THE FOLLOWING IS AN UPDATED TIM MOORE ENCORE BLOG:
Here’s hoping you had a Merry Christmas!
After logging MANY hours on the air, I am back to playing our regular format of Light Rock on 94.9 WHOM—not that I don’t love the Christmas tunes….it was just time(at midnight Christmas) to move on!
Many of us are fresh from our Academy Award-winning performances of unwrapping horrible gifts in front of the people who gave them to us. When revealing an ugly shirt or cheap gadget, you must disguise the look of disgust on your face. In fact, you need to act as if you have just received a winning Powerball ticket:
“Oh, my goodness! What an AWESOME gift! How on earth have I SURVIVED without the Clapper?”
“I’m certain that doubleknit Nehru jackets are coming back into style! I’ll be the FIRST in my neighborhood to have one!”
“A lawn ornament of Daffy Duck with wind-propelled crazy spinning legs was on my list last year, but nobody got it for me!”
Of course, the challenge is to:
a) Not run into the person who bestowed upon you said crappy gift at the exchange/return counter.
b) Find a way to (at least ONCE in the near future) actually wear or display the offending item in front of the gifter.
This, of course, means inviting that person of extreme bad taste into your home. This is convenient for clothing, since that way you won’t be seen leaving the house wearing the plaid leisure suit. Only your other family members and pets will be subjected to the pain of having to withhold either uproarious laughter or vomit while you entertain the offender in your living room.
Displaying those hideous items in your home can be a one-and-only-one time event too.
My feeling is that after ONE “sighting”, the giftee and gifter never have to uphold the pretense that the item was ever valued.
Future questions can be answered using the little white lies we employ to spare other people’s feelings. For instance, if the giver asks why he/she hasn’t seen in you that wide-lapel turquoise smoking jacket, you can answer with a rueful laugh about how ironic it is that a smoking jacket somehow itself caught fire and was completely burned to a cinder.
How unfortunate.
Actually being offender-especially if the recipient is your wife/significant other, the following scenario could present itself:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7QCy68nbkQ
I was VERY fortunate to have received all winners from my family-no acting needed!
My wish is that Santa (in all of his various forms) gave you EXACTLY what you wanted this year. If you got a real bummer of a present, feel free to share it with me as a comment or right to my e-mail at: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
How To Quit Golf
Imagine my surprise when I opened the Christmas gift bag from my wife under our tree—to discover an iron.
Not a 6 iron, 9 iron or wedge. An iron. Like, for pressing pants.
A knowing smile—and a quick “make it plural” clued me in that this was Peggy’s way of granting my Christmas wish---for a new set of irons.
Yeah, that’ll do it.
“It” is reaching a level of golf nirvana where every shot rings true, arching high and straight and long, landing softly exactly where I want it to.
Of course, I am delusional, dreaming of proficiency in a game where frustration is the norm and an entire industry is dependent upon idiots like me, searching for golf’s “Holy Grail”: that one club, swing tip or gadget that will make it all worthwhile.
Peggy knows enough not to actually choose the clubs—who’d want that responsibility? I will venture out and get fitted, measured, have my swing analyzed and after the laughter subsides, I’ll be on the way home with a brand new set of sticks that will lower my handicap a stroke or two.
It’ll be worth it, because I love golf. The greatest game ever invented, but one that has spawned more jokes, temper tantrums and coronaries than any other pastime.
Thanks again to friend, golf buddy and purveyor of interesting e-mails Rick Cooper, who sent this gem to me.
If you are a golfer, you will laugh out loud, a knowing laugh that exposes you and me and all others who play this crazy game that we are just one or two horrible shots away from doing the same thing as this funny film portrays:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cohTl1dekBs
After an afternoon of shanking, slicing, chili-dipping and chunking it, we know that the ONE good shot we pull off on the 18th hole will bring us back. The rest are what we men call “mother-in-law” shots (“looked good leaving”)—those that started out so promising, only to detour into nature’s pinball machine, ricocheting off multiple trees.
Nice.
But the next shot will be better, I promise.
No matter what, I’ll be back again. After all, I hear there’s a new set of irons out there that are ultra-forgiving of shots hit off-center.
They will be mine.
Look out Phil, Tiger, etc. I’m coming after all of you.
If you’d like my blog in your daily inbox, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Not a 6 iron, 9 iron or wedge. An iron. Like, for pressing pants.
A knowing smile—and a quick “make it plural” clued me in that this was Peggy’s way of granting my Christmas wish---for a new set of irons.
Yeah, that’ll do it.
“It” is reaching a level of golf nirvana where every shot rings true, arching high and straight and long, landing softly exactly where I want it to.
Of course, I am delusional, dreaming of proficiency in a game where frustration is the norm and an entire industry is dependent upon idiots like me, searching for golf’s “Holy Grail”: that one club, swing tip or gadget that will make it all worthwhile.
Peggy knows enough not to actually choose the clubs—who’d want that responsibility? I will venture out and get fitted, measured, have my swing analyzed and after the laughter subsides, I’ll be on the way home with a brand new set of sticks that will lower my handicap a stroke or two.
It’ll be worth it, because I love golf. The greatest game ever invented, but one that has spawned more jokes, temper tantrums and coronaries than any other pastime.
Thanks again to friend, golf buddy and purveyor of interesting e-mails Rick Cooper, who sent this gem to me.
If you are a golfer, you will laugh out loud, a knowing laugh that exposes you and me and all others who play this crazy game that we are just one or two horrible shots away from doing the same thing as this funny film portrays:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cohTl1dekBs
After an afternoon of shanking, slicing, chili-dipping and chunking it, we know that the ONE good shot we pull off on the 18th hole will bring us back. The rest are what we men call “mother-in-law” shots (“looked good leaving”)—those that started out so promising, only to detour into nature’s pinball machine, ricocheting off multiple trees.
Nice.
But the next shot will be better, I promise.
No matter what, I’ll be back again. After all, I hear there’s a new set of irons out there that are ultra-forgiving of shots hit off-center.
They will be mine.
Look out Phil, Tiger, etc. I’m coming after all of you.
If you’d like my blog in your daily inbox, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Nothing Says "Chickmobile" Like Corvette
THE FOLLOWING IS AN UPDATED ENCORE TIM MOORE BLOG:
The very notion that a CAR has the power to attract women (regardless of the dweeb behind the wheel) is amusing, but if there is ANY car with the power to accomplish this feat, it is the Corvette.
It was on this date in 1952 that the very first Corvette, a production-ready prototype-was produced. GM Chief William Durant decided to build a small sports car after traveling to Europe and seeing the popularity of the speedy roadsters there. The first Corvette was reportedly modeled after a Jaguar. The prototype was said to have cost between $50,000 to $60,000 to build. The first production ‘Vette rolled off the assembly line on June 30 of 1953. Just over 300 Corvettes were built--- by hand—that first year.
OK, so now back to the women.
Ladies will often joke about a guy driving a hot car as trying to compensate for other, shall we say, “shortcomings”---but there seems to be no hesitation for most of them to jump in and take a ride, regardless of the Neanderthal in the driver’s seat.
I doubt that the reverse is true, however. Is there a woman out there who would NOT leap at the chance to take a drive with, say, George Clooney, even if the “ride” he was using was a ’69 Buick station wagon (with fake wood paneling)?
I think not.
Of course, this makes women look rather shallow, but what does it also say about men?
Namely, that we don’t have to be funny, interesting, good looking or kind. We, in fact, can be complete asses, as long as we have Italian driving gloves, cool shades and a hot sports car.
Here are a couple of vintage Corvette videos-the first is the original TV “commercial” for the 1953 Corvette. The second is from a decade later, as the 1963 ad has clearly migrated from sports car aficionados to sheer SEX APPEAL, which became the primary selling point, I think:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HC8bwEQFx6M
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbxTHXUH4VE
Most of us have seen our share of middle-aged men trying to capture of spirit of our youth by tooling around in a sports car. The sunshine gleams off our bald heads as we wedge our portly frames into the bucket seats and challenge the teens and their muscle cars at every traffic light.
“Yeah! NOW, who’s cool!?”
Please shoot me if you ever see yours truly in this situation. While I cannot claim complete immunity from the outward manifestations of “midlife crisis”, it is another thing altogether to undergo this pain while making a complete ass out of myself in public.
Never mind. My wife will kill me before you get a chance.
If you’d like my blog in your inbox weekdays, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Sign up today. Chicks dig it.
The very notion that a CAR has the power to attract women (regardless of the dweeb behind the wheel) is amusing, but if there is ANY car with the power to accomplish this feat, it is the Corvette.
It was on this date in 1952 that the very first Corvette, a production-ready prototype-was produced. GM Chief William Durant decided to build a small sports car after traveling to Europe and seeing the popularity of the speedy roadsters there. The first Corvette was reportedly modeled after a Jaguar. The prototype was said to have cost between $50,000 to $60,000 to build. The first production ‘Vette rolled off the assembly line on June 30 of 1953. Just over 300 Corvettes were built--- by hand—that first year.
OK, so now back to the women.
Ladies will often joke about a guy driving a hot car as trying to compensate for other, shall we say, “shortcomings”---but there seems to be no hesitation for most of them to jump in and take a ride, regardless of the Neanderthal in the driver’s seat.
I doubt that the reverse is true, however. Is there a woman out there who would NOT leap at the chance to take a drive with, say, George Clooney, even if the “ride” he was using was a ’69 Buick station wagon (with fake wood paneling)?
I think not.
Of course, this makes women look rather shallow, but what does it also say about men?
Namely, that we don’t have to be funny, interesting, good looking or kind. We, in fact, can be complete asses, as long as we have Italian driving gloves, cool shades and a hot sports car.
Here are a couple of vintage Corvette videos-the first is the original TV “commercial” for the 1953 Corvette. The second is from a decade later, as the 1963 ad has clearly migrated from sports car aficionados to sheer SEX APPEAL, which became the primary selling point, I think:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HC8bwEQFx6M
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbxTHXUH4VE
Most of us have seen our share of middle-aged men trying to capture of spirit of our youth by tooling around in a sports car. The sunshine gleams off our bald heads as we wedge our portly frames into the bucket seats and challenge the teens and their muscle cars at every traffic light.
“Yeah! NOW, who’s cool!?”
Please shoot me if you ever see yours truly in this situation. While I cannot claim complete immunity from the outward manifestations of “midlife crisis”, it is another thing altogether to undergo this pain while making a complete ass out of myself in public.
Never mind. My wife will kill me before you get a chance.
If you’d like my blog in your inbox weekdays, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Sign up today. Chicks dig it.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
A New Way To Get Ripped Off
Identity theft is becoming epidemic—and the same technology that is being employed to safeguard our credit profiles is now being used against us.
Thought I’d seen it all—then I watched the following video on how card readers can be employed to extract your credit card number-THROUGH YOUR CLOTHING without your knowledge.
Scary.
Check this out:
http://www.wreg.com/videobeta/8ba6f8fc-90a2-4711-90ea-1884ec348310/News/Electronic-Pickpocket
Thanks to frequent blog idea catalyst Rick Cooper for sending this along.
It seems the crooks are one step ahead of the credit card companies! A technology for making purchases easier to transact is being subverted to glean your credit info without your knowledge.
I always thought it was a pain to have to read the three or four digit “security code” on the back of the card. Now, there seems to be no way to keep your credit card safe.
Every time you send your credit card back with a waitress at a restaurant, there is the possibility of identity theft. I envision a huddle of lowly paid restaurant workers copying my number, expiration date and security codes for their illicit internet purchases after they get off work.
Irrational and yet I cannot help but think that even web transactions using a “secure server” are not at all secure. If the Wikileaks guy can entice his warped supporters to literally TAKE DOWN the Visa and MasterCard websites, we have a problem, Houston.
Putting your picture on the card is being done, but what about those purchases made over the internet.
Whomever can come up with a foolproof way to isolate the identity of the true card holder from thieves will be a multi-billionaire.
I’m gonna start thinking about it right away. Maybe there is a book on Amazon about credit card security I can get by typing my credit card number into that little box on the screen.
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Thought I’d seen it all—then I watched the following video on how card readers can be employed to extract your credit card number-THROUGH YOUR CLOTHING without your knowledge.
Scary.
Check this out:
http://www.wreg.com/videobeta/8ba6f8fc-90a2-4711-90ea-1884ec348310/News/Electronic-Pickpocket
Thanks to frequent blog idea catalyst Rick Cooper for sending this along.
It seems the crooks are one step ahead of the credit card companies! A technology for making purchases easier to transact is being subverted to glean your credit info without your knowledge.
I always thought it was a pain to have to read the three or four digit “security code” on the back of the card. Now, there seems to be no way to keep your credit card safe.
Every time you send your credit card back with a waitress at a restaurant, there is the possibility of identity theft. I envision a huddle of lowly paid restaurant workers copying my number, expiration date and security codes for their illicit internet purchases after they get off work.
Irrational and yet I cannot help but think that even web transactions using a “secure server” are not at all secure. If the Wikileaks guy can entice his warped supporters to literally TAKE DOWN the Visa and MasterCard websites, we have a problem, Houston.
Putting your picture on the card is being done, but what about those purchases made over the internet.
Whomever can come up with a foolproof way to isolate the identity of the true card holder from thieves will be a multi-billionaire.
I’m gonna start thinking about it right away. Maybe there is a book on Amazon about credit card security I can get by typing my credit card number into that little box on the screen.
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Monday, December 20, 2010
How To Pick Out A Dog
The busy holiday season will cause me to punt on blogs on many days, but if I can find a cute video to share, it’ll be there!
This one was e-mailed to me—I think you’ll like it---and if you are a dog lover, you may just love this too!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlZvuIrELn4
Now there one pooch who knows how to market himself!
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
This one was e-mailed to me—I think you’ll like it---and if you are a dog lover, you may just love this too!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlZvuIrELn4
Now there one pooch who knows how to market himself!
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Landing In The Gift Doghouse
Every guy has been there.
The doghouse.
Most of the time, frankly, we deserve it. Faced with making purchases for our girlfriends and wives, we actually believe the “Sham-Wow!” commercials that promise—“She’ll love it!”
She won’t.
She won’t be thrilled with a case of Ultra Slimfast or a Chia Pet either.
Maybe a fresh mop or new fabric softener is an impulse buy on a Saturday at the checkout, but wrapped up under the tree at Christmas is just asking for trouble.
With just 9 days left until Christmas, we men have to make careful decisions. What we do between now and the 25th is the difference between a smile on her face and a cast iron frying pan on your head.
Check out this HIILARIOUS video—and you’ll see what I mean. I ran this two years ago, but it is TIMELESS:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyduncFpzl4
The specific item choices are up to you, but staying away from the broad categories of CHORES and WEIGHT LOSS will be beneficial to your health!
Good luck—and Happy Holidays!
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
The doghouse.
Most of the time, frankly, we deserve it. Faced with making purchases for our girlfriends and wives, we actually believe the “Sham-Wow!” commercials that promise—“She’ll love it!”
She won’t.
She won’t be thrilled with a case of Ultra Slimfast or a Chia Pet either.
Maybe a fresh mop or new fabric softener is an impulse buy on a Saturday at the checkout, but wrapped up under the tree at Christmas is just asking for trouble.
With just 9 days left until Christmas, we men have to make careful decisions. What we do between now and the 25th is the difference between a smile on her face and a cast iron frying pan on your head.
Check out this HIILARIOUS video—and you’ll see what I mean. I ran this two years ago, but it is TIMELESS:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyduncFpzl4
The specific item choices are up to you, but staying away from the broad categories of CHORES and WEIGHT LOSS will be beneficial to your health!
Good luck—and Happy Holidays!
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Office Christmas Parties
THE FOLLOWING IS AN UPDATED ENCORE TIM MOORE BLOG:
There should be a book written about office Christmas parties. Nowhere else are co-workers so defined forever in the minds of their colleagues than at the annual festive gathering. More careers are lost here than even at the summer company picnic.
Eggnog is one culprit.
So, too, are all of its alcoholic cousins, turning what we all thought were well-behaved employees into rear-end pinching, dirty joke telling, lampshade wearing fools.
