Meatloaf, Two Out of Three Ain't Bad

AI Steak Sauce

I was writing my novel most of the day and I had the Food Network on TV. Several times I would hear Meatloaf. Not the food, but Meatloaf the singer, actor. He is doing a commercial for AI Steak Sauce. Every time I heard him sing on the commercial I was reminded of a song he sang that I really liked.

The song, “Two Out Of Three Ain’t Bad,” was written by Jim Steinman, who also wrote Meatloaf’s “Bat Out of Hell,” and “I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)," among others.




Brace yourself for this one! This is with Patty Russo. They are amazing on this one.
“Couldn’t Have Said It Better Myself.” Written by James Michael and Nikki Sixx.

Meatloaf really entertains, puts his all into his songs!

~Linda

Last Chance Harvey, Dustin Hoffman

I watched the movie, Last Chance Harvey few days ago and I loved it. Dustin Hoffman happens to be one of my very favorite actors. I find him so attractive, sexy, and he has always had a special charisma. And he still has all that at 71 years of age. He’s so talented and his movies and numerous acting awards over the years have shown us that. The Graduate is at the top of my list of favorite movies. His humor always makes me smile and laugh. And that is what I did throughout this movie. I really enjoyed the interaction between Dustin and Emma Thompson. It is a good screenplay written by Joel Hopkins. It was perfect.

I felt so good after it was over, and even now thinking about some of the scenes in it makes me smile. Heck, I’m just a romantic. Give me a good love story with great actors and I’m happy.

The movie was really about going on with your life, finding joy, taking risks. Something I suppose we all need to do—lighten up, laugh a lot, and have fun.

Do you have a favorite Dustin Hoffman movie?

~Linda

Essence of Dalai Lama's Beliefs

"We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves."

~ Dalai Lama

"Dalai Lama Renaissance" is a documentary film featuring the Dalai Lama, narrated by actor Harrison Ford.

The film features well-known Western innovative thinkers interacting with the Dalai Lama, including Quantum Physicists and best-selling authors Fred Alan Wolf and Amit Goswami. Other notable figures in the film include renowned and Social Scientist Jean Houston, and AGAPE International Spiritual Center founder Michael Bernard Beckwith, and many others.

Short Trailer:

Interivew of Dalai Lama by Charlie Rose (I love Charlie Rose's interviews with people).





Part Two:






~Linda

Michael Jackson, "Final Curtain Call"

Artistic expression begins as inspiration. Michael Jackson’s creative genius flowed into art and in his magical art he reached out to the world with love and healing in an incredible creative expression.

Michael Jackson peered beyond the finite into the infinite with a holistic view that apparently saw not only the big picture but many of the infinitesimal forces behind it.

I recall the 1993 exclusive interview Oprah did with Michael Jackson when she asked what he felt his purpose was and he said, “To give, in the best way I can, through song, through dance, and through music. I am committed to my art. I believe that all art has as its ultimate goal the union between the material and the spiritual, the human and the divine. I believe that to be the reason for the very existence of art and I feel I was chosen as an instrument to just give music and love and harmony to the world—children of all ages, adults and teenagers.”

And when he spoke of nature, “I find in animals the same thing that I find so wonderful in children—that purity, that honesty where they don’t judge you, where they don’t want anything from you, just to be your friend—and I think that’s so sweet.”

When asked how he felt about standing on stage and feeling all the love from the audience he replied, “I feel lots of love and I feel blessed and honored to be able to be an instrument of nature that was chosen to give them that—what I give them—very honored and happy about that.”

It was during late 1992 when I read the book, Ryan White, My Own Story and was moved by Ryan’s story of his battle with AIDS (from a blood transfusion) and was especially struck by the friendship between Michael Jackson and Ryan and his family. The bond was strong and it appears both Michael and Ryan gained much from their friendship. Ryan White became a leader for gaining greater understanding and compassion for those with the deadly disease of AIDS. Ryan inspired Elton John to create the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Ryan died in April 1990.

