NOTE: What follows is an edited encore blog from 2009---a famous date for a famous Paris landmark.
Aside from those turn of the century photos of Native Americans walking across I-beams high above the New York skyline, I am skeptical of anyone who says they are NOT afraid of heights.
How can you NOT be?
When I was 12, I had the privilege of visiting Paris with my parents-and like all good tourists, made the pilgrimage to the Eiffel Tower. We snapped pictures on little cartridge Kodak cameras (you know, the ones with a disposable rotating flash cube on top-remember those?) Anyway, I was OK until the trip to the top.
Oh my.
Of course I survived-and even enjoyed it, but even in the confines of the elevator, I felt that we could tumble to earth at any moment!
The Eiffel Tower is celebrating a birthday today. It was on this date in 1889 that the Tower officially opened with Gustave Eiffel presiding over his creation, a tribute for an exposition marking the centennial of the French Revolution. Originally considered an ugly eyesore to Parisians, it was considered a marvel of engineering and was, at the time, the tallest manmade structure in the world (a distinction it would hold until the Chrysler Building was erected in 1930). At 934 feet, Mr. Eiffel and several others climbed the stairs on this date-as the elevators were not completed yet—and hoisted a French flag at the very top! As time went on, the Eiffel Tower became the very symbol of France/Paris-even though it was almost torn down when the 20 year lease on the land expired in 1909. The only thing that saved the tower from the wrecker’s ball was it’s usefulness as a structure to house radio antennas! (Radio does it again!)
Below is a video clip of a couple of CRAZY people who actually JUMPED from the Eiffel Tower with parachutes! They filmed the ascent—and the trip down as well-amazing!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPyUsyF_OgM
If you’d like my blog in your box, you don’t have to jump off the Eiffel Tower-just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Viva La Eiffel Tower!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Rare Reagan Assassination Attempt Footage
It’s a moment that all Secret Service agents train for. The President of the United States (POTUS) is being escorted in public—and shots ring out.
There is a protocol—a specific sequence of events that every agent instinctively reverts to—or at least should. The moment is fleeting, the threat always present, but rarely detected in advance. The virtual impossibility of protecting even a President is driven home in the video below. The footage is an extended version of the scene that has been replayed a million times since that fateful incident 29 years ago. Almost tossed into the garbage, it was salvaged just recently.
Here it is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoZeZprXnDg
The assassination attempt on President Reagan occurred on this date in 1981. A routine walk to the Presidential limousine turned into anything but that—as an assassin was able to get close enough to the leader of the free world to kill him instantly.After a labor meeting at the Washington Hilton Hotel, John Hinckley, Jr. waited patiently for the man who was his prey.
Six shots were fired, hitting the President and three of his attendants. Although the Secret Service quickly subdued the assailant, it was too late to prevent the damage from those bullets.
Reagan was hit in the lung and was immediately evacuated to George Washington University Hospital nearby. That .22 caliber bullet just missed his heart. White House Press Secretary James Brady was hit in the head and seriously wounded. Secret Service agent Timothy McCarthy was hit in the side and District policeman Thomas Delahanty was shot in the neck.
Much has been made of the assailant’s obsession with actress Jodie Foster—and the notion that the shooting was a deranged attempt to impress her. A “not guilty by reason of insanity” verdict was returned—and Hinckley was committed to a mental hospital. Since that day, Hinckley has been allowed supervised day trips off the hospital grounds—and even UNSUPERVISED visits to his parents once a week. The Secret Service voluntarily monitors these trips, but it is amazing to think that one day, Hinckley may actually be released.
While Reagan fully recovered and returned to the White House amid a hero’s welcome, the road has been much tougher for James Brady, who is still seriously impaired.
Whether Hinckley is now mentally healthy—or for that matter was ever really “not responsible” for his actions, there has to be a measure of SANITY applied to the treatment of those who would take the life of our President. Success or failure in the attempt is irrelevant. A life sentence—without any chance for parole—whether it be from a prison or a mental hospital—is a must.
To think that such punishment would act as a deterrent is folly. Those who commit these crimes don’t process the consequences in advance. Nevertheless, our society needs to value human life—especially that of our leaders—high enough to make sure that the door is permanently locked---and they key is thrown away.
If you’d like my blog in your weekday box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
There is a protocol—a specific sequence of events that every agent instinctively reverts to—or at least should. The moment is fleeting, the threat always present, but rarely detected in advance. The virtual impossibility of protecting even a President is driven home in the video below. The footage is an extended version of the scene that has been replayed a million times since that fateful incident 29 years ago. Almost tossed into the garbage, it was salvaged just recently.
Here it is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoZeZprXnDg
The assassination attempt on President Reagan occurred on this date in 1981. A routine walk to the Presidential limousine turned into anything but that—as an assassin was able to get close enough to the leader of the free world to kill him instantly.After a labor meeting at the Washington Hilton Hotel, John Hinckley, Jr. waited patiently for the man who was his prey.
Six shots were fired, hitting the President and three of his attendants. Although the Secret Service quickly subdued the assailant, it was too late to prevent the damage from those bullets.
Reagan was hit in the lung and was immediately evacuated to George Washington University Hospital nearby. That .22 caliber bullet just missed his heart. White House Press Secretary James Brady was hit in the head and seriously wounded. Secret Service agent Timothy McCarthy was hit in the side and District policeman Thomas Delahanty was shot in the neck.
Much has been made of the assailant’s obsession with actress Jodie Foster—and the notion that the shooting was a deranged attempt to impress her. A “not guilty by reason of insanity” verdict was returned—and Hinckley was committed to a mental hospital. Since that day, Hinckley has been allowed supervised day trips off the hospital grounds—and even UNSUPERVISED visits to his parents once a week. The Secret Service voluntarily monitors these trips, but it is amazing to think that one day, Hinckley may actually be released.
While Reagan fully recovered and returned to the White House amid a hero’s welcome, the road has been much tougher for James Brady, who is still seriously impaired.
Whether Hinckley is now mentally healthy—or for that matter was ever really “not responsible” for his actions, there has to be a measure of SANITY applied to the treatment of those who would take the life of our President. Success or failure in the attempt is irrelevant. A life sentence—without any chance for parole—whether it be from a prison or a mental hospital—is a must.
To think that such punishment would act as a deterrent is folly. Those who commit these crimes don’t process the consequences in advance. Nevertheless, our society needs to value human life—especially that of our leaders—high enough to make sure that the door is permanently locked---and they key is thrown away.
If you’d like my blog in your weekday box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Monday, March 29, 2010
"Sir" Tom Jones?
The man who has been the target of so many women’s undergarments apparently has a fan in the Queen as well. Pretty good bet that Elizabeth Windsor of London kept her unmentionables on, however, while knighting Tom Jones on this date in 2006. Let's hope so.
There are those who resent the notion of an entertainer being so honored. In fact, it has been reported that some knights in good standing (near a “round table” no doubt) actually relinquished their status as “Sir” upon hearing of the honor being conferred on the likes of Paul McCartney and Elton John.
Both rock stars have had the sword placed on their shoulders, the magic words said and perhaps a secret decoder ring for all I know. If you are a British citizen, there may be no higher honor, especially for a “commoner”. Not sure we Americans have an equivalent —maybe the Congressional Medal of Honor. But even that one doesn’t change your name from “Mr.” to “Sir”.
If the title has indeed been “cheapened” by the inclusion of musicians, there seems to be no lack of excitement among the public at large.
Tom Jones, originally from Wales—has been performing for years. The avalanche of bras and panties that shower upon the stage wherever he appears is still a source of wonder. The fan base has aged-----and as the average age has increased, so too has the average “size” of the undies descending upon the stage. Over the years, perhaps enough to clothe a small nation of women, there may be enough material now to stitch together a circus tent.
But I digress.
Let’s travel back in time to the 60’s—for a rare vintage look at Tom Jones, singing his biggest hit: “It’s Not Unusual”:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOArsNMVqGg
How about those tight pants? Were that me, one too many gyrations and I’d put someone’s eye out with a projectile zipper sprung from my shredded trousers.
Lest you think that the Queen gives out the knighthood willy-nilly, consider this: aside from Tom Jones, Elton John and Paul McCartney, only Cliff Richard (Britain’s answer to Elvis) has been so honored in the world of music. Eric Clapton, Roger Daltry and Mick Jagger are still waiting.
I too, am waiting for my Congressional Medal of Honor. “It’s Not Unusual” for me to HOPE, is it?
If you’d like my blog in your weekday box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
There are those who resent the notion of an entertainer being so honored. In fact, it has been reported that some knights in good standing (near a “round table” no doubt) actually relinquished their status as “Sir” upon hearing of the honor being conferred on the likes of Paul McCartney and Elton John.
Both rock stars have had the sword placed on their shoulders, the magic words said and perhaps a secret decoder ring for all I know. If you are a British citizen, there may be no higher honor, especially for a “commoner”. Not sure we Americans have an equivalent —maybe the Congressional Medal of Honor. But even that one doesn’t change your name from “Mr.” to “Sir”.
If the title has indeed been “cheapened” by the inclusion of musicians, there seems to be no lack of excitement among the public at large.
Tom Jones, originally from Wales—has been performing for years. The avalanche of bras and panties that shower upon the stage wherever he appears is still a source of wonder. The fan base has aged-----and as the average age has increased, so too has the average “size” of the undies descending upon the stage. Over the years, perhaps enough to clothe a small nation of women, there may be enough material now to stitch together a circus tent.
But I digress.
Let’s travel back in time to the 60’s—for a rare vintage look at Tom Jones, singing his biggest hit: “It’s Not Unusual”:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOArsNMVqGg
How about those tight pants? Were that me, one too many gyrations and I’d put someone’s eye out with a projectile zipper sprung from my shredded trousers.
Lest you think that the Queen gives out the knighthood willy-nilly, consider this: aside from Tom Jones, Elton John and Paul McCartney, only Cliff Richard (Britain’s answer to Elvis) has been so honored in the world of music. Eric Clapton, Roger Daltry and Mick Jagger are still waiting.
I too, am waiting for my Congressional Medal of Honor. “It’s Not Unusual” for me to HOPE, is it?
If you’d like my blog in your weekday box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Friday, March 26, 2010
Let's All Calm Down, OK?
In the aftermath of the House passage of the Health Care reform bill, the news media has been consumed with the extremist reaction from both sides. Hate-filled voicemails, threatening e-mails and isolated incidents of vandalism or threatening behavior are being reported as if widespread—and could become a self-fulfilling prophesy.
When does REPORTING the news cross over into INCITING future “news”?
I don’t know, but frankly, I’m worried.
The most heinous acts against politicians in our history have mostly come from lone nutcases. Since I believe both Kennedy assassinations were far more involved, I’ll exclude them—but from Lincoln to McKinley to Garfield, Teddy Roosevelt, the attempts against Ford, Reagan and Wallace, a demented soul acted alone.
These crazies are out there—and I fear that the media is inspiring them to act. Perhaps there are those media personalities (who will remain nameless) that secretly hope for violence to spring from the outrage they spew over the airwaves, but I suspect that most are simply “doing their job”---namely, not ignoring a “story”.
It’s time to move on.
And with enough blame to go around on both sides, I have some advice for everyone (not that I am qualified to tell anyone anything):
1) To President Obama: STOP THE VICTORY LAP. You won. Health Care reform is now the law of the land—and while I am largely in favor of the overhaul of a faulty and corrupt system, there is nothing to be gained now by going around the country and sticking it to Republicans. Cries of “bring it on!” in response to threats from the right to repeal the law do nothing to heal the wounds caused by this battle. Please turn your attention to jobs and the economy. Bringing us back to prosperity is the best insurance for seeing to it that health care reforms are eventually seen as necessary.
2) To the Republicans: STOP TALK OF REPEAL. You are now simply whining. You have lost this battle. If you wish to make Democrats pay at the voting booth, then by all means, fight the individual battles in the districts where you feel you can pick up seats. Until you control the House, the Senate AND the White House, you will not repeal this law—and to incite your faithful with talk of repeal is disingenuous, unrealistic and a general waste of time. Using state Attorneys General to bring lawsuits is also a tactic that will backfire. Even your supporters will peel away, looking for something positive to support.
3) To the Right Wing Talk Show Hosts: (and this includes the entire FOX Network): STOP INCITING THE FRINGE. Yes, the informed and righteously opposed conservatives are listening to you, but so are the ignorant and deranged, the racist and intolerant. These cretins are your biggest fans—and frankly are the most likely to act out. Does this mean you pull an about-face and start supporting the President? No. But opposing his policies can be accomplished and articulated without the threatening and insults that have been your stock-in-trade. But,of course, being reasonable and even-handed isn’t good for ratings, is it? “Fair and balanced”---yeah, right.
4) To the Liberal Media/”Progressives”: STOP GLOATING. The unbridled glee at your recent legislative victory is hard to watch. Perhaps the loss of Ted Kennedy’s Senate seat to the Republicans WAS the blessing in disguise that provided the necessary wake-up call to Democrats. Perhaps it was the galvanizing event that in retrospect got the Dems to finally work together. Whatever. Get over yourselves, stop kicking the Republicans when they are down—and move your attention to the other areas of the agenda that concern you.
5) To the Public at Large: DON’T BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU SEE, HEAR OR READ. A healthy skepticism is needed—and clues are left in the text and speech of those who seek to incite. They use “absolutes” when describing the consequences of anything. Words like “ALWAYS”, “EVERY TIME”, “WITHOUT EXCEPTION”, “EVERYTHING” used before a statement are ALMOST always (see how I refrained?) suspect. There are few “absolutes” in life and most certainly none in politics. If you are a Republican, spend a few hours away from FOX and watch MSNBC. Democrats, do the opposite. It will be good for you—and Public TV is largely even-handed, delivering the facts-and leaving the conclusions to the viewer. Be especially wary of content on the internet (blogs like this one!) Fact-checking is not a requirement for posting anything worldwide—and the wide dissemination of falsehoods makes separating fact from fiction even more daunting.
