A semi-regular attempt to address some of life’s minutiae that might otherwise be overlooked…..
As time passes it has been much easier for me to remain above the fray and not engage in sociopolitical discourse. After my man Rush Limbaugh died more than four years ago it became almost effortless to step back from that world because no one has quite filled the singular void he left, plus I’ve really mellowed out in this era of life. I have quietly remained informed and do follow certain voices online, many of whom are quite informative & entertaining, even if they don’t measure up to America’s Truth Detector, the Maha Rushie. One of those pundits has been Charlie Kirk, who founded Turning Point USA in 2012 when he was only 18 years old. I am certainly not the target demographic for that group, which focuses on bringing conservative principles to high schools & college campuses. Having said that, while watching Kirk’s videos thru the years I always found him to be well spoken, thoughtful, fair, extremely intelligent, and deeply rooted in faith & love for family. I didn’t see his views as contentious or meanspirited at all, just unflinchingly honest. Of course we all know that there are folks out there who consider any opinions (and even indisputable facts) that don’t align with their twisted ideology to be “hate”. In the wake of Charlie Kirk’s murder in Utah there have been malevolent voices victim blaming while using words like “controversial” & “divisive”. That assessment is, to be kind, inaccurate. I am trying to keep it classy, but in all honesty the old passion that used to make me so damn angry & frustrated and raise the ol’ blood pressure has been stirred by recent events. I hope Kirk’s killer is apprehended and dealt with harshly, and my most fervent wish is that this tragedy is a wake up call in all the right ways. We are headed down a dangerous path at breakneck speed, and sadly, despite Charlie Kirk’s preference for civil & compassionate discourse, there may be very little room for such courtesy anymore.
Speaking of compassion & courtesy, or, more specifically, lack thereof…
I’m not a TikTok guy. What I mean by that is I’ve never made a video and likely never will, although I do view what others produce, which is intermittently amusing. I appreciate creative expression, even if I don’t always find the content funny, beneficial, or the least bit entertaining. I am an advocate for free speech, but as others enjoy pointing out when it suits their purpose, while freedom of speech is absolutely a right, it is appropriate in certain circumstances that there be consequences for that speech. In the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s murder there have actually been demons who made the conscious decision to post videos celebrating his death, opining that he deserved to die because he was a terrible person (for stating opinions & verifiable facts that these folks disagree with). I am sure there were similar sentiments expressed on Twitter, but I can almost overlook that because it’s way too easy to send an obnoxious tweet in the heat of the moment. Conversely, to make a deliberate decision to record a video then post it requires some level of effort & forethought. I realize I am being a little naive & idealistic, but I think those who post vile & malicious tirades should be subject to very real repercussions, including loss of employment. People are fired every day for far less repulsive actions. Such individuals are obviously unhinged and certainly not very smart. It is disturbing to ponder the idea that they not only feel justified in spewing vitriol, but that they believe they are being cool or funny in doing so.
Before the assassination of Charlie Kirk our nation had been trying to wrap our minds around the senseless murder of 23 year old Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian immigrant living in Charlotte, NC. She was brutally stabbed on a train in an unprovoked attack by a mentally ill man with over a dozen previous arrests. The situation clearly illustrates several key issues. Obviously, we have a mental health crisis, which some of us point out every time there is any kind of well publicized violence, but unfortunately the issue is generally swept under the rug by leftists who would rather seize another opportunity to yap about gun control. Secondly, the fact that this piece of garbage had so many priors and was clearly deranged yet wasn’t incarcerated speaks to a broken judicial system that makes the phrase “soft on crime” the understatement of the millennium. Also…and this will surely upset some folks, but I don’t give a damn…the fact that this heinous crime became a story a few weeks after the fact and the mainstream media still tries to downplay it demonstrates an obvious double standard. Had the victim been a black person and the assailant caucasian there would’ve been wall to wall news coverage from the jump, likely followed by nationwide “protests” with much looting & destruction of property. However, not only was the victim white and the perpetrator black, but the murder weapon was a knife, not a gun. There is no narrative to push, so the story has been minimized. Some idiot on MSNBC actually tried to say that race had nothing to do with the crime, conveniently ignoring the fact that the evil piece of shit can clearly be heard on video immediately afterward saying “I got that white girl”. I cannot stress more profusely that we do not DESPISE the media enough. What you see on television long ago stopped being news and became propaganda. They aren’t even hiding it anymore.
A semi-regular attempt to address some of life’s minutiae that might otherwise be overlooked…..
When you watch movies or television you are conditioned to believe that class reunions are a big deal that everyone is really into, but that simply isn’t true. I graduated in a class of nearly 200, and the attendance for our reunions, including the most recent, has averaged around 30-ish people. Very few of those who moved away years ago make an effort to return. I ran into a couple of locals (on separate occasions) in the weeks leading up to our latest shindig, and when I asked if they were coming they practically laughed. Their responses dripped with derision, as if the idea was truly foolish. People move on. They get married, have kids, and focus on their career. Here in West Virginia the smart ones move away to bigger & better places with more opportunities. Conversely, others romanticize high school because it was, for a variety of reasons, the pinnacle of their life. They didn’t move, didn’t progress, and don’t have much going on, which makes it easier to attend a reunion. It’s important to them because those halcyon days of youth haven’t been surpassed by anything more significant.
Old man rant incoming…
So you’re really going to charge me $25 for a haircut and STILL prompt me for a tip?!?!?? I can remember getting a haircut for $5. Granted, that was 45 years ago and times change, but really, for a man the haircut process is rather simple & straightforward, and it hasn’t evolved much thru the decades. I’m just trying to look somewhat less ugly…I don’t need financing.
Thru the years I have been aware of Howard Stern. I watched his movie PrivateParts. I enjoyed his talk show appearances. When his radio show was first simulcast on E! I watched occasionally. Though Stern has never held a prominent place in my entertainment landscape, I am fascinated by his descent. The following is something I stumbled across online, and it summarizes his recent (rumored) woes better than I ever could:
Howard Stern didn’t stop being great because he went to satellite. He stopped being universal. The second shift came with the money. And, look, good for him. A $500 million contract? That’s the American dream. But once you’re that rich, the money changes you. And more importantly, it changes the show. Howard built his empire by fighting – station managers, executives, politicians, rival hosts. He was the underdog, the guy being censored, fined, harassed, and punished for daring to speak his mind. But once he became the highest paid broadcaster in history, there was no more fight. He had won. He didn’t have a boss anymore. He was the boss. And with no one to battle, there was no more friction, and no more fire. Suddenly, the guy who once ranted about bureaucracy, bad management, and corporate nonsense was no longer punching up. He was the system. And his show, once anarchic & unpredictable, became safe. Soft. Comfortable. Worse, it became celebrity-driven. Where once Howard roasted celebrities and cut through their fake personas, now he courted them. The guy who once ridiculed Hollywood phoniness was now sipping wine with Jimmy Kimmel and kissing up to Ellen DeGeneres. Then Trump broke his brain. If the move to Sirius dulled Stern’s edge, Trump annihilated it. The guy who made his name being the most politically incorrect man in media suddenly became a scold. A hall monitor. A voice of sanitized, elite-approved opinion. The man who used to mock everyone & everything was now in lockstep with the Manhattan elite he used to detest. And it wasn’t just Trump he turned on, it was us. The listeners. The regular, blue collar, lunch pail Americans who rode with him for decades. He didn’t merely oppose Trump politically (fine, that’s his right), he condescended to and insulted millions of people who supported him.