Michael Jackson’s song, Gone Too Soon, written by songwriters, Larry Grossman and Alan Kohan, is dedicated here to Ryan White. This video performance was before President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton at the 1993 Presidential Inaugural Gala in January 1993, where AIDS research was highlighted.





Heal The World
Make It A Better Place
For You And For Me
And The Entire Human Race





It was also sad today that actress Farrah Fawcett passed after a courageous fight.

~Linda

Author, Elmore Leonard on Writing and His Career

“My most important piece of advice to all you would-be writers: when you write, try to leave out all the parts readers skip.” Elmore Leonard, Author

I don’t know if you’ve read Elmore Leonard’s books but if not, you’ve probably seen one or more of his movies.

He is one of the best writers when it comes to dialogue. His dialogue is so real, street-smart, down and dirty. He’s very talented. His writing over the years has covered various genres: Westerns, crime novels, thrillers, mysteries, short stories and screenplays. Elmore Leonard was recipient of the 2008 F. Scott Fitzgerald Literary Award (videos below)

I had the honor of meeting him several years ago at the Santa Barbara Writer’s Conference where he had spoken. It was either 1983 or 1984. A little while after his talk he was sitting in the lobby quietly autographing a box of books. I had three of his books to be autographed and he invited me to join him, and we had a nice conversation. He was very laid-back, soft spoken, and modest. I liked him very much.

This month’s AARP Magazine has an article “Making it Up as I Go Along” by Elmore Leonard about his writing career. As a writer I really identified with it.

“At the time I begin writing a novel, the last thing I want to do is follow a plot outline. To know too much at the start takes the pleasure out of discovering what the book is about.”

“I think of characters who will carry a story. The plot comes out of the characters, their attitudes. How they talk describes who they are. Dialogue, in fact, is the element that keeps the story moving. Characters are judged as they appear. Anyone who can't hold up his or her end of a conversation is liable to be shelved, or maybe shot.”

Leonard writes with pen and paper, and then types it when it is what he wants. He does not use a word processor. Although I do identify with that as I once wrote that way, I cannot imagine going back to a typewriter.

He commented on how the characters let him know where the story is going next. How true that is. I love it when the characters take over the story and tell it their way.

I had commented on that to a friend the other day in wrapping up my new novel. Yes, I finished writing my Civil War period novel. It turned out bigger than I thought it might because those characters still had more to say. I have not yet gone into postpartum depression but that may come in the near future after I come down from cloud nine! I am very happy with the book. It is damn good, even if me and my characters wrote it—and say so. LOL.

Sometimes I swear I am channeling those people from the past. At least I wasn’t around the Civil War in this lifetime.

Previous life? I think so.




Interview Part One



Interview Part 2:




For more Leonard Interview videos

~Linda

First Lady Michelle Obama on Volunteering

I sure like our First Lady Michelle Obama...
I must admit she is the first, First Lady I have ever really liked in my memory. She’s so down to earth, so real.

United We Serve:
“The President has said that the challenges America faces are unprecedented, and that we need to build a new foundation for economic growth in America.”

http://serve.gov/




~Linda

Grocery Shopping Ain't No Fun!

Today, feeling good and optimistic as I usually do, I returned home from an appointment to a message from my 90 year-old mother, 8 hours away in Southern California. She had been grocery shopping and someone stole her wallet from her purse while she was in the store. I could tell she was pretty upset. By the time I called back, a policewoman was at her home taking a report. My mother had already called the bank to put a stop on her debit card. The only other things taken were her ID card, and 20 dollars. She has no idea when her purse was violated. She thought it was close to her all the time. And of course she is trusting, too trusting, and apparently feeling safe in the store environment.

I began to get up tight about it and then thought, wait a minute. She is fine. It could have been worse—she could have been outside of the store and knocked to the ground and injured. So apparently someone thought they needed money worse than she did, (and maybe so). I don't like that the elderly are so vulnerable, yet I do want her, (and others) to have their independence. We soon realized it really didn't matter that much, just a little inconvenience—and another day of shopping as she could not pay for her groceries.