Democracy is messy. Compromise may not have been the hallmark of the last bill to be debated, but Democrats can go a along way in bringing civility to the next project by reaching out across the aisle. If they get slapped again, maybe Americans of all stripes will see a Republican party that’s only concerned with defeating the other side. If, however, a few brave Republicans can demonstrate statesmanship over politics—a trait that can be exhibited by the majority party too---maybe we can get something accomplished that has some semblance of unity.
Dreaming, aren’t I?
If you’d like my blog in your weekday box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
When does REPORTING the news cross over into INCITING future “news”?
I don’t know, but frankly, I’m worried.
The most heinous acts against politicians in our history have mostly come from lone nutcases. Since I believe both Kennedy assassinations were far more involved, I’ll exclude them—but from Lincoln to McKinley to Garfield, Teddy Roosevelt, the attempts against Ford, Reagan and Wallace, a demented soul acted alone.
These crazies are out there—and I fear that the media is inspiring them to act. Perhaps there are those media personalities (who will remain nameless) that secretly hope for violence to spring from the outrage they spew over the airwaves, but I suspect that most are simply “doing their job”---namely, not ignoring a “story”.
It’s time to move on.
And with enough blame to go around on both sides, I have some advice for everyone (not that I am qualified to tell anyone anything):
1) To President Obama: STOP THE VICTORY LAP. You won. Health Care reform is now the law of the land—and while I am largely in favor of the overhaul of a faulty and corrupt system, there is nothing to be gained now by going around the country and sticking it to Republicans. Cries of “bring it on!” in response to threats from the right to repeal the law do nothing to heal the wounds caused by this battle. Please turn your attention to jobs and the economy. Bringing us back to prosperity is the best insurance for seeing to it that health care reforms are eventually seen as necessary.
2) To the Republicans: STOP TALK OF REPEAL. You are now simply whining. You have lost this battle. If you wish to make Democrats pay at the voting booth, then by all means, fight the individual battles in the districts where you feel you can pick up seats. Until you control the House, the Senate AND the White House, you will not repeal this law—and to incite your faithful with talk of repeal is disingenuous, unrealistic and a general waste of time. Using state Attorneys General to bring lawsuits is also a tactic that will backfire. Even your supporters will peel away, looking for something positive to support.
3) To the Right Wing Talk Show Hosts: (and this includes the entire FOX Network): STOP INCITING THE FRINGE. Yes, the informed and righteously opposed conservatives are listening to you, but so are the ignorant and deranged, the racist and intolerant. These cretins are your biggest fans—and frankly are the most likely to act out. Does this mean you pull an about-face and start supporting the President? No. But opposing his policies can be accomplished and articulated without the threatening and insults that have been your stock-in-trade. But,of course, being reasonable and even-handed isn’t good for ratings, is it? “Fair and balanced”---yeah, right.
4) To the Liberal Media/”Progressives”: STOP GLOATING. The unbridled glee at your recent legislative victory is hard to watch. Perhaps the loss of Ted Kennedy’s Senate seat to the Republicans WAS the blessing in disguise that provided the necessary wake-up call to Democrats. Perhaps it was the galvanizing event that in retrospect got the Dems to finally work together. Whatever. Get over yourselves, stop kicking the Republicans when they are down—and move your attention to the other areas of the agenda that concern you.
5) To the Public at Large: DON’T BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU SEE, HEAR OR READ. A healthy skepticism is needed—and clues are left in the text and speech of those who seek to incite. They use “absolutes” when describing the consequences of anything. Words like “ALWAYS”, “EVERY TIME”, “WITHOUT EXCEPTION”, “EVERYTHING” used before a statement are ALMOST always (see how I refrained?) suspect. There are few “absolutes” in life and most certainly none in politics. If you are a Republican, spend a few hours away from FOX and watch MSNBC. Democrats, do the opposite. It will be good for you—and Public TV is largely even-handed, delivering the facts-and leaving the conclusions to the viewer. Be especially wary of content on the internet (blogs like this one!) Fact-checking is not a requirement for posting anything worldwide—and the wide dissemination of falsehoods makes separating fact from fiction even more daunting.
Democracy is messy. Compromise may not have been the hallmark of the last bill to be debated, but Democrats can go a along way in bringing civility to the next project by reaching out across the aisle. If they get slapped again, maybe Americans of all stripes will see a Republican party that’s only concerned with defeating the other side. If, however, a few brave Republicans can demonstrate statesmanship over politics—a trait that can be exhibited by the majority party too---maybe we can get something accomplished that has some semblance of unity.
Dreaming, aren’t I?
If you’d like my blog in your weekday box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Happy Birthday,Christina Moore!
Nineteen years ago today, a blessed event occurred at Mercy Hospital in Portland, Maine.
Christina Ann Moore was born—on a day much colder than the 50+ degree weather we are enjoying today.
Back in 1991, Peggy, John and I had just moved to Portland- I had started my job at 94.9 WHOM in January. The house in Ellsworth was up for sale, Peggy had quit her teaching job at Maine Maritime Academy in Castine—and we were starting a brand new life in Portland.
Seems like only yesterday.
Fast forward to 2010—and our little girl is a freshman at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska! This is her first birthday away from home—and although Peggy had a cake sent to her from some local Omaha bakery, it just won’t be the same.
But that’s OK—as our little girl is all grown up now and realizing her dreams halfway across the country. Each of our kids have to create their own lives—and with her older brother in New York, Christina is now spreading her wings. Only her younger brother, 10 year old Kevin remains a full-time resident at the “Casa de Moore”
From those first baby steps, to playtime with our then-dog K.C., riding bikes, girl scouts—all giving way to sports, middle school dances and an avalanche of high school activities. Then, her association with the Maine Diocesan Youth triggered a faith and a commitment that the rest of her family can only imagine—and admire. This awakening inside Christina—and her incredible spirit—has been an example and inspiration to all of us.
Christina has had her share of disappointments---from the cruelty that I’m told all adolescent girls suffer from their peers—to the “routine” growing pains that all kids endure. Through it all, she has always maintained a positive outlook and forgiving nature.
I WISH I could have been that way at that age—and perhaps I’m still not even now. In short, Christina Moore is a remarkable young woman and I’m so unbelievably proud to be her Dad.
So, out there in Nebraska, some 1,500 miles away, your Mother, two brothers and I send our love and best wishes for a very Happy Birthday! You have blessed our lives more than we can say-and more than you will ever know…..and we LOVE YOU!!
If you’d like my blog in your weekday box, let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Christina Ann Moore was born—on a day much colder than the 50+ degree weather we are enjoying today.
Back in 1991, Peggy, John and I had just moved to Portland- I had started my job at 94.9 WHOM in January. The house in Ellsworth was up for sale, Peggy had quit her teaching job at Maine Maritime Academy in Castine—and we were starting a brand new life in Portland.
Seems like only yesterday.
Fast forward to 2010—and our little girl is a freshman at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska! This is her first birthday away from home—and although Peggy had a cake sent to her from some local Omaha bakery, it just won’t be the same.
But that’s OK—as our little girl is all grown up now and realizing her dreams halfway across the country. Each of our kids have to create their own lives—and with her older brother in New York, Christina is now spreading her wings. Only her younger brother, 10 year old Kevin remains a full-time resident at the “Casa de Moore”
From those first baby steps, to playtime with our then-dog K.C., riding bikes, girl scouts—all giving way to sports, middle school dances and an avalanche of high school activities. Then, her association with the Maine Diocesan Youth triggered a faith and a commitment that the rest of her family can only imagine—and admire. This awakening inside Christina—and her incredible spirit—has been an example and inspiration to all of us.
Christina has had her share of disappointments---from the cruelty that I’m told all adolescent girls suffer from their peers—to the “routine” growing pains that all kids endure. Through it all, she has always maintained a positive outlook and forgiving nature.
I WISH I could have been that way at that age—and perhaps I’m still not even now. In short, Christina Moore is a remarkable young woman and I’m so unbelievably proud to be her Dad.
So, out there in Nebraska, some 1,500 miles away, your Mother, two brothers and I send our love and best wishes for a very Happy Birthday! You have blessed our lives more than we can say-and more than you will ever know…..and we LOVE YOU!!
If you’d like my blog in your weekday box, let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Dumb People Doing Funny Things
Why would someone jump off a rooftop using an umbrella as a parachute?
Why would somebody run out into the middle of a road and intentionally jump underneath a moving bus?
Why, in God’s name, would someone ride a bicycle down a huge flight of cement steps?
I cannot answer these questions, but can merely show you the results. YouTube has been the global window into stupid behavior—and one can argue that it has spurred on millions of village idiots to attempt stunts not meant for the human body.
While the video below is sometimes funny, I cannot imagine that it isn’t also chock full of true pain and injury. So, while we’re all still laughing and watching the next clip of hilarity, the victim/doofus in the previous frames is being loaded into an ambulance.
What is it about our culture that makes people act so stupidly? And further, why is it that we collectively “enjoy” viewing these incidents?
I am guilty of laughing at some of the following. I just as often also CRINGED at what looked outwardly like serious pain. With few exceptions, however, what you are about to witness was filmed by someone who was aware that another someone was about to willingly attempt a “feat” that should never been tried.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyPqr97qVYk
From time to time, this blog falls back on the ridiculous----mostly because it is cheap and easy. Videos like the one above are plentiful online—and on some days, I have neither the time, energy or useful topic to compose a more meaningful blog.
More disconcerting is that your response to posts like these often dwarf the feedback I get on more serious topics. Keeping it full of variety may be the key, so while I’ve clearly taken the easy way out today, I hope that you can appreciate that NONE of the above clueless acts should ever be performed by human beings with a brain.
Which is to say, for example, if you ever wondered what would happen if you leaped off a roof onto a small trampoline, you now have a vivid answer without having to try it yourself and see.
If you’d like my blog in you weekday inbox, drop me a line: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Why would somebody run out into the middle of a road and intentionally jump underneath a moving bus?
Why, in God’s name, would someone ride a bicycle down a huge flight of cement steps?
I cannot answer these questions, but can merely show you the results. YouTube has been the global window into stupid behavior—and one can argue that it has spurred on millions of village idiots to attempt stunts not meant for the human body.
While the video below is sometimes funny, I cannot imagine that it isn’t also chock full of true pain and injury. So, while we’re all still laughing and watching the next clip of hilarity, the victim/doofus in the previous frames is being loaded into an ambulance.
What is it about our culture that makes people act so stupidly? And further, why is it that we collectively “enjoy” viewing these incidents?
I am guilty of laughing at some of the following. I just as often also CRINGED at what looked outwardly like serious pain. With few exceptions, however, what you are about to witness was filmed by someone who was aware that another someone was about to willingly attempt a “feat” that should never been tried.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyPqr97qVYk
From time to time, this blog falls back on the ridiculous----mostly because it is cheap and easy. Videos like the one above are plentiful online—and on some days, I have neither the time, energy or useful topic to compose a more meaningful blog.
More disconcerting is that your response to posts like these often dwarf the feedback I get on more serious topics. Keeping it full of variety may be the key, so while I’ve clearly taken the easy way out today, I hope that you can appreciate that NONE of the above clueless acts should ever be performed by human beings with a brain.
Which is to say, for example, if you ever wondered what would happen if you leaped off a roof onto a small trampoline, you now have a vivid answer without having to try it yourself and see.
If you’d like my blog in you weekday inbox, drop me a line: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
What A Proposal!
In my habit of not letting things get TOO serious here at the Tim Moore blog (I did Health Care Reform yesterday!), here’s one that will warm your heart.
Mike Freed, who is the building manager here at One City Center (the home of the 94.9 WHOM studios) sent me the video below. It is of his son’s rather unconventional proposal to his (now) fiancée! Everyone I have shown it to has loved it—so I thought I’d broaden the distribution list a bit!
All of us can remember the moment when we “popped the question”. Guys down on one knee, the women often surprised. This one is so adorable—not only because of the unique way that it was done, but—as you’ll see—the reaction of the bride-to-be---and her COMPLETE oblivion to the people surrounding the event.
For some reason, we guys like the element of surprise. Some dudes will display their proposal on the Jumbotron at a baseball game (“JENNIFER, WILL YOU MARRY ME?”) whereupon every Jennifer in the park gets excited –to the dismay of their dates who have NO INTENTION of getting hitched! Sometimes, it happens in a restaurant, sometimes in a park.
The ring is a must—and if the question is followed by anything other than a shriek or enthusiastic “YES!”, then our hero has made a complete ass of himself. Thankfully, I have only proposed ONCE—and the answer was yes. My heart goes out to those poor guys who are left hanging. Perhaps it’s for the best. Anything less than a robust “YES!” portends trouble for the future union.
That, of course, doesn’t include SHOCK. There is certainly an element of shock in this encounter—enjoy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9309m_JF8QM
As I wrote to Mike, it appears that this happy couple are totally made for each other—she saw NO ONE ELSE THERE for the longest time. A long and happy life awaits. And all of our collective thanks for sharing a special moment that can inspire lovers the world over!
If you’d like my blog in your box (please say “yes!”) just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Mike Freed, who is the building manager here at One City Center (the home of the 94.9 WHOM studios) sent me the video below. It is of his son’s rather unconventional proposal to his (now) fiancée! Everyone I have shown it to has loved it—so I thought I’d broaden the distribution list a bit!
