Stars in My Eyes

A few weeks ago I went to the annual Wal-Mart shareholders' meeting. It's usually some great entertainment. It also starts super early. I think we were there by 6:30 a.m. (which involved getting up at 4:15). And even at that, we found we were pushing it on time because the arena was almost filled. (Which means next year I will be getting up at 3 something. I think only drug dealers and infomerical addicts are up at this hour.)

Every year when you walk in, no matter how early you arrive, there is always the same band playing. I mean they are getting with it.

But I just want to tell them, “Guys, real rockers don't play at 5:30. They go to BED at 5:30.”

There is always a famous emcee. Last year was Ben Stiller. This year was Jamie Foxx.

That guy really is talented. Great timing, good singer, great impressions (like Ray, of course), and quick wit.

Here's a really bad pic of the first performer, Enrique Iglesias.

He is one preppy dude. He looks like he's on his way to the Sigma Chi house. We're not sure why he was there, other than the fact there is always some Latin representation. But his “Hero” song just doesn't pack the whollup it did in 2001. It didn't make any of us want to couple skate or anything.

Next was Mary J. Blige.

I am a fan of Mary J, so this performance was fun. I'm not too sure about her blonde version of the Dorthy Hamil though.

We always get to see the year's American Idol winner.

Lee Dewyze. He's a pretty low-key guy, eh? Maybe a little too much for the stage. He looked a little overwhelmed. But the Wal-Mart folk from Scotland in their kilts scared him.

My FAVORITE moment was the appearance of Mr. Rollback, Darrell.

Do you know Darrell?

Lame example, by the way, but that's all that was available. (Wal-Mart, I'd like to introduce you to a little website we call YouTube… All the cool kids are there. Like Target.)

We sat on the side this year, giving us a view of the back wall. Where giant screens are with the entire event scripted out. I found myself reading it and stressing when someone would go rogue. You missed a line!

I need one of these screens at the back of my classroom.
Jones: Welcome students to class. (give partial smile)
Jones: Ask how summer was
(Give time for students to respond.) (Nod with interest.)
Jones: tell one brief joke
Students: laugh here or else
That could be very handy.

Mariah Carey showed up.

Though we saw evidence of good hair, we did not see any signs of a rumored baby bump.

But Mariah, I do want to apologize for this picture.

But for some reason it cracks me up.

Josh Groban closed out the show.

He's a good dresser, eh?

Do you have one of those songs or singers, who at the very sound of them, makes you want to punch someone in the nose? For me it's Bob Carlisle's “Butterfly Kisses,” the dumbest song ever created. For my friend Leslie, it is anything that comes out of Groban's mouth. Which does not explain why we waited for him to come out.

That's him in the backseat. Using my teacher volume, I let him know Leslie loved him. I think she went and ralphed in some bushes.

So that was my fun Friday. What about you? If you could see anyone in concert or see some actor or famous person, who would it be? I know we can't all be as fortunate to see Mr. Rollback, but maybe you have someone else in mind?Let me know!

I'll be taking a blog break until next Monday. See you then!

JEN