But what her experience brought to mind is what is happening here in California with threats of police officers and firemen being let go because there is no money to pay them. The Sacramento County Sheriff may have to let 200-300 officers go. Other cities are having the same problem. I don’t know if other states are going through this but it is shameful that we have this situation in California. I know one city has been able to avoid layoffs of their police force so far.

When unemployment is so high, new jobs almost nonexistent, people losing their homes, or places to live, it is absolutely no time to cut law enforcement. Crime goes up when people become desperate. We are already seeing that. So we all have to be more careful, more aware.

Live Large and Stay Safe...

~Linda

Two Great Places to Eat, Winners

“The only time to eat diet food is while you're waiting for the steak to cook.” ~Julia Child

Today I read that two of my favorite places to eat came out on top in their category on the 2009 Zagat Food Survey.

Best Burger: In-N-Out Burger
I have eaten those great burgers since not long after they opened in 1948 in Southern California. They are still as good today as they always have been over all the years and I believe it is because of their on-going use of fresh ingredients. The California family owned business currently has 200 stores, but only in California, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah. But for anyone coming out West be sure to try one. I previously posted a blog about them.

Best Steak, Outback, National Full Service Restaurant Chains.
For a great steak dinner, they can’t be beat. I have never had a bad meal in all my times of dining there over the last few years. And it is hard to pass up their specialty appetizer, a golden fried seasoned onion. They have 900 restaurants worldwide.

“You don't have to cook fancy or complicated masterpieces – just good food from fresh ingredients.” ~Julia Child (1912 – 2004)

Now if you don’t want to spend the money for a reasonably priced In-N-Out meal: cheeseburger, fries, and a chocolate milkshake; nor for a more expensive dinner at the Outback of a New York steak, baked potato, veggie and their Blommin’ Onion®, how about trying this—it will save gas money, and sure as heck save a lot for the price of the meal. This one would be about $.40 . Yes, that was Cents. And it only takes about three minutes before you have it on your plate. You could fix up a small salad or sliced fruit to accompany it probably for less than an additional .50 cents!

And the famous Chef, Julia Child will show you how....

And if you are interested in Cookbooks:

~Linda

Elvis in 1956, How Things Change

June 5, 1956, Elvis Presley appeared on the Milton Berle TV Show, and his appearance triggered controversy as he sang his latest single, Hound Dog, with pelvis shaking movements that he then became noted for. The media, the Catholic Church, and many adults “jumped” all over his moves, calling them vulgar, and even “animalism,” and warning of moral danger. His fans loved his moves.

When Presley was scheduled to return for his third concert date at the San Diego Arena on June 6, 1956 Police Chief Adam Elmer Jansen was quoted in the San Diego Union, "If he puts on the same kind of show that he did last April, I'll arrest him for disorderly conduct. I've had enough complaints from parents to assure me that twerp is not doing the kids any good."

This is what all the ruckus was about.





I found this video of Milton Berle, Debra Padget, and Elvis. I had forgotten how funny Milton Berle was. I saw him once at a Writer’s Guild Awards dinner in Beverly Hills. My husband bumped into him rounding a corner (accidentally) and he was most gracious, and even funny.







Yes indeed, we’ve come a long way, baby. Just think what pelvises are doing today on TV!


~Linda

Before Cars Were Cool? June 4, 1896

“Where a new invention promises to be useful, it ought to be tried.”

~Thomas Jefferson (1762-1826)

Henry Ford’s first experimental motor car, June 4, 1896.

The Quadricycle

It is said the success of the small vehicle fueled Ford’s ambition which led to the founding of Ford Motor Company in 1903.

Maybe we’ve progressed too far??





~Linda

When American Cars Were Cool!