All of us can remember the moment when we “popped the question”. Guys down on one knee, the women often surprised. This one is so adorable—not only because of the unique way that it was done, but—as you’ll see—the reaction of the bride-to-be---and her COMPLETE oblivion to the people surrounding the event.
For some reason, we guys like the element of surprise. Some dudes will display their proposal on the Jumbotron at a baseball game (“JENNIFER, WILL YOU MARRY ME?”) whereupon every Jennifer in the park gets excited –to the dismay of their dates who have NO INTENTION of getting hitched! Sometimes, it happens in a restaurant, sometimes in a park.
The ring is a must—and if the question is followed by anything other than a shriek or enthusiastic “YES!”, then our hero has made a complete ass of himself. Thankfully, I have only proposed ONCE—and the answer was yes. My heart goes out to those poor guys who are left hanging. Perhaps it’s for the best. Anything less than a robust “YES!” portends trouble for the future union.
That, of course, doesn’t include SHOCK. There is certainly an element of shock in this encounter—enjoy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9309m_JF8QM
As I wrote to Mike, it appears that this happy couple are totally made for each other—she saw NO ONE ELSE THERE for the longest time. A long and happy life awaits. And all of our collective thanks for sharing a special moment that can inspire lovers the world over!
If you’d like my blog in your box (please say “yes!”) just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Monday, March 22, 2010
Health Care Passes
Go ahead, admit it.
You don’t really understand the Health Care reform bill that passed the House late last night.
Neither do I.
The problem is that many of the House members who voted for or against it probably don’t know either—and that is scary.
What we know---or THINK we know of the bill is likely the product of what we’ve been TOLD about the bill. The source of the information is rarely unbiased—and projections of what will happen are really nothing more than supposition. We know that Democrats, for the most part LOVE it—and that Republicans overwhelmingly HATE it. If you are a staunch party advocate, then your chosen source of information is likely shaping your opinion of the bill.
As for the “facts” of the bill, the following seem to be true:
1) Health Insurance companies cannot drop you for a pre-existing condition
2) 32 million Americans without health insurance will now get it
3) You can keep your kids on your policy until age 26
4) Women will no longer pay higher rates than men based on the mere fact that they are women
5) There are no immediate cost containment provisions, meaning that insurance companies can raise rates at will
6) Tempering #5 is—I believe—a mechanism that will provide portability and choice of providers in many states where none existed before.
7) There is no dollar limit on what companies can impose for benefits paid over your lifetime
8) You will be required to buy health insurance—with a penalty paid for failing to do so.
9) You can switch jobs without fear of losing insurance (related to #1 above)
Most of the above seem desirable to me, with the exception of #5 (who wants rates to go up?) and #8, but buying car insurance is mandatory in most states—with no constitutional crisis looming over it.
So…the biggest question is: HOW DO WE PAY FOR IT?
This, of course, is where the Republicans have centered their argument. They claim that Medicare will be hurt, that taxes will go up and that the government is essentially “taking over” healthcare.
I have NO IDEA how we will pay for it, but I don’t really understand the dynamics economically behind any of this. The Republicans hung their hat on the Congressional Budget Office’s report, promising that it would confirm the same horror story that GOP pundits had espoused.
Oops.
President Obama promised a “deficit neutral” effect with the plan—and then the CBO actually reported that it would greatly REDUCE the federal deficit. Now, the naysayers had to find another angle from which to attack.
That angle was federal funding for abortion, among other items, like the so-called “Cornhusker Bailout”, a distasteful pork serving to Nebraska to secure support.
The fact is that these “deals” have been going on since the dawn of the nation—we just haven’t had a front row seat or the inclination to pay attention. In fact, watching the “sausage being made” last night on C-Span was enough to make any American—regardless of your views—reach under the tray table to the seat pocket and grope for a stomach distress bag.
So, despite over 200 Republican amendments to the bill that passed, this was not a “bi-partisan” piece of legislation. Despite the fact that the American Medical Association AND the AARP endorsed it, there were no votes to be had on the GOP side of the aisle.
Retribution at the polls was the threat---one that will no doubt cost some people their seats.
Only time will tell if Health Care reform was a mistake. Maybe Social Security was too. Maybe Medicare/Medicaid. Those who rail against these “big government” programs cannot conceive of our society without the last two mentioned. Voting to abolish either Social Security or Medicare/Medicaid would be a one-way ticket to political oblivion—even if you are a free-market Republican.
Will we get collectively hosed by Health Care Reform?
Nobody knows….really…NOBODY knows. Of only one thing I am sure. Finally, the Congress showed some courage (at least portions of it) in the face of political suicide to enact legislation aimed at improving the lives of millions of Americans.
I am proud of that one fact. As for the fallout from reform…..well, we’ll just have to wait and see.
If you’d like my blog in your box, please let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
You don’t really understand the Health Care reform bill that passed the House late last night.
Neither do I.
The problem is that many of the House members who voted for or against it probably don’t know either—and that is scary.
What we know---or THINK we know of the bill is likely the product of what we’ve been TOLD about the bill. The source of the information is rarely unbiased—and projections of what will happen are really nothing more than supposition. We know that Democrats, for the most part LOVE it—and that Republicans overwhelmingly HATE it. If you are a staunch party advocate, then your chosen source of information is likely shaping your opinion of the bill.
As for the “facts” of the bill, the following seem to be true:
1) Health Insurance companies cannot drop you for a pre-existing condition
2) 32 million Americans without health insurance will now get it
3) You can keep your kids on your policy until age 26
4) Women will no longer pay higher rates than men based on the mere fact that they are women
5) There are no immediate cost containment provisions, meaning that insurance companies can raise rates at will
6) Tempering #5 is—I believe—a mechanism that will provide portability and choice of providers in many states where none existed before.
7) There is no dollar limit on what companies can impose for benefits paid over your lifetime
8) You will be required to buy health insurance—with a penalty paid for failing to do so.
9) You can switch jobs without fear of losing insurance (related to #1 above)
Most of the above seem desirable to me, with the exception of #5 (who wants rates to go up?) and #8, but buying car insurance is mandatory in most states—with no constitutional crisis looming over it.
So…the biggest question is: HOW DO WE PAY FOR IT?
This, of course, is where the Republicans have centered their argument. They claim that Medicare will be hurt, that taxes will go up and that the government is essentially “taking over” healthcare.
I have NO IDEA how we will pay for it, but I don’t really understand the dynamics economically behind any of this. The Republicans hung their hat on the Congressional Budget Office’s report, promising that it would confirm the same horror story that GOP pundits had espoused.
Oops.
President Obama promised a “deficit neutral” effect with the plan—and then the CBO actually reported that it would greatly REDUCE the federal deficit. Now, the naysayers had to find another angle from which to attack.
That angle was federal funding for abortion, among other items, like the so-called “Cornhusker Bailout”, a distasteful pork serving to Nebraska to secure support.
The fact is that these “deals” have been going on since the dawn of the nation—we just haven’t had a front row seat or the inclination to pay attention. In fact, watching the “sausage being made” last night on C-Span was enough to make any American—regardless of your views—reach under the tray table to the seat pocket and grope for a stomach distress bag.
So, despite over 200 Republican amendments to the bill that passed, this was not a “bi-partisan” piece of legislation. Despite the fact that the American Medical Association AND the AARP endorsed it, there were no votes to be had on the GOP side of the aisle.
Retribution at the polls was the threat---one that will no doubt cost some people their seats.
Only time will tell if Health Care reform was a mistake. Maybe Social Security was too. Maybe Medicare/Medicaid. Those who rail against these “big government” programs cannot conceive of our society without the last two mentioned. Voting to abolish either Social Security or Medicare/Medicaid would be a one-way ticket to political oblivion—even if you are a free-market Republican.
Will we get collectively hosed by Health Care Reform?
Nobody knows….really…NOBODY knows. Of only one thing I am sure. Finally, the Congress showed some courage (at least portions of it) in the face of political suicide to enact legislation aimed at improving the lives of millions of Americans.
I am proud of that one fact. As for the fallout from reform…..well, we’ll just have to wait and see.
If you’d like my blog in your box, please let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Friday, March 19, 2010
The King And His Castle
Someday, I’ll make it to Graceland, the mansion-home-now-turned-shrine to Elvis Presley. Located in Memphis, it is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the U.S., ahead of many national monuments and historical sites. As far as private residences are concerned, only The White House has more visitors each year.
OK, he was “King of Rock and Roll”—and I am a fan. The fascination I have with Elvis, however, is more about how someone so successful and wealthy could descend into the pit of drugs and depression that eventually cost him his life.
Of course, there are those who believe that Elvis is still alive. I am not one of them, but were he to walk into my office right now munching on a peanut butter and ‘nana sandwich, I would most likely dissolve into a speechless blob of goo---just like millions of fans.
In fact, my wife and I had the privilege of meeting Elvis’ daughter Lisa Marie Presley a few years ago when she played Merrill Auditorium in Portland. I’d be lying if I didn’t think about how this was the daughter, the flesh and blood of ELVIS PRESLEY while I was shaking her hand and posing for photos. Hell, I even thought about her ex-husband Michael Jackson at the time. Rock & Roll Royalty—and she couldn’t have been sweeter.
But I digress.
Elvis paid the down payment for Graceland on this date in 1957. $1,000 bucks—for a house on nearly 14 acres of wooded land—and a mansion that was priced at $102,500. Hard to build a garage for that kind of dough these days.
Twenty three rooms, including 8 bedrooms and bathrooms. Elvis added on, remodeled (including the infamous “Jungle Room”) and generally made the site a castle fit for a King.
Here’s a short video tour of Graceland:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpGPMGJzR40
Graceland was where Elvis died—and where he is buried. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. Now essentially a museum, it houses his gold records, memorabilia, his Cadillacs and even his Lockheed jet is nearby. From the signature music-themed gates to the burial site to everything housed inside, it is a must-see for anyone going to Memphis….and someday I will join the millions who have made the pilgrimage.
When that happens, I’m sure that I’ll be …..well, “All Shook Up”
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
OK, he was “King of Rock and Roll”—and I am a fan. The fascination I have with Elvis, however, is more about how someone so successful and wealthy could descend into the pit of drugs and depression that eventually cost him his life.
Of course, there are those who believe that Elvis is still alive. I am not one of them, but were he to walk into my office right now munching on a peanut butter and ‘nana sandwich, I would most likely dissolve into a speechless blob of goo---just like millions of fans.
In fact, my wife and I had the privilege of meeting Elvis’ daughter Lisa Marie Presley a few years ago when she played Merrill Auditorium in Portland. I’d be lying if I didn’t think about how this was the daughter, the flesh and blood of ELVIS PRESLEY while I was shaking her hand and posing for photos. Hell, I even thought about her ex-husband Michael Jackson at the time. Rock & Roll Royalty—and she couldn’t have been sweeter.
But I digress.
Elvis paid the down payment for Graceland on this date in 1957. $1,000 bucks—for a house on nearly 14 acres of wooded land—and a mansion that was priced at $102,500. Hard to build a garage for that kind of dough these days.
Twenty three rooms, including 8 bedrooms and bathrooms. Elvis added on, remodeled (including the infamous “Jungle Room”) and generally made the site a castle fit for a King.
Here’s a short video tour of Graceland:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpGPMGJzR40
Graceland was where Elvis died—and where he is buried. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. Now essentially a museum, it houses his gold records, memorabilia, his Cadillacs and even his Lockheed jet is nearby. From the signature music-themed gates to the burial site to everything housed inside, it is a must-see for anyone going to Memphis….and someday I will join the millions who have made the pilgrimage.
When that happens, I’m sure that I’ll be …..well, “All Shook Up”
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Civic Pride---Portland Style
One of the “hats” I wear in addition to my little gig here at 94.9 WHOM is also being the Program Director of WJBQ, known more commonly as “Q 97-dot-9” . In the radio industry, the format is referred to as “Contemporary Hit Radio” or “CHR”---but to most of us, it’s simply called “Top 40”.
Being involved with the “hit music” station is incredibly fun—and has the side benefit of making me less of a dork to my kids, especially when the Q brings a big concert to town.
Today’s blog is about a video that WJBQ just produced—a parody of the hit Top 40 song “Empire State Of Mind” with rapper Jay-Z and Alicia Keys. This song extols the virtues of New York City---and in spite of the fact that Jay-Z praises the Yankees in it, the tune was a hit across the nation, including such Red Sox strongholds as Boston—and Portland.
Enter Seth Crockett.
Seth is a college student at Syracuse, a Portland native and graduate of Portland High School. Seth got the bright idea of re-creating the musical score from the original—and composing NEW lyrics specifically for Portland, Maine.
Seth did a terrific job with both the music and lyrics and vocals, so we knew that the video had to be handled by someone special.
Enter Shea Murphy-or “S.P. Murphy” in the credits.
Owner of “Fat Sheamus Productions”, Shea took the original video concept in NYC and adapted it perfectly for Portland. His attention to detail, his “eye” for appropriate scenes and overall professionalism made for an outstanding piece.
The Q Morning Show –Meredith Manning, Jeff Parsons and Lori Voornas were cast as the main characters, as were night jock Rob Steele and a host of friends and co-conspirators of Shea’s. Meredith also sings the chorus part (a la Alicia Keys) with Seth.
I think the result was clever—and visually brilliant. While the song may not be your cup of tea, even critics of the music will likely enjoy the tribute to Portland. See for yourself:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDUot-ajq3w
In case you are not familiar with the original song and/or video—here it is below. Again, this may not land on your “hit list”, but even if you turn the volume down, you’ll see that the Portland version was faithfully reproduced:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UjsXo9l6I8
Regardless of your musical persuasion, all viewers will agree that Portland, Maine is a great town—and this video makes for a clever way to promote it!
