Bad blogger, bad blogger

It has been a while since I've written in this blog, but not because I've given up writing; quite the contrary. I have been writing more of late.

In fact, I recently became re-employed. I was laid off in March from a small weekly, Illinois newspaper where I have worked since 1999. Even after my husband and I moved to Arkansas, I contributed stories of local interest to that paper. That always cracks me up. But except for face-to-face interviews and physically covering meetings, most of what I do can be done over the phone or via email, virtually from anywhere.

Last fall, another reporter, was also let go for cost-savings. She decided to start her own newspaper. Though she and I have never met, she had heard good things about my work. She sent me an email to ask if I'd consider writing for her. I agreed.

It took a while to get up to speed on what was happening in neighborhoods 600 miles away from where I live, but with long friendships and acquaintances, it wasn't too difficult.

Some of my latest projects have had to do with the state's effort to build a new airport. It is a project that to me never really made sense. But, Illinois politicans remain determined to dust off a 1968 idea, spend money on new marketing strategies, and keep the thing alive. Most of their promises continue to amount to nothing more than politcian-speak. I doubt they will ever succeed.

I've followed their progress, or lack of it, since 1985, back when I was a simple housewife and stay-at-hom mom who heard about what I thought was an outlandish scheme to build an airport larger than O'Hare International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world in the farm fields some 40 miles south of Chicago. It was easy to be 'no airport.'

I was born in Chicago and grew up a few miles from O'Hare.

Those are very different places than the small farm town surrounded by country where I lived. Yet it was just a few miles from the project's proposed location. An airport just didn't fit. I was inspired to fight the thing, so I hung up my apron and grabbed a pencil and writing pad. I never thought the battle would last most of my adult life.

The people didn't want it. The local governments didn't want it. The airlines didn't want it. Only the politicans, real estate agents, construction workers, and land speculators wanted it. And they had all the political clout. The good folks that would be displaced had none.

That pen and paper came in handy because just a few months later, the fates led me to the newsroom of a daily newspaper who hired me to write about this and many other things. And now, as of last November, that is what I continue to do.

Some of the stories I've written about this project and others can be viewed on my blog at CHBlog. Most of them are published.

It is pretty late for New Years' resolutions, but I think I will make one anyway. I'm going to try to be more diligent at writing in my blog.

Moved to tears

Just about every Sunday morning, I can pretty much guarantee that I will be moved to tears. This morning was no different. On my favorite television program, CBS Sunday Morning, I so enjoyed the story of Johnny Mercer. How fitting to honor this man by erecting a bronze likeness of him in his home town of Savannah, GA in 2009 which would have been his 100th birthday.

Who wouldn't be moved to tears by the kind of music this man created or the lyrics that inspired generations? So many wonderful performers sang, danced, or acted to the music he made famous. His music was classic, timeless, unforgettable. Johnny Mercer gave us decades of songs to lift our spirits and ponder our deepest emotions.

I didn't know Mercer was the founder of Capitol Records. I did know he was the co-author of "Moon River" by my beloved Andy Williams. But I learned that he also wrote another of my favorite Andy Williams songs, "Days of Wine and Roses." I didn't know this and many other heartfelt tunes were inspired by Mercer's love for Judy Garland. Ah, the glory days that were the 50's, 60's, and 70's. So much wonderful music; I'm glad I was here to enjoy it all.

I can't quite get excited about today's music. Much of it just doesn't fit the category, at least for me. I can't imagine that it will endure like the classics of days gone by?

I just can't imagine being moved to tears by stories of music by Amy Winehouse or Eminem.

So thank you CBS Sunday Morning. You offer a great way to start the day.

Disappointed in Oprah

I have been an Oprah Winfrey fan since her early days with Kennedy and Company. I have cried with her, laughed with her, and enjoyed her rise to popularity.

There is no way to take away what Oprah has given to us through her caring and sharing. She has taken her audience to places never gone before. Oprah gave us new memories, new ideas, and helped bridge the gap to understanding of so many issues. She helped heal so many and shared stories that have made us all better people.

