Charlotte, NC

Geez … I just started tonight’s post and I’ve already ticked off a few Republicans!
But I’m not talkin’ against Gov. Palin at all … ’cause she wasn’t the problem (’sides, I do value my life!)!
Okay, then, hotshot … what was the problem with the campaign??

Well, I didn’t say “THIS Was …”, did I?? Nope — I asked ya, “Was THIS …?” Need yer input.
And I’m talkin’ about the media here! I mean, they were all over Sarah Palin like butter on a freshly baked biscuit! And it was, for the most part, about everything but her political accomplishments, ability to perform the job … or her stand on the issues.

In other words, they didn’t give the lady a fair shake in the recent campaign! And we, bein’ a nation that just loves the sensationalistic, ate it up like the earlier-mentioned biscuit!!

Y’know, somehow, I’ve got a feelin’ that, though she’s raising a fine family, was a former small town-mayor, Governor of America’s (geographically) largest state and having to balance all these duties (and all their required concerns) and still maintain dignity and composure-under-fire;
though she’d traveled thousands of miles stumping for Sen. McCain, dealt with accusations and blows back home in Alaska, and still maintained a loving relationship and time with her husband and family …
it all just didn’t matter to the media.

They were more concerned about everything from her looks to accent to slip-ups that she made while on the campaign trail. And it was the slip-ups that became the focus more … and more.

THEN THEY BROUGHT IN A FEYKE PALIN …

Now, don’t get me wrong: I like Tina Fey as a comedienne, actress, mom … and, quite honestly, to meet the woman “offstage” is like talking with Everywoman. She’s very sincere, somewhat shy, a bit aloof herself … but definitely genuine!
But when the SNL script called for her to lampoon Gov. Palin, it set in everyone’s mind that the former VP candidate was actually like that! And that image, coupled with a media blitz straight out of Entertainment Tonight®, stuck with American voters to the end of voting day … and is still prevalent!

Of course, when they heard Sarah make a mistake (like calling Africa a country and about some flak between the McCain and Palin camps over the fact that the Governor didn’t get a chance to give her concession speech when Sen. McCain did), these “informed” media seem to forget that the lady was thrust almost immediately into the national spotlight for the very first time! Everybody — here and abroad — was watching her.

That brings me to a second question: If you were in front of the cameras and mics and millions of viewers for the very first time ever, would you get a little nervous and maybe slip up on your words or facts?

Then ya know how she felt … and how the mistakes could have easily happened. And, during the bittersweet concession speech (handled remarkably well by Sen. McCain), she undoubtedly thought (again, remember that she wasn’t familiar with the protocol here) that she would have a turn at the mic as well! So, you see, SARAH PALIN IS HUMAN!

But — since what’s said or done by the VP candidate (intentional or not) can change the direction of any Presidential election — couldn’t all this media mishandling have been one of the contributing causes of the Republicans’ defeat?

Like I said, it wasn’t her fault; she gave, I believe, one of the best showings of any first-time VP candidate … especially someone who’d never been in this much of a national spotlight … before!

I voted for Obama, because he was the better choice; but I truly admire Gov. Palin .. and honestly hope she shoots for a high goal like this again in 2012!

But I’d appreciate your opinion …

All right … now this idiotic mud-slinging has gone too far!!

Senator Kay Hagan has every right to throw a “cease-and-desist” order against Elizabeth Dole (a woman who, prior to this, had my admiration and support!). I mean, how low can you go with this nonsense?
Sen. Hagan is a fine, Christian woman with some terrific values … and to slander/libel her (hey … check the NCGS … it’s exactly that. I included both because it’s hit both the media and the streets!) is a disgrace!

Ahhhh … but wait!!