What better time to tell the boss what a jerk he or she is than at the company Christmas party? Of course, it isn’t done OVERTLY. It comes in the form of alcohol-induced sarcasm and “humor” aimed at the group in general. Only problem is that the only person laughing is the boss’s spouse (and that REALLY isn’t good)-and you-until you see the blank stares returned following your “killer” punchline.
God help you if there is a “Yankee Swap” or other lame excuse for gift giving. It doesn’t matter that you purchased a nice desk set for someone else’s delight. The lingering memory will be the one of YOU unwrapping the gigantic vibrator-or other adult sex toy (“hey, it’s just a JOKE!”)
Although I’ve been to some doozies, I must say that my company’s gathering is always a good time. This year, we took the Ferry to Peaks Island and proceeded to eat, drink and be merry. It helps when you actually like the people you work with….everyone here at 94.9 WHOM and our sister stations are terrific and having a couple of pops with the staff is not limited to once during the holiday season, either. I’d do it every week—and some weeks, I have.
That’s why much of my horror-story Christmas party material is gleaned from contact with other people who have lived through holiday hell. Usually it’s the obligatory appearance with a spouse to their office “party”, one that has all the appeal of water-boarding.
Here’s a quick video on the do’s and don’t’s of Office Christmas parties:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nkk-WUxEK70
Some parties are compulsory. If a bonus is given at your holiday party, it might as well be. People show up to grab the goodies and then scram. Of course, if your company has a reputation for giving you, say, a HAM for Christmas…you might decide to insure your career by NOT attending and just get your own ham.
The only advice usually given is….DON’T DRINK…and if you must drink, have ONE….and nurse it all night. Staying employed is tough enough in this economy without you contributing to your own demise by acting like an imbecile!
Can’t say that I’ve adhered to THAT one! Good luck!
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Merry Christmas!
There should be a book written about office Christmas parties. Nowhere else are co-workers so defined forever in the minds of their colleagues than at the annual festive gathering. More careers are lost here than even at the summer company picnic.
Eggnog is one culprit.
So, too, are all of its alcoholic cousins, turning what we all thought were well-behaved employees into rear-end pinching, dirty joke telling, lampshade wearing fools.
What better time to tell the boss what a jerk he or she is than at the company Christmas party? Of course, it isn’t done OVERTLY. It comes in the form of alcohol-induced sarcasm and “humor” aimed at the group in general. Only problem is that the only person laughing is the boss’s spouse (and that REALLY isn’t good)-and you-until you see the blank stares returned following your “killer” punchline.
God help you if there is a “Yankee Swap” or other lame excuse for gift giving. It doesn’t matter that you purchased a nice desk set for someone else’s delight. The lingering memory will be the one of YOU unwrapping the gigantic vibrator-or other adult sex toy (“hey, it’s just a JOKE!”)
Although I’ve been to some doozies, I must say that my company’s gathering is always a good time. This year, we took the Ferry to Peaks Island and proceeded to eat, drink and be merry. It helps when you actually like the people you work with….everyone here at 94.9 WHOM and our sister stations are terrific and having a couple of pops with the staff is not limited to once during the holiday season, either. I’d do it every week—and some weeks, I have.
That’s why much of my horror-story Christmas party material is gleaned from contact with other people who have lived through holiday hell. Usually it’s the obligatory appearance with a spouse to their office “party”, one that has all the appeal of water-boarding.
Here’s a quick video on the do’s and don’t’s of Office Christmas parties:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nkk-WUxEK70
Some parties are compulsory. If a bonus is given at your holiday party, it might as well be. People show up to grab the goodies and then scram. Of course, if your company has a reputation for giving you, say, a HAM for Christmas…you might decide to insure your career by NOT attending and just get your own ham.
The only advice usually given is….DON’T DRINK…and if you must drink, have ONE….and nurse it all night. Staying employed is tough enough in this economy without you contributing to your own demise by acting like an imbecile!
Can’t say that I’ve adhered to THAT one! Good luck!
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Merry Christmas!
Monday, December 13, 2010
What Would America Be Like If......
It was on this day a decade ago that Democratic Presidential nominee Al Gore conceded the 2000 election to George W. Bush after weeks of legal battles over recounts of ballots in several states, particularly Florida.
Here is his concession speech:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyKlcQ_HiD4
Despite having won the popular vote by about a half million, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against Gore and essentially gave the electoral margin needed for victory to Bush.
In a world of “what ifs”, I can’t help but wonder what our country would be like had Gore taken the oath of office. Some likely historical turning points are below:
1) The terrorist attacks of 9/11 would surely still have happened.
2) It’s unlikely that Gore would have invaded Iraq. The war that was built on the lie of the existence of Weapons of Mass Destruction would probably not have prompted a President Gore to strike unilaterally. As a result:
3) Thousands of American men and women killed in Iraq and Afghanistan would still be alive today and our country would have saved hundreds of billions of dollars.
4) Saddam Hussein would likely still be in power in Iraq
5) The Taliban would probably still be strong, but it IS possible that Gore would have devoted considerable U.S. military resources toward tactical strikes at specific terrorist targets, perhaps far more effective. Who knows? Maybe Osama Bin Laden would have been captured.
6) There would be no President Obama. His ascension to the White House was fueled by extreme dissatisfaction of the Republican administration of Bush and an appetite for change that Obama personified. Perhaps a candidate in 2008, but probably not the nominee. More likely that after 16 years of Clinton-Gore in the White House, ANY Republican would beat any Democrat.
7) There would have been no Bush Tax Cuts
8) While it appears there would have been a recession regardless, it may have been less severe without the huge wartime deficits and ineffective tax cuts that further exacerbated the national debt.
9) With Gore at the helm, it’s highly likely that U.S. investment and/or tax credits to develop alternate energy sources and environmentally sensitive business opportunities would be significantly ahead of where we are now.
What else?
Maybe a lot—and perhaps not all of it good, but some of it outstanding---characters like Sarah Palin would be toiling away in obscurity in Alaska.
It’s useless to imagine scenarios that didn’t happen. All we have is the present—and what we can construct for the future. The 2012 Presidential election is said to start immediately after the midterms—and it appears that politicians are already forming “exploratory committees” and making trips to New Hampshire and Iowa.
Stay tuned….there’s never a dull moment!
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Here is his concession speech:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyKlcQ_HiD4
Despite having won the popular vote by about a half million, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against Gore and essentially gave the electoral margin needed for victory to Bush.
In a world of “what ifs”, I can’t help but wonder what our country would be like had Gore taken the oath of office. Some likely historical turning points are below:
1) The terrorist attacks of 9/11 would surely still have happened.
2) It’s unlikely that Gore would have invaded Iraq. The war that was built on the lie of the existence of Weapons of Mass Destruction would probably not have prompted a President Gore to strike unilaterally. As a result:
3) Thousands of American men and women killed in Iraq and Afghanistan would still be alive today and our country would have saved hundreds of billions of dollars.
4) Saddam Hussein would likely still be in power in Iraq
5) The Taliban would probably still be strong, but it IS possible that Gore would have devoted considerable U.S. military resources toward tactical strikes at specific terrorist targets, perhaps far more effective. Who knows? Maybe Osama Bin Laden would have been captured.
6) There would be no President Obama. His ascension to the White House was fueled by extreme dissatisfaction of the Republican administration of Bush and an appetite for change that Obama personified. Perhaps a candidate in 2008, but probably not the nominee. More likely that after 16 years of Clinton-Gore in the White House, ANY Republican would beat any Democrat.
7) There would have been no Bush Tax Cuts
8) While it appears there would have been a recession regardless, it may have been less severe without the huge wartime deficits and ineffective tax cuts that further exacerbated the national debt.
9) With Gore at the helm, it’s highly likely that U.S. investment and/or tax credits to develop alternate energy sources and environmentally sensitive business opportunities would be significantly ahead of where we are now.
What else?
Maybe a lot—and perhaps not all of it good, but some of it outstanding---characters like Sarah Palin would be toiling away in obscurity in Alaska.
It’s useless to imagine scenarios that didn’t happen. All we have is the present—and what we can construct for the future. The 2012 Presidential election is said to start immediately after the midterms—and it appears that politicians are already forming “exploratory committees” and making trips to New Hampshire and Iowa.
Stay tuned….there’s never a dull moment!
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Friday, December 10, 2010
Sinatra's Kidnapper Cashes In
THE FOLLOWING IS AN UPDATED ENCORE TIM MOORE BLOG:
It was a crime that was tailor made for the tabloids. Frank Sinatra’s 19 year old son Frank, Jr. was kidnapped on December 8, 1963.
Star power, money and both law enforcement and the mob all came together for a tale of intrigue that still has some wondering today exactly what happened.
Abducted at gunpoint from Harrah’s in Lake Tahoe, the young Sinatra, who was following in his father’s footsteps—was taken to Canoga Park, California. It was on this date 46 years ago that the victim spoke briefly to his father by phone. Afterwards, the kidnappers demanded a ransom of $240,000.
The young mastermind of the scheme, Barry Keenan, had also considered the sons of Bob Hope and Bing Crosby. He and his accomplices settled on Sinatra, however, thinking he would be tough enough to handle the ordeal. The crime was originally planned for November, but President Kennedy’s assassination delayed their scheme.
Robert Kennedy, then Attorney General offered his assistance. So too, did Sam Giancana, one of the country’s most powerful organized crime leaders. The elder Sinatra declined-and instead sought the help of the FBI.
Thankfully, the drop-off of the young victim on Mulholland Drive in Los Angeles occurred without harm to Sinatra. In an attempt to avoid a public scene, police actually stuffed Sinatra into the trunk of the squad car for the ride home!
Here’s a video of Frank, Jr. appearing with his sister Nancy on the Smothers Brothers Show some 4 years after his ordeal:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqWZoL_luxo
Within a few days, one of Keenan’s partners John Irwin turned himself in to the FBI in San Diego. By December 14, all the perpetrators had been located and arrested.
Most interesting is the defense strategy at trial. Flamboyant LA attorney Gladys Root contended that Frank, Jr. has orchestrated his own abduction as a publicity stunt. To this day, there are those who believe this was true-despite the lack of evidence. Keenan was convicted-and served 4 ½ years in federal prison. After release, he became a successful real estate developer.
Instead of burying that chapter of his life, Keenan sold the rights to his story for over a million dollars. Before a movie could be made, the case ended up in court. Here’s a quick video explaining how Keenan made money from the kidnapping:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_XfxQP6he8
So, to avoid violating his “right to free speech”, Keenan indeed profited handsomely from his crime.
In a world where justice should prevent criminals from cashing in on their crimes, it seems that sometimes we are more concerned about the rights of the criminal than we are for the rights of the victim!
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
It was a crime that was tailor made for the tabloids. Frank Sinatra’s 19 year old son Frank, Jr. was kidnapped on December 8, 1963.
Star power, money and both law enforcement and the mob all came together for a tale of intrigue that still has some wondering today exactly what happened.
Abducted at gunpoint from Harrah’s in Lake Tahoe, the young Sinatra, who was following in his father’s footsteps—was taken to Canoga Park, California. It was on this date 46 years ago that the victim spoke briefly to his father by phone. Afterwards, the kidnappers demanded a ransom of $240,000.
The young mastermind of the scheme, Barry Keenan, had also considered the sons of Bob Hope and Bing Crosby. He and his accomplices settled on Sinatra, however, thinking he would be tough enough to handle the ordeal. The crime was originally planned for November, but President Kennedy’s assassination delayed their scheme.
Robert Kennedy, then Attorney General offered his assistance. So too, did Sam Giancana, one of the country’s most powerful organized crime leaders. The elder Sinatra declined-and instead sought the help of the FBI.
Thankfully, the drop-off of the young victim on Mulholland Drive in Los Angeles occurred without harm to Sinatra. In an attempt to avoid a public scene, police actually stuffed Sinatra into the trunk of the squad car for the ride home!
Here’s a video of Frank, Jr. appearing with his sister Nancy on the Smothers Brothers Show some 4 years after his ordeal:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqWZoL_luxo
Within a few days, one of Keenan’s partners John Irwin turned himself in to the FBI in San Diego. By December 14, all the perpetrators had been located and arrested.
Most interesting is the defense strategy at trial. Flamboyant LA attorney Gladys Root contended that Frank, Jr. has orchestrated his own abduction as a publicity stunt. To this day, there are those who believe this was true-despite the lack of evidence. Keenan was convicted-and served 4 ½ years in federal prison. After release, he became a successful real estate developer.
Instead of burying that chapter of his life, Keenan sold the rights to his story for over a million dollars. Before a movie could be made, the case ended up in court. Here’s a quick video explaining how Keenan made money from the kidnapping:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_XfxQP6he8
So, to avoid violating his “right to free speech”, Keenan indeed profited handsomely from his crime.
In a world where justice should prevent criminals from cashing in on their crimes, it seems that sometimes we are more concerned about the rights of the criminal than we are for the rights of the victim!
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
John Lennon's Last Day--Where Were You?
A shorter blog today, because virtually everything worth reading about John Lennon has already been written.
Rolling Stone magazine is cashing in on the anniversary of his murder by claiming their interview with the fallen Beatle—published in the latest issue—was his last.
It was not.
The last interview occurred on the day he was shot---a radio interview that was conducted in part by colleague and friend Dave Sholin.
Dave told me the story of his encounter with Lennon years ago over the phone—and I still get chills when I think of the circumstances. Imagine the following:
You are nervous and yet enormously excited to meet the one and only John Lennon. After years of hearing his music and following his life experiences, you are there, in front of him in New York—at his home in the Dakota.
After hours of recording, taking photos and really getting to know him, you say your good byes. Dave and company board a flight back to their home in San Francisco.
Sometime between saying goodbye and landing on the west coast, John Lennon is murdered in cold blood by Mark David Chapman. Those involved with what would turn out to be his very last interview have NO IDEA of course, until they land. Dave’s description of the emotions of learning the tragic news upon arrival still gives me goose bumps.
Holding a box of tapes, it’s hard to fathom that beyond the devastation of the news itself among Lennon’s newest friends, they were holding in their hands a cargo more precious than can be described.
His last words, in effect.
A part of that final interview is here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pMpLyW9FEI&feature=related
I was a senior at Ohio State in Columbus—and found out the news in the same way that much of America did—via Howard Cosell during the telecast of Monday Night Football. Here is that clip-you'll need to click on the link as embedding has been disabled:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gcdz1IRVoM&feature=related
Howard’s demeanor was a bit detached, it seemed to me—both then and now. Too businesslike or unfeeling or…something. I can’t put my finger on it.
What I didn’t know at the time was that John Lennon and Howard Cosell were actually fairly close friends. No two individuals could be more opposite, but in fact they were close.
My old colleague and radio consultant Rick Sklar (since deceased) was the Program Director of the biggest Top 40 station in America in the 1960’s—WABC. That station helped to break the Beatles —and Rick became familiar with all the members, but particularly John. Since Howard Cosell worked for ABC and did radio regularly, he also was a close friend of Rick’s—and Mr. Sklar was the common thread that allowed this very odd friendship to develop.
In much the same way that Cosell became close with Mohammed Ali, he also developed a bond with Lennon.
Knowing this, I can only conclude that Cosell’s seemingly cold delivery of the news was due to a man who was profoundly in shock.
On that day in 1980, we all were.
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Rolling Stone magazine is cashing in on the anniversary of his murder by claiming their interview with the fallen Beatle—published in the latest issue—was his last.
It was not.
The last interview occurred on the day he was shot---a radio interview that was conducted in part by colleague and friend Dave Sholin.
Dave told me the story of his encounter with Lennon years ago over the phone—and I still get chills when I think of the circumstances. Imagine the following:
You are nervous and yet enormously excited to meet the one and only John Lennon. After years of hearing his music and following his life experiences, you are there, in front of him in New York—at his home in the Dakota.
After hours of recording, taking photos and really getting to know him, you say your good byes. Dave and company board a flight back to their home in San Francisco.
Sometime between saying goodbye and landing on the west coast, John Lennon is murdered in cold blood by Mark David Chapman. Those involved with what would turn out to be his very last interview have NO IDEA of course, until they land. Dave’s description of the emotions of learning the tragic news upon arrival still gives me goose bumps.
