Aside from those turn of the century photos of Native Americans walking across I-beams high above the New York skyline, I am skeptical of anyone who says they are NOT afraid of heights.
How can you NOT be?
When I was 12, I had the privilege of visiting Paris with my parents-and like all good tourists, made the pilgrimage to the Eiffel Tower. We snapped pictures on little cartridge Kodak cameras (you know, the ones with a disposable rotating flash cube on top-remember those?) Anyway, I was OK until the trip to the top.
Oh my.
Of course I survived-and even enjoyed it, but even in the confines of the elevator, I felt that we could tumble to earth at any moment!
The Eiffel Tower is celebrating a birthday today. It was on this date in 1889 that the Tower officially opened with Gustave Eiffel presiding over his creation, a tribute for an exposition marking the centennial of the French Revolution. Originally considered an ugly eyesore to Parisians, it was considered a marvel of engineering and was, at the time, the tallest manmade structure in the world (a distinction it would hold until the Chrysler Building was erected in 1930). At 934 feet, Mr. Eiffel and several others climbed the stairs on this date-as the elevators were not completed yet—and hoisted a French flag at the very top! As time went on, the Eiffel Tower became the very symbol of France/Paris-even though it was almost torn down when the 20 year lease on the land expired in 1909. The only thing that saved the tower from the wrecker’s ball was it’s usefulness as a structure to house radio antennas! (Radio does it again!)
Below is a video clip of a couple of CRAZY people who actually JUMPED from the Eiffel Tower with parachutes! They filmed the ascent—and the trip down as well-amazing!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPyUsyF_OgM
If you’d like my blog in your box, you don’t have to jump off the Eiffel Tower-just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Viva La Eiffel Tower!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
"Spelling Bee" Was H-i-l-a-r-i-o-u-s!
On Friday night, I had the distinct pleasure and privilege to be one of the “celebrity spellers” as the National Touring Cast of the Broadway show, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” took the stage at Merrill Auditorium.
I joined Herb Ivy, “The Captain” from sister station WBLM and also Bob Crowley, the “Survivor” winner from Maine.
Although we, the outsiders are systematically eliminated during the show, often with words that do not really exist, it was a hugely funny show with an extraordinary cast! Below is a clip from the production:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=292dPNs9S8k
What fun!, That’s fun, f-u-n, fun!
If you would like to have this blog in your e-mail box, let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
I joined Herb Ivy, “The Captain” from sister station WBLM and also Bob Crowley, the “Survivor” winner from Maine.
Although we, the outsiders are systematically eliminated during the show, often with words that do not really exist, it was a hugely funny show with an extraordinary cast! Below is a clip from the production:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=292dPNs9S8k
What fun!, That’s fun, f-u-n, fun!
If you would like to have this blog in your e-mail box, let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Friday, March 27, 2009
Enough With The Viagra TV Commercials, OK?
It was on this date in 1998 that the FDA approved of the drug Viagra-to treat men with erectile dysfunction, mercifully shortened (pardon the pun) to “ED” for the incessant TV commercials. Of course, other drugs such as Cialis and Levitra arrived “shortly” thereafter, with the same…uh…mission.
When Pfizer first developed Sildenafil (the chemical name for Viagra), it was for the treatment of high blood pressure. Chemists found that although it had little effect on hypertension, it did cause a certain “side effect”. Company officials quickly saw the commercial opportunity of the drug—and in two short years—a very quick time for the FDA to do anything, Viagra hit the market. Getting Bob Dole to endorse the drug was a huge coup as well. The History.com website says that although unconfirmed, the drug was invented by…are you ready?: PETER DUNN and ALBERT WOOD. (Very funny)
OK…so this is really about the TV ads. Frankly, no matter how “subtle” they attempt to be, there is no escaping the innuendo—and parents across America are embarrassed on what seems like an hourly basis as they endure these spots while watching TV with their children. Even when they put Mom and Dad in side-by-side bathtubs, the implication is rather obvious.
I’m waiting for my 9 year old to ask me what ED is. Guess “that talk” will happen sooner than I had planned….thank you, pharmaceutical companies! What’s worse is watching with your teenage daughter. Of course, they have had to survive watching TV with men when feminine hygiene products are advertised.
For Viagra, at $8-$10 a pill, the first-year take alone was in the billions of dollars. So, do any of them really NEED to advertise? Stealing market share from each other means they do, but the onslaught of ads is getting to be too much.
Below is one of the more creative ads—but as you’ll see, the teenage girl-in-the-house makes it all so creepy (for all of us)
Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFuuHPkORsA
My advice is to have a supply of topic-changers handy whenever these spots come on TV. Having the remote in your hand to MUTE is a good idea , too. Let’s practice:
When the TV man says: “Are you having trouble with….E.D.?”, you:
a) Hit the MUTE button and
b) Say, “hey, how ‘bout them Red Sox?”
Good luck!
If you’d like my blog in your inbox daily, just let me know. It won’t cure E.D., but it is FREE….HARD to beat! (ahem) tim.moore@citcomm.com
When Pfizer first developed Sildenafil (the chemical name for Viagra), it was for the treatment of high blood pressure. Chemists found that although it had little effect on hypertension, it did cause a certain “side effect”. Company officials quickly saw the commercial opportunity of the drug—and in two short years—a very quick time for the FDA to do anything, Viagra hit the market. Getting Bob Dole to endorse the drug was a huge coup as well. The History.com website says that although unconfirmed, the drug was invented by…are you ready?: PETER DUNN and ALBERT WOOD. (Very funny)
OK…so this is really about the TV ads. Frankly, no matter how “subtle” they attempt to be, there is no escaping the innuendo—and parents across America are embarrassed on what seems like an hourly basis as they endure these spots while watching TV with their children. Even when they put Mom and Dad in side-by-side bathtubs, the implication is rather obvious.
I’m waiting for my 9 year old to ask me what ED is. Guess “that talk” will happen sooner than I had planned….thank you, pharmaceutical companies! What’s worse is watching with your teenage daughter. Of course, they have had to survive watching TV with men when feminine hygiene products are advertised.
For Viagra, at $8-$10 a pill, the first-year take alone was in the billions of dollars. So, do any of them really NEED to advertise? Stealing market share from each other means they do, but the onslaught of ads is getting to be too much.
