, even Tito. Billie Jean, Thriller and PYT are some of the tunes that stand out in my memory. After the MTV/Thriller stage, MJ faded to wayside for me (no pun intended).

Over time, Michael just creeped me out. With all the allegations and with his own statements regarding sharing his bed with children, I had no use for him. Michael mismanaged his money and was surrounded by a bunch of "yes" men similar to Elvis Presley. On the other hand, he may have made the best business deal of all time by purchasing the rights to the Beatles' catalog of songs.

Was Michael a role model/Civil Rights leader for the Black community? I don't no. Civil Rights leader is a little ridiculous. That's all I have been hearing on television. I don't even watch it anymore. I don't feel that I'm in a position to say yes or no since I am not African American. He did break down some racial barriers on MTV for black artists. And MTV was a big deal in pop culture and influencing society. You can take that at whatever it's worth. I also believe that it is absurd to discredit Michael's influence on music, his talent and his influence on culture. However, to glorify the man as an upstanding person is huge stretch. A person that admits to sharing his bed with children that are not his own and pays hush money to a family during child molestation cases - pretty much meets the criteria for a wack job. And THAT's only 1 part to his crazy life!

I also don't find it amusing that Bill O'Reilly and other television "entertainment reporters" find it amusing to rope Michael's kids into all of this by questioning their "whiteness" or "blackness" (like they don't have enough problems of their own). They had no choice in the matter! Don't bring them into this, Bill. Bill O'Reilly you receive my Pinhead award for this one.

Michael didn't influence my music. Did he influence music around the world? Yes. I didn't buy any of his music. I wasn't looking to buy his next record. Was his talented? Yes. Was he a strange bird? Yes. Did he molest children? Don't know, but if I had a poker hand riding on it, I would go all in. Did he invent the moonwalk? No.

I will predict a new Michael Jackson album very soon that will receive critical acclaim. Next years Grammys to follow.

The Masked Blogger: Peta vs. Obama

If there was any question in your mind that those who serve in political office are the greatest recipients of criticism; those doubts have to be vanquished.

Last Tuesday, on June 16, during an interview for CNBC at the White House, a fly interrupted President Obama's conversation with correspondent John Harwood. Obama did what every person does in that situation; he tried to kill it and was successful.

Since then PETA has been all over Obama. "We support compassion even for the most curious, smallest and least sympathetic animals," PETA spokesman Bruce Friedrich said Wednesday. "We believe that people, where they can be compassionate, should be, for all animals."

I am no animal expert, but don't flies qualify as insects? Doesn't Obama have more on his mind than insect homicide? Maybe things like Iran, North Korea, healthcare, and the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. You might notice that I sighted issues dealing with human life.

Here's my question: How many animal activists are pro-choice in regards to abortion?

Man, I want some of these ribs!

Jay Leno's last time to host Dwight Yoakam on the Tonight Show

Do You Remember This Mouth? The Masked Blogger

When I was in Jr. High in the late 1980’s, I was channel surfing one summer evening and I came across the Morton Downey Jr. Show. After seeing the show once, I was hooked. Everyone knows Jerry Springer and Maury Povich, but if it wasn’t for MDJ, these guys would not have a platform for their garbage.

The Morton Downey Jr. Show was famous for covering controversial topics while engaging in verbal and physical altercations. Current talk show hosts love to create controversies between guests and then sit back with the audience and enjoy the fireworks. Downey Jr. was different. He loved being right in the middle of the action. He used the tagline “zip it” almost as much as he used nicotine. Downey Jr. died in 2001 and yet his show still opens the door today for others to recreate what he created. In case you have never seen the show or had forgot about it, check it out:

The short return of the Masked Blogger

I doubt the Masked Blogger's next job will be as a journalist. ENJOY!

________________________

With the exception of some sort of a tragedy, nothing is worse than looking for a job. To help the unemployed, there are a variety of different employment search engines such as Careerbuilder.com. I don't know who their marketing personnel are, but if their ace card is a guy in a Speedo, picking toe jam, it may be time to clean house. Question: With a picture such as this, should the tag line be "Start Building" or "Start Bulging"?

ANOTHER...use for Duct Tape.

Employee of the Month

President Obama's ideals...

"One of the great strengths of the United States is ... we have a very large Christian population -- we do not consider ourselves a Christian nation or a Jewish nation or a Muslim nation. We consider ourselves a nation of citizens who are bound by ideals and a set of values." - President Obama

I'll have to admit, I have been thinking about President Obama's statement for the last couple days. I understand his point, however, I do not believe it is worded correctly. At least I will give him the benefit of the doubt. I tend to believe that President Obama took into consideration his audience before he made his statement, but once again - I will give him the benefit of the doubt.