Holding a box of tapes, it’s hard to fathom that beyond the devastation of the news itself among Lennon’s newest friends, they were holding in their hands a cargo more precious than can be described.
His last words, in effect.
A part of that final interview is here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pMpLyW9FEI&feature=related
I was a senior at Ohio State in Columbus—and found out the news in the same way that much of America did—via Howard Cosell during the telecast of Monday Night Football. Here is that clip-you'll need to click on the link as embedding has been disabled:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gcdz1IRVoM&feature=related
Howard’s demeanor was a bit detached, it seemed to me—both then and now. Too businesslike or unfeeling or…something. I can’t put my finger on it.
What I didn’t know at the time was that John Lennon and Howard Cosell were actually fairly close friends. No two individuals could be more opposite, but in fact they were close.
My old colleague and radio consultant Rick Sklar (since deceased) was the Program Director of the biggest Top 40 station in America in the 1960’s—WABC. That station helped to break the Beatles —and Rick became familiar with all the members, but particularly John. Since Howard Cosell worked for ABC and did radio regularly, he also was a close friend of Rick’s—and Mr. Sklar was the common thread that allowed this very odd friendship to develop.
In much the same way that Cosell became close with Mohammed Ali, he also developed a bond with Lennon.
Knowing this, I can only conclude that Cosell’s seemingly cold delivery of the news was due to a man who was profoundly in shock.
On that day in 1980, we all were.
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Pearl Harbor---69 Years Later
THE FOLLOWING IS AN UPDATED ENCORE TIM MOORE BLOG:
It was on this date in 1941—at around 7:55am local time, that the first of some 350 Japanese aircraft appeared over the horizon of Hawaii’s Pearl Harbor, beginning the attack that would finally draw the United States into World War II.
Last year, I read a great book, “FDR” by Jean Edward Smith. This highly detailed biography (636 pages, with another 200 or so of notes and supporting facts) is fascinating on many levels-mostly personal-but it also recreates the landscape of American and Japanese relations just before the deadly attack. An attack by the Japanese was expected—just not where it occurred.
FDR got the news at around 1:30pm Washington time—in his study with advisor Harry Hopkins—when Navy Secretary Frank Knox burst in and delivered the news that Pearl Harbor had been attacked and that damage and casualties were heavy.
The U.S. had been expecting an attack any day from Japan, but most military experts were anticipating the target would be the Philippines, where the U.S. Fleet had a significant presence. Instead, a highly coordinated attack that pushed the geographic limits of the planes and ships involved caught everyone off guard. No one expected that U.S. soil could be reached from the Japanese mainland—and as such, no level of preparedness or emergency was imposed on the U.S. Naval installation in Hawaii.
Check out this compelling video clip of the attack, with some rare footage:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nt13c3olXkU
FDR’s demeanor in the wake of the attack was said be very calm and measured-even though he was furious. Interestingly, it was Eleanor Roosevelt, not Franklin who addressed the nation first following the attack. In her already scheduled weekly radio broadcast, she said she was confident that “whatever is asked of [America], we shall accomplish it; we are the free and unconquerable people of the U.S.A.” Her husband that evening dictated a speech that he would deliver to Congress the next day—complete with the memorable phrase regarding December 7th, “ a date that would live in infamy”
Looking back, it seems like the height of stupidity for the Japanese to attack the United States—and for Germany to follow with a declaration of war. America’s isolationist sentiment was still strong—and it would have made sense for the Axis powers to keep the United States out of the war.
Instead, the attack on Pearl Harbor galvanized public opinion and completely squashed political infighting. America has never been more united, it is said, as the country plunged into a war effort that would affect every single person in the U.S.
Such unity, also evident after the terrorist attacks in 2001—is always desired, but never at the cost we have borne.
The times have changed—and the enemy has as well. It would do this country well to remember the lessons of Pearl Harbor-namely, that threats to our homeland could come at any time---but vigilance on OUR soil (as opposed to an amplified focus overseas) is most important to thwart the criminal plans that are being made as we speak. Whatever attack comes next will, without a doubt employ the element of surprise.
Our recent uncovering of a future terrorist attack was the most heartening news we have had. Where many were shocked and frightened by the exposure of this plot, I was frankly comforted in the knowledge that at least some portion of our national security team is working overtime to stop the threats BEFORE they occur.
It’s important to note that while we were looking elsewhere, the 9-11 terrorists were all HERE, living among us, taking flight lessons, assimilating into our culture. They were biding their time, leaving clues as to their plans---but clues that we collectively ignored—or worse, didn’t even see.
“They” are still here, still planning.
Let’s catch them before they surprise us again in a horrific way.
In short, REMEMBER PEARL HARBOR and 9/11!!
If you’d like my weekday blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
It was on this date in 1941—at around 7:55am local time, that the first of some 350 Japanese aircraft appeared over the horizon of Hawaii’s Pearl Harbor, beginning the attack that would finally draw the United States into World War II.
Last year, I read a great book, “FDR” by Jean Edward Smith. This highly detailed biography (636 pages, with another 200 or so of notes and supporting facts) is fascinating on many levels-mostly personal-but it also recreates the landscape of American and Japanese relations just before the deadly attack. An attack by the Japanese was expected—just not where it occurred.
FDR got the news at around 1:30pm Washington time—in his study with advisor Harry Hopkins—when Navy Secretary Frank Knox burst in and delivered the news that Pearl Harbor had been attacked and that damage and casualties were heavy.
The U.S. had been expecting an attack any day from Japan, but most military experts were anticipating the target would be the Philippines, where the U.S. Fleet had a significant presence. Instead, a highly coordinated attack that pushed the geographic limits of the planes and ships involved caught everyone off guard. No one expected that U.S. soil could be reached from the Japanese mainland—and as such, no level of preparedness or emergency was imposed on the U.S. Naval installation in Hawaii.
Check out this compelling video clip of the attack, with some rare footage:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nt13c3olXkU
FDR’s demeanor in the wake of the attack was said be very calm and measured-even though he was furious. Interestingly, it was Eleanor Roosevelt, not Franklin who addressed the nation first following the attack. In her already scheduled weekly radio broadcast, she said she was confident that “whatever is asked of [America], we shall accomplish it; we are the free and unconquerable people of the U.S.A.” Her husband that evening dictated a speech that he would deliver to Congress the next day—complete with the memorable phrase regarding December 7th, “ a date that would live in infamy”
Looking back, it seems like the height of stupidity for the Japanese to attack the United States—and for Germany to follow with a declaration of war. America’s isolationist sentiment was still strong—and it would have made sense for the Axis powers to keep the United States out of the war.
Instead, the attack on Pearl Harbor galvanized public opinion and completely squashed political infighting. America has never been more united, it is said, as the country plunged into a war effort that would affect every single person in the U.S.
Such unity, also evident after the terrorist attacks in 2001—is always desired, but never at the cost we have borne.
The times have changed—and the enemy has as well. It would do this country well to remember the lessons of Pearl Harbor-namely, that threats to our homeland could come at any time---but vigilance on OUR soil (as opposed to an amplified focus overseas) is most important to thwart the criminal plans that are being made as we speak. Whatever attack comes next will, without a doubt employ the element of surprise.
Our recent uncovering of a future terrorist attack was the most heartening news we have had. Where many were shocked and frightened by the exposure of this plot, I was frankly comforted in the knowledge that at least some portion of our national security team is working overtime to stop the threats BEFORE they occur.
It’s important to note that while we were looking elsewhere, the 9-11 terrorists were all HERE, living among us, taking flight lessons, assimilating into our culture. They were biding their time, leaving clues as to their plans---but clues that we collectively ignored—or worse, didn’t even see.
“They” are still here, still planning.
Let’s catch them before they surprise us again in a horrific way.
In short, REMEMBER PEARL HARBOR and 9/11!!
If you’d like my weekday blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Monday, December 6, 2010
Is This Reality? Really?
Just when you think that it can’t get any weirder, it does.
Reality TV. The only thing that’s not real is…EVERYTHING.
Thanks to my daughter Christina, who suggested this blog topic after hearing about the new show “Bridalplasty” on E! Television. More on this gem in a bit….
Since the advent of television, “reality” shows have been a part of the mix. Alan Funt’s “Candid Camera” may have been the first, debuting in 1948. Real people caught unawares in unusual and/or comic situations were the fodder for nonstop laughter. Game shows are certainly a form of reality TV—and they’ve been here from the start, too.
Fast-forward to the 90’s and MTV’s “Real World”—where a camera is placed in a house of young people to catch their (almost) every move—only this time, the participants are fully aware that everything is being recorded. Still, it was a watershed moment in TV.
Then along came “Survivor” in 2000—and the ratings went through the roof. Contrived circumstances, but willing participants competing under stressful conditions made for compelling human interactions—with no scriptwriters to hire or pay residuals to. Hmmm-maybe there’s a common theme emerging here.
After “Survivor”, the granddaddy of them all (so far), “American Idol”, which has topped the ratings for six consecutive years. Yes, Simon is gone, as is Ellen Degeneres and Paula Abdul (still), but even a nosedive in audience could still place “Idol” in the #1 position this season. It was ahead by that much.
With every new show, it seems the bar gets raised on the setup, the situation, the players, the objective and the outcome. And with every revision, “reality” takes a punch in the gut.
The Amazing Race (let’s do a worldwide scavenger hunt!)
The Runway Project (models clawing to the top)
Fear Factor (took disgusting to a new level each week)
Wife Swap (no comment)
The Bachelor(and Bachelorette)
Temptation Island (I was tempted to throw up)
Dancing With The Stars ( didn’t know Bristol Palin was a “star”, did you?)
And then there are the celebrity-based shows:
The Anna Nicole Show
Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica
The Osbournes
Hogan Knows Best
Tommy Lee Goes To College
Besides leading to the dissolution of the families involved, these shows seemed geared towards an audience whose own lives are so boring that watching these “role models” qualifies as entertainment.
It gets worse—and the problem is that some of these shows suck you in. I walked into the room while members of my family were engrossed in something called “Cake Boss”. Premise for this show are the trials and tribulations of a New Jersey bakeshop presided over by a overbearing Italian baker who feuds with family and co-workers throughout, while somehow coming up with astonishing cake creations. We see the concept of the cake (without Rice Krispies, the Cake Boss would be relying on mere batter like the rest of us), its construction—and the final product. All of this makes us hungry of course, so repeated trips to the fridge during this show are a must. At the show’s conclusion, we discover that we have consumed a disgusting amount of food—and that there’s a half hour of our lives that we’ll never get back.
“Hoarders” may be worse. Here, we are actually deriving our ENTERTAINMENT from watching people with horrible psychological disorders go through their anguish in front of the ever-rolling cameras. Their homes a revolting pile of filth and rotting garbage, these poor souls are apparently unable to part with ANYTHING. So, they collect it—and we are subsequently delighted to witness their misery. Makes our houses look spotless by comparison, I guess.
“Bridalplasty” may make them all seem like “Leave It To Beaver” or “Father Knows Best”, however. Check out the premise of this new show:
1) Each week, a group of women compete in activities like writing wedding vows and planning honeymoons. The winner gets to choose a plastic surgery procedure from her “wish list”. She is given the procedure immediately-with results shown at the beginning of the next week’s episode.
2) One by one, competitors are voted off the show.
3) The last bride standing receives a “dream wedding”, where she will reveal for the first time before the groom, her family and friends—the result of her EXTREME plastic surgery procedures. Yes, the bride will stroll down the aisle wearing a veil that gets lifted at the altar.
E! has all but predicted that shock and awe will ensue, hinting at the likelihood that the bride may end up looking like Alf.
Even Jimmy Kimmel poked fun at this show---along with his comic prediction of what could be next:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6nyPCwWpRs
Talk to any TV station General Manager and they’ll tell you that the pipeline for syndication is running bone dry—thanks to “reality TV”. The reruns that populate the early fringe before local news and afterwards before prime time have been traditionally filled with situation comedies. Reality shows—while selling very well in DVD form-rarely make good reruns. As such, we can expect more game shows and “Judge Judy”-type low budget first run reality shows to occupy that real estate in the future.
Luckily for me, I am not a big TV guy. I never watched “Survivor”—or most of the reality shows in the past decade.
Sports and some selected drama programs are what I’ll view---heck, I spend most of my time with radio anyway.
If my assessment of reality TV has offended you, my apologies…it must have struck a nerve with some of you…otherwise, who ARE all these people watching this stuff? The TV executives will tell you that “all of America” is tuned in. That may be so, but frankly, most people I talk with have the same view as I.
Most reality TV is….time better spent doing almost ANYTHING else.
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Reality TV. The only thing that’s not real is…EVERYTHING.
Thanks to my daughter Christina, who suggested this blog topic after hearing about the new show “Bridalplasty” on E! Television. More on this gem in a bit….
Since the advent of television, “reality” shows have been a part of the mix. Alan Funt’s “Candid Camera” may have been the first, debuting in 1948. Real people caught unawares in unusual and/or comic situations were the fodder for nonstop laughter. Game shows are certainly a form of reality TV—and they’ve been here from the start, too.
Fast-forward to the 90’s and MTV’s “Real World”—where a camera is placed in a house of young people to catch their (almost) every move—only this time, the participants are fully aware that everything is being recorded. Still, it was a watershed moment in TV.
Then along came “Survivor” in 2000—and the ratings went through the roof. Contrived circumstances, but willing participants competing under stressful conditions made for compelling human interactions—with no scriptwriters to hire or pay residuals to. Hmmm-maybe there’s a common theme emerging here.
After “Survivor”, the granddaddy of them all (so far), “American Idol”, which has topped the ratings for six consecutive years. Yes, Simon is gone, as is Ellen Degeneres and Paula Abdul (still), but even a nosedive in audience could still place “Idol” in the #1 position this season. It was ahead by that much.
With every new show, it seems the bar gets raised on the setup, the situation, the players, the objective and the outcome. And with every revision, “reality” takes a punch in the gut.
The Amazing Race (let’s do a worldwide scavenger hunt!)
The Runway Project (models clawing to the top)
Fear Factor (took disgusting to a new level each week)
Wife Swap (no comment)
The Bachelor(and Bachelorette)
Temptation Island (I was tempted to throw up)
Dancing With The Stars ( didn’t know Bristol Palin was a “star”, did you?)
And then there are the celebrity-based shows:
The Anna Nicole Show
Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica
The Osbournes
Hogan Knows Best
Tommy Lee Goes To College
Besides leading to the dissolution of the families involved, these shows seemed geared towards an audience whose own lives are so boring that watching these “role models” qualifies as entertainment.
It gets worse—and the problem is that some of these shows suck you in. I walked into the room while members of my family were engrossed in something called “Cake Boss”. Premise for this show are the trials and tribulations of a New Jersey bakeshop presided over by a overbearing Italian baker who feuds with family and co-workers throughout, while somehow coming up with astonishing cake creations. We see the concept of the cake (without Rice Krispies, the Cake Boss would be relying on mere batter like the rest of us), its construction—and the final product. All of this makes us hungry of course, so repeated trips to the fridge during this show are a must. At the show’s conclusion, we discover that we have consumed a disgusting amount of food—and that there’s a half hour of our lives that we’ll never get back.
“Hoarders” may be worse. Here, we are actually deriving our ENTERTAINMENT from watching people with horrible psychological disorders go through their anguish in front of the ever-rolling cameras. Their homes a revolting pile of filth and rotting garbage, these poor souls are apparently unable to part with ANYTHING. So, they collect it—and we are subsequently delighted to witness their misery. Makes our houses look spotless by comparison, I guess.
“Bridalplasty” may make them all seem like “Leave It To Beaver” or “Father Knows Best”, however. Check out the premise of this new show:
1) Each week, a group of women compete in activities like writing wedding vows and planning honeymoons. The winner gets to choose a plastic surgery procedure from her “wish list”. She is given the procedure immediately-with results shown at the beginning of the next week’s episode.
2) One by one, competitors are voted off the show.
3) The last bride standing receives a “dream wedding”, where she will reveal for the first time before the groom, her family and friends—the result of her EXTREME plastic surgery procedures. Yes, the bride will stroll down the aisle wearing a veil that gets lifted at the altar.
