THIS IS AN UPDATED ENCORE TIM MOORE BLOG:
It was on this date in 1983 that the most-watched TV show in U.S. history at the time aired—the finale of the TV series M*A*S*H. Over 60% of U.S. households were tuned in, representing a 77 share! Nearly 8 out of every 10 TV sets being watched were tuned to “Goodbye, Farewell & Amen”. The new record belongs to this year’s Super Bowl, but this one stood for a quite a few years!
I know the explosion of cable TV channels has probably negated the possibility of THAT record ever being eclipsed, but the larger question is:
Where are the REALLY good/important TV shows?
OK, there is “Grey’s Anatomy”, “CSI”, “House”…maybe a handful of others—but there seems to be no current equivalent to the mini-series “Roots”. TV series’ like “All In The Family”, “Cheers”, “Seinfeld”, “The Cosby Show”, even “Dallas” and “The West Wing” don’t seem to have counter-parts.
The biggest sitcom today is “Three An A Half Men”---good, but Charlie Sheen is doing his best to torpedo that show as we speak—and alienating his fan base at the same time. Besides, as good as it is, “3.5” is not in the same stratosphere as the above-mentioned shows.
Not even close.
So where are all the cutting edge programs?
I blame the GLUT of reality shows. Some are decent, but most are completely forgettable-and the by-product for TV executives is that, unlike the series, reality shows have NO aftermarket for syndication. For whatever reason I never watched “Seinfeld” or “Friends” in prime time. I did, however, become exposed and addicted to both in syndication-while both were still producing primetime episodes.
Enough with reality! I get plenty of it every day—give me good old-fashioned drama, comedy or action!
Below are three clips –the first a tribute montage, the second is an interview with Alan Alda on the taping of that finale show---and the third is amateur video of moments of that final on-set taping-enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbrZY4mordU&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrZbWZ6Y8Jk&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSDYNfmm-ew&feature=related
If you’d like my blog in your daily inbox, let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Monday, February 28, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
Obesity: Mountain Dew Is Not To Blame
THE FOLLOWING IS AN ENCORE TIM MOORE BLOG:
I know that sugary, caffeinated soft drinks are not exactly “health food”, but I am amused and simultaneously dismayed by the efforts by some to demonize these beverages as the CAUSE of childhood obesity, tooth decay and over stimulated behavior.
Huh?
In a society where there is ever-growing abdication of responsibility by parents, it is easy to find an enemy. More and more, that enemy is the media---and commercials that supposedly “target” young people.
Soft drinks are joining so-called “junk food”, “fast food”—and other products that are claimed to be harmful to young people (and adults as well). This is rubbish-if only because the food itself is not inherently harmful or dangerous. It is merely the level of intake that causes ANY food product to potentially cause a problem.
For your amusement, I have embedded the very first commercial for Mountain Dew. Seeing the “X-Game” persona of young people living-on-the-edge image that current marketing depicts, the original ad was a tad more…well…down home! Check it out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xd8fzk8Rlk
It is the job of the media to inform and entertain. That entertainment is funded by corporate America. Companies supporting the media with advertising are in the business of creating demand for their products. It is the nature of our system. Go ahead and shoot the messenger, but until behavior makes an about face, the problem will continue to exist.
Childhood obesity may have a genetic component, but more likely is the result of parental neglect. Moms and Dads who allow excessive TV viewing, computer usage or video game activity (and we use the word “activity” tongue-in-cheek here)—and further allow these pastimes to be combined with unrestricted snacking have only themselves to blame.
Not the media, not corporate America, not “social pressures”, not a “syndrome” to be given a label. Just plain ol’ Mom and Dad. In my house, it’s called “screen time”—and whether it is a Gameboy, Nintendo DS or TV, the amount of sedentary time tethered to the gadget must be regulated—and restricted
Of course, there are real issues of children with too much time on their hands while their parents are working. This may be the source—as the machines have assumed the role of electronic babysitter.
