THE FOLLOWING IS AN UPDATED TIM MOORE ENCORE BLOG:
Here’s hoping you had a Merry Christmas!
After logging MANY hours on the air, I am back to playing our regular format of Light Rock on 94.9 WHOM—not that I don’t love the Christmas tunes….it was just time(at midnight Christmas) to move on!
Many of us are fresh from our Academy Award-winning performances of unwrapping horrible gifts in front of the people who gave them to us. When revealing an ugly shirt or cheap gadget, you must disguise the look of disgust on your face. In fact, you need to act as if you have just received a winning Powerball ticket:
“Oh, my goodness! What an AWESOME gift! How on earth have I SURVIVED without the Clapper?”
“I’m certain that doubleknit Nehru jackets are coming back into style! I’ll be the FIRST in my neighborhood to have one!”
“A lawn ornament of Daffy Duck with wind-propelled crazy spinning legs was on my list last year, but nobody got it for me!”
Of course, the challenge is to:
a) Not run into the person who bestowed upon you said crappy gift at the exchange/return counter.
b) Find a way to (at least ONCE in the near future) actually wear or display the offending item in front of the gifter.
This, of course, means inviting that person of extreme bad taste into your home. This is convenient for clothing, since that way you won’t be seen leaving the house wearing the plaid leisure suit. Only your other family members and pets will be subjected to the pain of having to withhold either uproarious laughter or vomit while you entertain the offender in your living room.
Displaying those hideous items in your home can be a one-and-only-one time event too.
My feeling is that after ONE “sighting”, the giftee and gifter never have to uphold the pretense that the item was ever valued.
Future questions can be answered using the little white lies we employ to spare other people’s feelings. For instance, if the giver asks why he/she hasn’t seen in you that wide-lapel turquoise smoking jacket, you can answer with a rueful laugh about how ironic it is that a smoking jacket somehow itself caught fire and was completely burned to a cinder.
How unfortunate.
Actually being offender-especially if the recipient is your wife/significant other, the following scenario could present itself:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7QCy68nbkQ
I was VERY fortunate to have received all winners from my family-no acting needed!
My wish is that Santa (in all of his various forms) gave you EXACTLY what you wanted this year. If you got a real bummer of a present, feel free to share it with me as a comment or right to my e-mail at: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
How To Quit Golf
Imagine my surprise when I opened the Christmas gift bag from my wife under our tree—to discover an iron.
Not a 6 iron, 9 iron or wedge. An iron. Like, for pressing pants.
A knowing smile—and a quick “make it plural” clued me in that this was Peggy’s way of granting my Christmas wish---for a new set of irons.
Yeah, that’ll do it.
“It” is reaching a level of golf nirvana where every shot rings true, arching high and straight and long, landing softly exactly where I want it to.
Of course, I am delusional, dreaming of proficiency in a game where frustration is the norm and an entire industry is dependent upon idiots like me, searching for golf’s “Holy Grail”: that one club, swing tip or gadget that will make it all worthwhile.
Peggy knows enough not to actually choose the clubs—who’d want that responsibility? I will venture out and get fitted, measured, have my swing analyzed and after the laughter subsides, I’ll be on the way home with a brand new set of sticks that will lower my handicap a stroke or two.
It’ll be worth it, because I love golf. The greatest game ever invented, but one that has spawned more jokes, temper tantrums and coronaries than any other pastime.
Thanks again to friend, golf buddy and purveyor of interesting e-mails Rick Cooper, who sent this gem to me.
If you are a golfer, you will laugh out loud, a knowing laugh that exposes you and me and all others who play this crazy game that we are just one or two horrible shots away from doing the same thing as this funny film portrays:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cohTl1dekBs
After an afternoon of shanking, slicing, chili-dipping and chunking it, we know that the ONE good shot we pull off on the 18th hole will bring us back. The rest are what we men call “mother-in-law” shots (“looked good leaving”)—those that started out so promising, only to detour into nature’s pinball machine, ricocheting off multiple trees.
Nice.
But the next shot will be better, I promise.
No matter what, I’ll be back again. After all, I hear there’s a new set of irons out there that are ultra-forgiving of shots hit off-center.
They will be mine.
Look out Phil, Tiger, etc. I’m coming after all of you.
If you’d like my blog in your daily inbox, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Not a 6 iron, 9 iron or wedge. An iron. Like, for pressing pants.
A knowing smile—and a quick “make it plural” clued me in that this was Peggy’s way of granting my Christmas wish---for a new set of irons.
Yeah, that’ll do it.
“It” is reaching a level of golf nirvana where every shot rings true, arching high and straight and long, landing softly exactly where I want it to.
Of course, I am delusional, dreaming of proficiency in a game where frustration is the norm and an entire industry is dependent upon idiots like me, searching for golf’s “Holy Grail”: that one club, swing tip or gadget that will make it all worthwhile.
Peggy knows enough not to actually choose the clubs—who’d want that responsibility? I will venture out and get fitted, measured, have my swing analyzed and after the laughter subsides, I’ll be on the way home with a brand new set of sticks that will lower my handicap a stroke or two.
It’ll be worth it, because I love golf. The greatest game ever invented, but one that has spawned more jokes, temper tantrums and coronaries than any other pastime.
Thanks again to friend, golf buddy and purveyor of interesting e-mails Rick Cooper, who sent this gem to me.
If you are a golfer, you will laugh out loud, a knowing laugh that exposes you and me and all others who play this crazy game that we are just one or two horrible shots away from doing the same thing as this funny film portrays:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cohTl1dekBs
After an afternoon of shanking, slicing, chili-dipping and chunking it, we know that the ONE good shot we pull off on the 18th hole will bring us back. The rest are what we men call “mother-in-law” shots (“looked good leaving”)—those that started out so promising, only to detour into nature’s pinball machine, ricocheting off multiple trees.
Nice.
But the next shot will be better, I promise.
No matter what, I’ll be back again. After all, I hear there’s a new set of irons out there that are ultra-forgiving of shots hit off-center.
They will be mine.
Look out Phil, Tiger, etc. I’m coming after all of you.
If you’d like my blog in your daily inbox, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Nothing Says "Chickmobile" Like Corvette
THE FOLLOWING IS AN UPDATED ENCORE TIM MOORE BLOG:
The very notion that a CAR has the power to attract women (regardless of the dweeb behind the wheel) is amusing, but if there is ANY car with the power to accomplish this feat, it is the Corvette.
It was on this date in 1952 that the very first Corvette, a production-ready prototype-was produced. GM Chief William Durant decided to build a small sports car after traveling to Europe and seeing the popularity of the speedy roadsters there. The first Corvette was reportedly modeled after a Jaguar. The prototype was said to have cost between $50,000 to $60,000 to build. The first production ‘Vette rolled off the assembly line on June 30 of 1953. Just over 300 Corvettes were built--- by hand—that first year.
OK, so now back to the women.
Ladies will often joke about a guy driving a hot car as trying to compensate for other, shall we say, “shortcomings”---but there seems to be no hesitation for most of them to jump in and take a ride, regardless of the Neanderthal in the driver’s seat.
I doubt that the reverse is true, however. Is there a woman out there who would NOT leap at the chance to take a drive with, say, George Clooney, even if the “ride” he was using was a ’69 Buick station wagon (with fake wood paneling)?
I think not.
Of course, this makes women look rather shallow, but what does it also say about men?
Namely, that we don’t have to be funny, interesting, good looking or kind. We, in fact, can be complete asses, as long as we have Italian driving gloves, cool shades and a hot sports car.
Here are a couple of vintage Corvette videos-the first is the original TV “commercial” for the 1953 Corvette. The second is from a decade later, as the 1963 ad has clearly migrated from sports car aficionados to sheer SEX APPEAL, which became the primary selling point, I think:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HC8bwEQFx6M
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbxTHXUH4VE
Most of us have seen our share of middle-aged men trying to capture of spirit of our youth by tooling around in a sports car. The sunshine gleams off our bald heads as we wedge our portly frames into the bucket seats and challenge the teens and their muscle cars at every traffic light.
“Yeah! NOW, who’s cool!?”
Please shoot me if you ever see yours truly in this situation. While I cannot claim complete immunity from the outward manifestations of “midlife crisis”, it is another thing altogether to undergo this pain while making a complete ass out of myself in public.
Never mind. My wife will kill me before you get a chance.
If you’d like my blog in your inbox weekdays, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Sign up today. Chicks dig it.
The very notion that a CAR has the power to attract women (regardless of the dweeb behind the wheel) is amusing, but if there is ANY car with the power to accomplish this feat, it is the Corvette.
It was on this date in 1952 that the very first Corvette, a production-ready prototype-was produced. GM Chief William Durant decided to build a small sports car after traveling to Europe and seeing the popularity of the speedy roadsters there. The first Corvette was reportedly modeled after a Jaguar. The prototype was said to have cost between $50,000 to $60,000 to build. The first production ‘Vette rolled off the assembly line on June 30 of 1953. Just over 300 Corvettes were built--- by hand—that first year.
OK, so now back to the women.