Aren’t we seein’ more desperation out of Republicans lately?? They’re about to lose their clout around the nation, so, whether McCain’s camp, McConnell’s or Dole’s, they’re scraping for anything they can find!
Interesting to note the last line of the Observer article: “Some polls show Dole trailing Hagan in her bid for re-election. “

So, Sen. Hagan, I wish you ALL the luck with your “desist” order. Just be sure to MAKE IT STICK!!

We’ve gotta stop this bovine defecation somehow! It’s pathetic …

WEDDING BELLS COMING??

Now, there are a lotta young (and some young-at-heart) couples who are plannin’ to “tie the knot” this holiday season, and, outside of their love for each other, they’re tryin’ to get everything just right for the Big Day.

And ya know how it alllllll got into motion, right?  The dude goes down on one knee, clears his throat a million times, sweats an ocean, and then … pulls out the felt-covered box with …

Yep.  But what’s in that box?  You want the very best to adorn that third-finger-left-hand until that day comes when you add to it, right?  Well, in order to have that, I’m gonna give you a link in a minute that’ll make you, your intended, and your wallet, very, very happy!

Not only will you get the best in diamonds (you’ll recognize the name as “quality” the minute you get there!), but the most beautiful selection of rings you’d ever want!  Of course, these folks are known world-wide for their integrity, their service … and their affordability!

So, if you’re still wantin’ to “pop the question”, you’ll wanna get the most beautiful and affordable selection of quality engagement rings … and, by clicking on that link, you’ll find ‘em!
So go ahead … and have a wonderful and blessed marriage …

Well, nobody can say she doesn’t have a sense of humor …

As around 14 million Americans have seen, Republican VP candidate Sarah Palin went on NBC’s Saturday Night Live this past weekend, in vignettes at the beginning of the show (she even got to say those immortal words, “Live From New York … it’s SATURDAY NIGHT!!”) and in their “Weekend Update” segment (btw, that was not her husband dancing with the moose! Just an actor that looked like him.).

In other words, you could’ve easily missed her!

Now, one of the original SNL’ers, actor/comedian Chevy Chase, doesn’t think Gov. Palin should’ve been on the show.

“Quite frankly, it’s a big mistake to let her go on. What was brilliant about (‘SNL’ chief) Lorne (Michaels) was that he had nothing written for Sarah and that apparently she cannot improvise herself out of a paper bag! On ‘Weekend Update,’ that was her big chance. Nothing.”

Still, the concensus of most Crown Towners who watched her brief appearance is that she did okay.
Y’see, it’s sorta like Dr. “Bones” McCoy tellin’ Capt. Kirk, “Dammit, Jim, I’m a DOCTOR, not a (whatever)”.
Although she gave it a good shot, she’s telling America, “Goshdarn it, I’m a VP Candidate, not a comedian!”
You betcha!

THE BEST SWITCH

No, I’m not talkin’ about the one mama used on you as a kid; I’m talking about one that routes high-def video and digital sounds (audio) to you from any one of three different sources. Imagine, for example, you want to get video from a satellite system, or a Blu-Ray© disc or whatever. Well, this splitter/router will do it for you!
Using only 15 watts of power, it’s certainly gonna be energy-efficient! You’ll also get a remote and a one-year warranty … all from the folks who are famous for their low prices, high quality and excellent customer care!
So, if you’re looking for the best HDMI switch, just click on the link you just passed! And make the switch today!!

Okay … by request of some of the Queen City’s best readers — and in tribute to my friend, mentor and inspiration, Lloyd Thaxton (1927-2008. We’ll always remember …) startin’ with this post, we’re gonna thread some musical memories in with our regular Charlotte news and views! So stay tuned … this is gonna get interestin’:

First, a two-fer: If you’ve got friends/family in England, ask ‘em this: didja know they wouldn’t play The Pretty Things’ Don’t Bring Me Down stateside back in ‘64 (thus knockin’ ‘em outta Invasion contention) because the song had “objectionable lyrics”?

Yeah, I know … the song hit the Top Ten over there, and there wasn’t anything “suggestive” in Dick Taylor’s tune, right?

