Taylor Hicks Knocking, Providence Opening the Door

It’s somehow fitting that the “Grease” National tour would begin on a Tues-Tay Tuesday considering Taylor Hicks is planning on utilizing this opportunity to open yet another door in his quest to ‘have his voice heard’. Back in 2006, during the American Idol boards in the Taylor Hicks threads, posters affectionately referred to this day of the week as “Tues-Tay”. Slightly embarrassing to remember, but back then, beginning in the morning hours, fans of the man (yes, I’d be tuned into the web page at least part of that day) would start their countdowns in anticipation of show time in their respective time zones.

Moderately interesting, the beginning city of this national theater tour being in a city named Providence. Merriam-Websters defines the word ‘providence’: divine guidance or care; the power sustaining and guiding human destiny. Whether this city was selected simply at random, a matter of pure circumstance, convenience, or perhaps, for those so inclined, a sign sent harboring some sort of cosmic divinity (Ouija anyone?) – something to entertain your brain for a moment.

You see, Mr. Hicks has said he’s on a new pathway toward a possible new age marketing idea, an idea concocted within the secluded walls of the show’s producers and Mr. Hicks’ “people”. This national touring production of “Grease” providing the added benefit of promoting his new CD scheduled for release, February 10th, 2009. (Regarding “people”, you know what I mean – the cast of humanity that surround those of the celebrity ilk designed to provide guidance and advice; handle all the scheduling and marketing that accompanies the status of ’said’ celebrity.) Not known, the idea behind and the reason for kicking off this national tour in the the tiny state of Rhode Island and that potentially provident moniker of description for Mr. Hicks’ most recent quest to rise in the entertainment industry.

In an article in one of the Providence local on-line sources, projo.com, Rick Massimo pens a clever title, “Taylor Hicks greases the skids of his career”. In that title lies reference to the fact that Mr. Hicks is in need of an upward surge in his destiny chart and that perhaps “Grease” may pull the guy out of what has been viewed by many as a downward skid, career-wise. In the article Mr. Hicks is quoted as saying that the role of Teen Angel spoke to him. “It’s kind of like rock ’n’ roll heaven — all the rock stars coming down from heaven and [saying] ‘Do something that’s solid.’ I think there’s a hidden message: Education will set you free.”

Perhaps this role in “Grease” as the Teen Angel has come to Mr. Hicks as his providence; certainly it will provide an education in creative expansion. Too, perhaps Providence will play a role in being a key to finally unlock that door he’s been knocking on for so many years.
“Fight Outta You” Ben Harper LYRICS

Taylor Hicks, may providence be with you. (You know, like the Force.)

Opinions are Like…?

What is that adage? “Opinions are like assholes, everyone has one.” Most people carry opinions about issues they encounter in daily life. We form opinions about what to watch on television, who to listen to on the radio, what internet sites to crawl over. What to wear, what to buy, how to act.

Regarding what to listen to and how to act seems a nice stopping point for my subject of assholes and opinions. Opinions seem to be a main point of contention among folks who call themselves fans of any given celebrity or singer. There are many individuals that make a killer living out of that – giving out their opinions.

In the world of my wacky little focus group – the American Idol fans and their heros, I have to say it is my Opinion that the fans in the Taylor Hicks fan base must be some of the most vociferous. Vociferous and sometimes vicious.

Opinions are a huge source of conflict and upheaval amoung Taylor Hicks fans to the point that debate even goes on about what really constitutes one, and always if yours is acceptable or correct. If you fall into the unacceptable category because you might not love and adore the man from silver hair to pinky toe you’re branded not a fan and cast out with your Opinions slated as mere ‘hate speech’. In the world of strident fans only positive words and uplifting commentary make you a real fan and save you a spot in the Taylor Hicks fanbase heaven.

You see, according to his ardent fans, expressing your non-fawning and blunt opinions are about as welcome as showing them that area you sit on. They don’t want to hear anything but the highest and most glowing of praises in reference to anything the man might do. It’s not opinions they want – its some sort of strange validation of continuous praise which make them feel all is well in the world. Taylor Hicks has become a real live personalization for them. They take any words that could be misread or misconstrued and work themselves into a lather of righteousness and indignation as if you’d insulted them or one of their real loved ones. It is sweet so many feel intensely about the man, but there are some that take this obsession to the extreme.

One of his fans who runs with the moniker, ‘reader’, a.k.a. 15 Minutes of Fame, will post everything written at all negatively about him on rag mags like Splash on a daily basis. This burgeoning serial killer stalks those they feel cast any pebbles against Taylor Hicks’ name. They bring the term “stalker” to a whole new level, but that’s just my Opinion, I suppose. This is normal behavior to some such as this individual. That would be their Opinion.

I read this little gem of insight recently concerning Mr. Hicks:

To me, an opinion is:

I don’t like that role he took.
I didn’t like his performance.
I didn’t like his song choice or how he sang it.

Which is nothing like:

He’s a loser.
He’s stupid.
He’s pissy.
He needs to do what I say.

See the difference?

Saying someone is a loser, or stupid or pissy are forms of opinions. It may not sound nice, but it is someone’s Opinion. It’s how that particular individual viewed the subject (Taylor Hicks) that day. They may not be descriptive nor hold reasons for the opinions, but yes they are Opinions. Let’s look for a moment at how the word is outlined in the real world.

o·pin·ion

1.	a belief or judgment that rests on grounds insufficient to produce complete certainty.

2.	a personal view, attitude, or appraisal.

3.	the formal expression of a professional judgment: to ask for a second medical opinion.

4.	Law. the formal statement by a judge or court of the reasoning and the principles of law used in reaching a decision of a case.

5.	a judgment or estimate of a person or thing with respect to character, merit, etc.: to forfeit someone’s good opinion.

I think what the writer of that above statement meant – those weren’t expressions that they felt appropriate or liked or held merit. When as you read the Webster’s meaning they are indeed expressions of opinions.

What that individual wrote wasn’t anything factual, merely her Opinion on what made up an Opinion.