Why Does The National Anthem Put People On The Attack?

Never before have I seen something (ok, maybe the topics of abortion and homosexuality) put people on the attack as quickly as a performance of The Star Spangled Banner that isn't sung in the "traditional" manner. Side note: as many times as the anthem has been sung and how often we hear it, I'm sure many now consider the traditional arrangement 'boring as hell' and considerably 'overdone.'

Furthermore, it's 2012; practically everyone is trying to stand out from the crowd and make their own mark (or make it bigger and bolder, if they've already made their mark), so why would someone do something that everyone has already been done? That's nothing special and it damn sure isn't hot.

Steven Tyler delivered a rendition at today's AFC Championship (The Hollywood Reporter post); and of course, people were bitching and complaining before he even finished...and you know the song isn't but so long. He goofed on one word, but it easily played into his performance and pretty much went unnoticed. No complaints. The pitchforks came out in droves for his vocal arrangement; it seems as if many (including this person, who only posted because Tyler's performance "wasn't awesome (in a good way)". You know I'm seriously rolling my eyes. Do we honestly have nothing to complain about besides someone not adhering to a vocal arrangement that may or may not fit their vocal style? Steven Tyler is a Rock star; his rendition was as close to traditional as it's going to get...and it wasn't that far off. Anything closer would have been like asking a mime to sing a Mariah Carey arrangement. Yep, that wouldn't have been right, either.

We have other issues to be more concerned and vocal about: declining morals and values in our society, how I'm going to turn my regular-size closet into a walk-in closet, and declining grammar skills ... point in case, this one Steven Tyler critic: "What a disgrace! Why doesn't the NFL get someone who can actually sing it correct, like Reba!" Yes, on that sour note, I am going to begin "shaking my damn head" now, as I prepare to walk away from this piece.

I swear, each majorly televised performance of The Star Spangled Banner brings out the critics and sparks conversations about the "best" performances to date and the "most failed." Seriously, people? Do better!

By now, we should all know good and well that you can't please everyone and people are never satisfied. I definitely know this, but still want people to do better and improve.

Over 20 years later, this is still my favorite performance of The Star Spangled Banner; I think it's the best, too.

((M+M) + (W+W)) x NY = What's Next?

Now that my fellow same-sex loving New Yorkers can legally (30 days after the signing of the bill?) state those vows and say "I do"....What's next? I'm concerned; very concerned.

I imagine, in the beginning and over the course of a year, an influx of people to the state of New York to get married and an impressive amount of NY'ers legally declaring their love for their partners. With that, I wonder how much of the stereotypes will come true and if the anticipated staggering amounts of revenue will really begin to be generated.

Stereotypes including ginormous, extravagant, and lavish weddings...which will likely be more like major, headlining events; as you know...[a lot of my people] have a tendency to be "extra," attention-grabbing, and straight-up over-the-fabulous-top! In the entertainment/television industry, I can only imagine how many same-sex wedding (and wedding planner) reality shows will be pitched next week and which will be the first network to get a show on the air. If the gay Sexy and the City 2 wedding [video]was any inclination as to what we have to look forward to, this is going to be an interesting and blinding journey. A few friends and I have discussed how outlandish this could be; we know there will be some vying to out-do the next with extremeness and over-the-top gaudiness...and we all know that usually equates to tacky-squared. The Battle for the Biggest/Best Gay Wedding is on! IMAGINE!!! And within NYC, "pop-ups" are the new it thing: stores/shops, restaurants; just to name a few. If I see any pop-up wedding alters, I promise you I'm going to scream like a banshee....and dare somebody to Facebook or YouTube the video.



While I hate to play the devil's advocate (but you know I gladly will), let's not forget that (unfortunately) with same-sex weddings will come the same-sex divorces. Forget reality tv...for these moments, I anticipate books and feature films! You know we can be some greedy, vengeful, ruthless, and fierce b*@ches when crossed, so when we're fighting each other...blockbuster fireworks. The spite, the hate, the you-did-me-wrongs.....chiiiiile, heterosexuals haven't seen a nasty divorce, yet. (Somebody pop me some popcorn!) Cannot wait to see who starts World War 6 (Sir Elton John? Ricky Martin? Ellen DeGeneres? Some local NYer we don't know but will wish were our best friend?)! Sadly [inserted to show a little tenderness and public concern and compassion], I do envision a higher divorce rate among same-sex marriages (especially in the beginning), because I believe many will make the journey to Marriedland because we can, to be one of the firsts, and for all the wrong reasons (i.e., not knowing their partner well enough, not loving themselves first, and not knowing REAL love).

Alas, que sera sera....we and many others will be watching.

For those of you are wondering about me and my wedding, I hope you've read "Before I Say 'I Do'".