This isn’t groundbreaking news, but it feels necessary to put it on the record…men & women are different. Yes, I am aware that is obvious to anyone with functioning brain cells. However, I want to specify one particular way those differences manifest. Men are attracted to beauty and guided by sex, whereas women seek security & provisions. If a woman is hot…however one defines it (big breasts, juicy caboose, pretty face, etc.)…a man will be drawn to her no matter the circumstances. Poor. Harsh living conditions. Unemployed. It doesn’t matter…if she is physically attractive men will want her on some level. Conversely, a woman might be successful, wealthy, influential…but if she is ugly & unhealthy it is unlikely that men will be lining up at her door. On the flip side, a tall, dark, and handsome man with six pack abs might draw interest from the ladies, but if he is poor, uneducated, and unable to provide those women won’t stick around long. However, a man who might not be considered conventionally attractive can make up the difference with money, a nice house, and the means to provide a comfortable lifestyle. Security is an aphrodisiac for women.
A semi-regular attempt to address some of life’s minutiae that might otherwise be overlooked…..
Anyone who knows me understands that I’m a Batman guy. I’ve had no interest in seeing the vast majority of Marvel movies released in the past twenty years, and have not bothered with the last few incarnations of Superman. However, with DC Comics aiming to create their own “cinematic universe” (which will obviously include new adventures of the Caped Crusader), and based on a trailer that looked interesting, I had preliminary plans of checking out the newest Superman flick that hit theaters this week…until director James Gunn opened his yapper, and now I’m out. Apparently the latest version of the Man of Steel is a thinly veiled treatise on immigration, and Gunn is oddly proud of that, which is the problem with so many Hollywood types these days. They don’t simply view themselves as artists creating pleasant entertainment to distract the masses from the harsh realities of daily life. Instead, they see their vocation as a platform to pontificate on sociopolitical issues and sway public opinion. They are crusaders, hellbent on imposing their worldview on an unsuspecting audience just trying to relax & have fun. I understand that folks have the freedom to choose whether or not to buy a ticket, but let’s be honest…most people don’t do research before going to see a movie. Superman kind of sells himself, right?? Which makes it all the more loathsome to soil such an icon with “perspective” that many moviegoers might not support.
I don’t have it in me to go into a long tirade about the Jeffrey Epstein situation. However, it’s frustrating to see people that we were excited about not long ago, people we trusted…Kash Patel, Pam Bondi, Dan Bongino…clearly lying & trying to gaslight us. That’s what the previous administration did, and it’s a huge reason they were voted out of office. If there’s anything we’ve learned in the past year, it is just how deep government corruption goes. They are all…on both sides of the aisle…dirtier than we ever could have imagined.
What the hell is up with Elon Musk?? I understand that he’s a genius. It makes sense that his entrepreneurial spirit and “Get it done” attitude probably aren’t compatible with the frustrating labyrinth of the federal government, where accomplishing much of anything is an uphill climb. However, whatever the root of his beef with President Trump may be, throwing a childish tantrum is a bad look that reflects poorly on Musk and further impedes Trump’s agenda, as if he needs anymore roadblocks. I don’t know if the “third party” Musk is trying to get off the ground will have any legs, but if it does things won’t end well for the American people. At the end of the day a third party will not succeed, and can only serve to hamstring the movement Musk not only endorsed but fully participated in. The potential outcome might be putting the kind of Marxists we just got rid of in charge again, which would be disastrous. Trump & Musk either need to hug it out & get back on the same page, or Musk has to step off, stay out of politics altogether, and settle back into running his successful businesses while Trump continues to cook in The White House.
I honestly didn’t have New York City electing a Muslim Socialist Mayor just two short decades after 9/11 on my 2025 Bingo Card. I guess free stuff means more to voters in The Big Apple than respecting the memories of 3000 friends & neighbors who were brutally murdered on one of our nation’s darkest days.
My father always taught me that there are three sides to every story…one side, the other side, and somewhere in the middle is the truth. Obviously not all immigrants are violent thugs, but isn’t it a worthy goal to rid ourselves of the ones who are?? And doesn’t the fact that people sneak into America illegally instead of going thru the proper channels atleast paint them in a bad light, no matter what their intentions might ultimately be?? On the flip side, do leftists consider the fact that many immigrants come here legally, build a life, get an education, and contribute more to society than unskilled labor?? Some even become business owners. Intimating that immigrants aren’t capable of doing anything beyond the low paying jobs others don’t want is vaguely racist, which is odd when coupled with the same folks patronizingly promoting racism as being a psyop that poor white people are too stupid to escape. Honestly, the arrogance, moral superiority, and absolute tackiness of leftists has become exhausting. Thankfully the masses seem to be more aware of that fact with each passing day.
A semi-regular attempt to address some of life’s minutiae that might otherwise be overlooked…..
I will not poke fun or criticize government employees fearful of losing their jobs. Anyone who has ever been fired or “downsized” understands their concern. Having said that, the insane overreaction to Elon Musk & DOGE is baffling. First of all, the amount of waste and absolute corruption that has been found is quite alarming, yet way too many people seem to be completely ignoring it. Secondly, the whole point of Musk asking government workers to reply to an email stating five things they do on the job is simply to prove they actually exist. Why?? Apparently there have been federal employees & social security recipients receiving checks who a) are 150 years old 🤔 or b) never existed in the first place, which obviously raises alot of questions. Also, if a government agency had 15k employees five years ago but has 25k now, I think asking why that number ballooned so exponentially in just the past few years is fair. If 10k people lose their jobs it is unfortunate for them and no one is denying that, but it is also clear that those 10k jobs were superfluous. If the agency ran smoothly with less employees then the additional staff is, in the big picture, wasteful. Elon Musk was hired to trim the fat, and he is doing exactly that. It happens in the private sector on a daily basis. It is understandable that people would be upset about losing a gig that, in most instances, pays well and offers good benefits. It makes even more sense that people who, in some cases, lose a rather comfortable gig that pays them well while not demanding much, would be angry. Having said all of that, may I suggest that, instead of acting like a petulant child after losing a job that, in the grand scheme of life, was apparently unnecessary, you instead channel that energy into moving on to something bigger, better, and more worthy of your skills & talent.
Rewatching the same movie or television show again & again isn’t a sign of laziness, it is actually a form of emotional regulation. When life feels overwhelming or unpredictable, your brain craves familiarity. Watching a show or movie you already know gives you a sense of control, comfort, and stability. There are no surprises & no tension. You know exactly what happens next, and that predictability helps calm your nervous system. A study from the University of Chicago found that people are more likely to return to familiar movies & TV shows when they feel depleted or emotionally drained. Rewatching provides a way to restore energy and regain a sense of peace. In moments when the world feels uncertain your brain reaches for what it knows.
Pop star Katy Perry is NOT an astronaut. Neither is Jeff Bezos’ wife Laura Sanchez or Oprah Winfrey’s gal pal Gayle King. I don’t want to engage in wacky conspiracy theories, so we will proceed on the assumption that Blue Origin’s space dildo did actually take flight. Contrary to King’s whining, what those ladies’ participated in was indeed a joy ride, not a mission. They barely penetrated space for ten minutes. I am sure it was a very cool moment, but instead of simply expressing gratitude for an opportunity they most certainly didn’t earn, an experience that was handed to them based on fame, fortune, and connections, they could not stop themselves from pompously bloviating in an effort to convince the masses that they’d accomplished something meaningful. I’ve had bowel movements that lasted longer than their little jaunt into “space”, and the fact that it received more media coverage than the March rescue of actual astronauts that had been stranded on the International Space Station for nine months is nauseating. Society’s culture of celebrity worship is misguided at best, and a sad symptom of much bigger issues.