Ladies will often joke about a guy driving a hot car as trying to compensate for other, shall we say, “shortcomings”---but there seems to be no hesitation for most of them to jump in and take a ride, regardless of the Neanderthal in the driver’s seat.
I doubt that the reverse is true, however. Is there a woman out there who would NOT leap at the chance to take a drive with, say, George Clooney, even if the “ride” he was using was a ’69 Buick station wagon (with fake wood paneling)?
I think not.
Of course, this makes women look rather shallow, but what does it also say about men?
Namely, that we don’t have to be funny, interesting, good looking or kind. We, in fact, can be complete asses, as long as we have Italian driving gloves, cool shades and a hot sports car.
Here are a couple of vintage Corvette videos-the first is the original TV “commercial” for the 1953 Corvette. The second is from a decade later, as the 1963 ad has clearly migrated from sports car aficionados to sheer SEX APPEAL, which became the primary selling point, I think:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HC8bwEQFx6M
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbxTHXUH4VE
Most of us have seen our share of middle-aged men trying to capture of spirit of our youth by tooling around in a sports car. The sunshine gleams off our bald heads as we wedge our portly frames into the bucket seats and challenge the teens and their muscle cars at every traffic light.
“Yeah! NOW, who’s cool!?”
Please shoot me if you ever see yours truly in this situation. While I cannot claim complete immunity from the outward manifestations of “midlife crisis”, it is another thing altogether to undergo this pain while making a complete ass out of myself in public.
Never mind. My wife will kill me before you get a chance.
If you’d like my blog in your inbox weekdays, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Sign up today. Chicks dig it.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
A New Way To Get Ripped Off
Identity theft is becoming epidemic—and the same technology that is being employed to safeguard our credit profiles is now being used against us.
Thought I’d seen it all—then I watched the following video on how card readers can be employed to extract your credit card number-THROUGH YOUR CLOTHING without your knowledge.
Scary.
Check this out:
http://www.wreg.com/videobeta/8ba6f8fc-90a2-4711-90ea-1884ec348310/News/Electronic-Pickpocket
Thanks to frequent blog idea catalyst Rick Cooper for sending this along.
It seems the crooks are one step ahead of the credit card companies! A technology for making purchases easier to transact is being subverted to glean your credit info without your knowledge.
I always thought it was a pain to have to read the three or four digit “security code” on the back of the card. Now, there seems to be no way to keep your credit card safe.
Every time you send your credit card back with a waitress at a restaurant, there is the possibility of identity theft. I envision a huddle of lowly paid restaurant workers copying my number, expiration date and security codes for their illicit internet purchases after they get off work.
Irrational and yet I cannot help but think that even web transactions using a “secure server” are not at all secure. If the Wikileaks guy can entice his warped supporters to literally TAKE DOWN the Visa and MasterCard websites, we have a problem, Houston.
Putting your picture on the card is being done, but what about those purchases made over the internet.
Whomever can come up with a foolproof way to isolate the identity of the true card holder from thieves will be a multi-billionaire.
I’m gonna start thinking about it right away. Maybe there is a book on Amazon about credit card security I can get by typing my credit card number into that little box on the screen.
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Thought I’d seen it all—then I watched the following video on how card readers can be employed to extract your credit card number-THROUGH YOUR CLOTHING without your knowledge.
Scary.
Check this out:
http://www.wreg.com/videobeta/8ba6f8fc-90a2-4711-90ea-1884ec348310/News/Electronic-Pickpocket
Thanks to frequent blog idea catalyst Rick Cooper for sending this along.
It seems the crooks are one step ahead of the credit card companies! A technology for making purchases easier to transact is being subverted to glean your credit info without your knowledge.
I always thought it was a pain to have to read the three or four digit “security code” on the back of the card. Now, there seems to be no way to keep your credit card safe.
Every time you send your credit card back with a waitress at a restaurant, there is the possibility of identity theft. I envision a huddle of lowly paid restaurant workers copying my number, expiration date and security codes for their illicit internet purchases after they get off work.
Irrational and yet I cannot help but think that even web transactions using a “secure server” are not at all secure. If the Wikileaks guy can entice his warped supporters to literally TAKE DOWN the Visa and MasterCard websites, we have a problem, Houston.
Putting your picture on the card is being done, but what about those purchases made over the internet.
Whomever can come up with a foolproof way to isolate the identity of the true card holder from thieves will be a multi-billionaire.
I’m gonna start thinking about it right away. Maybe there is a book on Amazon about credit card security I can get by typing my credit card number into that little box on the screen.
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Monday, December 20, 2010
How To Pick Out A Dog
The busy holiday season will cause me to punt on blogs on many days, but if I can find a cute video to share, it’ll be there!
This one was e-mailed to me—I think you’ll like it---and if you are a dog lover, you may just love this too!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlZvuIrELn4
Now there one pooch who knows how to market himself!
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
This one was e-mailed to me—I think you’ll like it---and if you are a dog lover, you may just love this too!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlZvuIrELn4
Now there one pooch who knows how to market himself!
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Landing In The Gift Doghouse
Every guy has been there.
The doghouse.
Most of the time, frankly, we deserve it. Faced with making purchases for our girlfriends and wives, we actually believe the “Sham-Wow!” commercials that promise—“She’ll love it!”
She won’t.
She won’t be thrilled with a case of Ultra Slimfast or a Chia Pet either.
Maybe a fresh mop or new fabric softener is an impulse buy on a Saturday at the checkout, but wrapped up under the tree at Christmas is just asking for trouble.
With just 9 days left until Christmas, we men have to make careful decisions. What we do between now and the 25th is the difference between a smile on her face and a cast iron frying pan on your head.
Check out this HIILARIOUS video—and you’ll see what I mean. I ran this two years ago, but it is TIMELESS:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyduncFpzl4
The specific item choices are up to you, but staying away from the broad categories of CHORES and WEIGHT LOSS will be beneficial to your health!
Good luck—and Happy Holidays!
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
The doghouse.
Most of the time, frankly, we deserve it. Faced with making purchases for our girlfriends and wives, we actually believe the “Sham-Wow!” commercials that promise—“She’ll love it!”
She won’t.
She won’t be thrilled with a case of Ultra Slimfast or a Chia Pet either.
Maybe a fresh mop or new fabric softener is an impulse buy on a Saturday at the checkout, but wrapped up under the tree at Christmas is just asking for trouble.
With just 9 days left until Christmas, we men have to make careful decisions. What we do between now and the 25th is the difference between a smile on her face and a cast iron frying pan on your head.
Check out this HIILARIOUS video—and you’ll see what I mean. I ran this two years ago, but it is TIMELESS:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyduncFpzl4
The specific item choices are up to you, but staying away from the broad categories of CHORES and WEIGHT LOSS will be beneficial to your health!
Good luck—and Happy Holidays!
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Office Christmas Parties
THE FOLLOWING IS AN UPDATED ENCORE TIM MOORE BLOG:
There should be a book written about office Christmas parties. Nowhere else are co-workers so defined forever in the minds of their colleagues than at the annual festive gathering. More careers are lost here than even at the summer company picnic.
Eggnog is one culprit.
So, too, are all of its alcoholic cousins, turning what we all thought were well-behaved employees into rear-end pinching, dirty joke telling, lampshade wearing fools.
What better time to tell the boss what a jerk he or she is than at the company Christmas party? Of course, it isn’t done OVERTLY. It comes in the form of alcohol-induced sarcasm and “humor” aimed at the group in general. Only problem is that the only person laughing is the boss’s spouse (and that REALLY isn’t good)-and you-until you see the blank stares returned following your “killer” punchline.
God help you if there is a “Yankee Swap” or other lame excuse for gift giving. It doesn’t matter that you purchased a nice desk set for someone else’s delight. The lingering memory will be the one of YOU unwrapping the gigantic vibrator-or other adult sex toy (“hey, it’s just a JOKE!”)
Although I’ve been to some doozies, I must say that my company’s gathering is always a good time. This year, we took the Ferry to Peaks Island and proceeded to eat, drink and be merry. It helps when you actually like the people you work with….everyone here at 94.9 WHOM and our sister stations are terrific and having a couple of pops with the staff is not limited to once during the holiday season, either. I’d do it every week—and some weeks, I have.
That’s why much of my horror-story Christmas party material is gleaned from contact with other people who have lived through holiday hell. Usually it’s the obligatory appearance with a spouse to their office “party”, one that has all the appeal of water-boarding.
Here’s a quick video on the do’s and don’t’s of Office Christmas parties:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nkk-WUxEK70
Some parties are compulsory. If a bonus is given at your holiday party, it might as well be. People show up to grab the goodies and then scram. Of course, if your company has a reputation for giving you, say, a HAM for Christmas…you might decide to insure your career by NOT attending and just get your own ham.
The only advice usually given is….DON’T DRINK…and if you must drink, have ONE….and nurse it all night. Staying employed is tough enough in this economy without you contributing to your own demise by acting like an imbecile!
Can’t say that I’ve adhered to THAT one! Good luck!
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Merry Christmas!
