Memorial Day Is More Than A Day Off Work

The following is an ENCORE Tim Moore blog, with fresh video and updated:


Each Memorial Day, I think about how the REASON for the holiday is largely lost in the chaos of cookouts with hamburgers and hotdogs, going to the beach, drinking and watching sports-either in person or on TV. The same thing happens on the Fourth of July.

Freedom is not free-and has never been. From the start of the United States “grand experiment”, untold tens of thousands (millions perhaps?) have given their lives to defend that freedom, almost all of the time on foreign shores. Many more have been scarred, either physically, emotionally-or both.

Most of them were kids at the time. My oldest son is 21—and I cannot imagine him going off to fight in Iraq, Afganistan, the beaches of Normandy or the South Pacific. Yet, fathers and mothers throughout our history have sent their sons and daughters off to war---many to never see them again.

I will refrain from a blog on Monday, but will honor our fallen heroes TODAY—in advance of the “holiday”—in hopes that all who read this will rekindle an appreciation for the sacrifices made by our sons and daughters throughout our history.

Take a moment to quietly thank them for making what was often the ultimate sacrifice. Our country has many flaws-and many challenges. Despite it all, we still are priviliged to live in a country where true freedom exists—no where else on the planet are human beings so free to choose their own destiny.

Watch the Memorial Day clip below—and give honor and remembrance to our fallen heroes.



http://www.949whom.com/goout.asp?u=http://TimMooreat949WHOM.blogspot.com

Again this year, 94.9 WHOM has made the decision to NOT put the station vehicle in the Portland Memorial Day Parade. This was the subject of a separate blog last year---and the response we received supported our view that “promoting” a radio station is both crass and self-serving in a parade meant to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

We DO show up at Fourth of July parades—and maybe this is inappropriate as well, but the 4th to me is more a celebration of freedom than the more reflective role of Memorial Day. The WHOM Tahoe will not be taking part---not because we don’t honor our heroes (and some people did believe we should have been there last year, that our participation was in and of itself a kind of tribute). We just feel that our DJs and the station in general shouldn’t take the focus away from the veterans, the police and fire personnel—those who are our true heroes.

I would welcome your feedback on this decision. E-mail me at tim.moore@citcomm.com
If you would like to receive my weekday blog via e-mail, that’s the address as well. Have a safe and relaxing holiday weekend!

God Bless The U.S.A!

American Idle

Some 24 million people watched “American Idol” on Fox last night to see Lee DeWyze take the crown.

I was not one of them.

Don’t get me wrong—I have nothing against the show….it’s just that after a few years, the thrill is gone. I cannot motivate myself to make that “appointment” each week. And, since I am living in the STONE AGE (no DVR or TIVO), I would have to actually program my VCR in order to capture each week’s episode. Too much work.

Not that Fox missed me. Despite heavy press coverage of the show’s ratings slipping, it remained #1 in its time slot—dominating as always. It’s just that the combination of Simon Cowell and Ryan Seacrest were too much for my constitution to handle on a weekly basis. I’m a “24” fan—watching Jack Bauer save the world in a day is more compelling, although I have dabbled at being an “Idol” regular. I just couldn’t sustain it.

I COMPLETELY missed the first season, when Kelly Clarkson won. That she outgrew the “Idol” association is a credit to her talent and her ability to define herself as more than the “original” winner of a TV competition series.

I watched the year that Carrie Underwood won. It was interesting to chart the progress of each contestant each week and I actually knew the names of all the finalists (although they escape me today) Along with Clarkson, these two champions have made the most of their victory. My favorite non-winner is Chris Daughtry, who has gone the farthest (yes, “Claymates”, even farther than Clay Aiken) without picking up the crown.

“American Idol” is really TWO shows: the audition part of the season where it seems that making fun of people with zero talent is the order of the day. There are people I know who faithfully watch to see who’s “going to Hollywood!”—and then cease once the final group is assembled for the real competition. Others eschew the audition period—claiming that the really bad singers are “plants” (I agree) and that the criticism is rather mean-spirited (again, I agree)

Of course, there are the huge numbers of viewers who drink it all in, loving every minute of it. These are the same people who actually SPEND MONEY to text in their votes. I would love to know how much money has been generated by AT&T and Fox through the texting part alone. Staggering, I’m sure.