Now … for you statesiders who aren’t familiar: Pretty Things’ founder, Dick Taylor came up with the band after leavin’ an earlier band … he was one of the original Rolling Stones …

And Louie Louie (remember: no comma between the two words, okay?), which was released by The Kingsmen — and also banned — in 1964, cost ‘em just 36 bucks to record, but ended up selling over 12 million copies (over and despite a lot of parental protests)!

Another banned song (ummm, are we startin’ to see a pattern here? Golly … I - I didn’t mean to!!), Leader of The Pack by the Shangri-Las (banned in a lotta markets because it “glorifies both motorcycle gangs and, to a degree, death”. Yeah. Right. Like death is somethin’ really glitzy, huh??), allegedly had a young piano player named Billy Joel. Now, co-writer Ellie Greenwich says it ain’t so, but my sources say they’ve heard differently.

Now, here’s somethin’ for all you pickers out there: Didja know the first six-string guitar was created in Spain around 400 years ago? Uh-huh … and it was called a vihuela back then. And, no, it hasn’t changed that much since then …

Hey … remember that old song Mack the Knife by Bobby Darin? (Another of the … right: banned songs! Seems that, shortly after Darin released it, a coupla guys died in knife fights, so some markets nixed it! Hmmm … wonder what the excuse is for that kinda behavior today? [Get my point?]) He recorded it … at the age of 21 … but, though still a cool tune, people’ve wondered who the hxxx that MacHeath guy is that he’s singin’ about.

Well, the song actually dates back to 1928 and a German play called The Threepenny Opera. And “Mack”, “Mackie” and “Macheath” are names for the same person (the last bein’ his ‘real’ name) — a tough criminal with no morals!

And remember the Youngbloods? Yeah … the guys who did the peace anthem (and, now, jingle for a phone company) Get Together. Well, they didn’t get together for a 1970 appearance on Johnny Carson’s show. Y’see, they complained about everything – from rehearsal time to lighting, mics, etc — even telling the director (who’d been doin’ it for two decades) what to do.

So, in Carson’s words, ‘ I told them to pack up and get the hell out of the building.’

Later that night, Johnny told the TV audience, ‘They complained about the set, the lighting, the sound, the show - everything. So we wiped their noses, told them they’d been in show business a day and a half, and sent them home.’ The studio audience applauded!

It really was for the best, btw. These one-hit wonders were usin’ the peace concept to get their records played. They thought they were big — and their uppity attitudes showed it whenever they weren’t onstage.

LOOKIN’ TO JOIN A BAND??

Well, you’ve got two chances here — one in the UK and one in Canada! For starters, if you’re good at rhythm, have a dynamite attitude and are a team player, then the popular UK band THE FOREwants to hear from you!

Now, in Canada (particularly the Windsor area), you can hook up with my cool friend (and fantastic songwriter) Brady Bayliss! This dude’s got the attitude, the desire — and the talent — to become Canada’s next superstar! And now he’s lookin’ for musicians as hungry for the Sixties sounds as much as he is. Just gimme a shout-out if you’re interested, and I’ll forward yer message on to him, okay?

COOKOUT ON THE PATIO!

With Fall bringin’ friends and family alike together in many ways (whether it’s just the crispness of the season, televised football showdowns or, of course, Thanksgiving), folks are headin’ out to their patios for fun and cookouts!
Of course, you’ll wanna make sure everything’s just right for your guests (as well as yourself) … including the best in patio furniture and accessories!
And you can find no better or more affordable place to shop for those than the folks you’ll meet in just a minute. You see, by clicking on the link I’m about to give you, you’ll find furniture sets, tables, chairs … and (this is obviously very important!) patio furniture covers to protect those chairs and tables from the weather!
Remember, guys … you don’t have too long until the next kick-off, so be sure to have the best furniture when your and your friends’ families hit the patio for that big cookout!
By clicking that link I gave ya and shopping with them, you’ll be a great success!

