It was on this date in 1953 that Edmund Hillary of New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay became the first to reach the summit of the world’s tallest peak—Mount Everest.
On the crest of the Himalayas, between Nepal and Tibet, Everest sits 29,035 feet above sea level, making it almost FIVE TIMES as tall as Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast---and home to 94.9 WHOM’s transmitter!
I’m scared enough of heights, especially precarious cliff-type heights where one false step is rewarded with instant death. As such, I could never understand the rationale for risking your life in order to plant a flag on an icy rock where even a mountain goat would call you crazy.
Nevertheless, you have to admire the courage of people who make these attempts…why? “Because they are there” is the standard answer.
Why did I watch sports from my couch all weekend? Because it too, was there. When I “head to the mountains”, it may a Coors I retrieve from the icy terrain of my refrigerator. I don’t need to plant a flag anywhere. Instead, I plant MYSELF in front of the TV.
Chips, anyone?
Below is a clip of an Everest climb, to give you a sense of crazy-in-action:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlITgWcJMSM
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Have a great weekend!
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Retail & Service-Help Bullies--Let's Stop It
My son John and daughter Christina are both cashiers at a large supermarket in Falmouth. Almost every day they work, I am in store for an interesting story when they arrive home.
Sometimes the stories are humorous-tales of eccentric customers who micro-manage the packing of their bags, underage teens trying to pass off fake ID for the purchase of liquor, you name it-the list is almost endless!
Of course, sometimes the stories are not so funny. It is common for customers to berate and bully the cashiers for mistakes, imagined or real. People having a tough day will often “take it out” on a defenseless service employee. We have all witnessed it in a retail situation, in a restaurant directed at a waitress, in an airport or other similar scenario. Perhaps we have been guilty of going too far with an employee who cannot fight back.
All of the elements are there for a bullying situation. The customer is always in the position of control solely because he or she is the desired person in the transaction-from the business point of view. After all, the customer is always right…right? The employee is the victim in many cases. He or she is trained to be polite and helpful. If a customer is complaining about a business policy, they are directing their venom at someone who neither created the policy nor is in a position to override it.
Now there are certainly plenty of cases where the customer has a legitimate beef. And also there are cases where the clerk is surly, a wiseass or worse. This blog is directed at the instances where the customer has clearly stepped “over the line”—but in particular, those cases where other customers witnessing such abhorrent behavior do…NOTHING.
I have been guilty of this-but following my daughter’s recent run-in with a customer who became unglued following her own mistake for which she blamed my daughter—I am now vowing to selectively step in whenever I see clerk-abuse!
Following these instances in the grocery store, my kids report that the next customer in line almost invariably consoles the cashier and displays support for the injustice they just witnessed.
Wouldn’t it be better if said customer came to the defense of the employee when it mattered most—when the abusive customer is in the middle of their tirade? An employee who talks back to a customer may be summarily fired-even if he/she is in the right. Another customer stepping in to defend the employee would be a welcome sight. Yes, it may be “none of your business”, but I’d like to think we’d all chase after the purse-snatcher who grabs Granny’s handbag. Wouldn’t we all take action here?
Let’s do it everywhere. Young employees who are in a defenseless position should not be subjected to verbal abuse by bullies who are used to getting away with it-BECAUSE THEY CAN.
We can make sure they don’t.
If you’d like my blog in your e-mail box, just let me know! Tim.moore@citcomm.com
Sometimes the stories are humorous-tales of eccentric customers who micro-manage the packing of their bags, underage teens trying to pass off fake ID for the purchase of liquor, you name it-the list is almost endless!
Of course, sometimes the stories are not so funny. It is common for customers to berate and bully the cashiers for mistakes, imagined or real. People having a tough day will often “take it out” on a defenseless service employee. We have all witnessed it in a retail situation, in a restaurant directed at a waitress, in an airport or other similar scenario. Perhaps we have been guilty of going too far with an employee who cannot fight back.
All of the elements are there for a bullying situation. The customer is always in the position of control solely because he or she is the desired person in the transaction-from the business point of view. After all, the customer is always right…right? The employee is the victim in many cases. He or she is trained to be polite and helpful. If a customer is complaining about a business policy, they are directing their venom at someone who neither created the policy nor is in a position to override it.
Now there are certainly plenty of cases where the customer has a legitimate beef. And also there are cases where the clerk is surly, a wiseass or worse. This blog is directed at the instances where the customer has clearly stepped “over the line”—but in particular, those cases where other customers witnessing such abhorrent behavior do…NOTHING.
I have been guilty of this-but following my daughter’s recent run-in with a customer who became unglued following her own mistake for which she blamed my daughter—I am now vowing to selectively step in whenever I see clerk-abuse!
Following these instances in the grocery store, my kids report that the next customer in line almost invariably consoles the cashier and displays support for the injustice they just witnessed.
Wouldn’t it be better if said customer came to the defense of the employee when it mattered most—when the abusive customer is in the middle of their tirade? An employee who talks back to a customer may be summarily fired-even if he/she is in the right. Another customer stepping in to defend the employee would be a welcome sight. Yes, it may be “none of your business”, but I’d like to think we’d all chase after the purse-snatcher who grabs Granny’s handbag. Wouldn’t we all take action here?
Let’s do it everywhere. Young employees who are in a defenseless position should not be subjected to verbal abuse by bullies who are used to getting away with it-BECAUSE THEY CAN.
We can make sure they don’t.
If you’d like my blog in your e-mail box, just let me know! Tim.moore@citcomm.com
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Milestones
Today was a momentous day.
The birth of a little girl-to 94.9 WHOM Promotion Director and DJ on WJBQ (“Q97.9”). Mike Adams and wife Carla welcomed little MacKenzie Marie to the world via the good doctors and nurses at Mercy Hospital! Weighing in at 7lbs, 4 oz and 19.5 inches, she is a livin’ doll!
The journey that Mike and Carla are just beginning is a tad further along for me. Today will be a momentous one for my family and me as well. My beautiful daughter Christina will receive some kind of recognition tonight in the Portland High School Senior Scholarship Assembly. Eighteen years ago, we were also at Mercy Hospital (albeit the old location), welcoming our little girl into the world. Next week, she graduates and heads off to college in Nebraska in the Fall.
I joked with Mike in advance that time FLIES. It really does, as the birth of even my oldest son (now 20) seems like YESTERDAY.
Cherish every day. Relish every moment.
There’s my advice for the day.
The birth of a little girl-to 94.9 WHOM Promotion Director and DJ on WJBQ (“Q97.9”). Mike Adams and wife Carla welcomed little MacKenzie Marie to the world via the good doctors and nurses at Mercy Hospital! Weighing in at 7lbs, 4 oz and 19.5 inches, she is a livin’ doll!