Simon made his farewell last night—and perhaps more people tuned in to see that—than to find out if Lee or Crystal would win. Ellen DeGeneres over Paula Abdul was an upgrade in my book, but replacing Simon will be nearly impossible. I wouldn’t want to be the celebrity to step into those shoes. Howard Stern was rumored to be a candidate. He passes the acid test for acidity, but little else. Madonna has also been in the conversation. Not a good career move, in my estimation.

Here’s clip from last night:





http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RtCLznOgmg


The hardest thing to do is pull the plug on a successful series. It was done with “Seinfeld”, with M*A*S*H and many other dramatic shows where the writers simply exhausted themselves of plot lines. With something that is truly a “reality show”—relatively cheap to produce and infinitely profitable—it’s gotta be hard to say “see ya!”

Maybe a “Simon-less” season will make the decision for Fox. I kind of hope NOT, since “American Idol” produces so many stars and hit songs for radio stations like 94.9 WHOM…regardless of my lack of viewership, I’d like to see it go on forever!


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The Speed Of Sound

Note: Below is an encore edition of the Tim Moore Blog:

As a radio guy, I am fascinated by sound—and by the physics of how sound travels.

On my show, my voice travels from the microphone into the studio equipment-from there, it journeys several stories to the top of our building at One City Center in Portland.

From there, it enters a microwave system that sends all of the audio-voice and music on 94.9 WHOM to the summit of Mt. Washington, nearly 80 miles away (as the crow flies)-this, after having broken done the analog signal into a digital stream.

At the summit, the signal is received, converted again and sent to the transmitter, which then feeds an antenna system that allows all of WHOM’s programming to be heard on radios throughout Northern New England. The time between when a word is spoken and can then be heard on the air is virtually INSTANTANEOUS. In fact, the greatest delay results from the analog to digital to analog conversion processes- and not the distance that is traveled.

Of course, many radio stations use a “delay” system on purpose—it allows someone to delete objectionable content before it is broadcast. Here at 94.9 WHOM, we generally don’t have to worry about one of our DJ’s uttering a forbidden word. Callers are recorded, so there is no chance of listeners offending the audience either.

Enjoy the short video about the sound barrier—incredible how a jet breaking that speed of sound not only emits a “sonic boom”—but also a VISIBLE phenomenon that is nothing short of spectacular!




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-d9A2oq1N38

Some of us DJ’s talk fast, but I don’t think any of us will break the sound barrier anytime soon!

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Have a terrific day!!

Star Wars Phenomenon Begins

Let me state right up front that I am not a Star Wars fan.

I have nothing against the original or the four thousand sequels, but I can also say that I am the only person on earth (save for a few members of an Aborigine tribe) that have never seen the original movie.

Really.

I have seen parts of it—as my kids are fans. It’s just that I never got the freaky desire to assimilate all things Star Wars into my life. No Star Wars bed sheets, action figures, light sabers…none of it.

That said, I am fully aware of the impact of the movie on our popular culture—and admire George Lucas for his creativity, his vision for special effects—and his uncanny ability to, as they say, “monetize” the whole concept into an industry whose dollar value is no doubt more than the GDP of many small countries. The movies alone--$461 million in U.S. ticket sales, $800 million worldwide—WITHOUT all the stuff that ironclad licensing has parlayed into untold millions in additional revenue.

Although tame by today’s standards, the special effects were groundbreaking for 1977—as today was the opening day of the 20th Century Fox blockbuster.

I cam across a documentary of the making of “Star Wars”---so for all you crazy fans, this 7-part video series is required viewing. For people like me, it is still a fascinating look at a pop culture phenomenon that, 33 years later—still hasn’t subsided.