Let’s face it … everybody loves Elmo, right?  If you’ve ever watched “Sesame Street”, or had one of those little “Tickle Me” dolls that would laugh like crazy and shake at the same time (sorta like a guy goin’ on his first date), you know what I’m talkin’ about.

And now  Elmo’s in Charlotte with the rest of his “Street” pals, kickin’ up the fun in When Elmo Grows Up.  It’s a 90-minute production that’ll spark the kids’ imagination and wonder as they ask themselves the same question:  What’ll I be when I grow up??

The show uses Broadway-style music and staging to teach kids that, if they believe in themselves and work well, anything is possible (no, this is not an Obama campaign in disguise! :))  And, among the 24 songs on tap, the kids’ll be hearing some very familiar tunes like Itsy, Bitsy Spider and, of course, the Sesame Street theme song!

They’ll also get to meet the newest resident of the Street, a youngster named Abby Cadabby!  This will be her onstage debut … so be nice, okay??

this Thursday and running until Sunday!  They’re at 10:30 AM and 7:00 PM on Thursday-Friday; at 10:30 AM and 2 PM on Saturday, and at 5:30 PM on Sunday!

You can get your tickets through Ticketmaster or at the box-office. Just remember to get there early, because these shows are always tremendous hits!

Normally, I would be talkin’ about the Queen City in this space.
But, tonight, this Relic feels like his guts have been torn out.

My friend … my mentor … the living legend of the “finger people” … Lloyd Thaxton … is dead.

When I got the news off the wire, it hit like a ton of bricks.  In fact, that’s why I’m late in doing this post.  It’s just too hard to believe.

He was a fave among many then-teens here in the Crown Town area back in the mid-’60s.  There were kids who crowded ’round the TV at 5 PM weekdays to watch his madcap antics as well as hear some of the best rock bands in the business:  Beau Brummels, Sonny and Cher, The Turtles, The Byrds and so many more. 

A few years ago, I had the distinct privilege of meeting my TV hero — and that meeting formed a close friendship that I’ll forever cherish.  Would that you could’ve known the man behind the madness; he was, in one word, awesome!

So, to both my Rockaholic and Crown Town readers (or both), we lost a giant on Sunday (he succumbed to multiple myeloma at the age of 81).  Our thoughts and prayers go to his wife Barbara, daughter Jennifer (who’s recovering from broken-neck surgery) and his sons.

This is short, because … well, it’s a bit sad in RelicTown tonight.  I’ll get back up to speed tomorrow.

See ya then.

Sorry for bein’ a bit late tonight. Hadta rebuild my PC …

Now — where were we?? OHHH yeah; the debate!!

On the one hand, you had a “rookie” — on the other, a guy who’s seen the inside of Capitol Hill since 1972. Not a lotta folks were expecting much from Sarah Palin as she went toe-to-toe with Joe. For some reason, America still has a bit of sexist quality about it, and thought Biden would have a field-day against his Republican opponent.

But …

a few minor gaffes aside, I thought Mrs. Palin did an excellent job in holding her own!! But she did more than that; she added some homespun wit and comfortability! Forget about the looks for a minute; she made the debate (dare I say this?) downright enjoyable!!

Granted, it’s gonna take a lot more than that to win the election; after all, she does have an investigation hangin’ over her head back home in Alaska (the courts just denied a request by Republicans to stop their look into her alleged “abuse-of-power”). She also needs to bone up on her facts a little, and stop just okayin’ McCain’s policy. After all, she’s already at odds with John over his input about Michigan. She’s gotta tell how she feels about every issue … and make sure she knows the issues inside-and-out to give a qualified, educated answer.

Still, it was good to see Biden’s face when he realized “Hey … she’s smarter than I THOUGHT!” And he’s gotta stick with the issues today … we don’t wanna hear as much about him (heck … we can always Google® his name if we wanna learn more) as we do about gettin’ outta Iraq, how to handle the problems facing the elderly, those with no insurance, and taxes.

