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John Prine, the legendary folk poet offers a beautiful portrait of a struggling veteran. “With a purple heart and a monkey on his back,” Sam Stone fights his way back on the Home Front. So sweet and so sad. Whatever your political leanings, remember to thank service men and women and veterans for their service and sacrifices.
Drive safe. Play nice Think peace.
aba
Hey RG fans, we’re gonna give you a jump on the summer soundtrack with a series of reviews and nudges in the direction of cool new tunes. Emily Robison and Martie Maguire, the sisters who usually play second fiddle to Natalie Maines in The Dixie Chicks are moonlighting as Court Yard Hounds. And their self -titled debut album is worth a holiday ride. Besides the catchy first single “The Coast,” there’s lots of heavy lyrics shrouded in breezy folk-pop music, heart-melting harmonies and some impressive guitar, too. Read more in my NJP review. And, you know the drill: please tweet, digg, comment as you see fit. Always appreciated!
Court Yard Hounds:Two Chicks From The Shadows Score A Hit | NEWS JUNKIE POST
Drive safe. Play nice. Think summer!
aba
Wow, it’s been a tough weekend already. Sorry to note the passing of counter-culture icon Dennis Hopper. What a unique, versatile and volatile presence on screen and off. Read more in my NJP tribute piece, which features an awesome video homage. Hey, while you’re there, please digg, tweet & comment. Other cool articles, too.
Dennis Hopper, Counter-Culture Icon Dead at 74 | NEWS JUNKIE POST
Drive safe. Play nice. Think peace.
aba
Gary Coleman, the beloved child actor who starred in the hit show “Different Strokes” died at 42. We’ve all read some of those tabloid stories about his battles with his parents, his myriad medical and financial woes, and most recently his marital issues. But to so many he will remain a pop culture fixture, a true TV icon. Can’t you hear him with all that feisty irreverence approaching the Pearly gates: “What you talkin’ ’bout, God?”
R.I.P. Gary. Rest well.
Drive safe. Play nice. Think peace.
aba
Just a warm and fuzzy mother-daughter moment from Connecticut’s GOP Senate candidate and her daughter. The lying Democratic candidate, the Nutmeg State’s AG, Richard Blumenthal must love this. Hey, never thought you’d see anything so rough and tumble in Connecticut politics.
Drive safe. play Nice. Think peace.
aba
“We’re about to die down here,” James Carville fumed on “Good Morning America.” The colorful, Democratic strategist finds Obama’s handling of the disastrous BP Gulf oil spill baffling and irksome. “The political stupidity is unbelievable. ….I have no idea why they didn’t seize this thing….Man, you gotta get down here and take control. We’re about to die down here!”
Obama hits town on Friday. Let’s see if he can satisfy Carville’s concerns. At this point, it really doesn’t matter who’s to blame, it’s the clean-up that matters. And the way the Big O is perceived to be handling it. Obviously there’s still lots of work to do on both fronts.
Drive safe. Play nice. Think peace.
aba
The “Say No” Repubs are threatening to put the kibosh on unemployment extensions again. Short-sighted, of course, as those bennies could come in handy when some of them hit the pavement next year. Yeah, yeah, I know all about the ensuing GOP upswing. Guess, I’m just not buying it. I also don’t see how folks –even Republicans–can believe some of these low to no government types blaming Obama for the Gulf oil spill. Now they want the government to take control. Convenient, don’t you think?
Anyway, financial stress is not just an American malady. The price of excess has caught up with the spendy trendy Duchess of York. The Royals are surely spinning again over the latest scandal that finds Fergie caught on tape in a News of the World sting promising entree to her ex-hubby Prince Andrew, Britain’s business envoy. Doesn’t look good, of course but while it’s tawdry, apparently nothing illegal about such a cash for cache deal. While she remains mum, Andy’s mum the Queen is no doubt miffed and may strip Fergie of her title. Let’s hope not. I think the Duchess should move to NYC and sign on for a reality show. She’d fit in as smoothly as clotted cream at high tea with that spoiled and wacky bunch on “The Real Housewives of NYC.” Move over, Luann. A Duchess–even a dethroned one–trumps a divorced Countess. Even one with a tacky disco rap tune.