Below is one of the more creative ads—but as you’ll see, the teenage girl-in-the-house makes it all so creepy (for all of us)
Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFuuHPkORsA
My advice is to have a supply of topic-changers handy whenever these spots come on TV. Having the remote in your hand to MUTE is a good idea , too. Let’s practice:
When the TV man says: “Are you having trouble with….E.D.?”, you:
a) Hit the MUTE button and
b) Say, “hey, how ‘bout them Red Sox?”
Good luck!
If you’d like my blog in your inbox daily, just let me know. It won’t cure E.D., but it is FREE….HARD to beat! (ahem) tim.moore@citcomm.com
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Boom! Woodstock Was A Turning Point
It was on this date in 1970 that the Woodstock documentary was released. For those kids who WISHED they had gone, it was a wistful glimpse of the fun (and mud) they missed. For adults/parents, it was just further confirmation that the country was going to hell in a hand basket.
I’m reading Tom Brokaw’s book, “Boom!” a look at the 60’s as a whole. I highly recommend this book for anyone who lived through the decade-and for those who want a deeper understanding of the events that shape us even today. For Brokaw, his definition of the “60’s” starts in November of 1963 with the assassination of President Kennedy-and ends with the resignation of Richard Nixon in 1974.
Woodstock was just ONE of the seminal events of that troubled decade, fueled by massive dissatisfaction over the war in Viet Nam. Cynicism that grew out of the deaths of both Kennedy brothers and Martin Luther King, Jr, combined with the changing attitudes about women, sex and race made for a powerful mixing bowl in which the sociological experiment known as Woodstock took place. A veritable Petri dish in which was combined over 500,000 youth, not enough sanitation facilities—and an unhealthy amount of drugs—and, it must be said, some pretty damn good music.
The result was an uncommonly peaceful (if not smelly) cultural event the likes of which had never been seen. I was only 11 at the time, but I wish that I had been on Max Yasgur’s farm those days—to see and experience for myself what I can only see now through film.
The documentary itself is too long, but the following short video clip/slide show gives some interesting background on Woodstock:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RbD9B-pL50
If you would like my blog in your e-mail box daily, it would be really GROOVY (not to mention FREE) Just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Peace!
I’m reading Tom Brokaw’s book, “Boom!” a look at the 60’s as a whole. I highly recommend this book for anyone who lived through the decade-and for those who want a deeper understanding of the events that shape us even today. For Brokaw, his definition of the “60’s” starts in November of 1963 with the assassination of President Kennedy-and ends with the resignation of Richard Nixon in 1974.
Woodstock was just ONE of the seminal events of that troubled decade, fueled by massive dissatisfaction over the war in Viet Nam. Cynicism that grew out of the deaths of both Kennedy brothers and Martin Luther King, Jr, combined with the changing attitudes about women, sex and race made for a powerful mixing bowl in which the sociological experiment known as Woodstock took place. A veritable Petri dish in which was combined over 500,000 youth, not enough sanitation facilities—and an unhealthy amount of drugs—and, it must be said, some pretty damn good music.
The result was an uncommonly peaceful (if not smelly) cultural event the likes of which had never been seen. I was only 11 at the time, but I wish that I had been on Max Yasgur’s farm those days—to see and experience for myself what I can only see now through film.
The documentary itself is too long, but the following short video clip/slide show gives some interesting background on Woodstock:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RbD9B-pL50
If you would like my blog in your e-mail box daily, it would be really GROOVY (not to mention FREE) Just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Peace!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Thank Heaven For Little Girls
The Maurice Chevalier song “Thank Heaven For Little Girls” ends with the line, …”for without them, what would little boys do?”
Those little girls grow up into beautiful young women—and such is the case with my daughter Christina, who turns 18 today.
I know what you’re thinking-how could someone as young looking as me have an ADULT child? Oh…you WEREN’T thinking that….Allrighty then. Well, anyway, the little bundle who arrived on this date in 1991 at Mercy Hospital is now officially an adult woman, a beautiful, smart and talented senior at Portland High School.
In another week, we’ll fly out to Omaha to look at one of the seven schools where Christina was accepted in order to see if it (Creighton University) meets her strict criteria. Christina batted a thousand with college admissions, is a member of the National Honor Society and a member of the Maine Diocesan Youth Board-organizing activities all over the state. In addition, she manages to belong to several other service organizations, baby-sits and still juggles a part-time job at Hannaford.
When I look back on the photos of a little baby, it’s hard to imagine all that she has done-and all that she has become over the years!
Here’s my girl, blowing out the candles LAST year:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0nOpOP2V5o
Happy Birthday, Christina! We love you!
If you’d like this blog in your e-mail inbox daily, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Those little girls grow up into beautiful young women—and such is the case with my daughter Christina, who turns 18 today.
I know what you’re thinking-how could someone as young looking as me have an ADULT child? Oh…you WEREN’T thinking that….Allrighty then. Well, anyway, the little bundle who arrived on this date in 1991 at Mercy Hospital is now officially an adult woman, a beautiful, smart and talented senior at Portland High School.
In another week, we’ll fly out to Omaha to look at one of the seven schools where Christina was accepted in order to see if it (Creighton University) meets her strict criteria. Christina batted a thousand with college admissions, is a member of the National Honor Society and a member of the Maine Diocesan Youth Board-organizing activities all over the state. In addition, she manages to belong to several other service organizations, baby-sits and still juggles a part-time job at Hannaford.
When I look back on the photos of a little baby, it’s hard to imagine all that she has done-and all that she has become over the years!
Here’s my girl, blowing out the candles LAST year:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0nOpOP2V5o
Happy Birthday, Christina! We love you!
If you’d like this blog in your e-mail inbox daily, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Remember The Pacer?
Unless you are over 40, you probably don’t remember the Pacer, the American Motors car that turned heads in the 70’s.
AMC formed on this date in 1954 as a result of the merger of Nash-Kelvinator (the latter name I believe made my garbage disposal-how appropriate) and Hudson Automobile Co.
Troubled from the start, this company definitely took chances with design, starting with the Gremlin (who WOULDN’T want to own a car with THAT name?) and then of course the Pacer. In 1975, the Pacer was unveiled to no lack of attention.