But they both did moderately well, concerning it was their first televised debate.

So, what did you think??  Lemme know …

Man, wouldn’t ya know it??  As I was startin’ to get this (and my other writes) together, the PC went down again! 
Soooo, these are gonna be a little short ’til tomorrow — at least until I get that modem workin’ (geez … how, oh how did we ever live without this marvel called “computer”?).

Anyway … we’ve got that debate comin’ up in a few hours, and I’ve gotta get in my two-cents’ worth (hey … don’t knock it; it’s all I have left after goin’ to Office Depot for new software!):

First, lemme say that — as it looks right now – yes, I’m votin’ for Obama this November (ya can’t tell what’ll come out or up between now and then, natch …).  But, as far as tonight goes …

I hope Sarah Palin kicks Joe Biden’s AXX!!  Y’see, it seems the media world (and, thus, the people who believe them) have placed her into three sexist categories:  (1) the “little, ignorant housewife who doesn’t know anything real politicians do”, (2) the “hockey mom who didn’t raise her daughter right” or (3) “sexy, alluring, former cheerleader.”   

And it’s all … well, ya know that stuff that bulls do when they have to go to the bathroom?  Yeah … now ya got it!

So, by utilizing her existing knowledge (and she does have that!) and the training she’s gettin’ for tonight’s gabfest, I’m hopin’ she’ll do such a good job that it’ll leave egg on every face that’s put the lady down.
Granted (and especially if she touts the Republican standard), she’ll be pushin’ the wrong agenda, but … just this once … I’d like to see Joe stutter and hem-and-haw in awe of this woman …

More later. Now I’m goin’ back to workin’ on my PC …

Now, before I begin, lemme emphasize that this is not a putdown or plug. Yep, I’m an Obama supporter … but I’ve also got a little respect here:

The reason I brought up the shot of Gov. Palin, though, is that I honestly believe the woman is being scrutinized unfairly! I mean, while there are so many issues for the candidates to face, what does the media do? Play up her family and her looks. Pictures are floating all over the Internet (and they’re “Photoshopped” — for you rookies, “made up”) of her in some provocative outfit or whatever.

But wait! Isn’t … isn’t she the governor of a state?? Hasn’t she had to face some serious issues in her tenure as either small-town mayor or head-of-state? Doesn’t she have opinions? Doesn’t she have some smarts??

Of course she does … and, as a people, we’ve gotta start looking at those qualities and forget about the rest. She’s running for Vice-President of the United States, for cryin’ out loud — not the next contestant on Project: Runway!
And we can kick this off by saying that any woman who can love and care for a family (including a small child with a disability), be a faithful, loving wife and hold a serious, mind-wracking job has the qualities to run for the office of VP!

So, whether she and McCain make it to the top or not (and, though I still believe Obama’s the wiser choice, it still comes down to numbers), we’ve gotta start showing some respect for the woman, her experience, her heart for the people, and her knowledge! Whether we’re in for a run of Vice-Presidential Sarah-ndipity or whatever, the Palin Adventure should be about those qualities alone.
Let me put it a little more bluntly: Forget the looks from head-to-toe; concentrate on what’s inside from the neck UP! You might be surprised at how keen she really is!

Leave everything else to her husband or family as it applies …

Okay … so I kinda “fudged” a little on the italics this time. But, man, when ya feel strongly about somethin’, ya just can’t sit and talk in a blamed monotone about it, right? But kudos to the guy who wrote and reminded me about ‘em.

What’d I tell ya??
Remember a few posts back, when I talked about bein’ ready for hurricanes (what a lady in South Boulevard’s Radio Shack said should be re-named Worri-canes, ’cause though we’re in-land the news can still worry the socks off ya!)??

