The CNN/YouTube democratic debate could very likely change the way presidential debates are conducted in the future.  The second, the opening of the Randy Parton Theatre in Roanoke Rapids could bring about a change in the local economy for years to come. 

When CNN first starting promoting the concept of people sending their video questions to YouTube.com for consideration in the CNN/YouTube Democratic debate I was skeptical. The Youtube.com web site has more fun videos than serious ones and generally from a younger audience. Because of this I was amazed at the depth and variety of questions that were submitted. CNN had more than 2,900 questions submitted for consideration. The results were, in my opinion, remarkable. For one thing, I was impressed with the number of adults and professionals that took advantage of the opportunity to ask questions.    

Another standout with the format was the difference in the way the candidates responded to the questions. Instead of being able to responded in generalities, as they often do in other debates, they were forced to focus in on the questioner’s situation.  This interaction made it all seem more like a debate where potential voters have a direct dialog with the candidates. 

When it was all over I felt that this would bring about the most drastic change in television political debates since they began. It may end up being the most important change in campaigning since the Kennedy Nixon debates in 1960.  On September 26, 1960 John F. Kennedy and Richard M. Nixon held the first presidential debate to be televised.  The format has been tweaked a little since 1960, but generally speaking until now it has been the same. 

YouTube.com has already had an impact on political campaigning.  In the 2006 midterm elections more than one candidates remarks ended up on YouTube for everyone to see.  It is widely believed that a YouTube video of George Allen making what is considered a derogatory remark about someone who attended his events from now Senator James Webb campaign staff cost Allen the election.

Only time will tell, if YouTube type formats will now be the norm, but early indications are that other news networks already are trying to get video information directly from their audience.  Of course, like other things political, we will have to be on guard for the typical planted question and questioner, but the journey into the future of candidate debates should be interesting. 

Big time performing has come to the Littleton/Lake Gaston Area. This is the second event that could lead to a dramatic change in our lives.  This change is on the local level.  It is the opening of the Randy Parton Theatre. The opening night crowd had more than a few Lake Gaston residents as well as vacationers. 

From the moment Randy Parton walked on the stage last Thursday night he capitalized on his country roots and the similarities between where he grew up and Roanoke Rapids. The entire show was impressive.  As one fan told me “He [Parton] made his show all the more human by bringing the family into the theme of the show.

In this case the family included more than having Heidi Lou Parton, Randy’s daughter, in the show, the entire ensemble acted like one big family.  They encouraged audience participation and made the audience feel like they were part of the family. Throughout the evening the audience responded with their heads bobbin, hands clappin and toes tappin.  The show was a winner.

When I originally heard that Randy Parton was going to be the cornerstone of an entertainment destination for people traveling I-95 I asked, “who is Randy Parton?” When I found out he was Dolly Patron’s brother I was more at ease.  When I saw him perform last week I became an instant fan. 

This type of show has made Branson, MO possible and has increased visitors to Myrtle Beach, S.C. - in both cases improving the local tax base.  Given that we live in one of the lowest economical areas in the state more tax dollars can only be good for all of us.  Whether we like it or not history shows that governments at all levels spend money for services and projects their citizens demand regardless of whether they have the money or not. Even the just signed North Carolina budget calls for continuing some taxes and allows the county to increase others. 

The Randy Parton Theatre is completed but the complex it sits in is not.  So it may take a little while to get the continuous crowds necessary to sustain such a show.  Once the motels and restaurant areas are completed things will undoubtedly improve.    

This time will probably be spent correcting the few flaws I noticed.  None of the flaws should keep anyone away, correcting them will make it a more pleasurable experience.    

They will probably have to do something about signage so you know how to get in and where to park. They may also have to do something about providing more handicap parking. Based on the age of the first night crowd, what may seem like a lot of handicap parking is not. I also heard someone ask if they were going to have valet parking in the future.

The noticeable flaws in the show were minimal.  There was an occasional missed line or dance step.  In addition, some fans objected to the roaming show lights ending up in their eyes. 

All in all this was as good as it gets and it’s in our area. If, like some critics predict, the hopes of bringing more people into the area for a better tax base does not succeed, it will not be because of the Randy Parton theatre. They have built a beautiful theatre and they put on a great show. Their hopes that it will become a destination should be realized. This should be the start of a new era for the Roanoke Valley.