Anyone that wasn’t emotionally, and spiritually moved by the Memorial Service held this afternoon for the undisputed King of Pop, Michael Jackson, cannot be normal.  If at some point, you didn’t feel a little thump in your chest, lump in your throat or, the warmness of a tear escaping the corner of your eye, you’re just not normal.

Like him or not, Michael Jackson will forever be known as the King of Pop.  Like him or not, he was a man of great love and passion.  A passion not just to be shared on stage, but behind the scenes, probably moreso. 

It wasn’t until today, that I learned that Michael holds the Guiness World Book of Records for Most Charities Supported By A Pop Star!  It is no secret, Michael’s Human Nature spanned the globe. 

I mean, the Beatles were huge!  Elvis was huge!  Madonna is huge!  U2 is huge! 

Michael Jackson, is the King of Pop! 

From the start, with Smokey Robinson sharing notes of condolence from Diana Ross and Nelson Mandella… to, well I will get to that later, it was a Memorial jam packed with emotion.  There were tears.  There was laughter.  There was utter silence.  There was the joining of hands.  There were hugs, and more hugs.

Queen Latiffah, Lionel Ritchie, Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey, Smokey Robinson, Berry Gordy, Jennifer Hudson, John Mayer, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Brooke Shields, Usher, Bernice King, Martin Luther King, III, Al Sharpton, Sheila Jackson Lee (Congresswoman from TX)… did I miss anyone?

Mariah singing “I’ll Be There” and Jennifer singing  “Will You Be There” … then his brother, Jermaine, singing Michael’s all time favorite song, “Smile”… or Usher, when he sang “Gone Too Soon”… the tears over here flowed… and I do mean… flowed!  I really didn’t think Usher was going to make it through… he, too, was crying.

YES, it is okay for a man to cry.

The video monterage… Michael, from just a little lad appearing with his brothers on the Ed Sullivan show, sporting a pink cowboy hat and purple vest, to the debut of the “Robot” and “Moon Walk”.  These were Michael.  Don’t even try and tell me that you never attempted the “Moon Walk”?  We all have…

Stories shared by all of those that knew and loved him.  Shared a genuine friendship and admiration for the King of Pop.  These people sparked emotion from people that thought that they were probably untouchable.

Many of us grew up listening to Michael.  If you didn’t grow up during this era, you still know Michael… you’ve heard about him.  You’ve listened to him on the radio.  You’ve seen his famed videos, some featured in major movies.  Everybody has heard of, danced to, emmulated, talked about… the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.

The Senate Floor stopped on June 25, 2009, after hearing the news of Michael’s passing… giving him a moment of silence.  Only to be followed by Resolution 600, declaring Michael Jackson an American Legend, World Humanitarian and Music Icon.  Those are some big shoes to fill, my friends.

Michael was a broken and beaten man.  Again, whether you liked him or not, he was the greatest, thus far.  Why?  Because everyone says so!  He was human, living his life as he enjoyed it.  He was the guy that sat in the middle of the floor, sharing a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken with Magic Johnson.  He was all American.  And, always will be.

As one of the many speakers said, speaking to Michael’s children,  ”Your daddy was not strange.  It was strange what he had to deal with.”  I, for one, believe that wholeheartedly.  I mean, not being able to walk out of your front door… not being able to walk in the park… not being able to go to a mall, a grocery store, an ice cream shop.  Being held hostage to your home.  Or, ranch.  Or, castle.  He couldn’t live a “normal” life like we know it. So, he had to create his own. Do you understand?

Michael has been persecuted.  By the media.  By those that were not present.  By those that judged him because he chose to pay 20 million dollars rather than fight in court.  By those that choose to believe that just because he was “different” from most of us.  By those that choose to persecute, simply based upon the color of one’s skin. 

Ashame.  And, shame on those of you that have unjustly judged him.  There is not but ONE Judge, and I will put matters into His hands.

Throughout the nothing short of commanding tribute to the King of Pop, I cried.  My friends cried.  Media people cried. 

It’s Human Nature.

Jermaine singing, “Smile”… evoked a flood of tears.  Damn. 

But… but… but…

Nobody will EVER forget his daughter, who at the end, spoke the words…

“Ever since I was born, daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine.  And, I just wanted to say I love him so much.”

And. Yes. I. Cried. And. Cried. And. Cried. Some more.

What a tribute to the King of Pop…uniting people around the world, in a way that only he could do.

Rest In Peace, Michael, something you never had on earth.

Well, I am back from my cruise… but, will save that for a separate post.

I came home today to find out that a journalist, and former Press Secretary to President Bush passed away while I was gone.  Yes, Mr. Tony Snow.  I first wrote about Mr. Snow when he announced he was ill.  After a very courageous fight, Mr. Snow has moved beyond us now…

I was watching a special tonight on FOX News, hosted by Chris Wallace, about Mr. Snow and all of his accomplishments.  While I knew Mr. Snow was a very charming and smart man, I did not know much about the “man”. 

