Madonna, Mellencamp Join Rock Hall of Fame

Photo from source, MSNBC

It may not be fashionable to admit it, but I will always be a Madonna fan. From high school, through college and (well) beyond, I've enjoyed her music, even the unpopular stuff like the Dick Tracy-inspired I'm Breathless, Who's That Girl? and You Can Dance. Today's stars could only hope for her kind of longevity. Even Cher, and Tina Turner, who have been in the game much longer, and reinvented themselves at least as many times haven't equalled her success. Though, it must be admitted, both of them can act circles around The Material Girl.

But Madonna's forays into acting, writing and modeling were never her main attraction. Whatever you might think of them, her songs endure. Request Vogue, Express Yourself, or Ray of Light on at a club, and watch the dance floor fill up.

John (Cougar) Mellencamp's songs endure too, and have had nearly the impact on pop music. He's rightfully inducted along with her, but Madonna will always be my favorite.

Here are a few of my favorite Madonna songs, provided YouTube doesn't take them away. Enjoy them while you can!

Bill Maher's New Rules (and More) 8-31-07

Another good episode of Real Time with Bill Maher this past Friday. Mike Gravel was fun to hear from, and John Mellencamp was good to, except that his necklace kept banging the microphone. Here's a video that includes the opening parody commercial, a funny clip of Larry "dirty boy" Craig on Hardball years ago, and the "New Rules" for the week. Enjoy