If you’d like my blog in your daily in-box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Being involved with the “hit music” station is incredibly fun—and has the side benefit of making me less of a dork to my kids, especially when the Q brings a big concert to town.
Today’s blog is about a video that WJBQ just produced—a parody of the hit Top 40 song “Empire State Of Mind” with rapper Jay-Z and Alicia Keys. This song extols the virtues of New York City---and in spite of the fact that Jay-Z praises the Yankees in it, the tune was a hit across the nation, including such Red Sox strongholds as Boston—and Portland.
Enter Seth Crockett.
Seth is a college student at Syracuse, a Portland native and graduate of Portland High School. Seth got the bright idea of re-creating the musical score from the original—and composing NEW lyrics specifically for Portland, Maine.
Seth did a terrific job with both the music and lyrics and vocals, so we knew that the video had to be handled by someone special.
Enter Shea Murphy-or “S.P. Murphy” in the credits.
Owner of “Fat Sheamus Productions”, Shea took the original video concept in NYC and adapted it perfectly for Portland. His attention to detail, his “eye” for appropriate scenes and overall professionalism made for an outstanding piece.
The Q Morning Show –Meredith Manning, Jeff Parsons and Lori Voornas were cast as the main characters, as were night jock Rob Steele and a host of friends and co-conspirators of Shea’s. Meredith also sings the chorus part (a la Alicia Keys) with Seth.
I think the result was clever—and visually brilliant. While the song may not be your cup of tea, even critics of the music will likely enjoy the tribute to Portland. See for yourself:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDUot-ajq3w
In case you are not familiar with the original song and/or video—here it is below. Again, this may not land on your “hit list”, but even if you turn the volume down, you’ll see that the Portland version was faithfully reproduced:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UjsXo9l6I8
Regardless of your musical persuasion, all viewers will agree that Portland, Maine is a great town—and this video makes for a clever way to promote it!
If you’d like my blog in your daily in-box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
American Pie....From China?
I enjoyed my college economics classes, but am hardly an expert in the field. In fact, since much of it is :
a) theoretical
b) open to different interpretations,
one could say that it is more of an ART than a SCIENCE. Truly, get 10 economists in a room and try to get any two of them to agree on anything.
Almost impossible.
One area where economic theory may be sound (and SOMEWHAT begrudgingly agreed upon) is the notion that goods and services should be produced by those entities (be they companies or countries) that most EFFICIENTLY deliver them to market.
Unfortunately, while solid economically, it could have disastrous effects on our national security—as manufacturing is rapidly exiting the American landscape.
Other countries, which largely have no labor unions and no enforceable labor laws---are proving that they indeed can produce products more cheaply than the U.S. This allows Walmart to pass along those Chinese-made products to American consumers. Viola! Our standard of living has increased……but at what cost?
At one time, the United States was the undisputed manufacturing center for the world. From refined raw materials like steel to finished products like automobiles, the U.S. output was the engine that essentially won World War II.
A dormant economy in the wake of the Great Depression, we got a big wakeup call from the Japanese on December 7, 1941. Factories were re-tooled almost overnight—and the consumer products which they used to churn out now became the implements of war. Planes, tanks, jeeps and guns. Our incredible output made the war’s eventual outcome a foregone conclusion.
Since then, our manufacturing base has eroded. Jobs have been shipped overseas by AMERICAN COMPANIES looking to cut costs. With every factory closed, we have grown incrementally more vulnerable to any enemy who threatens to launch an attack.
What would have happened in 1941 if 40% of our steel came from…Japan? If our auto industry imported 20% of its cars from…Germany?
So, economics be damned. There needs to be a baseline capacity for this country to conduct wartime production. In peace, perhaps it is used to make toaster ovens and pontoon party boats. If an aggressor materializes—and threatens our nation, we can hardly build, tool and train factories and workers from the ground up.
If national security is the federal government’s main job (and I believe it is), then here’s a federal program that creates jobs in peacetime—AND allows for rapid retooling of factories in wartime.
Select critical industries for which America needs to continue to produce goods. Steel is clearly one. Automobiles and aviation factories are a couple more. If whatever peacetime goods these factories produce cannot compete on the world market (due to higher production costs), they become collective loss leaders for Uncle Sam. We’ll gladly take that loss—while providing tens of thousands of jobs—in order to turn on a dime if and when (God forbid) we need to take over those factories for wartime production.
Speaking of Uncle Sam, check out this humorous—yet sadly true video of how we’ve abandoned the “making goods” scene for the “providing services” arena. Funny-yet also chilling:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vq8wbXAR4ZQ
We can reverse this trend if we have the national recognition of a problem—and the national will to change it.
If you’d like my blog in your weekday box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
a) theoretical
b) open to different interpretations,
one could say that it is more of an ART than a SCIENCE. Truly, get 10 economists in a room and try to get any two of them to agree on anything.
Almost impossible.
One area where economic theory may be sound (and SOMEWHAT begrudgingly agreed upon) is the notion that goods and services should be produced by those entities (be they companies or countries) that most EFFICIENTLY deliver them to market.
Unfortunately, while solid economically, it could have disastrous effects on our national security—as manufacturing is rapidly exiting the American landscape.
Other countries, which largely have no labor unions and no enforceable labor laws---are proving that they indeed can produce products more cheaply than the U.S. This allows Walmart to pass along those Chinese-made products to American consumers. Viola! Our standard of living has increased……but at what cost?
At one time, the United States was the undisputed manufacturing center for the world. From refined raw materials like steel to finished products like automobiles, the U.S. output was the engine that essentially won World War II.
A dormant economy in the wake of the Great Depression, we got a big wakeup call from the Japanese on December 7, 1941. Factories were re-tooled almost overnight—and the consumer products which they used to churn out now became the implements of war. Planes, tanks, jeeps and guns. Our incredible output made the war’s eventual outcome a foregone conclusion.
Since then, our manufacturing base has eroded. Jobs have been shipped overseas by AMERICAN COMPANIES looking to cut costs. With every factory closed, we have grown incrementally more vulnerable to any enemy who threatens to launch an attack.
What would have happened in 1941 if 40% of our steel came from…Japan? If our auto industry imported 20% of its cars from…Germany?
So, economics be damned. There needs to be a baseline capacity for this country to conduct wartime production. In peace, perhaps it is used to make toaster ovens and pontoon party boats. If an aggressor materializes—and threatens our nation, we can hardly build, tool and train factories and workers from the ground up.
If national security is the federal government’s main job (and I believe it is), then here’s a federal program that creates jobs in peacetime—AND allows for rapid retooling of factories in wartime.
Select critical industries for which America needs to continue to produce goods. Steel is clearly one. Automobiles and aviation factories are a couple more. If whatever peacetime goods these factories produce cannot compete on the world market (due to higher production costs), they become collective loss leaders for Uncle Sam. We’ll gladly take that loss—while providing tens of thousands of jobs—in order to turn on a dime if and when (God forbid) we need to take over those factories for wartime production.
Speaking of Uncle Sam, check out this humorous—yet sadly true video of how we’ve abandoned the “making goods” scene for the “providing services” arena. Funny-yet also chilling:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vq8wbXAR4ZQ
We can reverse this trend if we have the national recognition of a problem—and the national will to change it.
If you’d like my blog in your weekday box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Throw the Bums Out
I’m not entirely certain that I understand the whole “tea party” phenomenon.
I suspect that many of the so-called “members” are from both parties, have widely different political agendas and are both liberal and conservative (although the latter clearly dominates)
What they all have in common is a complete and utter sense of frustration and disgust with the operation of our government-and the people who we have elected as our “leaders”.
And NOTHING says it clearer than the following article by Charlie Reese, a retired reporter for the Orlando Sentinel.
As disposed as I usually am with spewing my own opinions, imposing my belief system on you and others, I am today reprinting this terrific article from Reese—one that I received in an e-mail the other day.
The words of Reese below crystallize the feelings of a nation that is searching for leadership. The old joke that the opposite of PROgress is CONgress has been true forever, but now, no one is laughing anymore.
Read this:
545 PEOPLE--By Charlie Reese
Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them..
Have you ever wondered, if both the Democrats and the Republicans are against deficits, WHY do we have deficits?
Have you ever wondered, if all the politicians are against inflation and high taxes, WHY do we have inflation and high taxes?
You and I don't propose a federal budget. The president does.
You and I don't have the Constitutional authority to vote on appropriations.
The House of Representatives does.
You and I don't write the tax code, Congress does.
You and I don't set fiscal policy, Congress does.
You and I don't control monetary policy, the Federal Reserve Bank does.
One hundred senators, 435 congressmen, one president, and nine Supreme Court justices equates to 545 human beings out of the 300 million are directly, legally, morally, and individually responsible for the domestic problems that plague this country.
I excluded the members of the Federal Reserve Board because that problem was created by the Congress. In 1913, Congress delegated its Constitutional duty to provide a sound currency to a federally chartered, but private, central bank.
I excluded all the special interests and lobbyists for a sound reason. They have no legal authority. They have no ability to coerce a senator, a congressman, or a president to do one cotton-picking thing. I don't care if they offer a politician $1 million dollars in cash. The politician has the power to accept or reject it. No matter what the lobbyist promises, it is the legislator's responsibility to determine how he votes.
Those 545 human beings spend much of their energy convincing you that what they did is not their fault. They cooperate in this common con regardless of party.
What separates a politician from a normal human being is an excessive amount of gall. No normal human being would have the gall of a Speaker,
who stood up and criticized the President for creating deficits..... The
president can only propose a budget. He cannot force the Congress to accept it.
The Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, gives sole responsibility to the House of Representatives for originating and approving appropriations and taxes. Who is the speaker of the House? Nancy Pelosi. She is the leader of the majority party. She and fellow House members, not the president, can approve any budget they want. If the president vetoes it, they can pass it over his veto if they agree to.
It seems inconceivable to me that a nation of 300 million cannot replace 545 people who stand convicted -- by present facts -- of incompetence and irresponsibility. I can't think of a single domestic problem that is not traceable directly to those 545 people. When you fully grasp the plain truth that 545 people exercise the power of the federal government, then it must follow that what exists is what they want to exist.
If the tax code is unfair, it's because they want it unfair.
If the budget is in the red, it's because they want it in the red ..
If the Army & Marines are in IRAQ, it's because they want them in IRAQ
If they do not receive social security but are on an elite retirement plan not available to the people, it's because they want it that way.
There are no insoluble government problems.
Do not let these 545 people shift the blame to bureaucrats, whom they hire and whose jobs they can abolish; to lobbyists, whose gifts and advice they can reject; to regulators, to whom they give the power to regulate and from whom they can take this power. Above all, do not let them con you into the belief that there exists disembodied mystical forces like "the economy," "inflation," or "politics" that prevent them from doing what they take an oath to do.
Those 545 people, and they alone, are responsible.
They, and they alone, have the power..
They, and they alone, should be held accountable by the people who are their bosses.
Provided the voters have the gumption to manage their own employees...
We should vote all of them out of office and clean up their mess!
What you do with this article now that you have read it......... Is up to you.
This might be funny if it weren't so darned true.
Be sure to read all the way to the end:
Tax his land,
Tax his bed,
Tax the table,
At which he's fed.
Tax his tractor,
Tax his mule,
Teach him taxes
Are the rule.
Tax his work,
Tax his pay,
He works for peanuts
Anyway!
Tax his cow,
Tax his goat,
Tax his pants,
Tax his coat.
Tax his ties,
Tax his shirt,
Tax his work,
Tax his dirt.
Tax his tobacco,
Tax his drink,
Tax him if he
Tries to think..
Tax his cigars,
Tax his beers,
If he cries
Tax his tears.
Tax his car,
Tax his gas,
Find other ways
To tax his ass.
Tax all he has
Then let him know
That you won't be done
Till he has no dough.
When he screams and hollers;
Then tax him some more,
Tax him till
He's good and sore.
Then tax his coffin,
Tax his grave,
Tax the sod in
Which he's laid...
Put these words
Upon his tomb,
Taxes drove me
to my doom...'
When he's gone,
Do not relax,
Its time to apply
The inheritance tax..
Accounts Receivable Tax
Building Permit Tax
CDL license Tax
Cigarette Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Dog License Tax
Excise Taxes
Federal Income Tax
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
Fishing License Tax
Food License Tax
Fuel Permit Tax
Gasoline Tax (currently 44.75 cents per gallon) Gross Receipts Tax Hunting License Tax Inheritance Tax Inventory Tax IRS Interest Charges IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax) Liquor Tax Luxury Taxes Marriage License Tax Medicare Tax Personal Property Tax Property Tax Real Estate Tax Service Charge Tax Social Security Tax Road Usage Tax Recreational Vehicle Tax Sales Tax School Tax State Income Tax State Unemployment Tax (SUTA) Telephone Federal Excise Tax Telephone Federal Universal Service FeeTax Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Taxes Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax Telephone Recurring and Nonrecurring Charges Tax
Telephone State and Local Tax
Telephone Usage Charge Tax
Utility Taxes
Vehicle License Registration Tax
Vehicle Sales Tax
Watercraft Registration Tax
Well Permit Tax
Workers Compensation Tax
STILL THINK THIS IS FUNNY? Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago, & our nation was the most prosperous in the world. We had absolutely no national debt, had the largest middle class in the world.
What in the hell happened? Can you spell 'politicians?'
Hard to articulate the mood of a nation better than that. If you’d like my daily blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
I suspect that many of the so-called “members” are from both parties, have widely different political agendas and are both liberal and conservative (although the latter clearly dominates)
What they all have in common is a complete and utter sense of frustration and disgust with the operation of our government-and the people who we have elected as our “leaders”.