Check it out:

Segment 1



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVYsy5CX8rk&feature=related

Segment 2



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3rOQ_ALsN0&feature=related

Segment 3



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykJ0tOXj0Bk&feature=related

Segment 4



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5UncEzpf2s&feature=related


Segment 5



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7Yu_gRTO1I&feature=related


Segment 6



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=si-K4jR2VEM&feature=related


Segment 7



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G87jhIeTk0w&feature=related


May the force be with you!!!!

May my blog be with you—weekdays! It’s free…just let me know and I’ll add you to the e-mail list: tim.moore@citcomm.com

An Oily Mess

PLEASE stop the finger pointing!

As barrels and barrels of oil spew into the Gulf of Mexico continuously, it seems that more energy is now being expended on the CYA strategy (“Cover Your Ass”). Amid comparisons to the Federal government’s response to Katrina, the focus of the rhetoric is centered squarely on WHO IS DOING WHAT.

This means that task forces are being formed, meetings are being scheduled and officials are flocking to the scene to “monitor” the situation.

Please.

Most ludicrous of all is the assertion that the U.S. Government should “take over” the efforts to stop the spill from BP, the company that is ultimately responsible for this environmental disaster. And yes, despite Rush Limbaugh’s claim that the effects are being overblown, that “oil is natural, so Mother Nature can handle it” (idiotic), this is truly an undeniable catastrophe of dimensions that may only be calculated decades from now.

The best thing to do is to keep the U.S. government AWAY from the efforts to plug the hole and instead focus on relief for the wildlife and adverse human effects of this spill. Short of putting ANOTHER oil company in charge of the efforts, the Feds have no equipment and zero experience in dealing with the complexities of this catastrophe. While BP only subcontracted for the company that actually caused the accident, they are squarely “on the hook” for all costs associated with the cleanup.

As a “for profit” corporation, this makes them supremely motivated to move as quickly as possible. That said, I am not suggesting that the U.S. Government disengage from the effort. I’m just saying that ANY actions by our government should not include posturing, public relations or “spin”.

If the American public is stupid enough to actually blame the Obama administration for the spill---or the failed efforts to stop it, then so be it. Elect some Republicans who no doubt would have somehow stopped that leak sooner. Right.

Criticism of the Katrina response was warranted—and the Obama administration is likewise fair game for anything that can be done ON LAND. Wasting time by diverting the efforts to stop the leak offshore into “photo ops” onshore are a sub-disaster. The Democrats are already being baited into this trap—and may be taking the bait. Stupid.

There will be plenty of time to point fingers later—after the leak has been plugged. Until that time, we need to leave the experts alone to focus on the task at hand. While the general public cannot understand why no one has used the nearly one million pounds of human and pet hair that have been donated nationwide to soak up the oil, I can only guess that this possibility has been considered—and was either rejected or delayed for a reason.

My infantile “solution” would have been to drop a “boom” or floating line a mile around the epicenter of the spill—i.e. why isn’t the containment in close proximity to the source? But then, I am completely ignorant of the issues involved.

The experts work for the oil companies—and even though they are being vilified, they too are concerned—and are the most qualified—and motivated to stop the oil from spewing. Screaming into their collective ears while they try to do their job (as satisfying as that may be to the screamers) does nothing to advance the goal—it delays it.

This spill will be political fodder for years to come—and the livelihoods of those poor people on the coast who have barely recovered from Katrina have been ruined. The loss of animal and plant life will be staggering—and no amount of rhetoric will make things better.

It’s time to come together, solve the problems----and then afterwards, exact whatever advantage you wish to. At least then, your efforts to exploit a disaster for political gain won’t exacerbate the disaster itself by delaying its resolution.

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Chuck Berry Records A Classic

Today was a momentous day in the history of Rock and Roll!

The year was 1955—and music was in transition. Conflicting cultures were evident —the so-called “black music” was starting to go mainstream and attract white audiences. Elvis, Bill Haley and the Comets---and the man who would himself become synonymous with Rock & Roll….Chuck Berry!