But since Oprah made the announcement that she will call it quits after 25 years in our living room, I have to say it is with sadness that I say I will miss her.

But, I think this is probably a good decision; it is one I respect her all the more for making.

That said, I admit I was disappointed yesterday after watching Oprah's Holiday 2009 show that showcased some unlikely pairings in Holiday musical duets.

It wasn't the music that disappointed me. It was Oprah's behavior.

Oprah is obviously very comfortable these days; perhaps too much so. She used to behave as a journalist in the way she interviewed, probed, and interacted with her guests. I had great respect for her ability to deal with even issues very personal to her with an edge of integrity, decorum, and respect.

The edge gave way yesterday. What I saw was a woman who behaved as a screaming fan of her BFFs, Mary J. Blige, Alicia Keys, and Jennifer Hudson. She engaged her girlfriends at the expense of those with whom they shared the stage.

Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush of Sugarland had just shared a song with Hudson, yet Oprah gushed over Hudson, her newborn son, and seemingly ignored her other guests.

The camera time on Tim McGraw and Alicia Keys was clearly in Keys' favor.

But worse yet was Oprah's behavior at the conclusion of her self-proclaimed favorite song, Andrea Bocelli and Mary J. Blige's rendition of What Child Is This.

I don't know whether Oprah does this often, but it made it to the camera yesterday. As her eyes filled with tears, she screamed like a 60's Beatles fan, proclaiming this was now her favorite song, even before the song was over. Her voice was heard over that of the performers. She was clearly moved, and that's OK, but would the up-and-coming Oprah ever have made such a faux-pas? I doubt it.

Then at the end of the number, Oprah ran across the stage, right in front of Bocelli to grab a hug from her girlfriend. Bocelli may be blind, but he was obviously aware that Oprah walked, and for a time, stood in front of him, fawning over Blige. Right before a commercial break, he could be seen shyly moseying out from behind her, making his way next to her. At that point, she put her arms around both.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOdy-9P0khc

The Lure of Black Friday

I have never been a fan of shopping, traffic, or waiting in lines. My opinion of this fairly newfound tradition known as Black Friday is pretty evident. Even the term is a turn off for me. It sounds so negative. If I have to go shopping, I am generally armed with a perfectly-detailed list, or at the very least, a strict idea of just what I want.

I admit that I'm not a monk, or whatever the shopping equivalent is for browsing and buying abstinence. There are times that even I am tempted by promises of big savings and huge sales. So when I learned that Staples was offering deals, I was intrigued.

It just so happened that they had what I really wanted—a 21" flat screen monitor for $89. Holy cow that is almost the size of my television set. I really wanted it. Then, I learned that they also had an illuminated keyboard. And it was on sale for only $29.00. How cool was that? I'd never heard of such decadence.

The only catch was that the sale was between 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on the dreaded Black Friday.

What a hideous way to spend the morning after a rousing good time with family members. But, I couldn't help myself. I wanted this monitor. I had been using an adequate but very outdated 17" monitor since 1999. The thing was huge and heavy. It was repaired once already and who knows how long it would last, even thought it was, at the present time, working flawlessly.

But for how long?

Then I thought about the keyboard. My keyboard was not very old, but I've never liked it. It was a wireless keyboard and mouse combination. It too was adequate, but there were times that it skipped a letter or space now and then. That could be pretty embarrassing if in a news story, one of those got by me. Truthfully, I wanted a wired keyboard. They were much more reliable for professional writing. On my old keyboard, the letters had worn off the keys—I have done that to countless keyboards. So when I heard about an illuminated keyboard, I was so excited. So, I made plans to jump in and do my shopping thing.

My husband and I got up at 6 a.m., had only one cup of coffee before unplugging the pot, got dressed, let the dog out quickly, fed the cats, and were on our way. He noticed that there was no Staples ad in the paper. We didn't expect anyone to be there at 7 a.m. We learned about the sale when we had gone in the store a week earlier to buy an ink cartridge for my printer. While I was admiring the flat screen monitors, the store salesman asked me if I wanted one. He then told me they would be on sale on Black Friday.