I am not going to make this a long drawn out post, but wanted to pay my personal tribute to a man that I feel deserves much more than I could ever write about him.  I feel it prudent to also say that this goes beyond party lines, although most of  you know from reading my blog, I am a self proclaimed Conservative.   Mr. Snow was highly respected and very well liked by Liberals, Conservatives and the like.  Sometimes you just have to put  your political views aside and respect mankind for just that… and,

Mr. Tony Snow was the epitome of a man…

May you rest in eternal peace, Mr. Snow.   I will miss you, as I know millions other will as well!

The past week has been one of loss, not just for me, but for friends of my family and someone I hold very near and dear to my heart. 

 I am not so far from you,
Just a little way beyond;
Past the cares and past the pain,
Far past my earthly bonds.

Take comfort when you think of me,
Keep my love alive in your heart;
And with the warmth of each memory,
We will never be apart.

Written by:  Allison Coxsey

While I don’t always have the healing words for those who have suffered the loss of a loved one, I hope YOU know that YOU are being held very close in thought and prayer.  I will walk beside YOU and hold YOUR hand through the good times and the bad.  My love for YOU knows no boundaries…  May YOU find comfort and peace in the memory of YOUR loved one.

I love you.

Today’s race in Homestead will be bittersweet, of sorts.  As those of you who read my sports entries know, I am a HUGE Dale, Jr. fan.  It’s kinda odd, too!  A few years ago, you would no more have heard me say, “Dale, Jr. is the cats meow”, than “Tony Stewart is a Saint.”

I never really cared for Dale, Sr., Dale Jr.’s father, until about 2 years before he was killed on the last lap of the Daytona 500.  All of my friends, no exaggeration, were Dale, Sr. fans… and, I stuck by my “Ford boys”.  I put up with a lot of ridicule but, there were many a Sunday when I got to return the smack talk!  There was no sweeter revenge, trust me. 

It was an overnight transformation!  And, I will never forget my friends reactions when they heard me cheering for Dale, Sr. the first time.  A lot of comments were aimed at my “crossover” but, I was welcomed with open arms, and became an official ”Intimidator” supporter!  I must say that in all of my years spent around the sport, i.e. in the pits, garages, bumping elbows with the finest in the sport, wining and dining with owners and drivers and, knowing the “big wigs” of NASCAR… there were no more loyal supporters to a driver than the Dale, Sr. fans.   

I was in attendance the day Dale, Sr. hit the wall and killed.  It happened right in front of where we were sitting.  It was one of those gut wrenching moments… you just knew it wasn’t good.  NOBODY, I mean NOBODY in the grandstands moved from their positions… all eyes were on the track just this side of turn 4… I remember crying…and, I remember thousands of others crying right along with me.  Although they didn’t announce right away, like I said, you just knew that he was gone to meet his maker.  A very, very sad day.

Dale, Jr. was just “drying out behind the ears” so to speak.  He had won some big races and,  hell yeah, he had a ton of fans but, nothing like the vast sea of #3 clad fans.  But, the day his daddy died, that all changed.  All of the Dale, Sr. fans rallied behind their fallen driver’s son, not only lending their support at a most difficult time but, have been right there supporting him ever since.  You will still see fans today sporting their #3 shirts and hats but, you know their hearts and loyalty lie (or, is it lay? this one always screws me up!) with the Junior!!

Dale, Jr., the most popular driver in NASCAR…

Today, Jr.’s working relationship with DEI, Inc., which his father built and pioneered until his untimely death, will be over.  Bittersweet.  Unfortunately, he and his stepmother had some differences that they couldn’t resolve so, Jr. had to seek out bigger and better opportunities.  And, that he did.  He will be joining the Hendrick organization (and, there isn’t a nicer guy than Rick Hendrick) and driving the #88 AMP and National Guard sponsored car in 2008.

Rick is a powerhouse in NASCAR.  Knowing him personally, I can say that they don’t come any finer than Rick Hendrick.  He is a class act, and in a league his own.  Today, two of his drivers, Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon

 will be battling it out in Homestead for the Nextel Championship Trophy! (The Nextel Trophy is as sought after as the Lyndee/ABC trophy.  Well, kinda sorta!)  Jimmie and Jeff are hard core drivers but, Rick is responsible for giving them the equipment to make it all happen.  There ain’t nothing that compares to a Hendrick engine in NASCAR…  Hendrick engines and drivers have dominated the 2007 season.

After today, the NEXTEL CUP goes as well… it is going to be called the SPRINT CUP starting next year…  Personally, I wish it was still THE WINSTON CUP!  I think I will always call it that.  Growing up, it was just always the WINSTON CUP! 