There should be a book written about office Christmas parties. Nowhere else are co-workers so defined forever in the minds of their colleagues than at the annual festive gathering. More careers are lost here than even at the summer company picnic.
Eggnog is one culprit.
So, too, are all of its alcoholic cousins, turning what we all thought were well-behaved employees into rear-end pinching, dirty joke telling, lampshade wearing fools.
What better time to tell the boss what a jerk he or she is than at the company Christmas party? Of course, it isn’t done OVERTLY. It comes in the form of alcohol-induced sarcasm and “humor” aimed at the group in general. Only problem is that the only person laughing is the boss’s spouse (and that REALLY isn’t good)-and you-until you see the blank stares returned following your “killer” punchline.
God help you if there is a “Yankee Swap” or other lame excuse for gift giving. It doesn’t matter that you purchased a nice desk set for someone else’s delight. The lingering memory will be the one of YOU unwrapping the gigantic vibrator-or other adult sex toy (“hey, it’s just a JOKE!”)
Although I’ve been to some doozies, I must say that my company’s gathering is always a good time. This year, we took the Ferry to Peaks Island and proceeded to eat, drink and be merry. It helps when you actually like the people you work with….everyone here at 94.9 WHOM and our sister stations are terrific and having a couple of pops with the staff is not limited to once during the holiday season, either. I’d do it every week—and some weeks, I have.
That’s why much of my horror-story Christmas party material is gleaned from contact with other people who have lived through holiday hell. Usually it’s the obligatory appearance with a spouse to their office “party”, one that has all the appeal of water-boarding.
Here’s a quick video on the do’s and don’t’s of Office Christmas parties:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nkk-WUxEK70
Some parties are compulsory. If a bonus is given at your holiday party, it might as well be. People show up to grab the goodies and then scram. Of course, if your company has a reputation for giving you, say, a HAM for Christmas…you might decide to insure your career by NOT attending and just get your own ham.
The only advice usually given is….DON’T DRINK…and if you must drink, have ONE….and nurse it all night. Staying employed is tough enough in this economy without you contributing to your own demise by acting like an imbecile!
Can’t say that I’ve adhered to THAT one! Good luck!
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Merry Christmas!
Monday, December 13, 2010
What Would America Be Like If......
It was on this day a decade ago that Democratic Presidential nominee Al Gore conceded the 2000 election to George W. Bush after weeks of legal battles over recounts of ballots in several states, particularly Florida.
Here is his concession speech:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyKlcQ_HiD4
Despite having won the popular vote by about a half million, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against Gore and essentially gave the electoral margin needed for victory to Bush.
In a world of “what ifs”, I can’t help but wonder what our country would be like had Gore taken the oath of office. Some likely historical turning points are below:
1) The terrorist attacks of 9/11 would surely still have happened.
2) It’s unlikely that Gore would have invaded Iraq. The war that was built on the lie of the existence of Weapons of Mass Destruction would probably not have prompted a President Gore to strike unilaterally. As a result:
3) Thousands of American men and women killed in Iraq and Afghanistan would still be alive today and our country would have saved hundreds of billions of dollars.
4) Saddam Hussein would likely still be in power in Iraq
5) The Taliban would probably still be strong, but it IS possible that Gore would have devoted considerable U.S. military resources toward tactical strikes at specific terrorist targets, perhaps far more effective. Who knows? Maybe Osama Bin Laden would have been captured.
6) There would be no President Obama. His ascension to the White House was fueled by extreme dissatisfaction of the Republican administration of Bush and an appetite for change that Obama personified. Perhaps a candidate in 2008, but probably not the nominee. More likely that after 16 years of Clinton-Gore in the White House, ANY Republican would beat any Democrat.
7) There would have been no Bush Tax Cuts
8) While it appears there would have been a recession regardless, it may have been less severe without the huge wartime deficits and ineffective tax cuts that further exacerbated the national debt.
9) With Gore at the helm, it’s highly likely that U.S. investment and/or tax credits to develop alternate energy sources and environmentally sensitive business opportunities would be significantly ahead of where we are now.
What else?
Maybe a lot—and perhaps not all of it good, but some of it outstanding---characters like Sarah Palin would be toiling away in obscurity in Alaska.
It’s useless to imagine scenarios that didn’t happen. All we have is the present—and what we can construct for the future. The 2012 Presidential election is said to start immediately after the midterms—and it appears that politicians are already forming “exploratory committees” and making trips to New Hampshire and Iowa.
Stay tuned….there’s never a dull moment!
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Here is his concession speech:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyKlcQ_HiD4
Despite having won the popular vote by about a half million, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against Gore and essentially gave the electoral margin needed for victory to Bush.
In a world of “what ifs”, I can’t help but wonder what our country would be like had Gore taken the oath of office. Some likely historical turning points are below:
1) The terrorist attacks of 9/11 would surely still have happened.
2) It’s unlikely that Gore would have invaded Iraq. The war that was built on the lie of the existence of Weapons of Mass Destruction would probably not have prompted a President Gore to strike unilaterally. As a result:
3) Thousands of American men and women killed in Iraq and Afghanistan would still be alive today and our country would have saved hundreds of billions of dollars.
4) Saddam Hussein would likely still be in power in Iraq
5) The Taliban would probably still be strong, but it IS possible that Gore would have devoted considerable U.S. military resources toward tactical strikes at specific terrorist targets, perhaps far more effective. Who knows? Maybe Osama Bin Laden would have been captured.
6) There would be no President Obama. His ascension to the White House was fueled by extreme dissatisfaction of the Republican administration of Bush and an appetite for change that Obama personified. Perhaps a candidate in 2008, but probably not the nominee. More likely that after 16 years of Clinton-Gore in the White House, ANY Republican would beat any Democrat.
7) There would have been no Bush Tax Cuts
8) While it appears there would have been a recession regardless, it may have been less severe without the huge wartime deficits and ineffective tax cuts that further exacerbated the national debt.
9) With Gore at the helm, it’s highly likely that U.S. investment and/or tax credits to develop alternate energy sources and environmentally sensitive business opportunities would be significantly ahead of where we are now.
What else?
Maybe a lot—and perhaps not all of it good, but some of it outstanding---characters like Sarah Palin would be toiling away in obscurity in Alaska.
It’s useless to imagine scenarios that didn’t happen. All we have is the present—and what we can construct for the future. The 2012 Presidential election is said to start immediately after the midterms—and it appears that politicians are already forming “exploratory committees” and making trips to New Hampshire and Iowa.
Stay tuned….there’s never a dull moment!
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Friday, December 10, 2010
Sinatra's Kidnapper Cashes In
THE FOLLOWING IS AN UPDATED ENCORE TIM MOORE BLOG:
It was a crime that was tailor made for the tabloids. Frank Sinatra’s 19 year old son Frank, Jr. was kidnapped on December 8, 1963.
Star power, money and both law enforcement and the mob all came together for a tale of intrigue that still has some wondering today exactly what happened.
Abducted at gunpoint from Harrah’s in Lake Tahoe, the young Sinatra, who was following in his father’s footsteps—was taken to Canoga Park, California. It was on this date 46 years ago that the victim spoke briefly to his father by phone. Afterwards, the kidnappers demanded a ransom of $240,000.
The young mastermind of the scheme, Barry Keenan, had also considered the sons of Bob Hope and Bing Crosby. He and his accomplices settled on Sinatra, however, thinking he would be tough enough to handle the ordeal. The crime was originally planned for November, but President Kennedy’s assassination delayed their scheme.
Robert Kennedy, then Attorney General offered his assistance. So too, did Sam Giancana, one of the country’s most powerful organized crime leaders. The elder Sinatra declined-and instead sought the help of the FBI.
Thankfully, the drop-off of the young victim on Mulholland Drive in Los Angeles occurred without harm to Sinatra. In an attempt to avoid a public scene, police actually stuffed Sinatra into the trunk of the squad car for the ride home!
Here’s a video of Frank, Jr. appearing with his sister Nancy on the Smothers Brothers Show some 4 years after his ordeal:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqWZoL_luxo
Within a few days, one of Keenan’s partners John Irwin turned himself in to the FBI in San Diego. By December 14, all the perpetrators had been located and arrested.
Most interesting is the defense strategy at trial. Flamboyant LA attorney Gladys Root contended that Frank, Jr. has orchestrated his own abduction as a publicity stunt. To this day, there are those who believe this was true-despite the lack of evidence. Keenan was convicted-and served 4 ½ years in federal prison. After release, he became a successful real estate developer.
Instead of burying that chapter of his life, Keenan sold the rights to his story for over a million dollars. Before a movie could be made, the case ended up in court. Here’s a quick video explaining how Keenan made money from the kidnapping:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_XfxQP6he8
So, to avoid violating his “right to free speech”, Keenan indeed profited handsomely from his crime.
In a world where justice should prevent criminals from cashing in on their crimes, it seems that sometimes we are more concerned about the rights of the criminal than we are for the rights of the victim!
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
It was a crime that was tailor made for the tabloids. Frank Sinatra’s 19 year old son Frank, Jr. was kidnapped on December 8, 1963.