The smash hit “Maybellene” was recorded on this date in ’55. Completely unknown at the time, this part-time professional musician from St. Louis paid his first visit to a recording studio and laid down the song that would make him famous.

While visiting Chicago, Berry approached the iconic blues musician Muddy Waters to ask for some career advice. Waters sent him to his label, Chess Records, where Chuck Berry managed to get a meeting with Leonard Chess—and a promise to audition the following week.

Hoping to impress Chess with his blues, the song that caught Chess’ ear was a rhythm and blues, country and western hybrid called “Ida Red”—renamed, “Maybellene”.

Berry, unsure of what would become of his session---returned to St. Louis. Popular DJ Alan Freed (the man credited with coining the term “rock & roll”) was given co-songwriting credit and a third of the royalties—IF he would promote it. The “payola” scandal would curtail practices like these in the future, but back then, it was commonplace. Freed played the song for two hours straight on his WINS radio show.

Meanwhile, Berry was planning on becoming a hairdresser (yes, a hairdresser)—when “Maybellene” hit the charts…it became a #1 R&B hit and #5 on the Pop charts. Needless to say, Chuck Berry made the right decision to put down the scissors and head in another career path!

Check out this video of Chuck Berry, performing that hit before a studio audience. Hilarious to watch how SEDATE the audience is while Berry scampers around and wails on the guitar-check it out:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Y3-NSalpKI

“Maybellene” was the first Rock and Roll single by a black performer. Still kickin’ it at the ripe old age of 84, Chuck Berry is an American icon.

John Lennon once said that “if you tried to give rock and roll another name, you might call it ‘Chuck Berry’”

How true.

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Wedding Party takes The Plunge!

Let’s take stock of recent events…

OK, there’s the HUGE oil spill that has been spewing for weeks—the full effect of which has yet to be felt. Mixed results for incumbents in the recent primaries. Thailand in chaos. That volcano in Iceland is still causing flight cancellations in Europe. The economy still struggling to get out of recession and joblessness still high.

I need a laugh.

This one is OK since it appears that no one was injured.
Making its way across the web, what was supposed to be a special photo op for a wedding party on the coast turned into a rather damp experience.

Watch:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZfNvS2mCWk

While we can only guess at the bride and groom’s reaction to this incident, one thing is certain. It really doesn’t matter how beautiful the ceremony was. No one will recall what the bride wore or how the bridesmaids were gussied up. The vows may have been breathtaking and the food at the reception might have been outstanding.

No, this wedding will forever be defined by what happened on the dock.

Some will no doubt say that this episode is an omen. For some, it may be a test of the newly married couple’s ability to cope with adversity. For others, it may just be a bad omen for the prospects of the marriage itself. The superstitious have already drawn their conclusions—and only time will tell.

My hope is that the newlyweds took it in stride and will be telling the story for decades to come, perhaps with their grandchildren on their knee.

It’s no surprise that many funny wedding moments on video exist—but most of them are in a church at the critical moments. The tension is high, the emotions running rampant. Dropping the ring, the groom passing out, the bride tripping on her train. All of this is understandable. What makes this video stand out is that the ceremony clearly appears to be over—and everyone is relaxed and jovial.

And then all hell breaks loose.

Hope your special day didn’t include anything as…wet. If you have a funny story of your wedding to share—feel free to do so in the comments section here—if you’d like to receive this blog weekdays via e-mail, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com

The President of....New Hampshire?

It was on this date in 1795 that New Hampshire patriot Josiah Bartlett passed away.

An original signer of the Declaration of Independence—immediately after John Hancock placed his huge signature on the document, Bartlett was truly one of the Founding Fathers, a man who was, for a time—The President of New Hampshire!

That title was eventually changed to Governor, but Bartlett’s place in history was assured in so many other ways. A delegate to the Continental Congress for New Hampshire, Bartlett later served as Chief Justice for the New Hampshire Supreme Court.

Originally born in Massachusetts, Bartlett was a trained physician and in 1750 moved to Kingston, New Hampshire to begin his practice. He married his cousin Mary Bartlett in 1754 (who conveniently didn’t have to change her name!) Over the years, they would have twelve children! All three of his sons and seven of his grandsons who also become doctors.