As for our obsession with crowing celebrity royalty on this side of the Pond,”American Idol” wraps up tonight with a two hour finale that should crown Crystal Bowersox. The early favorite, she had been faltering in the last few weeks. Looked like it was Lee DeWyze’s title to lose. And sorry to say ( I am a Lee booster as well as a Crystal fan) but he did just that. And Crystal nailed all three of her songs. She wants it big time. She’s ready. And he sort of choked. Still he’s got a great, soulful rock voice and low-key presence, and will surely get to leave the paint fumes behind and score a record deal. But Crystal should win the well-deserved title. Not that it’s done all that much for Reuben, Fantasia or Taylor Hicks. And not winning didn’t hurt Daughtry, Jennifer Hudson or Adam Lambert.
I know, I know, for someone who said she wasn’t getting involved, I sure sound invested. By the way, for fans of “Watching TV with Mom,” she’s backing out of the finale. “What do I need with two hours of noise? You watch it, then call me up and say ‘Crystal won.’ I don’t need to waste my time with music I’m not crazy about and all that crazy hair and clothes.” Okay, Mom. “And you said they get makeovers? When? When they’re not on anymore. What good will that do me?” Well, it is a fair question, I guess.
Don’t worry, Mom. I’ll watch, so you won’t have to.
Drive safe. play nice. Think peace.
aba
If a simple twist of fate finds you stuck inside of Mobile with the Memphis blues again, just hum a few lines from Dylan’s “Subterranean Homesick Blues” and you’ll be blowin’ in that cool wind. “Hurricane” is one of his classics. And it brought attention to an infamous injustice, imprisoning Reuben “Hurricane” Carter for a crime he didn’t commit. Music can help. In so many ways.
Happy 69th, Zimmy. Thanks for all the great music.
Drive safe. Play nice. Think peace.
aba
Even if you’re not from Texas, the Lone Star State’s dopey new text book modifications may find their way into your local classrooms. The state publishes more text books than any other, so what is printed in Texas surely won’t stay there. Among changes: Separation of church and state is out, Jefferson Davis is in. At least the didn’t vote to change the name of the Slave Trade to the proposed “Atlantic Triangular Trade.” That one was a little too hard to swallow even in Texas.
But while they boast Bush, Perry and the most executions in the nation, Texas also has given us great music from folks like Nanci Griffith, Darden Smith, the Dixie Chicks and Lyle Lovett. Good with the bad, kids. There’s always some sort of silver lining. Even hidden under a ten gallon hat.
Drive safe. Play nice. Think peace.
aba
Forty-eight hours after Rand Paul’s victory cry “We’re here to take our country back, ” Kentucky’s Tea Party favorite son continues his implosion tour. After catching serious flack for his controversial stand on the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Fair Housing Act, he’s now slamming President Obama as “un-American” for “putting his boot heel on the throat of of BP.” Huh? Suggests the EPA is over-reaching. Not thrilled with OSHA either. After all, Paul contends, accidents happen. Why bother with pesky regulations? Tell that to everyone in the Gulf. Tell that to the families of those dead miners in West Virginia.
Every time he comes under fire he squeals foul, blames it on the Dems, Rachel Maddow and MSNBC. But, we’re listening to what you say, Dr. Paul. These are your words, fella. Not the “red herrings” you whine about. And none of them are easily washed down with a bitter cup of tea.
Oh, you can read more about Round One of the implosion tour, including the now infamous Rachel Maddow interview ( video included in case you missed it) in my NJP piece. Kentucky Fried Candidate: Rand Paul Implodes Day After GOP Primary Win | NEWS JUNKIE POST… Diggs, tweets, comments always appreciated.