Star power, money and both law enforcement and the mob all came together for a tale of intrigue that still has some wondering today exactly what happened.
Abducted at gunpoint from Harrah’s in Lake Tahoe, the young Sinatra, who was following in his father’s footsteps—was taken to Canoga Park, California. It was on this date 46 years ago that the victim spoke briefly to his father by phone. Afterwards, the kidnappers demanded a ransom of $240,000.
The young mastermind of the scheme, Barry Keenan, had also considered the sons of Bob Hope and Bing Crosby. He and his accomplices settled on Sinatra, however, thinking he would be tough enough to handle the ordeal. The crime was originally planned for November, but President Kennedy’s assassination delayed their scheme.
Robert Kennedy, then Attorney General offered his assistance. So too, did Sam Giancana, one of the country’s most powerful organized crime leaders. The elder Sinatra declined-and instead sought the help of the FBI.
Thankfully, the drop-off of the young victim on Mulholland Drive in Los Angeles occurred without harm to Sinatra. In an attempt to avoid a public scene, police actually stuffed Sinatra into the trunk of the squad car for the ride home!
Here’s a video of Frank, Jr. appearing with his sister Nancy on the Smothers Brothers Show some 4 years after his ordeal:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqWZoL_luxo
Within a few days, one of Keenan’s partners John Irwin turned himself in to the FBI in San Diego. By December 14, all the perpetrators had been located and arrested.
Most interesting is the defense strategy at trial. Flamboyant LA attorney Gladys Root contended that Frank, Jr. has orchestrated his own abduction as a publicity stunt. To this day, there are those who believe this was true-despite the lack of evidence. Keenan was convicted-and served 4 ½ years in federal prison. After release, he became a successful real estate developer.
Instead of burying that chapter of his life, Keenan sold the rights to his story for over a million dollars. Before a movie could be made, the case ended up in court. Here’s a quick video explaining how Keenan made money from the kidnapping:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_XfxQP6he8
So, to avoid violating his “right to free speech”, Keenan indeed profited handsomely from his crime.
In a world where justice should prevent criminals from cashing in on their crimes, it seems that sometimes we are more concerned about the rights of the criminal than we are for the rights of the victim!
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
John Lennon's Last Day--Where Were You?
A shorter blog today, because virtually everything worth reading about John Lennon has already been written.
Rolling Stone magazine is cashing in on the anniversary of his murder by claiming their interview with the fallen Beatle—published in the latest issue—was his last.
It was not.
The last interview occurred on the day he was shot---a radio interview that was conducted in part by colleague and friend Dave Sholin.
Dave told me the story of his encounter with Lennon years ago over the phone—and I still get chills when I think of the circumstances. Imagine the following:
You are nervous and yet enormously excited to meet the one and only John Lennon. After years of hearing his music and following his life experiences, you are there, in front of him in New York—at his home in the Dakota.
After hours of recording, taking photos and really getting to know him, you say your good byes. Dave and company board a flight back to their home in San Francisco.
Sometime between saying goodbye and landing on the west coast, John Lennon is murdered in cold blood by Mark David Chapman. Those involved with what would turn out to be his very last interview have NO IDEA of course, until they land. Dave’s description of the emotions of learning the tragic news upon arrival still gives me goose bumps.
Holding a box of tapes, it’s hard to fathom that beyond the devastation of the news itself among Lennon’s newest friends, they were holding in their hands a cargo more precious than can be described.
His last words, in effect.
A part of that final interview is here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pMpLyW9FEI&feature=related
I was a senior at Ohio State in Columbus—and found out the news in the same way that much of America did—via Howard Cosell during the telecast of Monday Night Football. Here is that clip-you'll need to click on the link as embedding has been disabled:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gcdz1IRVoM&feature=related
Howard’s demeanor was a bit detached, it seemed to me—both then and now. Too businesslike or unfeeling or…something. I can’t put my finger on it.
What I didn’t know at the time was that John Lennon and Howard Cosell were actually fairly close friends. No two individuals could be more opposite, but in fact they were close.
My old colleague and radio consultant Rick Sklar (since deceased) was the Program Director of the biggest Top 40 station in America in the 1960’s—WABC. That station helped to break the Beatles —and Rick became familiar with all the members, but particularly John. Since Howard Cosell worked for ABC and did radio regularly, he also was a close friend of Rick’s—and Mr. Sklar was the common thread that allowed this very odd friendship to develop.
In much the same way that Cosell became close with Mohammed Ali, he also developed a bond with Lennon.
Knowing this, I can only conclude that Cosell’s seemingly cold delivery of the news was due to a man who was profoundly in shock.
On that day in 1980, we all were.
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Rolling Stone magazine is cashing in on the anniversary of his murder by claiming their interview with the fallen Beatle—published in the latest issue—was his last.
It was not.
The last interview occurred on the day he was shot---a radio interview that was conducted in part by colleague and friend Dave Sholin.
Dave told me the story of his encounter with Lennon years ago over the phone—and I still get chills when I think of the circumstances. Imagine the following:
You are nervous and yet enormously excited to meet the one and only John Lennon. After years of hearing his music and following his life experiences, you are there, in front of him in New York—at his home in the Dakota.
After hours of recording, taking photos and really getting to know him, you say your good byes. Dave and company board a flight back to their home in San Francisco.
Sometime between saying goodbye and landing on the west coast, John Lennon is murdered in cold blood by Mark David Chapman. Those involved with what would turn out to be his very last interview have NO IDEA of course, until they land. Dave’s description of the emotions of learning the tragic news upon arrival still gives me goose bumps.
Holding a box of tapes, it’s hard to fathom that beyond the devastation of the news itself among Lennon’s newest friends, they were holding in their hands a cargo more precious than can be described.
His last words, in effect.
A part of that final interview is here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pMpLyW9FEI&feature=related
I was a senior at Ohio State in Columbus—and found out the news in the same way that much of America did—via Howard Cosell during the telecast of Monday Night Football. Here is that clip-you'll need to click on the link as embedding has been disabled:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gcdz1IRVoM&feature=related
Howard’s demeanor was a bit detached, it seemed to me—both then and now. Too businesslike or unfeeling or…something. I can’t put my finger on it.
What I didn’t know at the time was that John Lennon and Howard Cosell were actually fairly close friends. No two individuals could be more opposite, but in fact they were close.
My old colleague and radio consultant Rick Sklar (since deceased) was the Program Director of the biggest Top 40 station in America in the 1960’s—WABC. That station helped to break the Beatles —and Rick became familiar with all the members, but particularly John. Since Howard Cosell worked for ABC and did radio regularly, he also was a close friend of Rick’s—and Mr. Sklar was the common thread that allowed this very odd friendship to develop.
In much the same way that Cosell became close with Mohammed Ali, he also developed a bond with Lennon.
Knowing this, I can only conclude that Cosell’s seemingly cold delivery of the news was due to a man who was profoundly in shock.
On that day in 1980, we all were.
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Pearl Harbor---69 Years Later
THE FOLLOWING IS AN UPDATED ENCORE TIM MOORE BLOG:
It was on this date in 1941—at around 7:55am local time, that the first of some 350 Japanese aircraft appeared over the horizon of Hawaii’s Pearl Harbor, beginning the attack that would finally draw the United States into World War II.
Last year, I read a great book, “FDR” by Jean Edward Smith. This highly detailed biography (636 pages, with another 200 or so of notes and supporting facts) is fascinating on many levels-mostly personal-but it also recreates the landscape of American and Japanese relations just before the deadly attack. An attack by the Japanese was expected—just not where it occurred.
FDR got the news at around 1:30pm Washington time—in his study with advisor Harry Hopkins—when Navy Secretary Frank Knox burst in and delivered the news that Pearl Harbor had been attacked and that damage and casualties were heavy.
The U.S. had been expecting an attack any day from Japan, but most military experts were anticipating the target would be the Philippines, where the U.S. Fleet had a significant presence. Instead, a highly coordinated attack that pushed the geographic limits of the planes and ships involved caught everyone off guard. No one expected that U.S. soil could be reached from the Japanese mainland—and as such, no level of preparedness or emergency was imposed on the U.S. Naval installation in Hawaii.
Check out this compelling video clip of the attack, with some rare footage:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nt13c3olXkU
FDR’s demeanor in the wake of the attack was said be very calm and measured-even though he was furious. Interestingly, it was Eleanor Roosevelt, not Franklin who addressed the nation first following the attack. In her already scheduled weekly radio broadcast, she said she was confident that “whatever is asked of [America], we shall accomplish it; we are the free and unconquerable people of the U.S.A.” Her husband that evening dictated a speech that he would deliver to Congress the next day—complete with the memorable phrase regarding December 7th, “ a date that would live in infamy”
Looking back, it seems like the height of stupidity for the Japanese to attack the United States—and for Germany to follow with a declaration of war. America’s isolationist sentiment was still strong—and it would have made sense for the Axis powers to keep the United States out of the war.
Instead, the attack on Pearl Harbor galvanized public opinion and completely squashed political infighting. America has never been more united, it is said, as the country plunged into a war effort that would affect every single person in the U.S.
