Hanover Place Daycare Fundraiser

http://www.bafny.com

Please go here and buy some product. It would really help Sadie's school.

Must have been the liberal police...

A little more information on that ACORN story...

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_ACORN_HIDDEN_CAMERA?SITE=FLSTU&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

Why American Idol is an Imperfect Judge (but can be right as well)

So, not the most interesting topic, I know. But, I was thinking about this the other day. There are at least 10 top selling artists of both genders that I know would never make it to L.A. on American Idol. And, the fact that these artists have sold millions of albums along with critical acclaim should be enough to put the nail in the coffin. But, there are also interesting and talented singers who could win American Idol. So, who knows, maybe this whole exercise is futile. But, it sure is fun.

So, please do enjoy...

Top 5 Male Artists Who Would Never Win American Idol
1. Bob Dylan
2. James Brown
3. Tom Petty
4. Freddie Mercury
5. David Bowie

Top 5 Male Artists Who Could Totally Win American Idol
1. Donny Hathaway
2. Adam Levine (Maroon 5)
3. Luther Vandross
4. James Taylor
5. George Michael

Top 5 Female Artists Who Would Never Win American Idol
1. Janis Joplin
2. Aretha Franklin (a little pitchy dawg...)
3. Emmylou Harris
4. Macy Gray
5. Ronnie Spector

Top 5 Female Artists Who Could Totally Win American Idol
1. Bette Midler
2. Mama Cass Elliot
3. Mary J. Blige
4. Whitney Houston
5. Linda Ronstadt

Anymore YOU would add to the list?

My Top 5 Favorite Movie Genres

Anyone who knows me, knows I love movies. To me, film is the most integrated are form. The use of a score, popular music, lighting, editing, acting, writing, locations, and the use of close-up, split screen, and other cinematic trickery make film an immersive experience. A good film can transport you to wherever it is. No matter if that place is real or not.

With that said, I think I have 5 genres that pretty much always get me and capture my attention. Most people, when they see one of these movies advertised, will call it an "Amy Patrick Special". But, I think each of these genres usually yields interesting fruit.

Please read and add your own genres and some recommendations. I'm always looking for something interesting to watch.

Top 5 Genres:
The Roman a Clef- Nashville, Velvet Goldmine, Sunset Boulevard, Mommy Dearest, Boogie Nights, The Player, Almost Famous

The Con Game/Heist Movie- Oceans 11, 12, and 13, The Brothers Bloom, Heist, Hard 8, The Color of Money, The Spanish Prisoner, The Grifters

The Whimsical/Twee Comedy- Harold and Maude, Rushmore, Amelie, Punch Drunk Love, Putney Swope

Man Vs. Nature (or himself)- Aguirre Wrath of God, Grizzly Man, The New World, Apocalypto, Into the Wild, Predator I and II

The Gritty Sci-Fi- Solaris, Alien series, 2001: A Space Odessey, A Boy and his Dog, Sunshine

Telling my Daughter About Michael Jackson

Freak. Genius. Molester. Artist. King of Pop. All of these descriptions and more hang on Michael Jackson. He was a human being with MANY problems and amazing talent. He became a plastic surgery nightmare and living freak show. He was broke, frail,a nd troubled in his last days. But, in the end, none of this is what I have to tell my daughter. And for that, I am happy that Michael Jackson died before she was a teenager.

I know that sounds harsh, but hear me out. When I was growing up and old enough to appreciate the music, Elvis had already been dead for a while. Because of that, I could listen to the music with no taint. I didn't have the image many did of a fat, drugged out man shooting TV's and dying on the toilet. I only heard his music. I had the same experiences with Billie Holiday, Charlie Parker, Chet Baker, Janis Joplin, Mama Cass, Jimi Hendrix, Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, and many more I'm sure I'm forgetting. When I was young I got to hear these artists just for their music. Only later as I became a budding music snob and read biographies and articles did I find out the more sordid details of their lives. By that time, it didn't matter. I already loved their music and their "history" became something to know, but not judge.

And now, because of his death, I can do the same thing to Michael Jackson. I can play Sadie his music and can talk about what matters.
*He was one of the first artists to use "white" artists to help his music crossover (Eddie Van Halen on "Billie Jean", Paul McCartney).
*His production changed with the times and always used the most advanced technology for a complete sonic experience.
*He wrote or co-wrote many of his songs and worked on the musicality.
*As a member of The Jackson 5 he was part of a band that was the template for most boy bands from the 1980's until today.
*He sold millions of albums crossing all demographics.
*His dancing was praised by people like Bob Fosse and Gene Kelly.
*He made music videos a viable commodity and was the 1st black artist on MTV.

The man made great music. I get to let my daughter hear that music. She can do the research on the "real" Michael Jackson when she gets older.