Avenue G

Sir Paul

by blogSpotter
You only need to see a couple of my previous blogs (e.g., "The Beatles Forever") to know that I'm a big Beatles fan. It's sadly ironic that two of the four are already gone -- one from a crazed fan's bullet and one from throat cancer. In their prime, each Beatle fell into some category, be it guru, philosopher, dreamer, cut-up. Paul was to many "the cute Beatle". In reading the Beatles biography, it seems Paul was a very pragmatic businessman, and possibly the glue that helped keep the band together until 1970. Toward the group's end, Lennon and McCartney lost their creative mojo and started taking potshots at each other. Paul accused John of writing drug-induced mantras, and John accused Paul of writing jingles for grandmas. George was disgusted with both, because he felt that they patronized him and played his material half-heartedly. Yoko ("Oh-no!") did not help matters by trying to convince John that the other Beatles lacked artistic 'purity'.

Thus in 1970, they parted ways. Each Beatle enjoyed some individual success, but Paul by far scored the most hits in his new group, Wings. The Guinness Book of Records has Paul as the most successful composer of all time; ironic because Paul also makes it into Dave Barry's "Book of Bad Songs". Barry has a point -- "Silly Love Songs" and "Someone's Knocking at the Door" do not leap to mind as the best works of a musical mastermind. Be all that as it may, the songs of Lennon and McCartney will probably be remembered in the same way that Shakespeare sonnets have been captured for the ages. The Beatles discography already has more staying power than that of Aha, Oasis or Coldplay.

Paul has had 3 'main squeezes' over his lifetime. He dated actress Jane Asher during much of his Beatles' stardom. In 1969, shortly before the group's demise, he met up with American Linda Eastman. He was with Linda for decades to follow, and one might say she was the love of his life. In 1998, Linda succumbed to breast cancer, and Sir Paul was single again. In 2002, Paul married Heather Mills, a former model young enough to be his daughter. They signed no pre-nup and the relationship ran out of gas after 4 years. Tabloids have recently blasted headlines that Heather is a former call girl. Legal experts say that if those allegations are proven, it may help Paul's case regarding divorce settlement and custody. Nonetheless, it's a weird irony that a man so beloved and so long in monogamous couplings gets ditched as he turns 64. Paul actually wrote "When I'm 64" in 1958 -- who would've guessed it would end up on a psychedelic album a decade later, in the hippy era? It may be ironic with regard to Heather, but Paul's listening public will always need him. He will be loved well past 64.

[Quick category is *MUSIC].

© 2006 blogSpotter.

Labels: Music

Coming Attraction, 2008

by blogSpotter
Hillary Clinton, ex-First Lady and Senator from New York, generates excitement and controversy wherever she goes. Hillary' isn’t just exciting, she’s also a survivor -- she's now survived Whitewater, Filegate, a failed health care gambit of the 90's, Vince Foster suicide rumors, Monica Lewinsky, a Gandhi misstatement, and recent remarks about young peoples' laziness. If she were a cat, she'd have maybe two of her nine lives left. Some see her as a hero -- she's the first ex-First Lady to be a Senator. Others cast her as a carpet bagger, serving a New York political office without previously living there. Still others see her as a career-obsessed enabler in a marriage of convenience -- showing far too much tolerance for a philandering husband.

Which one is the real Hillary? She can be used almost as a political litmus test -- people on either extreme of the Left-Right spectrum tend to revile her. The Right sees her as a machinating Lady Macbeth, and the extreme Left sees her as a sell-out on Iraq, abortion and health care where her views have moved closer to the center. As New York Senator, she's made a noticeable splash. She's served on the Armed Services committee, focused on 9/11 recovery and homeland security, supported the initial Iraq incursion, and opposed Bush tax cuts. In the 'strange bedfellows' department, she's joined forces with Newt Gingrich to promote incremental health care; she's also joined with Joe Lieberman to promote the Family Entertainment Protection Act -- to rid video games of violence. One might say her moves have been 'all over the map.' She's made a couple of politic (some may say opportunistic) nods to the Right, but has generally stayed closer to the Left on tax cuts and federal judicial nominations.

It will take a national 'village' to decipher all of this in 2008. That is when Hillary is expected to run for President, possibly being the first woman nominee of a major political party. Victoria Woodhull was the first woman candidate, in 1872. Woodhull was nominee for the Equal Rights Party and Frederick Douglas was her running mate. Successful Democratic candidates in the recent past, including Hillary's husband Bill have been centrist males from Southern states. Hillary lived in Arkansas as an adult, but has a much more Yankee persona. John F. Kennedy was the last elected liberal from the Northeast, and that was 46 years ago. Hillary's poll ratings are at least respectable; in May 2005, 29% of general voters said they were 'very likely' to vote for Hillary and '24% said 'somewhat likely'. We're not talking landslide here, but who knows? Depending on where the chips fall, there could be a President Rodham-Clinton in the future.

© 2006 blogSpotter.

Labels: Politics

The Avenue Award goes to Eleanor (left) and Anna...

by blogSpotter
The two ladies hi-lited in today's blog are already recipients of many accolades and honors, not the least of which are Pulitzer prizes and numerous published books. I won't try to enumerate any of that; will just share my own observations of Eleanor and Anna.

Eleanor Clift holds up the liberal end of the set on The McLaughlin Group. There usually is one other liberal, maybe one other woman to 'even' it out. With about six panelists, you'll normally have four conservatives up against two liberals. Depending on the issue, Eleanor may get support from John, the host, and even from Pat Buchanan (most recently on Iraq issues) -- once in a blue moon. But usually, Eleanor is holding down the fort, trying to out shout Tony Blankley or some other conservative male. Her tenacious ability to hold up under pressure, yell back, and maintain intellectual consistency all at the same time is impressive. There should be a new award given for this 'roller derby' skill set -- she does it admirably. In her spare time, Eleanor is a Newseek editor who gives us great observations about our national governance.

Anna Quindlen does a semi-monthly editorial column for Newsweek. She takes up for society's underdogs and shines a light on current issues -- such as the Enron aftermath, the death penalty, post-partum depression. Sometimes, the topics lean toward women's issues but more often the topics are general in nature. Her compassion and caring reach through -- her writing isn't distant and academic. It's up-close and deeply felt. Anna fulfills one of the stated goals of journalism: to comfort the afflicted and to afflict the comfortable. What's that you say? How can Newseek, a national news magazine, be so biased toward liberals? Well, Newsweek also gives us the near-Libertarian editorials of Robert Samuelson and the conservative essays of George Will. The magazine does offer balance; this blog however tilts -- it tilts in the direction of Newsweek's leading ladies, Eleanor Clift and Anna Quindlen.

© 2006 blogSpotter.

Labels: Politics

Blur of movement

The internet is a revolving door of changes, to say the least. Avenue G has decided to refresh its appearance and to appeal to a more general audience. The blog will still be irreverant, ironic, and at times silly. Sometimes, Avenue G may even be helpful or informative. It will still broach unusual topics from time to time. But Avenue G is a pop culture ezine that should invite readers from all across the board. I'm hoping you enjoy the offerings, some from guest contributors and quality syndicated sources. Welcome!

blogSpotter

Labels: Retrospective