This here tastes so good, makes you want to smack your mama!
Monday, September 29, 2008
Saturday, September 27, 2008
R.I.P. “Cool Hand Luke”
We were saddened to read on Variety’s web site that Academy Award winner Paul Newman has exited the planet at the age of 83.
What can be said about a man with such a vast résumé in the entertainment industry... and in other entreprenurial ventures.
He will be missed.
Friday, September 26, 2008
R.I.P. “Snootie Little Cutie”
I was shuffling through my massive music collection and went to what I labeled my “Frank Sinatra Section.” There were other artists in this bunch... particularly the members of the infamous Rat Pack. However... there was another artist that many of you may not know.
Born Yvonne Marie Antoinette JaMais on January 20, 1921 -- she was renamed “Connie Haines” by band leader Harry James who joked she needed a shorter name to leave room for his on the marquee. A genuine Southern belle, Connie began her immensely successful singing career at the age of five and continued crooning up until recent years.
Like I said, I first discovered her music while listening to some Sinatra tunes. She and Frank were good buddies, singing with both the James and Tommy Dorsey bands. During one performance in Madison Square Garden, a careless smoker tossed a match over the balcony and her dress went up in flames. Frank saved her life by extinguishing the fire and Connie went on stage with much of her tight black slip being exposed.
In later years, Connie gave service to her Lord Jesus Christ. In the 1950’s, she joined actresses Jane Russell and Rhonda Fleming and British-born singer Beryl Davis in a gospel quartet. In the 1970’s, she became an ordained minister with Unity Church.
Those mourning her passing include two children, three grandchildren, her sister and her 109-year-old mother, Mildred JaMais. And, of course, millions of adoring fans... myself included.
Visit http://www.conniehaines.com.
R.I.P. Nappy Brown
A Tarheel, born in 1929, Nappy Brown had seen the best and worst of American society... and I am sure many of his experiences drove his celebrated style of music. From the Gospel music of his youth (and his later years) to the raucous and raunchy blues music that he may be more famous for, Napoleon Brown Culp was an American music legend.
Nappy Brown has exited this planet... leaving a gap in the cultural landscape. While his songs rose higher on the charts when covered by white performers (including Patti Page) -- and even by more mainstream R&B artists such as Ray Charles... his infamous delivery was unparalleled.
You can read further details about this great peformer at The Chicago Tribune. You may also wish to pay your respects at The Official Nappy Brown MySpace Page.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Popular Alaska Slogan, So I'm Told
Interesting photo from the New York Observer featuring the Republican VP candidate.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Billions and Billions
Billions and billions...
Carl Sagan said it about the cosmos.
McDonalds says it about burgers sold.
But our great-grandchildren will be paying it out of their pockets...
We are not financial experts... but we have been cogitating on this multi-billion-dollar bailout of Wall Street by the taxpayers.
This all seemed to start with adjustable rate mortgages. Many home buyers were suckered into going for a low-low rate that had the potential to change. Others re-mortgaged their home to “save money” on payments with these low rates.
My buddy got an ARM... and I asked, “Yeah, but what if the rates go up and not down?” He figured the worst scenario... it would just return to the pre-refinance rate.
We all know what happened next. The banks upped interest rates and people suddenly could not afford their homes. The resultant foreclosures created the debacle we are currently seeing.
So, we are wondering why the solution would be to bail out the banks. Wouldn’t it make more sense for the banks to drop the high interest rates so the foreclosures could be reversed, rather than be bailed out by the taxpayers?
But, of course, we are not financial experts...
The Paper, Boy!
One of our greatest exasperations has come from the paper delivery person leaving our Sunday paper anywhere other than our front door.
We have had to walk barefoot down the main sidewalk, through the gate, down the street... looking left and right.
Sometimes it would be at the bottom of a dirt hill behind our neighbor’s house.
Other times, it would be in a puddle of water on a rainy day... completely drenched and unreadable.
Worse... when we couldn’t find it at all.
We have since gotten a new delivery person. At least, we assume that is the case. Or, perhaps, the original person was beaten severely and/or water boarded.
