oldsoldier's Blog

For the last couple of weeks, we've been waiting to see how Julie and Leah would do in the dance competition over in Clemmons. This morning it was announced that Julie had indeed won, and when I went to MyFoxWGHP to see the video, it was easy to see why. Julie could easily hold her own on Dancing With The Stars, and watching her on the news now, I'll be thinking that she should come out from behind the desk from time to time. Congratulations Julie, and Leah, you looked pretty good also. It would be great to see the entire competition on air sometime

This was going to be another lighthearted look at the Heros Convention, a comic book gathreing in Charlotte held each year.  Last year my son talked me into joining him, and I had a good enough time to go again this year.I aready had some great lines, like commenting on all the folks with piercings looking like survivors of an explosion in a jewelery store, people who want attention so much that they wear a super hero costume in a hot convention hall full of comic book nerds.  But these nerds are also people, nice people, who love comic books, and the characters that inhabit them. Many of them save up all year to attend these things so that they can wait in long lines, and hope that they can get in another line at their favorite artist's booth before the cut off, so that they can pay big bucks for an original drawing. The orders are taken first thing Friday morning, and often the money is collected then also, now if my course in business law serves me right, this constitutes a contract, more later. Most of the artist, are really good people, who respect their fans and work really hard to fulfill their fan's wishes, one in particular, who signs his work H.A., worked through a serious medical problem with his drawing hand, so as not to disappoint a fan. I know this is true because that particular fan is my son. Another big name in the comic book field took a lot of orders for original art work, along with the money, and then more or less checked out. The fans were trying to find out where he might be, some worried about making connections to get back home. Finally late Sunday afternoon, his wife appeared at the booth to say that he had been overbooked, and could not complete the drawings (contracts?). She then produced a wad of money, and those fans that were still there got refunds. Those that had to leave, I'm not sure, last names were not taken. The artist was later seen upstairs in a corner with three other men, happily discussing a business deal that they had apparently worked out over the weekend. Could this business not have been conducted later, so that his fans would not have been disappointed? Has he forgotten that without his fans he might not be where he is today? Now let me say that I was not involved in this, I was just an observer, I like to walk around and see what the different booths have to offer. Better yet, I like to find a chair and watch the fans. They don't care how silly they may look to outsiders, they are not hurting anyone, and many have their family with them, passing the torch, so to speak. I know my son, who is 38 by the way, got his love of comics from me, and I couldn't be prouder. But these are really nice people, and though they may seem a little odd, deserve to be treated better than many were by an artist who forgot where he came from.

Is there any doubt that Paula Abdul is overmedicated? After last night Idol should think about drug testing. She really doesn't serve much purpose on the show anyway, no meaningful comments and for Pete's sake, when the kids are singing, she should stay in her seat, instead of standing, hopeing to get the cameras on her and not whoever is singing on stage. Why not replace her with a different star each week?

I hpoe David Cook says goodbye tonight, he is all attitude. Then Jason never seems to take anything seriously, he just isn't trying that hard. Brook was kind of weak last night, she needs to really come up with a good number soon. Syeshia and little David were the best last night, and I hope we get to hear Neal Diamond sing tonight, he is still a great talent.

Well, now they are jumping on Hannah Montana for not wearing a seatbelt in a scene from her movie. Is that all they have to complain about? Parents, just do your job and tell your kids that's not how it's done, and that Hannah/Miley has been chastized and won't do it again. Come on people, you have those airheads, like Winehouse, Spears, and Lohan to complain about, so leave Hannah alone. Other than this little slip up, Miley Cyrus has been a pretty good role model, so give her some slack. While I'm here, that Access Hollywood, or whatever you call it was just full of Amy Winehouse and her Grammy wins the other night, ain't she the greatest thing since sliced bread? How about responsible people and tv shows doing a little boycott, or whatever you want to call it, with people like this. Stop giving them air time, just ignore the idiots and maybe they will get themselves into rehab, or just fade away. Either one's alright with me.

I watched the Grammy Awards last night on that other network, and was appalled that most everyone there was fawning over Amy Winehouse. I must admit I had never heard her sing, if that's what you call it, my only knowledge of her was about her travel restrictions that have beem reported on page A2 of our daily newspaper. She can't sing, can't dance, and can't act, as shown by her supposed shock at winning. Her performance of a song bragging about refusing rehab for her addictions, was a disgrace, and in no way deserves any kind of honor. This woman could not make the reject clips of American Idol. And of course we had  crybaby supreme, Kanye West. Look man, a lot of us have lost our mothers, but we cherish our memories and go on. We don't do the Johnny Fairplay routine at every awards show, trying to win awards on sympathy, but of course that's the only thing he has going for him. Then there was the Foo Fighters, a pretty talented group as it turns out, but come on guys, rent a suit for one night, and park your chewing gum before you go on stage. Of course the show did have it's moments, Tina Turner and Beyonce were great, Carrie Underwood was fabulous with that angelic face and devilish outfit. And last but not least there was the duet of Andrea Boccelli and Josh Grobin, excellent, we could use more of these entertainers, and a lot less of those self absorbed druggies and whinners. That's all I have to say about that, bye now.