And NOTHING says it clearer than the following article by Charlie Reese, a retired reporter for the Orlando Sentinel.
As disposed as I usually am with spewing my own opinions, imposing my belief system on you and others, I am today reprinting this terrific article from Reese—one that I received in an e-mail the other day.
The words of Reese below crystallize the feelings of a nation that is searching for leadership. The old joke that the opposite of PROgress is CONgress has been true forever, but now, no one is laughing anymore.
Read this:
545 PEOPLE--By Charlie Reese
Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them..
Have you ever wondered, if both the Democrats and the Republicans are against deficits, WHY do we have deficits?
Have you ever wondered, if all the politicians are against inflation and high taxes, WHY do we have inflation and high taxes?
You and I don't propose a federal budget. The president does.
You and I don't have the Constitutional authority to vote on appropriations.
The House of Representatives does.
You and I don't write the tax code, Congress does.
You and I don't set fiscal policy, Congress does.
You and I don't control monetary policy, the Federal Reserve Bank does.
One hundred senators, 435 congressmen, one president, and nine Supreme Court justices equates to 545 human beings out of the 300 million are directly, legally, morally, and individually responsible for the domestic problems that plague this country.
I excluded the members of the Federal Reserve Board because that problem was created by the Congress. In 1913, Congress delegated its Constitutional duty to provide a sound currency to a federally chartered, but private, central bank.
I excluded all the special interests and lobbyists for a sound reason. They have no legal authority. They have no ability to coerce a senator, a congressman, or a president to do one cotton-picking thing. I don't care if they offer a politician $1 million dollars in cash. The politician has the power to accept or reject it. No matter what the lobbyist promises, it is the legislator's responsibility to determine how he votes.
Those 545 human beings spend much of their energy convincing you that what they did is not their fault. They cooperate in this common con regardless of party.
What separates a politician from a normal human being is an excessive amount of gall. No normal human being would have the gall of a Speaker,
who stood up and criticized the President for creating deficits..... The
president can only propose a budget. He cannot force the Congress to accept it.
The Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, gives sole responsibility to the House of Representatives for originating and approving appropriations and taxes. Who is the speaker of the House? Nancy Pelosi. She is the leader of the majority party. She and fellow House members, not the president, can approve any budget they want. If the president vetoes it, they can pass it over his veto if they agree to.
It seems inconceivable to me that a nation of 300 million cannot replace 545 people who stand convicted -- by present facts -- of incompetence and irresponsibility. I can't think of a single domestic problem that is not traceable directly to those 545 people. When you fully grasp the plain truth that 545 people exercise the power of the federal government, then it must follow that what exists is what they want to exist.
If the tax code is unfair, it's because they want it unfair.
If the budget is in the red, it's because they want it in the red ..
If the Army & Marines are in IRAQ, it's because they want them in IRAQ
If they do not receive social security but are on an elite retirement plan not available to the people, it's because they want it that way.
There are no insoluble government problems.
Do not let these 545 people shift the blame to bureaucrats, whom they hire and whose jobs they can abolish; to lobbyists, whose gifts and advice they can reject; to regulators, to whom they give the power to regulate and from whom they can take this power. Above all, do not let them con you into the belief that there exists disembodied mystical forces like "the economy," "inflation," or "politics" that prevent them from doing what they take an oath to do.
Those 545 people, and they alone, are responsible.
They, and they alone, have the power..
They, and they alone, should be held accountable by the people who are their bosses.
Provided the voters have the gumption to manage their own employees...
We should vote all of them out of office and clean up their mess!
What you do with this article now that you have read it......... Is up to you.
This might be funny if it weren't so darned true.
Be sure to read all the way to the end:
Tax his land,
Tax his bed,
Tax the table,
At which he's fed.
Tax his tractor,
Tax his mule,
Teach him taxes
Are the rule.
Tax his work,
Tax his pay,
He works for peanuts
Anyway!
Tax his cow,
Tax his goat,
Tax his pants,
Tax his coat.
Tax his ties,
Tax his shirt,
Tax his work,
Tax his dirt.
Tax his tobacco,
Tax his drink,
Tax him if he
Tries to think..
Tax his cigars,
Tax his beers,
If he cries
Tax his tears.
Tax his car,
Tax his gas,
Find other ways
To tax his ass.
Tax all he has
Then let him know
That you won't be done
Till he has no dough.
When he screams and hollers;
Then tax him some more,
Tax him till
He's good and sore.
Then tax his coffin,
Tax his grave,
Tax the sod in
Which he's laid...
Put these words
Upon his tomb,
Taxes drove me
to my doom...'
When he's gone,
Do not relax,
Its time to apply
The inheritance tax..
Accounts Receivable Tax
Building Permit Tax
CDL license Tax
Cigarette Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Dog License Tax
Excise Taxes
Federal Income Tax
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
Fishing License Tax
Food License Tax
Fuel Permit Tax
Gasoline Tax (currently 44.75 cents per gallon) Gross Receipts Tax Hunting License Tax Inheritance Tax Inventory Tax IRS Interest Charges IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax) Liquor Tax Luxury Taxes Marriage License Tax Medicare Tax Personal Property Tax Property Tax Real Estate Tax Service Charge Tax Social Security Tax Road Usage Tax Recreational Vehicle Tax Sales Tax School Tax State Income Tax State Unemployment Tax (SUTA) Telephone Federal Excise Tax Telephone Federal Universal Service FeeTax Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Taxes Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax Telephone Recurring and Nonrecurring Charges Tax
Telephone State and Local Tax
Telephone Usage Charge Tax
Utility Taxes
Vehicle License Registration Tax
Vehicle Sales Tax
Watercraft Registration Tax
Well Permit Tax
Workers Compensation Tax
STILL THINK THIS IS FUNNY? Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago, & our nation was the most prosperous in the world. We had absolutely no national debt, had the largest middle class in the world.
What in the hell happened? Can you spell 'politicians?'
Hard to articulate the mood of a nation better than that. If you’d like my daily blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Monday, March 15, 2010
Split Maine In Two?
Sometimes I think that lawmakers propose incendiary bills solely to get on TV.
The latest bonehead to offer up fresh TV-anchor-meat is State Representative Henry Joy of Crystal, who has proposed legislation to take the state and divide it in two.
Crystal, Maine is up in Aroostook County, population about 285. Joy’s idea is to take most of northern Maine and call it…..Maine (clever). Then, he would take most of southern Maine and call it…are you ready? Northern Massachusetts!
All of Maine used to be part of Massachusetts, but today (March 15th) happens to be the anniversary of Maine’s entry into the Union as the 23rd state. As part of the Missouri Compromise, Maine broke away from its “association” with the Bay State that had stretched back to 1547.
For some time, there has been talk of “two Maines”…one personified by the Portland area—the state’s largest city—which is seen as urban, yuppie and not at all related to the rural, rustic and “genuine” part of Maine (north of the so-called “Volvo Line”). In the northern regions, lobstermen and timbermen mingle with farmers and craftsmen—the essence of the “Maine lifestyle” so often romantically depicted for the benefit of….tourists.
There is certainly some truth to this cultural schism, but the southern residents claim that without the economic vitality that comes from the southern region, Maine would rival Mississippi as the poorest state in the country.
As someone who lived 9 years in the Hancock County city of Ellsworth—and the last 20 or so in Portland, I have been witness to both perspectives. Both regions have their attributes—and both are alike in that both are equally dependent on the yearly influx of tourists in order to be financially viable.
Frankly, I love all areas of Maine…can’t we just learn to get along?
Here’s a quick video promoting Portland:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7eAGiVxJHU
We’re not so bad, are we?
Now back to the lawmaker with too much time on his hands. Henry Joy, whose ancestors come from Boston (ironic, no?) has twice asked the Legislature to consider this proposal—and twice has been shot down.
To be fair, there is a tad more to this proposal—as it is tied to an appeal for federal conservation funds by the Great Maine Forest Initiative Steering Committee. Joy views this effort as federal “taking” that would force people off their land.
Not likely, but nice try.
Let’s leave Maine alone—but for God’s sake, if we ever DO split it up, “South Maine” sounds better to me than “Northern Massachusetts”.
If you’d like my blog in your weekday box, drop me a line: tim.moore@citcomm.com
The latest bonehead to offer up fresh TV-anchor-meat is State Representative Henry Joy of Crystal, who has proposed legislation to take the state and divide it in two.
Crystal, Maine is up in Aroostook County, population about 285. Joy’s idea is to take most of northern Maine and call it…..Maine (clever). Then, he would take most of southern Maine and call it…are you ready? Northern Massachusetts!
All of Maine used to be part of Massachusetts, but today (March 15th) happens to be the anniversary of Maine’s entry into the Union as the 23rd state. As part of the Missouri Compromise, Maine broke away from its “association” with the Bay State that had stretched back to 1547.
For some time, there has been talk of “two Maines”…one personified by the Portland area—the state’s largest city—which is seen as urban, yuppie and not at all related to the rural, rustic and “genuine” part of Maine (north of the so-called “Volvo Line”). In the northern regions, lobstermen and timbermen mingle with farmers and craftsmen—the essence of the “Maine lifestyle” so often romantically depicted for the benefit of….tourists.
There is certainly some truth to this cultural schism, but the southern residents claim that without the economic vitality that comes from the southern region, Maine would rival Mississippi as the poorest state in the country.
As someone who lived 9 years in the Hancock County city of Ellsworth—and the last 20 or so in Portland, I have been witness to both perspectives. Both regions have their attributes—and both are alike in that both are equally dependent on the yearly influx of tourists in order to be financially viable.
Frankly, I love all areas of Maine…can’t we just learn to get along?
Here’s a quick video promoting Portland:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7eAGiVxJHU
We’re not so bad, are we?
Now back to the lawmaker with too much time on his hands. Henry Joy, whose ancestors come from Boston (ironic, no?) has twice asked the Legislature to consider this proposal—and twice has been shot down.
To be fair, there is a tad more to this proposal—as it is tied to an appeal for federal conservation funds by the Great Maine Forest Initiative Steering Committee. Joy views this effort as federal “taking” that would force people off their land.
Not likely, but nice try.
Let’s leave Maine alone—but for God’s sake, if we ever DO split it up, “South Maine” sounds better to me than “Northern Massachusetts”.
If you’d like my blog in your weekday box, drop me a line: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Friday, March 12, 2010
Patches The Horse
What the hell is funnier than watching a horse riding in a car?
Thanks to my sister Claire for sending me this video yesterday, which left me howling.
Yes, it’s “Patches” the horse, riding in a convertible modified to accommodate his huge horse’s…….rear.
It’s one thing to stuff the horse inside the car, but then to drive around town and go through a fast food drive through, I almost spit coffee all over my desk watching Patches glide though the pickup window as if he were just another customer.
There have been over 2 million views of this video on YouTube, so forgive me if this is “old news” to you, but Fridays demand lighter fare on the Tim Moore blog, so I had to share this with you today:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teHfyby_veU
Not only does Patches cruise through town, the wind blowing through his mane, but here’s a horse who watches TV, answers the phone and fetches a beer from the fridge.
Tucking in Patches into his bed for the night made me hope that this was one horse who was house-trained. If not, there is a smelly side to this story not included in the funny video extolling the virtues of Patches, the coolest horse ever.
Mr. Ed…eat your heart out.
If you’d like my blog in your weekday box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Thanks to my sister Claire for sending me this video yesterday, which left me howling.
Yes, it’s “Patches” the horse, riding in a convertible modified to accommodate his huge horse’s…….rear.
It’s one thing to stuff the horse inside the car, but then to drive around town and go through a fast food drive through, I almost spit coffee all over my desk watching Patches glide though the pickup window as if he were just another customer.
There have been over 2 million views of this video on YouTube, so forgive me if this is “old news” to you, but Fridays demand lighter fare on the Tim Moore blog, so I had to share this with you today:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teHfyby_veU
Not only does Patches cruise through town, the wind blowing through his mane, but here’s a horse who watches TV, answers the phone and fetches a beer from the fridge.
Tucking in Patches into his bed for the night made me hope that this was one horse who was house-trained. If not, there is a smelly side to this story not included in the funny video extolling the virtues of Patches, the coolest horse ever.
Mr. Ed…eat your heart out.
If you’d like my blog in your weekday box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Nomar's Red Sox Exit
The news was stunning in its brevity:
“Nomar Garciaparra will sign a one-day minor league contract with the Boston Red Sox—and then announce his retirement from baseball—as a Red Sox player.”
A mixture of pride and sadness comes across Red Sox Nation as one of its greatest players ever—leaves the game in such a manner. No shame in the minor leagues, to be sure, but a somewhat inglorious end for a player who meant so much for so long to Boston fans.
I was shocked when he was traded away—and yet I had heard about Nomar’s grumbling and public dissatisfaction. “That chemistry thing” is important—and if Terry Francona saw (correctly) that such a trade could finally help Boston win a World Championship in 2004 (which it did), then in hindsight it was a necessary move. At the time, I was in favor of the move. No one player is ever bigger than the team.
Still…the idea that Nomar didn’t get to share in the euphoria following that 2004 Championship has to nag at him—and all those Sox fans who feel his consistently stellar play over the years earned him the right to a ring. I guess, technically, he received a World Series ring since he was released within the championship year. Nevertheless, it must have been a hollow feeling.
Boston fans know their baseball—and while they are not quick to forgive those who exit for dollars alone (just ask Johnny Damon), they are also appreciative of those players who work hard and exhibit a passion for winning, despite their turbulent episodes.
Case in point----check out this homemade video of Nomar’s return to Fenway Park as an Oakland Athletic player in July of last year. This is the crowd reaction to his very first at-bat in Fenway with another uniform on:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syy5yng6Q_c
Classy.