E! has all but predicted that shock and awe will ensue, hinting at the likelihood that the bride may end up looking like Alf.
Even Jimmy Kimmel poked fun at this show---along with his comic prediction of what could be next:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6nyPCwWpRs
Talk to any TV station General Manager and they’ll tell you that the pipeline for syndication is running bone dry—thanks to “reality TV”. The reruns that populate the early fringe before local news and afterwards before prime time have been traditionally filled with situation comedies. Reality shows—while selling very well in DVD form-rarely make good reruns. As such, we can expect more game shows and “Judge Judy”-type low budget first run reality shows to occupy that real estate in the future.
Luckily for me, I am not a big TV guy. I never watched “Survivor”—or most of the reality shows in the past decade.
Sports and some selected drama programs are what I’ll view---heck, I spend most of my time with radio anyway.
If my assessment of reality TV has offended you, my apologies…it must have struck a nerve with some of you…otherwise, who ARE all these people watching this stuff? The TV executives will tell you that “all of America” is tuned in. That may be so, but frankly, most people I talk with have the same view as I.
Most reality TV is….time better spent doing almost ANYTHING else.
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Friday, December 3, 2010
Practical Jokes
THE FOLLOWING IS AN ENCORE TIM MOORE BLOG:
Everyone knows someone whose idea of a good time is to pull “practical jokes” on unsuspecting family members, co-workers---and even strangers.
Not sure if this propensity is genetic—a recessive cruelty gene—or perhaps the effects of a warped childhood. Maybe those who partake of these often elaborate schemes were themselves the target of these jokes and now--- it’s payback time.
Where did the term “practical joke” come from? Webster’s Dictionary gives several definitions of the word “practical”, only the first of which can be STRETCHED to apply:
1) “of or obtained through practice or action” (this one has to be it)
2) “useful” (uh…..I don’t think so)
3) “concerned with the application of knowledge to useful ends” (here again the word “useful” disqualifies #3)
4) “dealing realistically and sensibly with everyday matters” ( nope)
Enjoy this video compilation of everyday people being scared out of their wits by—in most cases—people they seem to know:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MOriOpcgeQ
OK, I admit that I laughed out loud at most of these, but in the case of the older people, isn’t a fatal heart attack a possible outcome here? In this case, the victim may get the last laugh as they get to watch you (from the pearly gates, of course) being sent to a federal prison for involuntary manslaughter!
We have all been guilty of participating in practical jokes at one time or another I suppose, but I’d like to think that my transgressions have not been of the severity that would cause instant death or serious injury.
A warning to those who may attempt to make ME the butt of the joke---if it’s harmless, I’ll be fine with it. However, if you do ANY of the things depicted in the video above, you’ll “crusin’ for a bruisin’”!!!
If you’d like my blog in your weekday inbox, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Everyone knows someone whose idea of a good time is to pull “practical jokes” on unsuspecting family members, co-workers---and even strangers.
Not sure if this propensity is genetic—a recessive cruelty gene—or perhaps the effects of a warped childhood. Maybe those who partake of these often elaborate schemes were themselves the target of these jokes and now--- it’s payback time.
Where did the term “practical joke” come from? Webster’s Dictionary gives several definitions of the word “practical”, only the first of which can be STRETCHED to apply:
1) “of or obtained through practice or action” (this one has to be it)
2) “useful” (uh…..I don’t think so)
3) “concerned with the application of knowledge to useful ends” (here again the word “useful” disqualifies #3)
4) “dealing realistically and sensibly with everyday matters” ( nope)
Enjoy this video compilation of everyday people being scared out of their wits by—in most cases—people they seem to know:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MOriOpcgeQ
OK, I admit that I laughed out loud at most of these, but in the case of the older people, isn’t a fatal heart attack a possible outcome here? In this case, the victim may get the last laugh as they get to watch you (from the pearly gates, of course) being sent to a federal prison for involuntary manslaughter!
We have all been guilty of participating in practical jokes at one time or another I suppose, but I’d like to think that my transgressions have not been of the severity that would cause instant death or serious injury.
A warning to those who may attempt to make ME the butt of the joke---if it’s harmless, I’ll be fine with it. However, if you do ANY of the things depicted in the video above, you’ll “crusin’ for a bruisin’”!!!
If you’d like my blog in your weekday inbox, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Give Me A Year
Don’t get me wrong—I love democracy, but dammit, can’t we actually ever get anything DONE?
The midterm elections have done NOTHING to advance the agenda of this country. The Republicans are digging their heels in the sand to extend the Bush tax cuts. As such, they are planning to deny extending unemployment benefits, the repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell”—and even refusing to sign the START Treaty, which has our national security at risk and has been endorsed by both parties in the past.
After initially standing up the President rudely on his invitation to meet at the White House (they were “busy” and couldn’t “make it”….huh? ), the long-awaited conference finally took place. What came out of it was conciliatory talk—for about 24 hours. Now, it’s back to the same old same old.
What the hell is going on?
I want to run for “Benevolent Dictator” for a term not to exceed one year. In that term, I will do the following—all without the fear of losing re-election, alienating a special interest group or a defense contractor:
1) EXIT IRAN AND AFGHANISTAN IMMEDIATELY- The weekly cost is about 2-3 BILLION dollars. The ongoing costs are depicted below. Our presence there does nothing to enhance our security—and there’s a good argument that it weakens it. We cannot become the policeman for the world. In addition, I would close many bases around the world and/or greatly diminish our military personnel globally. Most countries in the world hate or envy us; so let them solve their own issues. We are O-U-T.
See the numbers below—all the talk of “earmarks” is lunacy—they are pennies compared to the figures piling up below. I plan to finance some of my changes based on the savings from this huge waste of money—not to even mention HUMAN LIVES.
Click on this link to see the spinning tally of the Cost Of War:
http://costofwar.com/
At the time of writing this, the cost of Iraq was about $744 BILLION and for Afghanistan it was $371 BILLION. By the time you click the link, it will be MUCH higher--with no end in sight.
2) IMMIGRATION—Let’s be sensible here. There are two things we will never do (whether it makes sense or not)—one of them is to deport ALL illegal aliens. It just won’t happen. The other is to build a “wall” or “fence” across our border-this is also ludicrous (see “Maginot Line”). We must make it economically unattractive for illegals to be here. Namely, they must be prevented from finding work without being a U.S. Citizen. To accomplish this, I would institute a DAILY $1 million dollar fine for companies who employ illegals. The motivation to hire cheap labor goes away when that labor becomes prohibitively expensive.
With those already here, we may need to deport many, but we must also allow a path to citizenship for some, based on learning English and taking the necessary steps that any individual seeking U.S. citizenship would do. Messy? No doubt, but we need to attack established companies who are harboring illegals as a workforce to curb the desire to enter illegally. Economic opportunity is the reason they arrive. To allow illegal aliens access to social services and jobs is nothing short of crazy.
3) REPEAL “DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL”—It is not news to any veteran of any era that gays have served in the military since the American Revolution. Somehow, we have survived as a nation. To deny committed and qualified people from service due to their sexual orientation is just plain stupid. It is a non-issue.
4) EXTEND MIDDLE CLASS TAX CUTS—I’ll raise the cutoff to $750,000. Everyone below it has the tax cut extended. Everyone ABOVE it has their tax cut repealed—and in fact, I would RAISE taxes for anyone making over a million dollars. Look at the tax rates for the rich in the 1950’s and 60’s. Some were over OVER 40%! This was the period of the greatest explosion of the middle class and economic growth ever. The Bush tax cuts did NOTHING to spur economic growth. Having the top 2% carry a bit more weight will not affect their lifestyle or their level of investment. It will, however, shift the burden off those least able to pay.
5) CREATE TIERED UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS- Basic low-end benefits for the short-term and INCREASED levels for all those willing to WORK while they are looking. Whether volunteering for social service agencies or municipal cleanup projects, we could at least trade a higher benefit (perhaps the current standard benefit level) for those willing to work. These “employed” unemployed would be able to exit any temporary job to interview for a permanent job in the private sector.
6) FREE TRADE, BUT FAIR TRADE—If other countries will not open their markets to us, we will not accept their goods here. Period. If they apply tariffs on our goods, we will do likewise. Period.
7) EXPORT JOBS AT YOUR OWN RISK—If American companies move jobs overseas, I will tax them the difference of their savings. Instantly makes it unattractive. Next?
8) RAISE THE RETIREMENT AGE---Make it 70. Social Security/Medicare and other entitlements are doing us in. End “double-dipping”of wealthy Americans into the Social Security pool---when they don’t need the money. My taxes support welfare, but I don’t get food stamps—because I don’t NEED them (yet!) Social Security needs to be re-framed as the safety net it was intended to be—and not a “retirement plan”
9) INVEST IN NEW ENERGY ALTERNATIVES---Like the 1950’s investment in the Interstate Highway System or the 1960’s space program, projects with a huge scope cannot be left to the private sector. To do so is to be left in the dust, as China has formed 16 separate companies with the focus and objective to rid themselves of dependence on foreign oil.
We are behind in this race. The country that leads the revolution to an energy alternative to oil will lead the world for decades to come. There is no limit to the investment boundaries that make this unattractive. As the space program became the catalyst for an explosion in technology development for consumer markets, so too will this endeavor. Right now, China has the mentality of the Manhattan Project, where the development of the atomic bomb during WWII became a race against time. There was no limit to the government’s commitment then—and China is committed to controlling the world’s energy future. Will the U.S. allow this—or will we summon up the will to focus like a laser beam here and get it done first?
10) SECURITY BEGINS AT HOME—We need to invest some of the billions being squandered daily overseas here in the U.S.---devising comprehensive strategies to protect our electrical grid, our water supplies and our mass transportation systems (beyond just airlines)
11) MANUFACTURING RESURGANCE-- Many American manufacturing jobs
sailed overseas due to the cheap labor available in other countries. In a global
marketplace, most economists will say it adequately creates efficiencies.
Unfortunately, economists tend to ignore the political realities of prospective
enemies. During WWII, our victory hinged on being able to quickly retool the
vast American manufacturing machine to produce the tools of war. What happens
when we import the bulk of our steel, say, from a country that will end up going
to war with?
Therefore, it is a matter of national security to maintain a manufacturing base. Jobs are created and maintained—and we are not vulnerable in the event of war. Hell, the government pays farmers NOT to grow crops in order to keep global prices stabilized. Dollar for dollar, subsidizing critical manufacturing processes makes a lot more sense.
12) PUBLIC HEALTH OPTION---I know this won’t be popular with the free market capitalists, but there is nothing in the healthcare marketplace that even resembles free market capitalism. Most people—if they are covered at all—are at the mercy of their employer’s healthcare plan and the medical community is not known for efficiencies of cost. After all, their plush offices, facilities and procedures are borne by you and me, no?
I was all for the overhaul that President Obama accomplished—with one
GLARING exception: to NOT have a public option delivered at cost or modest
profit (to keep health insurance companies solvent) allows these same health
insurance firms to charge exorbitant premiums. Covering everyone, including
those with pre-existing conditions and young people at an extended age under
their parent’s policy is a positive thing. To have ZERO cost control is crazy.
13) COLLEGE TUITION COMPLETELY TAX DEDUCTABLE- Paying for
higher education is like purchasing a Lexus yearly (maybe two or three, depending on the number of kids) There is no greater investment than in the education of our young people. Those with no assets get need-based scholarship help. Those who are wealthy don’t need it. The middle class gets hammered.
OK, that’s enough for one year. The government saves billions daily, invests it wisely and we see a resurgence in jobs and economic opportunity. College education becomes affordable, as does health care. The deficit gets reduced and the economy booms.
Has common sense vanished?
Strict capitalism unfettered is as bad as it’s evil opposite—government control of everything. The plain and simple fact is that we are moving towards social democracy, where the public and private sectors each participate in the structure of capitalism—the private sector providing the capital and jobs—and the public sector there to prevent abuses and to be the advocate for the least fortunate in our society. It’s a ying-yang dynamic, but one where each side at least VALUES the role of the other. I’m afraid that today’s political climate has created “sides” that detest the very existence of the other.
This short-sided stupidity is the reason for the current vacuum of leadership.
At times like this, a benevolent dictatorship sounds like a good idea---and that in itself is scary.
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
The midterm elections have done NOTHING to advance the agenda of this country. The Republicans are digging their heels in the sand to extend the Bush tax cuts. As such, they are planning to deny extending unemployment benefits, the repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell”—and even refusing to sign the START Treaty, which has our national security at risk and has been endorsed by both parties in the past.
After initially standing up the President rudely on his invitation to meet at the White House (they were “busy” and couldn’t “make it”….huh? ), the long-awaited conference finally took place. What came out of it was conciliatory talk—for about 24 hours. Now, it’s back to the same old same old.
What the hell is going on?
I want to run for “Benevolent Dictator” for a term not to exceed one year. In that term, I will do the following—all without the fear of losing re-election, alienating a special interest group or a defense contractor:
1) EXIT IRAN AND AFGHANISTAN IMMEDIATELY- The weekly cost is about 2-3 BILLION dollars. The ongoing costs are depicted below. Our presence there does nothing to enhance our security—and there’s a good argument that it weakens it. We cannot become the policeman for the world. In addition, I would close many bases around the world and/or greatly diminish our military personnel globally. Most countries in the world hate or envy us; so let them solve their own issues. We are O-U-T.
See the numbers below—all the talk of “earmarks” is lunacy—they are pennies compared to the figures piling up below. I plan to finance some of my changes based on the savings from this huge waste of money—not to even mention HUMAN LIVES.
Click on this link to see the spinning tally of the Cost Of War:
http://costofwar.com/
At the time of writing this, the cost of Iraq was about $744 BILLION and for Afghanistan it was $371 BILLION. By the time you click the link, it will be MUCH higher--with no end in sight.
2) IMMIGRATION—Let’s be sensible here. There are two things we will never do (whether it makes sense or not)—one of them is to deport ALL illegal aliens. It just won’t happen. The other is to build a “wall” or “fence” across our border-this is also ludicrous (see “Maginot Line”). We must make it economically unattractive for illegals to be here. Namely, they must be prevented from finding work without being a U.S. Citizen. To accomplish this, I would institute a DAILY $1 million dollar fine for companies who employ illegals. The motivation to hire cheap labor goes away when that labor becomes prohibitively expensive.
With those already here, we may need to deport many, but we must also allow a path to citizenship for some, based on learning English and taking the necessary steps that any individual seeking U.S. citizenship would do. Messy? No doubt, but we need to attack established companies who are harboring illegals as a workforce to curb the desire to enter illegally. Economic opportunity is the reason they arrive. To allow illegal aliens access to social services and jobs is nothing short of crazy.
3) REPEAL “DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL”—It is not news to any veteran of any era that gays have served in the military since the American Revolution. Somehow, we have survived as a nation. To deny committed and qualified people from service due to their sexual orientation is just plain stupid. It is a non-issue.
4) EXTEND MIDDLE CLASS TAX CUTS—I’ll raise the cutoff to $750,000. Everyone below it has the tax cut extended. Everyone ABOVE it has their tax cut repealed—and in fact, I would RAISE taxes for anyone making over a million dollars. Look at the tax rates for the rich in the 1950’s and 60’s. Some were over OVER 40%! This was the period of the greatest explosion of the middle class and economic growth ever. The Bush tax cuts did NOTHING to spur economic growth. Having the top 2% carry a bit more weight will not affect their lifestyle or their level of investment. It will, however, shift the burden off those least able to pay.
5) CREATE TIERED UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS- Basic low-end benefits for the short-term and INCREASED levels for all those willing to WORK while they are looking. Whether volunteering for social service agencies or municipal cleanup projects, we could at least trade a higher benefit (perhaps the current standard benefit level) for those willing to work. These “employed” unemployed would be able to exit any temporary job to interview for a permanent job in the private sector.
6) FREE TRADE, BUT FAIR TRADE—If other countries will not open their markets to us, we will not accept their goods here. Period. If they apply tariffs on our goods, we will do likewise. Period.
7) EXPORT JOBS AT YOUR OWN RISK—If American companies move jobs overseas, I will tax them the difference of their savings. Instantly makes it unattractive. Next?