A soft drink or two won’t kill you. Neither will a Twinkie. Consuming a case of Dew and a box of Twinkies—and combining with chips, candy and unlimited inactivity---well, that’s another story!
Let’s take our kids back and show them the outdoors again! It is not the media’s issue-it is ours.
If you’d like my blog in your box weekdays, just let me know! Tim.moore@citcomm.com
I know that sugary, caffeinated soft drinks are not exactly “health food”, but I am amused and simultaneously dismayed by the efforts by some to demonize these beverages as the CAUSE of childhood obesity, tooth decay and over stimulated behavior.
Huh?
In a society where there is ever-growing abdication of responsibility by parents, it is easy to find an enemy. More and more, that enemy is the media---and commercials that supposedly “target” young people.
Soft drinks are joining so-called “junk food”, “fast food”—and other products that are claimed to be harmful to young people (and adults as well). This is rubbish-if only because the food itself is not inherently harmful or dangerous. It is merely the level of intake that causes ANY food product to potentially cause a problem.
For your amusement, I have embedded the very first commercial for Mountain Dew. Seeing the “X-Game” persona of young people living-on-the-edge image that current marketing depicts, the original ad was a tad more…well…down home! Check it out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xd8fzk8Rlk
It is the job of the media to inform and entertain. That entertainment is funded by corporate America. Companies supporting the media with advertising are in the business of creating demand for their products. It is the nature of our system. Go ahead and shoot the messenger, but until behavior makes an about face, the problem will continue to exist.
Childhood obesity may have a genetic component, but more likely is the result of parental neglect. Moms and Dads who allow excessive TV viewing, computer usage or video game activity (and we use the word “activity” tongue-in-cheek here)—and further allow these pastimes to be combined with unrestricted snacking have only themselves to blame.
Not the media, not corporate America, not “social pressures”, not a “syndrome” to be given a label. Just plain ol’ Mom and Dad. In my house, it’s called “screen time”—and whether it is a Gameboy, Nintendo DS or TV, the amount of sedentary time tethered to the gadget must be regulated—and restricted
Of course, there are real issues of children with too much time on their hands while their parents are working. This may be the source—as the machines have assumed the role of electronic babysitter.
A soft drink or two won’t kill you. Neither will a Twinkie. Consuming a case of Dew and a box of Twinkies—and combining with chips, candy and unlimited inactivity---well, that’s another story!
Let’s take our kids back and show them the outdoors again! It is not the media’s issue-it is ours.
If you’d like my blog in your box weekdays, just let me know! Tim.moore@citcomm.com
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Collective Bargaining: Are Unions Going Away?
I flipped on the TV yesterday—and saw a mob protesting.
I immediately thought it was Libya, Tunisia, Iran or maybe a leftover shot of Egypt, but I was wrong.
It was WISCONSIN.
Things are coming to a head for cheeseheads—and now that unrest has spread to Ohio and other states that are grappling with how to balance their budgets and deal with HUGE deficits that are in large part due to pension and benefit packages for state employees—deals that in some cases are decades old. Although I have none of the in-depth knowledge to expound on this issue, it seems the Governor of Wisconsin is trying to bust the union that represents the state’s workers.
Here is a video of the protestors—mostly state employees in Wisconsin:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XlUsoM4ruQ
Concessions need to be made—and the reports I have heard indicate that state workers in Wisconsin have at least agreed in principle to do so. At stake now is a bigger issue: the right for workers to engage in collective bargaining.
Seems to me that abolishing the right to collective bargaining is un-American. And that view comes from someone who is no real fan of labor unions.
My simplistic sequence for the emergence of labor unions goes something like this:
1) Big corporations abused workers for years, subjecting them to horrible wages, dangerous work conditions and obscene hours/workload—because they could.
2) The Labor movement reversed this balance of power, using the strength of numbers and the threat of work slowdowns or strikes to extract better wages and benefits. It worked.