And classy was exactly how Nomar retired the other day, expressing gratitude to the Red Sox organization, to the fans and to the notion that despite his journey away from Boston as a pro baseball player, he was, in his heart—always a Red Sox player.
The rumor is that Nomar will throw out the first pitch on opening day at Fenway this season. I, for one, hope that his role is a WHOLE LOT bigger.
I’d like to see Nomar start the game against the Yankees at short---and be the leadoff batter in the home half of the inning.
One more inning.
One more at-bat.
One more chance to display for the fans the kind of excellence and passion that made him one of the all-time Red Sox greats.
Is it prudent to do so from strictly a competitive perspective? Probably not, but the Red Sox should demonstrate that they are a team and organization like no other. Unlike the Yankees, who dump Hideki Matsui—the WORLD SERIES MVP immediately after winning a championship (completely classless), the Boston Red Sox can afford the possibility that Nomar will let one go through his legs into Left Field—and/or strikeout. The fortunes of the 2010 campaign will not turn on one error or a single at-bat.
Who knows? One might see Mr.Garciaparra make just one more eye-popping play—or see him hit just one more over the Green Monster.
Hell, even Yankee fans might like to see that.
If you’d like my blog in your weekday box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
“Nomar Garciaparra will sign a one-day minor league contract with the Boston Red Sox—and then announce his retirement from baseball—as a Red Sox player.”
A mixture of pride and sadness comes across Red Sox Nation as one of its greatest players ever—leaves the game in such a manner. No shame in the minor leagues, to be sure, but a somewhat inglorious end for a player who meant so much for so long to Boston fans.
I was shocked when he was traded away—and yet I had heard about Nomar’s grumbling and public dissatisfaction. “That chemistry thing” is important—and if Terry Francona saw (correctly) that such a trade could finally help Boston win a World Championship in 2004 (which it did), then in hindsight it was a necessary move. At the time, I was in favor of the move. No one player is ever bigger than the team.
Still…the idea that Nomar didn’t get to share in the euphoria following that 2004 Championship has to nag at him—and all those Sox fans who feel his consistently stellar play over the years earned him the right to a ring. I guess, technically, he received a World Series ring since he was released within the championship year. Nevertheless, it must have been a hollow feeling.
Boston fans know their baseball—and while they are not quick to forgive those who exit for dollars alone (just ask Johnny Damon), they are also appreciative of those players who work hard and exhibit a passion for winning, despite their turbulent episodes.
Case in point----check out this homemade video of Nomar’s return to Fenway Park as an Oakland Athletic player in July of last year. This is the crowd reaction to his very first at-bat in Fenway with another uniform on:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syy5yng6Q_c
Classy.
And classy was exactly how Nomar retired the other day, expressing gratitude to the Red Sox organization, to the fans and to the notion that despite his journey away from Boston as a pro baseball player, he was, in his heart—always a Red Sox player.
The rumor is that Nomar will throw out the first pitch on opening day at Fenway this season. I, for one, hope that his role is a WHOLE LOT bigger.
I’d like to see Nomar start the game against the Yankees at short---and be the leadoff batter in the home half of the inning.
One more inning.
One more at-bat.
One more chance to display for the fans the kind of excellence and passion that made him one of the all-time Red Sox greats.
Is it prudent to do so from strictly a competitive perspective? Probably not, but the Red Sox should demonstrate that they are a team and organization like no other. Unlike the Yankees, who dump Hideki Matsui—the WORLD SERIES MVP immediately after winning a championship (completely classless), the Boston Red Sox can afford the possibility that Nomar will let one go through his legs into Left Field—and/or strikeout. The fortunes of the 2010 campaign will not turn on one error or a single at-bat.
Who knows? One might see Mr.Garciaparra make just one more eye-popping play—or see him hit just one more over the Green Monster.
Hell, even Yankee fans might like to see that.
If you’d like my blog in your weekday box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Happy 21st Birthday John Moore!
I finally became a grownup on this date 21 years ago.
Not that I wasn’t an ADULT before. Technically, I had already passed the milestones of 18, 21, marriage and home ownership (and all of its attended debt).
It’s just that until parenthood turned my little self-absorbed world upside-down, I had no idea what it was really like to be so completely focused on every nanosecond of another human being’s existence. All of that changed irreversibly on a winter day in Bangor, Maine.
John Patrick Moore was born at Eastern Maine Medical Center on March 10, 1989. Weighing in at 10lbs, 9oz, to say that John’s entry into this world was an ordeal for his mother Peggy (no, it was NOT a C-section) is an understatement. A long labor all night long—and me in surgical mask due to some kind of flu bug that forced the staff to try and contain my germs led to an exhausting experience for everyone (especially my wife!)
The swirl of emotions are still a fresh memory after all these years. Anticipation, fear, apprehension, concern, joy, exhilaration and utter exhaustion were but a few of the roller coaster swings that both Peggy and I experienced. Peggy, of course, had the dominant element of PAIN throughout. It’s a good thing that men don’t give birth. We are wusses.
Back in my parent’s day, my father paced in some kind of waiting room, ready for a doctor or nurse to deliver the news, cigars poised for distribution. Not the father of today, who faithfully (if not enthusiastically) attends the Lamaze classes and dutifully fetches the ice chips during labor and delivery. I was that guy.
Amazing doesn’t begin to describe the experience. My eyes bugged out of my head to scan every inch of our new child, our first born. Mentally counting fingers, toes and….hey, it’s a BOY! (that too), I was a complete blob of emotion, crying at the miracle I had just witnessed.
Driving home to Ellsworth later that day, I fell asleep at the wheel of my Mazda not a mile from our home. The car crossed the center line, left the road and crashed into a small stand of trees on the Bayside Road. The police thought that I was drunk—and understandably so. Standing next to what used to be my car, I was not at all upset. Punch drunk from exhaustion and the events of the last 24 hours, all I could say to the responding officer was , “I’m a Daddy!” Unbounded joy from my first born son’s entry into this world was now coupled with gratitude for my not exiting said world on the same day.
Sometime later that day, it began to hit me: Life would never be even remotely the same ever again.
And that was OK.
Diapers, feedings and projectile vomiting was replaced by a succession of life events: crawling, walking, talking, riding a bike, first day at school, Little League, middle school, high school, endless sports, games and family events. Graduation and entrance into college and soon a diploma from RPI become the latest chapters.
Through it all, Peggy and I have been witnesses to an incredible person growing and developing into the outstanding young man that John Moore is today. That we have had the same (but different!) experiences twice more with our daughter and youngest son has made us the luckiest people on earth—and we know it.
Twenty-One is a milestone to be sure. A legal adult in every sense of the word—and yet, he will always be my little buddy—even if he towers over me, which he does. And as hard as it would have been to imagine this day 21 years ago when John was born, I look just as enthusiastically towards the NEXT 21 years, where more adventures—and no doubt some challenges-- await us.
Bring it on!
John, we love you more than we can ever say—and I personally am so proud to be your Dad that I am still bursting at the seams—the same emotion I felt 21 years ago when I first held you in my arms.
Happy birthday, buddy!
If you’d like my blog in your box weekdays, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Not that I wasn’t an ADULT before. Technically, I had already passed the milestones of 18, 21, marriage and home ownership (and all of its attended debt).
It’s just that until parenthood turned my little self-absorbed world upside-down, I had no idea what it was really like to be so completely focused on every nanosecond of another human being’s existence. All of that changed irreversibly on a winter day in Bangor, Maine.
John Patrick Moore was born at Eastern Maine Medical Center on March 10, 1989. Weighing in at 10lbs, 9oz, to say that John’s entry into this world was an ordeal for his mother Peggy (no, it was NOT a C-section) is an understatement. A long labor all night long—and me in surgical mask due to some kind of flu bug that forced the staff to try and contain my germs led to an exhausting experience for everyone (especially my wife!)
The swirl of emotions are still a fresh memory after all these years. Anticipation, fear, apprehension, concern, joy, exhilaration and utter exhaustion were but a few of the roller coaster swings that both Peggy and I experienced. Peggy, of course, had the dominant element of PAIN throughout. It’s a good thing that men don’t give birth. We are wusses.
Back in my parent’s day, my father paced in some kind of waiting room, ready for a doctor or nurse to deliver the news, cigars poised for distribution. Not the father of today, who faithfully (if not enthusiastically) attends the Lamaze classes and dutifully fetches the ice chips during labor and delivery. I was that guy.
Amazing doesn’t begin to describe the experience. My eyes bugged out of my head to scan every inch of our new child, our first born. Mentally counting fingers, toes and….hey, it’s a BOY! (that too), I was a complete blob of emotion, crying at the miracle I had just witnessed.
Driving home to Ellsworth later that day, I fell asleep at the wheel of my Mazda not a mile from our home. The car crossed the center line, left the road and crashed into a small stand of trees on the Bayside Road. The police thought that I was drunk—and understandably so. Standing next to what used to be my car, I was not at all upset. Punch drunk from exhaustion and the events of the last 24 hours, all I could say to the responding officer was , “I’m a Daddy!” Unbounded joy from my first born son’s entry into this world was now coupled with gratitude for my not exiting said world on the same day.
Sometime later that day, it began to hit me: Life would never be even remotely the same ever again.
And that was OK.
Diapers, feedings and projectile vomiting was replaced by a succession of life events: crawling, walking, talking, riding a bike, first day at school, Little League, middle school, high school, endless sports, games and family events. Graduation and entrance into college and soon a diploma from RPI become the latest chapters.
Through it all, Peggy and I have been witnesses to an incredible person growing and developing into the outstanding young man that John Moore is today. That we have had the same (but different!) experiences twice more with our daughter and youngest son has made us the luckiest people on earth—and we know it.
Twenty-One is a milestone to be sure. A legal adult in every sense of the word—and yet, he will always be my little buddy—even if he towers over me, which he does. And as hard as it would have been to imagine this day 21 years ago when John was born, I look just as enthusiastically towards the NEXT 21 years, where more adventures—and no doubt some challenges-- await us.
Bring it on!
John, we love you more than we can ever say—and I personally am so proud to be your Dad that I am still bursting at the seams—the same emotion I felt 21 years ago when I first held you in my arms.
Happy birthday, buddy!
If you’d like my blog in your box weekdays, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
George Burns-A Century Of Laughs!
Where do you go after playing the role of God?
Well, in George Burns’ case, perhaps you do a command performance for The Big Guy inside those Pearly Gates. If there is a heaven, we know that George Burns is there—along with Gracie and Jack Benny—making God crack up.
George Burns passed away on this date 14 years ago at the age of 100. He’d been in show business for over 90 of those years!
Born Nathan Birnbaum in New York City, he was the 9th of 12 children. He began singing on street corners for pennies, started a “dance academy” at the age of 13 and generally failed at most of these ventures. That is, until he met fellow performer Gracie Allen.
At first, she played the “straight man”, if you will—with George handling the punch lines—and it didn’t quite work out. However, when they swapped roles, the laughter—and their success—both increased exponentially!
Marriage followed and the pair became well known on the vaudeville circuit. When the dawn of radio exposed them to a national audience, they became a hit with a show of their own. That radio show garnered a weekly audience of 40 MILLION! And NBC paid the pair $10,000 a WEEK, a sum unheard of at the time and especially impressive considering the nation was in the throes of the Great Depression.
From radio, the duo moved to the big screen, playing themselves in a number of films, including “International House”( 1933) and “Many Happy Returns” (1934). In 1950, the new medium of television beckoned—and their show on CBS had huge ratings for the rest of the decade.
Gracie died suddenly in 1964 at the age of 58, sending George into a tailspin. Throughout their career together, George himself was the first to point out that Gracie was the star—and he was merely lucky to be along for the ride.
A highly successful professional partnership with Jack Benny, his best friend, followed-until Benny himself passed away.
Burns’ career could have ended right there—without diminishing his stature in the industry or his contribution. But not content to retire, his career enjoyed a huge resurgence following major heart surgery at the age of 79. From his role as a retired vaudevillian in the film “The Sunshine Boys” alongside Walter Matthau to his multiple appearances as both God and the Devil in the “Oh God!” series of movies, Burns became hugely popular to a whole new generation.
Instead of digging for great video clips, I have chosen instead to post the Larry King Live! episode where Burns was remembered by the likes of his son, Carol Channing, Phyllis Diller and others. King did all the work as this show is full of terrific moments from the career of George Burns….enjoy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smRTgBkgK94
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Fb3Itn6n1M
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKQR8Uw7Dpg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkBxN8vUoWI
Burns was the author of nine books and the recipient of several “lifetime achievement” awards in the entertainment industry. Live stage, radio, TV and movies—George Burns did it all—and for more years than most people live.
Not bad for a cigar-chomping grade school dropout from a big family born during the Depression. He may not have been “God”, but no one argues that he wasn’t an entertainment god for decades.
If you’d like my blog in your box weekdays, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Well, in George Burns’ case, perhaps you do a command performance for The Big Guy inside those Pearly Gates. If there is a heaven, we know that George Burns is there—along with Gracie and Jack Benny—making God crack up.
George Burns passed away on this date 14 years ago at the age of 100. He’d been in show business for over 90 of those years!
Born Nathan Birnbaum in New York City, he was the 9th of 12 children. He began singing on street corners for pennies, started a “dance academy” at the age of 13 and generally failed at most of these ventures. That is, until he met fellow performer Gracie Allen.
At first, she played the “straight man”, if you will—with George handling the punch lines—and it didn’t quite work out. However, when they swapped roles, the laughter—and their success—both increased exponentially!
Marriage followed and the pair became well known on the vaudeville circuit. When the dawn of radio exposed them to a national audience, they became a hit with a show of their own. That radio show garnered a weekly audience of 40 MILLION! And NBC paid the pair $10,000 a WEEK, a sum unheard of at the time and especially impressive considering the nation was in the throes of the Great Depression.