With a bubble-like shape and extra wide wheelbase, the Pacer did indeed turn heads, usually for the wrong reason (“THAT CAR IS UGLY!”) But, it had a certain utilitarian appeal, as it made a decent family car, the ugly embryo of the yet to be introduced minivan.
The Pacer sold well for a couple of years, until it became the butt of so many jokes that it was far too embarrassing to walk into a showroom and actually ask to test drive one. Of course, if you own one in good condition today, my guess is that you have the last laugh, as Pacers are now collector’s items, albeit ugly ones.
Below is a 1978 TV commercial for the Pacer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHhExjF3iu8
If you’d like my blog in your e-mail box daily, just email me back: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Have a great day!
AMC formed on this date in 1954 as a result of the merger of Nash-Kelvinator (the latter name I believe made my garbage disposal-how appropriate) and Hudson Automobile Co.
Troubled from the start, this company definitely took chances with design, starting with the Gremlin (who WOULDN’T want to own a car with THAT name?) and then of course the Pacer. In 1975, the Pacer was unveiled to no lack of attention.
With a bubble-like shape and extra wide wheelbase, the Pacer did indeed turn heads, usually for the wrong reason (“THAT CAR IS UGLY!”) But, it had a certain utilitarian appeal, as it made a decent family car, the ugly embryo of the yet to be introduced minivan.
The Pacer sold well for a couple of years, until it became the butt of so many jokes that it was far too embarrassing to walk into a showroom and actually ask to test drive one. Of course, if you own one in good condition today, my guess is that you have the last laugh, as Pacers are now collector’s items, albeit ugly ones.
Below is a 1978 TV commercial for the Pacer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHhExjF3iu8
If you’d like my blog in your e-mail box daily, just email me back: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Have a great day!
Monday, March 23, 2009
"What Are You Doing?"...NOT Twitter!
Although I have succumbed to Facebook, I think it will be a LONG time (if ever) before I feel compelled to join Twitter.
What is Twitter? For the uninitiated, I’ve included a short tutorial below, called “Twitter in Plain English”. Of course, the larger question is….WHY?
Why does anyone CARE about what I’m doing right now? Why would they follow people like NBC White House Correspondent David Gregory, who has a huge following? A typical post may say “I’m going into the White House Press Room now”.
Well, bully for you.
I thought e-mail was fast. Then came IM (Instant Messaging). Of course, you can’t haul a computer around with you, so cell phone TEXTING was next-your teenagers know all about this—and I admit it can be a useful tool, but I’ll use it to text my daughter questions like “Where are you?”, “who are you with?”, “where are you going?”, etc. The answers to these questions are vital to a parent.
We are so wrapped up in a digital world of instant communication that we are sacrificing REAL EXPERIENCES –WHY? We are too busy working our thumbs on texting or Twitter to tell people we don’t even know the most mundane things about the activity we are engaging in at that instant.
Compelling.
If Shakespeare or Dickens had Twitter, they would never have finished a single volume. The constant distraction of “tweeting” (or whatever the hell it is called) would have been enough to lose their train of thought..”To tweet or not to tweet…that is the question…”
At President Obama’s first appearance in the House chamber speaking to Congress on issues of great import, there were MEMBERS OF CONGRESS typing away on the cell phones about Nancy Pelosi’s hairdo or when a college basketball game was to start. They completely ignored their presence at an historic occasion and resorted to a crude form of chronicling the proceedings without really paying attention to what was actually happening all around them!
OK…here’s your Twitter tutorial---and for equal measure, a spoof of the same which I can identify with far more readily!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddO9idmax0o
Now, here’s the spoof!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PN2HAroA12w
If you’d like my blog in your daily inbox, just use good old fashioned E-MAIL (slow as it is)- tim.moore@citcomm.com
Tweet you later!
What is Twitter? For the uninitiated, I’ve included a short tutorial below, called “Twitter in Plain English”. Of course, the larger question is….WHY?
Why does anyone CARE about what I’m doing right now? Why would they follow people like NBC White House Correspondent David Gregory, who has a huge following? A typical post may say “I’m going into the White House Press Room now”.
Well, bully for you.
I thought e-mail was fast. Then came IM (Instant Messaging). Of course, you can’t haul a computer around with you, so cell phone TEXTING was next-your teenagers know all about this—and I admit it can be a useful tool, but I’ll use it to text my daughter questions like “Where are you?”, “who are you with?”, “where are you going?”, etc. The answers to these questions are vital to a parent.
We are so wrapped up in a digital world of instant communication that we are sacrificing REAL EXPERIENCES –WHY? We are too busy working our thumbs on texting or Twitter to tell people we don’t even know the most mundane things about the activity we are engaging in at that instant.
Compelling.
If Shakespeare or Dickens had Twitter, they would never have finished a single volume. The constant distraction of “tweeting” (or whatever the hell it is called) would have been enough to lose their train of thought..”To tweet or not to tweet…that is the question…”
At President Obama’s first appearance in the House chamber speaking to Congress on issues of great import, there were MEMBERS OF CONGRESS typing away on the cell phones about Nancy Pelosi’s hairdo or when a college basketball game was to start. They completely ignored their presence at an historic occasion and resorted to a crude form of chronicling the proceedings without really paying attention to what was actually happening all around them!
OK…here’s your Twitter tutorial---and for equal measure, a spoof of the same which I can identify with far more readily!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddO9idmax0o
Now, here’s the spoof!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PN2HAroA12w
If you’d like my blog in your daily inbox, just use good old fashioned E-MAIL (slow as it is)- tim.moore@citcomm.com
Tweet you later!
Friday, March 20, 2009
An Interactive Magic Trick!
It’s Friday….it’s getting late and I am LAZY today.
So, instead of BORING you with my opinion on some issue, let’s have a little fun, OK?
David Copperfield has a little interactive magic trick where you participate! Follow the directions and enjoy. While the adults can figure this one out, have your kids take part-they will be amazed!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuNlNHtDLJQ
If you’d like my blog to arrive in your inbox daily (like MAGIC!) just let me know:
Tim.moore@citcomm.com
Have a terrific weekend!
So, instead of BORING you with my opinion on some issue, let’s have a little fun, OK?
