Report

Even my son was heavily-entertained.

Entering the Dick Clark's American Bandstand Theater/Grill/"'57 Heaven" museum there is a clear section of flooring that lets you see a couple of '57s on display in the museum on the floor below. I allow as how $18 is a mite expensive to look at old rides. After walking the gift shop, we head to our seats. I guess there are average 25 seats/row and 25-30 rows. So 600-700 in the crowd. We're ninth row, close to center, easy for my old eyes. Large video screens flanking the stage are showing clips and stills from AB broadcasts over the years interspersed with the same for the Righteous Bros and Paul Revere and the Raiders on AB.

Show starts on time - bonus points! Paul Revere is 70 honkin' years old and uses that as a basis for a lot of his schtick. Two of his band members have been with him for 35 years, one for 24, and the newest "baby Raider" (at 4 years with the band) is Bill Medley's son, Darren. The kid's got a set of pipes on him. Lots of PRATR old tunes and fast patter. Mein son was cracked up by the monkey with cymbals having his hat blown off by a starter's gun by PR. Overall, good time rock-n-roll.

After a 15 minute intermission with RB clips and stills prominent on the video screens, Mr Medley made his appearance. At 68, he used AARP and his grandchildren as the centerpieces of his schtick. All of the RB hits followed, with his daughter McKenna doing the duet "The Time of My Life" with him. The Raiders changed clothes and added a harmonica player before backing Bill. He did a couple tunes with his son including some new stuff. His voice hasn't the industrial strength richness that it had 20 years ago when I last saw him, but 50% of Bill is as strong as 100% of most anybody else. Before "Unchained Melody" he asked the vets in the audience to stand and I was bloody well surprised to see a good 35-40% of the audience stand. Branson loves its veterans.

The show lasted 2 1/2 hours. Afterwards, there were the usual sales of cds and dvds, with all of the performers more than willing to sign anything. Still photos were encouraged even during the performance, and afterwards they were good for posed photos. With a list price of $45, and our tickets @$20 due to a willingness to sit through a 3 hour vacation presentation, I'd rate the show at a B+. If you have the chance at Lake Tahoe, Vegas, or Branson - grab the opportunity. Usual disclaimers - I have no pecuniary interest, received no recompense, and no old farts were harmed during this show. More later...

Not Enough Publicity/More Branson

Show of hands of everyone who is cheesed off at the DNC for the fuel tax caper? I know I'm late to the party but the arrogance of the DNC using untaxed fuel from the city of Denver to prepare for a purely partisan convention bespeaks an arrogance that is truly Kerry-esque in disregard of the legalities. However, non-electronic coverage of the most ethical Congress evah appears to be sadly-lacking-to-non-existent. Oh wait, there it is - next to the McVain op-ed in the New York fishwrap...

Boy howdy, did Denny drop some blame right on the elitist azzoles that deserve it. I do believe it was Charlton Heston that said "Political correctness is tyranny with manners". He hadn't seen the insanity that is now seeping out of the lib-rul commune.

Branson has been interesting so far. Yesterday started with a frog-strangler and ended in the pool. In between was a tour of the local veterans' museum. I was a little disappointed in how many of the display weapons appeared to be cast replicas without noting the fact. Pictures to follow soon. But not real soon.

Took the L&T and my sister to the Stone Hill winery for a tour after lunch. After dinner we're all going to see Bill Medley and Paul Revere and the Raiders. Should be a fun show. Report on that tomorrow...

This just in.... The MSM is still fellating Hopey McChange as he parlays the 143 days into world domination. I'm starting to get the feeling they are in for a major disappointment in November. BDS will become MDS. One can only hope McVain develops and nurses grudges...

(BTW Greybeard, you were absolutely right about the traffic. At least on the main drag it is at a Chicago-level of suckitude....)

Missouri on Way Too Much Money a Day

The vacation is rolling along. Took 3 days to drive down here from Cleveland - took my time getting here. The L&T, son and I met Greybeard for breakfast this morning. First time I'd met the gentleman and (despite having been an officer) he is as genuinely interesting and funny in person as he is on his blog. If you haven't read his bloggy goodness, hie yourself hence and read his take on life. It will be time well spent. And I'm not saying that just because I tend to agree with him. You can read on after you return.

