dangodwin's Blog

The November election may well be another close one, and one factor in determining who wins may well be Hllary Clinton.    During the long campaign season, she got a lot of people to vote for her, and won lots of contests...in some very big states.

If she decides to put aside her disappointment, and campaign all-out for Barack Obama, it will be a tremendous help to him.   However, if Clinton sends out signals that she's bitter about the process, and that she was unfairly treated by the party, a lot of her supporters could easily go to John McCain.     We're talking about millions of women who were very enthusiastic about Hillary's campaign.  Obama has also shown real difficulty in attracting another group of voters most loyal to Hillary:   Blue-collar workers,  without college degrees.

This is a very important constituency for the Democrats, and Republican strategists will be targetting these voters in November.     Obama knows to really bring together his party, he needs Hillary Clinton's enthusiastic support.    But there are no guarentees that's gonna' happen.     

Stay tuned.

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One thing about Rolling Stone magazine, they love to compile lists.   In the latest issue, the editors offer up "The 100 Greatest Guitar Songs of All Time".  It makes for interesting reading, and deepens your appreciation of the classics.

They describe some of the elements of a great guitar song:  "an irresistable riff...a solo or a jam that takes you higher every time you hear it...the final power chord that pins you to the wall..." 

Here's the top ten:

1)  Johnny B. Goode - Chuck Berry   

2) Purple Haze - Jimi Hendrix

3) Crossroads- Cream

4) You Really Got Me - The Kinks

5)  Brown Sugar - The Rolling Stones   

6)  Eruption - Van Halen

7) While My Guitar Gently Weeps - The Beatles

8) Stairway to Heaven - Led Zeppelin

9) Statesboro Blues - The Allman Brothers Band

10)  Smells Like Teen Spirit - Nirvana 

I think this is a pretty solid list.     And these sort of compilations are really designed to spark argument and discussion.   One change I would make:   In place of "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" in the #7 slot, I'd put Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta' Love".   (It appears as #11.)     It think "Gently Weeps" is a great track, and I'd maybe put it in the top 20, but there's no way it packs the power, and the fury, of "Whole Lotta' Love."

I'm glad "Smells Like Teen Spirit" made the top ten.   A truly great, haunting record, with an amazing riff.    And "Statesboro Blues" by the Allman Brothers is just a mind-blowing display of guitar work.   

However, the Who's "I Can't Explain" is not on the list...which was surpring.   (Although the Who are represented by "My Generation" and "I Can See for Miles.")

What do you think?

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Make no mistake:  I was bitterly disappointed with the Mavericks' first-round playoff exit this year.    It's a team you can really get attched to...because it's made up of some really excellent people...both on the court, and in the front office.

Having issued that disclaimer, I must say this year's NBA finals is a pretty tantalizing mix.    I mean, I don't know how you cram any more history into a series than Lakers-Celtics.  Let me say up front, I grew up in Southern California, so you can't help but take note of the Lakers.      And back in the 1980's, there was very little in sports to compare with an LA-Boston series.   

It's often said that Larry Bird and Magic Johnson helped save the NBA.    I don't know if that's true...but watching those two legends go at it for the ultimate prize, was an awesome thing to behold.   And then you throw in names like Kareem, McHale, Parish, James Worthy, etc., and you see what I mean about history.    

Of course, if you want to go back a little further between these two clubs, you've got names like Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West, and John Havlicek.    Whew.   Not a bad roster.   

So believe me, I'd love it if the Mavs were playing for the NBA title this year.   But if I have to pick two other teams...well...this year's match-up would be it.

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It was quite a weekend for Sex and the City.    It earned 55 million dollars from Friday through Sunday.     Keep in mind, the movie's entire budget was 65 million.   So, this will be an exceedingly profitable film.

One of the things I'm doing on Good Day these days:  reporting on major movies.      Sometimes, if I've seen the film, I even give quick a review.    But we figured in this case, my opinion of Sex and the City really wouldn't matter much.      This is a film directed squarely at women.   So, when I attended an advance screening last Tuesday night in Dallas, I made sure to have a photographer around after the movie, to record audience members' reaction.  