Such unity, also evident after the terrorist attacks in 2001—is always desired, but never at the cost we have borne.
The times have changed—and the enemy has as well. It would do this country well to remember the lessons of Pearl Harbor-namely, that threats to our homeland could come at any time---but vigilance on OUR soil (as opposed to an amplified focus overseas) is most important to thwart the criminal plans that are being made as we speak. Whatever attack comes next will, without a doubt employ the element of surprise.
Our recent uncovering of a future terrorist attack was the most heartening news we have had. Where many were shocked and frightened by the exposure of this plot, I was frankly comforted in the knowledge that at least some portion of our national security team is working overtime to stop the threats BEFORE they occur.
It’s important to note that while we were looking elsewhere, the 9-11 terrorists were all HERE, living among us, taking flight lessons, assimilating into our culture. They were biding their time, leaving clues as to their plans---but clues that we collectively ignored—or worse, didn’t even see.
“They” are still here, still planning.
Let’s catch them before they surprise us again in a horrific way.
In short, REMEMBER PEARL HARBOR and 9/11!!
If you’d like my weekday blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
It was on this date in 1941—at around 7:55am local time, that the first of some 350 Japanese aircraft appeared over the horizon of Hawaii’s Pearl Harbor, beginning the attack that would finally draw the United States into World War II.
Last year, I read a great book, “FDR” by Jean Edward Smith. This highly detailed biography (636 pages, with another 200 or so of notes and supporting facts) is fascinating on many levels-mostly personal-but it also recreates the landscape of American and Japanese relations just before the deadly attack. An attack by the Japanese was expected—just not where it occurred.
FDR got the news at around 1:30pm Washington time—in his study with advisor Harry Hopkins—when Navy Secretary Frank Knox burst in and delivered the news that Pearl Harbor had been attacked and that damage and casualties were heavy.
The U.S. had been expecting an attack any day from Japan, but most military experts were anticipating the target would be the Philippines, where the U.S. Fleet had a significant presence. Instead, a highly coordinated attack that pushed the geographic limits of the planes and ships involved caught everyone off guard. No one expected that U.S. soil could be reached from the Japanese mainland—and as such, no level of preparedness or emergency was imposed on the U.S. Naval installation in Hawaii.
Check out this compelling video clip of the attack, with some rare footage:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nt13c3olXkU
FDR’s demeanor in the wake of the attack was said be very calm and measured-even though he was furious. Interestingly, it was Eleanor Roosevelt, not Franklin who addressed the nation first following the attack. In her already scheduled weekly radio broadcast, she said she was confident that “whatever is asked of [America], we shall accomplish it; we are the free and unconquerable people of the U.S.A.” Her husband that evening dictated a speech that he would deliver to Congress the next day—complete with the memorable phrase regarding December 7th, “ a date that would live in infamy”
Looking back, it seems like the height of stupidity for the Japanese to attack the United States—and for Germany to follow with a declaration of war. America’s isolationist sentiment was still strong—and it would have made sense for the Axis powers to keep the United States out of the war.
Instead, the attack on Pearl Harbor galvanized public opinion and completely squashed political infighting. America has never been more united, it is said, as the country plunged into a war effort that would affect every single person in the U.S.
Such unity, also evident after the terrorist attacks in 2001—is always desired, but never at the cost we have borne.
The times have changed—and the enemy has as well. It would do this country well to remember the lessons of Pearl Harbor-namely, that threats to our homeland could come at any time---but vigilance on OUR soil (as opposed to an amplified focus overseas) is most important to thwart the criminal plans that are being made as we speak. Whatever attack comes next will, without a doubt employ the element of surprise.
Our recent uncovering of a future terrorist attack was the most heartening news we have had. Where many were shocked and frightened by the exposure of this plot, I was frankly comforted in the knowledge that at least some portion of our national security team is working overtime to stop the threats BEFORE they occur.
It’s important to note that while we were looking elsewhere, the 9-11 terrorists were all HERE, living among us, taking flight lessons, assimilating into our culture. They were biding their time, leaving clues as to their plans---but clues that we collectively ignored—or worse, didn’t even see.
“They” are still here, still planning.
Let’s catch them before they surprise us again in a horrific way.
In short, REMEMBER PEARL HARBOR and 9/11!!
If you’d like my weekday blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Monday, December 6, 2010
Is This Reality? Really?
Just when you think that it can’t get any weirder, it does.
Reality TV. The only thing that’s not real is…EVERYTHING.
Thanks to my daughter Christina, who suggested this blog topic after hearing about the new show “Bridalplasty” on E! Television. More on this gem in a bit….
Since the advent of television, “reality” shows have been a part of the mix. Alan Funt’s “Candid Camera” may have been the first, debuting in 1948. Real people caught unawares in unusual and/or comic situations were the fodder for nonstop laughter. Game shows are certainly a form of reality TV—and they’ve been here from the start, too.
Fast-forward to the 90’s and MTV’s “Real World”—where a camera is placed in a house of young people to catch their (almost) every move—only this time, the participants are fully aware that everything is being recorded. Still, it was a watershed moment in TV.
Then along came “Survivor” in 2000—and the ratings went through the roof. Contrived circumstances, but willing participants competing under stressful conditions made for compelling human interactions—with no scriptwriters to hire or pay residuals to. Hmmm-maybe there’s a common theme emerging here.
After “Survivor”, the granddaddy of them all (so far), “American Idol”, which has topped the ratings for six consecutive years. Yes, Simon is gone, as is Ellen Degeneres and Paula Abdul (still), but even a nosedive in audience could still place “Idol” in the #1 position this season. It was ahead by that much.
With every new show, it seems the bar gets raised on the setup, the situation, the players, the objective and the outcome. And with every revision, “reality” takes a punch in the gut.
The Amazing Race (let’s do a worldwide scavenger hunt!)
The Runway Project (models clawing to the top)
Fear Factor (took disgusting to a new level each week)
Wife Swap (no comment)
The Bachelor(and Bachelorette)
Temptation Island (I was tempted to throw up)
Dancing With The Stars ( didn’t know Bristol Palin was a “star”, did you?)
And then there are the celebrity-based shows:
The Anna Nicole Show
Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica
The Osbournes
Hogan Knows Best
Tommy Lee Goes To College
Besides leading to the dissolution of the families involved, these shows seemed geared towards an audience whose own lives are so boring that watching these “role models” qualifies as entertainment.
It gets worse—and the problem is that some of these shows suck you in. I walked into the room while members of my family were engrossed in something called “Cake Boss”. Premise for this show are the trials and tribulations of a New Jersey bakeshop presided over by a overbearing Italian baker who feuds with family and co-workers throughout, while somehow coming up with astonishing cake creations. We see the concept of the cake (without Rice Krispies, the Cake Boss would be relying on mere batter like the rest of us), its construction—and the final product. All of this makes us hungry of course, so repeated trips to the fridge during this show are a must. At the show’s conclusion, we discover that we have consumed a disgusting amount of food—and that there’s a half hour of our lives that we’ll never get back.
“Hoarders” may be worse. Here, we are actually deriving our ENTERTAINMENT from watching people with horrible psychological disorders go through their anguish in front of the ever-rolling cameras. Their homes a revolting pile of filth and rotting garbage, these poor souls are apparently unable to part with ANYTHING. So, they collect it—and we are subsequently delighted to witness their misery. Makes our houses look spotless by comparison, I guess.
“Bridalplasty” may make them all seem like “Leave It To Beaver” or “Father Knows Best”, however. Check out the premise of this new show:
1) Each week, a group of women compete in activities like writing wedding vows and planning honeymoons. The winner gets to choose a plastic surgery procedure from her “wish list”. She is given the procedure immediately-with results shown at the beginning of the next week’s episode.
2) One by one, competitors are voted off the show.
3) The last bride standing receives a “dream wedding”, where she will reveal for the first time before the groom, her family and friends—the result of her EXTREME plastic surgery procedures. Yes, the bride will stroll down the aisle wearing a veil that gets lifted at the altar.
E! has all but predicted that shock and awe will ensue, hinting at the likelihood that the bride may end up looking like Alf.
Even Jimmy Kimmel poked fun at this show---along with his comic prediction of what could be next:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6nyPCwWpRs
Talk to any TV station General Manager and they’ll tell you that the pipeline for syndication is running bone dry—thanks to “reality TV”. The reruns that populate the early fringe before local news and afterwards before prime time have been traditionally filled with situation comedies. Reality shows—while selling very well in DVD form-rarely make good reruns. As such, we can expect more game shows and “Judge Judy”-type low budget first run reality shows to occupy that real estate in the future.
Luckily for me, I am not a big TV guy. I never watched “Survivor”—or most of the reality shows in the past decade.
Sports and some selected drama programs are what I’ll view---heck, I spend most of my time with radio anyway.
If my assessment of reality TV has offended you, my apologies…it must have struck a nerve with some of you…otherwise, who ARE all these people watching this stuff? The TV executives will tell you that “all of America” is tuned in. That may be so, but frankly, most people I talk with have the same view as I.
