Peace On Earth, Good Will Toward All

Alright I did it. I made that statement “politically correct”. It seemed like the right thing to do. Although don’t we all have different ideas of what is the right thing to do? Isn’t that what life is all about? Learning to live with diversity? You know, peace on earth comes from good will toward all. You can’t have peace on earth without the good will toward all.

I often feel that we, as a human species, as a society, have become ultra-sensitive about nearly everything in our lives. We are really ruled by our egos. It’s evident when you’re at one of those intersections in which there are two lanes that, ultimately, will merge into one. Ever have a race with the person on the side of you? Most of us have! I laugh when I think about it. What’s the purpose of that? It kind of makes you feel good, right? For how long, 30 seconds? Spreading good will lasts WAY longer.

I digress. If you know me, you know how easy it is for me to wander on to something else. Back to the ultra-sensitivity. Look, there are countless examples of what I’m talking about and I’m sure you can think of them yourselves. We get sensitive and offended at everything. I don’t mean to offend anyone when I say “Merry Christmas”. When did that become so bad? If you wished me a Happy Kwanzaa, I would be grateful. Because I know you’re wishing me well! It’s not the words we’re saying, it’s what is MEANT by the words. Aren’t we really wishing our loved ones and friends and acquaintances, and even strangers, good will? Aren’t we wishing all the best to each other? Aren’t we celebrating life in some way? Do the words matter? I’m not offended if you wish me Happy Hanukkah. You’re sending me good wishes. Let’s not try so hard to get offended and upset over a happy greeting. Why run the risk of racial profiling with a holiday greeting? And you know, you could argue that “Happy Holidays” is no more neutral than any other greeting since there are those on this planet that sees nothing special with this part of the calendar at all. Seems silly to me to try to design a new greeting that will encompass all cultures because there will be SOMEONE who takes offense.

I was creating some holiday brochures for someone the other day. I had a long list of things I had to “stay away from” so as to not offend anyone. I must have created 20 versions over 3 days. I couldn’t use red or green colors, I couldn’t use Santa, I couldn’t use a decorated tree, I couldn’t use stars, certainly not the words, “Merry Christmas”, I couldn’t even use a sprig of holly! “We don’t want anyone taking offense from anything. Keep it to a winter-only theme.”  UGH! First of all, Christmas is CHRISTmas…the season is a Christian season that has NOTHING to do with Santa, red and green decorations, decorated trees, gift-giving orgies, egg nog, wreaths, etc., etc. That’s where the word came from, people! Essentially, Christmas has turned into this commercial holiday. “Merry Christmas” no longer is directly linked to the Christian holiday. So why not wish people a “Merry Christmas”? You may not celebrate Christmas religiously, but you celebrate SOMETHING, right? The Jewish faith celebrates Hanukah, which is a religious holiday, the Christians celebrate the birth of The Christ, African-Americans celebrate Kwanzaa (which is a holiday that was born in 1966). Kwanzaa is the African-American holiday to celebrate their history; they wanted something different from the rest of “dominant society”. I don’t blame them in that way, I’ve always felt the pressures of commercialism. The Kwanzaa term is derived from a phrase meaning, “fruits of the harvest”. Why choose Christmas time for that? Why not Thanksgiving or the Fourth of July? I’m not offended at that, I understand the need to have cultural traditions. I ask the question innocently because I’m curious. I’m not trying to be snide or snarky. Look, if you wish me a Happy Kwanzaa, I’m not offended. I honor the cultural difference. The point is, all of these celebrations happen around one of the most Christian of all celebrations. So don’t be offended when I say “Merry Christmas”. It’s who I am and how I was brought up. I honor your tradition, you honor mine.

I heard the holiday song, “Baby It’s Cold Outside” and instead of staying for “a cigarette more” it was “a little bit more” and in one version, “one drink more”. I’m all for progress but tradition is tradition and I like originals. Not that there’s anything wrong with it, but why do we feel compelled to do it? Because smoking is perceived as negative behavior, we have to change the lyric? What about “drinking”? Is that any better? Doesn’t drinking kill as many, if not more, people? If my memory serves me correctly, “a little bit more” is the most up-to-date version. For those of you keeping track. These traditional songs reflect the times, that’s all. They’re not meant to offend. Modern day musicians are creating new holiday songs every year…that’s how you create new traditions. Please don’t change the songs I grew up with. They’re not yours!