As I watched the crowd exit the theater, and pour into the lobby, I saw many women who were really moved by what they had seen.     Several of them were misty-eyed.   And all of them raved about the picture.        As I conducted quick interviews with women chosen at random, I was struck by how eloquently they spoke about SATC.      This is a movie that seems to speak to a lot of women, on a deep level.   You get the feeling it's the emotional lives of the characters, and the strength of their freindship, that really resonates with audiences.  

The popularity of this film may well spark some interesting discussions.    It certainly isn't the typical formula for a hollywood blockbuster.     But it may get some movie studios to re-think what can really sell at the box office.

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I'm reading an interesting book called "Stolen Innocence".  It's by a woman who grew up in a polygamous community in Utah.   Elissa Wall writes quite movingly about the trauma of being forced into marriage at 14.     Her husband was her first cousin, at the time 19 years old.     It's an extraordinary glimpse inside the workings of the FLDS.  

Elissa eventually manages to break free from the church.    And in September of 2007, she provided crucial court testimony against the sect leader Warren Jeffs.   As a result of Elissa's testimony against him, Jeffs was convicted of being an accomplice to rape.  He's serving two prison sentences, of five years to life.

Elissa is now in her early 20's, and is happily married to the man who helped her get away from the FLDS.   In reading the book, you can't help but think about the current drama now unfolding between the State of Texas, and the FLDS.      "Stolen Innocence" is not about what happened at the West Texas polygamous ranch.      But Elissa's story is one that a lot of people will be thinking about, as they watch CPS, and sect members try to reach a resolution, involving all the children at that ranch.

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For me, the best part of a big Race Weekend at TMS is the campers.    If you've never had the  chance to hang out amongst the NASCAR nation, it's truly something to experience.    I do think there's a camraderie amongst racing fans, that's unequaled by any other spectator sport.

I spent this past Thursday morning  in the infield at TMS...as people were filling up the thousand-or-so campsites.         The first thing that jumps out at you is the friendliness.    There are no strangers in a setting like this...you simply walk up to anybody...and find yourself having a nice chat.   And there's a very good chance they'll offer you a delicious breakfast...right off the grill.       If you're unfamiliar with the subtleties and details of NASCAR, the fans will happily and patiently explain everything to you.     Passion is the key word here.   They LOVE their sport, and they want to share their interest with you.      

It's also a patriotic bunch.   At so many of the campsites, you'll see the NASCAR flag proudly flying...just below the stars and stripes.       So, I salute the fans...and commend them for creating a really cool atmosphere. 

To see more of our Thursday coverage, just click on this link:

http://www.myfoxdfw.com/myfox/pages/InsideFox/Detai
l?contentId=6208758&version=2&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=V
STY&pageId=5.2.1

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As Scouting expeditions go, this was something special.    I spent my Saturday along Duck Creek in Garland...where a remarkable project was going on.  

Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts were helping unearth the bones of an water-dwelling creature...that dates back about 80 million years.   It's called a "mosasaur"...and it swam around these parts when North Texas was coverered by an ocean.      Perhaps the best part of doing the story was seeing the enthusiasm of the scouts.     For them, this was  truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity...the kind of kind of experience you can't get in a museum or a classroom. 

The bones embedded in the rock and soil of Duck Creek are amazingly intact...you can clearly see the very large jaws, and even more impressive teeth.    The mosasaur measured anywhere from 30 to 50 feet long...and was very aggresive...so other life forms in the ocean steered clear if they could.

Back in November, someone walking along the creek in Garland just happened to spot the bones...and the scouts were brought in this past weekend to prepare the site for excavation.   The bones will eventually be on display in McKinney's Herd Museum.

To see the story we aired, just click on this web address:

http://www.myfoxdfw.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail;jse
ssionid=E254ED4E5772FF1592A50FF871C450E1?contentId=6172
350&version=2&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=1.1.1
&sflg=1

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If you'd like to experience some of the best in contempoarary art, Dallas can definitely accomodate you.     Four years ago, there were just a couple of art galleries in the city's Design District.      Now, there are at least 15.  

The Design District, just northwest of Downtown Dallas, consists mostly of Dragon Street.     Art galleries have been flocking to the area for the last couple of years, partly to escape high rents in other parts of the city.       And the best way to experience Dragon Street is to go there on a Saturday night, when all the galleries have scheduled exhibit openings.     This occurs once every four or five weeks.     Visitors hop from one gallery to another...there's lots of socializing, some wine drinking, and just a generally fun atmosphere.     And in the process, you'll see some of the best contemporary art in the nation.     