Most reality TV is….time better spent doing almost ANYTHING else.
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Reality TV. The only thing that’s not real is…EVERYTHING.
Thanks to my daughter Christina, who suggested this blog topic after hearing about the new show “Bridalplasty” on E! Television. More on this gem in a bit….
Since the advent of television, “reality” shows have been a part of the mix. Alan Funt’s “Candid Camera” may have been the first, debuting in 1948. Real people caught unawares in unusual and/or comic situations were the fodder for nonstop laughter. Game shows are certainly a form of reality TV—and they’ve been here from the start, too.
Fast-forward to the 90’s and MTV’s “Real World”—where a camera is placed in a house of young people to catch their (almost) every move—only this time, the participants are fully aware that everything is being recorded. Still, it was a watershed moment in TV.
Then along came “Survivor” in 2000—and the ratings went through the roof. Contrived circumstances, but willing participants competing under stressful conditions made for compelling human interactions—with no scriptwriters to hire or pay residuals to. Hmmm-maybe there’s a common theme emerging here.
After “Survivor”, the granddaddy of them all (so far), “American Idol”, which has topped the ratings for six consecutive years. Yes, Simon is gone, as is Ellen Degeneres and Paula Abdul (still), but even a nosedive in audience could still place “Idol” in the #1 position this season. It was ahead by that much.
With every new show, it seems the bar gets raised on the setup, the situation, the players, the objective and the outcome. And with every revision, “reality” takes a punch in the gut.
The Amazing Race (let’s do a worldwide scavenger hunt!)
The Runway Project (models clawing to the top)
Fear Factor (took disgusting to a new level each week)
Wife Swap (no comment)
The Bachelor(and Bachelorette)
Temptation Island (I was tempted to throw up)
Dancing With The Stars ( didn’t know Bristol Palin was a “star”, did you?)
And then there are the celebrity-based shows:
The Anna Nicole Show
Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica
The Osbournes
Hogan Knows Best
Tommy Lee Goes To College
Besides leading to the dissolution of the families involved, these shows seemed geared towards an audience whose own lives are so boring that watching these “role models” qualifies as entertainment.
It gets worse—and the problem is that some of these shows suck you in. I walked into the room while members of my family were engrossed in something called “Cake Boss”. Premise for this show are the trials and tribulations of a New Jersey bakeshop presided over by a overbearing Italian baker who feuds with family and co-workers throughout, while somehow coming up with astonishing cake creations. We see the concept of the cake (without Rice Krispies, the Cake Boss would be relying on mere batter like the rest of us), its construction—and the final product. All of this makes us hungry of course, so repeated trips to the fridge during this show are a must. At the show’s conclusion, we discover that we have consumed a disgusting amount of food—and that there’s a half hour of our lives that we’ll never get back.
“Hoarders” may be worse. Here, we are actually deriving our ENTERTAINMENT from watching people with horrible psychological disorders go through their anguish in front of the ever-rolling cameras. Their homes a revolting pile of filth and rotting garbage, these poor souls are apparently unable to part with ANYTHING. So, they collect it—and we are subsequently delighted to witness their misery. Makes our houses look spotless by comparison, I guess.
“Bridalplasty” may make them all seem like “Leave It To Beaver” or “Father Knows Best”, however. Check out the premise of this new show:
1) Each week, a group of women compete in activities like writing wedding vows and planning honeymoons. The winner gets to choose a plastic surgery procedure from her “wish list”. She is given the procedure immediately-with results shown at the beginning of the next week’s episode.
2) One by one, competitors are voted off the show.
3) The last bride standing receives a “dream wedding”, where she will reveal for the first time before the groom, her family and friends—the result of her EXTREME plastic surgery procedures. Yes, the bride will stroll down the aisle wearing a veil that gets lifted at the altar.
E! has all but predicted that shock and awe will ensue, hinting at the likelihood that the bride may end up looking like Alf.
Even Jimmy Kimmel poked fun at this show---along with his comic prediction of what could be next:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6nyPCwWpRs
Talk to any TV station General Manager and they’ll tell you that the pipeline for syndication is running bone dry—thanks to “reality TV”. The reruns that populate the early fringe before local news and afterwards before prime time have been traditionally filled with situation comedies. Reality shows—while selling very well in DVD form-rarely make good reruns. As such, we can expect more game shows and “Judge Judy”-type low budget first run reality shows to occupy that real estate in the future.
Luckily for me, I am not a big TV guy. I never watched “Survivor”—or most of the reality shows in the past decade.
Sports and some selected drama programs are what I’ll view---heck, I spend most of my time with radio anyway.
If my assessment of reality TV has offended you, my apologies…it must have struck a nerve with some of you…otherwise, who ARE all these people watching this stuff? The TV executives will tell you that “all of America” is tuned in. That may be so, but frankly, most people I talk with have the same view as I.
Most reality TV is….time better spent doing almost ANYTHING else.
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Friday, December 3, 2010
Practical Jokes
THE FOLLOWING IS AN ENCORE TIM MOORE BLOG:
Everyone knows someone whose idea of a good time is to pull “practical jokes” on unsuspecting family members, co-workers---and even strangers.
Not sure if this propensity is genetic—a recessive cruelty gene—or perhaps the effects of a warped childhood. Maybe those who partake of these often elaborate schemes were themselves the target of these jokes and now--- it’s payback time.
Where did the term “practical joke” come from? Webster’s Dictionary gives several definitions of the word “practical”, only the first of which can be STRETCHED to apply:
1) “of or obtained through practice or action” (this one has to be it)
2) “useful” (uh…..I don’t think so)
3) “concerned with the application of knowledge to useful ends” (here again the word “useful” disqualifies #3)
4) “dealing realistically and sensibly with everyday matters” ( nope)
Enjoy this video compilation of everyday people being scared out of their wits by—in most cases—people they seem to know:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MOriOpcgeQ
OK, I admit that I laughed out loud at most of these, but in the case of the older people, isn’t a fatal heart attack a possible outcome here? In this case, the victim may get the last laugh as they get to watch you (from the pearly gates, of course) being sent to a federal prison for involuntary manslaughter!
We have all been guilty of participating in practical jokes at one time or another I suppose, but I’d like to think that my transgressions have not been of the severity that would cause instant death or serious injury.
A warning to those who may attempt to make ME the butt of the joke---if it’s harmless, I’ll be fine with it. However, if you do ANY of the things depicted in the video above, you’ll “crusin’ for a bruisin’”!!!
If you’d like my blog in your weekday inbox, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Everyone knows someone whose idea of a good time is to pull “practical jokes” on unsuspecting family members, co-workers---and even strangers.
Not sure if this propensity is genetic—a recessive cruelty gene—or perhaps the effects of a warped childhood. Maybe those who partake of these often elaborate schemes were themselves the target of these jokes and now--- it’s payback time.
Where did the term “practical joke” come from? Webster’s Dictionary gives several definitions of the word “practical”, only the first of which can be STRETCHED to apply:
1) “of or obtained through practice or action” (this one has to be it)
2) “useful” (uh…..I don’t think so)
3) “concerned with the application of knowledge to useful ends” (here again the word “useful” disqualifies #3)
4) “dealing realistically and sensibly with everyday matters” ( nope)
Enjoy this video compilation of everyday people being scared out of their wits by—in most cases—people they seem to know:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MOriOpcgeQ
OK, I admit that I laughed out loud at most of these, but in the case of the older people, isn’t a fatal heart attack a possible outcome here? In this case, the victim may get the last laugh as they get to watch you (from the pearly gates, of course) being sent to a federal prison for involuntary manslaughter!
We have all been guilty of participating in practical jokes at one time or another I suppose, but I’d like to think that my transgressions have not been of the severity that would cause instant death or serious injury.
A warning to those who may attempt to make ME the butt of the joke---if it’s harmless, I’ll be fine with it. However, if you do ANY of the things depicted in the video above, you’ll “crusin’ for a bruisin’”!!!
If you’d like my blog in your weekday inbox, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Give Me A Year
Don’t get me wrong—I love democracy, but dammit, can’t we actually ever get anything DONE?
The midterm elections have done NOTHING to advance the agenda of this country. The Republicans are digging their heels in the sand to extend the Bush tax cuts. As such, they are planning to deny extending unemployment benefits, the repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell”—and even refusing to sign the START Treaty, which has our national security at risk and has been endorsed by both parties in the past.
After initially standing up the President rudely on his invitation to meet at the White House (they were “busy” and couldn’t “make it”….huh? ), the long-awaited conference finally took place. What came out of it was conciliatory talk—for about 24 hours. Now, it’s back to the same old same old.
What the hell is going on?
I want to run for “Benevolent Dictator” for a term not to exceed one year. In that term, I will do the following—all without the fear of losing re-election, alienating a special interest group or a defense contractor:
1) EXIT IRAN AND AFGHANISTAN IMMEDIATELY- The weekly cost is about 2-3 BILLION dollars. The ongoing costs are depicted below. Our presence there does nothing to enhance our security—and there’s a good argument that it weakens it. We cannot become the policeman for the world. In addition, I would close many bases around the world and/or greatly diminish our military personnel globally. Most countries in the world hate or envy us; so let them solve their own issues. We are O-U-T.
