| THE DW TIMES Week of January 23-29, 2005 |
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| "THE ROAD TO MEMPHIS" STARTS IN HOT SPRINGS HOT SPRINGS (DWT) - The Charlotte Taylor and Gypsy Rain band headlined the Spa City Blues Society's "Road To Memphis" fund-raiser along with solo 12-string guitarist/vocalist Dayton Waters on January 15th at Big Daddy's on Central Avenue. Many members of the society brought items for sale in silent auction at the event, organized to raise money to sponsor the two local acts' appearances at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN, February 3-5th. Word is, the event raised approximately $1500 dollars. Proceeds will go to providing rooms and spending money for the competitors as well as deferring costs of other SCBS events. NEW TEAM LOOKING FOR "UNKNOWN LEGENDS" HOT SPRINGS (DWT) - The husband/wife team of David and Sherree Hughes have been satisfied to simply enjoy the live music scene from the sidelines for years and years. Not anymore. They have jumped into the local music scene with both pairs of feet by establishing the Spa City's only talent booking agency, Unknown Legends Booking. Always avid fans of live music, the Hugheses believed it was time for someone to make the effort of getting local talent seen and heard by as many people as possible, and not just in Hot Springs. Unknown Legends Booking immediately signed two of Hot Springs favorite musical acts, Blue Blazes and Dayton Waters. "Getting these guys work in Hot Springs is easy," says David Hughes. "Most people here already know that these two acts are exceptional. I want them to get that same sort of recognition away from home." Hughes has started booking both acts in venues in Little Rock and Fort Smith. He says that before long, cities from Memphis to Dallas will be falling in love with his musicians. Dayton Waters is considering a regional tour through the mid-west this summer. "We've got cities venues picked out, but nothing confirmed in the way of a road trip just yet," said Hughes. When asked why a part-time performer would need a booking agent, Waters replied, "There's a mix between want and need. It is an awesome convenience to know exactly when and where you're going to play without having to go through the hassle of haggling over costs, accommodations, and all that. While I'm playing gigs or working my day job, ULB is out making sure I have more work waiting for me." Blue Blazes may not be willing to travel far so from home; most of the members are family men. But, they're not opposed to getting more work within a few hours' drive from Hot Springs, according to Greg Batterton of the 5-member band. Blue Blazes has been entertaining the Spa City for four years and has developed quite a loyal following. "They're music fits in just about everywhere," said Hughes. "The key is getting club owners to recognize how much they can do for business." Hughes says ULB is approaching this venture from both angles. "I want to get our music out there. I also want to get the music out there to come to Hot Springs. If you know of acts trying to get work in Hot Springs, send them my way. I can make that happen," he added. What makes him so sure of that is his enthusiasm for promoting live music, shared with and fueled by his wife Sherree. "This is just our way to get more involved in something we have always loved," she said, speaking of live music. Performers or venues interested in the services of the Hughes should visit www.unknownlegendsbooking.com or call (501) 620-3596. Snail-mail correspondence can be sent to Unknown Legends Booking Agency, PO Box 2781, Hot Springs, AR, 71914. |
| THE RANT SECTION |
Okay. I suppose my first rant caught some of you off guard. After the suspected murder of the
guy who got into a chatroom confrontation with an Islamic fundamentalist, some have expressed
concern that my views may aggravate some sensitive members of that fanatic religion (as if there
are any other types) and raise their ire in my direction. So, to ease the worries of those who
truly matter, (not for the sensitivities of the truly insignificant), I am updating this a little
early, complete with a change in topic.
As in my daily life, I will endeavor to be an equal opportunity offender in this section. Don't get
me wrong - the purpose of this part is not to offend anyone. But I have found that one cannot
have an opinion about anything without offending someone. My point is, that I am not going to
edit or censor my rants for fear of offending. That would defeat the whole purpose of this
section. Anyone who knows me has heard me go on about a wide variety of topics and many
people are either actually entertained, educated or both from my rantings. This website is
intended to be a window into my life and would not be complete without this section. Don't
suppose I'll be too inclined to explain myself much more, either.
guy who got into a chatroom confrontation with an Islamic fundamentalist, some have expressed
concern that my views may aggravate some sensitive members of that fanatic religion (as if there
are any other types) and raise their ire in my direction. So, to ease the worries of those who
truly matter, (not for the sensitivities of the truly insignificant), I am updating this a little
early, complete with a change in topic.