-

Our country is a great and strong country with an undying freedom. That undying freedom gives us the freedom to worship whatever/whomever/whenever we choose. However, our country's ideals and values are based upon Christian principles.

-

I find it odd that our National cemeteries contain crosses. I find it strange that our Pledge of Allegiance states we are "One nation under God." I find it ironic that our country's leader takes the oath of office on the Holy Bible. I also find it ironic that the highest court in the land has the Ten Commandments chiseled into the building's composition. I am also reminded daily of our nation's history when I look at our currency - In God We Trust.

-

I guess, according to President Obama's statement, we might need to re-think all of those inaccuracies. Right?...or...Left?

The Masked Blogger - Those Old Tar Heels

Monday night, the North Carolina Tar Heels won their fifth NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship. Chapel Hill is synonymous with basketball excellence. Dean Smith, Michael Jordan, James Worthy, Rasheed Wallace, Vince Carter, and Jerry Stackhouse are just a few names connected to this dominant program. Some are suggesting that the current Tar Heels team may not only be the best team in the school’s history, but also the greatest team of all-time. Some are even heralding Forward Tyler Hansbrough as the greatest college player of all-time. The greatest player is certainly up for debate, however, the only team that could receive that kind of accolade in my mind is the 1990 UNLV Runnin’ Rebels.

What must be considered however in regards to the current National Champs is their age. In the current era, high profile student-athletes usually spend one year in college by requirement, but two at the most. The 2009 North Carolina Tar Heels have two senior and three juniors in their starting five.

How this team ranks in the history of the NCAA is unknown. However, unless there is some kind of alteration to the NCAA rules, this will be the oldest team college basketball will remember.

I have a dream...of an all Black rodeo???

I am on Ticketmaster's email list. From time to time, I am notified about special events coming to my area. Just the other day I received such an email. I opened the email hoping to find out that my favorite band was coming to town. Well, it was not my favorite band and quite frankly I didn't know what to think. The Arkansas Black Rodeo (brought to you by the Real Cowboy Association) encouraged me to hurry up and get my tickets for their event. My first reaction was - this is can't be right. I thought it was some type of comedic performance or some performance in poor taste. After further research, I concluded this was indeed a rodeo that featured and was ran solely (from what I could tell) by African-Americans. I just shook my head in disbelief.

In my opinion, we as a society are taking two steps back when we keep segregating programs based upon race. I don't think it sends a message of unity and progress. I would venture to guess that IF this was the Arkansas White Rodeo, you might have heard about this on the six o'clock news and every media outlet in the country. I could be wrong, but I doubt it. Either way - white/black/green/mauve, it's not appropriate. Is it not our goal as a country to eliminate racial barriers? If so, why should we on our own free will raise barriers based upon race?

Our civil rights leaders fought very hard to tear down walls of segration. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once dreamed when people would not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. Obviously, the Arkansas Black Rodeo wants you to know that race is an issue.

-

Why can't we just have a rodeo?

When jokes are sometimes funny...

I find abnormal things entertaining. I guess that says a lot.

I find it amusing that a joke can be really funny in a certain situation, however, the same funny joke will not be funny under other circumstances. Example: Rodney Dangerfield - I think he's pretty funny and has some great one liners. How can you not laugh at some of these?

I have good looking kids. Thank goodness my wife cheats on me.

If it wasn't for pick-pockets I'd have no sex life at all.

What a kid I got, I told him about the birds and the bees and he told me about the butcher and my wife.

All of those are great and should warrant a chuckle, however, in certain situations you may not laugh and not even smile. I'll provide you a real, true un-hollywood story. I can plainly recall returning from a college golf tournament in the mid-90s. It was late and all the guys in the van were telling jokes and acting crazy...except for one guy, me. I had stomach cramps. I was perched on the edge of my seat somewhere in the dark state of Missouri (or should I say -Misery). I was looking for any brightly neon beam that would house my porcelain salvation.

So friends, I give you my Glenn Beck-ism - Life principle #1:

When you have to #2, you have to look out for #1.

And believe me the funniest jokes are not funny.

The Masked Blogger - Goodbye Dan Seals

On March 26, 2009, Dan Seals passed away at 61 years young after a long battle with lymphoma. Seals enjoyed success in pop and country music primarily in the 1980's and early 1990's. His hits include Meet Me in Montana, One Friend, Bop, They Rage On, and Everything That Glitters is Not Gold, to name a few.