David Copperfield has a little interactive magic trick where you participate! Follow the directions and enjoy. While the adults can figure this one out, have your kids take part-they will be amazed!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuNlNHtDLJQ
If you’d like my blog to arrive in your inbox daily (like MAGIC!) just let me know:
Tim.moore@citcomm.com
Have a terrific weekend!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Beach Boys "Lost Concert"
You learn something new every day. For me, today, it was the fact that the Beach Boys performed a show that has been dubbed the “Lost Concert”. Why? Well, apparently the footage of their rare performance before a California studio audience in 1964 was lost until just recently.
It happened this week in 1964-March 14th to be exact—in a “mega-concert” that also included the Beatles and Lesley Gore. I can’t seem to find the Beatles or Gore, but I guess they were not “lost”
Whatever the reason, my bet is that you’ll enjoy this clip of American musical history, even if you are not a Beach Boy fan (I am). It was rare that they would perform in the early days—and the “Lost Concert” is captured in the following THREE clips:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXw1sXFFjKU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCqoVnXZI-w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKheKfncWoo
“Wouldn’t It Be Nice” to have my blog in your inbox daily? just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Fun, fun, fun!
It happened this week in 1964-March 14th to be exact—in a “mega-concert” that also included the Beatles and Lesley Gore. I can’t seem to find the Beatles or Gore, but I guess they were not “lost”
Whatever the reason, my bet is that you’ll enjoy this clip of American musical history, even if you are not a Beach Boy fan (I am). It was rare that they would perform in the early days—and the “Lost Concert” is captured in the following THREE clips:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXw1sXFFjKU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCqoVnXZI-w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKheKfncWoo
“Wouldn’t It Be Nice” to have my blog in your inbox daily? just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Fun, fun, fun!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Wells Fargo Was First
It was on this date in 1852 that Henry Wells and William Fargo teamed up to form a company that would take advantage of the California Gold Rush. The first true coast to coast delivery service was born, transporting people and supplies across 3,000+ miles of dangerous territory!
When a FedEx envelope can start out in New York on Monday and be on someone’s desk in San Francisco at 10am on Tuesday, it’s hard to conceive of the operation that made that same trip—over land—in a matter of weeks and months, depending on the weather, the conditions and the Indian attacks that were commonplace!
The Wells Fargo Stage traveled at the pace of 5 miles an hour-and the horses were generally switched out every 12 hours at swing stations along the way. Up to 9 people crammed into the tiny stagecoach cabin for a ride that was, well…less than comfortable. Of course, the railroad eventually made the stage obsolete.
Below is a link to the Wells Fargo History site-where there are many interesting facts:
http://www.wellsfargohistory.com/index.htm
Here below is a short film about the history of Wells Fargo. Be cautioned that it is basically a propaganda film produced by the company, but interesting nonetheless-and if any company has earned a right to brag about their adaptability over the years, it is Wells Fargo, which has resisted the urge to change their name to avoid associations with the past. Like Western Union, this may have limited their growth in today’s internet-everything-in-a-split-second world, but you have to admire their pride in keeping the names of the founders front and center:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRZaPg3sY90
With companies today folding like so many houses of cards, it’s nice to see a firm with staying power—it may be old fashioned, but perhaps a little of that old fashioned thinking would come in handy in 2009!
If you’d like this blog in your e-mail box daily (instantly and free-unlike the stagecoach), just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Peace!
When a FedEx envelope can start out in New York on Monday and be on someone’s desk in San Francisco at 10am on Tuesday, it’s hard to conceive of the operation that made that same trip—over land—in a matter of weeks and months, depending on the weather, the conditions and the Indian attacks that were commonplace!
The Wells Fargo Stage traveled at the pace of 5 miles an hour-and the horses were generally switched out every 12 hours at swing stations along the way. Up to 9 people crammed into the tiny stagecoach cabin for a ride that was, well…less than comfortable. Of course, the railroad eventually made the stage obsolete.
Below is a link to the Wells Fargo History site-where there are many interesting facts:
http://www.wellsfargohistory.com/index.htm
Here below is a short film about the history of Wells Fargo. Be cautioned that it is basically a propaganda film produced by the company, but interesting nonetheless-and if any company has earned a right to brag about their adaptability over the years, it is Wells Fargo, which has resisted the urge to change their name to avoid associations with the past. Like Western Union, this may have limited their growth in today’s internet-everything-in-a-split-second world, but you have to admire their pride in keeping the names of the founders front and center:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRZaPg3sY90
With companies today folding like so many houses of cards, it’s nice to see a firm with staying power—it may be old fashioned, but perhaps a little of that old fashioned thinking would come in handy in 2009!
If you’d like this blog in your e-mail box daily (instantly and free-unlike the stagecoach), just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Peace!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
I am Irish (partially, anyway), so St. Patrick’s Day has implications for me and all those who call themselves Irish. Failure to observe the day is frowned upon by all those who hail from the Emerald Isle
Wearing a bit’o green is just the start….drinking GREEN BEER is optional, although some sort of alcoholic beverage will usually find its way to my table that day. As for food, can we skip the corned beef and cabbage? The following video gives you guidelines on celebrating—and has an interesting fact about the corned beef—which came as a huge relief to me!
Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mH0TjR9tmPg
If you’d like this blog in your inbox, just let me know : tim.moore@citcomm.com
Happy St. Paddy’s Day!
Wearing a bit’o green is just the start….drinking GREEN BEER is optional, although some sort of alcoholic beverage will usually find its way to my table that day. As for food, can we skip the corned beef and cabbage? The following video gives you guidelines on celebrating—and has an interesting fact about the corned beef—which came as a huge relief to me!
Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mH0TjR9tmPg
If you’d like this blog in your inbox, just let me know : tim.moore@citcomm.com
Happy St. Paddy’s Day!
Monday, March 16, 2009
Drive Through Society
First, it was fast food, I think.
The Drive-Through (or “Thru”, since we don’t even have time to spell it correctly) is so much a part of our lives that we don’t even think of it anymore. We now drive through for prescriptions at the drug store, drive through to drop off dry cleaning-and there are even drive-through liquor stores (huh?)
The notion of a drive-through church was laughed at initially---but it actually exists in many states across the country. Many churches without a drive-through lane still offer a Drive Through Nativity Scene during the holidays!