I won’t sit here and bore you with all the historical roots and traditions, but if you’re interested, Wikipedia has a nice write-up on the history and origins of all the Christmas celebrations and traditions.

I know people who are of other faiths and enjoy the Christmas celebration. Christmas, even though rooted in Christian beliefs, has the message of well-wishing, merriment, a time for families to gather and celebrate and a time for us all to honor each other and our existence on this planet. All of the observed holidays at this time of year are about the same things. Christmas is a time that  reminds us that we are all in the same boat; we all want the same things and we all go about manifesting those things in our own ways. One way is not better than the next, it just is. Don’t allow your ego to feel threatened or offended over someone else’s beliefs, you have to live your own life the way YOU see fit. Let’s try to put aside the ego and try to better understand that we are all trying to break even, get ahead, and have happy lives. We become unhappy when we try to live by society or others’ standards. Make yourself happy this holiday season.

I like to say “Merry Christmas”, and when I wish you a “Merry Christmas”, I’m not out to disrespect your culture or offend you. When I say “Merry Christmas”, I’m wishing you all the best life has to offer; good health, peace, love, happiness and prosperity now, at the threshold of the New Year, and always. Spread the love this Christmas season!

The American Shit Show

If you aren’t familiar with this article, give it a read before you get embroiled in my rant:  http://www.politicususa.com/en/foreign-sarah-palin-traitor

 

Palin gets shrill

I will never understand how people see her as effective. If she had ANY intelligence/substance, I would think she would step up and lead productively and effectively to make an impression and really move this country in the right direction. Instead, she has nothing to offer but attacks and unfounded claims (“I know how to stop the oil leak, but the President never called on me”…is that what a true leader would do? Wait around to be called upon or move forward to fix the issue…which says to me that she never had ANY idea how to fix the leak…she just wanted to get shrill about it, which is more like a kid fighting in the schoolyard, than a (former) governor truly demonstrating care and love for country and moving to action). It’s a complete joke and her supporters are the same caliber of people…they hate rather than care and love their country. They call it “patriotism” and this author has it right, by saying the Right has it wrong. It’s not patriotism AT ALL. It’s more like a cult.

Furthermore, I know MANY people who voted for Obama, and now can’t stand him because of his style of leadership. While I’ll admit at times it’s been ineffective, but we now have people who are acting in the same manner as the Right because they just don’t know how to deal with adversity. I know it can be frustrating, but I am one who can appreciate his core values and his tendency to WANT TO WORK TOGETHER. I voted for him BECAUSE of his leadership style. The Republicans just show us how childish and manically jealous they are by acting they way they do toward him. I appreciate that Obama wants to be the kind of President to get things done productively and cares enough to put up with the insanity of the Right to try to bring them together. That’s what he’s doing! WHEN DID THAT BECOME A BAD THING?

Should the Republicans get in, it will be the same shit show all over again, only the Democrats will then be the Republicans and they will constantly block the Republican president. Problems will never…NEVER be solved from the same negative consciousness that created them. We are living the definition of insanity here in America…one vicious, unproductive, irrational cycle after another that we call the election process as we sit by and watch pompous, self-important politicians tell us how to think and what we need.

Sorry this is so long, but I’m mostly silent on the Palin issue and this article just sparked something in me. When is enough truly ENOUGH????

DWTS – Season 10 pre-show contemplation

Hello fellow ballroom fans!  Another DWTS season is upon us this evening where the latest competitors take to the floor and do battle for the championship.

As some of you realize from past blogs, I’m kind of down on selecting those who have some kind of dancing/showmanship experience to participate in the show.  I think this gives them an unfair advantage.  Now I’m beginning to realize that there is this Olympic athlete advantage taking place.  Think!  Kristi Yamaguchi, Apolo Ohno, Sean Johnson…Evan Lysecek!  That’s my theory and I’m stickin’ to it!

I’m making a very early prediction here:  Evan!  Who doesn’t love Evan?  He’s 1) and Olympic athlete and 2) coming fresh off Olympic competition!  His fan base is HUGE.  Then again, so is Pamela Anderson.