As in my daily life, I will endeavor to be an equal opportunity offender in this section. Don't get
me wrong - the purpose of this part is not to offend anyone. But I have found that one cannot
have an opinion about anything without offending someone. My point is, that I am not going to
edit or censor my rants for fear of offending. That would defeat the whole purpose of this
section. Anyone who knows me has heard me go on about a wide variety of topics and many
people are either actually entertained, educated or both from my rantings. This website is
intended to be a window into my life and would not be complete without this section. Don't
suppose I'll be too inclined to explain myself much more, either.
| |
| Rant for 3rd Week of January 2005: Sharp Chicks: This week, the president of Harvard University offended an audience of scholars (many of them women) by implying that women simply do not have the aptitude to compete at high levels in industry and technical fields. Needless to say, he is not popular with your local feminist movement. Likewise, he has taken a beating in the press. Truth is, that was a pretty bonehead point to try to make, given the recent successes of a few prominient women. It was just a few years ago when we were all told that Hillary Clinton was the "smartest woman in America." In fact, not too long before that a woman rose to the highest office in governmental medicine; Dr. Jocelyn Elders was our US Surgeon General. Both of these women have been lauded by the left of this country as "brilliant" and "pioneers" in their fields. To date, I have never heard the same people (who called Mrs. Clinton the "smartest woman in America") even mention the accomplishments of Dr. Condoleeza Rice. Yet, upon comparison, the others pale in comparison to Dr. Rice. In fact, it is the party of the Clintons and Kerrys that have worked to deny Dr. Rice her appointment as Secretary of State. Neither the NAACP nor the ACLU has championed the cause of an oppressed black, female leader. That's because Dr. Rice isn't a socialist-Democrat. The National Association for the Advancement of Liberal Colored People has failed to come to her aid just as they failed to champion the cause of Justice Clarence Thomas during his confirmation hearings. But,that's okay. Because Dr. Rice has risen above two days of confirmation hearings and attacks from John F. Kerry, Joe Biden and Barbara Boxer to become the second woman, second black, and first black woman to serve in the post of Secretary of State, marking the highest post ever achieved by a black woman in our government. Immediately following the nomination, questions arose over her qualifications. I don't recall anyone questioning Madeline Albright's qualifications (she was the first female SecState). But then again, she was a Clinton appointee, so qualifications didn't matter. In fact, NOTHING that Bubba did mattered to this country. I am providing a link to the biographies of each of these distinguished ladies I have mentioned. I would prefer it if you took a minute to skim each one and try to pick out a few things. First, look for ANY evidence that Hillary is somehow smarter than Dr. Rice (or any other accomplished female for that matter). In terms of education, accomplishment and contribution, I just don't see any comparison. One may argue that Mrs. Clinton still contributes as a senator, and I agree, but that hardly requires brilliance (see Maxine Waters, Barbara Boxer, Diane Feinstein, etc.) Second, you may notice that Dr. Elders won a scholarship at 15 years old; Dr. Rice entered college at 16 and graduated with her BA at 20 years old. Compare their accomplishments and ask yourself, "What is Dr. Elders doing today?" I have the answer for you in the second link under her name. Lastly, I offer the bio of the lady who paved the way for female SecStates, Madeline Albright. When compared to Dr. Rice, she truly defines the term "inadequate." I won't make the same mistake liberals have made; I won't call Dr. Rice the "smartest woman in America." Neither will I make some ridiculous claim that women do not possess the aptitude to succeed in scientific or technical fields. In fact, I will say that in the last 100 years, women have gone from not having an opportunity to succeed to paving the roads of success in virtually every area of society. Likewise for some of our most distinguished black leaders. Dr. Rice is an icon for both demographics. Looking forward to next month (Black History Month), Dr. Rice should be held as an example not only for blacks, but for young girls everywhere that "YOU CAN. " I hope my daughters can follow her example of strength, moral courage, and education. MY PERSON OF THE MONTH: Dr. Condoleeza Rice (click pic to see bio) Mrs. William Jefferson Clinton's Whitehouse biography http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/firstladies/hc42.html Madeline Albright's biography http://www.whatsnew.neu.edu/albright000531.html Dr. Elders' biography http://www.uams.edu/cmefa/word%20docs/Elders%20bio.doc Dr. Elders' recent contribution to society http://www.nationalfamilies.org/guide/jelders.html That's gonna take of this week for me. Take care of yourself! Support LIVE MUSIC!! Dayton GOD BLESS YOU! GOD BLESS AMERICA!! E-mail me here |
