Back to you Bonzo

(CBS) This fall, Katie Couric, becomes anchor and managing editor of the CBS Evening News with Katie Couric and will also be a 60 Minutes correspondent and the anchor of CBS News primetime specials.

Fluff, simply fluff.

Hey, don’t get me wrong… I believe there is a need to be much more diverse in many arenas in this world.

I believe there are a ton of qualified folks who could anchor the CBS Evening News, and women and minorities are certainly in that mix. But I struggle with Katie being the best newsperson to fill that slot. There is no end to her talent and persona, but an anchor following in the footsteps of the likes of Walter Cronkite?

I guess my concern was elevated to ‘Level Orange’ when CBS announced they were hiring a renowned composer from “Hollowed Wood” to write a new theme song for the Evening news. A theme song, we need a theme song… for the news?

A new set is sure to follow.

I guess none of this should come as a big shock.

Entertainment Tonight has more coverage on John Mark Karr than CNN.

Somewhere we got lulled into the belief that our news should be some form of entertainment. It somehow takes away from the ‘sting of war’ if we toss in a few snappy tunes and good-looking news folks?

Perhaps, in the future, we can look forward to the return of Geraldo as a legitimate news guy, and then maybe we can get to the true story of who stole AL Capone’s goodies out of the safe.

I fully expect to have ABC announce they will be combining their Evening news with “Dancing with the Stars"

Sorry, I’m still stuck in the belief that MTV should actually show music videos.

French Toast Anyone?

France sending 2,000 troops to Lebanon

Mostly armed with begets and a nice bottle of red wine, the French hope to be able to sneer their way to peace in the middle east. It is also thought that there will be a great deal of deep conversations, in the 2 remaining cafes of Beirut, in regards to the overall exploitation of the peasant class. The French have also requested the Jerry Lewis be the only American allowed to spend time with them, unless Johnny Dep is available.

Aside from France and Italy, other nations considering contributions include Spain, Finland, Denmark, Germany, Greece, and Belgium. Turkey, Morocco, Nepal, New Zealand and China also are considering participating in the U.N. mission.

Ok now there is a stellar group of countries known for their military might. I would agree however that the Germans are somewhat familiar with forming an army and the Chinese could send a few million troops, but Nepal?
I wonder if the Fins will be bringing skis?

Many European countries also have expressed qualms over committing troops without strong guidelines on when its soldiers would have the right to shoot and also defend themselves.

Oh sure, now you want rules?


I think it is time to let this become the standard way of doing things. I am so in favor of becoming a neutral power, let’s be the really big Switzerland. We could simply nod and be really critical of those countries that send troops to foreign shores. We could make really cool watches and maybe become a great place for casinos to hide their money. We could just tell everyone we are Canadians and then the world would think us a nice place to visit but not a real threat to anyone.
Hell we could become the call center for companies all over the world, so instead of calling 1-800-india…. well you get the idea.

Just Stop It

Perfectly Good Guitar John Hiatt

Well he threw one down from the top of the stairs
Beautiful women were standing everywhere
They all got wet when he smashed that thing
But off in the dark you could hear somebody sing

CHORUS:
Oh it breaks my heart to see those stars
Smashing a perfectly good guitar
I don't know who they think they are
Smashing a perfectly good guitar

It started back in 1963
His momma wouldn't buy him
That new red harmony
He settled for a sunburst with a crack
But he's still trying to break his momma's back


He loved that guitar just like a girlfriend
But ever good thing comes to an end
Now he just sits in his room all day
Whistling every note he used to play
There out to be a law with no bail
Smash a guitar and you go to jail
With no chance for early parole
You don't get out till you get some soul

Late at night the end of the road
He wished he still had the old guitar to hold
He'd rock it like a baby in his arms
Never let it come to any harm


So, last night I was watching “Rock Star Super Nova”. Not a bad bit off fodder to pass the time, while stressing about going to the dentist the next morning. After flying on an airplane, the dentist is my least favorite sporting event. The entire concept of having that many people groping around the inside of your mouth without dinner and drinks first is just wrong.

My idea of “hell” is having a tooth worked on, while in “coach,” seated next to a 350 pound Sales guy.

Anyway, so I am watching this odd little show, where the entire premise is singers attempting to be the new lead singer for Supernova, a band started by Tommy Lee of Motley Crew and Pamela Anderson “Home Movie” fame. Also featured is Gilbey Clarke, formerly of Gun’s N Roses, Jason Newsted, former bass player for Metallica (and apparent deep thinker of the bunch.) Also co-hosting is Dave Navarro, who is an annoying little dude on any level.

During last night’s events, competition, three-ring cluster, the topic of smashing guitars came up. I think The Who were the first to actually take this on as an odd little way of protesting something. I think it was slamming the establishment, by destroying the material things. You had to live through the 60’s, I think, to even begin to grasp the concept. Later, Jimi Hendrix took it to a new level by setting his “Strat” on fire.

I often thought there were probably starving guitar players in China who would have happily taken those instruments and treated them well.

Both Tommy Lee and Dave “I’m much cooler then you” Navarro voiced disappointment that no one had taken their performance to a new level by destroying something. As if on cue, the next “performer” took his Gibson - Les Paul and threw it across the stage.

Nice!

Ok, I’m not the most conservative guy in the world. And, some would even say I am not much on tradition and ‘sacred cows’; but, there is a line.

What possibly does it prove when you need to destroy something as beautiful as the aforementioned ‘Les Paul’?

I just don’t understand the need to destroy things and try to pawn it off as entertaining.
Of course, I’ve been wrong before.