I was listening to the Tom Sullivan Radio Show this afternoon and a discussion of the downfall of the American Car Culture. Tom was asking if we remembered when American cars were cool? I sure do. In the fifties and sixties they were cool. Every year around September we would await the new look of the latest Chevy or Ford, by far the most popular American cars, or at least the most affordable in those days, and then for those who had more expensive tastes there were the other American brands. There was nothing like owning a ‘56 Ford or a ’57 Chevy. And if you were lucky enough to have a Ford Convertible you were almost in heaven, and then if you owned a Corvette that was heaven!

In 1954 my Dad decided to put money away to buy a new car. He gave up beer for one thing, to set extra aside. He did not believe in credit/charging, and was determined to save enough to pay cash for it. I believe it was about $1800 or less.

So what happened to the Car Culture we once had? We were proud to be buying American cars and occasionally a German VW Beatle or VW Bus would be around. (And I must disclose I had a Volvo in 1962. Guess I should have kept it as I hear they go for a pretty good price now, LOL. I also owned a Toyota in the 1970’s. ) But I have had Chevy pickups and Chevy sedans. The one I drive now is a 1991 and just turned 60,000 miles and is a great car.

In those early days of car ownership “pride” we saw advertising for the newest models in Life and Look Magazine and other magazines, there was television network advertising such as in 1956 the one hour program on NBC, The Dinah Shore Chevy Show. The program was extremely popular, and its theme song "See the USA in your Chevrolet...”; Bob Hope Presents The Chrysler Theatre; and there was the Ford Theatre a radio and television anthology series broadcast 1940s and 1950s, and named for its sponsor. Of course we had only three networks at that time so the marketing was pretty focused and became part of our everyday or weekly life.

Dinah Shore Chevy Show

There were a lot of songs related to cars at that time. Being a fan of Johnny Cash, I always liked his 1976 song, One Piece at A Time, about working in Detroit making Cadillacs. Actually a car of various pieces was built and given to Johnny Cash. The car is on display at Historic Auto Attractions. The rockabilly song was written by Wayne Kemp. Others that come to mind include The Beach Boys with their songs (below), Jan and Dean singing Little Old Lady From Pasadena, but there were many other songs related to cars including several of those early rock and roll songs about a car crash: Tell Laura I Love Her, Teen Angel, and many more.

Maybe the downfall of American car manufactures has to do with too much expansion, lack of good marketing, over supply, and greed, in addition to foreign automobiles taking over the market with product that beat most American cars on gas mileage. That has become such an issue since the ‘70s. It is sad that so many people have been impacted by GM cutbacks and bankruptcy, and the closer various automobile plants. With the unemployment rate at 12% in Michigan, that is painful. But now we, you and I, own part of GM and just maybe it will get back on track with reorganization and new blood in there. Let’s hope so. I heard they have buyers for divisions of the company, including that "tank" they build and call an automobile. China wants to buy that division. Oh dear.

Get out your lunch pails....and let's go to Detriot...

Get your surf boards out....or at least put on your flip-flops.

~Linda

A Dream Without End: Susan Boyle

Susan Boyle had another fantastic performance of I Dreamed A Dream on the Britain’s Got Talent final. Although she came in second in the competition, beaten out by a dance group, Diversity, she has surely achieved her dream.

“The greatest performance I’ve seen in Britain’s Got Talent history,” judge Piers Morgan told her. “You should win this competition, I loved it."

Word is that judge and music promoter Simon Cowell has big plans for her. Apparently he said, "It's the biggest phenomenon I've ever seen out of any of my shows," in regards to her world wide appeal and her talent.

I feel bad that she will not have this opportunity as winner to perform for the Queen, but maybe she will get a chance at some point in the future to do so. She was very gracious in her losing to the dance act. But heck, she has already won....

America’s Got Talent returns for a new season on June 23rd.

If this video is disabled go to
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2xiAQCTy2E




~Linda

Empathy and Justice

American Heritage Dictionary...
Empathy: Identification with and understanding of another's situation, feelings, and motives.