Below is a short film that spoofs these “religion-on-the-go” outlets:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Rw75LhELKA
As much as we order from a clown’s mouth, you’d think we would somehow be GOOD at it. And yet, we are not. Below are the Ten Commandments of the Drive-Thru, WHATEVER they offer-in no particular order:
1) Be ready to order when you arrive. If a restaurant, use the “practice menu” before the actual squawk box menu to get an idea of what you will order. No one behind you wants to pay for your indecision with their time.
2) PAY ATTENTION-There is nothing worse than the 3-car gap between the car in front of you—and the car ahead of it! Keep up!
3) Don’t let the passengers in the car order at all. The driver speaks, everyone else is silent.
4) Stay off the cell phone. The attendant cannot tell that you are speaking to your wife about Aunt Martha’s hemorrhoids…besides, we are ordering FOOD here, for God’s sake!
5) Don’t change your order after arriving at the window-they have already rung it up. Yeah, “have it your way”, but get it right the first time.
6) Don’t scream into the speaker. They can hear you
7) Don’t mumble into the speaker. They can’t hear you that well.
8) Get your money ready while you are waiting in line to pay. It shouldn’t dawn on you that the meal costs money only after you arrive at the window.
9) Don’t divide the food, put away your wallet or purse, adjust your hair or ANYTHING after the transaction is complete. GET OUT OF THE WAY! Go park the car and do that stuff. Someone is waiting behind you.
10) NEVER pay for your order with change, especially pennies!
I’m sure you can think of others….feel free to comment on this and I’ll add your pet peeves, too! If you’d like this blog in your inbox daily, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Drive on up!
The Drive-Through (or “Thru”, since we don’t even have time to spell it correctly) is so much a part of our lives that we don’t even think of it anymore. We now drive through for prescriptions at the drug store, drive through to drop off dry cleaning-and there are even drive-through liquor stores (huh?)
The notion of a drive-through church was laughed at initially---but it actually exists in many states across the country. Many churches without a drive-through lane still offer a Drive Through Nativity Scene during the holidays!
Below is a short film that spoofs these “religion-on-the-go” outlets:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Rw75LhELKA
As much as we order from a clown’s mouth, you’d think we would somehow be GOOD at it. And yet, we are not. Below are the Ten Commandments of the Drive-Thru, WHATEVER they offer-in no particular order:
1) Be ready to order when you arrive. If a restaurant, use the “practice menu” before the actual squawk box menu to get an idea of what you will order. No one behind you wants to pay for your indecision with their time.
2) PAY ATTENTION-There is nothing worse than the 3-car gap between the car in front of you—and the car ahead of it! Keep up!
3) Don’t let the passengers in the car order at all. The driver speaks, everyone else is silent.
4) Stay off the cell phone. The attendant cannot tell that you are speaking to your wife about Aunt Martha’s hemorrhoids…besides, we are ordering FOOD here, for God’s sake!
5) Don’t change your order after arriving at the window-they have already rung it up. Yeah, “have it your way”, but get it right the first time.
6) Don’t scream into the speaker. They can hear you
7) Don’t mumble into the speaker. They can’t hear you that well.
8) Get your money ready while you are waiting in line to pay. It shouldn’t dawn on you that the meal costs money only after you arrive at the window.
9) Don’t divide the food, put away your wallet or purse, adjust your hair or ANYTHING after the transaction is complete. GET OUT OF THE WAY! Go park the car and do that stuff. Someone is waiting behind you.
10) NEVER pay for your order with change, especially pennies!
I’m sure you can think of others….feel free to comment on this and I’ll add your pet peeves, too! If you’d like this blog in your inbox daily, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Drive on up!
Friday, March 13, 2009
Stewart vs. Cramer, Part TWO
Well, Jim Cramer finally took the bait and appeared yesterday on The Daily Show w/ Jon Stewart. Reviews have given an overwhelming “victory” to Stewart, who skewered Cramer and his network CNBC over their failure to see the economic collapse in advance.
Below is a YouTube clip of the UNEDITED interview. WARNING: THERE IS PROFANE LANGUAGE USED in this clip. By the time you click on it, You Tube may have already removed the video (let me know if they do) The TV-safe version has already been removed for what were termed “copyright” reasons with Viacom. This is the raw, unedited interview from yesterday:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3NcxDLhmaI
Stewart just about says it all. Although they shook hands at the conclusion, the usually bombastic Cramer was a subdued and chastised shell of the hyper-kinetic nutcase that he usually shows us on “Mad Money”. I think his reputation has been severely hurt (as has that of the CNBC network) and his stature among the financial community has been torpedoed as well.
Those who used to take Cramer’s advice and act on it were clearly in the thousands—now, he’ll be fortunate if they number in the dozens.
If you’d like my daily blog in your e-mail inbox, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Have a great weekend!!!
Below is a YouTube clip of the UNEDITED interview. WARNING: THERE IS PROFANE LANGUAGE USED in this clip. By the time you click on it, You Tube may have already removed the video (let me know if they do) The TV-safe version has already been removed for what were termed “copyright” reasons with Viacom. This is the raw, unedited interview from yesterday:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3NcxDLhmaI
Stewart just about says it all. Although they shook hands at the conclusion, the usually bombastic Cramer was a subdued and chastised shell of the hyper-kinetic nutcase that he usually shows us on “Mad Money”. I think his reputation has been severely hurt (as has that of the CNBC network) and his stature among the financial community has been torpedoed as well.
Those who used to take Cramer’s advice and act on it were clearly in the thousands—now, he’ll be fortunate if they number in the dozens.
If you’d like my daily blog in your e-mail inbox, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Have a great weekend!!!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
A Magical Night With U2
Star-struck.
Goosebumps.
Heart-pounding.
All of the above aptly describe my evening in Boston last night, as I was one of a very few fortunate people to see U2 at the Somerville Theatre as they performed 5 songs and took questions from the audience.
At the last minute, I was asked to join the WHOM winners for this exclusive performance. Surreal.