The journey that Mike and Carla are just beginning is a tad further along for me. Today will be a momentous one for my family and me as well. My beautiful daughter Christina will receive some kind of recognition tonight in the Portland High School Senior Scholarship Assembly. Eighteen years ago, we were also at Mercy Hospital (albeit the old location), welcoming our little girl into the world. Next week, she graduates and heads off to college in Nebraska in the Fall.
I joked with Mike in advance that time FLIES. It really does, as the birth of even my oldest son (now 20) seems like YESTERDAY.
Cherish every day. Relish every moment.
There’s my advice for the day.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Memorial Day NOT For Self Promotion
I received a call from a listener who complained that they were disappointed because the 94.9 WHOM vehicle was NOT in the Portland Memorial Day Parade yesterday. One of our competitors did place their van in the procession and this listener-apparently a fan of BOTH stations (maybe now only ONE!) was upset that we “didn’t care” enough to be there.
On the off chance that there are others who also feel this way, I thought that I would offer an explanation.
To put it plainly, we made the conscious decision to NOT put the WHOM Tahoe into the parade—because we felt it was not right to “promote” the station during a parade that was meant to honor those who have fallen in the line of service. We do MANY parades-and are very promotionally active throughout the year-and although we cannot be at EVERYTHING, we try to show up to those events we can.
With studios in downtown Portland, it was not a hardship to show up-in fact, my family and I witnessed the parade—but in my view, this is not a forum for clowns, Shriner go-karts or jugglers on stilts—or radio stations to troll for new listeners.
Maybe I’m old fashioned, but I thought it was more respectful to NOT place a commercial vehicle in amongst the police cars, fire trucks and veterans who are deserving of our applause.
Of course, maybe you could say that showing up would be our way of saluting those whom we remember on Memorial Day. Would love to get YOUR opinion:
Tim.moore@citcomm.com
Thanks for considering a response.
On the off chance that there are others who also feel this way, I thought that I would offer an explanation.
To put it plainly, we made the conscious decision to NOT put the WHOM Tahoe into the parade—because we felt it was not right to “promote” the station during a parade that was meant to honor those who have fallen in the line of service. We do MANY parades-and are very promotionally active throughout the year-and although we cannot be at EVERYTHING, we try to show up to those events we can.
With studios in downtown Portland, it was not a hardship to show up-in fact, my family and I witnessed the parade—but in my view, this is not a forum for clowns, Shriner go-karts or jugglers on stilts—or radio stations to troll for new listeners.
Maybe I’m old fashioned, but I thought it was more respectful to NOT place a commercial vehicle in amongst the police cars, fire trucks and veterans who are deserving of our applause.
Of course, maybe you could say that showing up would be our way of saluting those whom we remember on Memorial Day. Would love to get YOUR opinion:
Tim.moore@citcomm.com
Thanks for considering a response.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Memorial Day Is More Than Just A Day Off
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 never has 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 20—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.youtube.com/watch?v=_MznL42r9-c
God Bless The U.S.A!
Freedom is not free-and never has 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 20—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.youtube.com/watch?v=_MznL42r9-c
God Bless The U.S.A!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Hail To The Red Cross!
As we approach Memorial Day-a day of remembrance for those who have given their lives in defense of our freedom, it is also important to recognize the organization that has been on the scene of wars large and small since the Civil War-the American Red Cross!
It was on this date in 1881 that the American Red Cross was founded by Clara Barton and Adolphus Solomons. Clara Barton’s name is synonymous with the Red Cross. As a nurse during the Civil War, she was known as the “Angel of the Battlefield”. In 1865, President Lincoln commissioned her to search for lost prisoners of war.
Since those days, the men and women of the Red Cross have constantly put themselves in harms way to help those in need. The courage to go into a war zone-unarmed-to help others is unmatched. Of course, this only begins to define the scope of services that the Red Cross has involved itself in.
Below is a quirky “ad” for the Red Cross-that gets the basic message across—in an interesting way:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWBNZZE3698
American Red Cross—we salute you!
It was on this date in 1881 that the American Red Cross was founded by Clara Barton and Adolphus Solomons. Clara Barton’s name is synonymous with the Red Cross. As a nurse during the Civil War, she was known as the “Angel of the Battlefield”. In 1865, President Lincoln commissioned her to search for lost prisoners of war.
Since those days, the men and women of the Red Cross have constantly put themselves in harms way to help those in need. The courage to go into a war zone-unarmed-to help others is unmatched. Of course, this only begins to define the scope of services that the Red Cross has involved itself in.
Below is a quirky “ad” for the Red Cross-that gets the basic message across—in an interesting way:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWBNZZE3698
American Red Cross—we salute you!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
The Birth Of Jeans
It was on this date in 1873 that blue jeans got their start! A man named Levi Strauss from San Francisco teamed up with a tailor in Reno, Nevada—Jacob Davis—and the two were given a patent for their work pants reinforced with metal rivets!
Of course, Jacob Davis’ name was lost over the years—but Levi’s are known the world over for their comfort, their look-and their rugged durability. What was manufactured to address the workers out west who needed a long-lasting pant-has turned into a fashion statement since.
The originals had a button fly—which, after exiting for the zipper—made a comeback. Personally, I don’t care for the button fly—and have never owned a pair—but I still love my Levi’s! Wrangler jeans never looked the same-or fit the same. Same goes for all the other brands out there. Designer jeans?---ugh! You can have them (they look nice on the ladies, but not on MY body!)
After a long day at work, there’s nothing better than slipping into a worn pair of jeans and t-shirt and kickin’ back! Here is an old Levi’s TV commercial that I thought you’d enjoy—not THAT old, but a vintage feel nonetheless!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uj6G1C6c0uw
If you’d like to receive my blog in your inbox daily, just let me know! Tim.moore@citcomm.com
Of course, Jacob Davis’ name was lost over the years—but Levi’s are known the world over for their comfort, their look-and their rugged durability. What was manufactured to address the workers out west who needed a long-lasting pant-has turned into a fashion statement since.
The originals had a button fly—which, after exiting for the zipper—made a comeback. Personally, I don’t care for the button fly—and have never owned a pair—but I still love my Levi’s! Wrangler jeans never looked the same-or fit the same. Same goes for all the other brands out there. Designer jeans?---ugh! You can have them (they look nice on the ladies, but not on MY body!)
After a long day at work, there’s nothing better than slipping into a worn pair of jeans and t-shirt and kickin’ back! Here is an old Levi’s TV commercial that I thought you’d enjoy—not THAT old, but a vintage feel nonetheless!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uj6G1C6c0uw
If you’d like to receive my blog in your inbox daily, just let me know! Tim.moore@citcomm.com
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
DJ Gets Arrested!
It was a dark day for those in my profession on this day in 1960. That’s the day that DJ Alan Freed-who coined the term “rock ‘n roll” was arrested along with seven others on suspicion of commercial bribery—in this case, “payola”.
