Let's never forget the "fierce urgency of now." In honor of MLK, let's keep that in mind when it comes to helping those suffering in Haiti and those at home working for civil rights, real health care reform, job creation, educational opportunity, environmental advocacy. etc.
As we remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, I decided to think about what he might say about the crisis in Haiti and the inhumane rhetoric spewed by folks like Rush & Robertson.Take a look at my latest News Junkie Post piece. And, yeah, I ask that you "Digg" and Tweet if you can. Thanks. What Would Martin Luther King Say? | NEWS JUNKIE POST
The late night drama's been good for ratings. But no one comes out unscathed in the notorious tango that appears to have Coco exiting--and Jay back behind the Tonight Show desk.Looks like Letterman's having the most fun. For now. All that mean-spirited humor could backfire,Dave. Then again, maybe not. As for the real villain, look to that Ari Fleisher look-alike, NBC Chair Jeff Zucker. Read more details in my latest News Junkie Post piece. And please take the time to "Digg" and Tweet. I mean, if that's your thing. Thanks. BTW: don't forget to check out a slew of other good pieces while you're on the NJP site. Late Night Tango: Looks like Conan’s Out, Jay’s Back on NBC’s Tonight | NEWS JUNKIE POST
As usual the Sunday morning talks shows gave my blood pressure a run for its money. I'm not going to waste time bemoaning ABC's continued confounding decision to turn Liz Cheney into a pundit. I'd rather ignore the troll and hope she goes back under her bridge. What really got me, was the Democratic hypocrisy that simply wants to ignore Harry Reid's year old racist remark. Okay, if Halperin and Heilemann didn't out it, it wouldn't be news. But they did and it is. Read more in my latest NewsJunkiePost piece.Please Tweet and 'Digg." I mean if you're into that sort of thing. While you're there, check out other great articles on NJP, too!Ignoring the Elephant in the Room: Dems Give Reid a Pass | NEWS JUNKIE POST
Sorry to note of the passing of Art Clokey. The famed animator, who created Gumby died on January 8 at 89.
Gumby became a beloved character for many late end Boomers and Gen Xers. The loving green oddly shaped bendable "claymation" pioneer remains a cult pop culture icon today. Gumby's distinguishing feature--his oddly curved head-- was an homage to a hairdo Art's father ( who died when Art was only nine) sported.
I loved watching Gumby and his companion horse Pokey as a kid. Yeah, I even admit to loving Davey and Goliath, the oft- lampooned Christian claymation show Art created, too. There is something so profound in the simplicity of the stories, the inherent kindness in the characters. And their creator. Art--who I had a chance to interview on a radio show some years back--was a delightful man, who conquered many obstacles, using his talents to bring joy to millions. Check out the great documentary Gumby Dharma ;released a few years ago, it offers great insights into Art's personal struggles, passion and his spiritual journey.
Some say Vegas killed him. Maybe it was genetics, short-circuited by an over-indulgence in fried peanut butter and banana sandwiches. Not to mention all those pills.
His end surely came far too soon-in 1977 at the age of 42-- but the King of Rock 'n' Roll continues to reign. On what would have been Elvis Presley's 75th birthday, we have to celebrate his indelible mark on music and pop culture. Check out this performance from his famed 1968 TV concert special. Here he's at the height of his powers--strong, handsome and fit with the voice and moves that made him famous twelve years earlier.
Elvis, his majestic voice and dangerous moves made him the first superstar in the startling youth culture that shook, rattled and rolled its way down Lonely Street, forever changing the American pop culture landscape. This young truck driver from the most modest of Tupelo, Mississippi homes, drove through every town, gathering teenage hearts and souls with enough raucous indignation to set a generation on fire.
While it seems so tame by today's standards, the sexual alchemy his hips and lips generated posed a threat to stunned parents and a TV execs, who after one pulsating appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show, censored the lower half of his body from future shows.
Never known to be overtly political, Elvis did have a fascination with joining the DEA as a special agent. Ironic, of course, considering his later abuse of prescribed medication and alcohol. He never got that appointment, but he did pose for a famous photo with President Nixon ion 1970. The photo is, in fact, the most requested image from the National archives, beating out the Constitution and Declaration of Independence.
He reportedly maintained a "phone" friendship with Nixon, calling the disgraced ex-president after Watergate and during a bout of phlebitis.
Another president, of course, would be oft-compared to the King. Bill Clinton--a proud Elvis fan--shares some of his idol's swagger and sway, an unmistakable charisma that has earned him both devotion and controversy.
As for Elvis, his music remains a cherished part of America's musical legacy, an influence and primer for all that has come along since. And just in time, a new boxed set of his songs has been released. Good Rockin' Tonight features the hits, B-sides and rarities.
Never mind the industry he has become in death, earning billions he never came close to seeing alive or the tacky official website that serves as the gateway to the spectacle that is Graceland. Forget the Vegas impersonators. And all those infamous sightings.
It doesn't matter what they tell you; Elvis never really left the building.
New Year, Same old rhetoric.... Dick Cheney & darling daughter Liz are busy flinging the fright wind propaganda against Pres. Obama. "Digg" my latest News Junkie Post piece. And check out a slew of other cool and provocative articles, too! Cheney Family Values | NEWS JUNKIE POST