Drive safe. Play nice. Think peace.
aba
Oh, it’s fun times in Connecticut these days. I did some time behind the mic in the nutmeg state and interviewed AG Richard Blumenthal numerous times, always thought he was a stand-up guy, but this business about “misspeaking” regarding his (non) service in Vietnam could blow up in the Democratic Party’s blush blue face.
At least he actually did a stint in the reserves after his deferments finally ran out. That other famous Dick–the former de facto warmonger-in-chief, Mr. Cheney can’t say the same.
Still, how exactly does one “misplace” a few words? When my words are missing, I usually check under the bed where they gather among the dust bunnies. Either that or the freezer where they flirt with frozen veggies, while all the while secretly longing for Ben & Jerry.
BTW: Still love Jack Cafferty. His crusty, no-nonsense style is the same as it was all those years ago when he co-anchored the local NBC news in NYC with Sue Simmons. Brings back youthful memories.
Drive safe. Play nice. Think peace.
aba
The closest thing I came to doing a prison stretch was being hauled off during a radio charity “Jail ‘n’ Bail.” That pretty much consisted of sitting around a cozy restaurant downing Diet Cokes while dialing up friends and co-workers for the “bail money” that would benefit the March of Dimes. Did get to have my mug shot taken with a old-timey black and white striped jailbird uniform draped over my clothes.
After reading Piper Kerman’s moving and funny memoir, “Orange is the New Black,” I hope to continue to elude the authorities. Doing time–even at a minimum security federal camp-is as Piper’s pal Pop says–”nothin’ nice.” Read more in my latest NJP review. And you’ve got to read this book. While I have a few literary quibbles with Piper’s back story and the shadowy cast of her “outside” supporting cast ( sorry, but are those in-laws for real?), the story of Piper’s prison journey and the women she meets is told with such love, compassion and humor. It’s a true tour de force. Read it and tell me what you think.
Wonder if Bernie Kerrick, NYC’s disgraced former top cop–who just surrendered to a federal facility in Maryland–took it along as bedtime reading.
POP-O-RAMA
Speaking of doing time–or avoiding it–Woody Allen says “Roman Polanski’s paid his dues.” Sorry, but isn’t that a little like Oprah saying Kirstie Alley’s lost enough weight? Come on, people, if Polanksi wasn’t a famous director would there really be any debate? Do the time, Roman. Get it over with, and get on with your life. And Woody, you might want to stay out of it. Heard from Mia lately?
The blogs are abuzz: tonight’s “Judges’ Choice” on “Idol” and there’s talk of Simon picking a tough tune for Lee so his fave Crystal will win. Hmm.. could backfire, Tune in. I always said it would come down to Lee and Crystal. And front-runner’s often fall. Remember last year, Adam Lambert was the one to beat. And Kris Allen did just that. Year before, Archie was the favorite. Who won? David Cook. Just sayin’. Don’t crown Crystal yet. BTW: in case you’re keeping score, I’d be happy either way. They’re both good. Casey, too. They’ve got a more talented final three than they’ve had in years. Guess that explains the tumbling ratings!
Drive safe. Play nice. Think peace.
aba
Look, I can go off on a tangent with the best of them, but sometimes the cultural conversation confounds. This week, a lot of folks seemed preoccupied with the sex lives of celebrities and Supreme Court nominees. From that Newsweek article that has fetched ire from the gay community to the prurient speculation on Elena Kagan’s preferences, the blogosphere, talk radio, tabloid TV and twitter was all a quiver with chatter.
I’m not exactly sure, but I got lured into a couple of these discussions myself. And I offer some reflections in my latest NJP piece. You know the drill: please stop by and comment, tweet & digg… if that’s your thing.
Playing It Straight: Newsweek Peeks Into The Celluloid Closet | NEWS JUNKIE POST
POP-O-RAMA
Say it isn’t so NBC! After confusing reports yesterday, “Law & Order” fans were hoping for a last minute reprieve of the procedural stalwart. Not to be, kids. Today, the Peacock people announced “L&O” would wrap its final case with this year’s May 24 season finale. Creator Dick Wolf had hoped to see his beloved original go one more season so it could claim the longest running series crown. Guess he’ll have to share the top spot with “Gunsmoke.”