Long after the peak of his popularity, my first introduction to Dan Seals was on spring break of 1997. My friend Philip and I drove from Arkansas to Florida. He had a Dan Seals greatest hits tape. We listened to that tape over and over on our trip. We constantly thought "Dan Seals is awesome" and "why isn't he all over the place". For whatever reason, Seals' popularity became non existent by the mid 1990's.

In a time when it's hard to find good country music, you can always dust off a Dan Seals cd. His life may be over, but for me his music will continue to rage on.

Ping Pong ratings get boost

The Masked Blogger - You got change for a dollar?

You can't make this stuff up! Thanks aol news!

SAGINAW, Mich. (March 26) - A man police caught performing a sex act with a car wash vacuum has been sentenced to 90 days in the Saginaw County Jail. Jason Leroy Savage must also submit to drug testing. The 29-year-old Swan Creek Township man was sentenced Wednesday in Saginaw County Circuit Court. Savage pleaded no contest to indecent exposure last month. Police say Savage was arrested after a resident called officers early on Oct. 16 to report suspicious activity at a car wash in Thomas Township, about 90 miles northwest of Detroit. Savage's attorney, Philip Sturtz, didn't immediately return a message seeking comment.

The Masked Blogger - I like girls who wear Abercrombie & Fitch, I just don't like their customer service.

I could be wrong, but...

Well, the Masked Blogger is back at it again with another intellectual brain buster. Hmm, this "masked one" enjoys shopping in a cologne drenched store with near nude male models plastered everywhere? And you shop there for the durability? Sounds like your street cred is...well, more on the late night street corner. Take your mask off!!

_____________________________________
I don’t know if it is an urban legend or not, but I have been told that the employees of Abercrombie and Fitch are instructed to ignore its customers. Supposedly the A&F Employee Handbook says something along these lines: “Thou shalt not greet or seek to serve thy customers”. I have been on the receiving end of this lack of hospitality a number of times. I walk in, no one says “hello” or “may I help you” or receive any extension of anything even resembling customer service. Apparently, there is some kind of pop psychology taking place. Evidently, A&F wants the customer to feel privileged to be in their store rather than vice-versa. It is a ‘you need us rather than we need you’ concept. Despite this treatment, sky rocket prices, loud music, and a nauseating scent of cologne, I keep going back. I have only bought a few things ever from A&F. They were surprisingly good deals and I have been impressed by the durability.

What’s interesting is that the last few times that I have been in Abercrombie and Fitch, I have been overwhelmingly welcomed by the staff. Each time I have been greeted by multiple workers, my business is sought, and I feel truly welcome. The change is so glaringly obvious it is like the elephant in the room. Of course a drastic alteration such as this begs the obvious question of why. My best guess is that it is connected to the economic crisis in our country. Does A&F think that if people are treated respectfully that they might still buy regardless of their financial circumstances? What a far out thought; be nice to those that pay your bills!

I don’t know if this ‘chivalry thing’ will last beyond the recession, but even if it doesn’t, I will keep going back to a store where I feel unwanted while the majority of my natural senses are repulsed. Makes sense, right?

Alan Jackson didn't forget - Choices

If there is a Mount Rushmore for country music, George Jones has to be one of the faces. George has a way of singing that is hard to describe. He sings with so much feeling that it resonates to the listener. George's impact on country music is insurmountable.

George has been plagued with drug abuse throughout his career. No-Show Jones became a household name in his hayday. He became unpredictable, erratic and down right crazy. He would often miss concerts, have brushes with the law and have woman problems to boot.

Throughout all the troubling times, George seemed to crank out the heart breakers and charm the fans. George's 4th marriage seemed to be the charm. You know what they say about the 4th marriage...OK you're right - I guess there are no sayings about 4th marriages. George married Nancy Sepulveda on March 4, 1983. George considered Nancy as his "rock". She helped him as like most other "recovering -musician junky - johnny cash like stories" go.

George's career fell into a lull in the late 1980s and early 90s (as did a lot of others country music stars in his age bracket). He had a short run comeback in 1992 with some novelty type songs, but it didn't last long. George's career continued to decline. Fortunately, Alan Jackson had not forgotten about him. George was one of Alan's heroes.

George professed to be alcohol and drug free. On March 6, 1999, George Jones was involved in a near fatal SUV crash. Alcohol was involved. "I did wrong that day and take full responsibility," stated George. His actions made him renew his vows to sobriety and refocus his work on a new music project. The Cold Hard Truth was released on June 22, 1999, and spawned a song that hit home with George and the fans. Choices was George's song. Every one was fighting for George hoping that he would get every aspect of his life on track.