8) RAISE THE RETIREMENT AGE---Make it 70. Social Security/Medicare and other entitlements are doing us in. End “double-dipping”of wealthy Americans into the Social Security pool---when they don’t need the money. My taxes support welfare, but I don’t get food stamps—because I don’t NEED them (yet!) Social Security needs to be re-framed as the safety net it was intended to be—and not a “retirement plan”
9) INVEST IN NEW ENERGY ALTERNATIVES---Like the 1950’s investment in the Interstate Highway System or the 1960’s space program, projects with a huge scope cannot be left to the private sector. To do so is to be left in the dust, as China has formed 16 separate companies with the focus and objective to rid themselves of dependence on foreign oil.
We are behind in this race. The country that leads the revolution to an energy alternative to oil will lead the world for decades to come. There is no limit to the investment boundaries that make this unattractive. As the space program became the catalyst for an explosion in technology development for consumer markets, so too will this endeavor. Right now, China has the mentality of the Manhattan Project, where the development of the atomic bomb during WWII became a race against time. There was no limit to the government’s commitment then—and China is committed to controlling the world’s energy future. Will the U.S. allow this—or will we summon up the will to focus like a laser beam here and get it done first?
10) SECURITY BEGINS AT HOME—We need to invest some of the billions being squandered daily overseas here in the U.S.---devising comprehensive strategies to protect our electrical grid, our water supplies and our mass transportation systems (beyond just airlines)
11) MANUFACTURING RESURGANCE-- Many American manufacturing jobs
sailed overseas due to the cheap labor available in other countries. In a global
marketplace, most economists will say it adequately creates efficiencies.
Unfortunately, economists tend to ignore the political realities of prospective
enemies. During WWII, our victory hinged on being able to quickly retool the
vast American manufacturing machine to produce the tools of war. What happens
when we import the bulk of our steel, say, from a country that will end up going
to war with?
Therefore, it is a matter of national security to maintain a manufacturing base. Jobs are created and maintained—and we are not vulnerable in the event of war. Hell, the government pays farmers NOT to grow crops in order to keep global prices stabilized. Dollar for dollar, subsidizing critical manufacturing processes makes a lot more sense.
12) PUBLIC HEALTH OPTION---I know this won’t be popular with the free market capitalists, but there is nothing in the healthcare marketplace that even resembles free market capitalism. Most people—if they are covered at all—are at the mercy of their employer’s healthcare plan and the medical community is not known for efficiencies of cost. After all, their plush offices, facilities and procedures are borne by you and me, no?
I was all for the overhaul that President Obama accomplished—with one
GLARING exception: to NOT have a public option delivered at cost or modest
profit (to keep health insurance companies solvent) allows these same health
insurance firms to charge exorbitant premiums. Covering everyone, including
those with pre-existing conditions and young people at an extended age under
their parent’s policy is a positive thing. To have ZERO cost control is crazy.
13) COLLEGE TUITION COMPLETELY TAX DEDUCTABLE- Paying for
higher education is like purchasing a Lexus yearly (maybe two or three, depending on the number of kids) There is no greater investment than in the education of our young people. Those with no assets get need-based scholarship help. Those who are wealthy don’t need it. The middle class gets hammered.
OK, that’s enough for one year. The government saves billions daily, invests it wisely and we see a resurgence in jobs and economic opportunity. College education becomes affordable, as does health care. The deficit gets reduced and the economy booms.
Has common sense vanished?
Strict capitalism unfettered is as bad as it’s evil opposite—government control of everything. The plain and simple fact is that we are moving towards social democracy, where the public and private sectors each participate in the structure of capitalism—the private sector providing the capital and jobs—and the public sector there to prevent abuses and to be the advocate for the least fortunate in our society. It’s a ying-yang dynamic, but one where each side at least VALUES the role of the other. I’m afraid that today’s political climate has created “sides” that detest the very existence of the other.
This short-sided stupidity is the reason for the current vacuum of leadership.
At times like this, a benevolent dictatorship sounds like a good idea---and that in itself is scary.
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Leslie Nielsen--Funny By Accident!
The world lost a true comedic genius this week, as Leslie Nielsen passed away from complications of pneumonia at the age of 84.
Saint Peter may be having trouble unlocking the Pearly Gates to let him in—as his hand is probably shaking too hard from laughter.
Deadpan lines, often corny or absurd, delivered from a face that was determined to be a serious dramatic actor—and yet it was this quality, this paradox of appearance that made Leslie Nielsen a complete hoot.
Born in Canada, Nielsen made his initial mark on TV in what was known as “Television’s Golden Age”—appearing in many dramatic roles. Cast alongside the likes of Debbie Reynolds and Anne Francis, he was a handsome romantic lead actor who landed a long-term deal with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
Despite moderate success with these roles, it was his supporting role in the disaster spoof “Airplane!” in 1980 that became the turning point in his career. Nielsen was cast alongside other dramtic actors on purpose. Peter Graves, Lloyd Bridges and Robert Stack all abandoned their serious “images” to star in this hilarious film, loaded with puns and absurd banter.
Leslie Nielsen’s career had found a new direction! After “Airplane!”, the “Naked Gun” series of movies (based on the short-lived “Police Squad” TV series) cemented his star power. Slapstick comedy and an unintentional comic career direction gave double meaning to the title of this blog: Funny By Accident!
Here is a montage of clips from some movies in which Nielsen appeared---some of the other players are portrayed here—but it is 100% funny:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcKJdmXbBBc
Leslie Nielsen appeared in over 100 films and 1,500 TV programs, playing over 220 characters.
Characters they were, every one. Rest in peace, Leslie Nielsen!
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Saint Peter may be having trouble unlocking the Pearly Gates to let him in—as his hand is probably shaking too hard from laughter.
Deadpan lines, often corny or absurd, delivered from a face that was determined to be a serious dramatic actor—and yet it was this quality, this paradox of appearance that made Leslie Nielsen a complete hoot.
Born in Canada, Nielsen made his initial mark on TV in what was known as “Television’s Golden Age”—appearing in many dramatic roles. Cast alongside the likes of Debbie Reynolds and Anne Francis, he was a handsome romantic lead actor who landed a long-term deal with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
Despite moderate success with these roles, it was his supporting role in the disaster spoof “Airplane!” in 1980 that became the turning point in his career. Nielsen was cast alongside other dramtic actors on purpose. Peter Graves, Lloyd Bridges and Robert Stack all abandoned their serious “images” to star in this hilarious film, loaded with puns and absurd banter.
Leslie Nielsen’s career had found a new direction! After “Airplane!”, the “Naked Gun” series of movies (based on the short-lived “Police Squad” TV series) cemented his star power. Slapstick comedy and an unintentional comic career direction gave double meaning to the title of this blog: Funny By Accident!
Here is a montage of clips from some movies in which Nielsen appeared---some of the other players are portrayed here—but it is 100% funny:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcKJdmXbBBc
Leslie Nielsen appeared in over 100 films and 1,500 TV programs, playing over 220 characters.
Characters they were, every one. Rest in peace, Leslie Nielsen!
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Corvair---"Unsafe At Any Speed"
THE FOLLOWING IS AN UPDATED ENCORE TIM MOORE BLOG:
As a teenager, I worked for my Dad one summer, at the Highway Users Federation For Safety And Mobility (say THAT three times fast!)-mostly in the mailroom.
The offices at 1776 Massachusetts Avenue in Washington were frequented by one Ralph Nader, back when he was known more as a consumer advocate than as a politician. We’re talking about 1974-75.
All I remember was a disheveled man in a crumpled suit who would stick his nose into the mailroom from time to time. I had to ask my co-workers who he was. Meeting him was not a thrill, but rather a curiosity.
Although I have to say that I believe Nader is a “space shot” (waaaay beyond the moon) politically, one has to admire his tenacity to successfully attack General Motors, at the time THE most powerful corporation in America.
It was on this date in 1965 that Ralph Nader’s book “Unsafe At Any Speed” was published. The book, which mercilessly attacked GM and the Corvair, citing numerous examples of safety concerns, including items like the STEERING WHEEL COMING OFF WHILE DRIVING (most likely an inconvenience for both the driver and anyone unfortunate enough to be a passenger at the time)—became an instant bestseller. It also prompted the passage of The National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act a year later.
The truth hurts sometimes—and the truth in this era was that many Americans were dying on the country’s roadways. In 1956, nearly 40,000 Americans died in traffic accidents—and the numbers kept creeping upward. Those who cared about safety could seek out---and pay extra for—a Ford car with seatbelts and padded dashboard. Only 2 percent of Ford buyers opted for the $27 seatbelt option.
GM’s initial response to the scathing book was to discredit Nader himself-hiring private investigators to follow him and dig up dirt. Unfortunately for GM, what they found was a workaholic who didn’t drink, smoke or chase women. Nader made a name for himself with the publication of that book-and consumers still owe him a debt of gratitude.
Here is a TV commercial for a 1965 Corvair-enjoy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59voKreB2j8
The irony is that these cars, soon the butt of jokes following the expose’, ended up becoming collectors items as their scarcity made them valuable following GM’s wise decision to cease production.
A sense of social responsibility should exist in the corporate boardrooms of America. Unfortunately, the primary motive is greed—often at the expense of the safety of consumers. No one would advocate excessive government regulation, but those who are critical of the bureaucracy should at least understand that both laws and entire agencies exist as a direct outcome of the abuse of capitalistic freedom by companies who allow the gleam of profits to blind them to the obligation to build and sell SAFE products to their customers.
The story of Ralph Nader—at least in this instance is that ONE person can make a difference.
This one did.
If you’d like my blog in your daily inbox, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
As a teenager, I worked for my Dad one summer, at the Highway Users Federation For Safety And Mobility (say THAT three times fast!)-mostly in the mailroom.
The offices at 1776 Massachusetts Avenue in Washington were frequented by one Ralph Nader, back when he was known more as a consumer advocate than as a politician. We’re talking about 1974-75.
All I remember was a disheveled man in a crumpled suit who would stick his nose into the mailroom from time to time. I had to ask my co-workers who he was. Meeting him was not a thrill, but rather a curiosity.
Although I have to say that I believe Nader is a “space shot” (waaaay beyond the moon) politically, one has to admire his tenacity to successfully attack General Motors, at the time THE most powerful corporation in America.
It was on this date in 1965 that Ralph Nader’s book “Unsafe At Any Speed” was published. The book, which mercilessly attacked GM and the Corvair, citing numerous examples of safety concerns, including items like the STEERING WHEEL COMING OFF WHILE DRIVING (most likely an inconvenience for both the driver and anyone unfortunate enough to be a passenger at the time)—became an instant bestseller. It also prompted the passage of The National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act a year later.
The truth hurts sometimes—and the truth in this era was that many Americans were dying on the country’s roadways. In 1956, nearly 40,000 Americans died in traffic accidents—and the numbers kept creeping upward. Those who cared about safety could seek out---and pay extra for—a Ford car with seatbelts and padded dashboard. Only 2 percent of Ford buyers opted for the $27 seatbelt option.
GM’s initial response to the scathing book was to discredit Nader himself-hiring private investigators to follow him and dig up dirt. Unfortunately for GM, what they found was a workaholic who didn’t drink, smoke or chase women. Nader made a name for himself with the publication of that book-and consumers still owe him a debt of gratitude.
Here is a TV commercial for a 1965 Corvair-enjoy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59voKreB2j8
The irony is that these cars, soon the butt of jokes following the expose’, ended up becoming collectors items as their scarcity made them valuable following GM’s wise decision to cease production.
A sense of social responsibility should exist in the corporate boardrooms of America. Unfortunately, the primary motive is greed—often at the expense of the safety of consumers. No one would advocate excessive government regulation, but those who are critical of the bureaucracy should at least understand that both laws and entire agencies exist as a direct outcome of the abuse of capitalistic freedom by companies who allow the gleam of profits to blind them to the obligation to build and sell SAFE products to their customers.
The story of Ralph Nader—at least in this instance is that ONE person can make a difference.
This one did.
If you’d like my blog in your daily inbox, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Monday, November 29, 2010
The Case For Christmas Music
Every year we do it.
Every year, we get both complaints and compliments.
“It” is flipping to an “all Christmas music” format from Thanksgiving through Christmas Day.
When first attempted about 6 years ago, it was novel, a bit daring---and very controversial. We received A LOT of complaints—and braced ourselves for a big drop in audience as a result.
And then a funny thing happened.
The ratings went up. A lot.
Since then, several competitors across New England have copied the strategy, although 94.9 WHOM remains the dominant station for the holiday tunes. The complaints have gone WAY down—and people start asking about when we’ll be going “all Christmas” starting in late October.
We still do get some complaints—most focused around the following points:
1) Why do you start on Thanksgiving Day?
We used to start the day after, but to many people, Thanksgiving Day is the traditional start of the Christmas season. It’s not a Turkey that rides last in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. It’s Santa Claus. Since we also play generic “holiday” songs, like Kenny Loggins’ “Celebrate Me Home”, it could be argued that we are not at all “disrespecting” Thanksgiving or overlooking it. Since the only “Thanksgiving song” I know of is by Adam Sandler (and WHOM doesn’t play it), I would state that an all-holiday format is way more appropriate than our regular format. In the past, we did make the mistake of going too early (the week of Thanksgiving)—and you let us know about it! That said, there were radio stations playing all-holiday music at the start of November. (I’m not kidding!) If you’ll notice, most retail stores are fully decorated for Christmas immediately after Halloween.
2) Why ALL Christmas? Why not “sprinkle them in”?
That’s the way we used to do it. From one song an hour, gradually working up to all Christmas by the couple of days before the 25th. The audience drove this one, preferring 100% commitment. It was this research which made 94.9 WHOM take the plunge the first time.
3) Why not more “religious” songs in the mix?
Hey, it’s not our fault that “Dominic The Donkey” is our #1 request! While we do play the religious titles like “Joy To The World” and “Oh Holy Night”, we have ample evidence to suggest that they must coexist with a heavy dose of “Rockin’ Around The Xmas Tree” and “Jingle Bells”. As we get closer to the Christmas Day, the percentage of the religious versus “secular” songs goes up, particularly when we program our commercial-free “Home For The Holidays”—36 hours of nonstop Christmas music from noon on 12/24 through the 25th.
4) Why do you STOP at midnight on the 25th?
Good question. Many people think we should play holiday music through New Years Day, but since most songs are about Christmas specifically—and since a lot of people are tired of the holiday tunes after a month, we have made the decision to stop then.
5) What about the audience that HATES Christmas music?
This is the hardest part. Even though we know the audience growth is without question much higher during the all-Christmas format, we also know that it is definitely NOT for everyone. That said, we get a few—“we’ll be back on the 26th!” e-mails. I totally respect that—and in the future, we hope to have a “non-holiday” stream up at www.949whom.com for those who would choose to listen online to our regular format.
6) What is your stance on “Christmas” versus “holiday”?
As you can see from above (and on the air as well), we use both interchangeably. There are some stations that go all Christmas—and are deathly afraid to say “Christmas” on the air for fear of alienating someone. Here at 94.9 WHOM, we are not at all “politically correct” as far as that is concerned. There are some songs that are truly “Christmas” tunes (“I’ll Be Home For Christmas”, “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”) and those that are merely “holiday” tunes ( “Winter Wonderland”, “Sleigh Ride”, etc) We use both terms.
7) Why do you play the SAME songs over and over again?
This is a common complaint for all music stations all year long. Oddly enough, the audience is driving this one too. Study after study, huge auditorium tests where parts of hundreds of songs are played for thousands of people have yielded the same results, no matter which city they are performed.
Namely, the audience wants the hits. We play several versions of “The Christmas Song” for example, but the most popular version BY FAR is the original by Nat King Cole. A local band doing their version (usually badly produced) of the same song is bewildered when I tell them I won’t air their song. Why? The audience is telling me something totally different. Listening to the audience and giving them what they want is my one and only mission.
Nothing says “BAD MUSIC” like the holiday season. I personally get inundated with CDs from all over the country—from major acts to local singer/songwriters—all of whom believe they’ve penned and performed the next “White Christmas”. Frankly, much of it is horrible.