Well, it looks like the Gulf and East Coasts are gettin’ plastered by ‘em this season — and more’s on the way! Fortunately, none have done nearly the damage of a Katrina or Rita — but that doesn’t mean they won’t!
And, though Crown Town is blessed by being where it is, we all know we can still get a feel of the fury (remember Hugo almost two decades ago?).

So it makes sense to go ahead and get non-perishable supplies, blankets, batteries, etc., now, just in case one of these blowhards does happen to gain enough oomph! to graze us! And don’t forget that, should “the call” come in over the TV or radio news, you’ll wanna get your tank filled up; sometimes, when the power goes out, the convenience stores are stuck with inoperational gas pumps!

The big question, natch, is will another big one hit us?? It’s not likely right now … but, since ya never can be totally sure, it’s best to be ready, just in case!

Besides, what’s the store gonna do with all that Spam sittin’ on their shelves, anyway? I mean, we don’t buy it normally …

SOMETHING TO DIE(T) FOR

Y’know, there are a lot of diet programs and regimens on the market these days (and for good cause, since so many Americans are overweight now. Don’t believe me? Google™ the topic, then!). Some work, some don’t — and folks don’t have a lot of time to go by trial-and-error with these.
Besides, finding the right diet supplement can be time-consuming, anyhow; you have to drive from store-to-store, check out a zillion choices with (maybe) the help of an overworked clerk, stand in long lines to pay for the sometimes-overpriced item.
But there is an easier way!
First, just click on the link I’m about to give you. Then, check out their reviews of the top dietary supplements. Find the one that’ll suit you (you’ll also be able to find out more about individual fat-burners and other supplements on the left side of the page, as well as customer feedback at the bottom of it!).

Once you’re satisfied, just follow the link they provide for the best internet price –and, believe me, you will save money!
So, to help you make the best choice of diet pills, just click the link you just passed! Before ya know it, the diet supplement you want will be in your hands … and you’ll be on your way to a slimmer and fitter YOU!

Well, whaddya think??
After watchin’ the RNC the past coupla nights (when the main-eventers had their say), I’m not really all that impressed with McCain’s running mate, Mrs. (Gov., whatever) Sarah Palin.

Now, don’t get me wrong; I’m all for a lady to hold a high position in the new regime, whoever gets the nod. But Gov. Palin just doesn’t fit the bill! Here’s why:

First, she’s gotten a number of her facts wrong. Now, it’d take too long to list ‘em all here, so (if you can get through all the personal BS of the writer) you can go here for them (the writer copied these from a Yahoo! News Report after Wednesday night’s convention).

Secondly, the Governor has to remember that she has a tremendous obligation comin’ up that’s gonna take more and more of her time. Y’see, her youngest (the one she kept “hidden” from her brood while she was pregnant) has Downs’ Syndrome. Now, while many kids with this condition still grow and thrive (think Chris Burke, the actor; and, of course, the superstars of the Special Olympics), they do so only with the encouragement and personal care of their parents and families! And that’s gonna take time and patience!! Kinda hard to do when you’re sittin’ behind the Prez in the White House!
Also, I’m not “sold” on this thing about her daughter. No, I’m not puttin’ her down due to her pregnancy; in fact, I admire her for taking care of herself, her unborn child and marryin’ the father! Actually, it’s that boy, Levi, who worries me. He only took down his “MySpace” page (the one that said he could whup someone’s axx [he used the real word, though] and sounded so “tough”) after this pregnancy was revealed nationally! And he didn’t look too “peaceful” or “loving” while his future mom-in-law was talkin’ (or McCain on Thursday, for that matter!).
So the Governor is gonna have a lot on her hands in the future — and, to my way of thinkin’, family comes first before anything; EVEN A VICE-PRESIDENTIAL NOD!! Amen??

Well, it’s nearin’ the 5 AM hour here, and I’ve gotta get a little bit of shut-eye before headin’ back to the boards tomorrow. So, I’ll see ya Friday evening, okay? Until then, how about givin’ me a shout-out and tellin’ me what you think about this?