The Country Music Awards recognized the impact of the song and asked George to perform. George was flattered. He later found out that the CMAs only wanted him to play about a minute or so of the song do to time contrants. Basically they were telling him that you are still not worth the time. George just told them to forget it and boycotted the show.

Alan Jackson had not forgotten about him. Unbenounced to the awards show, Alan altered his performance of his current hit and paid tribute to his hero.

Alan Jackson - Pop A Top (CMA Awards Live)
Uploaded by SpiXder

Choices

Written by Billy Yates and Mike Curtis

I've had choices
Since the day that I was born
There were voices
That told me right from wrong
If I had listened no I wouldn't be here today
Living and dying with the choices I made
I was tempted by an early age I found I liked drinkin'
Oh, and I never turned it down
There were loved ones but I turned them all away
I guess I'm payin' for the things that I have done
If I could go back Oh, Lord knows I'd run
But I'm still losin'
This game of life I play
Living and dying
With the choices I made

The Masked Blogger - Real Wrestling?

When I was a kid, I loved professional wrestling. Hulk Hogan, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, and “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff were at the top of the profession during my childhood.
Even as an adult, I still possess an affection for it, but now there is another set of names that catch my eye. Eddie Guerrero, Chris Benoit, and “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig are just a few names on this list. This past Friday, March 13, Andrew “Test” Martin was added to this fraternity. These are former professional wrestlers who died suddenly, at young ages, and with drug abuse rumors surrounding them.

Professional wrestling has always had the aura of being ‘scripted’ and yet these deaths are anything but. Steroids and pain killers continue to run ramped and claim the lives of these young athletes. I know that you can’t simply blame the business itself, but as we watch our favorite wrestlers and their phony aliases, we must assume that most of them are dealing with real demons in an effort to win our cheers.

Justin Townes Earle...hmm.

Justin Townes Earle is the son of famous musician/poet/political activist/sometimes troublemaker Steve Earle. Steve Earle is a bittersweet pill for me to swallow. I think he is very talented, but he can really get on my nerves at times. Over the years his music has become more of a politico-music thing and that just wears on me.

I became aware of Justin about a year ago. I was able to listen to some tracks from his second release The Good Life and was blown away. Anyone that has a famous parent as a dad is going going to have it tough. I think you may have your foot in the door and the money, BUT you won't have the people your side and THAT's the problem. The Good Life is a great album. It is a mixture of tunes that are traditional country with some that are more folk oriented. Justin's voice blows me away and the production is great. I would venture to say that his voice (at least on the recordings) are the best traditional style country voicings I've heard in country music in the last 15 years. They seem pure and reminiscent of Hank while keeping his own person integrity.

Justin has a new album out, Midnight at the Movies, and it sounds like it's fairly solid. I was disappointed that the direction of styles seem to be changing slightly. It seemed to me that I could here a young Steve Earle singing a lot on that record - in voice and style of music. I hope that was just me and not the reality.

Anyway, I think the public should take a look a this guy and give him a fair shot even if you like or dislike his daddy.

Here's his official video from his The Good Life release:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQbO25Yb73Y

How does Classmates STILL stay in business?

I imagine most people are aware of Facebook and MySpace. For those that don't really know much about it or have secondhand views, you probably only associate it with bad things on the news OR think it's one of those sex sites that's featured on Primetime Live. I guess it can be whatever you make of it. I guess your home telephone can be a sex phone if you want it be. But if used properly, it's a pretty cool resource.


I have a Facebook and MySpace account to promote my band and music. It allows me to send updates to people for upcoming shows and at a click of the mouse, I can send umpteen messages to anyone at anytime. It also allows me to find old friends from years ago. It's nice to stay in touch with people I don't really know that well. I guess that's kind of weird. The nice thing about these sites is that they are free, too! All in all - it's helpful to me and entertaining at the same time.

All of this leads me to my original statement: How does Classmates STILL stay in business?Classmates may have been the first site to help you re-connect with old classmates and friends. I still get emails to this day. The BIG difference here is Classmates costs MONEY-Dinero-Greenbacks-Cabbage-Benjamins-! You cannot access the site without becoming a "Gold Member" or whatever the "in-crowd" calls it. Does this not confuse anyone else? Who cares if someone has signed my guestbook a year ago or uploaded a new picture? Classmates seems to be living about 10 years behind the times. Do they not know that Facebook and MySpace offers 100x more things for free? But they are still around, so what do I know? Am I missing something?

Hang on, someone just signed my guestbook. Gotta go.

The Masked Blogger

How Much Would You Pay To Have Cancer?