President Obama said a couple of years ago while on the campaign trail he wanted a Supreme Court Justice with empathy.

And now, the GOP, and the media, is making such a thing of the word empathy. What I have heard on radio talk shows, and read, is that it is not right for a judge to have empathy and if they do, then it takes away from the judicial ruling. It makes me laugh.

This reminds me of when I was called to Jury duty a couple of years ago and undergoing analysis to serve on a jury, of which I did not want to do, a case of prostitution and arrest by a police officer in a sting, I thought it only right to let the court know I had been married to a cop for 25 years, had other relatives on police forces, and often had crime scenarios going through my head for my writing (I was working on a detective novel at that exact time), and that I was also intuitive. Well, that did not go over well with the judge as he said to me, something to this effect, “I am intuitive, also, and have gut feelings, but for 25 years I have listened from the bench to evidence presented.” He did not dismiss me but the defense attorney did soon after.

It seems silly that someone cannot be fair and equitable while at the same time being a compassionate and empathic person.

This past weekend on C-Span President Obama said in response to his statement about empathy and a Supreme Court pick, "I said earlier that I thought empathy was an important quality and I continue to believe that. You have to have not only the intellect to be able to effectively apply the law to cases before you.”

He continued, "But you have to be able to stand in somebody else's shoes and see through their eyes and get a sense of how the law might work or not work in practical day-to-day living.”

"So, in all these cases what I want is not just ivory tower learning. I want somebody who has the intellectual fire power, but also a little bit of a common touch and has a practical sense of how the world works."

Good for you, Obama. It appears President Obama’s pick of Federal Appeals Court Judge Sonia Sotomayor is a good one. She has a solid background of judicial experience, and has been through Senate confirmation twice in the past, an appointment under Bush Senior and another under President Clinton.

Makes me wonder about these politicians, especially the males, who seem to feel that empathy equates only with emotional...and you know how women are....they get emotional ...they cry...oh goodness... oh goodness....

Here is an example of comments of two political males from an article from Inside Politics Daily by Jill Lawrence:
‘“Empathy,’ conservative columnist George Will said Sunday on ABC's This Week, ‘can be a judicial defect.’ Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., meanwhile, fretted on Fox News Sunday that a judge with empathy would decide cases ‘not based upon the law or the merits, but rather upon his or her emotions or feelings.’"

What a joke. Are some people envious because they don’t have the experience and expertise to be a Supreme Court Judge, and do they really think a woman cannot do an excellent job. Come on men...grow up.

It is so refreshing to have a thinking President who lives in reality.

~Linda

A Matter of Freedom and Love

“It is never too late to give up your prejudices. ~Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862)

The CA Supreme Court decision today upholding Proposition 8, the Gay Marriage Intuitive was disappointing. In fact, as a native Californian, the vote last November was surprising. The majority of the people I know are in favor of allowing gay marriage. But what I believe, and many of the people I have discussed this with believe, it passed by a narrow margin in November (approximately 525,000 votes) because the political/religious advertising was filled with untruths and stirred fear.

I heard on the radio today that older people are the ones who are responsible for Prop 8 passing and outlawing gay marriage, and the woman said that the younger generation will make the difference in the near feature and it will be allowed. I disagree that older people are against gay marriage. I only know one older person (in her 80s who voted for Prop 8). All the rest of the older people I know, male and female, in their 50s, 60s, 70s, 80’s and even 90 years of age, are for gay marriage. And they are all heterosexual. I also know younger people, teenagers and young adults, who see no problem with gay marriage.

Thankfully the Court upheld the 18,000 marriages that occurred prior to this ruling today.

In the past California was often said to be open, and progressive. It was here that one might believe that equality was available, equality in all areas of life. It was here in California that people came to enjoy a life of more equality and freedom of choice that was not, or even may not, be available elsewhere right here in our own country. California is a diverse area, so it has been surprising that other states are steps ahead of California in allowing equality for all their citizens. States such as Iowa, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, and hopefully soon, New Hampshire, have all moved ahead in allowing their citizens the right to marry no matter their sexual identity.