There are a few (and I will admit very few) that rise above the others. The Windham Chamber Singers debut Christmas CD years ago is unbelievably good. Top notch performances and production/sound quality that stands up to anything coming out of a major label recording studio. From New Hampshire, The McClenathans original “This Christmas Eve” is a winner—and we get requests for this song. There are others, local, regional and national—and we add many new songs each year. An original title stands a better chance of “making it” than someone’s cover of a Christmas classic.
OK, that’s about it….
This blog was meant to be an “idea starter” for the format, which is constantly evolving and being updated. New songs are on this year, from major stars like Mariah Carey, Josh Groban, Susan Boyle and others. There may also be a new “local” song that gets a few spins as well.
We are gratified at the ongoing positive feedback we have received—and if you’ve been on the opposite end of the spectrum, we appreciate your honest criticism.
Here’s hoping that you have a wonderful Holiday season.
Merry Christmas!
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Every year, we get both complaints and compliments.
“It” is flipping to an “all Christmas music” format from Thanksgiving through Christmas Day.
When first attempted about 6 years ago, it was novel, a bit daring---and very controversial. We received A LOT of complaints—and braced ourselves for a big drop in audience as a result.
And then a funny thing happened.
The ratings went up. A lot.
Since then, several competitors across New England have copied the strategy, although 94.9 WHOM remains the dominant station for the holiday tunes. The complaints have gone WAY down—and people start asking about when we’ll be going “all Christmas” starting in late October.
We still do get some complaints—most focused around the following points:
1) Why do you start on Thanksgiving Day?
We used to start the day after, but to many people, Thanksgiving Day is the traditional start of the Christmas season. It’s not a Turkey that rides last in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. It’s Santa Claus. Since we also play generic “holiday” songs, like Kenny Loggins’ “Celebrate Me Home”, it could be argued that we are not at all “disrespecting” Thanksgiving or overlooking it. Since the only “Thanksgiving song” I know of is by Adam Sandler (and WHOM doesn’t play it), I would state that an all-holiday format is way more appropriate than our regular format. In the past, we did make the mistake of going too early (the week of Thanksgiving)—and you let us know about it! That said, there were radio stations playing all-holiday music at the start of November. (I’m not kidding!) If you’ll notice, most retail stores are fully decorated for Christmas immediately after Halloween.
2) Why ALL Christmas? Why not “sprinkle them in”?
That’s the way we used to do it. From one song an hour, gradually working up to all Christmas by the couple of days before the 25th. The audience drove this one, preferring 100% commitment. It was this research which made 94.9 WHOM take the plunge the first time.
3) Why not more “religious” songs in the mix?
Hey, it’s not our fault that “Dominic The Donkey” is our #1 request! While we do play the religious titles like “Joy To The World” and “Oh Holy Night”, we have ample evidence to suggest that they must coexist with a heavy dose of “Rockin’ Around The Xmas Tree” and “Jingle Bells”. As we get closer to the Christmas Day, the percentage of the religious versus “secular” songs goes up, particularly when we program our commercial-free “Home For The Holidays”—36 hours of nonstop Christmas music from noon on 12/24 through the 25th.
4) Why do you STOP at midnight on the 25th?
Good question. Many people think we should play holiday music through New Years Day, but since most songs are about Christmas specifically—and since a lot of people are tired of the holiday tunes after a month, we have made the decision to stop then.
5) What about the audience that HATES Christmas music?
This is the hardest part. Even though we know the audience growth is without question much higher during the all-Christmas format, we also know that it is definitely NOT for everyone. That said, we get a few—“we’ll be back on the 26th!” e-mails. I totally respect that—and in the future, we hope to have a “non-holiday” stream up at www.949whom.com for those who would choose to listen online to our regular format.
6) What is your stance on “Christmas” versus “holiday”?
As you can see from above (and on the air as well), we use both interchangeably. There are some stations that go all Christmas—and are deathly afraid to say “Christmas” on the air for fear of alienating someone. Here at 94.9 WHOM, we are not at all “politically correct” as far as that is concerned. There are some songs that are truly “Christmas” tunes (“I’ll Be Home For Christmas”, “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”) and those that are merely “holiday” tunes ( “Winter Wonderland”, “Sleigh Ride”, etc) We use both terms.
7) Why do you play the SAME songs over and over again?
This is a common complaint for all music stations all year long. Oddly enough, the audience is driving this one too. Study after study, huge auditorium tests where parts of hundreds of songs are played for thousands of people have yielded the same results, no matter which city they are performed.
Namely, the audience wants the hits. We play several versions of “The Christmas Song” for example, but the most popular version BY FAR is the original by Nat King Cole. A local band doing their version (usually badly produced) of the same song is bewildered when I tell them I won’t air their song. Why? The audience is telling me something totally different. Listening to the audience and giving them what they want is my one and only mission.
Nothing says “BAD MUSIC” like the holiday season. I personally get inundated with CDs from all over the country—from major acts to local singer/songwriters—all of whom believe they’ve penned and performed the next “White Christmas”. Frankly, much of it is horrible.
There are a few (and I will admit very few) that rise above the others. The Windham Chamber Singers debut Christmas CD years ago is unbelievably good. Top notch performances and production/sound quality that stands up to anything coming out of a major label recording studio. From New Hampshire, The McClenathans original “This Christmas Eve” is a winner—and we get requests for this song. There are others, local, regional and national—and we add many new songs each year. An original title stands a better chance of “making it” than someone’s cover of a Christmas classic.
OK, that’s about it….
This blog was meant to be an “idea starter” for the format, which is constantly evolving and being updated. New songs are on this year, from major stars like Mariah Carey, Josh Groban, Susan Boyle and others. There may also be a new “local” song that gets a few spins as well.
We are gratified at the ongoing positive feedback we have received—and if you’ve been on the opposite end of the spectrum, we appreciate your honest criticism.
Here’s hoping that you have a wonderful Holiday season.
Merry Christmas!
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Ringo's "Photograph" Hits #1
What was I thinking?
Back in the late 90’s, I had a chance to meet Ringo Starr at some radio convention in Los Angeles---and I passed.
The once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet a Beatle in the flesh—and something else (I can’t even remember what) took its place. Had the meet & greet been with Paul McCartney or even George Harrison, I’m sure that I would have been right there.
And that about sums up Ringo—a measured drop in comparative stature---with no logical reason to back it up. The Beatle who never got respect was nonetheless an integral part of the Fab Four.
It was on this date in 1973 that his solo hit “Photograph” hit #1 on the Pop charts, becoming the third former Beatle to reach the top.
The most humble of the four, he characterized his inclusion as being “just happy to be here”. When he replaced Pete Best as drummer in 1962, it was not a popular move—as the handsome Best had a bevy of fans, mostly young women (shocker!). Rumors that McCartney and Lennon were jealous of Best may have been true, but one thing is for sure.
Ringo was a better drummer.
Further, his quiet personality and deflection of attention endeared him to a legion of fans-and added depth to the collective personality of a band whose every nuance was to become public knowledge.
Here’s a short video of “Photograph” featuring photos of Ringo through the years:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MubU8qHutY
While Ringo would never claim to be the most popular of the Beatles (he wasn’t), it seems to be quite factual to say that within the group itself, he WAS the most popular. Despite the acrimonious breakup of the band, Ringo managed to maintain a very friendly relationship with all three of his band mates. This was evidenced by the fact that his solo effort “Ringo” in 1973 is the only solo album in which all three former Beatles made a contribution.
That album gave Ringo two #1 hits, “Photograph” (co-written by George, who also performed background vocals) and “You’re Sixteen” (featuring background vocals by Paul).
The former Richard Starkey, beginning life as a lower-middle class lad from Liverpool---did OK for himself in the end—and undoubtedly deserves more respect and credit for the success of the Beatles than he has been given thus far.
If you’d like my blog in your box, let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Back in the late 90’s, I had a chance to meet Ringo Starr at some radio convention in Los Angeles---and I passed.
The once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet a Beatle in the flesh—and something else (I can’t even remember what) took its place. Had the meet & greet been with Paul McCartney or even George Harrison, I’m sure that I would have been right there.
And that about sums up Ringo—a measured drop in comparative stature---with no logical reason to back it up. The Beatle who never got respect was nonetheless an integral part of the Fab Four.
It was on this date in 1973 that his solo hit “Photograph” hit #1 on the Pop charts, becoming the third former Beatle to reach the top.
The most humble of the four, he characterized his inclusion as being “just happy to be here”. When he replaced Pete Best as drummer in 1962, it was not a popular move—as the handsome Best had a bevy of fans, mostly young women (shocker!). Rumors that McCartney and Lennon were jealous of Best may have been true, but one thing is for sure.
Ringo was a better drummer.
Further, his quiet personality and deflection of attention endeared him to a legion of fans-and added depth to the collective personality of a band whose every nuance was to become public knowledge.
Here’s a short video of “Photograph” featuring photos of Ringo through the years:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MubU8qHutY
While Ringo would never claim to be the most popular of the Beatles (he wasn’t), it seems to be quite factual to say that within the group itself, he WAS the most popular. Despite the acrimonious breakup of the band, Ringo managed to maintain a very friendly relationship with all three of his band mates. This was evidenced by the fact that his solo effort “Ringo” in 1973 is the only solo album in which all three former Beatles made a contribution.
That album gave Ringo two #1 hits, “Photograph” (co-written by George, who also performed background vocals) and “You’re Sixteen” (featuring background vocals by Paul).
The former Richard Starkey, beginning life as a lower-middle class lad from Liverpool---did OK for himself in the end—and undoubtedly deserves more respect and credit for the success of the Beatles than he has been given thus far.
If you’d like my blog in your box, let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Go Ahead And Grope Me
How soon we forget.
In the immediate aftermath of the 2001 terrorist attack, my guess is that the majority of Americans would proudly walk naked onto an airplane rather than risk being a passenger on a flight commandeered by murderers.
Fast-forward nine years and now the furor is over the body scanners and TSA personnel pat-downs that violate our “rights”. What is meant to protect us is now the fodder for late-night talk show jokes , YouTube videos and blogosphere hysteria.
America, get over it.
First of all, you don’t have a “right” to fly commercial airlines. If you are offended, embarrassed or feel violated by the screening procedures, then go ahead and drive. This country cannot simultaneously protect us and keep intact all intrusions of our person. Frankly, I’m more concerned about the safety of the machines themselves. If there is even a hint of radiation dangers, then I propose that we suspend their use immediately. As you can see, my opposition has nothing to do with our “rights”.
The minute that someone boards a plane with a bomb in his or her sneakers or in their UNDERWEAR, the game has changed.
Here’s the “don’t touch my junk” cellphone video that has caused much of the stir:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3lbnSLalWQ&feature=related
I can understand the man’s position—as he seemed cooperative—until his one statement caused TSA officials to withhold his progression through the security check. Made as a threat, this passenger made the mistake of not choosing his words carefully in what is a tense situation for everyone involved.
That said, I am not entirely pleased with the current TSA screening procedures or the political correctness that goes hand-in-hand with them. Were I in charge of TSA security, I would institute the following procedures:
1) EVERYONE gets a pat-down and a once over with a wand. No more charges of “profiling” please—although that’s not my reason. It is a plain and simple fact that virtually all terrorist attacks both in the U.S. and abroad have been perpetrated by young men of Middle East descent. To avoid checking out EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM out of concerns for profiling is INSANITY. Passing over a Middle-Eastern man to scan a nun or elderly woman is ludicrous. I advocate that everyone go through the exact same procedure—with more extensive and thorough examination for individuals who either fit the “terrorist profile” (a factual reality) or are deemed suspicious based on their behavior.
2) KEEP THE SHOES ON. If everyone gets the once-over, it will take longer, but a hand-held scanning device can reduce the delay by allowing passengers to leave their shoes—and for that matter, jackets and sweaters on.
3) PASSPORTS FOR ALL- Everyone needs one to get on a plane—and travel history is displayed to detect unusual activity, destinations or one-way extended stays.
4) MARSHALL ON EVERY FLIGHT- Expensive? Maybe, but I see enough idle TSA employees to shift the cost to highly trained and armed U.S. Marshals, whose mere presence would be a deterrent.
5) FAILSAFE COCKPIT LOCKOUT—Useless if the objective is to simply blow up the plane, but a lockout mechanism that prevents a terrorist from gaining access to the cockpit would ensure that no airliner could be used in the manner that destroyed the World Trade Center and damaged the Pentagon on 9/11/2001
6) LOSE THE BAGGIE- Let the x-ray machine see the bottles packed and if there is suspicion over any of it, a more detailed examination can result. There is nothing magical about 4 oz. More goods have been trashed unnecessarily (and time wasted) by passengers trying to board with 8oz of highly dangerous SHAMPOO. Just as the specs for pen-knives have relaxed, this too should go away.
Not all-inclusive, but a start.
I want to fly safe. I want my family to be safe. This desire trumps my inclination to avoid a pat-down.
Feel me up.
Just get me there in one piece.
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
In the immediate aftermath of the 2001 terrorist attack, my guess is that the majority of Americans would proudly walk naked onto an airplane rather than risk being a passenger on a flight commandeered by murderers.
Fast-forward nine years and now the furor is over the body scanners and TSA personnel pat-downs that violate our “rights”. What is meant to protect us is now the fodder for late-night talk show jokes , YouTube videos and blogosphere hysteria.
America, get over it.
First of all, you don’t have a “right” to fly commercial airlines. If you are offended, embarrassed or feel violated by the screening procedures, then go ahead and drive. This country cannot simultaneously protect us and keep intact all intrusions of our person. Frankly, I’m more concerned about the safety of the machines themselves. If there is even a hint of radiation dangers, then I propose that we suspend their use immediately. As you can see, my opposition has nothing to do with our “rights”.
The minute that someone boards a plane with a bomb in his or her sneakers or in their UNDERWEAR, the game has changed.
Here’s the “don’t touch my junk” cellphone video that has caused much of the stir:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3lbnSLalWQ&feature=related
I can understand the man’s position—as he seemed cooperative—until his one statement caused TSA officials to withhold his progression through the security check. Made as a threat, this passenger made the mistake of not choosing his words carefully in what is a tense situation for everyone involved.
That said, I am not entirely pleased with the current TSA screening procedures or the political correctness that goes hand-in-hand with them. Were I in charge of TSA security, I would institute the following procedures:
1) EVERYONE gets a pat-down and a once over with a wand. No more charges of “profiling” please—although that’s not my reason. It is a plain and simple fact that virtually all terrorist attacks both in the U.S. and abroad have been perpetrated by young men of Middle East descent. To avoid checking out EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM out of concerns for profiling is INSANITY. Passing over a Middle-Eastern man to scan a nun or elderly woman is ludicrous. I advocate that everyone go through the exact same procedure—with more extensive and thorough examination for individuals who either fit the “terrorist profile” (a factual reality) or are deemed suspicious based on their behavior.
2) KEEP THE SHOES ON. If everyone gets the once-over, it will take longer, but a hand-held scanning device can reduce the delay by allowing passengers to leave their shoes—and for that matter, jackets and sweaters on.
3) PASSPORTS FOR ALL- Everyone needs one to get on a plane—and travel history is displayed to detect unusual activity, destinations or one-way extended stays.
4) MARSHALL ON EVERY FLIGHT- Expensive? Maybe, but I see enough idle TSA employees to shift the cost to highly trained and armed U.S. Marshals, whose mere presence would be a deterrent.
5) FAILSAFE COCKPIT LOCKOUT—Useless if the objective is to simply blow up the plane, but a lockout mechanism that prevents a terrorist from gaining access to the cockpit would ensure that no airliner could be used in the manner that destroyed the World Trade Center and damaged the Pentagon on 9/11/2001
6) LOSE THE BAGGIE- Let the x-ray machine see the bottles packed and if there is suspicion over any of it, a more detailed examination can result. There is nothing magical about 4 oz. More goods have been trashed unnecessarily (and time wasted) by passengers trying to board with 8oz of highly dangerous SHAMPOO. Just as the specs for pen-knives have relaxed, this too should go away.
Not all-inclusive, but a start.