Regardless... the paper is in front of the door and double-wrapped to prevent any rain, bird, or insect damage.
Ah, yes. Life is grand...
Friday, September 19, 2008
The Green Hornet
Superstar Bruce Lee first came to American television as Kato, sidekick to The Green Hornet.
Looking at reruns of this show on the American Life Network, it is understandable why in 1960’s Hong Kong, the show was known as “The Kato Show.”
Bruce’s martial arts mastery was the high point of this show... given Van Williams’ sleepwalking through his lines -- much as he did on the late series Surfside Six, which was one of the cookie-cutter clones of that era that included:
- 77 Sunset Strip
- Bourbon Street Beat
- Hawaiian Eye
The rumors of a movie remake of this TV Land classic have finally come to fruition with Shaolin Soccer star Stephen Chow in the Kato role.
Chow, who is also directing, is known for comedic films (e.g., Kung Fu Hustle) and will be co-starring with funny man Seth Rogen (who reportedly dieted to play Britt Reid/Green Hornet). Does this mean this will be a comedy? Remains to be seen...
When Your Money Gets Funny...
Funny thing. Financial giants on Wall Streets get into financial trouble and the federal government bails them out to the tune of billions of dollars.
But what happens when you get into financial trouble? Will the federal government bail you out? Don’t hold your breath, my friend. If you have money problems… who you gonna call, Ghostbusters?
Try bills.com – a great resource for people who want to learn how to save money. How can they do that? Well… there is a great knowledgebase that covers vital financial topics such as:
- Home Refinancing
- Second Mortgages
- Bill Paying
- Home Equity Loans
- Payday Loans
- Credit Solutions…
And much, much more!
One thing a lot of people are trying to do these days is to consolidate debt. When you land on bills.com, you can find great information on debt consolidation, and links that will show you how to get a debt consolidation quote.
There is an advice service, a newsletter for debt consolidation ideas, success stories that you can learn from, plus a plethora of great articles and advice that will help you get yourself on the road to financial freedom.
Don’t wait for someone to bail you out. Get yourself on the road to better financial standing at bills.com.
Who Let The Crabs Out of the Barrel?
There’s a sight you don’t see quite often...
Senator Barack Obama was attending a political rally in Florida when a group of protesters suddenly stood up and started to heckle him. The group, comprised primarily of African-American men, were allegedly part of a Miami based group called “Michael Warns.”
The group held signs with some very curious slogans, including:
- “Blacks against Obama”
- “Jesse Jackson hates Obama”
- “Obama for abortions”
- “Obama for gay marriage”
- “Obama endorsed by the KKK”
The latter is quite curious... considering the reports of anti-Obama activity by the Klan and other hate groups.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Also Near the Dwacon® Ranch...
So many people have asked us, “why did you buy a ranch near El Paso?”
Well... the great Republic of Texas has so much to offer... and here is one of the great reasons we like to spend much time there:
El Paso brings home our own Broadway star!
Plaza Theatre - October 3 & 4 at 8PM
Direct from New York City, Raymond Jaramillo McLeod’s brings to the stage Broadway’s biggest hits performed by the actual stars of such shows as Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, Jeykll and Hyde, CATS, Smokey Joe’s Café, It Ain’t Nothin’ But the Blues, Dreamgirls, Jesus Christ Superstar, Fiddler on the Roof, and more.
Two performances at the Historic Plaza Theatre, October 3rd and 4th at 8PM.
These amazing performers have not only performed on Broadway in numerous productions, but have performed in movies, television, movie sound tracks, as well as performing on both their own and many recording artists’ albums. Twentieth Century Broadway puts together a combination of your favorite Broadway hits with lots of fun and entertaining particulars of life in the theater world……a must see!
Tickets are $35 - $50 plus applicable service fees and are available at all area Ticketmaster outlets, or by phone at 915-544-8444.
You can make a difference and help support music and the arts in our public schools. Click on "Contact Us" at and send your request for an opportunity to purchase tickets (a tax deductible donation) to Twentieth Century Broadway for local music/musical theater students. Research reveals strong correlations between quality music education in school and academic achievement. Be a part of something grand!