I recently had a conversation with a friend about our surprise that Iowa was forward thinking. But I discovered it was not unusual for Iowa to be liberal in their laws and interest in civil rights. In doing research on divorce laws in Iowa for my novel on the Civil War period, I learned that in 1851 Iowa considered it lawful to end marriage when the “parties could not live in peace and harmony together.” That was on their law books before the Civil War! But it was not until 1969-1970 that California put in place ‘no-fault” divorce. Instead of treating marriage as an institution that should be preserved at all costs, no-fault divorce viewed it as a voluntary union between two equals that could be dissolved at will. A spouse who wanted a divorce no longer had to prove wrongdoing in an adversarial setting, such as adultery or desertion. "Irreconcilable differences" made divorce possible. Other states quickly followed. And apparently today some form of no-fault divorce is available in all fifty states.

I guess my thought is let’s hope it does not take more than 158 years for California to come around to accepting gay unions. I still cannot figure out why it should matter to anyone that a couple, straight, or gay, want to marry. Hey, it’s all about love. And it seems childish that someone can force their beliefs in denying marriage to another.

I also still believe the real objection is being veiled, and the federal government not wanting to give up an Income Tax category of a single taxpayer (single straight, widowed, single gay or lesbian) to the lesser tax rate of a married couple. So the government may be very happy to have the religious interference and objections taking place, and in turn saving them from giving up billions in Income Tax revenue.

Isn’t it about fear? It takes courage and love for those who not only are out of the closet but wanting equal rights. Gays and lesbians deserve equal rights, just as any straight person does, just as someone of a different race or nationality does, or as someone of a different religion does. Woman have fought a long time for equality, for property rights, for voting rights, for equal pay (not quite there yet), and the same is true of Blacks and minorities fighting for equality, voting rights, civil rights. This is the 21st century and about time we got over it and treat everyone with dignity and respect.

This is really about freedom. Change is coming.

And as singer/songwriter Melissa Etheridge said today, “I am hopeful as I see more and more states turn to the inevitable future of equality, California will get there. Change takes time."

“I leave you, hoping that the lamp of liberty will burn in your bosoms
until there shall no longer be a doubt that all men are created free and equal.”
~Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)


~Linda

Susan Boyle...WOW!

Again, WOW!

The semi-final of Susan Boyle singing Memory from Cats (one of my favorite songs) on Britain’s Got Talent.

She said, “All my life I’ve always striven to prove that I can be accepted; that I’m not the worthless person that people think I am, that I do have something to offer ... Being on Britain’s Got Talent is a chance to turn things around; to fulfil the dream. I just want that chance to perform in front of the Queen.”






~Linda

The New American Idol

Photo Kevin Winter/American Idol 2009, via Getty Images for FOX

Wow Again! Kris Allen is the new American Idol!

What a show that was tonight! Great entertainment, comedy, and talent, and I believe the best finale they’ve had in all eight seasons. Everyone from Lionel Ritchie, Rod Stewart, Santana, Kiss, Queen, Black-eyed Peas, Keith Urban, Cyndi Lauper, and others.

Kris seemed really shocked he won. Adam was very gracious. Obviously these two guys really like and respect each other. They are both so talented.

Almost a million votes. Wow. I’m not disappointed. It has been a very good season of excellent talent this year, espcially with the top four or five. Kris sang a great duet with Keith Urban, and both Adam and Kris sang "We are the Champions " with Queen. That was really nice. How true it is, they are both champions.

So now that American Idol and Dancing With the Stars are over, what is left to watch on TV? LOL

~Linda

What a Night, American Idol, Dancing With the Stars

“Music is the universal language of mankind.”
~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882)

Wow! Oh, what a night of television!

It began with the 8th season part one finale of American Idol and Adam Lambert and Kris Allen. Each sang three songs. Adam sang “Mad World” followed by Kris singing "Ain't No Sunshine." Both very good.

