Joel Jams at the Jack

On Friday night, my wife and I saw Billy Joel preform in C'ville at the John Paul Jones Arena with two of our friends. It was an incredible show, worth the . The piano man can still sing, play the guitar, and yes, tickle the ivory like none other.

From grey hairs, to generation X'ers, the crowd cheered and sang along with the 57 year old's number one hits. Of course he ended his nearly two hour performace with Piano Man, then the 15,000 fans headed for the exits. If you really want a review, the RTD's Melissa Ruggieri has a good one.

While I was watching in awe, my wife was thinking two things. One, was he going to play "Scenes from An Italian Resturant," her favorite song. I assured her that he would, and of course he came through, as his penultimate selection.

Her second thought was two-part; I learned about it in the car on the way home.

How many singers/songwriters still performing that can be compared to Billy Joel? And will our children’s generation attend concerts from artists that have careers that span decades instead of days?

We each rattled off a few bands and preformers that fit into the same time-bending genre as Joel: The Rolling Stones, U2, Rod Stewart, Elton John, Madonna, and Michael Jackson.

Neither one of us think Justin Timberlake or The Pussycat Dolls will be performing in C’ville, or any large venue for that matter in 2025.

But who will? Dave Matthews Band? John Mayer? Coldplay?

It’s an interesting question that can be pondered for days, or a 55 minute car ride. Even if my wife didn't really enjoy the show, she definitely shed light on what it takes to become a music legend like Joel. Plus he played her favorite song. (Thanks for coming through Billy)

Photo Courtesy of MATTHEW ROSENBERG/DAILY PROGRESS

Welcoming the Warmer Temps

The breath test. It's what I use to determine if it's too damn cold outside. If I can see my breath, especially during daylight hours, then it's not warm enough.

Thankfully, Mother Nature has given us a reprieve from the bitter cold temps we've seen for over a month. If we can keep this up for another month, everything will be just fine. Spring officially starts March 21.

For all those wanting snow, sleet, ice, or any other form of precepitation, Oswego, New York has plenty of it. I'm sure they'd be willing to share. Yes, it looks pretty on the trees, and yankee-folk can get out their cross country ski's and exercise. But that's where it ends. No one in the Old Dominion can drive in it, and the salt and sand can take a toll on your car or SUV.

I figure in my next life, I'm going to be a meteorologist. Getting payed to be wrong, what a great job. Reporting from the eye of a hurricane, now that's what i'm talkin about.

I even get giddy when we spring forward. This year I get it two weeks earlier.

Screw the sleep. I want the sunlight.

Happy Merry Presidents Day

How exactly do you celebrate President's Day? Does Hallmark have President's Day cards stocked and readily available?

I know, I'll spend some time on the internet today, learning about the life and times of Millard Fillmore. You know, the thirteenth President of the United States. He never made a presidential address, and is only one of two presidents to have double letters in his first and last names.

But I digress.

We all know what President's Day is for, shopping. Maybe that's what all the bank, state, and federal employees can do on there day off for February.

Besides reminiscing about James Polk of course.

Cell Phone Ban for Teen Drivers has Flaws

It looks like a bill that would ban teen drivers from using any cell phone until their 18th birthday is gathering some strength. According to the RTD, the bill has advanced out of a General Assembly committee and now heads to the floor of the house.

Senator Jay O'Brien, R-Fairfax has made the push for a the cell phone ban legislation and is the chief patron of the bill for the third straight year.

There are flaws with this legislation.

One, teens would be allowed to use cell phones or any other communication device, if they first pull off to the shoulder of the road. This is dangerous in itself. Plus, it could lead to police stopping on the road, interogating the driver, when all the teen was doing was calling home to mom about being late for dinner.

Second, how can this ban be policed in the first place? You might look 16 but are really 20. It seems awfully hard to determine someone's age just by driving past them. Would young adults get pulled over for talking on their phone legally?