Interestingly, “payola”-accepting bribes of cash and/or good and services in exchange for playing certain records-was NOT against the law at the time. Freed refused to sign an affidavit in 1959 denying he had accepted cash for airplay. Although originally charged with 26 counts, he got off with just a fine.
The effect on his career was a tad more severe. He was never the same-and demand for his services declined. Another DJ and fledgling TV personality also admitted a link between himself and financial interests in the songs he was promoting. A guy by the name of Dick Clark.
One could say he handled the situation a tad better.
Here is a vintage rock and roll video clip featuring Alan Freed:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTD9kU3q2Qs
Ah, those were the days! By the way, in case you’re wondering…no one is playing ME to play anything! You, the 94.9 WHOM listener decide what airs, not the record labels…that’s the way it SHOULD be!
If you’d like my blog in your box, let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Interestingly, “payola”-accepting bribes of cash and/or good and services in exchange for playing certain records-was NOT against the law at the time. Freed refused to sign an affidavit in 1959 denying he had accepted cash for airplay. Although originally charged with 26 counts, he got off with just a fine.
The effect on his career was a tad more severe. He was never the same-and demand for his services declined. Another DJ and fledgling TV personality also admitted a link between himself and financial interests in the songs he was promoting. A guy by the name of Dick Clark.
One could say he handled the situation a tad better.
Here is a vintage rock and roll video clip featuring Alan Freed:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTD9kU3q2Qs
Ah, those were the days! By the way, in case you’re wondering…no one is playing ME to play anything! You, the 94.9 WHOM listener decide what airs, not the record labels…that’s the way it SHOULD be!
If you’d like my blog in your box, let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Monday, May 18, 2009
Go Celtics!.....And Take The Bruins With You!
It was hard to watch the Celtics drop the seventh and deciding game against Orlando last night, ending their season, a campaign complete with an uneasy feeling in the final third of the schedule. This season was supposed to create a new Celtics dynasty-the defense of a World Championship just a year ago is now relegated to a long off-season of “what-ifs” and “if onlys”. What if Kevin Garnett had been healthy? What if Ray Allen or Paul Pierce had played even 10% better than they actually did down the stretch?
Of course, what made it almost unbearable to watch was the fact that the drubbing occurred at HOME! Yeah, the vaulted Garden parquet never quite held the “magic” (pardon the pun) that it was supposed to. I happen to believe that the rocky road ahead seriously affected the collective team psyche. I do believe that the Celtics knew that their next opponent was the Cleveland Cavaliers—currently 8-0 in postseason play. No one is going to stop LeBron James this year-not Kobe and the Lakers, not the Houston Rockets, the Orlando Magic—and most certainly not the Celtics! We knew it--and so did they.
The Bruins were another matter. There was a widely held belief that Boston deserved to be there-and that this really could be “their year”. Another Game 7, another shot at home in the Garden. Result?
Bruins in ruins.
Didn’t help that the Red Sox also dropped a tough one to Seattle after Nick Greene dropped a routine one in the bottom of the ninth by firing a direct strike to the hot dog man in the fourth row of the stands.
Oh well…..what was Boston Sports “heaven” just a few days ago has turned into Sports H-E-Double Hockey Sticks.
Ya gotta love New England sports-never a dull moment-below is a short of the Celtics—depicting some old glory days:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkJr2d2Nllg
Ah….maybe NEXT year!! If you’d like my blog in your e-mail daily, you don’t have to wait until next year—your free subscription will start immediately: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Of course, what made it almost unbearable to watch was the fact that the drubbing occurred at HOME! Yeah, the vaulted Garden parquet never quite held the “magic” (pardon the pun) that it was supposed to. I happen to believe that the rocky road ahead seriously affected the collective team psyche. I do believe that the Celtics knew that their next opponent was the Cleveland Cavaliers—currently 8-0 in postseason play. No one is going to stop LeBron James this year-not Kobe and the Lakers, not the Houston Rockets, the Orlando Magic—and most certainly not the Celtics! We knew it--and so did they.
The Bruins were another matter. There was a widely held belief that Boston deserved to be there-and that this really could be “their year”. Another Game 7, another shot at home in the Garden. Result?
Bruins in ruins.
Didn’t help that the Red Sox also dropped a tough one to Seattle after Nick Greene dropped a routine one in the bottom of the ninth by firing a direct strike to the hot dog man in the fourth row of the stands.
Oh well…..what was Boston Sports “heaven” just a few days ago has turned into Sports H-E-Double Hockey Sticks.
Ya gotta love New England sports-never a dull moment-below is a short of the Celtics—depicting some old glory days:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkJr2d2Nllg
Ah….maybe NEXT year!! If you’d like my blog in your e-mail daily, you don’t have to wait until next year—your free subscription will start immediately: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Friday, May 15, 2009
The Smothers Brothers-Comedy Meets Politics
It was on this date in 1964 that the Smothers Brothers-Tom and Dick-made their debut at Carnegie Hall. Their combination of folk music and satire with cutting edge wit was an immediate hit!
Born in New York, the duo moved to California and began appearing in San Francisco nightclubs in 1959. By 1961, they were guest stars on the immensely popular Jack Paar Show (Jack used to own 94.9 WHOM!)
In 1965, the brothers got their TV stardom underway with a sitcom called The Smothers Brothers Show. That show lasted only one season, but the next version became the most popular TV show for two years: The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, which debuted in February of 1967. Contrary to his “airhead” persona onstage, Tom was really the brains behind the duo’s success-as Dick was the sensible one (whom “Mom always like best”)
The show featured guests who would reach stardom themselves-Steve Martin, Sally Struthers and Nelson Riddle.
In 1969, CBS abruptly cancelled the show after the brothers lost a censorship battle with the network. The duo’s anti-war sentiments were displayed on the show-culminating with Pete Seeger, who sang a Vietnam protest song on the air. Cancellation of the show provoked outrage among proponents of free speech.
After several attempts at resurrecting the concept at other networks, the duo’s edge was lost-or the audience had moved on—or both.
Check out this video-showcasing the Smothers Brothers considerable talent in SINGING-and making people laugh:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rRxs8p8Is0
If you’d like my blog in your box-just let me know! Tim.moore@citcomm.com
Have a great weekend!
Born in New York, the duo moved to California and began appearing in San Francisco nightclubs in 1959. By 1961, they were guest stars on the immensely popular Jack Paar Show (Jack used to own 94.9 WHOM!)
In 1965, the brothers got their TV stardom underway with a sitcom called The Smothers Brothers Show. That show lasted only one season, but the next version became the most popular TV show for two years: The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, which debuted in February of 1967. Contrary to his “airhead” persona onstage, Tom was really the brains behind the duo’s success-as Dick was the sensible one (whom “Mom always like best”)
The show featured guests who would reach stardom themselves-Steve Martin, Sally Struthers and Nelson Riddle.