A semi-regular attempt to address some of life’s minutiae that might otherwise be overlooked…..
When the Frasier reboot on Paramount+ was announced a few years ago I was SO excited. OG Frasier is one of the best sitcoms of all time, and I just knew the reboot would be fantastic. Then the first season premiered in October 2023, and though I was pleased to see my pal Dr. Crane onscreen once again, it just didn’t have the same je ne sais quoi. It was a pleasant enough show, but unremarkable. What made the original great was a) the ensemble & b) superb writing. Neither element worked in the follow-up. Season 2 premiered last September, and four months later I have not watched a single episode. I’ll get around to it eventually, but my lack of enthusiasm is obvious. Now it has been announced that Paramount+ canceled the series. I suppose another streaming platform may extend a lifeline, and if that happens I hope the powers-that-be will make necessary changes and inject the show with moxie & palpable wit. However, if this is the end of the road for Frasier Crane that’s okay too. His formidable legacy remains largely unscathed.
I have considered becoming a “content creator” for various reasons, but the truth is that I’m not that creative, and despite being an infrequent blogger my assumption is that no one would have much interest in my spin on things. Since I have never created a video & likely never will, the comically brief TikTok ban here in the United States had virtually no impact on my life. Having said that, I am generally not in favor of banning things, especially when no one can properly articulate the harm. First of all, why are we trying to ban an app because it is owned by a Chinese company, yet we have allowed China to buy a whole lot of American land?? Which is more detrimental or potentially outright dangerous?? Secondly, if one is concerned about social media manipulation, then let’s ban Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, and Google as well, since we all understand the social engineering & political machinations those entities have engaged in. I’ll cop to ignorance of the details in this situation, but isn’t TikTok a mostly innocuous platform for kids & very lonely adults to post silly and largely inconsequential videos that provide brief snippets of entertainment?? Am I being naive?? Biden, Trump, or someone stepped in to negotiate a compromise, and I assume the long term hope is for TikTok to be purchased by an American company, which would assuage most concerns. Or perhaps the entrepreneurial spirit will eventually prevail and a new & improved app that provides all the same bells & whistles will emerge. Y’all keep me posted…I’ll be here reading a book.
A few thoughts on the recent Presidential Inauguration:
Whether the event was moved indoors due to cold weather (the official explanation) or there were safety concerns (likely valid) in the wake of previous attempts on President Trump’s life, it’s a shame because it truly diminished the ceremony’s usual majesty.
I don’t share others’ concerns about a perceived oligarchy, but it was odd to see Big Tech billionaires like Mark Zuckerberg & Jeff Bezos sitting in such prominent positions. I suppose Trump might be playing chess by employing a Corleone inspired “keep your enemies closer” strategy, but it was a slightly disturbing visual given the manipulation those folks have participated in the past few years. Leftists scoff at conservative allegations about the Soros Family, but part of that is because they are smart enough to remain mostly in the shadows and the politicians they…influence…retain plausible deniability.
Speaking of the tech guys…no, Elon Musk was not giving a freakin’ Nazi salute. If you believe that you’re exactly the kind of simpleton the media has been playing like a fiddle for decades. Trust me when I tell you…the Trump Administration, just like anyone else in power, will make their fair share of mistakes & miscalculations that’ll be justly criticized. Y’all don’t need to fabricate BS.
Kudos to Carrie Underwood, who reacted with grace under fire when there was an equipment malfunction. I don’t know enough about such things to opine, but I realize it wasn’t an ideal setup or the arrangement she was expecting at all. It turned out to be a happy accident though, as I think most would agree that Ms. Underwood’s acappella performance of America the Beautiful was powerful & inspiring.
I am not a Presidential scholar, but the concepts of “preemptive” pardons & executive orders make me a bit squeamish no matter which political party is wielding the pen. They seem like rather dictatorial ideas for a constitutional republic.
It was a lovely spring weekend, a week or two before Mother’s Day as I recall. My original plan was to vegg out and be a total waste of space, but, as we’re told in the 19th chapter of Proverbs, “there are many plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails”, so when my neighbor texted me I was persuaded to pivot. There is an indoor flea market just down the road that’s open only on weekends, and we’d been there once before. I wasn’t particularly enamored, but he wanted to see if they still had a certain item. Before long, off we went to The Swap Meet, and as I was driving I realized that there was indeed a purpose for the task other than being a benevolent neighbor.
For Christmas my father had gotten each of us a leather keychain with our name engraved. Nothing fancy or extravagant, but practical with a personal touch. Both my sister & I had grown beyond focusing on Christmas gifts as a big deal, and my nephews are fully grown adults. I’m a gift card guy, because I just don’t enjoy the hustle & bustle of the whole retail scene as much as I used to, and, like my Dad, I tend to lean toward pragmatism. Truth be told, Christmas hadn’t been the same for DaLynn, Dad, or myself since Mom passed more than two decades ago. In recent years we’d actually gone out to eat for Christmas a few times, but it’s tough to find a place open on the actual day unless you really like Chinese food. At any rate, my nephews were insistent that we not go out this time. They wanted to gather at their mother’s place and volunteered to cook. It would be the last time all of us were together, atleast under positive circumstances.
My sister had been in poor health for several years. She was immunocompromised, and when the world was brought to its knees by The Pandemic, she had to exercise caution. Once upon a time DaLynn had been a person always on the go, but that changed. To say she rarely felt good would be an understatement. We talked & texted almost daily, but didn’t have the opportunity to be together as often the past several years. Having said that, though I valued those infrequent gatherings, I always presumed there’d be many more. If the thought of my “golden years” shuffled fleetingly thru my mind she was there. Of course she’d be there. We’d be texting, talking, and celebrating Christmas in one way or another when we were grey & wrinkly. There are many plans in a man’s heart, right??
Events unfolded rapidly in the new year. DaLynn never felt great, but this was different and she knew it. She went to a doctor and did all the things. She fought it…hard. Eventually though she had to call EMS and be transported to the hospital. Her oxygen was dangerously low. Covid/Pneumonia. The medical team threw everything at the situation they possibly could. My nephews stayed at the hospital night & day. My Dad & I were there as much as possible. She did NOT want to be put on a ventilator, but there simply was no choice. Sadly, all efforts were in vain, and two weeks before her 54th birthday, the five of us were once again together, but it was a much different situation. For the first time in my life I witnessed a person take their final breath. And not just any person. She was the person who knew me best. The person with whom I could share my darkest thoughts, or laugh with about things that only we understood. The person who I could talk to about everything & nothing. The person who knew when I needed understanding & encouragement, or a slap upside the head. The only person other than my parents who knew me my entire life. And now, just a few weeks after that lovely Christmas Day, she was gone.
As the events that typically follow a person’s departure from this realm came & went and the world began to move forward, Dad & the nephews went to DaLynn’s humble abode to gather her belongings. I knew I’d only be in the way and left them to complete the task. They asked me about a few items that I might want, and I did end up taking some stuff, but the only thing I specifically requested was the keychain that had been my father’s Christmas gift. Why?? I don’t really know. Perhaps I thought that seeing her name every day would make me feel close to her. I suppose it is a sort of talisman, although I fully realize it has no magic powers and had no expectations that it’d bring me good fortune. Sometimes an explanation isn’t necessary. Sadly, whether it happened at her apartment or occurred between transporting it from her place to my nephew’s house then eventually into my hands, the keychain suffered water damage. If you’ve observed such misfortune with leather you understand. If you haven’t, I’ll just say that it isn’t pretty.