The parking lot was completely full. Flyer or not, they knew. But, it wasn't unbearable. Store clerks were very helpful. We found what we wanted and were on our way home within 45 minutes. We plugged the coffee pot back in and by the time it was hot, John already had my monitor and keyboard up and running.

Black Friday, and I really hate that name, was good to me. As often as I stare at a monitor a computer screen and tickle the keys on the keyboard, this was a worthwhile, if not a healthy purchase. This new screen is huge. It is easy to arrange all the 'stuff' I have on my desktop. While I don't need to see the keys when I type, there is a benefit to seeing the function keys of which I'm unfamiliar. I thought it was rather silly to have a lighted keyboard, but as I sat here, what began as a bright, sunny day slowly slipped into night without my even noticing. Admittedly that happens often. So, I see the benefit of a lighted keyboard. And, I like it.

Weighing in on Adam Lambert

I just can't help myself. I have to weigh in on the Adam Lambert performance at the American Music Awards Sunday night.

I was an Adam Lambert fan during the entire season of American Idol—despite runner-up adoration for Kris Allen, who is from my home state. I thought Lambert knocked the socks off Idol viewers everywhere. I was not impressed by his over-the-top performance at the AMA show either, but,...

Complaints, c'mon

That said, there is no way I find it difficult to believe that 1,500 people actually complained to the network about it. It is hard to believe so many people actually picked up the phone or sent an email to ABC to lodge a complaint. What is wrong with turning the channel?

Lambert's performance was no worse than the other freaks who performed, dangling jewelry over their crotch, grabbing at themselves or others, or dressing in ridiculous costumes meant to make them look naked or to accentuate erogenous parts.

Whatever happened to freedom of expression? Isn't music supposed to be art? Or are these the same kind of people who would cover up a naked statue or dress a nude painting? What's worse than the complaints are that anyone would listen.

I don't particularly like the kind of music I saw Sunday, but these performers are free to express themselves. It is the world we live in. If you dislike it, do as I will do, don't buy the music.

What is with Good Morning America?

What appalls me the most is the fact that Good Morning America canceled an appearance by Lambert scheduled for Wednesday morning. What is up with that?

Adam Lambert has amazing vocal ability. He could probably do a great rendition of Amazing Grace just as easily as any other music. Was GMA afraid his intention was to come on TV to rub legs with Chris Cuomo or go for an open-mouthed kiss with Sam Champion? C'mon on! The GMA venue is totally different than the AMA.

I think GMA made a big mistake canceling Lambert. I've noticed a downward slide for GMA as a news show—one that is more interested in entertainment than news. And, can we talk about how they have taken to pushing the Christian envelope? To me, that is just as inappropriate as Lambert sticking his tongue down some guy's throat.

My opinion

For what it is worth, Adam Lambert did himself a disservice. He is way too good—too talented to allow a performance to isolate any fans. His flamboyant behavior and appearance is probably a fleeting statement, an experiment to locate the boundaries. At least that is my hope. And, let's give the guy a break. He's young and he just found fame. He should be allowed a little leeway—a little time to experiment with what works for him. It is my hope that he will tone down the act in order to settle into a long-term career as he makes music that will serve him well.

We all know he is gay—so what. There is no more need to flaunt it. The shock value is done. I suspect Adam Lambert's shock value performances will be toned-down as well. Once he gets this out of his system, he can make his living off his extreme talent, performing music that has a wide range of interest. Personally, I can't wait.

Fulfilling the dream of a lifetime

As a journalist, I could probably have acquired a free copy of the memoir, "Moon River and Me," written by famous crooner, Andy Williams, with the promise to write a book review. I didn't do that.

But this was no news story. This was intensely personal as I set out to meet the man I've admired for nearly a lifetime. This was to be the fulfillment of a dream.

Since Andy Williams built his own theater in Branson, MO, many people from all over the country have flocked there to hear that smooth, rich voice that caused President Ronald Reagan to call Andy Williams a national treasure. I didn't do that either.

What I did do though, was so much better, at least in my opinion. I got to meet Andy Williams at a scheduled book-signing when I bought a copy of his memoir at a Sam's Club in Springfield, MO. I got to meet him and tell him that I was probably his biggest fan. His response was predictable.