From radio, the duo moved to the big screen, playing themselves in a number of films, including “International House”( 1933) and “Many Happy Returns” (1934). In 1950, the new medium of television beckoned—and their show on CBS had huge ratings for the rest of the decade.
Gracie died suddenly in 1964 at the age of 58, sending George into a tailspin. Throughout their career together, George himself was the first to point out that Gracie was the star—and he was merely lucky to be along for the ride.
A highly successful professional partnership with Jack Benny, his best friend, followed-until Benny himself passed away.
Burns’ career could have ended right there—without diminishing his stature in the industry or his contribution. But not content to retire, his career enjoyed a huge resurgence following major heart surgery at the age of 79. From his role as a retired vaudevillian in the film “The Sunshine Boys” alongside Walter Matthau to his multiple appearances as both God and the Devil in the “Oh God!” series of movies, Burns became hugely popular to a whole new generation.
Instead of digging for great video clips, I have chosen instead to post the Larry King Live! episode where Burns was remembered by the likes of his son, Carol Channing, Phyllis Diller and others. King did all the work as this show is full of terrific moments from the career of George Burns….enjoy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smRTgBkgK94
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Fb3Itn6n1M
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKQR8Uw7Dpg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkBxN8vUoWI
Burns was the author of nine books and the recipient of several “lifetime achievement” awards in the entertainment industry. Live stage, radio, TV and movies—George Burns did it all—and for more years than most people live.
Not bad for a cigar-chomping grade school dropout from a big family born during the Depression. He may not have been “God”, but no one argues that he wasn’t an entertainment god for decades.
If you’d like my blog in your box weekdays, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Monday, March 8, 2010
The Hippie Mobile Turns 60!
Perhaps no other vehicle evokes images of the 60’s and 70’s counterculture movement as does the VW Bus, which began production on this date in 1950. This, of course, means it is within 5 years of retirement age—and has been eligible for AARP membership for a decade!
Yeah, this “almost” senior citizen was once the stereotype for the transportation of hippies. The VW nameplate was often modified to become a peace sign, the paint job became either a homemade canvas featuring large petal flowers or perhaps a total psychedelic makeover inspired by banned substances that were arguably as much the fuel for this machine as the gasoline itself.
Known officially as the Volkswagen Type 2 (the Beetle was the Type 1), the microbus was reportedly the brainchild of Dutch businessman Ben Pon, who was an importer of Beetles to the Netherlands and the man who foresaw a market for a small bus. In 1947, he sketched out his idea of a boxy utilitarian vehicle with a rear-mounted engine.
An economical solution for transporting young people to anti-war rallies and rock concerts like Woodstock, this rather un-sexy vehicle became an icon for the young generation. This fact was not lost on Volkswagen, which featured an ad with the front of the bus shedding a tear upon the death of Grateful Dead guitarist Jerry Garcia in 1995.
Check out the two TV ads for earlier versions of the VW bus:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcwIWxASw-E
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oq1gollgvm8
Reliable if not attractive, the VW bus became a symbol of a political and social movement not envisioned by its creator. Indeed, it was the VW bus’ customer base that supplanted whatever corporate-crafted image was portrayed in commercials with an image that better represented the reality of its use.
Visions of pot smoke billowing out of the VW bus whenever the doors opened and long-haired, love-bead laden hippies in bellbottom jeans and tie-dye T-shirts stumbled out somehow overtook whatever images the marketing team at VW cooked up.
“Hey dude….groovy bus…man.”
I have a sudden craving for Doritos.
If you’d like my blog in your weekday box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Yeah, this “almost” senior citizen was once the stereotype for the transportation of hippies. The VW nameplate was often modified to become a peace sign, the paint job became either a homemade canvas featuring large petal flowers or perhaps a total psychedelic makeover inspired by banned substances that were arguably as much the fuel for this machine as the gasoline itself.
Known officially as the Volkswagen Type 2 (the Beetle was the Type 1), the microbus was reportedly the brainchild of Dutch businessman Ben Pon, who was an importer of Beetles to the Netherlands and the man who foresaw a market for a small bus. In 1947, he sketched out his idea of a boxy utilitarian vehicle with a rear-mounted engine.
An economical solution for transporting young people to anti-war rallies and rock concerts like Woodstock, this rather un-sexy vehicle became an icon for the young generation. This fact was not lost on Volkswagen, which featured an ad with the front of the bus shedding a tear upon the death of Grateful Dead guitarist Jerry Garcia in 1995.
Check out the two TV ads for earlier versions of the VW bus:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcwIWxASw-E
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oq1gollgvm8
Reliable if not attractive, the VW bus became a symbol of a political and social movement not envisioned by its creator. Indeed, it was the VW bus’ customer base that supplanted whatever corporate-crafted image was portrayed in commercials with an image that better represented the reality of its use.
Visions of pot smoke billowing out of the VW bus whenever the doors opened and long-haired, love-bead laden hippies in bellbottom jeans and tie-dye T-shirts stumbled out somehow overtook whatever images the marketing team at VW cooked up.
“Hey dude….groovy bus…man.”
I have a sudden craving for Doritos.
If you’d like my blog in your weekday box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Friday, March 5, 2010
I Want To Invent Something Useless
This is what TV calls an “encore presentation”—as I wrote this blog originally
a year ago today. I did swap out a different video for your entertainment, however.
It was on this date in 1963 that the Hula Hoop was invented. I say “invented”, but really, how much thought went into a PLASTIC CIRCLE? The genius-if you can call it that—is in accurately forecasting that kids to adults would make fools of themselves by rotating their hips at a pace not designed by God in the HUMAN OWNERS MANUAL.
Big-time cashing in on this product was the result—and Mr. Hula Hoop laughed as he shook his hips all the way to the bank—probably somewhere in the Bahamas. Below is one of the original old TV commercials for the Hula Hoop-the NEW AND IMPROVED model with sand or beads or something inside that makes noise:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9U_nz1lgwvY
Of course, there are other useless inventions that have reaped their inventors rewards beyond reason or common sense. The Mood Ring and The Pet Rock come to mind. Useless? YES, yet extremely profitable for the guru responsible for bringing it to market.
I will be hard at work over the next several months trying to devise a cheap piece of crap that I can start a worldwide fad with. You will fall in love with my worthless piece of junk and you will buy it. If I am lucky, like the inventor of the Hula Hoop, you will not only APPEAR to be a fool by purchasing said crap in the first place, but also you will use it in front of OTHER people to:
a) convince them that my invention has enhanced your life and
b) CONFIRM that you are an imbecile by mere demonstration of my product (yet to be conceived, but certain to be embarrassing to all users)
If you have a good idea, we can work together! Want my daily blog in your inbox? (free-damn!) Let me know! Tim.moore@citcomm.com
a year ago today. I did swap out a different video for your entertainment, however.
It was on this date in 1963 that the Hula Hoop was invented. I say “invented”, but really, how much thought went into a PLASTIC CIRCLE? The genius-if you can call it that—is in accurately forecasting that kids to adults would make fools of themselves by rotating their hips at a pace not designed by God in the HUMAN OWNERS MANUAL.
Big-time cashing in on this product was the result—and Mr. Hula Hoop laughed as he shook his hips all the way to the bank—probably somewhere in the Bahamas. Below is one of the original old TV commercials for the Hula Hoop-the NEW AND IMPROVED model with sand or beads or something inside that makes noise:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9U_nz1lgwvY
Of course, there are other useless inventions that have reaped their inventors rewards beyond reason or common sense. The Mood Ring and The Pet Rock come to mind. Useless? YES, yet extremely profitable for the guru responsible for bringing it to market.
I will be hard at work over the next several months trying to devise a cheap piece of crap that I can start a worldwide fad with. You will fall in love with my worthless piece of junk and you will buy it. If I am lucky, like the inventor of the Hula Hoop, you will not only APPEAR to be a fool by purchasing said crap in the first place, but also you will use it in front of OTHER people to:
a) convince them that my invention has enhanced your life and
b) CONFIRM that you are an imbecile by mere demonstration of my product (yet to be conceived, but certain to be embarrassing to all users)
If you have a good idea, we can work together! Want my daily blog in your inbox? (free-damn!) Let me know! Tim.moore@citcomm.com
Thursday, March 4, 2010
John Candy
Hard to believe that it’s been 15 years since we lost actor and comedian John Candy, who died on this date in 1995 after suffering a heart attack.
Candy, who was only 43 at the time of his death—had already impacted American pop culture with his parade of hit movies. Even the ones that didn’t get…shall we say…”critical acclaim”? Well, they were still funny whenever he was on screen.
Canadian born, Candy was accepted into the prestigious Second City Comedy troupe in Toronto in 1972. He would later become a regular writer and performer on the show SCTV. When the show moved to network TV in 1981, Candy moved too—and won Emmy Awards for writing the show.
His most famous and recurring role was that of “Yosh Schmenge”, a clarinet player in a polka band.
Candy had his first break in movies with “Splash” in 1984, playing alongside a young actor named Tom Hanks. The film, directed by Ron Howard was a huge hit, launching the careers of Candy, Hanks, and Darryl Hannah.
Weighing in at up to 275 pounds and standing six foot-three, Candy would struggle with weight problems regularly, but, like Chris Farley and even John Belushi, the excess weight undoubtedly contributed to his comedic impact, where his clumsy physical antics would send audiences howling.
After “Splash”, the next ten years would see Candy starring in such box office hits as “Spaceballs”,”The Great Outdoors” and “Uncle Buck”. For me, his funniest—and most poignant performance was alongside Steve Martin in “Trains, Planes and Automobiles”
If you can watch this and NOT laugh, then you have no funny bone whatsoever and need to see a doctor:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7v0eth4XAM
At the time of his death, Candy had just completed his directorial debut and was two thirds through filming “Wagons East”. It was on location for this movie in Durango, Mexico where Candy was stricken.
While Chris Farley (whom we also lost way too soon) became the “successor” if you will to the lovable overweight character roles in these movies, there will never be another John Candy. No pun intended, but the world truly lost a comedic heavyweight when John left us.
The good news is that he is no doubt upstairs—not playing the harp—but probably the clarinet—and keeping the angels in stitches.
If you’d like my blog in your box weekdays, just drop me a line: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Candy, who was only 43 at the time of his death—had already impacted American pop culture with his parade of hit movies. Even the ones that didn’t get…shall we say…”critical acclaim”? Well, they were still funny whenever he was on screen.
Canadian born, Candy was accepted into the prestigious Second City Comedy troupe in Toronto in 1972. He would later become a regular writer and performer on the show SCTV. When the show moved to network TV in 1981, Candy moved too—and won Emmy Awards for writing the show.
His most famous and recurring role was that of “Yosh Schmenge”, a clarinet player in a polka band.
Candy had his first break in movies with “Splash” in 1984, playing alongside a young actor named Tom Hanks. The film, directed by Ron Howard was a huge hit, launching the careers of Candy, Hanks, and Darryl Hannah.
Weighing in at up to 275 pounds and standing six foot-three, Candy would struggle with weight problems regularly, but, like Chris Farley and even John Belushi, the excess weight undoubtedly contributed to his comedic impact, where his clumsy physical antics would send audiences howling.
After “Splash”, the next ten years would see Candy starring in such box office hits as “Spaceballs”,”The Great Outdoors” and “Uncle Buck”. For me, his funniest—and most poignant performance was alongside Steve Martin in “Trains, Planes and Automobiles”
If you can watch this and NOT laugh, then you have no funny bone whatsoever and need to see a doctor:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7v0eth4XAM
At the time of his death, Candy had just completed his directorial debut and was two thirds through filming “Wagons East”. It was on location for this movie in Durango, Mexico where Candy was stricken.
While Chris Farley (whom we also lost way too soon) became the “successor” if you will to the lovable overweight character roles in these movies, there will never be another John Candy. No pun intended, but the world truly lost a comedic heavyweight when John left us.
The good news is that he is no doubt upstairs—not playing the harp—but probably the clarinet—and keeping the angels in stitches.
If you’d like my blog in your box weekdays, just drop me a line: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Out Of Sorts About Mail
The computer age with e-mail, the internet for shopping and our desire to save trees should all be converging to create a HUGE reduction in the amount of paper and cardboard that goes through the U.S. Postal System.
But alas, that’s not the case.
I don’t know about you, but if anything, I’m getting MORE junk mail, not less of late.
With recent news that the Postal System is projected to lose billions going into the future, it’s enough to make you go….postal (sorry)
Really, though, do we need to have 47 credit cards? Judging by the number of credit card offers our household receives each week, if we responded to half of them (since we’re “already approved!”), I’d need to carry my plastic-laden wallet around in a wheelbarrow.
In was on this date in 1873 that Congress passed the so-called “Comstock Law”, making it illegal to send obscene materials through the mail.
Really. Has the postal inspector checked out a Victoria’s Secret catalogue lately?
About those catalogues. I love L.L. Bean, but we receive a pair of identical catalogues each time they mail out. Thinking about the expense, the cost of mailing that kind of bulk material—as high as it must be—it still must be dwarfed by the cost of photographing each model wearing each sweater and blouse, assembling the items, writing the text and coding for mail-in orders, not to mention the cost of printing the high gloss stock that is then assembled, stapled, addressed and sorted for mailing. The poor carrier trudges through the snow to deliver these gems to our mailboxes---where we promptly flip through he pages (if that!) before tossing into the recycling bin. Hey, that’s somebody’s career you’re dismissing by being so cavalier with the catalogue!