The second song by Adam was picked by the show’s creator, Simon Fuller and it was the Sam Cooke song, "A Change Is Gonna Come." Adam was brilliant on that one. The pick for Kris was Marvin Gaye’s "What's Goin' On." He did a fair job on it but it was not the greatest song for him.

Then the last song, “No Boundaries,” co-written by Cara the judge, was not a good pick for either of them to sing, but definitely Adam did a better job with the odd song.

So it is very hard to tell what the final vote will be tomorrow. Four hours of voting tonight....and how many millions of votes will that be?

I still believe Adam has more talent than anyone who has ever been on American Idol. I also believe Kris has a lot of talent. It could be a toss-up as to which of these young men will be the new American Idol. It may not even matter as both of them will have successful careers ahead.

Followed that up with the 8th season finale of Dancing With the Stars. It, too, has been one of the best sessions ever. The top three were all good dancers: Melissa Rycroft and Tony Dovolani, Gilles Marini and Cheryl Burke, and Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas. Many believed Gilles was the top contender but with the narrowest margin of votes ever, less than 1 % between the top two, Gilles and Cheryl and Shawn and Mark, the surprise came when 17 year-old Olympic gymnast, Shawn Johnson and her partner Mark Ballas won. When Shawn got over her embarrassment and let out her sexiness when needed in the dances, it made a big difference. She worked hard to perfect her dancing.

I look forward to hearing last year’s winner, David Cook Wednesday night on the finale, and we will discover who will be this year’s American Idol.

And as I said,
Oh, What A Night !!

Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons

~Linda

Value of Education During Civil War and Today

“Education is worth more to a man than a fortune of gold.”

~Silas Igo Shearer, (1838-1915)

My great-great grandfather, Silas I. Shearer

These last few weeks I have been corresponding with my first cousin Sylvia who lives with her husband Tom in Vienna, Austria. We are making up for many, many years of being out of touch. We’re having so much fun learning about each other and sharing details of our lives since we last saw each other. A lot has happened in both our lives and it is amazing how much alike we are and how similar our interests are. One difference though, is I am not a traveler and international person as she is. She is one year older than I am, and she has been living abroad for most of her adult years. She has just retired from teaching. Sylvia and Tom have been teachers overseas in places such as Pakistan, Germany, and Austria, and more. Tom also has a law degree but apparently most of his career has been as a school teacher. She and I have discussed education: reading, writing, and...haven’t got to arithmetic yet!

Last week she had asked about my husband, Don Pendleton, his writing, education, and reading, and I sent her three quotes by him, which she enjoyed.

This is what Don said about reading, education, etc.

"I have served many long and lonely years aboard ship in war zones, and the only thing that kept me sane during all that enforced loneliness was my access to a good library in which I read, literally, every book on the shelves, even textbooks, and which gave me access to other worlds no way open to me." ~Don Pendleton

"The only true personal power comes from the mind and that mind has to be developed the same as muscles are developed–through use." ~Don Pendleton

And Don Pendleton’s response to a young fan: "As you grow older, you will discover that your mind is the only truly limiting factor in your life. With a well developed mind you can go anywhere and do whatever. But nothing comes automatically and the best things don't come easy."

Then last night while working on my Civil War period novel I came across the written words of my great-great grandfather, Silas I. Shearer, a Union soldier from Iowa, 23rd Infantry Volunteers. He was discussing the schooling of his oldest child who would have been about four years, nine months of age, and his concern that he hoped it was not too early for the child to attend school. He told his wife, Elizabeth Jane Shearer, “I am glad he wants to go but I [fear] it will give him a disliking to it and to study, sending him so young. I want my children to have a good education and if he takes a delight in it and learns, let him go. If I should not get home I want you to give the children a good education if you live.” His letter was written in July 1864 from Union army camp at Morganzia Bend, Louisiana. He also told her: “Education is worth more to a man than a fortune of gold.” ~Silas Igo Shearer, (1838-1915)

Apparently his son in question, Lewis D. Shearer became a barber and lived to be 90 years of age. Silas was in the Union Army from 1862 and was discharged out of the army as a sergeant at the end of the war in 1865. In addition to being a farmer he was Assessor, Justice of the Peace, a member of the Board of Supervisors in Collins Township, Story County, Iowa.

