. Maybe he can find out why the damn JAWS ride at Universal Orlando was down the day Matt [Drinnenberg], my son [Phillip] and I went. Crushed doesn't even begin to describe my feelings. I felt like Chevy Chase in "Vacation," only I didn't have a plastic moose to take my anger out on.
THE OLYMPICS
Congratulations so far to the country of Greece, which has managed to put on a great Olympic program despite all of the nay-sayers. I'm one of those guys who hopes for a USA Gold medal so that I can cry quietly while the national anthem is being played. Lots of great stories this year, most notably the Iraq soccer team (which plays for the Bronze medal Friday). Other memorable moments include Israel celebrating its first Gold medal EVER and American Greco-Roman wrestler Rulon Gardner leaving his shoes in the middle of the mat, signifying the end of his wrestling career. One questions I must ask: what's with all of these runners wearing sunglasses while they are running. Are the TV lights that bright?
MAYBE, MAYBE NOT
I must give credit to TheForce.net site for this piece of news. From Skywalker Ranch comes the news that all employees are being made to sign a nondisclosure agreement stating that they will not comment on any possible sequels in the "Star Wars" series. Though originally created as a nine part story arc (like the old serials of the 40's and 50's) creator George Lucas has long stated that he hasn't the time available to continue the story past Episode 6: But if it's not being discussed, why the signed agreements?
This Friday will see "Star Trek" star James Doohan receive a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame. Fellow cast members, including William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy will attend the ceremony to honor their friend, who recently was diagnosed with the early stages of Alzheimer's.
NO, REALLY, HE'S GONE
Concert announcer Al Dvorin, who made famous the phrase "Elvis has left the building" has himself left the building forever after an auto accident. He was 81. The phrase was invented to let milling fans know that the concert was over and that Presley would not be doing any more songs.
MEET THE BEATLES - PART 31
August 29, 1966 - Before a crowd of more then 25,000 fans, the band performs its last live concert at Candlestick Park in San Francisco. Both John and Paul take photos of the crowd and of the band from the stage to remember the event.
Well, all for now. Have a great week. See ya!
"Mike's Rant" is ©2004 by Michael A. Smith. Webpage design and all graphics herein are creations of Nolan B. Canova. All contents of Nolan's Pop Culture Review are ©2004 by Nolan B. Canova.