See the numbers below—all the talk of “earmarks” is lunacy—they are pennies compared to the figures piling up below. I plan to finance some of my changes based on the savings from this huge waste of money—not to even mention HUMAN LIVES.
Click on this link to see the spinning tally of the Cost Of War:
http://costofwar.com/
At the time of writing this, the cost of Iraq was about $744 BILLION and for Afghanistan it was $371 BILLION. By the time you click the link, it will be MUCH higher--with no end in sight.
2) IMMIGRATION—Let’s be sensible here. There are two things we will never do (whether it makes sense or not)—one of them is to deport ALL illegal aliens. It just won’t happen. The other is to build a “wall” or “fence” across our border-this is also ludicrous (see “Maginot Line”). We must make it economically unattractive for illegals to be here. Namely, they must be prevented from finding work without being a U.S. Citizen. To accomplish this, I would institute a DAILY $1 million dollar fine for companies who employ illegals. The motivation to hire cheap labor goes away when that labor becomes prohibitively expensive.
With those already here, we may need to deport many, but we must also allow a path to citizenship for some, based on learning English and taking the necessary steps that any individual seeking U.S. citizenship would do. Messy? No doubt, but we need to attack established companies who are harboring illegals as a workforce to curb the desire to enter illegally. Economic opportunity is the reason they arrive. To allow illegal aliens access to social services and jobs is nothing short of crazy.
3) REPEAL “DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL”—It is not news to any veteran of any era that gays have served in the military since the American Revolution. Somehow, we have survived as a nation. To deny committed and qualified people from service due to their sexual orientation is just plain stupid. It is a non-issue.
4) EXTEND MIDDLE CLASS TAX CUTS—I’ll raise the cutoff to $750,000. Everyone below it has the tax cut extended. Everyone ABOVE it has their tax cut repealed—and in fact, I would RAISE taxes for anyone making over a million dollars. Look at the tax rates for the rich in the 1950’s and 60’s. Some were over OVER 40%! This was the period of the greatest explosion of the middle class and economic growth ever. The Bush tax cuts did NOTHING to spur economic growth. Having the top 2% carry a bit more weight will not affect their lifestyle or their level of investment. It will, however, shift the burden off those least able to pay.
5) CREATE TIERED UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS- Basic low-end benefits for the short-term and INCREASED levels for all those willing to WORK while they are looking. Whether volunteering for social service agencies or municipal cleanup projects, we could at least trade a higher benefit (perhaps the current standard benefit level) for those willing to work. These “employed” unemployed would be able to exit any temporary job to interview for a permanent job in the private sector.
6) FREE TRADE, BUT FAIR TRADE—If other countries will not open their markets to us, we will not accept their goods here. Period. If they apply tariffs on our goods, we will do likewise. Period.
7) EXPORT JOBS AT YOUR OWN RISK—If American companies move jobs overseas, I will tax them the difference of their savings. Instantly makes it unattractive. Next?
8) RAISE THE RETIREMENT AGE---Make it 70. Social Security/Medicare and other entitlements are doing us in. End “double-dipping”of wealthy Americans into the Social Security pool---when they don’t need the money. My taxes support welfare, but I don’t get food stamps—because I don’t NEED them (yet!) Social Security needs to be re-framed as the safety net it was intended to be—and not a “retirement plan”
9) INVEST IN NEW ENERGY ALTERNATIVES---Like the 1950’s investment in the Interstate Highway System or the 1960’s space program, projects with a huge scope cannot be left to the private sector. To do so is to be left in the dust, as China has formed 16 separate companies with the focus and objective to rid themselves of dependence on foreign oil.
We are behind in this race. The country that leads the revolution to an energy alternative to oil will lead the world for decades to come. There is no limit to the investment boundaries that make this unattractive. As the space program became the catalyst for an explosion in technology development for consumer markets, so too will this endeavor. Right now, China has the mentality of the Manhattan Project, where the development of the atomic bomb during WWII became a race against time. There was no limit to the government’s commitment then—and China is committed to controlling the world’s energy future. Will the U.S. allow this—or will we summon up the will to focus like a laser beam here and get it done first?
10) SECURITY BEGINS AT HOME—We need to invest some of the billions being squandered daily overseas here in the U.S.---devising comprehensive strategies to protect our electrical grid, our water supplies and our mass transportation systems (beyond just airlines)
11) MANUFACTURING RESURGANCE-- Many American manufacturing jobs
sailed overseas due to the cheap labor available in other countries. In a global
marketplace, most economists will say it adequately creates efficiencies.
Unfortunately, economists tend to ignore the political realities of prospective
enemies. During WWII, our victory hinged on being able to quickly retool the
vast American manufacturing machine to produce the tools of war. What happens
when we import the bulk of our steel, say, from a country that will end up going
to war with?
Therefore, it is a matter of national security to maintain a manufacturing base. Jobs are created and maintained—and we are not vulnerable in the event of war. Hell, the government pays farmers NOT to grow crops in order to keep global prices stabilized. Dollar for dollar, subsidizing critical manufacturing processes makes a lot more sense.
12) PUBLIC HEALTH OPTION---I know this won’t be popular with the free market capitalists, but there is nothing in the healthcare marketplace that even resembles free market capitalism. Most people—if they are covered at all—are at the mercy of their employer’s healthcare plan and the medical community is not known for efficiencies of cost. After all, their plush offices, facilities and procedures are borne by you and me, no?
I was all for the overhaul that President Obama accomplished—with one
GLARING exception: to NOT have a public option delivered at cost or modest
profit (to keep health insurance companies solvent) allows these same health
insurance firms to charge exorbitant premiums. Covering everyone, including
those with pre-existing conditions and young people at an extended age under
their parent’s policy is a positive thing. To have ZERO cost control is crazy.
13) COLLEGE TUITION COMPLETELY TAX DEDUCTABLE- Paying for
higher education is like purchasing a Lexus yearly (maybe two or three, depending on the number of kids) There is no greater investment than in the education of our young people. Those with no assets get need-based scholarship help. Those who are wealthy don’t need it. The middle class gets hammered.
OK, that’s enough for one year. The government saves billions daily, invests it wisely and we see a resurgence in jobs and economic opportunity. College education becomes affordable, as does health care. The deficit gets reduced and the economy booms.
Has common sense vanished?
Strict capitalism unfettered is as bad as it’s evil opposite—government control of everything. The plain and simple fact is that we are moving towards social democracy, where the public and private sectors each participate in the structure of capitalism—the private sector providing the capital and jobs—and the public sector there to prevent abuses and to be the advocate for the least fortunate in our society. It’s a ying-yang dynamic, but one where each side at least VALUES the role of the other. I’m afraid that today’s political climate has created “sides” that detest the very existence of the other.
This short-sided stupidity is the reason for the current vacuum of leadership.
At times like this, a benevolent dictatorship sounds like a good idea---and that in itself is scary.
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
The midterm elections have done NOTHING to advance the agenda of this country. The Republicans are digging their heels in the sand to extend the Bush tax cuts. As such, they are planning to deny extending unemployment benefits, the repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell”—and even refusing to sign the START Treaty, which has our national security at risk and has been endorsed by both parties in the past.
After initially standing up the President rudely on his invitation to meet at the White House (they were “busy” and couldn’t “make it”….huh? ), the long-awaited conference finally took place. What came out of it was conciliatory talk—for about 24 hours. Now, it’s back to the same old same old.
What the hell is going on?
I want to run for “Benevolent Dictator” for a term not to exceed one year. In that term, I will do the following—all without the fear of losing re-election, alienating a special interest group or a defense contractor:
1) EXIT IRAN AND AFGHANISTAN IMMEDIATELY- The weekly cost is about 2-3 BILLION dollars. The ongoing costs are depicted below. Our presence there does nothing to enhance our security—and there’s a good argument that it weakens it. We cannot become the policeman for the world. In addition, I would close many bases around the world and/or greatly diminish our military personnel globally. Most countries in the world hate or envy us; so let them solve their own issues. We are O-U-T.
See the numbers below—all the talk of “earmarks” is lunacy—they are pennies compared to the figures piling up below. I plan to finance some of my changes based on the savings from this huge waste of money—not to even mention HUMAN LIVES.
Click on this link to see the spinning tally of the Cost Of War:
http://costofwar.com/
At the time of writing this, the cost of Iraq was about $744 BILLION and for Afghanistan it was $371 BILLION. By the time you click the link, it will be MUCH higher--with no end in sight.
2) IMMIGRATION—Let’s be sensible here. There are two things we will never do (whether it makes sense or not)—one of them is to deport ALL illegal aliens. It just won’t happen. The other is to build a “wall” or “fence” across our border-this is also ludicrous (see “Maginot Line”). We must make it economically unattractive for illegals to be here. Namely, they must be prevented from finding work without being a U.S. Citizen. To accomplish this, I would institute a DAILY $1 million dollar fine for companies who employ illegals. The motivation to hire cheap labor goes away when that labor becomes prohibitively expensive.