We rolled into Branson about 1700 today. My sister from Sacramento and her husband showed up about 5 minutes after we did. Weather so far has been slightly rainy but hell, I'm not at work so I'm happy anyway. This is a time share with a full kitchen so our first order of business was to start stocking the pantry with a trip to Wally World. We'd brought a cooked turkey breast from home so that was our first dinner. Tomorrow - who knows?

We've only made two decisions so far WRT what we'll do. There is a veterans' museum here in Branson so that'll be a stop for the males while the distaff side hits a quilt shop and does a little shopping. The other decision was to go see Bill Medley and Paul Revere and the Raiders in concert. The L&T and I saw Bill Medley in Lake Tahoe years ago and thoroughly enjoyed his act. So we're going to see him again and see if he's still got those marvelous pipes. Keep ya posted as I play in Branson...

Wish I'd Said That

Check out this take on the energy problem by Catfish. Boy makes a number of powerful points....
Headed out on a vacation to Branson on Sunday and hopefully break bread with Greybeard. Probably no web access for almost 2 weeks, but my 2 readers are patient devils.

Think well of our favorite South African as he goes under the knife...

Sunday Schtuff Without the Sun

I've been waiting to hit the streets on the Kaw since I did that hospital tour earlier this year. My surgical appurtenances were pulled and all I had to do was wait for the lovely weather this weekend.
Yeah, right. Been raining all weekend and haven't even gotten a sniff of the road. Sucks to be me right now, but I'll be fine. But enough personal whining....

All this noise about what Jesse wants to do to BHO. Doesn't he realize he'd have to get into Michelle's safe deposit box to access those parts? And is it just me, or are the lib-ruls unable to run a candidate whose wedding tackle isn't in the safekeeping of the spouse? (Shrillary, please call your office. Bill's keeper says he's loose again...)

BTW - according to CBSNBCABCMSNBC and CNN, we're all gonna die due to glowbull warmenenening. FOX isn't sure. But all of 'em are sure none of us will be injured or killed by crazed moon-god worshippers, because they'll all respect us in the morning if we give them what they demand tonight. Just leave the money on the dresser... Fat chance, camel-boys-and-shrouded-girls. Maybe we can talk after you leave the 7th century behind. But I doubt you collectively have got the guts to face reality without your pedophilic moon guide's instructions in how to be miserable on just three beheadings a day. Good luck in the next century.... Speaking of beheadings, did you notice that once the Islamofascists' Western media consultants convinced them that the beheadings on the'net were counterproductive (because they were pissing us off instead of making us fear) all of a sudden *poof*PFM* there were no more? Just curious.

UPDATE: I got out on bike because day has dried up beautifully. Hallelujah!

Fryday

So named for the B in the BLTs we had for dinner. Since I last posted, the L&T and I have celebrated our 37th wedding anniversary (have I mentioned we were married 4 days after I DEROSed?). (Or that our first date was 21Sep70 at Municipal Stadium - the first Monday Night Football game...) So the Boss Lady and I have been hangin'. More later...

And One More Thing - again

Reality has seemed to silence the MSM WRT Iraq. Be afraid. Be very afraid...

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes

Well, it looks like the rules have changed at Lake Tomahawk. Livey has taken her blog private, so I'll have to replace her on the 'roll. Stay tuned...

232 Years and Still Rolling

I'd like to hope that everyone celebrates Independence Day properly, with due gratitude to those who provided our freedom and then defended it. As long as we have men and women willing and able to defend this country and political leaders who have the will to make it so, we will still be the shining city on the hill.

Thank a veteran today.

Booyah!!1!

Went to the surgeon today. He took out my remaining surgical staples and pulled the two drains. I now have two holes in my sides but I feel much better. I had also promised the L&T I wouldn't ride my bike until I was devoid of surgical detritus. Now I am. Is this a great country or what?

Please, I'm not kidding about the Tribe needing an anchor...