This past summer, my wife and I took 3 of our granddaughters to Pigeon Forge, and Biltmore House, and had one of the best vacations we've had in some time. On the way I told the girls an old joke that has been a favorite of mine for a while. It's about a young man with a wooden eye, that he is sure everyone notices above all else, and when he finally gets the courage up to ask a young wall flower if she would like to dance ( she is releived to be asked as the evening is almost over), she blurts out "Would I?". He immediatly gets defensive, and calls her big ears. It's not a back slapper, just a chuckle, a grandpa joke, if you will, but the girls enjoyed it. Anyway, a few days later we attended one of the fine shows at Pigeon Forge, featuring oldies rock and roll, and a guy on stage asked a girl if she would like to go to the beach. When she replied "Would I?", three heads turned my way and burst out laughing. I'm sure the audience, and the folks on stage didn't have a clue as to what was so funny, but to me, it was pricelesss.                       A grandpa moment I'll remember fo a long time, bye now.

Tuesday night's People's Choice Awards was the worst awards show ever! While producers may be patting themselves on the back for pulling a fast one on the writer's strike, the show was one long boring commercial for CVS drug stores, and even the broad shoulders of Queen Latifah, couldn't carry it. No red carpet, no dumb questions by wannabe journalists, and no stars to see as they arrive. Inside there were no presenters, trying to read jokes on a teleprompter, no shots of celebrity's expressions at the bad jokes, and none of the little mistakes that make these shows fun to watch. But worst of all there was no anticipation on the nominee's faces as they waited to hear their names called. No, if this is all they can come up with, they should cancel the show. I know, I, for one, will switch channels the next time I see one of these "awards shows". This could kill the whole deal. The producers definitly made a bad choice.

Watching Brian Wilson on this show last night made me think about how fragile genius can be. One of the greatest rock and roll composers, producers, and performers, Wilson was visably uncomfortable and not sure how to react to the adulation bestowed upon him. His wife, seated behind him, could be seen reassuring him with her hand on his shoulder, and Dianna Ross,sitting beside him, tried to draw him out of his shell. Finally he seemed to loosen up watching others perform his music as the audience showed thier appreciation for what he had created, but it was still sad to see this talented man, who is unable to see himself as we, the fans, do. He fell into a deep depression all those years ago, seeking perfection in his music, and it already was perfect. All the happiness he gave us through his music, I hope he can find at least a part of it.

My oldest son asked me to go with him to a comic book convention in Charlotte, this past weekend, and it was , well, different. The regulars are quite an interesting group of people. Most of their wardrobe  consists of black shirts, with something printed on them, black pants, skirts, and even kilts. They spend a lot of money on tatoos, and piercings, and some of them, very little on soap, and deoderant. They go to great extremes to look like their heroes, from expensive, elaborate costumes, that must be hot in a crowded place, to going almost naked in public. They spend a tremendous amount of money on drawings, light sabers, and authentic memorabilia. 40 lucky folks, got to plunk down $200, for an original drawing by one artist, yes, I admit, he is very good. $225, will get you a light saber, with a flourescent light, and an original Man Of Steel costume, from a Superman movie, could be had for $10,500.00, darn, I left my checkbook at home. Most of these people are well fed, sportng ample waistlines, and get outside very little, as they are pale as ghosts. They drag their kids there, who can't understand why daddy gets to buy toys, that they can't have. But, my most lasting impression of the convention came on the last day. Tired from walking on a concrete floor all day, I sat down at an abandoned booth, and waited for my son to finish looking around. A tall woman, dressed as a Klingon, came over, leaning on the table in front of me, with a very low cut top, and asked if I was still taking interviews. No, maam, I said, I'm just resting my feet. She winked, and said," Well, at least you got to see some Klingon Cleavage, to take your mind off your feet". Then she walked off. Only then, did I look at the business size cards on the table, the booth was for an outfit called Creative Lusting, an online web site for people who want to meet other people for private activities. old soldier has left that booth!

Simon kissed Lakeisha, and she got voted off, then he calls Melinda, "My Melinda", and she is gone. I hope he keeps complaining about Jordin. I have always thought there was a back lash effect, when Simon is cruel to someone, the fans rush to support them with their votes. Blake is very good at what he does, but it ain't my kind of music. Melinda is very talented, and has a great voice, we will hear more of her. Jordin has so much passion when she sings, it's hard to believe she is only 17, and I like that she sings an old song once in a while. Simon seems to have a phobia of being old, he is constantly complaining about young people doing old songs, or sounding old fashioned. They're called "oldies', Simon, and they are some of the best songs ever written, that's why they are still around.