In 1969, CBS abruptly cancelled the show after the brothers lost a censorship battle with the network. The duo’s anti-war sentiments were displayed on the show-culminating with Pete Seeger, who sang a Vietnam protest song on the air. Cancellation of the show provoked outrage among proponents of free speech.
After several attempts at resurrecting the concept at other networks, the duo’s edge was lost-or the audience had moved on—or both.
Check out this video-showcasing the Smothers Brothers considerable talent in SINGING-and making people laugh:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rRxs8p8Is0
If you’d like my blog in your box-just let me know! Tim.moore@citcomm.com
Have a great weekend!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Rock Around The Clock!
Although 94.9 WHOM is known for “Light Rock”, that definition has certainly changed from the inception of “Rock & Roll”, which I suppose has to have a date of birth….and I think that day is TODAY!
54 years ago, Bill Haley & The Comets' “Rock Around the Clock” officially entered the Pop charts. As that song that is credited as being the very first rock’n roll hit, it seems reasonable to call today the “Birthday of Rock & Roll”!
Disc jockey Alan Freed is credited with coining the term, but there has to be a song that launches the genre—and this one was it! The song was re-released after the debut of the movie “Blackboard Jungle”-and it entered the Billboard chart on this date. By July, it was #1 in the United States and well on its way to accomplishing the same feat in England!
The song sold an estimated 6 million copies that year—and a total of 22 million by the time Bill Haley died in 1981.
Below is an early video performance of the tune. Although the quality of the video recording has suffered, the vibrancy of the song, its energy and relevance have not “skipped a beat”-but rather have grown with the years!
Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5fsqYctXgM
If you’d like my blog in your box, I, Tim Moore-will personally send it to you daily!
Tim.moore@citcomm.com Just let me know!
54 years ago, Bill Haley & The Comets' “Rock Around the Clock” officially entered the Pop charts. As that song that is credited as being the very first rock’n roll hit, it seems reasonable to call today the “Birthday of Rock & Roll”!
Disc jockey Alan Freed is credited with coining the term, but there has to be a song that launches the genre—and this one was it! The song was re-released after the debut of the movie “Blackboard Jungle”-and it entered the Billboard chart on this date. By July, it was #1 in the United States and well on its way to accomplishing the same feat in England!
The song sold an estimated 6 million copies that year—and a total of 22 million by the time Bill Haley died in 1981.
Below is an early video performance of the tune. Although the quality of the video recording has suffered, the vibrancy of the song, its energy and relevance have not “skipped a beat”-but rather have grown with the years!
Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5fsqYctXgM
If you’d like my blog in your box, I, Tim Moore-will personally send it to you daily!
Tim.moore@citcomm.com Just let me know!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Battle Of The Sexes
It was on this date in 1973 that the FIRST so-called “Battle Of The Sexes” took place, between Bobby Riggs and women’s tennis star Margaret Court.
Riggs, a star from the 30’s and 40’s-boasted that he could beat any woman-and that women athletes were inferior to men in every way. Unlike the more famous match with Billie Jean King, Riggs actually won this match, but there is more to the story than meets the eye.
Riggs, 55, had resurfaced the court in order to slow it down---which worked. He defeated a rattled Court 6-2, 6-1. Billie Jean King, who had previously ignored Rigg’s original offer to play-immediately accepted the challenge following Court’s loss in the $10,000 winner-take-all match.
This time, it was a $100,000 purse-in front of a sold-out crowd at the Houston Astrodome and a national TV audience in the millions. Despite all the pre-match trash talk, Riggs was no match for King, who thoroughly disposed of him in straight sets in the September ’73 showdown.
Following Bobby Riggs’ death in 1995, King praised her former rival for his unintended contribution to the cause of equality of the sexes-and the advancement of women’s tennis.
Below is a crude video of Billie Jean King—plus a humorous TV ad featuring both players-enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTxh8GwQbQE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3MygBj8SSs
We may never really know how serious Riggs was about his disparagement of women athletes, but it is clear that he ate his words completely in humiliating fashion after squaring off with King.
If you’d like my blog in your box daily, I’d be happy to “lob” it into your e-mail for free: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Riggs, a star from the 30’s and 40’s-boasted that he could beat any woman-and that women athletes were inferior to men in every way. Unlike the more famous match with Billie Jean King, Riggs actually won this match, but there is more to the story than meets the eye.
Riggs, 55, had resurfaced the court in order to slow it down---which worked. He defeated a rattled Court 6-2, 6-1. Billie Jean King, who had previously ignored Rigg’s original offer to play-immediately accepted the challenge following Court’s loss in the $10,000 winner-take-all match.
This time, it was a $100,000 purse-in front of a sold-out crowd at the Houston Astrodome and a national TV audience in the millions. Despite all the pre-match trash talk, Riggs was no match for King, who thoroughly disposed of him in straight sets in the September ’73 showdown.
Following Bobby Riggs’ death in 1995, King praised her former rival for his unintended contribution to the cause of equality of the sexes-and the advancement of women’s tennis.
Below is a crude video of Billie Jean King—plus a humorous TV ad featuring both players-enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTxh8GwQbQE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3MygBj8SSs
We may never really know how serious Riggs was about his disparagement of women athletes, but it is clear that he ate his words completely in humiliating fashion after squaring off with King.
If you’d like my blog in your box daily, I’d be happy to “lob” it into your e-mail for free: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
The Other Victims Of Downsizing
When we think of the cutbacks in organizations around the world, we think first (and rightly so) of those whose jobs were lost. They, after all, are on the beach---looking for their next opportunity.
We tend to dismiss the survivors—those who remain on the workforce. Aren’t they the “lucky ones”? They dodged the bullet, made the cut, avoided the axe, etc, etc. What isn’t mentioned is that these survivors are now doing their own jobs---and likely those of those who have exited, plus perhaps some more.
The short term result is relief, then stress, then burnout—and…then who knows what? We have yet to measure the human cost of the “piling on” that the downsized economy has thrust upon who appear to be the most efficient and productive workers—those who survived the initial onslaught.
We are quickly becoming a business culture of “all chiefs and no Indians”. The essential tasks left to workers no longer on board are being done by those higher up—and yet these managers best not reveal a crack in their armor. To do so would expose them as “stressed out” to those they report to.
This must obviously be a failure to delegate—but then again, there must be someone to delegate TO….someone capable of doing the job. This gets tougher as people make their exit.
To those at the highest levels of an organization, it is all INVISIBLE. Since they are not engaged in the multitude of duties at the “line level”, they simply assume that all is OK. When fires need to be put out, they may hear of it, but they are not actively involved. Solutions come easy to problems they don’t fathom the intricacies of. As my engineer tags his e-mails with: “Nothing is impossible to the man who doesn’t have to do it!”