3) Labor Unions, fully realizing their power—became the opposite but equivalent of the big corporations they detested---namely, they exhibited a greed and “no compromise” stance that has since driven the costs of labor to a point where American manufacturing has become uncompetitive in the world marketplace, causing the export of jobs overseas.
4) Smart companies have since created working conditions and benefit packages without coercion from labor to essentially negate the need for representation. These companies have adopted a “partnership-based” approach. Consequently, the private sector has seen union membership drastically decline. However, state and municipal employees and teachers unions have not seen such a precipitous reduction in union membership. A state or city is a monopoly of sorts. There is no incentive for productivity—and no consequences for those who fall short of performance expectations. Unions, in fact, abhor the industrious worker. That person makes everyone else look bad by comparison.
Am I leaving anything major out?
Labor unions—sometimes given credit for the American middle class—are now being seen by many Americans as a refuge for mediocre workers—at an ever-increasing cost.
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is no fan of the unions. Trying to get agreement on a pay FREEZE, not reduction, in order to offset a huge deficit, he was told by the union(in his words) to “go to hell”. It is this attitude of digging in one’s heels that is turning American sentiment to become increasingly anti-union.
And that’s too bad.
It’s unfortunate that greedy companies forced the emergence of labor unions. Their past abuse of their workforces has now created an “us versus them” environment that inhibits productivity and increases costs. Christie says that up to 70% of the cost of a police officer in some New Jersey counties is made up of BEFEFITS.
Think about it. 70%! If a police officer’s salary is $40,000 (I have no idea what they are-maybe higher), then each officer costs the county government over $93,000 a year!
Health care, vacation and sick days (and their birthdays, which are a paid holiday negotiated by the union), pension and so on-----these are benefit levels that do not exist in the private sector—but are paid for by taxpayers who largely work in that private sector.
Teacher unions that protect ineffective teachers based only on seniority and lay off young, energetic and competent instructors for the same reason are doing our children a massive disservice. Wielding huge political power—usually benefitting Democratic candidates—they are unwilling to make concessions on the unreasonable packages that previous politicians capitulated to.
The chickens are coming home to roost.
No one knows what will happen in Wisconsin, but in all states where the state workers unions have bestowed upon their members a wage/benefit package that is unsustainable, that day of reckoning is fast approaching.
Collective bargaining?
Absolutely. The Governor of Wisconsin is off-base with his “ends justify the means” approach. However, both sides have to look at the private sector in order to offer their employees a package that is comparable and affordable. Changes need to be made to both the system—and to the attitudes of the participants. Operating from the hole can only exist for so long.
I believe that an independent arbitration board—using marketplace-derived formulas for calculating the value of services, cost of living and comparable costs—should be employed and that their decisions should be binding. This system removes political manipulation , plus the wage/benefit levels that are used for arriving at a fair employment package are both nonpartisan and objective. This system is transparent—and suddenly there is no “victim” in the process.
Is there a state legislature out there will to make this system or something similar a law?
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
I immediately thought it was Libya, Tunisia, Iran or maybe a leftover shot of Egypt, but I was wrong.
It was WISCONSIN.
Things are coming to a head for cheeseheads—and now that unrest has spread to Ohio and other states that are grappling with how to balance their budgets and deal with HUGE deficits that are in large part due to pension and benefit packages for state employees—deals that in some cases are decades old. Although I have none of the in-depth knowledge to expound on this issue, it seems the Governor of Wisconsin is trying to bust the union that represents the state’s workers.
Here is a video of the protestors—mostly state employees in Wisconsin:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XlUsoM4ruQ
Concessions need to be made—and the reports I have heard indicate that state workers in Wisconsin have at least agreed in principle to do so. At stake now is a bigger issue: the right for workers to engage in collective bargaining.
Seems to me that abolishing the right to collective bargaining is un-American. And that view comes from someone who is no real fan of labor unions.