Below is a video clip taken of the band leaving their hotel, outside the venue before sound check-and even a bit of the performance:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcPocsNRSq0
As if the night couldn’t get any better, a select few radio and industry people were bused to a restaurant called Upstairs at the Square (in Harvard Square) following the performance, where we able to MEET U2 in person! I had the pleasure of chatting with Bono for a couple of minutes-and he was so down-to-earth, self deprecating and funny that it seemed as if he actually ENJOYED the “schmoozing” that is part of their job—I think he really does. It was, in all respects, a magical night in Boston
Goosebumps.
Heart-pounding.
All of the above aptly describe my evening in Boston last night, as I was one of a very few fortunate people to see U2 at the Somerville Theatre as they performed 5 songs and took questions from the audience.
At the last minute, I was asked to join the WHOM winners for this exclusive performance. Surreal.
Below is a video clip taken of the band leaving their hotel, outside the venue before sound check-and even a bit of the performance:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcPocsNRSq0
As if the night couldn’t get any better, a select few radio and industry people were bused to a restaurant called Upstairs at the Square (in Harvard Square) following the performance, where we able to MEET U2 in person! I had the pleasure of chatting with Bono for a couple of minutes-and he was so down-to-earth, self deprecating and funny that it seemed as if he actually ENJOYED the “schmoozing” that is part of their job—I think he really does. It was, in all respects, a magical night in Boston
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
The Blame Game Needs To Include The Media
What a terrific sparring match we are witnessing now as The Daily Show’s Jon Stewart squares off against CNBC’s Jim Cramer-and everyone else!
The clip of Stewart’s crusade is below-over 8 minutes of ranting against the personalities who we see every day on CNBC-and who influence our collective market behavior-perhaps more than market fluctuations themselves!
The crux of the matter lies in the hypocrisy of the media----supposed watchdogs on our behalf—as they point fingers at everyone from CEO’s to politicians over the demise of our economy. Stewart’s simple question is worth an answer:
“How come the dedicated financial network didn’t see the trouble on the horizon”? “How come they didn’t warn the American public of the impending meltdown”? After all, they are the “experts”, no? They bragged about being on the “inside”---maybe TOO MUCH inside.
Watch the clip and enjoy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXlFnYV0y4M
Unlike many other issues where the media merely reports the goings on of politics and our elected officials, this seems like a case where CNBC was unknowingly complicit in the crisis by:
a) not seeing the warning signs or
b) seeing them and not reporting them or
c) either a) or b) combined with a healthy dose of bad “advice” for the public
d) all of the above
In a world where there is plenty of finger-pointing, CNBC has to admit its own role in deceiving the American public—whether through ignorance or as the byproduct of being sucked into the vortex of the “old boy network”-where access to the CEO’s would be compromised if the really tough questions were actually asked and pursued.
CNBC may now stand for: Cowards Not Being Candid.
The clip of Stewart’s crusade is below-over 8 minutes of ranting against the personalities who we see every day on CNBC-and who influence our collective market behavior-perhaps more than market fluctuations themselves!
The crux of the matter lies in the hypocrisy of the media----supposed watchdogs on our behalf—as they point fingers at everyone from CEO’s to politicians over the demise of our economy. Stewart’s simple question is worth an answer:
“How come the dedicated financial network didn’t see the trouble on the horizon”? “How come they didn’t warn the American public of the impending meltdown”? After all, they are the “experts”, no? They bragged about being on the “inside”---maybe TOO MUCH inside.
Watch the clip and enjoy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXlFnYV0y4M
Unlike many other issues where the media merely reports the goings on of politics and our elected officials, this seems like a case where CNBC was unknowingly complicit in the crisis by:
a) not seeing the warning signs or
b) seeing them and not reporting them or
c) either a) or b) combined with a healthy dose of bad “advice” for the public
d) all of the above
In a world where there is plenty of finger-pointing, CNBC has to admit its own role in deceiving the American public—whether through ignorance or as the byproduct of being sucked into the vortex of the “old boy network”-where access to the CEO’s would be compromised if the really tough questions were actually asked and pursued.
CNBC may now stand for: Cowards Not Being Candid.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
John Turns 20-And I Am Old!
Happy Birthday to John Moore! Our first-born turns 20 today-and the realization that Peggy & I have a TWENTY YEAR OLD child sends a shiver up my spine! Damn, we must be getting old!
It seems like ONLY YESTERDAY that John, weighing in at 10lbs, 9 oz. (very large) was naturally delivered (very painful) at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor! Of course, in other ways it seems like an entire lifetime ago…what a paradox.
John’s birth made me a Dad and Peggy a wonderful Mom. To say this was a milestone would be an understatement. What an incredibly moving experience to be there-and to witness my wife giving birth.
We have had the immense good fortune of having that scene play out two more times-and our lives without any of our three precious children is unthinkable.
John is a wonderful person, an incredibly smart and talented guy who has been a consistent presence on the Dean’s List at RPI in Engineering-in a double major—and still has the time to compete in track for Rensselaer. Below is a short video of John throwing at a recent meet at Cornell:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvyuRHmxrT8
John, we LOVE YOU-and wish you a happy, happy 20th birthday!
It seems like ONLY YESTERDAY that John, weighing in at 10lbs, 9 oz. (very large) was naturally delivered (very painful) at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor! Of course, in other ways it seems like an entire lifetime ago…what a paradox.
John’s birth made me a Dad and Peggy a wonderful Mom. To say this was a milestone would be an understatement. What an incredibly moving experience to be there-and to witness my wife giving birth.
We have had the immense good fortune of having that scene play out two more times-and our lives without any of our three precious children is unthinkable.
John is a wonderful person, an incredibly smart and talented guy who has been a consistent presence on the Dean’s List at RPI in Engineering-in a double major—and still has the time to compete in track for Rensselaer. Below is a short video of John throwing at a recent meet at Cornell:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvyuRHmxrT8
John, we LOVE YOU-and wish you a happy, happy 20th birthday!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Barbie Is 50 Today!
My favorite Barbie joke goes something like this: “Hey, have you seen the new ‘Divorce Barbie’? Yeah, it comes with all of Ken’s things!”
The fact that a 50 year old man (me) could HAVE a “favorite” Barbie joke shows just how much of a cultural icon Barbie has become. Imagine telling a “Beanie baby” joke…..just NOT FUNNY. Barbie was first introduced to the public on this date in 1959 at the American Toy Fair in New York. Originally modeled after a German toy aimed at MEN as a racy gag gift, the Barbie doll became the first adult doll mass marketed to little girls, making Mattel millions in the process.