If you are dealing with this reality, I wish you luck! Time management skills become even more important-below is a quick video that I hope helps!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hqm1qzLXPA
I would continue, but I need to complete my TO-DO list for today!!! If you would like this blog in your box daily, let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
We tend to dismiss the survivors—those who remain on the workforce. Aren’t they the “lucky ones”? They dodged the bullet, made the cut, avoided the axe, etc, etc. What isn’t mentioned is that these survivors are now doing their own jobs---and likely those of those who have exited, plus perhaps some more.
The short term result is relief, then stress, then burnout—and…then who knows what? We have yet to measure the human cost of the “piling on” that the downsized economy has thrust upon who appear to be the most efficient and productive workers—those who survived the initial onslaught.
We are quickly becoming a business culture of “all chiefs and no Indians”. The essential tasks left to workers no longer on board are being done by those higher up—and yet these managers best not reveal a crack in their armor. To do so would expose them as “stressed out” to those they report to.
This must obviously be a failure to delegate—but then again, there must be someone to delegate TO….someone capable of doing the job. This gets tougher as people make their exit.
To those at the highest levels of an organization, it is all INVISIBLE. Since they are not engaged in the multitude of duties at the “line level”, they simply assume that all is OK. When fires need to be put out, they may hear of it, but they are not actively involved. Solutions come easy to problems they don’t fathom the intricacies of. As my engineer tags his e-mails with: “Nothing is impossible to the man who doesn’t have to do it!”
If you are dealing with this reality, I wish you luck! Time management skills become even more important-below is a quick video that I hope helps!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hqm1qzLXPA
I would continue, but I need to complete my TO-DO list for today!!! If you would like this blog in your box daily, let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Monday, May 11, 2009
Street Magic Rocks!
Street Magic Rocks!
Maybe it’s all just special effects, but magical tricks performed by the likes of Criss Angel are amazing to behold!
When a stage act performs a trick-even an incredible one-you know that a controlled setting works to their advantage. Watch the video below to see how Penn & Teller do a trick we’ve all seen variations of:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2H81A3bU68k
Now, Criss Angel “walks on water”…OK…so the people on site can all be actors, but the special effects of filming this are spectacular!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBQLq2VmZcA
Now, I’m going to make myself disappear! If you’d like my blog in your e-mail daily (it will arrive just like magic!) just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Have a magical day!
Maybe it’s all just special effects, but magical tricks performed by the likes of Criss Angel are amazing to behold!
When a stage act performs a trick-even an incredible one-you know that a controlled setting works to their advantage. Watch the video below to see how Penn & Teller do a trick we’ve all seen variations of:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2H81A3bU68k
Now, Criss Angel “walks on water”…OK…so the people on site can all be actors, but the special effects of filming this are spectacular!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBQLq2VmZcA
Now, I’m going to make myself disappear! If you’d like my blog in your e-mail daily (it will arrive just like magic!) just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Have a magical day!
Friday, May 8, 2009
Coca Cola Hits The Market
It was on this date in 1886 that Coca Cola was first sold at Jacob’s Pharmacy in Atlanta, Georgia. Invented in a drugstore by John Pemberton, it was originally sold for medicinal purposes, claiming to cure everything from headaches and morphine addiction to impotence!
Originally containing up to 9 milligrams of cocaine per glass, THAT coke was removed in 1903!
From the very start, there were disputes over the formula, just who owned the name and other contractual battles between different parties claiming that “Coca-Cola” belonged to them.
One of the original heavy advertisers, the brand became known worldwide and established a dominant market share. Who would have thought that from such humble beginnings would come an entire industry where a multitude of different flavored carbonated waters would be so widely consumed across the globe?
The marketing of today’s soft drinks are multi-layered, sophisticated campaigns that micro-target specific audiences in order to gain trial, adoption-and loyal consumption. These demographic groups are ever smaller and distinct—even though the chemical composition and taste from beverage to beverage varies little. Instead, it is the MARKETING of the product, it’s association to a lifestyle that bonds the drinker to the drink!
A far cry from the original marketing of Coca-Cola, which is “enjoyed by all” according to their ads. Below is the earliest known commercial for Coke—from 1938. Since this predates television’s mass usage, this must have appeared in movie theatres…enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mApD2HEpX48
If you’d like my blog in your e-mail daily, just let me know! Tim.moore@citcomm.com
It’s the pause that refreshes!
Originally containing up to 9 milligrams of cocaine per glass, THAT coke was removed in 1903!
From the very start, there were disputes over the formula, just who owned the name and other contractual battles between different parties claiming that “Coca-Cola” belonged to them.
One of the original heavy advertisers, the brand became known worldwide and established a dominant market share. Who would have thought that from such humble beginnings would come an entire industry where a multitude of different flavored carbonated waters would be so widely consumed across the globe?
The marketing of today’s soft drinks are multi-layered, sophisticated campaigns that micro-target specific audiences in order to gain trial, adoption-and loyal consumption. These demographic groups are ever smaller and distinct—even though the chemical composition and taste from beverage to beverage varies little. Instead, it is the MARKETING of the product, it’s association to a lifestyle that bonds the drinker to the drink!
A far cry from the original marketing of Coca-Cola, which is “enjoyed by all” according to their ads. Below is the earliest known commercial for Coke—from 1938. Since this predates television’s mass usage, this must have appeared in movie theatres…enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mApD2HEpX48
If you’d like my blog in your e-mail daily, just let me know! Tim.moore@citcomm.com
It’s the pause that refreshes!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Send The Bill To Radio?
There is movement on Capitol Hill to force radio stations to compensate artists for the songs that air on their stations.
On the surface, this seems perfectly reasonable. After all, the radio stations (at least theoretically) make money from the music they play. Why SHOULDN’T the artists who provide this music be compensated for this?
When well-known musicians parade themselves in front of Congress with tales of woe-financial hardships (often from early in their careers), it’s easy to see why these stories have found a sympathetic ear. Radio is the bad guy, profiting from a decades-old exemption to not be obligated to pay up. The public is likely to agree with the artists-first by sheer force of their “star power”-and secondly since there is very little understanding on the issue.
OK- first thing, I’m a radio guy, so in the interest of full disclosure, it’s fair to say that I am not an objective bystander. I am against the idea of radio paying any more than they already do for the music.
“ANY MORE?” Wait, you say, I thought that radio WASN’T paying up-and the proposal is to change that. This is where the misinformation starts. While again admitting to my bias on this issue, notwithstanding here are a few FACTS:
1) Radio stations pay MILLIONS OF DOLLARS yearly in music license fees, to ASCAP, BMI and SESAC. These royalties go to the COMPOSER, not necessarily the performing artist. So, in the case of say, Elton John or Billy Joel, who compose and perform their own music, they are ALREADY being compensated. Those who are left out are those artists who perform the music of other composers.