My simplistic sequence for the emergence of labor unions goes something like this:
1) Big corporations abused workers for years, subjecting them to horrible wages, dangerous work conditions and obscene hours/workload—because they could.
2) The Labor movement reversed this balance of power, using the strength of numbers and the threat of work slowdowns or strikes to extract better wages and benefits. It worked.
3) Labor Unions, fully realizing their power—became the opposite but equivalent of the big corporations they detested---namely, they exhibited a greed and “no compromise” stance that has since driven the costs of labor to a point where American manufacturing has become uncompetitive in the world marketplace, causing the export of jobs overseas.
4) Smart companies have since created working conditions and benefit packages without coercion from labor to essentially negate the need for representation. These companies have adopted a “partnership-based” approach. Consequently, the private sector has seen union membership drastically decline. However, state and municipal employees and teachers unions have not seen such a precipitous reduction in union membership. A state or city is a monopoly of sorts. There is no incentive for productivity—and no consequences for those who fall short of performance expectations. Unions, in fact, abhor the industrious worker. That person makes everyone else look bad by comparison.
Am I leaving anything major out?
Labor unions—sometimes given credit for the American middle class—are now being seen by many Americans as a refuge for mediocre workers—at an ever-increasing cost.
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is no fan of the unions. Trying to get agreement on a pay FREEZE, not reduction, in order to offset a huge deficit, he was told by the union(in his words) to “go to hell”. It is this attitude of digging in one’s heels that is turning American sentiment to become increasingly anti-union.
And that’s too bad.
It’s unfortunate that greedy companies forced the emergence of labor unions. Their past abuse of their workforces has now created an “us versus them” environment that inhibits productivity and increases costs. Christie says that up to 70% of the cost of a police officer in some New Jersey counties is made up of BEFEFITS.
Think about it. 70%! If a police officer’s salary is $40,000 (I have no idea what they are-maybe higher), then each officer costs the county government over $93,000 a year!
Health care, vacation and sick days (and their birthdays, which are a paid holiday negotiated by the union), pension and so on-----these are benefit levels that do not exist in the private sector—but are paid for by taxpayers who largely work in that private sector.
Teacher unions that protect ineffective teachers based only on seniority and lay off young, energetic and competent instructors for the same reason are doing our children a massive disservice. Wielding huge political power—usually benefitting Democratic candidates—they are unwilling to make concessions on the unreasonable packages that previous politicians capitulated to.
The chickens are coming home to roost.
No one knows what will happen in Wisconsin, but in all states where the state workers unions have bestowed upon their members a wage/benefit package that is unsustainable, that day of reckoning is fast approaching.
Collective bargaining?
Absolutely. The Governor of Wisconsin is off-base with his “ends justify the means” approach. However, both sides have to look at the private sector in order to offer their employees a package that is comparable and affordable. Changes need to be made to both the system—and to the attitudes of the participants. Operating from the hole can only exist for so long.
I believe that an independent arbitration board—using marketplace-derived formulas for calculating the value of services, cost of living and comparable costs—should be employed and that their decisions should be binding. This system removes political manipulation , plus the wage/benefit levels that are used for arriving at a fair employment package are both nonpartisan and objective. This system is transparent—and suddenly there is no “victim” in the process.
Is there a state legislature out there will to make this system or something similar a law?
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Senior Moments: Or, Where the Hell Are My Car Keys?
Today’s missive was inspired by faithful blog reader and friend Rick Cooper, who sent me the video posted below (and who has since forgotten he did )
Most people I come across in my general age range suffer the same malady as I do-namely, an ever-increasing incidence of what we call “senior moments”—those lapses in memory that cause embarrassment and inconvenience.
For me, the affliction is just an extension of life in general. I don’t possess a good memory, but then again, I never did. Can’t recall the name of my 3rd grade teacher. Don’t remember what I had for dinner last Tuesday. Don’t ask me where we were last Easter or who visited us two summers ago.