If Pamela Anderson can move, then she’s a promising contender.  She’s got the fan base and she’ll attract even more guys to watch…not that the professional dancers aren’t bait enough.

I’m interested to see just how strong the fan bases are of such personalities as Kate Gosselin, Niecy Nash (of fabulous Reno 111 fame!) and our recent bachelor, soon to be groom, Jake P.

I ran down the other competitors a number of weeks ago and with the blink of an eye, it’s finally here.  Who’s YOUR favorite going into Week 1?

Dancing With The Stars – Season 10 Reveal

Hello fellow fans!  Tonight the Season 10 dancers were revealed!!  After enduring three hours of endless bachelor drama, it was finally time for Tom and company to tell us who signed up for the athleticism we all know and love as BALLROOM DANCING!!!  WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!  Let’s get to it!

It was no surprise that Pamela Anderson was on the roster.  That rumor had leaked long ago.  At least the ratings will go up with the number of men who’ll be turning in.  Advantage here is that we all know she can move.

Kate Gosselin finally has the last word in the battle over popularity with her dead-beat husband Jon, when she gets ready to shake it on the dance floor.  Even if she stinks, I love that she trumps all that stupid immaturity that ran rampant when Jon began showing his true colors.

Shannen Doherty comes out of hiding to shake a leg and Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger claims a spot.  My “dance detector” tells me that Nicole has an advantage.  If you’ve read my accounts on past shows, you know I’m not a fan of bringing anyone on the show with some kind of dance experience.

ESPN anchor Erin Andrews comes on board as well as Niecy Nash of “Reno 911″, who is certain to bring some great comic relief to the floor.

I heard that Evan Lysacek would be dancing this season.  It didn’t take long for that cat to be let out of the bag after he won Gold in this year’s Winter Olympics in Vancouver.  Also, Aiden Turner from “All My Children.” Jake Pavelka, our latest bachelor (now engaged to Vienna), Chad Ochocinco, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver, and 80 year old moonwalker Buzz Aldrin round out the list of male contenders.  I wonder what Neil must be thinking.

Immediately, I’m earmarking Nicole, and Evan as technically above the rest and at an advantage over the others.

Who are YOUR favorites this season?

The Massachusetts Special Election – 1/19/01

Teddy must be rolling over in his grave as his spirit bears witness to this election.

It’s not that I object to others’ points of view, it’s that I object to the manner in which they are shared.  The Massachusetts Special Election is being held today.  This state has big shoes to fill:  those of Ted Kennedy.  Yeah, I know.  He drove a car off a bridge and left Mary Jo Kopechne behind.  Truly sad.  But is that a reason to spew hate on all Democrats of this state?  Is that a reason to ignore all the GOOD that Kennedy has done for this state, and for this country?  Yeah yeah, I know.  He didn’t do anything.  I’ve heard it all before.  But you can’t ignore the fact that after all is said and done, Ted Kennedy appealed to the Pope himself to be absolved of his sins as he lay dying from brain cancer.  May this fate never touch you.  This may not mean anything to any of you who are not of a particular faith, and it may mean nothing to you even if you are of a particular faith.  But it means a lot to scores of people.  Ted knew he wasn’t perfect and he knew he made some bad decisions in his life.  I don’t necessarily believe in the sacrament of Confession of the Catholic religion, but what I can’t ignore is what DOES matter.  What DOES matter is that he did appeal for forgiveness.  What must be considered is that he recognized he wasn’t perfect and tried everything in his power to do the right thing for the people of Massachusetts and the people of this country.  He spent the rest of his life fighting for what’s right for us and correcting his wrongs, which is a lot more than I can say for many people I’ve known.  He spent the rest of his life in community service to us.  Ted Kennedy showed us through his actions, that everyone is valuable and deserving of a good life regardless of party.  