I am tempted to say that I was devastated, but let’s be honest…the devastation had occurred much earlier in that hospital room. The ruination of the keychain was a spinoff that stirred emotions, like shaking a can of soda. I immediately began researching methods of repair, and probably spent more money on a jar of restorative salve than the keychain originally cost. It helped a little bit, but the engraved name remained barely legible. Not long after that, I found myself driving to The Swap Meet instead of staying in as I had intended. There are many plans in a man’s heart.
That’s when the realization happened. I remembered that there was a Leather Guy at The Swap Meet that sold & engraved such items. Maybe he could help…if he was there. This is the kind of place that might have different vendors each week, and it had been awhile. Thankfully he was there, and I showed him the key chain. As it turns out, one method of repairing water damaged leather is…more water. Who knew?? He also told me that he could fix the lettering…kind of. He didn’t have the exact tool needed, but he could get close. Or…or…he could fix it almost perfectly, depending on how much time I had. Now I would have been willing to stay there all day. Maybe even hang out at this man’s house if that’s what it took. As it turns out, he wanted to know if I could stick around for 45 minutes while he meticulously traced the lettering. Those terms were more than acceptable.
While he was doing the work I wandered around and landed at a table selling peanut butter fudge, engaging in a delightful conversation with the two ladies there. They asked me what Leather Guy was doing for me and I told them the story. It is likely that I overshared (sort of like I am right now), but we had quite the little chat about death and losing loved ones. I certainly didn’t see that coming. I absolutely don’t need to be consuming fudge, but bought some anyway. There are many plans in a man’s heart.
The gentleman sought me out when he was finished, and it was…overwhelming. There are three rooms at The Swap Meet, the last one being the smallest. After paying him far less than he deserved for what he’d just done, I found myself in that third room alone. It wasn’t the first time I had cried. For awhile, gentle weeping or even outright sobbing was a nightly occurrence for me, but I was usually home alone. I don’t fully understand why my sister’s death feels like it hit me harder than Mom’s 20+ years earlier, but I have formed an opinion or two. I had alot more going on back then. I was busier. I was involved in things. There were more distractions. Now, I have too much time to think. Perhaps it isn’t uncommon to be more emotional as we grow older. Or maybe I just understand loss on a deeper level than I did in those days. Sometimes things defy explanation. I didn’t want to be sitting there at an indoor flea market with tears running down my face, but…there are many plans in a man’s heart.
Time does indeed fly, and I can’t quite wrap my head around DaLynn being gone for a full year. Like most people, I have photos. I have old texts that I’ll never erase. Much to my dismay, because we texted so much and I always made myself available to talk when she could, I do not have any voicemails. Believe me, I have searched my phone in futility on multiple occasions, desperate to hear her voice again. And I have the keychain. A meaningless trinket?? For most people, sure. When I look at it though, I am reminded of her. I am able to recall a lifetime of memories. Family gatherings. Silly disagreements & epic fights. Birthday parties, graduations, and church youth events. Sitting around the dinner table, watching the big ol’ TV in our living room, and playing Atari in her room. Washing dishes after supper. Holding my newborn nephews after their arrivals and watching her be a good Mom by being a rather impressive facsimile of the mother that we grieved together. Sharing secrets and talking about things that no one else ever knew. Laughter, tears, and everything in between.
She is gone…physically, and we continue to deal with that daily. A piece of my soul will be missing forever. However, what she left behind remains. Her sons. Those memories. And the keychain. I didn’t think I’d be going out that day, yet…there are many plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.
Not even imaginery awards shows are immune to weather delays, but we’re back!! Thanks for joining us here at the scaled down Sammy Awards. If you have not perused Part 1 please do so now. We’ll be right here anxiously awaiting your return.
Please welcome back our boyishly handsome & funny host…Matt Rife!!
Before we resume handing out awards, we have a real treat for all the honey sauce lovers in The Manoverse. They’ve been entertaining the masses since the 1970’s, but became a viral sensation a few years ago when a movie about their 2010 Reunion Tour was suddenly rediscovered by fans. Here to perform their hit song TastetheBiscuit, please welcome Toasters n’ Moose!!
Wow…what a riveting performance!! That’s a hard act to follow, but our next presenter is willing to try. He’s an actor best remembered for his role as the radio station’s handyman on 90s sitcom NewsRadio, a stand up comedian, and currently hosts one of the most popular podcasts in the world. Give it up for Joe Rogan!!
TheAgonyofDefeatAward ConferenceRealignment
As a lifelong sports fan who LOVES autumn Saturdays filled with hours of glorious college football action, it saddens me to see what the business of bigtime collegiate athletics has done to collegiate sports. There are now four “power” conferences instead of five, and we are consistently told that only two of those really matter. Oklahoma & Texas now play in the Southeastern Conference, while USC & UCLA compete in the Big Ten against midwestern teams like Illinois & Indiana. My West Virginia Mountaineers are in the Big 12 and have to travel to face opponents in Arizona & Utah, because the ACC, where longtime rivals like Pitt & Virginia Tech compete, isn’t interested in the far too small television market the Mountain State offers. The Stanford Cardinal & Cal Golden Bears both landed in the ACC though, where most of their opponents are literally 3000 miles away. And let’s not forget the “lesser” Group of Five conferences, where some really solid programs will never have a realistic opportunity to play for a championship. These moves (along with NIL deals & the transfer portal, which I don’t have the strength to go into) are reminiscent of a narcissistic lover who believes that no matter how abusive they are their partner won’t leave…and sadly, in this case, they aren’t wrong.
Weirdest WaterCoolerTopic Hawk Tuah!!
While out enjoying a night of drunken revelry in Nashville last summer, 21 year old Hailey Welch did a “man on the street” interview that went viral. In response to the question “What’s one move in bed that makes a man go crazy every time?”, Welch replied “You gotta give ’em that ‘hawk tuah’ and spit on that thang”. The video blew up online, and Welch became an Internet sensation. She was able to quit her menial job and ostensibly became quite wealthy selling “Hawk Tuah” merchandise. She appeared on podcasts, got invited onstage at concerts, and threw out the first pitch at a NY Mets game. By September Miss Welch was hosting her own podcast and had cashed in on her bizarre notoriety in a variety of ways, none of them (surprisingly) involving nudity or pornography. We tend to hate such people…folks that gain fame & fortune for no good reason other than being in the right place at the right time while so many others work their asses off to barely make ends meet, but I have to be honest…I’m not even mad at Hailey Welch. She got lucky by saying something funny that caught on, then made bank while she had the chance. She seems like a genuinely decent person (if not particularly intelligent), and the fact is that her 15 minutes of fame will be over soon, if it isn’t already. Hopefully she’s received wise counsel on how to remain financially solvent and goes on to lead a productive life.
FavoriteMovie Twisters
I did not visit my local cineplex hardly at all in 2024, and didn’t get too excited about anything on Netflix or other streaming services. However, I did see Twisters on the big screen and enjoyed it. Billed as a “legacy sequel” to the 1996 disaster classic Twister that starred Bill Paxton, Helen Hunt, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Ferris Bueller’s best buddy Cameron Frye, the follow up once again features storm chasers & some pretty bitchin’ tornadoes. The cast is charming enough, although I’m not sure there are any future Oscar winners among the group. The plot is entertaining though somewhat predictable, and I feel like there was a lost opportunity to connect the sequel to the original. Early rumors had indicated that the main character would be the daughter of the characters portrayed by Paxton & Hunt, but the writers went in a different direction. They had their reasons, but I think it was a mistake. That connection would have allowed fans of the original film to be more invested in this one, which didn’t quite happen for me. In two decades I have a feeling I will still be watching the 1996 movie instead of Twisters. Having said that, in a weak field it stood out.