The next big Saturday night event is March 29th, from 5-8pm.

You can see more in this segment I did for Good Day.    Just click on the web address below.

http://www.myfoxdfw.com/myfox/pages/InsideFox/Detai
l?contentId=6146161&version=5&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=V
STY&pageId=5.2.1

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It's been very interesting to see the reaction to last week's speech by Barack Obama, on the issue of race in America.      Many say it's a speech he had to give, because of the controversy over his former Pastor, Jeremiah Wright.   By now, Wright's harsh comments about the U.S. are well known:   He has said this country brought 9/11 on itself, and that the aids virus was created by the U.S. government as an instrument of racial genocide.  

Obama is winning praise for tackling a very tough subject in his speech.   Race-related anger is not something politicians like to address head on...because it's so easy to offend a large segment of voters.        But Obama talked about the need for racial healing in this country.   He also tried to explore and explain the root causes of black anger.   In the same address, he also talked about the resentment many whites feel, about being held responsible for past racial injustices...in which they played no role whatsoever.

Some conservative critics though have faulted Obama, for not spending more time addressing his relationship with Rev. Wright.     Some who viewed the speech say Obama needed to explain in more detail why he didn't simply find a new pastor, when Rev. Wright was making such extreme anti-american statements.   

There is polling information that shows Obama has lost some support nationwide as a result of his affiliation with Rev. Wright.    The controversy could reduce the Illinois Senator's appeal to independent voters...which has been a cornerstone of his campaign. 

Obama is still the favorite to win the Democratic nomination...But the Rev. Wright issue will likely come up again in the general election.     What did you think of the Obama speech...and the pastor controversy?    Leave a comment...

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The much-acclaimed Oscar-winning film came out on DVD this week.     I'd been hearing great things about "No Country For Old Men"  for months.     And I knew it was set in West Texas, so that was an added incentive to watch it.  

First of all, I can understand why so many critics loved this movie.     It's complex and challenging, and it raises some sobering questions about violence, the nature of evil, and the meaning of life.      It examines the brutal aftermath of a botched drug deal...from the perspective of three characters.   The only one we can like unreservedly is the Sherriff, played by Tommy Lee Jones.     And the worst of the bunch is a psychopathic killer played by Javier Bardem.    He won the Oscar for best supporting actor, and it's easy to see why.

But the nagging question remains:  does "No Country for Old Men" really live up to the hype?     I thought it was an interesting film, made with great care, and intelligence.      The Coen Brothers have an obvious gift for visual storytelling...But I just don't know if the "message" of this movie is exceptionally deep or profound.    Yes, evil exists in our troubled world.   And yes, decent people can sometimes feel overwhelmed by it, and struggle to make any sense of it.           But beyond that...is there something about "No Country" that I'm missing?     I'd be interested in reader comments!

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It's one of those stories that prompts all kinds of opinions.   The recent broadcast of the Academy Awards drew the lowest tv ratings more than in 20 years.     Hollywood's biggest night actually attracted fewer viewers than last year's season finale of "American Idol."

What does this mean for the Oscars?     I think it means we're gonna' see some changes in the program.    There are people who think the show is weighed down by too many technical awards...that don't really resonate with viewers.     We may see the winners in those categories announced on the air...instead of being presented with a statuette.  

Another factor a lot of people bring up is the kind of movies being honored.   This year's crop of nominated films included some excellent movies...but not what you'd call blockbusters.    However, I think it would be a shame if Academy voters started honoring box office success, instead of overall quality.       The credibility of the whole exercise would take a big hit.

But there is one idea along these lines that could be helpful.   Some people have suggested adding a catetory for "Best Comedy."   I think this could have a lot of merit.  Extremely well-made comedies, and comic actors, are traditionally overlooked by the Academy.      But everyone loves to laugh, and people who can generate laughs on the screen deserve some recognition. 

Still others point out that too many viewers feel alienated by Hollywood's liberal politics.   I think the Academy would be wise to choose hosts who aren't closely associated with a particular political view...it's a way to make more people feel welcome at the party.

The Ocars will of course survive.   But to reclaim what they once were...some modifications are in order.