I want to fly safe. I want my family to be safe. This desire trumps my inclination to avoid a pat-down.
Feel me up.
Just get me there in one piece.
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Monday, November 22, 2010
The Kennedy Assassination--A Different Perspective
THIS IS AN UPDATED ENCORE TIM MOORE BLOG.
I defer to Oprah Winfrey the power to recommend a book and have it LEAP to the top of the best seller list.
I’ll just recommend a book I found fascinating—and let you decide whether or not you’d like to read it.
It’s called “Brothers: The Hidden History Of The Kennedy Years” by David Talbot. It’s been out for a few years—and I picked it up in a bargain bin, but this former New York Times Bestseller is painstakingly researched—and reads much like a mystery thriller.
Today is the anniversary of JFK’s assassination in Dallas in 1963. Forty-seven years have done little to diminish the investigation of that fateful day—with the basic premise being that a lone gunman, acting alone was a false conclusion of the evidence.
Less than 2 days later, Lee Harvey Oswald was himself gunned down by Jack Ruby in Dallas. This murder was shown on nationwide live TV-here is some rare footage from a perspective not often seen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLF9_Hp-IyY
The murder of Oswald only confirmed what many believed at the time—and others have come to believe—namely, that President Kennedy’s assassination was a conspiracy. Jack Ruby’s role was to silence the killer of record, even though it appears he was not acting alone. An official report from The Warren Commission has done nothing to quiet the feeling among many that the “lone gunman” theory has not sufficiently been proven.
I won’t give away the conclusions of the book---and author Talbot does have some riveting evidence as to the likely individuals he believes were involved.
It is simply the PREMISE of the book that fueled my interest. Namely, since Robert F. Kennedy was the nation’s top law enforcement officer in his capacity as Attorney General, why didn’t HE lead an exhaustive investigation?
A valid question, no? After all, the President was his brother, his closest ally and his hero all rolled into one. Why didn’t RFK pursue the real story?
The reason is simple—and terrifying. RFK did indeed conduct his own investigation, but flew it “under the radar” because he knew that officials in his slain brothers government were behind the murder. To overtly seek the truth would be futile—and fatal—as the younger Kennedy eventually found out. Kennedy and his closest aides have left a long trail of evidence gathered without arousing the suspicion of those within the U.S. Government, particularly the CIA who had their hands dirty in the scheme.
“Brothers” is the story of the relationship between JFK and RFK—and the SECRET investigation orchestrated by Robert in the years following that fateful day in Dallas. If you are a history buff, you will love it. If you are a Kennedy conspiracy believer, you will also be enthralled, although there is little discussion of the “grassy knoll”, multiple shooters and such.
Motive from the highest echelons of government and the means to carry out covert operations drive this true-life tale of treachery against our own President. The fact that more has not been leaked since that November day 46 years ago is testament to the code of silence employed by the two groups most likely to have joined forces-the mob and the Central Intelligence Agency.
Kennedy’s (and virtually any President’s) inability to control forces within their own government is a threat to our democracy. In retrospect, we can look at the Cuban situation through the lens of history—and relative harmlessness. In the early 60’s however, President Kennedy’s unwillingness to send in U.S. forces to support the Bay of Pigs invasion—set the course for events that would eventually turn many in his own administration against him—and in a deadly way.
Some will argue that the nation needed the band-aid of a closed case-and a single shooter, the conclusion of the Warren Commission—in order to move on. Unfortunately, this cover-up only emboldened those who disagreed with the democratically elected leaders to commit treason and take matters into their own hands.
If the truth will set you free, then we are still being held hostage to a lie—“Brothers” is a necessary step toward that journey to full disclosure that democracy demands.
If you’d like my blog in your weekday box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
I defer to Oprah Winfrey the power to recommend a book and have it LEAP to the top of the best seller list.
I’ll just recommend a book I found fascinating—and let you decide whether or not you’d like to read it.
It’s called “Brothers: The Hidden History Of The Kennedy Years” by David Talbot. It’s been out for a few years—and I picked it up in a bargain bin, but this former New York Times Bestseller is painstakingly researched—and reads much like a mystery thriller.
Today is the anniversary of JFK’s assassination in Dallas in 1963. Forty-seven years have done little to diminish the investigation of that fateful day—with the basic premise being that a lone gunman, acting alone was a false conclusion of the evidence.
Less than 2 days later, Lee Harvey Oswald was himself gunned down by Jack Ruby in Dallas. This murder was shown on nationwide live TV-here is some rare footage from a perspective not often seen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLF9_Hp-IyY
The murder of Oswald only confirmed what many believed at the time—and others have come to believe—namely, that President Kennedy’s assassination was a conspiracy. Jack Ruby’s role was to silence the killer of record, even though it appears he was not acting alone. An official report from The Warren Commission has done nothing to quiet the feeling among many that the “lone gunman” theory has not sufficiently been proven.
I won’t give away the conclusions of the book---and author Talbot does have some riveting evidence as to the likely individuals he believes were involved.
It is simply the PREMISE of the book that fueled my interest. Namely, since Robert F. Kennedy was the nation’s top law enforcement officer in his capacity as Attorney General, why didn’t HE lead an exhaustive investigation?
A valid question, no? After all, the President was his brother, his closest ally and his hero all rolled into one. Why didn’t RFK pursue the real story?
The reason is simple—and terrifying. RFK did indeed conduct his own investigation, but flew it “under the radar” because he knew that officials in his slain brothers government were behind the murder. To overtly seek the truth would be futile—and fatal—as the younger Kennedy eventually found out. Kennedy and his closest aides have left a long trail of evidence gathered without arousing the suspicion of those within the U.S. Government, particularly the CIA who had their hands dirty in the scheme.
“Brothers” is the story of the relationship between JFK and RFK—and the SECRET investigation orchestrated by Robert in the years following that fateful day in Dallas. If you are a history buff, you will love it. If you are a Kennedy conspiracy believer, you will also be enthralled, although there is little discussion of the “grassy knoll”, multiple shooters and such.
Motive from the highest echelons of government and the means to carry out covert operations drive this true-life tale of treachery against our own President. The fact that more has not been leaked since that November day 46 years ago is testament to the code of silence employed by the two groups most likely to have joined forces-the mob and the Central Intelligence Agency.
Kennedy’s (and virtually any President’s) inability to control forces within their own government is a threat to our democracy. In retrospect, we can look at the Cuban situation through the lens of history—and relative harmlessness. In the early 60’s however, President Kennedy’s unwillingness to send in U.S. forces to support the Bay of Pigs invasion—set the course for events that would eventually turn many in his own administration against him—and in a deadly way.
Some will argue that the nation needed the band-aid of a closed case-and a single shooter, the conclusion of the Warren Commission—in order to move on. Unfortunately, this cover-up only emboldened those who disagreed with the democratically elected leaders to commit treason and take matters into their own hands.
If the truth will set you free, then we are still being held hostage to a lie—“Brothers” is a necessary step toward that journey to full disclosure that democracy demands.
If you’d like my blog in your weekday box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Friday, November 19, 2010
Tommy Boy---Funniest Movie Ever??
Those who know me are aware that I’m a huge Chris Farley fan (may he rest in peace!)—and know of my affection for the movie, “Tommy Boy”, which came out in 1995.
Together with David Spade, Rob Lowe, Dan Akroyd, Bo Derek and others, it was-and is a nonstop laugh fest. In fact, I cannot think of any other movie during which I laughed so hard—or—the litmus test of cinema---one from which I quote the funny lines more often.
Is it stupid?
Yes.
Is it infantile?
Yes.
Is it hilarious nevertheless?
Hell, yes!
It’s difficult to rank ONE film above all others. Also in my top ten are: “Blazing Saddles”, “Trains, Planes and Automobiles” and “Black Sheep” (another Farley-Spade partnership)
And yet, I am astounded at the number of people who HAVEN’T seen this film yet! Fifteen years after the fact, there are many people who still need to be indoctrinated!
Below is the official movie trailer—and also a bootleg copy of one of the funniest scenes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-xFypjUqTM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiTIqLuOmjA&feature=related
Damn, he was a mess---and a comic genius as well.
If you’re looking for more than an occasional chuckle, rent “Tommy Boy” this weekend. I’ve often said that I’d pay anyone $100 if they could sit through this film in its entirety without laughing out loud at least ONCE.
It cannot be done.
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Together with David Spade, Rob Lowe, Dan Akroyd, Bo Derek and others, it was-and is a nonstop laugh fest. In fact, I cannot think of any other movie during which I laughed so hard—or—the litmus test of cinema---one from which I quote the funny lines more often.
Is it stupid?
Yes.
Is it infantile?
Yes.
Is it hilarious nevertheless?
Hell, yes!
It’s difficult to rank ONE film above all others. Also in my top ten are: “Blazing Saddles”, “Trains, Planes and Automobiles” and “Black Sheep” (another Farley-Spade partnership)
And yet, I am astounded at the number of people who HAVEN’T seen this film yet! Fifteen years after the fact, there are many people who still need to be indoctrinated!
Below is the official movie trailer—and also a bootleg copy of one of the funniest scenes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-xFypjUqTM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiTIqLuOmjA&feature=related
Damn, he was a mess---and a comic genius as well.
If you’re looking for more than an occasional chuckle, rent “Tommy Boy” this weekend. I’ve often said that I’d pay anyone $100 if they could sit through this film in its entirety without laughing out loud at least ONCE.
It cannot be done.
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Thursday, November 18, 2010
The Next Big Thing---I'm Waiting....
The last two decades have seen such a HUGE explosion in technology that we have become somewhat accustomed to having our purchases from just a few years ago become “obsolete”.
Really…I thought the DVD was about as cutting edge as you could get—and then along come Blue Ray, making my DVD player appear to be an early incarnation of the horseless carriage.
Think about it.
Remember when FAX MACHINES were the newest thing? That was less than 20 years ago. Thermal paper, curling files in the drawers of some cabinet may be all that’s left to remember the original machines, replaced by plain paper faxes. But back then, it was nothing short of miraculous that a document could essentially travel through a phone line.
E-mail was the next revolution, with the dawn of the internet right on its heels. The digitization of everything from documents to music and video has fueled a tidal wave of change.
Devices like the iPod to store vast amounts of audio/video and the smartphone, which brings incredible assets into the palm of your hand.
In your iPhone or Blackberry, a little box that’s smaller than a deck of cards, we are able to:
1) send text messages
2) access any website worldwide and interact, make financial transactions and download programs and audio and video
3) listen to music or watch full-length movies
4) use the GPS features to pinpoint our location and/or get directions to anywhere
5) take digital photos or videos and send them anywhere worldwide
6) get stock quotes or weather instantly
7) use as a calculator, conversion device, stopwatch, alarm clock or compass
8) read, compose and send e-mail
9) buy movie or concert tickets in advance, getting locations and showtimes instantly
10) download and read entire books
11) play sophisticated games
12) manage your contacts and calendar/datebook
13) check facebook or twitter/upload and update
14) store and recall documents
And…oh yeah…it’s a PHONE, too. Talk to anyone in the world from virtually anywhere in the world. That alone is amazing when you think about it
Am I leaving anything out?
Yeah, probably—tens of thousands of applications that do all sorts of things on these little magic boxes.
All of this said, we are all collectively yawning at the latest “app”—or device that uses technology we are already familiar with. Been there, done that.
What’s next?
Indeed, what IS on the horizon that could be a real game-changer like the internet?
The Edison awards recognize the most intriguing innovations, but this year’s list of eight is not exactly earth shattering:
1) a motorcycle with an electric engine
2) a wind turbine that operates at as little as 2mph of wind
3) a scribe pen thingy that transfers free hand to your computer screen
4) a hand-held miniature projector
5) an alarm clock that, coupled with a sensor band—records and analyzes your sleep patterns
6) an LED light bulb that is somehow revolutionary
7) a “carMD” handheld diagnostic tool for your auto
8) the droid cellphone
I was hoping for something like a TIME MACHINE or a TRANSPORTER like on Star Trek that would disassemble me into molecular particles and then put me back together in another location.
Of course, the next big thing could be a different form of energy to run our cars...like....SALT WATER...check this out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YU47blakiiI&feature=related
Somewhere, right now, some guy in a garage is putting together the NEXT BIG THING.
After reeling at new-technology adoption at breakneck speed, we have entered into a lull period of unknown duration, one that will be blown apart by the next big thing.
I can’t wait—and I hope I have the vision to invest in the IPO!
If you’d like my blog in your inbox daily, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Really…I thought the DVD was about as cutting edge as you could get—and then along come Blue Ray, making my DVD player appear to be an early incarnation of the horseless carriage.
Think about it.
Remember when FAX MACHINES were the newest thing? That was less than 20 years ago. Thermal paper, curling files in the drawers of some cabinet may be all that’s left to remember the original machines, replaced by plain paper faxes. But back then, it was nothing short of miraculous that a document could essentially travel through a phone line.
E-mail was the next revolution, with the dawn of the internet right on its heels. The digitization of everything from documents to music and video has fueled a tidal wave of change.
Devices like the iPod to store vast amounts of audio/video and the smartphone, which brings incredible assets into the palm of your hand.
In your iPhone or Blackberry, a little box that’s smaller than a deck of cards, we are able to:
1) send text messages
2) access any website worldwide and interact, make financial transactions and download programs and audio and video
3) listen to music or watch full-length movies
4) use the GPS features to pinpoint our location and/or get directions to anywhere
5) take digital photos or videos and send them anywhere worldwide
6) get stock quotes or weather instantly
7) use as a calculator, conversion device, stopwatch, alarm clock or compass
8) read, compose and send e-mail
9) buy movie or concert tickets in advance, getting locations and showtimes instantly
10) download and read entire books
11) play sophisticated games
12) manage your contacts and calendar/datebook
13) check facebook or twitter/upload and update
14) store and recall documents
And…oh yeah…it’s a PHONE, too. Talk to anyone in the world from virtually anywhere in the world. That alone is amazing when you think about it
Am I leaving anything out?
Yeah, probably—tens of thousands of applications that do all sorts of things on these little magic boxes.
All of this said, we are all collectively yawning at the latest “app”—or device that uses technology we are already familiar with. Been there, done that.
What’s next?
Indeed, what IS on the horizon that could be a real game-changer like the internet?
The Edison awards recognize the most intriguing innovations, but this year’s list of eight is not exactly earth shattering:
1) a motorcycle with an electric engine
2) a wind turbine that operates at as little as 2mph of wind
3) a scribe pen thingy that transfers free hand to your computer screen
4) a hand-held miniature projector
5) an alarm clock that, coupled with a sensor band—records and analyzes your sleep patterns
6) an LED light bulb that is somehow revolutionary
7) a “carMD” handheld diagnostic tool for your auto
8) the droid cellphone
I was hoping for something like a TIME MACHINE or a TRANSPORTER like on Star Trek that would disassemble me into molecular particles and then put me back together in another location.
Of course, the next big thing could be a different form of energy to run our cars...like....SALT WATER...check this out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YU47blakiiI&feature=related
Somewhere, right now, some guy in a garage is putting together the NEXT BIG THING.
After reeling at new-technology adoption at breakneck speed, we have entered into a lull period of unknown duration, one that will be blown apart by the next big thing.
I can’t wait—and I hope I have the vision to invest in the IPO!
If you’d like my blog in your inbox daily, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Folk Music Tops The Charts
It was on this date in 1958 that The Kingston Trio did the unlikely: they took a nearly 100 year old folk song—and made it #1 on the pop charts!
“Tom Dooley” was a watershed for several reasons, not the least of which is that it—and the trio that performed it---are credited with paving the way for the 1960’s folk singers who might never have gotten the chance to be exposed nationally. Bob Dylan, Peter, Paul & Mary, Joan Baez---all owe their success in part to the Kingston Trio.
Dave Guard, Bob Shane and Nick Reynolds. Unlike the counter-culture, protest-based artists who would follow them—were clean cut, all-American young men who honed their act as fraternity brothers at Stanford. What they did---which allowed the others to follow—was to prove that folk music could be commercially viable.
Their ability to SELL made the record labels much more receptive to the artists who would use the genre of folk music to convey political messages.