BiggestNewsStory Presidential Election
Were there other big stories in 2024?? Of course. However, I feel like the contest to elect the 47th President of the United States dominated the news cycle. Every other big story was affected by the Race for the White House, or the election hovered over those other stories. Former President Donald Trump easily won the Republican nomination, despite multiple frivolous attempts to imprison him. When the lawfare didn’t work he survived two assassination attempts that only increased his popularity. Meanwhile, current President Joe Biden was thrown under the bus when his leftist friends realized that they weren’t pulling the wool over as many eyes as they thought by pretending that Biden has actually been in charge of anything the past few years. The man clearly suffers diminished mental capacity and has been the figurehead of a puppet regime. When faced with the reality that Biden wasn’t up to the task of continuing the ruse, Democrats decided that Plan B was…Vice President Kamala Harris 😂. On the surface one can understand the logic…an opportunity to elect the first female U.S. President, and a “woman of color” to boot!! Exactly the kind of identity politics that leftists embrace. The problem?? Kamala Harris is a moron. She is a terrible political candidate that allegedly did some rather nasty things to climb the ladder. She is not likeable in any way, and her inane rambling is almost worse than Biden. Harris is the most lethal kind of idiot…one who somehow believes they aren’t dumb as a box of rocks. The Democrats compounded their error by choosing soy boy Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota as Harris’ running mate. He & his wife have got to be mental patients that escaped from an institution. Conversely, Trump chose Senator JD Vance from Ohio, a former Marine whose story was chronicled in the best selling 2016 memoir HillbillyElegy, which was adapted into a 2020 film. Vance is eloquent & thoughtful, but not a pushover like former Vice President Mike Pence. The legacy media did their damndest to run cover for the Harris-Walz ticket, but at the end of the day America simply wasn’t buying what they were selling. Most Americans are tired of elitists preaching about climate change, pronouns, racial equity, and safe spaces while laundering billions of dollars thru Ukraine and allowing our country to be flooded with unvetted illegals that pose a grave danger to way too many. People actually trust Donald Trump, as flawed as he may be, to put the economic well being of the United States first and focus on real issues instead of wasting time, money, & effort on meaningless poppycock. If they were smart Democrats would do some self-reflection, asking themselves why the majority of the country has now chosen Trump, who even Republicans will admit is nuttier than a damn fruitcake (and I mean that in the kindest possible way), three times (let’s be honest…we all know what really happened in 2020) instead of their flawed policies. That won’t happen though. Let us look forward with hope, encouragement, and faith that our nation will be stronger in the coming months, resulting in a safer, more affordable standard of living for all of us.
Hall of Fame basketball player (West Virginia Mountaineers, Los Angeles Lakers), executive (Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, Golden St. Warriors), and NBA Logo Jerry West…Hollywood icon James Earl Jones (StarWars, FieldofDreams, ComingtoAmerica, TheSandlot, TheLionKing, TheBigBangTheory)…humanitarian, Nobel Peace Prize winner, and former U.S. President Jimmy Carter…fitness guru Richard Simmons…Grammy award winning producer & composer Quincy Jones…MLB Hall of Fame outfielder Willie Mays (New York Giants), infielders Rickey Henderson (Oakland A’s) & Orlando Cepeda (San Francisco Giants), and All Time Hits Leader Pete Rose (Cincinnati Reds)…legendary comedian & actor Bob Newhart (The Bob Newhart Show, Newhart, The Big BangTheory)…sex therapist & Holocaust survivor Dr. Ruth Westheimer…Grammy & Golden Globe award winning singer, songwriter, & actor Kris Kristofferson…ESPN reporter Chris Mortensen and personalities Howie Schwab & TJ Simers, and sportscaster Greg Gumbel…legendary talk show host Phil Donahue…actors Carl Weathers (Rocky, HappyGilmore), Richard Lewis (AnythingbutLove, RobinHood: MeninTights), David Soul (Starsky & Hutch), James B. Sikking (HillStreetBlues, DoogieHowserM.D.), Adan Canto (DesignatedSurvivor), Christian Oliver (SavedbytheBell: TheNewClass), Don Murray (KnotsLanding), M. Emmet Walsh (Fletch, ChristmaswiththeKranks), Dabney Coleman (9to5, WarGames, You’veGotMail), Joe Flaherty (SCTV), Johnny Wactor (GeneralHospital), Bernard Hill (Titanic, LordoftheRings), Tony LoBianco (TheFrenchConnection), Benji Gregory (ALF), Martin Mull (Mr. Mom, Mrs. Doubtfire), Doug Sheehan (GeneralHospital, KnotsLanding, DayByDay), John Amos (Roots, GoodTimes, ComingtoAmerica, DieHard2, TheWestWing), Charles Cyphers (Halloween, MajorLeague), John Aprea (TheGodfatherPart2, AnotherWorld, FullHouse), Ron Hale (Ryan’sHope, General Hospital), James Darren (TJHooker), Chad McQueen (TheKarateKid), Nicholas Pryer (RiskyBusiness), Drake Hogestyn (DaysofOurLives), Alan Rachins (L.A. Law, Dharma&Greg), Scott L. Schwartz (The Ocean’s Trilogy), Wayne Northrup (DaysofOurLives), and Thom Christopher (OneLifetoLive)…NBA legend Bill Walton (Boston Celtics)…NASA astronaut Jon McBride…game show hosts Chuck Woolery (WheelofFortune) & Peter Marshall (HollywoodSquares)…Oscar winning producers Albert Ruddy (TheGodfather) & Jon Landau (Titanic), directors Jim Abrahams (Airplane!, TheNakedGun), Charles Shyer (FatheroftheBride), & Norman Jewison (Moonstruck), television producer E. Duke Vincent (Dynasty, MelrosePlace, 7thHeaven, BeverlyHills90210), and casting director Dianne Crittenden (StarWars, HoneysuckleRose, PrettyWoman)…chocolate chip cookie guru Wally “Famous” Amos…pro wrestlers Ole Anderson, Ice Train, Virgil, Paul “Butcher” Vachon, Wild Samoans Afa & Sika Anoa’i, Kevin Sullivan, “Psycho” Sid Vicious, and Jax Dane…singers/musicians Toby Keith, David Sanborn, Steve Lawrence, Eric Carmen, Clarence “Frogman” Henry, Dickie Betts (The Allman Brothers), Mandisa Hundley, Mike Pinder (The Moody Blues), Dave Loggins, Joe Bonsall (The Oak Ridge Boys), Sergio Mendes, Scott Simon (Sha Na Na), Tito Jackson (The Jackson Five), Cissy Houston, Liam Payne (One Direction), and Jack Jones…French TV host Bernard Pivot…football players Andy Russell (Pittsburgh Steelers), Mercury Morris (Miami Dolphins), Vontae Davis (Indianapolis Colts), Roman Gabriel, Jim Otto (Oakland Raiders), Larry Allen (Dallas Cowboys), Jacoby Jones (Baltimore Ravens), Khyree Jackson (Minnesota Vikings), Duane Thomas (Dallas Cowboys), Greg Landry (Baltimore Colts), coaches Joe Collier (Denver Broncos), Monte Kiffin (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), John Robinson (Los Angeles Rams, USC Trojans), & Gerry Faust (Notre Dame Fighting Irish & Akron Zips), and team executive Bill Tobin (Chicago Bears)…newscasters Charles Osgood, Robert MacNeil, Lou Dobbs, Tom Jarriel, and Aaron Brown…Pop-Tarts inventor William Post…golfer & broadcaster Peter Oosterhuis and PGA golfer Grayson Murray…infamous actor, Ford Bronco enthusiast, and alleged murderer OJ Simpson…Pulitzer Prize winning TV critic Tom Shales…former NFL referee Jim Tunney…actresses Shannen Doherty (BeverlyHills90210), Teri Garr (YoungFrankenstein, Mr. Mom), Shelley Duvall (TheShining, Popeye), Dame Maggie Smith (HarryPotter, Hook, SisterAct), Glynis Johns (MaryPoppins, TheRef), Joyce Randolph (TheHoneymooners), Chita Rivera (WestSideStory), Ann Whitfield (WhiteChristmas), Marla Adams (The Young&TheRestless), Susan Buckner (Grease), Gena Rowlands (HopeFloats, TheNotebook), and Linda Lavin (Alice)…MLB players Fernando Valenzuela (Los Angeles Dodgers), Ed Ott (Pittsburgh Pirates), Jose DeLeon (Pittsburgh Pirates), Luis Tiant(Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox), U.L. Washington (Kansas City Royals), and managers Jimy Williams (Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays) & Whitey Herzog (St. Louis Cardinals)…former U.S. Senator (Connecticut) & Vice Presidential candidate Joseph Lieberman, former Florida Governor Bob Graham, former Arkansas Governor, Congressman, & Senator David Pryor, U.S. Senator Sheila Jackson Lee (Texas)…travel writer Arthur Frommer…basketball players Dikembe Mutombo (Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Houston Rockets), Robert Reid (Houston Rockets), coaches Lefty Driesell (Maryland Terrapins) & Lou Carnesecca (St. John’s Redmen), and NBA executive Pat Williams (Orlando Magic)…notorious Wall St. trader Ivan Boesky…Apollo 8 astronaut William Anders…1963 Indianapolis 500 winner Parnelli Jones & three time Daytona 500 winner Bobby Allison…songwriters Mark James (AlwaysonMyMind, HookedonaFeeling, SuspiciousMinds), Will Jennings (Up Where We Belong, HigherLove, TearsinHeaven, My Heart Will Go On), and JD Souther (Best of My Love, HeartacheTonight, New Kid in Town)…Judith Belushi-Pisano (widow of John Belushi)…documentary filmmaker Morgan Spurlock (SuperSizeMe)…famous gymnastics coach Bela Karolyi…Ethel Kennedy (widow of Robert F. Kennedy)
The Academy Awards were first presented in 1929. The ceremony was held at a hotel, with 270 people attending. The presentations lasted fifteen minutes. Obviously that is a far cry from the modern televised spectacle attended by a few thousand people and viewed on television by millions. For various reasons that you don’t need to know or understand The Sammy Awards will be using this information as inspiration to scale back our presentation. It is likely that we will get back to our full scale tomfoolery next year, but at this moment in time we humbly extend sincerest gratitude for tuning in to our imaginary awards show, a labor of love dating back more that a decade & a half. This is our way to honor, mock, cope with, and say a thankful farewell to the last year. In the past we’ve had delusions of grandeur, imagining the imaginery, if real, might be televised on HBO or TBS, or perhaps streamed on Netflix or Amazon Video. This year might be more of a Tubi or Crackle kind of show.
At any rate, because we love irony, The Sammy Awards is proud to introduce a comedian well known for his crowd work to host our awards show with no crowd. Please give a warm welcome to Matt Rife!!
After some insightful commentary from Mr. Rife it is time for our first presenter. Actually he will be presenting several awards. We had a really great lineup of guests, but life happens and availability became an issue. Ben Affleck & Jennifer Lopez were suppose to present together, but circumstances changed. Ellen Degeneres didn’t leave a forwarding address. P. Diddy declined to join us but offered to host an after party. Justin Timberlake really wanted to participate but couldn’t find a designated driver. Former Governor Rudy Giuliani is meeting with his financial adviser. President Biden is on vacation, gearing up for one final round of treasonous money laundering in Ukraine before he leaves office…physically…in a couple of weeks (he checked out mentally a long time ago). Nick Cannon is still celebrating multiple Christmases with his children. We could’ve had an EPIC program, but we’ll soldier on and do the best we can, which includes one of the best kickers in the NFL. He is no stranger to giving life affirming speeches, and is eager to share his wisdom, particularly with the ladies of The Manoverse. His team just finished their regular season, and we appreciate him squeezing us in before the playoffs begin. Please give a warm welcome to Kansas City Chiefs All Pro Harrison Butker!!
The Thrill of Victory Award Nick Saban & Bill Belichick
After a coaching career that spanned a half century and led to seven National Championships, Nick Saban walked away from the Alabama Crimson Tide last January, citing the new reality of college football…NIL, realignment, etc….as a valid reason for just being tired of all the BS. While The Tide predictably regressed a bit under new leadership, Saban found a new home on ESPN’s CollegeGameday and is better at the whole TV thing than most would’ve predicted. Meanwhile, after winning six Super Bowls in 17 years with the New England Patriots…often with questionable ethics…Bill Belichick realized, along with the rest of us, that most of the credit belonged to QB Tom Brady (and cheating of course), who went on to win a Super Bowl without Belichick in Tampa Bay while his wife was being planked by her personal trainer. Belichick’s Patriots were 29-38 after Brady bolted, so the coach departed New England last January. Shockingly enough he was not hired by an NFL team, which provided him the opportunity to boink a gal young enough to be his granddaughter. The North Carolina Tar Heels were so impressed by Belichick’s skill in recruiting college kids that they’ve hired him to be their coach.
FavoriteTelevisionShow GeneralHospital
I don’t watch much television anymore, which is odd considering the quantity of content is greater than it’s ever been. I won’t even criticize a dearth of quality programming, because I am quite certain there are a bunch of great shows that I am missing out on. The truth though, is that outside of wrasslin’, ball games, and my stories, the dramas & sitcoms available just don’t interest me to the point of even investing time to check them out. And with streaming, more often than not I’d rather watch an old favorite that I’ve seen dozens of times. That being said, GeneralHospital is my old reliable. I’ve been watching since grade school, which is longer than I care to ponder. 2024 was a bit different, because GH was always an experience I shared with my sister. I’ve missed our phone calls & texts kvetching about all the latest drama in the fictional town of Port Charles. I realize soap operas are kind of silly, but so are alot of other things. I learned many years ago not to take stuff too seriously most of the time, so entertainment really boils down to what tickles your funny bone, engages your imagination, or helps you escape the challenges of real life. Since the early 80’s GeneralHospital has done those things for me.
Favorite Sportscaster Scott Van Pelt
ESPN isn’t what it used to be, and I’ve grown weary of the debate shows that I used to enjoy. However, the reality is that “The Worldwide Leader” in Bristol, CT remains the driving force in televised sporting events. While I don’t mind tuning into a game on ESPN, I mostly avoid their other programming…except for SVP. If Sportscenter is coming on and he is hosting, I’ll stick around. Van Pelt is versatile, as I also enjoy when he’s part of the broadcast team for golf. He is fun & flippant, but also possesses the journalistic chops to ask tough questions and offer gravitas when a situation demands it. He strikes me as fairminded, not cheerleading or being overly critical of any specific teams, players, or coaches. I respect anyone who is funny, fair, and excellent at their job.
