I'm with you Brenda don't like those huge crowds at all.

Saw on the news today there were HUGE traffic jams as people tried to get into Paul McCartney's show yesterday in MD. Many missed the opening songs. Glad I didn't try it. I'll just wait for Dwight. He's the only one I'd claw my way through traffic for these days (or fly across country).

I agree with Brenda. I enjoy the smaller venues a whole lot better. Plus usually the acts I want to see play smaller venues.

Ya know what? I'm sitting here thinking how nice it would be to see Paul McCartney when he plays here on Aug. 1st, but what a huge hassle it is to try and get to/from the massive stadium he will be playing. And someday I'd like to see artists like Brad Paisley, George Strait and maybe Alan Jackson, but I just don't have the energy or patience anymore to fight all the crowds and traffic at these large venues. That's another reason I love seeing people like Dwight, Marty Stuart, Asleep at the Wheel, Dale Watson, Junior Brown, Brian Setzer and even a local D.C. favorite like Bill Kirchen (of Commander Cody fame). They play smaller, more intimate venues without massive hordes of people. You also get more interaction with the artist and band. It's just an overall more pleasant experience to me. And the talent is just as formidable. I'm learning that, often, the less expensive (even free!), smaller shows can be the best.

Parts of the Johnny Depp movie were filmed here in Wisconsin. It's supposed to be really good.

I've never seen any celeb hounded so much in life and afterwards as Michael. I wish the media would lay off and let the family have some peace in this difficult time and also let him rest in peace. It must be very difficult for the children. It's a tragic loss, but maybe some good will come of this where it could help other people who are struggling with a problem like this.

Patty, you really summed all of it up very well. And you're right, poor Jackson is being hounded mercilessly. I don't recall the media being this bad after Elvis passed, but perhaps because we didn't have all of the cable news channels back then. Too bad he's having a career comeback and he's not here to see it. I just hope his children are well cared for and all set for their lives financially. They will surely miss their Dad.

I had mentioned Johnny Depp's movie that opened on Wed., "Public Enemies." Saw it today and I do recommend it if you like action and shoot-em-ups. A little bit of a love story runs through it, though, so that softens the edges. I just like looking at Johnny - - he's cute like Dwight. And they're both talented actors. Sure wish Dwight could get a meaty part in a big, mainstream movie. He can still be artistic in a big film. Well, it's late (nearly 3 a.m.) and I'm not making any sense, so I'll sign off. Enjoy the 4th everybody!!

Thanks for sharing everyone. Yeah, last week was very sad. Farrah was so valiant in her fight against cancer. I had seen the special they played about 2 weeks ago concerning her battle with cancer and she was so positive and encouraging those around her. I admirer her so much. Michael Jackson, King Of Pop....I really like his music at least up until the Thriller album. I always felt he was a child in an adult body....I don't think he ever really grew up, maybe because he never had one. And yes, his death is beginning to look like Elvis. Just so sad. I loved Ed McMahan as Johnny's side kick. May these three and Billy Mays rest in peace. I just have a feeling that in death poor Jackson will be hounded as he was in life.

Glad you saw Dwight's star cristina.

I haven't heard that Carlie maybe someone else will know,I love Johhny Depp Brenda.

I managed to get down to the Hollywood walk of fame with a friend. The intent was to go to Michael Jackson's, Farrah Fawcett’s and Ed McMahon’s star to pay tribute.

I’ve never been to the walk of fame. They had many people who I do not recognize. But many that I do: Nat King Cole, Dean Martin, Lucille Ball, Buck Owens, Hank Williams, etc.

We started at Gower Ave and Hollywood Blvd. Where one of the marquees posted “Ed, Farrah and Michael, thank you for reminding us that life is precious”. Also near the corner was Billy Mays’ star! It had a wreath of flowers. My friend said she didn’t know who that was. But I did thanks to Brenda’s posting.

Several blocks into our walk, we finally got to MJ’s star. It was mayhem! It was crowded with people – even though a barricade and a line had formed. Flowers and momentos were everywhere! I decided to bypass it because I didn’t have the time to wait in line. I slowly inched my way out of the crowd. And proceeded towards Farrah’s and Ed’s star.

Before I got there – I found Dwight Yoakam’s star! It was near Sycamore and Hollywood blvd. Wow! That was unexpected and wonderful surprise. Farrah’s star is just across the street from Dwight’s. When I arrived at her star there was wreaths and momentos but there was no one there. I stay for several minutes before a small crowd finally gathered.

I ran out of time and didn’t have time to find Ed McMahon’s star. But there were several people walking along that planned to pay tribute.

I was surprised to hear this morning that Alan Jackson's estate, Sweetbriar, is up for sale. Has anyone read or heard why? I'm thinking it's just not used that much. It's huge. I'm sure I would get lost in that home. It's going for $38M.

Well, on a brighter note, Johnny Depp's new movie opens Wednesday. It's called "Public Enemies" and he plays John Dilinger (sp.) the gangster. Previews look good!!

Too many people passing on it's very sad.

On the day that I arrived in Los Angeles there was a vigil at MJ's star at the walk of fame. I'm leaving tonight. I didn't have plans, but perhaps I'll make my way to the walk of fame. I'll seek out Farah Fawcett, Ed Mcmahon.

Today I learned that TV pitch man Billy Mays just died at 50. It seems like a lot of this happening recently, but it might be I'm just paying more attention now. Either way, so sad! I didn't like his shouting, but what a terrible tragedy! And the MJ situation is starting to resemble Elvis. I'm glad Dwight takes care of himself and seems to be very healthy. A person in their 50s is really still quite young.

It was a very sad to hear the news about Farrah and Micheal today.

I think I'm being quite affected tonight by Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson's deaths today, plus Ed McMahon only a day or two ago. The celebrities I grew up watching are starting to pass away now so perhaps I'm feeling old. It's weird when that happens, I suppose. Especially when you don't feel a link to the younger celebrities or their pop culture. Makes me treasure my life, experiences and memories all the more - - makes me feel grateful to still be here to enjoy myself seeing Dwight!! He has experienced more personal loss than I have, yet he remains upbeat and optimistic. He also lives each day to the fullest, so I need to follow his lead. Today was just a real shock out there in L.A., though. I feel terrible for the friends, families and fans of Farrah, Michael and Ed. They sure put their mark on our collective American identity. One example: My husband said he thinks his Farrah Fawcett poster is out in our garage somewhere stowed away. Okay, sorry to start this thread on such a sad note. Somebody give us some good news, please!!