Have any of you given any thought to something you might have done and wanted to take it back?  We all make mistakes.  Were any of you actually there on the bridge in Chappaquiddick, witnessing the event as it unfolded?  The answer is simply “no”.  Because if you had, this would be the only reason that any of you would have to make your own narrow judgement about exactly what happened that night.  Some of us are too quick to label Ted a “murderer”; too quick to explain the “true” events of what happened that night.  I have some information for you:  you were NOT there.  You do NOT know what happened, contrary to what your own mind is telling you.  To label Ted Kennedy a “murderer” is far beyond your first amendment right to free speech.  Calling me a Nazi for my choice of candidate is far beyond your first amendment right to free speech.  What the constitution doesn’t outline well enough is that free speech doesn’t give you free rein to hurt others or hurt others’ reputation.  The laws of the universe continually prove that when you hurt others, you hurt yourself.  It may take a while, but it never fails.

The vitriol being spewed by the Republicans in the state of MA (and in this country for that matter) is a sure way to divide this country.  The name calling and hate only serves the one who participates in such behavior and it’s embarrassing for our country.  But maybe you don’t care about that.  Maybe you just like to make others miserable because you are miserable.  Maybe you just like to feel more important than anyone else, but that is still no reason to be hateful.  IS there a valid reason for hate?  Those who hate will give you all kinds of “valid” reasons, but those reasons are only on the surface.  The Republicans claim that the country is going to hell now with Obama in office.  Why?  The reasons they offer are on a spectrum ranging from Obama having little experience to Obama being the anti-christ.  And that covers a lot!  But at the root of this hate is not that Obama has little experience or that he’s Satan’s pawn.  It’s the color of his skin.  Go ahead and live in denial if you are telling me this is not the reason, because the other reasons you give HOLD NO WATER and don’t make any rational sense.  There is always a root cause and the root cause here is race.

But back to the special election in Massachusetts.  I’ve been labeled as ignorant, stupid, moronic, and yes, a Nazi.  How nice!  And you don’t even know me!  It’s ok.  That’s only hurt ego lashing out at me because I have an alternate point of view.  Get over your own ego and life is much more pleasant.  People still think they can bully their way to victory in elections, and maybe they can, but if one of the most controversial elections can result in a presidency, so can this one.

So to the Scott Brown supporters, yes, this is Teddy’s seat.  Because it was Teddy who championed healthcare for all of us, it was Teddy who represented us and made us feel important.  And it is Teddy’s seat we are hoping to fill with someone who holds the same values as we do in Massachusetts, not just a nameless “people’s” seat and if you had any respect for that seat, you would understand this.  If you had any respect for the people of Massachusetts, you would denounce the abhorrent behavior of your supporters.  But you don’t.  And that speaks volumes about who you are and how you operate.

Let’s move forward people.  If you’re in Massachusetts, get out and vote today!

Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. has made innumerable profound statements in his short life of service to others.  I often wonder what this world would be like had those who were afraid of the tremendous power he had, allowed him to live.  He had power like no other.  He was in service to others, which is what we all should aspire to; it is our very essence.  But we’ve forgotten.  Many of us are still asleep.  This is a time to awaken.

Today, we should all take a moment and listen and feel the unity that lies within this video. The text for these inspiring words follows:

I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation.

Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity.

But one hundred years later, the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languished in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land. And so we’ve come here today to dramatize a shameful condition.

In a sense we’ve come to our nation’s capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the “unalienable Rights” of “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note, insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked “insufficient funds.”

But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. And so, we’ve come to cash this check, a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice.

We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of Now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God’s children.

It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment. This sweltering summer of the Negro’s legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, but a beginning. And those who hope that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now be content will have a rude awakening if the nation returns to business as usual. And there will be neither rest nor tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights. The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.

But there is something that I must say to my people, who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice: In the process of gaining our rightful place, we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred. We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again, we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force.

The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. And they have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom.

We cannot walk alone.

And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead.

We cannot turn back.

There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, “When will you be satisfied?” We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality. We can never be satisfied as long as our bodies, heavy with the fatigue of travel, cannot gain lodging in the motels of the highways and the hotels of the cities. We cannot be satisfied as long as the negro’s basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one. We can never be satisfied as long as our children are stripped of their self-hood and robbed of their dignity by signs stating: “For Whites Only.” We cannot be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote. No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until “justice rolls down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream.”¹

I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations. Some of you have come fresh from narrow jail cells. And some of you have come from areas where your quest — quest for freedom left you battered by the storms of persecution and staggered by the winds of police brutality. You have been the veterans of creative suffering. Continue to work with the faith that unearned suffering is redemptive. Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to South Carolina, go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed.