“Never explain, never complain, ” Wolf said. And why should he? Just as the axe fell, NBC announced “Law & Order Los Angeles” –or “LOLA” will be on the roster this fall.
And of course, there will be another season of “SVU” and “Criminal Intent” ( on USA). Not to mention all those cable TV marathons. Can’t tell you how many nights I’ve drifted into slumber hearing those comforting words, “These are their stories.”
Drive safe. Play nice. Watch re-runs.
aba
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon – Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| Back in Black – Glenn Beck’s Nazi Tourette’s | ||||
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Lewis Black offers a crash course on Glenn Beck’s Hitler obsession and what he calls The Beckster’s “Nazi Tourettes.” Instant classic.
“Glenn, get a grip…. find an attic….. we’ll tell you when it’s safe to come out.” And keep your paranoid pie hole shut tight.
Drive safe. Play nice. Think peace.
aba
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Chris Mathews plays “Hardball” against Big Dick and his big slick oil connections. Holding secret, “cozy” meetings with his former company Haliburton and BP during his eight year reign of petulant power, the former VP seems to have lined the pockets of his cronies, as well as his own.
“Cheney needs to testify, not in the clubby way he did in the Scooter Libby leak deal….. he needs to be under the lights and under oath.”
Don’t you find it funny that Cheney–who was all over the place slamming Obama–seems to have crawled back into his undisclosed location? Maybe BP can summon one of those under water suction rigs to ferret him out. Oh, right, they don’t work, do they?
Drive safe. Play nice. Think peace.
aba
The Elena Kagan nomination has sparked controversy on both the right and left. Characters like Bay Buchanan accuse Obama of “dumbing down” the process, and compare Kagan with Bush’s cronyism pick the incredibly under-qualified Harriet Meirs. Give me a break, Bay. The woman is the Solicitor General; she clerked for a judge, worked for Thurgood Marshall, was the Harvard Law Dean. Harriet Meirs? If she hadn’t been W.’s pal she would have been working the phones at 1-800-Lawyer!
As the colorful James Carville says, “That spaghetti ain’t gonna stick!”
By the way, the liberals aren’t thrilled with Kagan either. Worried she may be a rightie in centrist clothing. Read more in my latest News Junkie Post piece. And please tweet, digg & comment. Supreme Debate: Kagan’s Nomination Fires Up Right | NEWS JUNKIE POST
We’ve got other cool writers and provocative pieces to check out, too. So spend a little time on the site. No extra charge!
Drive safe. Play nice. Think peace.
aba
Legendary singer/actress Lena Horne died at 92. The pioneering performer, who battled racism, forged a triumphant career that garnered her fans spanning generations.
R.I.P.
Drive safe. Play nice. Think peace.
aba
Joan Crawford, the ultimate “Mommie Dearest.” Oh so thankful she wasn’t mine!
I am so proud to wish a Happy Mother’s Day to my mom, Susan Arkawy. You are the best. And I am truly blessed.
Drive safe. Play nice. Think take-out! Love to all the great moms!
aba
Doris Roberts as Marie Barone. Annoying. Scary. But she loves her family.
Oh, that look. Classic.
Happy Mother’s Day. Remember they mean well.
Drive safe. Play nice. Think peace.
aba
“What a drag it is getting old.” Let’s dedicate that one to Naomi Campbell’s mom. “Put down that phone, Naomi. And eat a sandwich!”
For the Gosselin gaggle, of course. “Open the door long ( fake) hair.” So your mama can’t dance, so what? At least she knows how to bring home the bacon. But she’d rather have daddy or the nannies fry it up in a pan.
Happy Mother’s Day. A special hug for my mom. People say if you’re born with a good mother you’ve won the lottery. Guess that makes me a Power Ball/Mega Millions winner ten times over. Thanks, Mom. I love you.
Drive safe. Play nice. Think peace.
aba
