You Rang?

Time got away from me these holidays so my traditional sappy New Years post is going to come on Groundhog Day after General Beauregard Lee looks for his shadow.  I figured I had to get back on the bandwagon after my visitor log showed some old friends stopping by that I hadn't seen in a while.  (You know who you are, you left-coasters, you.)

I had a hard time looking at the feedback from Barry's Florida shows.  So near and yet so far.  I couldn't help crossing the line from happy for the people who got to go to green with jealousy.  Best fan synopsis was by Peachy:  http://peachysplace.blogspot.com/2011/01/helloooooo-jacksonville.html

And regarding certain "other" reviews.....
First, please see my original post from WAAAAAAYYYY back when I started the blog.
The Critics
Second, when I see wholesale stupidity in the name of entertainment journalism, I think back to when I was a teenager.  As a kid, I went to science fiction conventions with my Dad who was a part-time rare book dealer.  (Not those "media" cons that center around TV shows and movies, we're talking real science fiction by serious writers of the golden age.)  Major authors gave talks, fielded questions, etc.  I got to meet Isaac Asimov a few times at these gatherings.  He liked putting on a show, so I learned to prefer to see him from a distance.  He was a five-star pervert, I was a fifteen-year-old girl.  Enough said.

Anywho, like any great artistic creator, there was always a time when someone panned him.  It seems no matter how great an artistic creation, or how esteemed the track record, you're going to get the occasional Bronx cheer from some douche who Just. Doesn't. Get. It.  Asimov was no exception.  My favorite quote of his was his stock response to those who created negative reviews.  I recreated it as a calling card below.  I strongly recommend having something like this made up in fine linen stationery, engraved ink, matching envelopes, and distribute where necessary.  Gets the point across and feels classy at the same time.

Just got done seeing February's installment of Manilow TV.  Hey, it's going to be a while before I see a live show so this is what I've got.  Not to beat a dead horse, but the "Sinatra" album release party was nothing short of orgasmic.  I could live on bread and water and that type of show.  Barry puts his heart into a performance but the Sinatra record, Paradise Cafe, Mayflower, all show a completely different part of that same heart that doesn't come out as much in the shows showcasing his own hits.  Dont' know the word - it's just different.  All the more infectious.

Have a great week, kids.  Try to stay warm and/or dry if you're on the east coast anywhere.