Let us not wallow in the valley of despair, I say to you today, my friends.

And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today!

I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of “interposition” and “nullification” — one day right there in Alabama little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream today!

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight; “and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together.”2

This is our hope, and this is the faith that I go back to the South with.

With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith, we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.

And this will be the day — this will be the day when all of God’s children will be able to sing with new meaning:

My country ’tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing.

Land where my fathers died, land of the Pilgrim’s pride,

From every mountainside, let freedom ring!

And if America is to be a great nation, this must become true.

And so let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire.

Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York.

Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania.

Let freedom ring from the snow-capped Rockies of Colorado.

Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California.

But not only that:

Let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia.

Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee.

Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi.

From every mountainside, let freedom ring.

And when this happens, when we allow freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God’s children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual:

Free at last! Free at last!

Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!

Under the Big Top

(Note:  Thank you to Groovehouse for allowing me to reprint his photos of U2 behind the scenes at the 360 Tour!)  U2′s convictions about live performance began even before the roots of their calling took hold. When teenagers form a band, they are most concerned with such details as learning their craft (U2 knew all of three chords and Adam barely knew how to pedal a bass), getting gigs, and making enough money to score a decent meal. For U2, it started with lighting.  The lighting had to be just right.  They obsessed with the lighting!  The visual aesthetic was nothing short of critical. The most recognizable show from their past, before The Joshua Tree tour, was the stage awakening that was the War Tour.  Red floors, white flags, camouflage draped over stage equipment; they were a band making a statement.  You see, it’s what they’ve always done. Statements about politics, religion, pop culture.  It should be no surprise to any hardcore fan that the shows evolved into what they are today.  The band’s fundamental philosophy was that the show had to be magnetic, keep everyone’s attention, and accessible to everyone.

Since the late 70′s when the boys were cutting their teeth on the local circuit, U2 always sought intimacy with their audience. The band performed at venues such as Dandelion Market in Dublin, Mount Temple, Trinity College, churches, youth clubs, and community centers mainly to provide access to the younger fans who essentially couldn’t get into the licensed pubs because they were simply too young.

U2 was born during a time when punk was on fire and rock bands were redefining the live rock show. In the late 60′s, Pink Floyd paved the way for the epic visual rock show followed by celebrated bands and artists such as Genesis, The Velvet Underground, and David Bowie. Bono’s MacPhisto, Mirror Ball Man and the Boxer characters are reminiscent of Peter Gabriel’s Green Man or David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust or Thin White Duke. While U2 was yet to venture into such elaborate performances, these were some of the influences that tilled the soil that would soon cultivate the seeds of the operation we see today with their most technologically ambitious 360 Tour.

The minimalist stage sets of the Boy, Gloria, and War tours became increasingly difficult as the popularity of the band grew when The Unforgettable Fire was released and the tour had to be planned. The size of the venues were increasing and it became progressively difficult to keep the spectacle low-key. Throughout this period Bono’s stage clothes consisted of a black knit mesh shirt, black and white checkered or black leather pants, and the mod black leather boots you could find anywhere in Europe at that time. Ironically enough, Adam, who has always been known as the most posh of the band even from the moment he answered Larry Mullen Jr.’s ad for a bass player at Mount Temple, often looked like any other kid cruising the streets back then. Except for the striking bush of blonde curls! The Edge and Larry dressed just like any other teenager you could find in Dublin. Today, they are very well put-together.

With War, things started to get more refined. There was also a lot of stage climbing by Bono. While the Unforgettable Fire proved more of a challenge for the stage design they had loved and proven successful, they still managed to create a very specific mood and atmosphere with large backdrops and monochromatic banners hanging above the stage.  With the explosion of The Joshua Tree, U2 was catapulted into superstardom and with that success, it had given them the financial leverage to start exploring new presentations for the stage.

Willie Williams has been a collaborator with the band on all aspects of their show since 1983. He takes direction straight from the band. They have always been in charge. In U2 Show (Diana Scrimgeour), he states that audiences assume that everything is spontaneous and controlled by the band; that it’s easy to change up the show on a whim from one night to another.  Not so.  It’s a very tight operation. The music goes hand in hand with the presentation and while there is some breathing room, there is little of it.