The song “Tom Dooley” was probably first sung in 1868—based on a true story about a man named Tom Dula. Charged with the murder of his fiancée Laura Foster, Dula was the focus of national media attention, particularly in the New York Times. Professing his innocence right up to the gallows, Dula was hanged for the crime. It’s not known who originally wrote the song, but the Kingston Trio decided to record it after hearing it performed by a singer during an audition at the Purple Onion Club in San Francisco.
Here is that huge hit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZYjc57V55U
The song actually broke out of Salt Lake City, of all places! DJ Paul Colburn at KLUB started playing the song extensively in his show, which resulted in strong local sales. Released nationally, the single sold more than 3 million copies.
The song earned the trio a Grammy award in the “Country & Western Performance” category in 1959, the first year of the awards.
The release of that debut record kicked off a remarkable 3 years for the group. They earned some $25 million dollars for Capitol Records ($180 million in 2010 dollars!)—and they reported accounted for 15% of the labels assets. For five consecutive weeks, four of the Top 10 selling LPs nationwide were Kingston Trio albums.
A feud within the group followed, with personnel changes—and the waning sales that were largely attributed to The Beatles and the British Invasion. Nevertheless, The Kingston Trio occupies a special place in pop music history.
If you’d like my blog in your weekday inbox, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
“Tom Dooley” was a watershed for several reasons, not the least of which is that it—and the trio that performed it---are credited with paving the way for the 1960’s folk singers who might never have gotten the chance to be exposed nationally. Bob Dylan, Peter, Paul & Mary, Joan Baez---all owe their success in part to the Kingston Trio.
Dave Guard, Bob Shane and Nick Reynolds. Unlike the counter-culture, protest-based artists who would follow them—were clean cut, all-American young men who honed their act as fraternity brothers at Stanford. What they did---which allowed the others to follow—was to prove that folk music could be commercially viable.
Their ability to SELL made the record labels much more receptive to the artists who would use the genre of folk music to convey political messages.
The song “Tom Dooley” was probably first sung in 1868—based on a true story about a man named Tom Dula. Charged with the murder of his fiancée Laura Foster, Dula was the focus of national media attention, particularly in the New York Times. Professing his innocence right up to the gallows, Dula was hanged for the crime. It’s not known who originally wrote the song, but the Kingston Trio decided to record it after hearing it performed by a singer during an audition at the Purple Onion Club in San Francisco.
Here is that huge hit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZYjc57V55U
The song actually broke out of Salt Lake City, of all places! DJ Paul Colburn at KLUB started playing the song extensively in his show, which resulted in strong local sales. Released nationally, the single sold more than 3 million copies.
The song earned the trio a Grammy award in the “Country & Western Performance” category in 1959, the first year of the awards.
The release of that debut record kicked off a remarkable 3 years for the group. They earned some $25 million dollars for Capitol Records ($180 million in 2010 dollars!)—and they reported accounted for 15% of the labels assets. For five consecutive weeks, four of the Top 10 selling LPs nationwide were Kingston Trio albums.
A feud within the group followed, with personnel changes—and the waning sales that were largely attributed to The Beatles and the British Invasion. Nevertheless, The Kingston Trio occupies a special place in pop music history.
If you’d like my blog in your weekday inbox, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Redskins Rout Really Reeks
I’ve always been a Redskin fan, but last night, I WAS a “redskin”----out of sheer embarrassment.
The final score was 59-28, but it really wasn’t that close.
While the magnitude of the slaughter may have been smaller with anyone other than Washington as the opponent, I firmly believe that Michael Vick and the Eagles would have destroyed ANY team in the NFL last night. My bet is that other NFL players watching the spectacle from their La-Z-Boys are secretly glad that their team didn’t draw the Eagles this week.
They say there’s no defense for the perfectly thrown pass---and that’s exactly what Vick kept tossing all night long.
Darts.
Lasers.
Scud Missles.
The Washington defenders were so fearful of Vick’s arm that they forgot (constantly) about his ability to run. It was almost like gliding, not running. He was ten yards downfield before anyone even had a shot at him. Vick never broke a sweat. The only thing more annoying was listening to Gruden and Jaworski gush nonstop about how Vick had paid his debt to society and was a “new man”.
I get it, OK? Tell it to the ASPCA.
Of course, the true insult was the pre-game news that Donovan McNabb signed a contract extension for some $78 million bucks. If he didn’t actually SIGN it before the game, my guess is that his sprint to the contract table today with pen in hand might set a land speed record. Yeah, Donovan, sign that deal before Daniel Snyder changes his mind.
The Redskins were actually quick to set the record straight on the magnitude of the offer-namely, that “only” $3.5 million of the money was guaranteed as a signing bonus, in addition to his $5 million dollar salary and a $6.2 “roster bonus” (whatever the hell THAT is)—bringing his total for this year to $14.7 million. My heart goes out to his family, who may have to supplement their income by selling video compilations of McNabb’s interceptions in Philly and other NFC cities.
After being benched by Coach Mike Shanahan in the closing minutes of the Redskins LAST embarrassing loss, there were charges of racism and rumors of a deteriorating relationship between coach and player (see: Albert Haynesworth). The idea that McNabb’s “cardiovascular endurance” was the issue speaks volumes. If true, there is seriously something wrong with the Redskins conditioning program, McNabb’s work ethic or his age---or all of the above.
Don’t get me wrong. I am actually a Donovan McNabb fan. Enduring several years of the totally inept Jason Campbell at the helm will do that to you. Nevertheless, I believe in rewarding PERFORMANCE, not attendance. McNabb’s play has not justified a contract extension. I wonder what Shanahan thinks about the whole deal.
The Washington Redskins are clearly in a rebuilding year—and no one really looked to McNabb as the future of the organization. I think his role was simply to “steady the ship” and bring some sense of leadership and experience to the squad—and perhaps be used to groom the next Mark Sanchez, whomever he might be.
The road doesn’t get any tougher. After beating the Cowboys, Eagles, Bears and Packers—the ‘Skins have mixed in drubbings at the hands of the Eagles last night, another clinic of ineptitude against the Rams (of all teams), a solid loss against the Colts and an embarrassing collapse against the Lions. That, plus a loss that should have been a win against the Texans.
This team (as inconsistent as they’ve been) SHOULD be 6-3, not 4-5. Here are the remaining games:
At Titans
Vikings
At Giants
Buccaneers
At Cowboys
At Jaguars
Giants
Of these 7 opponents, they have the potential to win 4 of the 7—maybe more. If so, they would finish 8-8, which would likely NOT be good enough for a Wild Card spot.
The Redskins penchant for losing to bad teams means that no outcome is guaranteed. If they can win 5 of the 7, a record of 9-7 could get the job done—and trust me, a Wild Card berth is all they deserve this year. Once the Playoffs start, anything can happen.
There is no question that pipe-dreams of Super Bowl glory (which spring eternal in D.C. yearly) have largely gone up in smoke. This is one of the worst offensive teams in the league, dead last in third-down conversion percentage.
They were 0-10 last night.
With the Head Coach’s SON as the Offensive coordinator, you can be sure that things will be tense around the Shanahan Thanksgiving table next week (maybe Mom should carve the turkey this year)
I have no doubt that the Redskins will rise to glory again—and I think that Shanahan and GM Allen are the guys to get it done.
How they rebound from one of the worst drubbings in franchise history will go a long way in determining what the Redskins are made of.
Based on last night, the defense was swiss cheese and the offense was limburger.
Both stank.
If you’d like my blog in your box, let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
The final score was 59-28, but it really wasn’t that close.
While the magnitude of the slaughter may have been smaller with anyone other than Washington as the opponent, I firmly believe that Michael Vick and the Eagles would have destroyed ANY team in the NFL last night. My bet is that other NFL players watching the spectacle from their La-Z-Boys are secretly glad that their team didn’t draw the Eagles this week.
They say there’s no defense for the perfectly thrown pass---and that’s exactly what Vick kept tossing all night long.
Darts.
Lasers.
Scud Missles.
The Washington defenders were so fearful of Vick’s arm that they forgot (constantly) about his ability to run. It was almost like gliding, not running. He was ten yards downfield before anyone even had a shot at him. Vick never broke a sweat. The only thing more annoying was listening to Gruden and Jaworski gush nonstop about how Vick had paid his debt to society and was a “new man”.
I get it, OK? Tell it to the ASPCA.
Of course, the true insult was the pre-game news that Donovan McNabb signed a contract extension for some $78 million bucks. If he didn’t actually SIGN it before the game, my guess is that his sprint to the contract table today with pen in hand might set a land speed record. Yeah, Donovan, sign that deal before Daniel Snyder changes his mind.
The Redskins were actually quick to set the record straight on the magnitude of the offer-namely, that “only” $3.5 million of the money was guaranteed as a signing bonus, in addition to his $5 million dollar salary and a $6.2 “roster bonus” (whatever the hell THAT is)—bringing his total for this year to $14.7 million. My heart goes out to his family, who may have to supplement their income by selling video compilations of McNabb’s interceptions in Philly and other NFC cities.
After being benched by Coach Mike Shanahan in the closing minutes of the Redskins LAST embarrassing loss, there were charges of racism and rumors of a deteriorating relationship between coach and player (see: Albert Haynesworth). The idea that McNabb’s “cardiovascular endurance” was the issue speaks volumes. If true, there is seriously something wrong with the Redskins conditioning program, McNabb’s work ethic or his age---or all of the above.
Don’t get me wrong. I am actually a Donovan McNabb fan. Enduring several years of the totally inept Jason Campbell at the helm will do that to you. Nevertheless, I believe in rewarding PERFORMANCE, not attendance. McNabb’s play has not justified a contract extension. I wonder what Shanahan thinks about the whole deal.
The Washington Redskins are clearly in a rebuilding year—and no one really looked to McNabb as the future of the organization. I think his role was simply to “steady the ship” and bring some sense of leadership and experience to the squad—and perhaps be used to groom the next Mark Sanchez, whomever he might be.
The road doesn’t get any tougher. After beating the Cowboys, Eagles, Bears and Packers—the ‘Skins have mixed in drubbings at the hands of the Eagles last night, another clinic of ineptitude against the Rams (of all teams), a solid loss against the Colts and an embarrassing collapse against the Lions. That, plus a loss that should have been a win against the Texans.
This team (as inconsistent as they’ve been) SHOULD be 6-3, not 4-5. Here are the remaining games:
At Titans
Vikings
At Giants
Buccaneers
At Cowboys
At Jaguars
Giants
Of these 7 opponents, they have the potential to win 4 of the 7—maybe more. If so, they would finish 8-8, which would likely NOT be good enough for a Wild Card spot.
The Redskins penchant for losing to bad teams means that no outcome is guaranteed. If they can win 5 of the 7, a record of 9-7 could get the job done—and trust me, a Wild Card berth is all they deserve this year. Once the Playoffs start, anything can happen.
There is no question that pipe-dreams of Super Bowl glory (which spring eternal in D.C. yearly) have largely gone up in smoke. This is one of the worst offensive teams in the league, dead last in third-down conversion percentage.
They were 0-10 last night.
With the Head Coach’s SON as the Offensive coordinator, you can be sure that things will be tense around the Shanahan Thanksgiving table next week (maybe Mom should carve the turkey this year)
I have no doubt that the Redskins will rise to glory again—and I think that Shanahan and GM Allen are the guys to get it done.
How they rebound from one of the worst drubbings in franchise history will go a long way in determining what the Redskins are made of.
Based on last night, the defense was swiss cheese and the offense was limburger.
Both stank.
If you’d like my blog in your box, let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Monday, November 15, 2010
Crying Babies On Airplanes
The rightly maligned airline industry may soon have another issue to deal with---but, in their own resourceful way, one it will likely capitalize on.
Crying babies are the issue—and a proposed solution to either segregate them or create a class of flights that are childfree.
I agree that a screaming infant can be more than simply annoying in such a confined space where exit is not an option. However, being a parent, my sympathy tends to go out to the little loudmouth and especially his or her parents. When any of our three kids were young, air travel was a challenge on many fronts. The extra luggage that kids require, from car seats to strollers to formula and diapers, not to mention carrying the baby too—means that Mom or Dad will be stressed out long before the wheels are up. Babies pick up on that stress and then, combined with the physiological effects of hurtling one’s body through space— the results can be explosive.
The New York Times has devoted some of its editorial space to dealing with the issue—and possible solutions. Much of the irritation comes from a perception that the parents are doing little if anything to calm the child down. If that’s the case, I might likewise get worked up. Generally though, I see parents doing EVERYTHING to change their baby’s frown upside down. If wearing the barf bag on your head like a party hat will do the trick, I can see the whole plane joining in.
Here are a couple of videos—one from an angry mother who was ticked off by insensitive parents—and another with tips on how to calm your baby down:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6pIQNpE7NY&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nR91ph4HVSQ&feature=fvw
The issues facing airlines are many, but customer dissatisfaction has never been lower. Moves to charge grossly overweight passengers a double fare have common sense behind them. I’ve been stuck in a middle seat between two sumo wrestlers and to say the flight was “uncomfortable” is not doing justice to the experience.
Luggage fees have likewise galvanized the public into a collective loathing for airlines. With the exception of Southwest (“It’s On!), the airlines are making millions in baggage fees. This trend has caused everyone to attempt air travel with “carry-on” baggage the size of a cow. Overhead bins are crammed so tight that a hard landing can cause the doors to burst open and its contents to shower on everyone below.
Headphones cost extra. Wi-Fi is an additional charge. And now, there’s talk of a “family section” where the only adults subjected to the concert of screams will be the parents and grandparents?
But, be careful what you wish for.
Any parent can tell you that a nearby baby crying can cause a chain reaction. To squeeze them all together in, say, the back of the plane---could backfire and create a symphony of bloodcurdling screams that could rival the noise of that jet engine outside your window. Unless a hermitically sealed, sound-proof barrier is part of the design, it might be a better idea to give the airlines another item to sell you:
Ear plugs.
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Crying babies are the issue—and a proposed solution to either segregate them or create a class of flights that are childfree.
I agree that a screaming infant can be more than simply annoying in such a confined space where exit is not an option. However, being a parent, my sympathy tends to go out to the little loudmouth and especially his or her parents. When any of our three kids were young, air travel was a challenge on many fronts. The extra luggage that kids require, from car seats to strollers to formula and diapers, not to mention carrying the baby too—means that Mom or Dad will be stressed out long before the wheels are up. Babies pick up on that stress and then, combined with the physiological effects of hurtling one’s body through space— the results can be explosive.
The New York Times has devoted some of its editorial space to dealing with the issue—and possible solutions. Much of the irritation comes from a perception that the parents are doing little if anything to calm the child down. If that’s the case, I might likewise get worked up. Generally though, I see parents doing EVERYTHING to change their baby’s frown upside down. If wearing the barf bag on your head like a party hat will do the trick, I can see the whole plane joining in.
Here are a couple of videos—one from an angry mother who was ticked off by insensitive parents—and another with tips on how to calm your baby down:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6pIQNpE7NY&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nR91ph4HVSQ&feature=fvw
The issues facing airlines are many, but customer dissatisfaction has never been lower. Moves to charge grossly overweight passengers a double fare have common sense behind them. I’ve been stuck in a middle seat between two sumo wrestlers and to say the flight was “uncomfortable” is not doing justice to the experience.
Luggage fees have likewise galvanized the public into a collective loathing for airlines. With the exception of Southwest (“It’s On!), the airlines are making millions in baggage fees. This trend has caused everyone to attempt air travel with “carry-on” baggage the size of a cow. Overhead bins are crammed so tight that a hard landing can cause the doors to burst open and its contents to shower on everyone below.
Headphones cost extra. Wi-Fi is an additional charge. And now, there’s talk of a “family section” where the only adults subjected to the concert of screams will be the parents and grandparents?
But, be careful what you wish for.
Any parent can tell you that a nearby baby crying can cause a chain reaction. To squeeze them all together in, say, the back of the plane---could backfire and create a symphony of bloodcurdling screams that could rival the noise of that jet engine outside your window. Unless a hermitically sealed, sound-proof barrier is part of the design, it might be a better idea to give the airlines another item to sell you:
Ear plugs.
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
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