2) Times are tough in the record business. Illegal downloads and shrinking CD sales are causing the labels to seek other sources of revenue. Suing their customers has not exactly worked out, so instead of targeting teenagers who illegally download songs, they have now turned their crosshairs on the industry they rely on to create sales via widespread airplay (radio)
3)Record labels (the major force behind these proposals) are looking to recover dollars from the artists on their roster whose investments don’t pan out. Their initial agreements with artists are nothing short of abusive, as they deduct the costs of promoting/marketing an artist from that artist’s sales. In short, there is certainly risk—but no investment in an artist who cannot make the cash register ring. There are MANY stories of artists who sell a million copies of a single-and have virtually nothing to show for it—because the record label reimbursed themselves for the initial outlay. One might argue that the label should eat their losses if their company makes a “bad investment”-promoting an artist who doesn’t produce a hit record. Instead, it is the artist who pays-and then gets dumped by the label in favor of the “next big thing”.
Satellite radio pays performance fees, so why shouldn’t commercial radio? Well, for one thing, the satellite companies (like the now defunct Muzak) are subscription services. The public is paying a monthly fee for the service. In this case, it is reasonable that artists be compensated as a percentage of those revenues. Commercial radio is free to the user. Listeners to over-the air radio “pay” via their attention to advertising—which is the sole revenue source for commercial radio (hence the name)
4) Without radio airplay----FREE radio airplay, these artists would not sell a miniscule FRACTION of the units they do. They pay NOTHING for this widespread exposure. Shouldn’t radio demand a percentage of THEIR sales? We do not, nor have we ever entertained the notion.
5) Radio airplay represents FREE market research to artists and their labels. For every “hit” record that a station plays—one that satisfies and excites audiences-there is usually one that stations play which does the exact opposite. Radio assumes the risk when the WRONG songs get played. That cost is measured in audience erosion ( a drop in ratings)-which has a significant affect on the revenues of these stations.
The system as it is (and has been) has been mutually beneficial to artists, composers, labels and radio stations—not to mention the public. Any inequities to the artist are more likely to be found in the language of the contracts between said artists and record labels, not in the system of airplay that has existed for generations. While there may be little sentiment to defend the big radio companies out there, the passage of any kind of performance fee will have a profound effect on the radio landscape. Among those effects:
1) Many, many stations will cease playing music. It will simply be too expensive. They will gravitate to spoken-word formats (Talk Radio) not hostage by these fees. The public will pay for this with significantly less choice.
2) More than a few stations will simply go dark—out of business. Their operators will no longer be able to afford them.
3) Some of the more aggressive radio companies will declare war and decide to fight fire with fire. They will turn the tables on labels and require cash payments for airplay. This is NOT payola. It is perfectly legal to charge for airplay as long as it is DISCLOSED on the air. Listeners will hear a lot more of:
“This song is being brought to you by XXXX Records!”
In short, those with the deepest pockets will have access to the “public’s airwaves”. Not exactly what the FCC had in mind. Also, it is counter-productive to the objectives of the labels in the first place-namely, to find a new revenue stream. This is merely a classic example of “be careful what you wish for”.
Radio stations are under assault on many fronts. Satellite radio, iPods and especially the internet have eroded the perceived stature of the radio medium. Fortunately for radio, none of these threats have affected the USAGE of the medium. Of course, this should come as no surprise.
Radio’s death sentence was first handed down at the dawn of TV. Then, it was supposed to be in-car devices that played 8-tracks, then cassettes, then CDs. Nope.
Satellite radio was NEVER a threat to radio’s revenue-since advertising locally (our life blood) would never be taken by a national subscription model where “no ads” was a selling point.
The fact is that over 90% of Americans use radio each week. It remains the #1 way that people discover new music (did you hear that, record labels??) and the most influential and cost-effective way to advertise. While time spent listening is down some, it is down for ALL forms of media since the inception of the internet. Until someone invents a 25 hour day, the introduction of ANY activity that requires the expenditure of TIME will have an adverse effect on all existing media choices. Duh.
Despite all this, radio companies are like all others-groping to find ways in which the internet can play a role in their future. Everyone is hurting right now—and levying an excessive fee structure on a struggling industry will have adverse consequences for the USERS of that industry, namely the American public.
Below is a little video-I know, PROPAGANDA! But see if you don’t agree with the statements made!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hE7aI27vuo
Have a great day-for my blog in your box daily, let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
On the surface, this seems perfectly reasonable. After all, the radio stations (at least theoretically) make money from the music they play. Why SHOULDN’T the artists who provide this music be compensated for this?
When well-known musicians parade themselves in front of Congress with tales of woe-financial hardships (often from early in their careers), it’s easy to see why these stories have found a sympathetic ear. Radio is the bad guy, profiting from a decades-old exemption to not be obligated to pay up. The public is likely to agree with the artists-first by sheer force of their “star power”-and secondly since there is very little understanding on the issue.
OK- first thing, I’m a radio guy, so in the interest of full disclosure, it’s fair to say that I am not an objective bystander. I am against the idea of radio paying any more than they already do for the music.
“ANY MORE?” Wait, you say, I thought that radio WASN’T paying up-and the proposal is to change that. This is where the misinformation starts. While again admitting to my bias on this issue, notwithstanding here are a few FACTS:
1) Radio stations pay MILLIONS OF DOLLARS yearly in music license fees, to ASCAP, BMI and SESAC. These royalties go to the COMPOSER, not necessarily the performing artist. So, in the case of say, Elton John or Billy Joel, who compose and perform their own music, they are ALREADY being compensated. Those who are left out are those artists who perform the music of other composers.
2) Times are tough in the record business. Illegal downloads and shrinking CD sales are causing the labels to seek other sources of revenue. Suing their customers has not exactly worked out, so instead of targeting teenagers who illegally download songs, they have now turned their crosshairs on the industry they rely on to create sales via widespread airplay (radio)
3)Record labels (the major force behind these proposals) are looking to recover dollars from the artists on their roster whose investments don’t pan out. Their initial agreements with artists are nothing short of abusive, as they deduct the costs of promoting/marketing an artist from that artist’s sales. In short, there is certainly risk—but no investment in an artist who cannot make the cash register ring. There are MANY stories of artists who sell a million copies of a single-and have virtually nothing to show for it—because the record label reimbursed themselves for the initial outlay. One might argue that the label should eat their losses if their company makes a “bad investment”-promoting an artist who doesn’t produce a hit record. Instead, it is the artist who pays-and then gets dumped by the label in favor of the “next big thing”.
Satellite radio pays performance fees, so why shouldn’t commercial radio? Well, for one thing, the satellite companies (like the now defunct Muzak) are subscription services. The public is paying a monthly fee for the service. In this case, it is reasonable that artists be compensated as a percentage of those revenues. Commercial radio is free to the user. Listeners to over-the air radio “pay” via their attention to advertising—which is the sole revenue source for commercial radio (hence the name)
4) Without radio airplay----FREE radio airplay, these artists would not sell a miniscule FRACTION of the units they do. They pay NOTHING for this widespread exposure. Shouldn’t radio demand a percentage of THEIR sales? We do not, nor have we ever entertained the notion.