Most would pay nothing, but the Buffalo Bills have agreed to pay 6.5 million dollars for it. The Bills contracted this deadly disease this past Saturday when they signed Wide Receiver, Terrell Owens to a one-year deal. ESPN’s Skip Bayless often refers to Owens as T.O., as in team obliterator. Owens has had trouble everywhere that he has played, specifically with his quarterbacks. Jeff Garcia, Donovan McNabb and Tony Romo all failed in the effort to keep number eighty-one happy. Do we really think that Trent Edwards will be any different? The Bills already have a number one receiver in Lee Evans; will T.O. be satisfied with being number two? The only connection that Terrell Owens has with number two is that he often acts like it.

Buffalo is a great football city. Jim Kelly, Andre Reed, Thurman Thomas, Bruce Smith Cornelius Bennett, and others have paved the way for this city to be associated with football excellence. I know that the Buffalo Bills organization and its fans want to win, but at what price? With T.O.’s skills diminishing and his negativity continuing to flourish, he’s no longer worth the gamble. T.O. will probably put on his best face for a while, but something will inevitably change it. It’s like cancer, it can go into remission, but it often reappears and even when it doesn’t you fear that it will.

Top 25 Albums...or something like that.

I've been noticing on Facebook that people often list their Top 25 albums of all-time. Well, I've listed 25 albums and I don't know if it's of all-time, but they are albums that meant a lot to me over the years. They are either great albums or events that helped shaped my musical tastes today. And by the way, this is off the top of my head. I imagine it would change greatly if I really thought about it.

The Band – Brown Album
Dwight Yoakam – Guitars, Cadillacs, etc.etc.
Dwight Yoakam – Hillbilly Deluxe
Weezer – Blue Album
Weezer – Pinkerton
Stone Temple Pilots – Purple
Johnny Cash – Folsom Prison
The Beatles – Abbey Road
Elvis – Aloha from Hawaii/'68 Comeback Special
The Beatles – A Hard Days Night
Hank Williams Jr. – The Early Years
Cheap Trick – At Budakon
Wilco – Being There
Roy Orbison – Mystery Girl
T. Rex – Electric Warrior
KISS – Double Platinum
Tony! Toni! Toné! – The Revival
Steve Earle – Guitar Town
The Band – The Last Waltz
Lucinda Williams – Car Wheels on a gravel road
Buck Owens and the Buckaroos – Live at Carnegie Hall
Kelly Willis – What I deserve
Cake – Fashion Nugget
BR5-49 – This is BR5-49
Last has to be any album by George Jones, Hank Williams Sr. or Merle Haggard

The male-pig, chauvinist Masked Blogger

The Hottest Woman of All-Time

The month of March means ‘March Madness’. For those of you that may not know what I am referring to, ‘March Madness’ is the term associated with the sixty-five team tournament to determine the national champion of college basketball. When I was in college, there were a group of guys that created an annual tournament to determine who the hottest girl on campus was. Names were added, a bracket was formed, and a champion was crowned by popular vote. Disgusting, shallow and chauvinist, I know.

The other day, I was in a hair salon. I was looking at a magazine and saw a picture that I just could not believe. I grew up in the 1980’s. When I was a kid there was no doubt in my mind of who was the most beautiful woman in the world. Decades later the same woman is still #1 in my mind. Brackets, votes and other women are not necessary to determine this one. Here is what I saw in the magazine:


Congratulations Christie. You are 55 years old and still the champ.

National Sportmanship Day

Today is National Sportmanship Day. In honor of National Sportmanship Day, here is ESPN's Top 10 Most "UN"Sportsmanlike moments in the world of sports. What did they miss?

The Masked Blogger returns in all his glory

Is He the Messiah?

The term ‘Messiah’ is associated with kingship and deliverance from oppression. The idea is based upon the Old Testament. Most identify this in connection with Jesus Christ. Jesus came at a time of war, poverty, moral decay, and a general distrust for government. Does this sound familiar?

Barack Obama is now the President of the United States. Like Jesus, he emerges on to the scene during less the favorable circumstances. In fact, you have to question why he would want the job at this point in time.

A few weeks ago, Rush Limbaugh stated that he wants to see this administration fail. No, I don’t think that Limbaugh is a terrorist, but I do believe this was a poor choice of words. As American citizens, we are compelled to want the President to be successful. There are many who share the responsibility for the current problems in the United States. However, the troubling issues in America did not happen overnight and so they will not be fixed rapidly either and certainly not by the effort of one.

In the end, Barack Obama may end up being a great President. But the idea that he is some kind of a Messiah that will individually save America from its pitfalls is laughable at best.