Anyway, as of tomorrow, Dale, Jr. is officially an employee of the Hendrick organization!  I couldn’t be happier for Jr.  I KNOW he has what it takes to be a champion in the sport, just like his daddy was.  But, I will say… I will miss seeing Jr. in the Budweiser sponsored car… they went together like eggs and ham, ya know what I mean?

Today will, without a doubt, be a very emotional day for Jr.  Not only leaving behind the company his father had built for himself and his family but, all of the personnel that have helped to get him to where and what he is today in the sport of NASCAR.  And, the end of an awesome relationship with Budweiser… You wouldn’t believe the increase in profits over the past few years that Budweiser attributes to Jr.  Astounding.  And, we the fans are sure going to miss Jr. climbing from the #8… 

 I’m giving up the BUD and going with the AMP!!  Best of luck to ya, Jr.  Go gettem!! 

 And, two icons retire after today’s race, one a car owner and the other a driver!  Happy Retirement to Robert Yates… a helluva nice guy and great team owner and businessman!  Thanks Robert, for the passing of the #88 for Dale, Jr.  (proof that he is a very giving man!)  And, so long to Ricky Rudd… a career that spans more than 30 years.  Ricky didn’t miss a race from 1981-2005… how many of you can say you didn’t miss a day of work in 24 years?  WOW!!!  The only driver with more career starts than Ricky was Richard Petty.  Thanks for the memories, Ricky!!!  You will always be the “Tide Man” to me!

IS IT FEBRUARY YET? 

Thanks for hangin’ with me… I know it was rough!!!  Have a great Sunday….

L-

Well guys, it looks as though the weekly NASCAR DUEL is going to come right down the the wire… ABC has become the “Chaser” over the past couple of weeks!  Funny, because when we started this little weekly duel, he WAS SO CERTAIN that the LUSCIOUS ONE wouldn’t win more than 12… 13 AT THE MOST, races!  So here we are at 17-16 with just three races remaining! Yes, I am the one with 17…

Anyway, as I do for every race, below are the picks for this week!! 

Lyndee:  “Jimmie J”, Matt Kenseth, Denny Hamlin, Jeff Burton, Dale Jr. (SINCERELY hope he can make it to the end of a race without SPEWING his load) and Greg Biffle.

ABC:  Jeff “Pink Panties” Gordon, Tony Stewart, Martin Truex, Jr., Kevin Harvick (I confess, I love when this guy FUCKS ABC over…), Kurt Busch (a great pussy provider, LOL), and Mark Martin… I SINCERELY believe ABC will pay dearly for this last pick!  That was very DIRTY… I have taken Martin every race with the exception of 1, I believe…. and, ABC knows this.  We’ll just SEE what happens.

WOW, what a SPORTS day… but, before I forget, I really have to comment about the sudden death of Ryan Shay, who collapsed during the Olympic Trials Marathon, and died yesterday.  One of the favorites to win and head to the Olympics next year… What a tragedy… 28 years old, newly married and father.  Such a tragedy… Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends… Ironically, Shaw’s best friend, Ryan Hall ended up winning yesterday’s race, and will be headed to the Olympics.  I feel sure we all can surmise in who’s memory he will be racing in…

Well, here’s hoping ya’ll have a great day… enjoy the day, and I will talk to ya later tonight with the results of this hard fought battle between ABC and myself!!!

Toodles!

Yes, this morning I had to bid farewell to my little furry guy… the hardest thing I have ever had to do… he was my best friend for almost 12 years… and, will always be “my furry little guy”…  May he rest in peace…

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

Author unknown…

Thanks for understanding that I will not be able to do calls until further notice…

Lyndee

The son of the founder of NASCAR, Bill France, Jr., passed away early this afternoon.  Bill France, Jr. is now a legend in motorsports, having brought NASCAR to where it is today…a multi-billion dollar a year business, also bringing NASCAR to what it is… the most widely attended sporting events, second only to football for television spectatorship.  A sport that packs the grandstands week after week…from the smallest of tracks to the largest…always sold out events.  His father had the vision, Bill France, Jr. had the plan.  He put his plan into action…it speaks for itself. 

Having firsthand knowledge of the type of man Bill Jr. was, I can say that while he was not always the most tactful or obliging, he was a man of great conviction and had a very clear picture of what he wanted and how he was going to get it.  He was an extremely hard working man, and dedicated his life to the building of the NASCAR empire. 

It is with great sadness that I bid farewell to Bill France, Jr., a friend of years gone by and a man of great devotion, not only to his family…but, his extended family in NASCAR.  From the drivers to the car owners, and the sponsors to the fans…he will be sorely missed, but never forgotten for all he accomplished.

Rest In Peace….