Williams has worked with many of the heavy hitters in rock such as R.E.M., David Bowie, and The Rolling Stones.  He states that “U2 is unique among their peers in respect of their approach to performing.” They are included in the design process from the time the very first thread of an idea is casually raised until the end of the tour.  Just like they’ve always done from the very beginning.

Williams’ job is to bring art to the stage and between tours, he gathers ideas.  He just doesn’t worry about the art of the show but what kind of show it might be.  He knows that fans don’t necessarily want U2 to change, but they also don’t want them to repeat themselves, and that’s a tremendous challenge.  About a year out from the first scheduled date of the tour (which in my opinion is a relatively short time to pull something together as massive as Zoo TV, Pop Mart, or 360!), Williams and the band come together like old school chums and begin churning ideas.  One of the most challenging pieces is figuring what technology is available, or on the cusp of availability by the time the show hits the road.  There’s a rule the design unit follows:  to conform to three concepts until there is that one idea that continues to interest and excite them.  Thus, the production is born.

While the designs are being discussed, ideas are funneled down to the band’s production manager, Dennis Sheehan (with the band since 1982), who is simultaneously covering details such as seeking bids from fabrication companies as soon as the design is settled, making sure the budget is on track with the accountants, and leading discussions with the entire tour team so that they get the idea and feel of the show and get proactive about any potential problems, in order to get in front of the 8-ball a bit.

Production rehearsals get underway and the crew spends two to four weeks constructing the show.  When shows are as complex as Zoo TV/Pop Mart/360, it’s critical to practice the set-up so that the crew can become as efficient as possible and iron out any difficulties or issues with the process.  This saves time.  Time is money.  With the cost of the current tour at $750,000, it’s an important factor.

The production rehearsals are Williams’ opportunity to physically test all his concepts and plans regarding lighting, video effects, atmosphere…the mood and feel of the show.  Remember that throughout this entire process, everyone has input from the band to the entire tour team.  When the team says something might not work, it’s not always met with accord and debate ensues.  Even four weeks out from the launch of the tour, if lighting or stage set isn’t quite right, this is a problem.  There isn’t much time to iron it out, or plead your case.  It’s a very intense period in the process.  This probably explains the rough edges at the start, if you’ve ever seen one of the first few shows of any tour.

Finally, the band arrives at production rehearsals.  Set list at this point is Williams’ primary target.  While they all make agreements on how the show will open, what the middle will look and sound like, and how the show will end, the rest is open for some breathing room.  About one third of the set will be songs from the new album and they go to work making sense out of their history and decide which songs from their catalog can play into the context of the show.  The set list itself is a work of art.

How does it all stay organized?  The hierarchy goes like this:  everyone who works on the tour is responsible to their department head (i.e. management, sound, accounts, lighting, video, back line, wardrobe, catering, drivers).  The department heads are responsible to the production/tour manager (Dennis Sheehan).  Sheehan answers to the band.  Everyone builds their own little piece of the show, the puzzle is put together and the rehearsals ensure it runs like a well-oiled machine.

The fans by now have had a few months to stew on the music and get their frenzy up for the upcoming tour.  Rehearsals are completed, the machine is fired up and the show goes on the road!

Let us know if there is any specific production aspect you are curious about and we’ll see what we can do about bringing you the story!

Paul McGuinness and the Piracy Affair

As Feedback gave way to The Hype, Paul McGuinness was in the right place at the right time; his “baby band” is born.  Never really fancied himself a band manager, but he gave it a whirl.  It was proven to be a match made in heaven; U2 had their lofty goals early on and Paul was a no-nonsense business man in training.  It was only natural that the two forces would come together.  From the beginning, he made all the right moves, including suggesting they all split the songwriting credits and ownership of their music.  His rationale?  If everyone is on an even pay scale, you have a better shot at harmony.  You can’t say Paul McGuinness doesn’t have smarts.

I’ve always admired what Paul McGuinness brought to U2′s table.  He’s got the loyalty and passion of Peter Grant without all the trouble.  He’s also a smart businessman, and you won’t find many who will dispute that.  It’s rare these days, for a band to have a manager so involved in it all, they are all on the same page.  So much so that from the beginning, the four lads agreed that Paul was really “the fifth Beatle”.