McDonalds - What a joke.

Nigel Haskett, 22, of Little Rock worked at a local McDonald's on Rodney Parham Road. Months back, the minimum wage employee noticed that Perry Kennon was beating a woman inside the restaurant. Mr. Haskett stepped in to help the lady and the assailant fled. Mr. Haskett noticed that the assailant was going to his car only to return with a fire arm. Mr. Haskett then blocked the door to protect the woman and the rest of the public inside. Mr. Kennon then shot Mr. Haskett multiple times. Nigel has now undergone 3 abdonminal surgeries and his medical bills exceed $300,000.

And guess what...McDonalds doesn't want to give him a dime...yep. No work comp, nothing. You should be ashamed.


http://www.arktimes.com/Articles/ArticleViewer.aspx?ArticleID=bc6732a3-93b2-41e3-a106-076ceda31298

The Masked Blogger's Top Ten Movies of All Time

The Top Ten Movies of All Time

If you are a movie buff as am I, you might find the American Film Institute's 10 Top 10 of all time interesting. The lists can be found at http://www.afi.com/10top10/. Not to be outdone, I have compiled my own Top 10 movies of all time. My criteria is based on the following: 1) The list must cover a wide range of genres, 2) I must be willing to watch the movie numerous times, 3) The movie must forever stick in my brain.

10. Grease (Musical)- If you are male and grew up in the 80's, you loved Olivia Newton-John.

9. Hoosiers (Sports)- Redemption, second chances, and basketball.

8. Rounders (Drama)- Was popular before hold'em.

7. The Silence of the Lambs (Horror)- Who's better than Hannibal?

6. The Usual Suspects (Drama/Suspense)- Made Keyser Soze a household name.

5. As Good As It Gets (Comedy/Drama)- 1997's best film, actor, and actress.

4. Caddyshack (Comedy)- "Gunga galunga"

3. Star Wars (Science Fiction)- Made me stop saying, "I hate Sci-Fi"!

2. Godfather (Crime Drama)- Changed the way we view family.

1. The Shawshank Redemption (Drama)- I could listen to Morgan Freeman narrate anything.

Book Sequel?

If you didn't know, I wrote a book. GM reported today if business didn't get any better OR if the Saturn brand was not bought by another entity, they will end the Saturn brand by January 2011. That's the best news I've heard today. Saab and Hummer will also be joining the fold.

Have you heard today that GM is asking for MORE bailout money! What a bunch of jerks.

Point/Counterpoint with The Masked Blogger

The Masked Blogger Point: Sympathy For A-Rod

In 1968, the Rolling Stones recorded Sympathy For the Devil. The Devil has fame, fortune, power, influence, and a host of followers. On the other hand, so does Alex Rodriguez, except for the followers.

This week, A-Rod did the unthinkable. He admitted to taking steroids without being under oath. Rodriguez is one of many baseball players that have been suspected of using performance-enhancing drugs. The Yankees will pay A-Rod 300 million dollars over the next ten years. He is good-looking, articulate, rich, and one of the best baseball players the game has ever seen. Yet, I find myself having sympathy for him. He seems to have everything except people’s respect. Fans, teammates, the Media, and everyone else love to pile on him. Even in New York, where baseball is king, people are Jeter and Rivera fans, but not A-Rod.

A-Rod is one pro athlete that just can’t catch a break in the court of public opinion. No matter what he does, people do not receive it well. Even when admitting to doing the wrong thing, he receives no grace. Look, I know he has his faults and some have been well publicized. For example, when he was still married it was widely known that his stripper girlfriend accompanied him on the Yankees road trips. Do we really think that he is the only married athlete to make this choice? Say what you want about him, but at least he’s smart enough not to end up in jail for perjury.

____________________________________________________

I could be wrong...
Counterpoint: How can anyone be a baseball fan these days?

I have always liked the game of baseball. I have enjoyed playing the game and have somewhat enjoyed watching the game. And in the same breath, I'll admit the game can get slow and boring at times. However, there is nothing better and more relaxing than taking in a minor league game in early spring. I will continue to support my local minor league team and support my health.

However, I will not watch a Major League Baseball game from this point forward. I'm sick of these guys. The reasons to "NOT" watch/support these guys now out weigh the reasons why we should and that is sad for the game of baseball - i.e., sky rocketing ticket prices, no team loyalty, steroids, lack of integrity, league lacks proper leadership, out of control egos, etc.