5) Radio airplay represents FREE market research to artists and their labels. For every “hit” record that a station plays—one that satisfies and excites audiences-there is usually one that stations play which does the exact opposite. Radio assumes the risk when the WRONG songs get played. That cost is measured in audience erosion ( a drop in ratings)-which has a significant affect on the revenues of these stations.
The system as it is (and has been) has been mutually beneficial to artists, composers, labels and radio stations—not to mention the public. Any inequities to the artist are more likely to be found in the language of the contracts between said artists and record labels, not in the system of airplay that has existed for generations. While there may be little sentiment to defend the big radio companies out there, the passage of any kind of performance fee will have a profound effect on the radio landscape. Among those effects:
1) Many, many stations will cease playing music. It will simply be too expensive. They will gravitate to spoken-word formats (Talk Radio) not hostage by these fees. The public will pay for this with significantly less choice.
2) More than a few stations will simply go dark—out of business. Their operators will no longer be able to afford them.
3) Some of the more aggressive radio companies will declare war and decide to fight fire with fire. They will turn the tables on labels and require cash payments for airplay. This is NOT payola. It is perfectly legal to charge for airplay as long as it is DISCLOSED on the air. Listeners will hear a lot more of:
“This song is being brought to you by XXXX Records!”
In short, those with the deepest pockets will have access to the “public’s airwaves”. Not exactly what the FCC had in mind. Also, it is counter-productive to the objectives of the labels in the first place-namely, to find a new revenue stream. This is merely a classic example of “be careful what you wish for”.
Radio stations are under assault on many fronts. Satellite radio, iPods and especially the internet have eroded the perceived stature of the radio medium. Fortunately for radio, none of these threats have affected the USAGE of the medium. Of course, this should come as no surprise.
Radio’s death sentence was first handed down at the dawn of TV. Then, it was supposed to be in-car devices that played 8-tracks, then cassettes, then CDs. Nope.
Satellite radio was NEVER a threat to radio’s revenue-since advertising locally (our life blood) would never be taken by a national subscription model where “no ads” was a selling point.
The fact is that over 90% of Americans use radio each week. It remains the #1 way that people discover new music (did you hear that, record labels??) and the most influential and cost-effective way to advertise. While time spent listening is down some, it is down for ALL forms of media since the inception of the internet. Until someone invents a 25 hour day, the introduction of ANY activity that requires the expenditure of TIME will have an adverse effect on all existing media choices. Duh.
Despite all this, radio companies are like all others-groping to find ways in which the internet can play a role in their future. Everyone is hurting right now—and levying an excessive fee structure on a struggling industry will have adverse consequences for the USERS of that industry, namely the American public.
Below is a little video-I know, PROPAGANDA! But see if you don’t agree with the statements made!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hE7aI27vuo
Have a great day-for my blog in your box daily, let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
The Chunnel-7th Wonder Of The Modern World!
I am constantly amazed by the engineering feats of mere mortals, from the simple (and yet incredibly hard-to-build) suspension bridge, to skyscrapers to ANY city’s underground train or subway system.
Perhaps the most phenomenal project is the so-called “Chunnel", the tunnel that connects the UK with France-under the English Channel!
First thought of by Napoleon’s engineer in 1802, there was an actual attempt in 1880 by Colonel Beaumont, who made it about a mile down before abandoning the project.
At a cost of $16 Billion dollars, it was twice the amount of the original budget and took seven years to build. It opened on this date in 1994.
Millions of tons of earth was moved, 15 thousand people were employed during the construction-and 10 people lost their lives in the making of this modern marvel.
Below is a short video about the project:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1AcpNwY0LI
Each day, about 30, 000 people move through the Chunnel on 6,000 cars & 3,500 trucks on trains! It is the worlds’ longest underwater tunnel (obviously), with more than 22 miles of it under the English Channel. Now, the trip takes 35 minutes!
If you’d like my blog in your box, let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Perhaps the most phenomenal project is the so-called “Chunnel", the tunnel that connects the UK with France-under the English Channel!
First thought of by Napoleon’s engineer in 1802, there was an actual attempt in 1880 by Colonel Beaumont, who made it about a mile down before abandoning the project.
At a cost of $16 Billion dollars, it was twice the amount of the original budget and took seven years to build. It opened on this date in 1994.
Millions of tons of earth was moved, 15 thousand people were employed during the construction-and 10 people lost their lives in the making of this modern marvel.
Below is a short video about the project:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1AcpNwY0LI
Each day, about 30, 000 people move through the Chunnel on 6,000 cars & 3,500 trucks on trains! It is the worlds’ longest underwater tunnel (obviously), with more than 22 miles of it under the English Channel. Now, the trip takes 35 minutes!
If you’d like my blog in your box, let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
First Amercican In Space
Alan Shepard had the “right stuff”.
He was one of the very elite group of fighter pilots selected to be among the first astronauts. How he got the nod to be the VERY first American in space is probably documented somewhere, but I guess it really doesn’t matter now. All of the others, including John Glenn, the first to orbit the Earth-had to settle for future missions and postponed glory.
Hard to imagine the emotions he was feeling, sitting on top of thousands of pounds of rocket fuel on this date 48 years ago. The Russians had already launched a satellite and a man into space. Now it was OUR turn.
Freedom 7 launched and flew for a total of 15 minutes, but the effect on our national pride and on the way we viewed ourselves was long lasting. NASA had fired its shot in the “space race”…and things would never be the same again.
Here’s a short video of that historic flight nearly a half century ago. I was not yet 3 years old-and so I do not remember the flight. I do know that this infancy of the space race made me a lifelong fan of the space program and fueled my desire as a young boy to become an astronaut. So, I ended up a disc jockey… go figure...anyway, here it is!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCcGREt4faM
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know…it’s often out of this world!
Tim.moore@citcomm.com
He was one of the very elite group of fighter pilots selected to be among the first astronauts. How he got the nod to be the VERY first American in space is probably documented somewhere, but I guess it really doesn’t matter now. All of the others, including John Glenn, the first to orbit the Earth-had to settle for future missions and postponed glory.
Hard to imagine the emotions he was feeling, sitting on top of thousands of pounds of rocket fuel on this date 48 years ago. The Russians had already launched a satellite and a man into space. Now it was OUR turn.
Freedom 7 launched and flew for a total of 15 minutes, but the effect on our national pride and on the way we viewed ourselves was long lasting. NASA had fired its shot in the “space race”…and things would never be the same again.
Here’s a short video of that historic flight nearly a half century ago. I was not yet 3 years old-and so I do not remember the flight. I do know that this infancy of the space race made me a lifelong fan of the space program and fueled my desire as a young boy to become an astronaut. So, I ended up a disc jockey… go figure...anyway, here it is!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCcGREt4faM
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know…it’s often out of this world!