I have to admit though, that it is troubling for me to swallow the recent positions that have been taken by Mr. McGuinness.  I’m just surprised that a manager of his caliber isn’t a step ahead on this.  I’m talking first about his position on file sharing, and how ISPs and even government should be involved in creating legislation that will prevent the stealing of music.  For ISPs to cut off any customer lifting a track for free?  It’s going to be hard, since the internet is not regulated.  And is that what we really want?  Regulation of the internet?  But it’s the only “free forum” we really have, isn’t it?  We like to keep it that way, thank you very much.  It’s not so much that I feel it isn’t right to steal music, but I also think that in an age of multiple releases and box sets and live recordings, it’s a wee bit expensive for my budget.  So where’s the happy medium?  And more importantly, how are the artists who are struggling for recognition and their own following going to really make any money at what they do?  It seems that the lesser-known artists depend on the live show.  Many give there music away and get people to the shows.  Maybe it’s that simple.

It feels strange to me, McGuinness’ rant (I call it a rant only because the MIDEM ’08 speech went on forever) about the current state of the music industry, blaming everyone for the troubles it’s been experiencing.  These guys have been blessed with some serious coin.  Sure, they had a bomb with the Pop Mart tour, and they’ve been known to lose money and struggle meeting their lofty goals as far as touring goes, but the coin allowed them to REALLY stretch themselves and try driving down some new avenues.  It was their choice and they could afford take the risk.  U2 is not in any financial crisis.

The fact is, the game has changed, and the way we find and acquire music has certainly changed.  It’s a wonderful journey of discovery.  It would seem to me that U2 has enough clout to really shine here and figure out a new business model.  They are in the ultimate position to really lead the charge and make an even BIGGER impression.

Secondly, this corporate sponsor business.  When I saw the show this past September, I fell in love all over again.  And then Bono ended the night with the list of sponsors he had to thank.  I don’t have a problem with giving thanks for some help, but I miss “thanks for giving us a great life”.  While I did hear that, the nod to Live Nation and Blackberry sounded louder.  He reminded me of a NASCAR driver being interviewed after winning the race.  He sounded uncomfortable with it.  I often wonder if any other fans noticed that.

The industry isn’t in balance, it’s too much business.  When I think of balance I think of Bill Graham.  That guy was great at the business and a BIG FAN of the music.  There’s not enough art represented anymore.  The key is to find out how to push your product out to the people and get somehow compensated for it.  What’s the answer?  We don’t know yet, although it would make sense to make the shows more accessible, more scaled down, and have more live shows on a lower scale, less expensive and draw your crowds.  At this junction, it seems silly to think that file sharing will be stopped.

The times they are a changing.  It’s about what moves the very core of our being.  It’s time that the industry redefines itself because to fight the tides of change on this level, in order to keep a status quo, is futile.  You’ve got to evolve.  And that’s something U2 has proven they can do.

Do you agree or not with Paul McGuinness?

Dancing With The Stars – Season 9 Finals – Tuesday *spoiler*

Nice opening!  It’s great seeing everyone again!  Still looking forward to the Irvin/Rice dance-off.  Little glitch in the live broadcast…I love live TV!

Oh, isn’t Samantha’s gown fabulous??  She’s been lookin’ fine!

WOWEE!!!  Here’s to Whitney putting herself together!!  She looked wonderful and sounded fantastic!  I admire anyone who can be so down in such a dangerous way and come back up the way she has!  Hats off to her!  Way to go girl!

I don’t think I’ve ever been disappointed in a DWTS show.  They’re always so well put together.  This finale show is no exception.

OMG.  ”Who’s That Lady”, the Isley Brothers is such a great tune.  It’s nice to see the competitors who left earlier in the season come back for a little spin on the floor!  Oh lookit, Tom Delay with the Texas Two-Step.  He’s supposed to know this dance, right?

Oh now here we go…Adam Carolla…that bit he did as a coach was priceless!  Although this show is known for its filler and sometimes it does get to be a bit much.  Personally, I like to watch the comedic bits and I do love when they have guest musicians and singers, but sometimes, even for a dancing show there can be TOO MUCH DANCING!  Am I wrong?