At some level it must work, since sales in Freeport do draw a crowd—and the telephone operators are plenty busy answering the phone. It may only represent 2% of the flyers that shipped, but it still somehow generates enough to repeat the whole process over again NEXT month.
The envelopes stuffed with a zillion coupons from area businesses are another matter. I open one of these high quality pieces and prepare to catch the blizzard of offers before they spray like confetti on the kitchen floor.
“Get 10% off your next sofa reupholstering!”
Be still my heart. I’m not sure my ticker can handle such excitement—or such savings! Five different pizza parlors will be inside, a plumber or two—and the obligatory roofer or siding installer. God bless’em. Here’s hoping they get even ONE response for the dollars they are shelling out to “Advertise” in this manner.
Offers from car dealers, clothing stores, sporting goods and real estate agents, who somehow have to always devote the majority of column inch ad space to their own FACE. Is it a job requirement that to be a real estate agent you have to have an ego the size of Mt. Rushmore?
There is a way to stop—or at least cut down on the amount of junk mail that arrives at your house—watch this short video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0Cf5Fej4sw
My suggestion to all of you print advertisers is to divert that budget—however meager—to radio advertising for just a month or two. Granted, I’m not impartial as this is what pays my bills, but after over 30 years in the business, I see the smart business people getting the most “bang for their buck” from radio. They come back again and again—and when an ad schedule that includes a) a decent offer (which will NEVER be “get 10% off!), b) a compelling or creative way to convey that message (the copy) with c) a schedule with enough frequency to be exposed to the target audience at least 3-5 times, the radio advertiser will see results that will pay for the schedule---and then some.
So, why don’t we all just save a tree or two?
You’ll feel better—and maybe the Postal System will someday break even.
If you’d like my blog in your box daily, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
But alas, that’s not the case.
I don’t know about you, but if anything, I’m getting MORE junk mail, not less of late.
With recent news that the Postal System is projected to lose billions going into the future, it’s enough to make you go….postal (sorry)
Really, though, do we need to have 47 credit cards? Judging by the number of credit card offers our household receives each week, if we responded to half of them (since we’re “already approved!”), I’d need to carry my plastic-laden wallet around in a wheelbarrow.
In was on this date in 1873 that Congress passed the so-called “Comstock Law”, making it illegal to send obscene materials through the mail.
Really. Has the postal inspector checked out a Victoria’s Secret catalogue lately?
About those catalogues. I love L.L. Bean, but we receive a pair of identical catalogues each time they mail out. Thinking about the expense, the cost of mailing that kind of bulk material—as high as it must be—it still must be dwarfed by the cost of photographing each model wearing each sweater and blouse, assembling the items, writing the text and coding for mail-in orders, not to mention the cost of printing the high gloss stock that is then assembled, stapled, addressed and sorted for mailing. The poor carrier trudges through the snow to deliver these gems to our mailboxes---where we promptly flip through he pages (if that!) before tossing into the recycling bin. Hey, that’s somebody’s career you’re dismissing by being so cavalier with the catalogue!
At some level it must work, since sales in Freeport do draw a crowd—and the telephone operators are plenty busy answering the phone. It may only represent 2% of the flyers that shipped, but it still somehow generates enough to repeat the whole process over again NEXT month.
The envelopes stuffed with a zillion coupons from area businesses are another matter. I open one of these high quality pieces and prepare to catch the blizzard of offers before they spray like confetti on the kitchen floor.
“Get 10% off your next sofa reupholstering!”
Be still my heart. I’m not sure my ticker can handle such excitement—or such savings! Five different pizza parlors will be inside, a plumber or two—and the obligatory roofer or siding installer. God bless’em. Here’s hoping they get even ONE response for the dollars they are shelling out to “Advertise” in this manner.
Offers from car dealers, clothing stores, sporting goods and real estate agents, who somehow have to always devote the majority of column inch ad space to their own FACE. Is it a job requirement that to be a real estate agent you have to have an ego the size of Mt. Rushmore?
There is a way to stop—or at least cut down on the amount of junk mail that arrives at your house—watch this short video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0Cf5Fej4sw
My suggestion to all of you print advertisers is to divert that budget—however meager—to radio advertising for just a month or two. Granted, I’m not impartial as this is what pays my bills, but after over 30 years in the business, I see the smart business people getting the most “bang for their buck” from radio. They come back again and again—and when an ad schedule that includes a) a decent offer (which will NEVER be “get 10% off!), b) a compelling or creative way to convey that message (the copy) with c) a schedule with enough frequency to be exposed to the target audience at least 3-5 times, the radio advertiser will see results that will pay for the schedule---and then some.
So, why don’t we all just save a tree or two?
You’ll feel better—and maybe the Postal System will someday break even.
If you’d like my blog in your box daily, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
A Million Mustangs!
I’d have to wait until next month for the official “birthday” of the Ford Mustang—it was in April of 1964 that the sporty but affordable convertible seized the attention of the auto marketplace.
Today is an anniversary of sorts, though—it was on this date in 1966 that the ONE MILLIONTH Mustang rolled off the assembly line!
What was originally conceived as the “working man’s Thunderbird”, the first Mustangs sold for about $2,300! The first 22,000 models were snapped up on virtually the first day. This was essentially Lee Iacocca’s car—as the-then general manager of Ford was involved in the design, production and marketing of the Mustang.
Growing up in the 60’s and 70’s, every boy wanted either a Mustang or a Chevy Camaro. I loved both cars, but that little horsey in the grille of the Mustang was the clincher. Bucket seats, a floor-mounted stick shift and sleek styling said it all. This was a chick magnet, not that any of us had a chance with anyone older than fifteen.
If you bought a new Mustang back then, it could today be worth more than ten times the original purchase price—if in good shape! Now, THAT’S an investment more solid than any 401K.
Below are a couple of TV commercials for the Mustang. The first is the “preview” spot for that very first model year—and then a 1967 TV ad:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBot2MAewpY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQRYBhuBwb8
More than 400,000 Mustangs were sold in the first model year-and within 3 years of its introduction, about 500 Mustang Fan Clubs had sprung up. The Mustang appeared on the silver screen in its debut year in the James Bond film “Goldfinger”, the first of virtually hundreds of movies to feature this particular Ford.
Design changes through the 70’s made the Mustang less attractive-until the awful Mustang II’s, a mere shell of the former greatness that defined Mustang. Then came the Mustang GT-also awful. Ford finally came to its senses in 2004—with a completely redesigned model that approximated the terrific original design that turned heads in 1964.
So, here it is, 2010—and I STILL don’t have a Mustang…maybe when the kids get out of college and I am fully into my midlife crisis, I’ll try to recapture my lost youth by tooling down the road with the top down, radio blaring.
I won’t be “cruisin’ for babes” (a) they wouldn’t have me and (b) I don’t have a death wish.
I’ll be driving around, no doubt looking cool as my Mustang and I pick up my prescription at the CVS Drive-Thru Pharmacy.
Not exactly what I had in mind back in the 60’s, but better late than never.
If you’d like my blog in your weekday inbox, just let me know! Tim.moore@citcomm.com
Today is an anniversary of sorts, though—it was on this date in 1966 that the ONE MILLIONTH Mustang rolled off the assembly line!
What was originally conceived as the “working man’s Thunderbird”, the first Mustangs sold for about $2,300! The first 22,000 models were snapped up on virtually the first day. This was essentially Lee Iacocca’s car—as the-then general manager of Ford was involved in the design, production and marketing of the Mustang.
Growing up in the 60’s and 70’s, every boy wanted either a Mustang or a Chevy Camaro. I loved both cars, but that little horsey in the grille of the Mustang was the clincher. Bucket seats, a floor-mounted stick shift and sleek styling said it all. This was a chick magnet, not that any of us had a chance with anyone older than fifteen.
If you bought a new Mustang back then, it could today be worth more than ten times the original purchase price—if in good shape! Now, THAT’S an investment more solid than any 401K.
Below are a couple of TV commercials for the Mustang. The first is the “preview” spot for that very first model year—and then a 1967 TV ad:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBot2MAewpY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQRYBhuBwb8
More than 400,000 Mustangs were sold in the first model year-and within 3 years of its introduction, about 500 Mustang Fan Clubs had sprung up. The Mustang appeared on the silver screen in its debut year in the James Bond film “Goldfinger”, the first of virtually hundreds of movies to feature this particular Ford.
Design changes through the 70’s made the Mustang less attractive-until the awful Mustang II’s, a mere shell of the former greatness that defined Mustang. Then came the Mustang GT-also awful. Ford finally came to its senses in 2004—with a completely redesigned model that approximated the terrific original design that turned heads in 1964.
So, here it is, 2010—and I STILL don’t have a Mustang…maybe when the kids get out of college and I am fully into my midlife crisis, I’ll try to recapture my lost youth by tooling down the road with the top down, radio blaring.
I won’t be “cruisin’ for babes” (a) they wouldn’t have me and (b) I don’t have a death wish.
I’ll be driving around, no doubt looking cool as my Mustang and I pick up my prescription at the CVS Drive-Thru Pharmacy.
Not exactly what I had in mind back in the 60’s, but better late than never.
If you’d like my blog in your weekday inbox, just let me know! Tim.moore@citcomm.com
Monday, March 1, 2010
Lindbergh Baby Kidnapping Still Mysterious
It was on this date—March 1, 1932—that the infant son of aviator Charles Lindbergh was taken from his crib, triggering one of the largest manhunts in history.
Called the “crime of the century”, the nation was completely gripped by the emotional ordeal of someone who was arguably the most famous person on the planet at the time.
I am reading A. Scott Berg’s Pulitzer Prize winning biography, “Lindbergh” right now—and, coincidentally, started the part about the kidnapping last night, unaware that today was the 78th anniversary of the crime.
While one cannot discount the remarkable feat that Lindbergh accomplished with his solo flight from New York to Paris in 1927, it can be said that the fame, adulation and financial windfalls that accrued from that one 36 hour flight were completely out of proportion with the magnitude of the event itself.
Mass media was in its infancy—and Charles Lindbergh became the first true worldwide superstar. The newspaper headlines were a given, but the new medium of radio and sound coupled with film in the form of newsreels catapulted Lindbergh to a level of fame and intrusion of his privacy that had never occurred before.
As such, Lindbergh and his family were prime targets for kidnapping, especially as the Great Depression created economic hardship for millions of Americans.
The Lindbergh baby kidnap case didn’t have a happy ending. Although $50,000 in ransom was paid, the baby was never returned. A corpse was found about a month after the ransom drop—not far from the Lindbergh’s New Jersey home.
For a long time, it appeared the crime would not be solved…..until a marked bill from the ransom money turned up more than two years after the crime. Spent at a gas station, the operator wrote down the license plate of the driver, thinking he looked suspicious. The car belonged to a Bruno Hauptman, a German immigrant. When his home was searched, about $15,000 of the ransom money was found.
Needless to say, the conviction and execution of Hauptman was a fairly straightforward matter. However, there are those who believe the German was innocent. Here is an interesting show from the Leonard Nimoy’s “In Search Of…” series about the crime—and the allegations that Hauptman was framed:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbeLVi3IuRI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cW_WpKoqxts
Although the program was interesting, I am still not convinced. Even if Hauptman was not personally involved in the abduction and/or murder of the child, it’s difficult to believe that he was an innocent bystander. Holding 15 grand of the tainted money with no plausible explanation is damning evidence to me.
Either way, it’s a fascinating story—and I highly recommend “Lindbergh” by A. Scott Berg. With exclusive access to the Lindbergh family papers, it is the definitive biography of one of America’s most complex personalities.
If you’d like my blog in your daily inbox, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Called the “crime of the century”, the nation was completely gripped by the emotional ordeal of someone who was arguably the most famous person on the planet at the time.
I am reading A. Scott Berg’s Pulitzer Prize winning biography, “Lindbergh” right now—and, coincidentally, started the part about the kidnapping last night, unaware that today was the 78th anniversary of the crime.
While one cannot discount the remarkable feat that Lindbergh accomplished with his solo flight from New York to Paris in 1927, it can be said that the fame, adulation and financial windfalls that accrued from that one 36 hour flight were completely out of proportion with the magnitude of the event itself.
Mass media was in its infancy—and Charles Lindbergh became the first true worldwide superstar. The newspaper headlines were a given, but the new medium of radio and sound coupled with film in the form of newsreels catapulted Lindbergh to a level of fame and intrusion of his privacy that had never occurred before.
As such, Lindbergh and his family were prime targets for kidnapping, especially as the Great Depression created economic hardship for millions of Americans.
The Lindbergh baby kidnap case didn’t have a happy ending. Although $50,000 in ransom was paid, the baby was never returned. A corpse was found about a month after the ransom drop—not far from the Lindbergh’s New Jersey home.
For a long time, it appeared the crime would not be solved…..until a marked bill from the ransom money turned up more than two years after the crime. Spent at a gas station, the operator wrote down the license plate of the driver, thinking he looked suspicious. The car belonged to a Bruno Hauptman, a German immigrant. When his home was searched, about $15,000 of the ransom money was found.
Needless to say, the conviction and execution of Hauptman was a fairly straightforward matter. However, there are those who believe the German was innocent. Here is an interesting show from the Leonard Nimoy’s “In Search Of…” series about the crime—and the allegations that Hauptman was framed:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbeLVi3IuRI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cW_WpKoqxts
Although the program was interesting, I am still not convinced. Even if Hauptman was not personally involved in the abduction and/or murder of the child, it’s difficult to believe that he was an innocent bystander. Holding 15 grand of the tainted money with no plausible explanation is damning evidence to me.
Either way, it’s a fascinating story—and I highly recommend “Lindbergh” by A. Scott Berg. With exclusive access to the Lindbergh family papers, it is the definitive biography of one of America’s most complex personalities.
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