I have no sympathy for anyone that takes steroids to disgrace the game of baseball or any sport for that matter. These exact athletes have made a mockery of the game and for that I have no respect. These athletes need to realize this sport is bigger than the Yankees or even MLB. This is America's game. I guess it's only fitting that America's pastime is now a little more corrupt. I understand that A-Rod took the high road and apologized, however, that does not exempt him from paying the consequences for his actions. Unfortunately in this situation, the only consequences that he will endure will be a few boos. Boo hoo for A-Rod. Just wipe your nose with your money, A-Rod, while I explain to my daughter what "steroids" mean.

Should we send him a "Thinking of You" card...Masked Blogger? He did say he was sorry...?!!? Oh by the way, the guy that robbed the bank last week said he was sorry too. Get off his back!!

A-Rod, you do not have my sympathy.

The Grammys Lowdown: Highs and Lows

I generally try to catch the Grammys. They tend to still have some credible people on there from time to time. However, you are always going to have that collaboration song with X-Bixcuit and Twinkle Tows with Elton John that's just really terrible. Yeah, what's with all the collaborations? Yeah, Coldplay's frontman, Chris Martin, started playing a pretty tune on a pretty piano and then suddenly Jay-Z jumped up started rappin' about "sumpin'"...? Ruined it for me. Well, at least it wasn't the racially charged "my president is black" crap.

But anyway, getting back to my general thesis statement, the Grammys tend to be credible.

Highs:
Al Green/Justin Timberlake/Keith Urban
Paul McCartney/Dave Grohl
Robert Plant/Alison Krauss winning Album of the Year

Lows:
Everything else

RIP Tom Brumley 1936-2009

Tom Brumley played pedal steel guitar for one of the coolest bands of all-time.

The Masked Blogger - Critic's Corner

Movie Review: Frost/Nixon

A few weeks ago I went to the movies to see Frost/Nixon. The movie is a true story based upon a series of interviews between David Frost and Richard Nixon. Frost is an energetic Englishman who hosts an Australian talk show and lives the life of a playboy. Nixon had just recently resigned his position as President due to the Watergate scandal. He agrees to be interviewed by Frost in an effort to get paid and the opportunity to return to the limelight. Along with this big picture there are additional interesting subplots.

This movie is nothing short of outstanding. It is extremely intriguing and flows as well as any movie from recent memory. For those that are not history buffs, this movie is still compelling due to its easy to follow presentation of Watergate. In addition, the movie is extremely well acted. Frank Langella’s portrayal of the President is Oscar worthy and Ron Howard is truly one of the great Directors of our time.

Frost/Nixon has been nominated for best picture. I have serious doubt that it will win due to its lack of weirdness. However, this is a movie that you can feel good about spending your hard earned money to see even in an economic crisis.

Overall: A-

The Masked Blogger - The sneak around

Today’s Buzzword

Today’s buzzword is ‘bailout’. Bailouts have already been granted to General Motors and Wall Street. One might expect the Healthcare or Education industry to be next in line, right? Wrong! In the on the deck circle is non other than, drum roll please…. the porn industry!

Hustler’s Larry Flynt and Girls Gone Wild CEO Joe Francis are requesting a five billion dollar bailout from the U.S. Government. Apparently their business is struggling due to the economic crisis and all of the free stuff on the Internet.

In addition to my personal ethics and morals, I find this appalling as a tax payer. However, consider the words of Larry Flynt: "Americans can do without cars and such but they cannot do without sex.” Who could argue with such wisdom?

If this bailout is granted, every greedy, irresponsible, and perverse entity conceivable will have received large sums of money to save their businesses. What’s next, are we going to grant bailouts to pedophiles? Come to think of it, isn’t Michael Jackson broke?

Out with the old and in with the New!

I imagine you watched history unfold the other day. If you didn't, you probably were sick in the bed and didn't turn on the television. Whether you are Republican or Democratic, Black or White or Pink or pale Yellow, it was a great day for our country. Our country needed a revival. I wish the best for our country and President Obama.

I did have mixed emotions for President Bush on his exit. I'll have to admit most of my emotions where of relief and frustration, but they were also mixed with tremendous respect. President Bush's downfall, in my opinion, was the inability to select the proper people to help him with his decision making. Throughout his presidency you will find people who resigned, who were corrupt, who performed their job poorly and officials who provided the president with incorrect information. That same incorrect information ultimately brought our country to war. Just like any business the boss must take the heat, so should the president.