Below is a video of the auction of his personal belongings-courtesy of New Hampshire Public Television. It is a fascinating look at an amazing life:




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4XqNGW0994


Of course, those outside of Northern New England will recognize the name Josiah Bartlett for another reason. TV producer Aaron Sorkin co-opted the name for the Martin Sheen’s character in the hit series “The West Wing”. A distant relative of the historical Bartlett, Martin did his namesake proud in the way he conducted himself in “office”-even if it was only a TV show-here is a lighter moment from “The West Wing”:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TcGEcKjSu4&feature=related

As we dismiss most of today’s politicians and leaders as shallow, self-serving pawns of special interests, it’s comforting to know that America had some true patriots—and although each of them might have looked as flawed if viewed under today’s unforgiving media glare, a public servant’s entire resume must be considered when history makes its judgment.

The totality of Josiah Bartlett’s life is that of a true American patriot.


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Tea Party Is Directionless Frustration

I’m no expert on the so-called “Tea Party” movement, but those who align it with the Republican Party are misguided, I think.

From what I’ve seen, the Tea Party movement is party-neutral. Since fiscal conservatism and strict adherence to the U.S. Constitution-literally interpreted –as well as support for state’s rights are a cornerstone of the mantra, the vast majority of Tea Party “members” are probably Republicans.

Many of them, however, are disenfranchised GOP people who are looking for anything that they can align themselves with and be enthusiastic about. Nothing happening out there right now speaks to them-from either party.

Incumbents in both parties are being targeted for ejection from their seats. Maybe this is all well and good. After all, they are the problem, no? They are all corrupt, no?

I Google’d “Tea Party” to find a platform—an uniform set of beliefs that would somehow define what this “movement” stood for. What I uncovered was a fair amount of contradicting beliefs, alignments, goals and aspirations.

So, is that a “movement”? Or is it merely an umbrella term for “throw the bums out”?

The closest thing to a Tea Party Manifesto was the so-called “Contract With America”, listing ten points:

1) IDENTIFY THE CONSTITUTIONALITY OF EVERY NEW LAW- I think that this is already done when drafting legislation. While implying that recent laws violate the Constitution, no law is drafted without undergoing a “vetting” process for constitutionality. If laws passed do indeed cross the line, they will be challenged in court. In short, this is a largely useless “objective”—as it is already in place.

2) REJECT EMISSIONS TRADING- Stop “Cap and Trade” I don’t know enough on this to offer an informed opinion. I wonder how many Tea Party people are versed in the pros and cons of this approach. Hmmm.


3) DEMAND A BALANCED FEDERAL BUDGET- Great concept, but at least one of a couple of distasteful scenarios appear. To accomplish this objective, Congress must either a) raise taxes (which I think violates #10 below), b) reduce entitlements like Social Security (which I’m thinking won’t be popular with the Tea Party crowd, many of whom are collecting same) and/or c) permanently stop the practice of prosecuting wars (like Bush did) without actually accounting for the cost within the budget framework. President Obama has at least made the accounting for war transparent, placing it in the Federal Budget where it belongs. Previous Presidents conveniently leaving it “out of the budget” didn’t mean we weren’t deficit spending. OK, Tea Party people—which will it be?

4) SIMPLIFY THE TAX SYSTEM- I am completely on board here. Complexity of the U.S. Tax code favors the wealthy, who use their accountants to evade taxes by using loopholes that ongoing rulemaking means to close—and yet, ends up having the opposite effect. In fact, I support the “consumption tax” proposed by then presidential candidate Huckabee.


5) AUDIT FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENGIES FOR CONSTITUTIONALITY- This advocates creating ANOTHER bureaucracy-a so-called “blue ribbon commission” (are you SERIOUS?) that puts everything the Federal government does under the microscope. I could support this if I felt it could root out waste, inefficiencies and have teeth. How many “blue ribbon commissions” have the force of law? Zero, maybe?

