My fifth installment in my Then and Now (2003 vs 2008) series is Tammy.

Then, Tammy was nineteen, a typical teenager, a little girl almost all grown up who was flirting with independence, adventure and putting the finishing touches on a personality bound to endear all those who would meet her. Now, she is a young lady, still independent and still full of adventure - of course, that adventure now includes a beach. And she is, still, a Daddy’s girl.

And I know just why you could not come along with me
This was not your dream
But you always believed in me

Just in case you wander here and things don’t look quite right, don’t worry, I am just testing some things out. Either check back later or put up with the digital construction dust. Thanks, Joe.

Brooks and Dunn are amused in the “irony” that Barack Obama chose “Only In America” to close his acceptance speech at the Democratic convention.

Why?

Because President Bush used the very same song as his campaign song during his 2004 re-election bid.

“Seems ironic that the same song Bush used at the Republican Convention last election would be used by Obama and the Democrats now. ­Very flattering to know our song crossed parties and potentially inspires all Americans.” - Brooks and Dunn

Interestingly enough, their label (Arista) states, “We were unaware of this prior … nor approached for an approval.”

More recently, Heart stars Ann and Nancy Wilson are upset that John McCain used their hit song “Barracuda” as his campaign’s theme song without their prior permission (he chose the song as the theme track for his running mate Sarah Palin, whose high-school nickname was “Sarah Barracuda”).

“The Republican campaign did not ask for permission to use the song, nor would they have been granted that permission. We have asked the Republican campaign publicly not to use our music. We hope our wishes will be honored.” - Heart

Setting ironies and anger aside, John Rich (one half of the country duo Big and Rich) has written a song for McCain (which was featured at the RNC), “Raising McCain”. Check out the video here.

And in case you’re curious, the other half of Big and Rich supports Obama but hasn’t written the candidate a song. Yet.

One kid dreams of fame and fortune
One kid helps pay the rent
One could end up going to prison
One just might be president

On Friday I thought about Joan Crawford twice, and trust me, Joan Crawford is someone who doesn’t cross my mind very often.

Initially I thought about her because Friday was the last day of work for someone we’ve all worked with for years, John. His leaving was the result of his job description being revised and he was pretty much left with the decision of remaining in Fort Wayne or moving to another state. He opted not to move. Not having him around is going to be an obvious void both on a personal and professional level. As Zack Klein told me, “I thought his DNA was intermixed in that company!”

So how does a 1930s movie star figure in to this mix? Well, Joan Crawford had worked for MGM for years and was considered to be one of its brightest, most valued stars. Then, almost over night, things changed. Louis B. Mayer muscled her out of his studio and on her last day refused to walk her even as far as the front door. No “Thank You”, “Good Luck” or “Kiss My Ass.” Decades of loyalty and substantial revenues went without consideration. Crushed, Crawford left.

And then the following year, at another studio, she made a movie which would result in her winning her very first Oscar.

I hope John has that kind of good fortune. It’s been done before, and if anyone can do it again, he can.

The second time Miss Crawford crossed my mind was when I came across a wire clothes hanger and pointed it at Deb, saying, “No wire hangers!”

She didn’t get it. She had never heard of the Crawford/wire hanger association. Another potential attempt at humor gone awry.

You better not try to stand in my way
As I’m a walking out the door.
Take this job and shove it
I ain’t working here no more.

Today is Cynara’s birthday and just a few days ago, on the first, was David’s birthday. When going through some pictures last night, I realized that I had a candid shot of them both taken at a recent party I hosted.

David can be seen in the upper left corner looking downward and Cynara is directly across the table from him (click on photo above to view larger).

The first thing that comes to mind when I think of these two Virgos is this: Cynara speaks conventional words in an amazing voice, David speaks amazing words in a conventional voice.

I’ve never been one to pay much attention to astrological revelations, but I do find it interesting that a Virgo’s “Life Pursuit” is ‘to do the right thing’ and their “Vibration” is ‘compassionate and caring.’ I would have to concede to the Zodiac on this one, as I think both of these are obvious elements of these two people.

Happy birthday, Cynara and happy belated birthday, David.

‘Cause everyone has a sign
Whether supernatural or divine
Believe or not, if you’re so inclined