I know this happens in any presidency, however, the spoils of his appointments have been just more in the spotlight. Donald Rumsfeld may have been have been his biggest disappointment during Bush's term. Another low point I remember of President Bush's term was a questionable use of wire tapping that was used as a cover up, but later revealed was Bush ordered. And who could forget the Katrina flub. Of course, the economical decline is not good, but with war comes economical decline. Once again, I think President Bush was put in a Catch 22 from the start. One of Bush's high points were the selections of the Supreme Court justices and somewhat of a longterm victory in Iraq.

All in all, I respect George Bush. I respect any person that can stand behind what they believe and not care what you or anybody else thinks. After 9/11, he united our country and since that attack has prevented any further attacks on our country. Mr. President, I appreciate your service.

I think President Bush got a pretty crappy poker hand when he got the Presidency. We had the biggest attack on American soil and a war. I cannot fathom what the responsibilities must be to protect America much less worry about anything else in a moment of crisis. One thing I can I rest assured in saying is this: President Bush loves his country and did what he thought was best.

President Bush's Report Card: C-

I don't have 31 minutes to spare on Sunday

It is true that we live in a hectic world. It seems that everyone has iPhones and nobody wants to talk on them. The people I know just look at them every 10 minutes and text and surf the net wherever they may be. It's very annoying, BUT that's another blog.

A local church (The Church at Rock Creek) has introduced a Sunday church service called the "The Rock Creek 30". The purpose of the "The Rock Creek 30" (30 minutes of worship) is to provide busy church goers a way to squeeze in a worship from their limited, rat race time schedule. Everytime I hear this omnipresent advertisement it makes me want to gag. I've heard it on the radio and seen it on television. I wish I could find the actually spot to post. I looked on the website and the only thing I could find was this quote: The Rock Creek 30 is a thirty minute worship designed with you in mind.

I found one problem with that statement and thus confirmed my purpose for this blog. This worship is designed for YOU. It almost sounds like a fast food slogan.

We/I have to remember the reason we/I worship and that is to worship God the Father and give him the reverence that he is due. Our hectic life means nothing. We can try to make some kind of rational excuse, but we can't. Everything comes from God. Our time is God's time.

It's hard for me to believe that the apostle Paul would have been attending the "Power 30."

The Masked Blogger

Leveling The Playing Field

On January 13, 2009, Indianapolis Colts Head Coach, Tony Dungy retired. Dungy is impressive even to the most casual of fans. He blends genius and humility in an unparalleled fashion. In addition, he is the first African American Head Coach to win the Super Bowl. Tony Dungy is like Santa Claus; everyone likes him.

Dungy’s replacement is Colts Assistant Head Coach, Jim Caldwell, who is also African American. Caldwell has been groomed to replace Dungy upon retirement for over a year. I have no problem with the Colts promoting Caldwell and not opening the position to a standard interviewing process. What I find objectionable is the inconsistency of the matter. Last year, when it was announced that Seattle Seahawks Assistant Head Coach, Jim Mora, would replace Mike Holmgren there was a certain amount of outrage. Mora and Holmgren are both Caucasian and no other candidates were even given opportunity to apply.

Here’s the deal: I don’t care if you are red, yellow, black, white, green, or any other color. Every organization in every field of employment has the right to hire who they want. Race does not make you qualified, but rather your education, experience, and skill set. Should there be diversity? Sure, but not on the basis of skin color, but rather on ability. I don’t see anything wrong with how the Colts or Seahawks replaced their coaches. However, there is something wrong with the inconsistency in criticism. Leveling the playing field not only demands equal opportunity, but scrutiny as well.

10 years and 26 days

I guess it's not a guy thing to write about their wife, but I really don't care. On December 19, 2008, Amy and I celebrated our 10th anniversary together. It's usually tough to do a lot at that time since it's so close to Christmas, but we enjoyed a couple days in Memphis anyway. We stayed in close proximity to Beale Street and took in an NBA game as we watched the Memphis Grizzlies get de-clawed.

SOOOO....

Happy Anniversary - again.(10 Years and 26 days)
To the greatest Mom/Wife/Friend a guy could ever have!















(Pictured Taken on Beale Street 12.19.2008)

Picture at a local Burger King in Little Rock

The Masked Blogger - 2009 Edition

The Masked Blogger has returned. He/she has a new perspective on life with a new set of resolutions as their guide: read their Bible less, let their scabs heal and be nicer to children and the elderly.

Anyway, you can see what kind a person we are dealing with here. However, this blog kind of makes sense. I hope you all the best in the new year!

________________________________________________

Question: What do you get when you blend Hulkamania with Dennis Rodman, Butterbean, Screech, Danny Bonaduce, and Todd Bridges?

Answer: Hulk Hogan’s Celebrity Championship Wrestling

Take a look:



Other acceptable answer: A talent free Police line up.