For example, in New York the cell phone ban is for all non hands free devices and all drivers. No segment of the population is singled out. This seems much more viable.

Finally, where does it end? Do considerf consider the idea of Del. John J. Welch III, R-Virginia Beach, of"tacking on bans for eating, drinking, smoking, reading, writing, personal grooming, playing a musical instrument or interacting with pets while driving."

Why not follow the lead of New York, and ban all drivers from using a cell phone that is not hands free, instead of only having the ban affect teens.

Bluetooth anyone?

Sticker Shock

I have yet to receive my Henrico vehicle decal. The suspense is killing me. From the grumblings around town, it looks more like a massive label, than county decal. Spanning four inches by four inches, many Henrico residents feel the decal is too large and could hinder driving. Henrico County officials might be doing something about it. They are holding a presser this morning to decide the fate of the flag-like decal.



Henrico needs to follow suit with Chesterfield and Richmond City, saying bye bye to vehicle decals.

Madam Speaker Wants Air Force Three

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi wants to fly the friendly skies with lots of friends and family. She wants to spend the taxpayers money on an Air Force passenger jet. A big one.

The gentle lady from California claims she needs the military plane to make trips between San Francisco and Washington D.C. without having to refuel due to security reasons.

Is the threat of terrorism that great? Can her plane not stop somewhere like Des Moines, Iowa to refuel?

After the attacks of 9/11, Former House Speaker Dennis Hastert was given a smaller C-20, seating 12 passengers and five crew members. Enough to get him back to Illinois safely.The Bush administration have offered the same plane to Pelosi. (pictured left)

Does Pelosi deserve a nice plane to travel in? Yes. She is third in line to the presidency and plays a pivotal role in our government.

Apparently Pelosi needs amenities like an entertainment center and a bedroom in case she wants some shut eye. Last night on CBS, House Republican Whip Roy Blunt expressed concern that the extra seats on such a large aircraft might be used for fund-raising purposes. Who pays for these congressional perks that were supposed to go up in smoke this year? Joe Taxpayer.

Speaking of smoke, where does the constant discussion to curb global warming come into play on this? Is the Madam Speaker above such a need? It certainly doesn’t seem to bother her to want an aircraft that puts out more greenhouse gasses on a flight from DC to California than a smaller, yet suitable aircraft would.

There are more important things that Pelosi and Congress needs to worry about, including the fiasco in the Middle East. Maybe the gentle lady would use her entertainment center as a conference room for the long and arduous flight.

Now boarding, all those who disapprove of fiscal responsibility.

Dear Sean Singletary,

Or should I call you Mr. All-ACC? What the heck has gotten into you? In the past two games, you helped erase a 16 point second half Clemson lead to win on the road, and then proceed to beat a surging Duke team last night at the Jack.

How exactly did you hit that one handed floater over two Blue Devil defenders from you backside with a second on the game clock?

You’ve emerged from a metal-mouth freshman from Philly, into the best player in the ACC and a possible All-American. That’s not an easy task when you look at the powerhouse schools in the conference. Good work.

You and J.R. Reynolds must be tired from carrying the team on your back for most of the season. After all, you both average nearly 20 points per game – in case you forgot. But this is ACC basketball, no rest for the weary.

The next few games are important, especially the ones against the Hokies on February 10th and March 1st. Remember Sean, Coach Leitao owns Seth Greenberg. It’s the same Hokie squad that proclaims it has the best backcourt in the ACC.

Right.

Sean, if you can just get the big guys down low to catch your ridiculous passes, things will only get better. And since you lead the ACC in free throw percentage at 91.5%, maybe you can help Pettinella out with his horrendous form.

I didn’t know what to expect coming into the season, with the new arena and what impact the young guys would have. You've stepped up for sure.

Thanks for allowing the UVA faithful to enjoy basketball again It’s been a long time since the days of Stith and Staples.

And Sean, one more thing, the NBA can wait. DON’T GO PRO!

Regards,

PKEIP