FavoritePodcast State of Mind
My goal of becoming a podcast kind of guy hasn’t come to fruition just yet. I don’t have the attention span I used to, and find the plethora of intriguing choices a bit overwhelming. What usually happens is I’ll hear about a particular podcast or perhaps see a snippet of it on social media and think “That seems cool…I need to check it out.”, then I simply don’t. Perhaps I can do better in 2025, but let’s not get too excited. Anyway, of the podcasts that I’ve given more than cursory attention to, State of Mind, hosted by Maurice Benard, rises above the noise. Benard is an actor best known for portraying mob boss Sonny Corinthos on GeneralHospital. He has not been shy about his very real issues with bipolar disorder, and for the past few years has invited guests onto the pod to open up about their own struggles with mental health. It’s one of those topics that alot of folks, whether it be an old school Baby Boomer, strong & silent type of guy, or a youngster who thinks they’re way too cool, avoid dealing with or admitting to, even to themselves. StateofMind illustrates that mental illness does exist, it needs to be dealt with, and it’s okay to talk about it.
FavoriteApp Spades *
I jumped back onto the Spades bandwagon in 2024, just with a different app than I was using a few years ago. I probably waste too much time on such activities when I should be doing something productive, but sometimes one simply needs a mindless distraction from all the noise.
Favorite Foodie Mr. Food
Okay, so first things first…it’s not actually Mr. Food. The OG Mr. Food was Art Ginsburg, who I vaguely recall hosting brief cooking segments during the news when I was a kid. Ginsburg sadly passed in 2012, but his legacy continues with Howard Rosenthal, who worked with Ginsburg for many years. Rosenthal introduces himself as “Howard, from the Mr. Food Test Kitchen”. Of course things are a little different these days, because if one misses whatever show the segments air on in your local television market you always have the option of finding the latest recipes online. I’ve actually made a few things I saw on Mr. Food, and if I may paraphrase his beloved tagline…oooh, they were pretty good. Mr. Food was actually way ahead of the curve, because these days who has the time or inclination to invest in a 30-60 minute cooking show presented by a high end chef who prepares dishes we common folk cannot successfully duplicate?? I’d rather watch Howard’s two minute presentation that still looks rather tasty and feel good about trying it in my kitchen.
This seems like a good time to take a brief timeout. Stay tuned for the exciting conclusion of the downsized yet still delightful Sammy Awards!!
In 2009 I created the Hall of Influence to honor those who have made some level of positive impact on my life. We last inducted new members into this exclusive club eight years ago. Not only has my life been altered in significant ways during that time, but the world at large has changed dramatically. This time of year I tend to be in sports mode and don’t contribute much else to The Manofesto. Actually, if I’m being totally honest, I haven’t been as productive here as I should’ve been for quite awhile. There are multiple reasons for that, but we don’t wallow in The Manoverse. I believe the best way to reverse a negative trend is with some positivity, so we shall begin that process by welcoming five new members to our HoI.
Ray Bradbury
In the mid 1980s there was an anthology series on television called The Ray Bradbury Theater, but I never watched it. I knew nothing about Bradbury and the show didn’t sound like my cup o’ tea. In hindsight I realize how much our public schools fall short, because why in the hell had I barely heard of the man, much less read any of his stories?? I must give all the credit to my brother from another mother, The Owl, for introducing me to Bradbury in college. He let me borrow his copy of The Martian Chronicles, and my eyes were opened. Perhaps if I’d become acquainted with Ray Bradbury during my childhood not only would I have read all of the amazing tales, but I might have been inspired to follow his path as a writer, which began when he sold his first story at the age of 18. In a career that spanned seven decades Bradbury published more than two dozen novels and 600+ short stories, an eclectic smorgasbord of mystery, sci-fi, horror, and fantasy. He dabbled a bit in social commentary, but not in the heavy handed way we perceive that notion today. Bradbury’s purpose wasn’t to push an agenda or indoctrination of the masses. Instead, he aimed to make the reader think and allow us to feel. His works aren’t just meaningless frivolity, with contemplative outlooks on technology, nostalgia, and humanity. I’d be lying if I told you I’ve digested everything the man wrote, but in a strange way that makes me happy, because I can gleefully anticipate much enjoyment of the stories I have yet to read.
Myron Cope
We don’t have any professional sports franchises here in West Virginia, so a large portion of the population where I am located grow up as fans of the Pittsburgh teams. Back in the day my cable system had all three local television stations in that market, and Myron Cope was a familiar face on WTAE Channel 4. He also did color commentary on Steelers radio broadcasts, and trust me when I say that “color commentary” is a vast understatement when it comes to Myron Cope. He had his own vernacular, which survives to this day, atleast amongst Steelers fans and Pittsburgh natives, along with a unique voice and an amusing twitchiness, as if he consumed way too much coffee on a daily basis. Think…Gilbert Gottfried, only genuine and not a comedic facade. Perhaps his best known contribution to the world is The Terrible Towel, a cost effective way for fans to show support of the team, conceived by Cope in 1975. Though his career began in the 1950s and included writing for the Saturday Evening Post and Sports Illustrated, Myron Cope’s rise in popularity coincided with the Pittsburgh Steelers becoming one of the cornerstone franchises of the NFL during the latter half of the 1970s, when I was just a little boy. He is an indelible part of my childhood.
Johnny Carson & David Letterman
I have written about Carson and Lettermen elsewhere on this site, so I will refrain from being redundant. Suffice to say that late night television was never better than when these two men were essential entertainment for night owls. Their humor was not politically motivated or divisive. They focused on making everyone laugh. My father loved watching Johnny’s monologue and his bits with The Mighty Carson Art Players. Irreverent smartass Letterman was a huge part of the comedy landscape of my youth. Both were great interviewers whose guests were a potpourri of the requisite Hollywood stars promoting their latest project, funny comedians (these shows were particularly important launch pads for up n’ comers), and out of left field personalities…average folks who’d done something cool or had an unusual talent. Carson was especially funny interacting with children & old folks, while Lettermen had his finger on the pulse of the music scene and spun comedy gold from random people on the street. The current late night landscape pales in comparison, with every host being extremely poor wannabes that will never live up to the examples of Johnny & Dave.
Alex Trebek
My Grandma Pigott loved game shows. Whenever she was around we’d be sure to get a healthy dose of The Price is Right, Press Your Luck, Card Sharks, Family Feud, Name That Tune, Wheel of Fortune, et al. While many of those programs are charming in their own way, as I grew older Jeopardy! became my jam. Each game show is different. Some require luck. Some require skill. Jeopardy! requires knowledge & intelligence. Watching a convenience store clerk from Podunk BFE seize an opportunity to walk away with a brand new car or a cruise to Puerto Vallarta is fun, but watching an already successful person earn thousands of dollars because they are smart and know things is inspiring. At the helm for nearly forty years of the show’s run was Alex Trebek, whose low key demeanor & mellifluous tone added gravitas to the production (hilariously parodied by Will Ferrell on SNL). He was a key element without taking the focus away from contestants or the game itself. Sadly, Trebek died about four years ago, and though Jeopardy! continues on it’s just not the same. Thank you Alex Trebek for decades of memories.
Gene Siskel & Roger Ebert
Young people nowadays will never understand the influence that two nerdy Chicago film critics had on pop culture in the 80s & 90s. In the 21st century people are too arrogant & apathetic to give a rat’s ass what anyone else thinks, and if they are so inclined to seek information about movies they’re on the fence about spending money to see all they need to do is hop online where there is a plethora of opinions from countless sources. Four decades ago we didn’t have Rotten Tomatoes or the blogosphere. If we decided to skip seeing a movie it wouldn’t be on home video or HBO for atleast a year, unlike now, when we have streaming services providing access to movies that might actually still be playing at the local cineplex. Gene Siskel & Roger Ebert were writers employed by rival Chicago newspapers when someone got the idea to put them on television. Perhaps they were the first frenemies, although their contentious professional relationship felt more like it was played up in front of the camera, disguising real life deep respect & kinship. A double thumbs up/down could make or break a film, an idea that seems quaint years later, but what really came thru all the biting commentary & good-natured jabs at each other was a shared love of cinema, conveying the idea that sitting down with a bowl of popcorn & a beverage to watch a movie is a perfectly legitimate and maybe even enlightening way to spend one’s free time.