Of course, Barbie also generated tons of negative publicity-as her proportions-if on a real woman, would have made her a 36-18-38. These dimensions were blamed for causing negative body images among young girls. On the flip side, Barbie also represented a departure from the 1950’s role models-as Barbie was represented in careers not traditionally open to women.
Below is the TV Commercial for Barbie-and the aforementioned Ken-who was actually not introduced until 1961, but this is too hilarious to wait:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5pcyHT838g
It is estimated that over 800 million Barbies have been sold in the last 50 years! That almost 3 dolls for every man, woman and child in the United States! Having had a young daughter to spoil, I think my Christina had at least a half dozen! I can’t speak to all the negative—or positive aspects of Barbie…after all, at the end of the day…it is a DOLL.
One that has made millions of girls happy for a half a century-and there’s some value in that, no?
If you’d like my blog in your in-box daily, let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
It is FREE, but some items sold separately!
The fact that a 50 year old man (me) could HAVE a “favorite” Barbie joke shows just how much of a cultural icon Barbie has become. Imagine telling a “Beanie baby” joke…..just NOT FUNNY. Barbie was first introduced to the public on this date in 1959 at the American Toy Fair in New York. Originally modeled after a German toy aimed at MEN as a racy gag gift, the Barbie doll became the first adult doll mass marketed to little girls, making Mattel millions in the process.
Of course, Barbie also generated tons of negative publicity-as her proportions-if on a real woman, would have made her a 36-18-38. These dimensions were blamed for causing negative body images among young girls. On the flip side, Barbie also represented a departure from the 1950’s role models-as Barbie was represented in careers not traditionally open to women.
Below is the TV Commercial for Barbie-and the aforementioned Ken-who was actually not introduced until 1961, but this is too hilarious to wait:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5pcyHT838g
It is estimated that over 800 million Barbies have been sold in the last 50 years! That almost 3 dolls for every man, woman and child in the United States! Having had a young daughter to spoil, I think my Christina had at least a half dozen! I can’t speak to all the negative—or positive aspects of Barbie…after all, at the end of the day…it is a DOLL.
One that has made millions of girls happy for a half a century-and there’s some value in that, no?
If you’d like my blog in your in-box daily, let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
It is FREE, but some items sold separately!
Friday, March 6, 2009
The Birth Of Aspirin
It was called a “miracle drug”, curing everything from headaches to cramps to pain in all areas of the body. Aspirin was patented on this date in 1899. A German company called Bayer gave it the name we know today—instead of its chemical name: acetylsalicylic acid (yummy!). It was originally derived from the bark of the willow tree-REALLY! While the makers of aspirin were obviously pretty good at the medicine thing, they were a bit naive when it came to patents and trademarks.
When the original patent expired after World War I, they had not protected the name “Aspirin”---and so every other drug company produced and marketed the drug under the same name-rendering it a GENERIC name instead of the BRAND that Bayer would have obviously preferred. It’s as if the original ibuprofen patent ran out and everyone started calling their product Advil. Not happening! Just ask the makers of Motrin, who originally developed the drug as a prescription medicine, but were beaten to the market by Advil, which blitzed the public with advertising as the drug became an over-the-counter medication!
Below is a TV commercial from the 1960’s for Bayer aspirin-very entertaining!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGOFMXGZapU
All this talk about drugs is giving me a headache! If you’d like my blog in your e-mail box daily, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Thursday, March 5, 2009
I Want To Invent Something Useless
It was on this date in 1963 that the Hula Hoop was invented. I say “invented”, but really, how much thought went into a PLASTIC CIRCLE? The genius-if you can call it that—is in accurately forecasting that kids to adults would make fools of themselves by rotating their hips at a pace not designed by God in the HUMAN OWNERS MANUAL.
Big-time cashing in on this product was the result—and Mr. Hula Hoop laughed as he shook his hips all the way to the bank—probably somewhere in the Bahamas. Below is one of the original TV commercials for the Hula Hoop:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrGTqySr_28
Of course, there are other useless inventions that have reaped their inventors rewards beyond reason or common sense. The Mood Ring and The Pet Rock come to mind. Useless? YES, yet extremely profitable for the guru responsible for bringing it to market.
I will be hard at work over the next several months trying to devise a cheap piece of crap that I can start a worldwide fad with. You will fall in love with my worthless piece of junk and you will buy it. If I am lucky, like the inventor of the Hula Hoop, you will not only APPEAR to be a fool by purchasing said crap in the first place, but also you will use it in front of OTHER people to:
a) convince them that my invention has enhanced your life and
b) CONFIRM that you are a fool by mere demonstration of my product (yet to be conceived, but certain to be embarrassing to all users)
If you have a good idea, we can work together! Want my daily blog in your inbox? (free-damn!) Let me know! Tim.moore@citcomm.com
Big-time cashing in on this product was the result—and Mr. Hula Hoop laughed as he shook his hips all the way to the bank—probably somewhere in the Bahamas. Below is one of the original TV commercials for the Hula Hoop:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrGTqySr_28
Of course, there are other useless inventions that have reaped their inventors rewards beyond reason or common sense. The Mood Ring and The Pet Rock come to mind. Useless? YES, yet extremely profitable for the guru responsible for bringing it to market.
I will be hard at work over the next several months trying to devise a cheap piece of crap that I can start a worldwide fad with. You will fall in love with my worthless piece of junk and you will buy it. If I am lucky, like the inventor of the Hula Hoop, you will not only APPEAR to be a fool by purchasing said crap in the first place, but also you will use it in front of OTHER people to:
a) convince them that my invention has enhanced your life and
b) CONFIRM that you are a fool by mere demonstration of my product (yet to be conceived, but certain to be embarrassing to all users)
If you have a good idea, we can work together! Want my daily blog in your inbox? (free-damn!) Let me know! Tim.moore@citcomm.com
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
U2 In A "Secret" Concert in Boston!!
This blog will post before we get a winner today for the EXCLUSIVE performance in Boston next Wednesday by supergroup U2.