With those already here, we may need to deport many, but we must also allow a path to citizenship for some, based on learning English and taking the necessary steps that any individual seeking U.S. citizenship would do. Messy? No doubt, but we need to attack established companies who are harboring illegals as a workforce to curb the desire to enter illegally. Economic opportunity is the reason they arrive. To allow illegal aliens access to social services and jobs is nothing short of crazy.
3) REPEAL “DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL”—It is not news to any veteran of any era that gays have served in the military since the American Revolution. Somehow, we have survived as a nation. To deny committed and qualified people from service due to their sexual orientation is just plain stupid. It is a non-issue.
4) EXTEND MIDDLE CLASS TAX CUTS—I’ll raise the cutoff to $750,000. Everyone below it has the tax cut extended. Everyone ABOVE it has their tax cut repealed—and in fact, I would RAISE taxes for anyone making over a million dollars. Look at the tax rates for the rich in the 1950’s and 60’s. Some were over OVER 40%! This was the period of the greatest explosion of the middle class and economic growth ever. The Bush tax cuts did NOTHING to spur economic growth. Having the top 2% carry a bit more weight will not affect their lifestyle or their level of investment. It will, however, shift the burden off those least able to pay.
5) CREATE TIERED UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS- Basic low-end benefits for the short-term and INCREASED levels for all those willing to WORK while they are looking. Whether volunteering for social service agencies or municipal cleanup projects, we could at least trade a higher benefit (perhaps the current standard benefit level) for those willing to work. These “employed” unemployed would be able to exit any temporary job to interview for a permanent job in the private sector.
6) FREE TRADE, BUT FAIR TRADE—If other countries will not open their markets to us, we will not accept their goods here. Period. If they apply tariffs on our goods, we will do likewise. Period.
7) EXPORT JOBS AT YOUR OWN RISK—If American companies move jobs overseas, I will tax them the difference of their savings. Instantly makes it unattractive. Next?
8) RAISE THE RETIREMENT AGE---Make it 70. Social Security/Medicare and other entitlements are doing us in. End “double-dipping”of wealthy Americans into the Social Security pool---when they don’t need the money. My taxes support welfare, but I don’t get food stamps—because I don’t NEED them (yet!) Social Security needs to be re-framed as the safety net it was intended to be—and not a “retirement plan”
9) INVEST IN NEW ENERGY ALTERNATIVES---Like the 1950’s investment in the Interstate Highway System or the 1960’s space program, projects with a huge scope cannot be left to the private sector. To do so is to be left in the dust, as China has formed 16 separate companies with the focus and objective to rid themselves of dependence on foreign oil.
We are behind in this race. The country that leads the revolution to an energy alternative to oil will lead the world for decades to come. There is no limit to the investment boundaries that make this unattractive. As the space program became the catalyst for an explosion in technology development for consumer markets, so too will this endeavor. Right now, China has the mentality of the Manhattan Project, where the development of the atomic bomb during WWII became a race against time. There was no limit to the government’s commitment then—and China is committed to controlling the world’s energy future. Will the U.S. allow this—or will we summon up the will to focus like a laser beam here and get it done first?
10) SECURITY BEGINS AT HOME—We need to invest some of the billions being squandered daily overseas here in the U.S.---devising comprehensive strategies to protect our electrical grid, our water supplies and our mass transportation systems (beyond just airlines)
11) MANUFACTURING RESURGANCE-- Many American manufacturing jobs
sailed overseas due to the cheap labor available in other countries. In a global
marketplace, most economists will say it adequately creates efficiencies.
Unfortunately, economists tend to ignore the political realities of prospective
enemies. During WWII, our victory hinged on being able to quickly retool the
vast American manufacturing machine to produce the tools of war. What happens
when we import the bulk of our steel, say, from a country that will end up going
to war with?
Therefore, it is a matter of national security to maintain a manufacturing base. Jobs are created and maintained—and we are not vulnerable in the event of war. Hell, the government pays farmers NOT to grow crops in order to keep global prices stabilized. Dollar for dollar, subsidizing critical manufacturing processes makes a lot more sense.
12) PUBLIC HEALTH OPTION---I know this won’t be popular with the free market capitalists, but there is nothing in the healthcare marketplace that even resembles free market capitalism. Most people—if they are covered at all—are at the mercy of their employer’s healthcare plan and the medical community is not known for efficiencies of cost. After all, their plush offices, facilities and procedures are borne by you and me, no?
I was all for the overhaul that President Obama accomplished—with one
GLARING exception: to NOT have a public option delivered at cost or modest
profit (to keep health insurance companies solvent) allows these same health
insurance firms to charge exorbitant premiums. Covering everyone, including
those with pre-existing conditions and young people at an extended age under
their parent’s policy is a positive thing. To have ZERO cost control is crazy.
13) COLLEGE TUITION COMPLETELY TAX DEDUCTABLE- Paying for
higher education is like purchasing a Lexus yearly (maybe two or three, depending on the number of kids) There is no greater investment than in the education of our young people. Those with no assets get need-based scholarship help. Those who are wealthy don’t need it. The middle class gets hammered.
OK, that’s enough for one year. The government saves billions daily, invests it wisely and we see a resurgence in jobs and economic opportunity. College education becomes affordable, as does health care. The deficit gets reduced and the economy booms.
Has common sense vanished?
Strict capitalism unfettered is as bad as it’s evil opposite—government control of everything. The plain and simple fact is that we are moving towards social democracy, where the public and private sectors each participate in the structure of capitalism—the private sector providing the capital and jobs—and the public sector there to prevent abuses and to be the advocate for the least fortunate in our society. It’s a ying-yang dynamic, but one where each side at least VALUES the role of the other. I’m afraid that today’s political climate has created “sides” that detest the very existence of the other.
This short-sided stupidity is the reason for the current vacuum of leadership.
At times like this, a benevolent dictatorship sounds like a good idea---and that in itself is scary.
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Leslie Nielsen--Funny By Accident!
The world lost a true comedic genius this week, as Leslie Nielsen passed away from complications of pneumonia at the age of 84.
Saint Peter may be having trouble unlocking the Pearly Gates to let him in—as his hand is probably shaking too hard from laughter.
Deadpan lines, often corny or absurd, delivered from a face that was determined to be a serious dramatic actor—and yet it was this quality, this paradox of appearance that made Leslie Nielsen a complete hoot.
Born in Canada, Nielsen made his initial mark on TV in what was known as “Television’s Golden Age”—appearing in many dramatic roles. Cast alongside the likes of Debbie Reynolds and Anne Francis, he was a handsome romantic lead actor who landed a long-term deal with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
Despite moderate success with these roles, it was his supporting role in the disaster spoof “Airplane!” in 1980 that became the turning point in his career. Nielsen was cast alongside other dramtic actors on purpose. Peter Graves, Lloyd Bridges and Robert Stack all abandoned their serious “images” to star in this hilarious film, loaded with puns and absurd banter.
Leslie Nielsen’s career had found a new direction! After “Airplane!”, the “Naked Gun” series of movies (based on the short-lived “Police Squad” TV series) cemented his star power. Slapstick comedy and an unintentional comic career direction gave double meaning to the title of this blog: Funny By Accident!
Here is a montage of clips from some movies in which Nielsen appeared---some of the other players are portrayed here—but it is 100% funny:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcKJdmXbBBc
Leslie Nielsen appeared in over 100 films and 1,500 TV programs, playing over 220 characters.
Characters they were, every one. Rest in peace, Leslie Nielsen!
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Saint Peter may be having trouble unlocking the Pearly Gates to let him in—as his hand is probably shaking too hard from laughter.
Deadpan lines, often corny or absurd, delivered from a face that was determined to be a serious dramatic actor—and yet it was this quality, this paradox of appearance that made Leslie Nielsen a complete hoot.
Born in Canada, Nielsen made his initial mark on TV in what was known as “Television’s Golden Age”—appearing in many dramatic roles. Cast alongside the likes of Debbie Reynolds and Anne Francis, he was a handsome romantic lead actor who landed a long-term deal with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
Despite moderate success with these roles, it was his supporting role in the disaster spoof “Airplane!” in 1980 that became the turning point in his career. Nielsen was cast alongside other dramtic actors on purpose. Peter Graves, Lloyd Bridges and Robert Stack all abandoned their serious “images” to star in this hilarious film, loaded with puns and absurd banter.
Leslie Nielsen’s career had found a new direction! After “Airplane!”, the “Naked Gun” series of movies (based on the short-lived “Police Squad” TV series) cemented his star power. Slapstick comedy and an unintentional comic career direction gave double meaning to the title of this blog: Funny By Accident!
Here is a montage of clips from some movies in which Nielsen appeared---some of the other players are portrayed here—but it is 100% funny:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcKJdmXbBBc
Leslie Nielsen appeared in over 100 films and 1,500 TV programs, playing over 220 characters.
Characters they were, every one. Rest in peace, Leslie Nielsen!
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
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