"Oh you are?" he said.

How many thousands of times has he heard that?

As my husband and I traveled nearly three hours to Springfield, I wondered just what I would say to this man whose face was as familiar to me as my own late father. Perhaps my almost lifelong attraction to Andy Williams had something to do with his resemblance to my dad. They had the same, smiling blue eyes, similar build, coloring, demeanor and sense of humor.

Sadly, I realized that there was nothing I could say to him that would convey the depth of affection I have felt for him or what his music has meant to me for more than forty years. How could I express that his music has brought me comfort or joy during sad or painful parts of my life? What words are there to explain that his music was always the exclamation point that sanctioned important events I've known?

I recall bringing my first child home from the hospital. No moment can be better than all the promise that comes with welcoming a new baby into the family. But as I rocked my new daughter to sleep thirty years ago, Andy and I sang her songs, like "Dear Heart," "Sweet Memories," and "Born Free." It sweetened an already beautiful moment.

Then, when my son was born two years later, the singing continued. Listening to the words that I used to think were limited to the love between a man and a woman--songs about hope, promise, and everlasting love--also applied to the love between a mother and child.

If I was feeling sad, Andy's music comforted me.

He always sang to our family at Christmas.

I am grateful that at a young age I learned to appreciate good music, the kind he sang. I believe it is classic and timeless.

I'm often told I can't sing, but that has never stopped me. I always sing with Andy, whose music has always moved me to tears.

Whether just cleaning house, washing dishes, cooking, or any other activity, it all went better with Andy.

I admit—I have been enamored with Andy Williams since I was 14 years old. I treasured the albums I collected. My albums are not "collectibles," but they are certainly vintage. They have a kind of patina from being so well-worn. I have about a dozen of them. Their obsolescence never bothered me, for I also have Andy Williams' music on 8-tracks, cassettes, CD's and even a couple MP3's.

The first gift I ever received from a boy, way back during those innocent, puppy love days, was Andy Williams' Warm and Willing album. What a beautiful gift. This album was the first one I ever had in stereo. It was actually a duplicate, though mine was monaural—pre-stereo vinyl.

I've seen only four concerts in my life—two of them were Andy's concerts at Arie Crown Theater in Chicago. The first time I went with friends. It was spectacular as he sang with a full orchestra. The second time, my husband, John took me to see Andy. French pianist Michel Legrand shared the stage with him. Both were spectacular events.

I always said taking me to see Andy Williams was the reason I married my husband.

John and I now live in the Ozarks. So does Andy. There was a standing joke at our house when we still lived in Beecher. John told me that when we moved here we would be Andy's neighbors.

"We will probably run into him at the grocery store," he often quipped.

As we wheeled our grocery cart toward the fresh produce, I looked back to where Andy sat, signing autographs, a stack of books beside him and his Christmas CD playing in the background. He looked totally comfortable, but then, he too has made the Ozarks his home. He sat among people who really loved him—his neighbors. I couldn't help but smile, knowing that Andy Williams really was my neighbor and we met him in the grocery store.

Free software

I remember when the internet was a new and exciting place--filled with new ideas and new software to try. Developers wanted feedback on their products, so they offered them for free in an effort to get customers to try it.

That hasn't been the case for some time now, except that every now and then, there is a free product that is worth having. Such is the case with Glary Utilities. I know because I just used it on my tired Windows XP system.

Glary Utilities cleaned my cluttered registry, which is something I refuse to touch. It emptied my bloated cache, freeing my sluggish system from way too much junk. And, it streamlined my startup. It will even get rid of those remnants of old programs that add to a clogged computer.

I was getting to the point where I had to wait to access "my computer." Closing a file would take forever. The only other way to help was to reboot the system.

I am happy to say that things are moving right along now, thanks to Glary Utilities. This really is a great program and it will cost nothing to give it a try. You can buy the pro version for $39.95 or download a free version. I've used the free version and I've been happy with it. Download it today at: http://www.glaryutilities.com/

Give it a try. You won't be sorry.