The Plaza Theatre Performing Arts Center | 125 Pioneer Plaza | El Paso, Texas 79901
Visit the Plaza Theatre Website
Monday, September 15, 2008
Microsoft's Answer to the Justin Long Macintosh Commercials
This is weird...
This is even more weird...
And neither makes me want to buy a Windows computer. But, then again... it's not like I had any choice...
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Friday, September 12, 2008
Dexter Season Three Preview
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HE'S GOT A WAY WITH MURDER |
Did Sarah Palin Break the Law?
Interesting article in the Mother Jones Blog for those who are still on the fence after seeing Palin give a deer-in-the-headlights look when asked about the Bush doctrine.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Season Premieres
Sep 22, Nationwide | |
Sep 28, Nationwide | |
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Oct 03, Nationwide | |
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Oct 09, Nationwide |
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
In El Paso... Near the Dwacon® Ranch...
Jazz at the Philanthropy - September 13th, 8:00 pm
Billy Townes & Friends with R&B vocalist Tony Mac
JazzElPaso Connection and Shade Records present a memorable evening with acclaimed jazz pianist and recording artist Billy Townes featuring guest vocalist Tony Mac, the front man for the Texas rhythm and blues Krunch band. Purchase your tickets today for a premier New York style jazz and R&B concert on the elegant Philanthropy stage inside the Plaza Theatre! Plaza Theatre’s Oasis Bar opens at 7:00 and re-opens after the performance for an intimate gathering with the performers.
Saturday, September 13th at 8:00 pm at The Philanthropy Theatre (entrance at the Plaza Theatre).
$25.00 tickets available at the Plaza Theatre Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, or by calling 915.544.8444.
JazzElPaso Connection’s mission is showcasing quality jazz concerts throughout this region and supporting aspiring jazz artists for future generations. Learn more about this concert and other jazz happenings by clicking on our website or call 915.317.5503. Be sure to sign up for our bi-monthly E-Jazz Blasts!
Experience Passionate Sophistication ... Experience Jazz at the Philanthropy!
To purchase your tickets click here...
The Plaza Theatre Performing Arts Center | 125 Pioneer Plaza | El Paso, Texas 79901
Visit the Plaza Theatre Website
Sunday, September 7, 2008
The Voice of an Angel
Earlier this summer, I had the immense honor to meet the great artist Angela Knight after one of her performances.
This woman has a voice that any diva would covet... and yet I was caught off guard by her sweet and simpatico personality.
Check out Angela’s web site where you can hear samples of her mellifluous voice and (if you like what you hear) purchase her latest CD, Giubileo.Saturday, September 6, 2008
Everybody Loves Nicole
Take a cute girl with a video camera and too much time on her hands and... well, just check out the video below...
Yeah... okay. Nicole, we need to talk...
Friday, September 5, 2008
Sarah Palin's Daughter's Baby Daddy
His MySpace page mysteriously went private and vanished from the space-time continuum, Sky News provided the following quote:
“I'm a ****ing redneck who likes to snowboard and ride dirt bikes. But I live to play hockey. I like to go camping and hang out with the boys, do some fishing, shoot some **** and just ****ing chillin' I guess.”
Another interesting point that Bill Maher pointed out on HBO’s Real Time is that he didn’t want to have children.
Check out the photo gallery at The Los Angeles Times and, on the opposite coast, the story at the The New York Post.
One final quote from Bill Maher: When Obama got a convention bump... it wasn’t leaking amniotic fluid...
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
R.I.P. Don LaFontaine
In a world... where movie trailers are a most enjoyable part of your movie going experience...
In a world... where a booming voice is so familiar, it is so very comforting to hear...
In a world... where a stocky bald guy sounds like... well... something other than a stocky bald guy...
Well, actually.. that might apply to yours truly... although the voice seems to fit me.
But another great voice has unfortunately been silenced. Don LaFontaine, the voice behind most movie trailers, left the planet.
More details at the Associated Press.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Monday, September 1, 2008
Craig Ferguson Gets "Naughty Librarian Vibe" From Sarah Palin
The following video comes thanks to the Hollywood Reporter:
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