Carver and Wyeth and a long lost love

I wrote some AC articles this week on two talented men that I wish were still alive today: Raymond Carver, my all time favorite writer, and NC Wyeth, one of the most talented painters to ever walk this earth.

There's not a lot of info about Carver available on the Internet. I would like to try to find a copy of a book about him, "Carver Country." There's no bio of his life as far as I know. Still, I pulled out my old copy of "Where I'm Calling From" and read "A Small, Good Thing" and a couple of others. This man's work inspires me every time. I need to get on my own writing-- if I could only find the time.

NC Wyeth-- I do own a couple books on his life. He was a fascinating man and I want to take a trip-- soon-- to the Brandywine Rover Museum and the tour of his house and studio. I swear, when you're in his studio you can feel his presence. It's been quite a while since I've been there.

On a totally unrelated note (because I'm in the mood to ramble today), recently my mother stumbled upon a geneology website of a man who broke her heart years ago, before she met my dad. There are pictures of this man on the site, including one that she carried in her wallet for years before her cousin Vince made her burn it. Now that same picture is on the Internet, plus pics of him now as an old man. She's freaked out by the whole thing, seeing him now as an old man when it's been almost 50 years since she last saw him. Sometimes too much information is not a good thing, but in this case it was. They've rekindled an old friendship.

And life keeps whizzing by....

Rock Star INXS: Who Will Win?

I really enjoy the show "Rock Star: INXS,"  mainly because they actually sing GOOD music on that show. That is, until this week. On tonight's episode, poor Marty has been saddled with the Britney Spears pop song, "Baby One More Time."  Why oh why? Weren't the ratings high enough with Jordis's rendition of Nirvana's "Heart Shaped Box"?

I knew the good music was too good to be true. In any event, I think the whole competition is becoming pointless. It is obvious to me that Mig will be the winner.

Why will Mig win? He has all the elements needed to be a rock star. He has the look (funky hair, lean long body, tight striped pants). He has the rock star voice and moves. He doesn't cause any conflicts with the other singers (unlike JD). Plus, he's Australian, as are the members of INXS. Let's face it, Mig is a shoo-in.

So why continue this silly farce? It's still good entertainment. Yes, I am dreading the day when big-hearted, big-smiled Ty Taylor gets the boot. He is by far the best singer out of all of them, but do you really envision INXS being led by a mowhawked theater-loving singer? No, Ty will move on to bigger and better things and I will still be a fan.

JD, on the other hand, has tons of talent but has caused so much conflict and burned so many bridges with the others that I think he has ruined his chances of winning. He is my personal favorite-- he's nice to look at and has a sexy voice and charisma. Still, I think it's too little too late.

Jordis is my favorite as far as the women go, but come on-- do you really think INXS is going to choose a chick to front their band? Highly unlikely. Jordis is very young and has a lot to learn, so she should take this experience for what it is. I do love her voice, though.

So that's my prediction: Mig. In a few more weeks we'll know for sure.

UPDATE: I was totally wrong. JD Fortune won! Ha!