Silas and Elizabeth Jane Shearer

My great-great grandparents

~Linda

American Idol and the Top Three

It’s gotta be Adam Lambert. He is brilliant, and such a talent. He sang One by Bono, U2 for the Cowell song choice and Simon Cowell said “It was a brilliant, brilliant performance.” He then sang Crying by Aerosmith. I believe he is the best talent that has ever been on American Idol. Simon then said Adam deserved it based on talent. So right.

I really like everything that Chris Allen does, and have all season.

I’ve always loved Joe Cocker’s song You Are So Beautiful but I did not care for Danny Gokey’s rendition of it tonight, although the judges did.

All three of them are good but Adam stands so far above the other two with his talent. This is a tough year. The top five have been good, but again, Adam tops them all with his voice, his artistry, his uniqueness, and his stage presence.

I called in votes tonight but my votes will make little if any impact on the 76 million plus votes that will be cast.
~Linda


photos by American Idol.

Adam Lambert Should be American Idol, But Will He?

Many of us were surprised by Adam Lambert being in the "bottom" two this past week on American Idol. That guy is so very talented. I often see Elvis in his eyes. First time I saw him I saw that. He's a good looking guy.

This morning I was irritated by a Rutgers news article about Adam Lambert's personal life. The reporter, whoever she or he was, (not identified) seemed to have a need to make Adam's personal sexual identity an issue. The title of the news article posted at MSNBC is "Are 'Idol' fans ready for a gay champion?" with a subtitle, "Adam has never confirmed sexual preference, just says, 'I am who I am.'"

First off, I applaud Adam for that answer given to any question about his sexuality. "I am who I am." But I quote from the news article: "With three weeks to go before the 'American Idol' final, Lambert, 27, is favored to win the No. 1 U.S. television talent show and become, possibly, the first gay or bisexual singer to be handed the 'Idol' title by millions of Americans."

Hey, come on. Second, since when did sexual identity matter within the music business ie.; Elton John, or the entertainment business, ie.; Ellen, Rosie, and all the others who most knew where gay whether they came out of the closet in the past or not?

And where has this reporter been. There have been other gays on the show, and an issue was not made about it.

The closet door is open. We know have five states that recognize same sex marriage, and there will be more before long. Numerous states have recognized other gay rights. So all I can say to this reporter, whoever he or she is, get over it. It doesn't matter, and it sure as hell does not matter in judgement of someone's talent.

Although many fans of American Idol are younger, many of us are older. This year is a talented bunch, more so than I recall. I wish all four could win: Adam, Allison, Chris are my favorites, with Danny next. But three will not win. I think all will have record deals, and maybe Anoop and Matt will also. Lil, was also good but not so outstanding, for me. (do I sound like Randy?) Allison is quite incredible for her age, just turned 17 a few days ago. Her unusual voice and style is something.

Here is Adam singing Smokey Robinson's The Tracks of My Tears

and here is Adam singing Come to Me, Bend to Me from Brigadoon, five years ago at age 22. He's a very sensitive and a dramatic singer, with an incredible range, and diverse style. His unique talent makes him the best pick for American Idol. He's worked hard on his music for several years because he loves music. He loves astrology and is an Aquarian, and Aquarians are said to be trend setting and forward thinking. He says this is his favorite quote:

"When the power of love covercomes the love of power, the world will know peace." ~Jimi Hendrix

Now tell me that isn't talent!

And tell me if it really matters what his sexual orientation is? If you watch him perform, or if you pick up the phone to vote each week, do you think, oh, wait a minute, he could be gay or bisexual....American Idol...I don't know.

Stupid, huh?

~Linda