As a young soldier, in the midsixties, I listened to Johnny Carson on Armed Forces Radio Network. He was so good, funny, topical, and clean. For years afterward, I watched him on TV, then he retired, and late night TV became a cess pool. Jay Leno, leers at women, says things that should get his face slapped, and uses words that I never thought I'd hear on broadcast  TV. Letterman treats women even worse, and then acts like a complete idiot, making strange noises, and then grinning like some kid who thinks he's done something really  cool. He is aided in his efforts by the ugliest man on TV, the little troll that leads the band. Kevin Eubanks, Leno's  side kick is much more likable, and not so full of himself. Then comes Conan O'Brian, like some class clown from junior high, with his same opening moves everynight, like your neighbors brat kid showing off.  Yeah, I know, I'm an old fogy, but I remember when TV had some really funny people, who knew how to make you laugh, while not turning your stomach. And the guest were funny also, not just someone plugging their  new movie, or whatever. The host, and his guest could keep you laughing just having a conversation. Of course today we have hucksters, and hustlers, and people more concerned about rateings than entertainment. Now we have Rosie picking a fight with everyone, making political staements to push her agenda. Leno, has a few bright spots, like Headlines, which Letterman promptly copied, and JayWalking, which is frightening, because it shows how dumb some people really are, but his show is best when he has an old pro, like Paul Newman, or Clint Eastwood, who are not intimidated, and can be their ownself on camera.  Oh well, I feel better now having said it, I just wish TV could be better, yes like the good old days.

I saw Rosey O'Donnell on her soap box yesterday, I just don't know why the Democrats haven't nominated her for president. This woman knows the answer to all our problems. Everything is so clear to her, she can solve the world's problems in no time at all. If only things were as simple as this simplton thinks, but when she says "Talk to the terrorists, they're parents, they will listen to reason", that tells me that this woman is several bricks short of a load. I know she is on another network, but just listen to the first five minutes of her show each day, and see what the liberals will do to our country if her friends win the next election.

Barbara Walters hired Rosey O'Donnell to boost the rateings of her show The View, and that little pit bull has done just that. She jumped on Kelly Ripa, for getting upset at Clay Akin for putting his hand on her mouth, calling Kelly homophobic. Kelly, jumped right back, calling the show on the air, and Rosey, backed off. She offended thousands of Chinese, making fun of thier language, then laughed it off when called on it. And when Donald Trump forgave his beauty queen in his beauty pageant, Rosey jumped him, knowing that Trump was not the kind to let that pass. She has gotten all kinds of press out of this, and continues to attack Trump. Hey, he bought and paid for a beauty pageant, and should be able to do what he wants to with it. And if he had fired the girl, who's to say Rosey would not have attacked him for that? Rosey O'Donnell, may inject some life into Barbara's show short term, but sooner or later it will catch up to her, and she may regret hireing her. And one more thing, does Rosey get kick backs everytime she mentions a brand name? She sure does a lot of this, maybe Barbara should look into this before someone else does.

I accidently tuned in to the Teen Awards show Sunday, in time to see Brittany Spears introduce her husband. This girl is the poster child for every derogatory misconception people have about southern women. Money doesn't buy class, and she is a prime example of this. Then here comes hubby, acting all tough, and manly. Dude you ain't got it, even the people who know rap are laughing at you, so I have to assume your rap was bad. I thought he looked really pitiful, of course rap is not my thing anyway. If Federline wants credibility he needs to do something on his own, not associated with show business. He can not achieve success on his wife's minimal dress tail. A really smart guy in his position would look at the example set by Dolly Parton's husband, no one laughs at him, as he is a man in his own right. I hope todays kids are wise enough to see these people for what they really are. I talk to my grandkids about this and they seem to be aware that these people are a bad example, and not the kind of folks to emulate. Thank Heaven for that.

Jeri Rowe's column in the News & Record today about the Dixie Chicks says they chose Atlanta over Greensboro even though ticket sales were better here. Hey, we aren't metro enough for them, which is fine. When they first came on the scene, I was a big fan, then they forgot about the music (country) and the fans that made them stars, and went in another direction, mixing politics in with the show. Sorry ladies, folks buy tickets to see what is printed on them. A Dixie Chicks show use to be good country music, and that's what people wanted to see. Now who knows what you get from them? And the remark about a "smaller following of really cool people", wow ! How elitist can you get? As far as I am concerned the Dixie Chicks have turned their backs on their fans, and the fans should return the favor, which they seem to be doing. What goes around, comes around.