6) LIMIT ANNUAL GROWTH IN FEDERAL SPENDING-Again, a great concept. This strives to limit the growth to the inflation rate plus the percentage of population growth. A worthy goal-perhaps attainable.


7) REPEAL THE HEALTH CARE LEGISLATION- Not only unrealistic, but regardless of the claims of “government takeover” of healthcare, to say so is factually incorrect. The free market system was simply not working—mostly because the medical ethic of NEVER DENYING CARE to those without insurance only meant that this cost was ALWAYS shifted to those who DID have insurance—and did so at a much higher cost, as a disproportionately high number of these uninsured patients received their care through the avenue of the local Emergency Room—the highest cost possible. The independent GAO determined that the Health Plan as passed was not only “deficit neutral” as was proposed, but would actually reduce the Federal deficit. Time will obviously tell, but all evidence points to this legislation as being both fiscally and socially positive over the long run. In short, don’t make as an “objective” the repeal of something that could not be defeated politically as legislation. Removing an existing law-one that benefits millions of Americans—will be nearly impossible. When the Tea Party controls both houses of Congress AND the White House, then we’ll talk.

8) PASS AN “ALL OF THE ABOVE” ENERGY POLICY- Authorize the exploration of additional energy reserves to reduce American dependence on foreign energy sources. Reduce regulatory barriers. With the exception of that last sentence (given the ongoing oil spill in the Gulf), I think we can all agree on this point. How we arrive at this objective will differ. I’m assuming that Federal tax incentives to invest in such alternate energy projects would be agreeable to all, but am I right?

9) REDUCE EARMARKS- Place a moratorium on ALL earmarks until the budget is balanced—and then require a 2/3 majority to pass any earmark. I can agree with this, but as a percentage of the Federal Budget, all earmarks together comprise such a small percentage of the total amount spent—that it is largely window-dressing. When our local Congressman or woman scores Federal funding for a local project, he or she is hailed as a hero at home—those not benefiting from it (in other states) call it “pork”. The ability to deliver pork to the home folks is a prerequisite for re-election. In short, we love OUR pork, hate the pork of others.

10) REDUCE TAXES- “Permanently” repeal all recent tax increases, including those to the income tax, capital gains tax and estate taxes. Again, who ISN’T in favor of decreasing taxes? I am. You are. The problem is that such consensus evaporates when discussing which programs go away.


So, there you have it. Ten goals, of which maybe only 3 or 4 have a realistic chance of achievability---even among Tea Party “members”—who could not be counted upon to agree on the so-called “tough choices” they advocate for. No consensus? Gridlock? What happens on Capital Hill may be a reflection of the lack of the same in our population.

When considering the hacking of Federal Programs, let’s “do away” with the following big wasters of cash—your cash:

1) SOCIAL SECURITY- Here is the biggest waste. Who cares if Grandma cannot support herself now? Let’s slice that entitlement in half. After all, the extended families that are such a part of other cultures are a social benefit, no? Granny will move in with you and your family.
And if she becomes homeless, there must be SOME government program that will provide for her, no?

2) MEDICAID- Wrought with fraud and waste, this too should be on the chopping block. Our refusal to deny medical care will simply move these costs, many of which constitute nursing home care—to the consumer in the form of even higher health insurance costs. But hey, it’s a free market system—and the capitalistic way to solve the problem, no?


3) ELIMINATE THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION- No barriers to keep companies from bringing drugs to market. Without all that pesky testing for safety, not only do we eliminate a huge bureaucracy, but maybe drug prices will go down as the pharmaceutical companies will not need to spend nearly as much to bring a drug to market. The tens of thousands who may die as a result of using untested drugs are merely the collateral damage that any free capitalistic society must endure.

4) ELIMINATE THE CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION- Like the FDA, think of the savings! We’ll be able to increase our imports of dangerous Chinese goods without the threat of federal intervention. In fact, we’ll be able to make our own dangerous goods right here in the U.S.A.!