It is highly unusual that a band of U2’s stature would promote their new CD in such a novel way. Three “secret” shows, on March 9th in Los Angeles, March 10th in Chicago-and the following night in Boston-a show that 94.9 WHOM will be sending winners to!
Sometime between now and 5pm (Wed 3/4), we’ll play “With Or Without You”—the 94th caller at 1-800-228-1949 will win! I suggest you not play unless:
1) You are a fanatical U2 partisan and, most importantly,
2) You can get down to Boston next Wednesday 3/11.
In all likelihood, all winners (from radio stations across New England) will be told to go a central location, where presumably there will be parking. From there, it is likely that you will board a bus to take you to the “secret” location. I have heard rumors of several Boston venues, but nothing firm!
The show itself will be a one-hour performance-with Q&A involving the audience-which could be you! Next Wednesday will be a busy night for shows, with Hall & Oates and Fleetwood Mac also performing-to which 94.9 WHOM is also sending winners!
Below is the LIVE performance of “With Or Without You” and ALSO the link to the original video featuring a very young Bono and company! Enjoy---And good luck!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEfSnjL0pd8
If you’d like this blog in your e-mail in-box, just let me know! Tim.moore@citcomm.com
It’s “Beautiful Day”!
It is highly unusual that a band of U2’s stature would promote their new CD in such a novel way. Three “secret” shows, on March 9th in Los Angeles, March 10th in Chicago-and the following night in Boston-a show that 94.9 WHOM will be sending winners to!
Sometime between now and 5pm (Wed 3/4), we’ll play “With Or Without You”—the 94th caller at 1-800-228-1949 will win! I suggest you not play unless:
1) You are a fanatical U2 partisan and, most importantly,
2) You can get down to Boston next Wednesday 3/11.
In all likelihood, all winners (from radio stations across New England) will be told to go a central location, where presumably there will be parking. From there, it is likely that you will board a bus to take you to the “secret” location. I have heard rumors of several Boston venues, but nothing firm!
The show itself will be a one-hour performance-with Q&A involving the audience-which could be you! Next Wednesday will be a busy night for shows, with Hall & Oates and Fleetwood Mac also performing-to which 94.9 WHOM is also sending winners!
Below is the LIVE performance of “With Or Without You” and ALSO the link to the original video featuring a very young Bono and company! Enjoy---And good luck!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEfSnjL0pd8
If you’d like this blog in your e-mail in-box, just let me know! Tim.moore@citcomm.com
It’s “Beautiful Day”!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Who's On First?
Comedian Lou Costello passed away on this date in 1959. The duo of Abbott & Costello were legendary in the entertainment business-from vaudeville to the “new” medium of motion pictures. Perhaps the greatest comedy bit EVER was the classic “Who’s On First”…showcasing the comedic genius of Abbott & Costello.
So, instead of griping about something today, let’s cleanse our minds of the economy, the stock market, the jobless picture, the home crisis, the bank situation—and just LAUGH!
Here is that epic bit—enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sShMA85pv8M
If you’d like my blog in your e-mail daily-just let me know—and pass along to anyone else whom you think might enjoy my warped perspective on life. I try to dig up a good clip with every blog for your viewing pleasure! Tim.moore@citcomm.com
Baseball season is coming…..have a great day!
So, instead of griping about something today, let’s cleanse our minds of the economy, the stock market, the jobless picture, the home crisis, the bank situation—and just LAUGH!
Here is that epic bit—enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sShMA85pv8M
If you’d like my blog in your e-mail daily-just let me know—and pass along to anyone else whom you think might enjoy my warped perspective on life. I try to dig up a good clip with every blog for your viewing pleasure! Tim.moore@citcomm.com
Baseball season is coming…..have a great day!
Monday, March 2, 2009
The Good Doctor Was Actually Great!
If you go to Google today, instead of the usual logo, you’ll instead see several Dr. Seuss characters-contorted to form the letters G-O-O-G-L-E. Is there a higher tribute these days than being so honored by the Google guys?
You see, it was on this date in 1904 that Dr. Suess was born in Springfield, Massachusetts. Although his true name was Theodore Geisel, children and adults the world over knew the name he took when he decided to make his mark as an illustrator and author of children’s books. So many kids learned to read earlier, better, faster and with more enjoyment due to Dr. Suess than could ever have been accomplished with another author!
Why? Because the stories were zany, the wordplay was crazy. The rhyming verses and nutty illustrations that stretched the imagination were a thing to behold!
I have many fond memories of reading “Horton Hears A Who”, “The Cat In The Hat”-and of course my favorite: “Green Eggs And Ham” to my own kids. I have a video clip of the latter below for your enjoyment-of course, best if watched in the company of a child:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdR0LXOiEB8
In a world where problems abound—and at every turn there seems to be a crisis, it’s comforting to know that our kids represent the future—and that Dr. Suess is preparing them for it by allowing them to filter their world in a silly way, to not take everything so seriously. Even though he is gone, his legacy seems secure for future generations as well. Over 200 million copies of his books—in many languages (bet it was a challenge for translators to make the verses rhyme, no?)-are testament to the universal appeal of the late, great Dr. Suess!
You see, it was on this date in 1904 that Dr. Suess was born in Springfield, Massachusetts. Although his true name was Theodore Geisel, children and adults the world over knew the name he took when he decided to make his mark as an illustrator and author of children’s books. So many kids learned to read earlier, better, faster and with more enjoyment due to Dr. Suess than could ever have been accomplished with another author!
Why? Because the stories were zany, the wordplay was crazy. The rhyming verses and nutty illustrations that stretched the imagination were a thing to behold!
I have many fond memories of reading “Horton Hears A Who”, “The Cat In The Hat”-and of course my favorite: “Green Eggs And Ham” to my own kids. I have a video clip of the latter below for your enjoyment-of course, best if watched in the company of a child:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdR0LXOiEB8
In a world where problems abound—and at every turn there seems to be a crisis, it’s comforting to know that our kids represent the future—and that Dr. Suess is preparing them for it by allowing them to filter their world in a silly way, to not take everything so seriously. Even though he is gone, his legacy seems secure for future generations as well. Over 200 million copies of his books—in many languages (bet it was a challenge for translators to make the verses rhyme, no?)-are testament to the universal appeal of the late, great Dr. Suess!
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