Sorry, don't mean to step on any toes, but to me Springsteen is not even in the same ballpark with Mellencamp.
To be honest, I hate it when people make that comparision.

It is winter, but I don't wear the same clothes everytime I go out. It doesn't take a genius to figure out that Meg is hardly a fashion trend setter. Her style is not even in the same league as Elaine. But maybe John is finally just ready to settle for something other than pure natural beauty and remarkable style like Elaine has. I would hardly think they are just "friends." Again, just my opinion, no fact here. 

I totally agree with "mellenhead in Ohio." I'm sure Elaine wanted him to quit smoking too.
If he quits smoking, it will be because he wants to quit, not because his latest fling wants him to.

I will NEVER get used to him with Meg Ryan. I still like his music, but just in appearance alone, he really downgraded. Throw the rotten bananas at me! That's my opinion.

Mary and Wildnight, I agree with you guys. Yes, a divorce is a private matter. But when people are in the public eye like John Mellencamp, you give up some of your private life for the fame and fortune you achieve. Success of any kind is not without it's pitfalls.

Personally for me, the break up of John and Elaine has been upsetting to me. I thought she was finally the one who had tamed his wild side, but apparently not. Yes, it is none of my business, but I still have an opinion. If John knew my life, he might have an opinion about me as well. John certainly has opinions on many topics in society. That is part of the reason I like him.

One more little jab....everyone who knows me, knows I have always disliked Meg Ryan. So my favorite rocker hooking up with her has been very hard to stomach. (Yes, none of my business, just opinion)

I didn't want to be mean, but I was wondering the same things about the recipes. It's kind of disappointing to think there's a new post about the topic and to only find a recipe.

As far as John and Elaine, it does seem odd to me that he would want her to take her maiden name back especially since they have children. If it were me, I would see that as an insult for his even asking. But on the other hand, I would want my maiden name back if I divorced my husband. (I've been married 30 years)
I usually saw Elaine referred to as Elaine Irwin anyway, so I don't think she actually benefited from his name on a professional level.

I liked it very much. I have not been very happy with him lately with the whole "Meg" thing, but even though he and Elaine are getting a divorce she is still his wife. In addition, this was taped, I think, in early Dec. before the split was announced.

As far as his langange, "Job's turkey" and all, he often uses phrases such as these in his music. He is from the country and that type of language is very common in the country. I am from a neighboring state to Indiania and I have heard that phase a million times in my life. Using terms such as that does not mean one is uneducated, but just showing one's "commonness" in my opinion.

I have not said much about this so far on here, but I would say this report is totally correct. We all know John likes the ladies. I have never liked Meg Ryan. I couldn't believe that my favorite singer in the world had taken up with that woman. I had a different word for her, but I didn't want to get yelled at! I can't believe that anyone with good sense would leave the beautiful, classy, elegant Elaine Irwin for Meg Ryan. I'd rather be alone forever.
Okay, I finally said what I think. I feel better now.

This does not shock me at all. I was at the Nasville concert very close to the stage, he had some very strong interaction with a girl that he later  pulled up on the stage. I had been to several concerts before and saw him interact with his fans, but not like this. I actually came home and goggled about John and Elaine spliting up because the interaction didn't feel right to me. 
But as far as his marriage goes, I somewhat understand their splitting. I have been married 30 years to a man 10 years older than I am. Yes, I do totally understand how people just grow and have different perspectives on things at different times in their lives. As you get older it seems the age gap widens. I just wish each of them all the best.
I certainly do not not see John as an old man waiting to die. He is my favorite artist and always will be. Best Wishes, John and Elaine

Thanks, I'm a "dummy." I didn't know what the red "x" was for,

Thanks for not throwing rotten tomatoes at me. I do notice there is a red "X" by my earlier post that says "remove." So I don't know if that means I am going to be kicked off the site or someone just wants to remove the post. But anyway, I truly love John Mellencamp's music, but this last CD just didn't do it for me. 

I know this will not be popular, but I feel that boards like this are for opinions and this is my opinion. I have loved John Mellencamp since the beginning and have been to many concerts over the years. I still love John and his music but I just listened to one of my Christmas presents, John's new CD. I have heard some of the songs from it because I have been to his concerts recently and have heard some of the songs elsewhere. If I am completely honest, I can truthfully say I do not like most of the CD. The actual words are good, but I don't like the music to the songs. Many of the songs have a bluegrass or country twang to them. My husband loves bluegrass and country music, but I really don't like that kind of music. I realize John is evolving as an artist, but I am just too old and stuck with the original "Jack and Diane" tune in my head.

I can feel the rotten tomatoes on my face already!!!!!! 
 

My husband taped it for me, so I got to see it. I too have a bias, I really don't like Letterman. Anyway, I felt it was a total waste of time asking John about all that smoking stuff. I was shocked that John didn't tell him off. I would have.  As someone else said, everyone that knows John remotely, knows he smokes. Where is there a story about John Mellencamp smoking? It's old news!
I have never smoked in my life. My mother died three years ago with lung cancer at age 77. So I know the effects of smoking, but it does no good to bring it up with someone who smokes. I'm sure the smoker knows more than anyone else  the damaging effects, but it's an addiction.

I was at the Nashville show and he pretty much says the same things at each concert. I had read about the set up of the show from someone who had been at the first concert in Bloomington. I didn't think what he said, at least in Nashville, was the least bit offensive. My dad was in the Navy for six years. His brother, who was at Pearl Harbor, and Uncle were Career Navy. I totally support the troops, but I am against war in general.

I will be at the Nashville show as well. The ticket says, concert at 8:30, film at 6:45. I don't know if there is any reason to get there early to watch a film. Any suggestions anyone?