A little about a lot

Fame, Fortune, & Spectacle. Many of us seek fame and fortune - at least during the early years of our lives. Some reach both. Some achieve one, or the other. Most don't get either. Based on the Life and Death of Michael Jackson that has consumed almost all of the world in the past two weeks, most that DO achieve fame and fortune are spared the spectacle that has transpired - and likely will continue - over the Bizarre entertainer.

The coverage of his memorial service at the Staples Center played out for over two hours and was carried on the major network channels as well as the cable news networks. Though I have never been to a memorial service for anyone famous, the ones I have been to celebrate the person's life with a bit more emphasis on his/her spiritual connection, and less on entertainment for the masses. Of course, Mr. Jackson was an entertainer - and likely wasn't too involved with a church congregation. However, though I enjoyed some of the performances, some of it was a bit over the top. Can you say Crass Commercialism when the young singer(his name escapes me) was brought out by Danny Ortega? This kid was apparently going to be on the stage with Michael and he does have the pipes to belt out a song - but come on.

I also know that the final chapter on this story hasn't been written. More will come out about his use of drugs. There will be allegations. There will be stories about who the real father of his children is. Stories will surface about further child molestation accusations. How much money he is worth will be a constant source of news. Who will ultimately end up as guardian of his 3 children will be in the headlines. It is all a spectacle. It is all sad. It is all tiresome.

PAUL MCCARTNEY COMING TO TULSA. Since we opened our arena last August, we have had several Big Name acts come to town. The best, in my opinion was Bruce Springsteen - though a case could be made for the Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, or Celine Dion, depending on the type of music you like. Now, Paul McCartney. Coming August 17th. The day before my 63rd birthday. HINT - in case anybody would like to contribute to the "Old Fart Mike Fund to see McCartney".

MY DOG IS CONSTIPATED. Geez. What do you do when your aged Golden Retriever is having trouble pooping? This has never been the case in the past. In fact, this was one of her - and her brother's (Rest his soul) special talents. This reminds me of a funny story. Basically, we had a late spring cold snap a few years back. It was freezing for 3 or 4 days in a row, so I didn't get into the backyard to scoop poop left by my dogs. My lawn guy came after a few days and brought a first time helper to mow. As I approached them with a drink, the helper said, "Can I ask you a question?" "Sure", I replied. "How big are the dinosaurs that live with you?", he asked. That is a testament to the sheer amount of poop my dogs would emit. Anywho, gotta call the vet and ask him what to do about dog constipation.

STUCK IN THE HOUSE. My street is torn up. The city began this project late last summer. It came to a screeching halt in November when a story broke about city workers taking bribes for funneling jobs to contractors for road jobs. The mayor, understandably was upset and called stoppage on ALL city road work until she could sort through it all, and get new contractors hired. So, they began anew in May. What they have found is that my street is comprised mostly of clay and that the previous asphalt was laid down right on top of said clay. As they tore it up, and big trucks moved onto the street, incredible gaping ruts developed. Yesterday it rained. This morning it rained some more. Yesterday, in anticipation of my operation Monday I went to the grocery store to stock up. I almost got stuck in the crevices that have developed on my street that are now as deep as two to three feet. This morning, one of the city workers driving in front of my house, shortly after telling my bride they were going to be bringing in rock to stabilize the street, got his pick-up stuck. It was right in front of my house.

IN MY NEXT LIFE...I want to come back as a Meteorologist. Yesterday morning, I had just gotten to the weather page in the morning newspaper when I heard the rumble of thunder. I looked again at the days forecast to make sure I had read it right. It said "0% chance of precipitation". It rained off and on until about 2:30 pm. This morning, the exact same thing occurred - except it stopped raining at about 10:00 AM. Being a weather forecaster is a job where you only have to be right about 20% of the time.

Old Fart Mike