If you have not perused Part 1 please take a moment to do so…otherwise you’ll be thoroughly confused.
I recently attended my 100th show at the lovely Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center in downtown Clarksburg, WV since its reopening in 2018. When I was a kid in the late 70s/early 80s The RG was a movie theater. Unlike other folks I don’t have any definitive recollection of movies I saw there, although I know that I did go there for things. Unfortunately, because the interstate highway was built going thru the next town over in our county, our area’s shopping mall was built there, as well as everything else in the last four decades. Clarksburg has withered on the vine, except that we still had this perfectly lovely theater slowly crumbling right in the middle of town. Thankfully a movement arose to renovate The RG, which is atleast one thing that’s gone right for our little hamlet. My humble abode just happens to be right down the street, I don’t have children or a special lady, traveling is difficult on multiple levels, I’m not a barfly, and I have alot more acquaintances than friends…so The Robinson Grand is where I choose to spend my meager discretionary income. I don’t expect anyone to really give a damn about these reflections, but it’s been a fun trip down memory lane for me.
10 Beginnings: The Ultimate Tribute to Chicago – May 2019
There have been two Chicago tributes at The RG, but the first one was the better show. The horn section is incredible. I’ve always enjoyed The Beach Boys to a degree, but on this Sunday evening I was surprised at the absolute delight I felt sitting there enjoying the music. You can’t possibly listen to The Beach Boys for very long and be in a bad mood. Sadly I never got the opportunity to see the real Jimmy Buffett in concert, but once upon a time I was a drunken frat boy and his music was an integral part of the zeitgeist. The RG did it right, with a VIP Package that included tasty vittles (including cheeseburgers & beer, obviously), while the show itself was high energy, including giant beach balls bouncing thru the theater. The Hair Band Experience was three tributes in one night: Poison, Def Leppard, and Bon Jovi. So much fun for a child of the 80s. Recency bias makes me reluctant to include the Styx/Journey tribute, but the Journey band in particular was so damn good I cannot overlook it.
9 Once – November 2019
Stomp – November 2021
Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story – November 2022
On Your Feet: Gloria Estefan Musical – April 2023
If you’d have told me six years ago that I would have the opportunity to see Broadway shows without driving hundreds of miles away I would not have believed you. To be clear, The RG is a smaller theater with about 1000 seats. We’re not going to see Phantom of the Opera or Hamilton here. However, the venue is perfect for what are referred to as jukebox musicals or other minimalist productions.
8 Mountain Stage – August 2023
Since 1983 WV Public Broadcasting & NPR have partnered to produce a weekly radio show featuring live music from a variety of genres. Some pretty big names have appeared on Mountain Stage. R.E.M. Bruce Hornsby. Tori Amos. Toad the Wet Sprocket. Martina McBride. Sarah McLachlan. Norah Jones. Crash Test Dummies. Barenaked Ladies. Counting Crows. Phish. It’s neat to be part of the audience and watch the show being produced. Mountain Stage will be returning to The RG later this summer.
7 Take3 – March 2024
While The RG has really leaned into the whole tribute band thing (which I understand and take no issue with) I appreciate efforts to think outside the box. Take3 is a trio of classically trained women who perform a fusion of rock, pop, and classical music using a piano, violin, & cello. I played trombone in the school band for seven years and never possessed a fraction of the talent these ladies have.
6 White Christmas – December 2021 & 2023
Feast of the Seven Fishes – December 2022
The RG has shown old movies with some frequency thru the years, which is nice but not typically noteworthy. However, White Christmas has been an annual tradition since the venue’s restoration, and usually they have done it right. The theater is always beautifully decorated for the holidays, and Victorian era carolers welcome patrons arriving for the film. I believe they’ve decided to retire the tradition for awhile, a melancholy yet logical decision. I wouldn’t mind if Feast became a new annual tradition since it already is for me. Northcentral WV was a popular landing spot for Italian immigrants a century ago, including my paternal great grandparents. The Christmas Eve celebration depicted in the film doesn’t totally mirror my childhood experience, but hits enough of the right beats to make me wistful for those halcyon days. Feast was actually filmed in nearby Fairmont, WV, and The RG hosted the director for a post-screening Q&A, which was neat.
5 Mark Lowry w/ The Martins – RGPAC 5th Anniversary Weekend – October 2023
My Dad used to watch The Gaither Vocal Band on television years ago, and I remember Lowry being the group’s comedian. He also wrote the Christmas hymn Mary, Did You Know?. For The RG’s Fifth Anniversary Weekend Lowry was joined by Grammy nominated gospel group The Martins. There was a Meet & Greet before the show and, though I’m not really into those because I am a socially awkward introvert, it was an honor to shake Mr. Lowry’s hand.
4 Travis Tritt – September 2019
Anyone who knows me understands that country music isn’t really my thing. That being said, there are a few performers who I thoroughly enjoy. I was quite excited when this acoustic show was announced, and Tritt did not disappoint. I had the opportunity to see him again a few years later at our local outdoor amphitheater, and both nights were so damn fun. I would jump at a third chance.
3 Good Shot Judy – August 2022 & RGPAC 5th Anniversary Weekend – October 2023
You’ve probably heard of Postmodern Jukebox, a band that reimagines rock & pop tunes into vintage genres like swing, jazz, & blues. Good Shot Judy is similar. It’s a fun, dynamic show, and I am glad that I’ve had the opportunity to see them twice. The RG wasn’t filled to the rafters on either night, which is a shame because it’s the kind of high energy performance that feeds off of a lively crowd. Long ago I had to accept that I live in a low information, uncultured environment that doesn’t appreciate innovative art. We’re more of a hot dogs n’ beer community versus a hors d’oeuvres & Chardonnay crowd, which is fine. I am thankful that The RG occasionally paints outside those lines, even if the masses don’t necessarily embrace it. These shows were very cool and highly entertaining. I’d be remiss not to note that PMJ is coming to The RG at the end of this year, which is going to be lit.
2 The Davisson Brothers w/ Chris Janson – February 2019
Speaking of hot dogs & beer…
While I appreciate channeling my inner Frasier Crane and basking in high brow pleasures like classical music & theater, I cannot completely deny my Appalachian roots. The Davissons are local favorites whose love of our state and its wild & wonderful culture shines thru in their music. They’ve enjoyed moderate success outside of our borders as well and befriended some legit country music stars. The RG has packed the house for The Davisson Brothers on multiple occasions, but I particularly enjoyed the night they were joined by Chris Janson, whose song Good Vibes has become a personal favorite.
1 Annie – December 2019
The Addams Family Musical – October 2021
Community theater occasionally gets a bad rap, but I am not opining thru rose colored glasses when I tell you these productions were top notch. I had no idea there were so many talented people right here in our oft neglected, easily forgotten little corner of the universe. I thoroughly enjoyed both plays. Circumstances have prevented The RG’s community theater program from moving forward the past few years, but I am hopeful that will change someday. If that happens whoever is involved will have a hell of a legacy to measure up to, so we’ll see.
The Manofesto 