The response has been overwhelming …

and, quite frankly, it’s brought me cause to study each comment carefully before writing any further dissertations on the subject. However, sometime tomorrow afternoon, I’ll address this situation again and use in-context samples of these comments within the post itself.

Now … for you who think I’m being somewhat whimsical in my prose style, I hope you’re satisfied with the way I penned the above.

‘Cause, y’see, it just ain’t my style! (I’ll explain in a minute, okay?) Look … I’ll admit that I didn’t think the whole shebang through before gettin’ these paws on the keypads. That’s why I wanna take some time to read … no, make that study (BIG difference, right?) whatcha said.

So, just hang on until sometime tomorrow afternoon, okay? And, listen: Thanx for the comments! Keep ‘em comin’, and I’ll put ‘em on here! In fact, I’ve got some hard-copy newspapers who’d like what you wrote, if I can get your permission to send ‘em!

ABOUT THIS “WRITING STYLE”

Now, let me get heavy for a moment: I took journalism, writing, drama, etc. in colleges and schools over the years. But I’ve also been a DJ, an audio producer and a syndicated columnist. This “dialoguish” writing style — patterned largely after the way a person verbalizes in informal situations — has garnered readers around the world and Pineville for my product.

Now, if you want the “Queen’s English” (I think the “King’s English” means usin’ words like Elvis, huh?), I can do that. But (as many of you know already) the best way to relate to others is to be yourself! And I’m as informal as a plate of grits on a cool Sunday mornin’ at mama’s breakfast table.

One more thing before I get off here and start readin’: NONE of our collegiates are, in any way, shape or form, “children” (other than the obligatory title used by the parents of these students) or “kids”. In fact, they should be respected for taking the steps to further their education and learn more of the intricacies of life’s processes! After all:
To THEM we entrust our FUTURE!

‘Nuff said. More tomorrow … be sure to tune in …

Well, it’s now official: Two of America’s top sleuths will be leaving us … but two more are waiting in the wings, ready to take their place!

As we’ll see over the next few weeks, Gil Grissom, head honcho of CSI — the most-watched of the franchise — will be re-evaluating his role as Chief of Forensics and headin’ into the sunset. Taking his place will be a character (to be introduced on an episode shortly) played by stage-and-movie superstar Lawrence Fishburne. Now, you’ve seen him in many films — and, if you were really lucky, you caught his amazing performance as the late Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall.
But didja know that this humble actor really became noticed as a bit-part actor on the TV series M*A*S*H?? He’s come a long way … and, no doubt, his new role will carry him even further.

Over at Law & Order: Criminal Intent — which is now shown on USA Network rather than NBC (it wasn’t on CBS, as I earlier gaffed. Sorry … geez … the price I’ve gotta pay for bein’ human … lol)– Chris Noth (Det. Mike Logan) departed from the new episodes with this week’s installment (Chris’ character has left “to experience life beyond the badge”). Replacing him will be the star of “Jurassic Park”, Jeff Goldblum.
Now, while neither Fishburne’s nor Goldblum’s character has been given a name yet, Fishburne has some big shoes to fill (after all, Bill Peterson has been in the Grissom role for eight years!) while Goldblum will be trading episodes with Vince D’nofrio (Det. Bobby Goren). Still, they’re gonna add a refreshing style and look to the roles, and we’re lookin’ forward to it …

Now, what does WBTV have to do with all this? Well, Channel 3 is the CBS affiliate in the Queen City, and the lion’s share of local Thursday night Neilsens belongs to them. And, since Jerry Bruckheimer’s top show is bound to score heavily on the night that Grissom leaves, they can look at some serious ad revenue as well as viewers!
Of course, L&O:CI is gonna be on USA, so that’s up for the cable companies’ profits in both categories.
Either way, the shows are secure — especially with Fishburne and Goldblum on the case!