Tim.moore@citcomm.com
Monday, May 4, 2009
Kent State 39 Years Later
I just finished reading Tom Brokaw’s book, “Boom!” about the 60’s. Much like his bestseller, “The Greatest Generation” and the children of the Depression and World War 2, this book attempts the same with the turbulent 1960’s, a decade that Brokaw says really began in 1963 with the assassination of President Kennedy and culminated with the resignation of Richard Nixon in 1974.
One of the era’s darkest chapters occurred on this date in 1970-the shootings at Kent State. Although four people were killed and 9 injured, there never was justice-as all charges against the 8 National Guardsmen were eventually dropped.
“Boom!” was a terrific book-and the multitude of events of the 1960’s could never be adequately covered in a HUNDRED blogs, let alone one. I’ll no doubt return to this topic again.
As a grade school student growing up on the edge on American University during the war, I was routinely on the scene at multiple antiwar protests. Why? Well, we had no political sense or moral outrage at the time-we were too young. However, the culture to which we were exposed caused most young people to rail against the war—and the protests were simply something to do. If the police showed up, all the better. I was even tear-gassed at one of the demonstrations-unbelievably uncomfortable! (to say the least)
I sometimes think-“What would have happened if I were at American U. and the police opened fire on US?” Like those Kent State students, simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time cost them their lives.
Below is a video of CNN’s coverage of the story on it’s 30th anniversary-still chilling:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lo9yI-p5jqU
If we are to refrain from the mistakes of the past, we need to remember the past.
If you’d like my blog in your box, let me know! Tim.moore@citcomm.com
One of the era’s darkest chapters occurred on this date in 1970-the shootings at Kent State. Although four people were killed and 9 injured, there never was justice-as all charges against the 8 National Guardsmen were eventually dropped.
“Boom!” was a terrific book-and the multitude of events of the 1960’s could never be adequately covered in a HUNDRED blogs, let alone one. I’ll no doubt return to this topic again.
As a grade school student growing up on the edge on American University during the war, I was routinely on the scene at multiple antiwar protests. Why? Well, we had no political sense or moral outrage at the time-we were too young. However, the culture to which we were exposed caused most young people to rail against the war—and the protests were simply something to do. If the police showed up, all the better. I was even tear-gassed at one of the demonstrations-unbelievably uncomfortable! (to say the least)
I sometimes think-“What would have happened if I were at American U. and the police opened fire on US?” Like those Kent State students, simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time cost them their lives.
Below is a video of CNN’s coverage of the story on it’s 30th anniversary-still chilling:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lo9yI-p5jqU
If we are to refrain from the mistakes of the past, we need to remember the past.
If you’d like my blog in your box, let me know! Tim.moore@citcomm.com
Friday, May 1, 2009
Empire State Building Dedicated
Visitors to New York City always include on their list of things to see-the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building.
Even after the completion of the now destroyed World Trade Center’s twin towers, which dwarfed the Empire State Building, the sentimental traveler always wants to see what USED to be the tallest structure in the world.
Maybe it was the King Kong scene that forever cemented this building as a landmark-maybe it’s dominance of the New York City skyline for years is the attraction. No matter, people come from around the world to marvel at the building, which was dedicated on this date in 1931. President Hoover flipped a switch in the White House (ceremonial only, of course) which lit the lights of the Empire State Building to the delight of a large crowd on hand.
It’s interesting to know that this building was the culmination of a competition of sorts between General Motors and Chrysler (which filed for bankruptcy yesterday) to see who could build the taller structure. Work on the Chrysler Building had already started. Walter Chrysler’s beautiful structure in mid-town Manhattan ended up being 1,046 feet high. Not to be outdone, John Jacob Raskob of GM assembled a bunch of investors, including former New York Governor and Presidential Candidate Al Smith.
The building was built in just under a year-at $40 million dollars, employing as many as 3,400 workers on any given day-affording employment at good wages during the Great Depression. So fast was the construction that at one point, the frame grew at an amazing four and a half stories a WEEK!
When done, the Empire State Building was 102 stories high-and 1,250 feet (1,454 to the top of the lightning rod). A year later, only 25% of the office space was rented, a testament to the hard times in the 30’s.
In 1972, the Empire State Building lost it’s title as the “World’s Tallest Building” to the World Trade Center—which then lost it to Taiwan’s Taipei 101 Building just a year later. That skyscraper tops out at 1,670 feet!
Some fourteen years later, The Empire State Building again made the news-for the wrong reason as a plane slammed into it in the fog in 1945. Below is a vintage newsreel report of the disaster, which is especially chilling in light of what happened in New York on 9/11 of 2001. This crash, unlike that of the terrorist attacks was of course, accidental.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUlWpqLsOVs
If you’d like my blog in your box daily, just let me know! Tim.moore@citcomm.com
Have a terrific weekend!
Even after the completion of the now destroyed World Trade Center’s twin towers, which dwarfed the Empire State Building, the sentimental traveler always wants to see what USED to be the tallest structure in the world.
Maybe it was the King Kong scene that forever cemented this building as a landmark-maybe it’s dominance of the New York City skyline for years is the attraction. No matter, people come from around the world to marvel at the building, which was dedicated on this date in 1931. President Hoover flipped a switch in the White House (ceremonial only, of course) which lit the lights of the Empire State Building to the delight of a large crowd on hand.
It’s interesting to know that this building was the culmination of a competition of sorts between General Motors and Chrysler (which filed for bankruptcy yesterday) to see who could build the taller structure. Work on the Chrysler Building had already started. Walter Chrysler’s beautiful structure in mid-town Manhattan ended up being 1,046 feet high. Not to be outdone, John Jacob Raskob of GM assembled a bunch of investors, including former New York Governor and Presidential Candidate Al Smith.
The building was built in just under a year-at $40 million dollars, employing as many as 3,400 workers on any given day-affording employment at good wages during the Great Depression. So fast was the construction that at one point, the frame grew at an amazing four and a half stories a WEEK!
When done, the Empire State Building was 102 stories high-and 1,250 feet (1,454 to the top of the lightning rod). A year later, only 25% of the office space was rented, a testament to the hard times in the 30’s.
In 1972, the Empire State Building lost it’s title as the “World’s Tallest Building” to the World Trade Center—which then lost it to Taiwan’s Taipei 101 Building just a year later. That skyscraper tops out at 1,670 feet!
Some fourteen years later, The Empire State Building again made the news-for the wrong reason as a plane slammed into it in the fog in 1945. Below is a vintage newsreel report of the disaster, which is especially chilling in light of what happened in New York on 9/11 of 2001. This crash, unlike that of the terrorist attacks was of course, accidental.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUlWpqLsOVs
If you’d like my blog in your box daily, just let me know! Tim.moore@citcomm.com
Have a terrific weekend!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