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I must admit it..I really do enjoy a good presidential debate...involving either party.   I always find it interesting to see how the candidates present their arguments, the words they choose, their body language, all the ways they try to make an emotional connection with the audience.    

Because make no mistake about it...voting is a very emotional process.     We all think of  ourselves carefully weighing the evidence, and coming up with a rational decision that will do the most good for the most people.    But the WEIGHT we assign to various factors is very much a product of our own lives, our own experiences, and our own feelings.  

Having said all that...I would have to rate last night's Democratic debate in Austin a draw.     Hillary Clinton had the bigger challenge:  to try and slow Obama's momentum.   She actually had a pretty good outing...but she needed a spectacular night.    There is one thing for which I give her credit.   To a certain extent, she's been able to re-invent her public personality, and she comes across as warmer and friendlier than back in the 1990's.   She makes jokes at her own expense, and that's always a good thing to do in politics.

With Obama, I don't sense "likeability" has ever been a big problem for him.    He seems to be very comfortable with who he is...and that quiet, low-key confidence serves him  well.       If he does become the nominee, though, there will be more and more scrutiny applied to his specific positions.   The Republicans will try to portray him not as an agent of change, but as a traditional liberal.    Obama though has also demonstrated remarkable political skills, and I sense he'll be prepared to counter the the arguments against him.

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Sometimes, it helps to get a reminder that this world is filled with some great people.   I recently did the story of Nathaniel Ortiz, an 11-year-old burn victim from El Salvador.     About 15 months ago, "Nata", as he's called, suffered burns over 80 percent of his body.    He had been working full-time in a bakery, when one of the ovens filled with gas, and blew up.  

Nata nearly died from his injuries.   His face was disfigured, and he lost several fingers.   These days, there are surgical techniques that can really help in situations like this, but the treatment is not available in El Salvador.     That's where the folks from "Orphans of the World" step in.     It's a Grand Prairie-based organization, that offers help and hope to kids in the most desperate situations.      This past weekend, a reception was held for Nata and his grandmother at the group's headquarters.    They've arranged for Nata to receive state-of-the-art care, at Shriners Hospital for Burned Children in Galveston.

The surgeries, the physical therapy, and the psychological counseling could require up to two years.    But this little boy knows there are lots of caring people who will help him see it through.      Orphans of the World is getting a lot of assistance in this case from Grand Prairie Rotary, Airline Ambassadors, and American Airlines.   They're all to be commended.

You can watch our story by clicking on this web address.   

http://www.myfoxdfw.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail;jse
ssionid=AEFAE32A6553335EF884C44FFB74E7C5?contentId=5730
550&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=1.1.1
&sflg=1 

You gotta' love all those political experts on the Sunday talk shows.    This past Sunday, there was this consensus building that Obama was looking unstoppable.    It seemed Democrats were rejecting Hillary Clinton's message of experience...and consigning her to the past.

But then New Hampshire happened.      So now, it's a whole new ballgame.      Who will the Democrats eventually nominate?   Well, the Clintons have a very strong political organization, and tremendous amounts of money.     But in both of those areas,  Obama's been really impressive as well.        The Democratic primary in South Carolina is January 26th.     MAYBE, just maybe, that will clear things up.    But if the candidates run neck and neck...the race goes on to Super Tuesday in February.  

As for the Republicans, it would seem there are three candidates still standing:   Huckabee, McCain, and Guiliani.    Some say Mitt Romney can perhaps save his candidacy with a win in Michigan next week.   Very tough to say.   In the long run, it would appear all these developments are good news for Guiliani.   His "big state" strategy was based in part on having no clear front runner emerging from the early primaries.     That would presumably allow him to do well in states like California, New York, New Jersey, and Florida. 

Stay tuned!

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I covered one of those heartbreaking stories today in West Dallas.     A mother, a father, and their grown son were all killed in a house fire.     The sadness of it all was only heightened, when I met several of their family members.     William Bennett, his wife Deborah, and their son William, jr. were part of a close knit-family.

Firefighters say the three victims were trapped inside their burning house by security bars on the windows.    These are the kinds of bars that can't be snapped out of place quickly from the inside.    And the consequences of that were devastating.     The fire department says everyone who has burglar bars should make sure theirs are designed for both home security  AND fire safety.      

After a day like today, it's a plea that worth repeating.

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