5) ELIMINATE THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY!- Repeal those oppressive laws that restrict companies from dumping raw sewage into our water and carcinogens into our air and soil. These laws seriously diminish the profitability of these job-creating industries.

6) ELIMINATE THE FAA- Without the stringent regulations that require companies to perform regular safety checks on their airplanes and restrict a pilot’s flying time, maybe the airlines will become profitable again!


7) ELIMINATE THE SEC- Hey, we don’t want to further burden the Wall Street companies that almost brought us to the brink, so why not wipe out ALL consumer protection with regard to investments? Publicly held companies that need not publish a prospectus or adhere to accounting principles that guarantee the viability of their businesses to prospective investors will be able to raise a lot more capital.

8) ELIMINATE OSHA- Worker safety on the job is over-rated. Companies have the best interests of their employees at heart anyway, right? Think of the savings!


Those are just a few—I could go on! Who needs all that oversight, all that regulation?


In our justified frustration, let’s be careful not to demonize everything that smacks of government. Let’s not paint the scene with so broad a brushstroke that we lose sight of what life could be like WITHOUT these awful services that are paid by our taxes.

Excesses? Absolutely.
Inefficiencies? Without a doubt.

Sheer indignation and a “throw the bums out” mentality without some thought to whatever their replacements COULD accomplish is immature and unrealistic.

It’s often said that the government we have is the one we deserve. Be careful what you wish for. Just as there is “no free lunch”, there is a consequence to all attempts to achieve the objectives that we say we want.

Sacrifice—and in some cases, profound sacrifice is the only alternative. And, no matter the candidate, promising “shared sacrifice” never got anyone elected—even a Tea Party candidate.


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The F.B.I. Investigates "Louie Louie"

In perhaps the most hilarious and ludicrous use of taxpayer money ever, the Federal Bureau of Investigation made it’s official determination on the supposed “dirty” lyrics of the song “Louie Louie” on this date in 1965.

Their findings?

The FBI Laboratory declared the lyrics to be: “officially unintelligible”.

Now, that’s damn funny!

Prompted by an outcry from parents across the country who felt the lyrics were obscene, the FBI was called in to use their sophisticated audio technology to completely dissect the Kingsmen’s hit song. Like a typical government agency, this “investigation” took TWO YEARS to complete! The FBI gathered as many versions of the song as possible. They interviewed Richard Berry, the man who wrote the song in 1955. They played each version of the record at 33rpm, 45rpm and even 78rpm to see if at each speed, somehow the filthy lyrics would make themselves known. “Unintelligible at any speed” was the official conclusion, as an anxious world breathed a sigh of relief!

Starting as a rumor, the momentum picked up as letters were being received by the U.S. Department of Justice. One letter, addressed to Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy stated, “Who do you turn to when your teenage daughter buys and brings home pornographic or obscene materials being sold in every city, village and record shop in this nation?” The letter went on to say, “the lyrics are so filthy, that I cannot enclose them in this letter”. Perhaps because this parent didn’t even know what they were RUMORED to be!

Here is a video of the Kingsmen performing their hit song “Louie Louie” on the popular TV show, “Shindig!”. See if you can pick up an obscenity:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cec1JInytH0&feature=related

How’d ya do?

The song was written about a Jamaican sailor who returns to port to see his lady love. Beyond that, who knows? By the way, although many versions are listed as “Louie, Louie”, songwriter Berry says there is no “comma” in his composition.

It was banned on many radio stations after complaints poured in to station management, including Indiana, where the Governor officially prohibited stations from airing it. Another version of the song was released by Paul Revere & The Raiders—recorded in the same studio as the Kingsmen—and it was originally the bigger hit. That is, until Boston DJ Arnie “Woo Woo” Ginsberg featured the Kingsmen’s version as his “Worst Record Of The Week”. Despite this designation, the response to its airing was huge—and the song took off regionally—and then nationally. The tune has been covered hundreds of times, most notably by the Beach Boys and The Who.

Rolling Stone magazine listed Louie Louie as #55 on their list of the “500 Greatest Songs Of All Time”!

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