Oh wow!  Kelly and Louis really danced well tonight!  See, now why don’t we just have the finalists dance in the finale?  Just for the pure enjoyment of it.  Never mind everyone else!  But I digress.  Kelly gets a HUGE ovation to chants of “KEL-LY, KEL-LY!!!”  It truly is a high-powered moment, you can feel the electricity of it!  She’s got a great back-story that people like and she is the most improved.  She belongs here.

Mya and Dmitry up next.  I really dig Dmitry and wish him well.  Mya has been just amazing!  Oh my and boy are they charging up the atmosphere!  Did you feel that electricity???  WHOA!!  She absolutely belongs in the finals!

I’m not saying Donny doesn’t belong here…(wait, is that a “Donny” chant?), but there was the small controversy that he was taking ballroom dancing lessons before chosen, and he’s got tons of experience in showmanship and dancing to some extent.  The trio competing in the finals are all like comparing apples, to oranges, to bananas.  That’s an aspect of the show I’m not fond about.  Did he do well?  Absolutely.  And he just got first place points with the judges!

Lookit Louie go!  Have I mentioned how much I dig Tom Bergeron.  His lines are priceless!

Michael Irvin just called Jerry Rice, “Jesus in cleats”.  LOL!  And now?  THE DANCE-OFF!  AAWWWW!  My man Jerry lost the ring, man!  AAAAAA!!!  FAKE OUT!  Jerry wins a ring for the “battle of the bodies”!  Nice!  Corny, but so much fun, it made me smile through the whole thing, and that’s why I love this show!  The Monday Night Football theme for the Paso Doble…FUN!

Muppets Animal and those two hecklers make an appearance to intro Karina and Aaron.  Miss Piggy backstage with Jerry Springer, Joanna Krup, Steve Woziniak, and Cloris Leachman.  There is only one Miss Piggy!  This quartet and their pros hit the floor for a short competition.

Alright, the suspense is really starting to kill me.

Oh nice!  Whitney does “I Wanna Dance With Somebody”.  I always liked that song.  Whitney hit a rough spot there for a spell.  Ouch.  More dancing…

Ok…it’s almost time…

THIRD PLACE: Kelly and Louis  DAMN!!!!  Lots of “boo”s in the audience.

SECOND PLACE: Mya and Dmitry

WINNERS: Donny and Kym?  Oh man.  Wow.  Did that just happen?

Dancing With The Stars – Season 9 Finals – Monday

Monday night: Tonight, Kelly and Louis really set the bar high with their powerful and passionate tango!  They score 26.  Kelly looked great, despite the terrible pain in her feet she’s been experiencing.  She’s been getting cortisone shots, so that gets her through just dandy.

WOW!  Mya and Dmitry KICKED MAJOR ASS with their Paso Doble!  Carrie Ann dubbed her the “Queen of the Paso Doble”.  Everyone loved it, so they pull in a juicy and tasty 30.

Well!  We can certainly say that all three couples brought their A-game to the dance floor tonight.  Donny has danced better than he ever has as well!  Much cleaner in his technique.  I think many people were distracted by the thought of Kym Johnson’s costume coming off, but that just proves that guys watch the show too.  Oh wait…they just watch for the hot professionals!  *wink*  Donny settles in the middle with 27.

Ooo!  Megamix challenge!  I love when the producers find new ways to score these dances.  It keeps it fresh!  Not sure I like it though.  It’s hard to watch all three couples at the same time, doing the same thing!

Kelly and Louis do their freestyle and it falls a bit short of their opening tango.  They score 24.  At this point, I think I have to speculate that Mya will be the queen of the dance floor.  Although, stranger things have happened!

WOW!  Another hit from Mya and Dmitry!  They may get my last two votes!  Wow!  She had that pretty flouncy dress that the inner girly-girl in me would love to wear sometime.  *wink*  The judges were a bit let down by this performance, which is shocking to me!  They were expecting so much more.  When you bring it constantly, every week, the expectation is higher.  Still, a nice 27.

Donny nails it and pulls a tasty perfect 30 on his freestyle!  Quite a scores shake-up on the part of the judges…it’s turned into quite a nail-biter!