For me, this blanking out has pretty much always been there. Now, of course, as I get older, the frequency increases.
The most embarrassing manifestation is the black hole that occurs when struggling to remember names. I am comforted in knowing that many others wrestle with this as well. Sometimes, it’s not that I don’t KNOW the name—but rather, the name that comes to mind (90% of the time it is correct) also arrives with doubt-and so I hesitate to use it. ‘Tis better to say “Hey there!” instead of “Hi there, Bob” when two seconds later, you realize his name was Clifford.
Oops.
I’ve purchased the memory tapes, read the memory books, but so much of it relies on “linking” similar objects or characteristics. Too much work. The idea is to find a visual characteristic and then link it to the their name. If, for example, a woman with an exceptionally large nose has the name “Ally”, then you would link the name with something that has a large nose---in this case , Ally conjures up the image of an elephant (large “nose”)—and then my memory device becomes “Allyphant”.
Ally may appreciate my remembering her name next time we meet, but would be aghast if she knew that I only accomplished this feat by associating her with a pachyderm.
So, I stumble through life. I walk into rooms and wonder why I am there. I search for my keys until I glance at my HAND. I sometimes cut myself off in mid-sentence, wondering what the hell I was about to say.
If you too have suffered any of the above, then you’ll appreciate the following spoof of “Memories”—enjoy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzSaoN2LdfU
The most maddening thing about it all is that ALL of the information is in there SOMEWHERE!!! Brain scientists say that we record virtually everything we see, do and hear. It must be that some of us have lousy filing cabinets upstairs.
Someday, there will be a way to access all of the vast information in our cerebral cortexes. What a glorious day that will be---instantly making obsolete the education system that relies on rote memorization. Of course, all excuses about forgetting to do your homework will also vanish.
I can’t wait for the day when….when……
What were we talking about?
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Most people I come across in my general age range suffer the same malady as I do-namely, an ever-increasing incidence of what we call “senior moments”—those lapses in memory that cause embarrassment and inconvenience.
For me, the affliction is just an extension of life in general. I don’t possess a good memory, but then again, I never did. Can’t recall the name of my 3rd grade teacher. Don’t remember what I had for dinner last Tuesday. Don’t ask me where we were last Easter or who visited us two summers ago.
For me, this blanking out has pretty much always been there. Now, of course, as I get older, the frequency increases.
The most embarrassing manifestation is the black hole that occurs when struggling to remember names. I am comforted in knowing that many others wrestle with this as well. Sometimes, it’s not that I don’t KNOW the name—but rather, the name that comes to mind (90% of the time it is correct) also arrives with doubt-and so I hesitate to use it. ‘Tis better to say “Hey there!” instead of “Hi there, Bob” when two seconds later, you realize his name was Clifford.
Oops.
I’ve purchased the memory tapes, read the memory books, but so much of it relies on “linking” similar objects or characteristics. Too much work. The idea is to find a visual characteristic and then link it to the their name. If, for example, a woman with an exceptionally large nose has the name “Ally”, then you would link the name with something that has a large nose---in this case , Ally conjures up the image of an elephant (large “nose”)—and then my memory device becomes “Allyphant”.
Ally may appreciate my remembering her name next time we meet, but would be aghast if she knew that I only accomplished this feat by associating her with a pachyderm.
So, I stumble through life. I walk into rooms and wonder why I am there. I search for my keys until I glance at my HAND. I sometimes cut myself off in mid-sentence, wondering what the hell I was about to say.
If you too have suffered any of the above, then you’ll appreciate the following spoof of “Memories”—enjoy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzSaoN2LdfU
The most maddening thing about it all is that ALL of the information is in there SOMEWHERE!!! Brain scientists say that we record virtually everything we see, do and hear. It must be that some of us have lousy filing cabinets upstairs.
Someday, there will be a way to access all of the vast information in our cerebral cortexes. What a glorious day that will be---instantly making obsolete the education system that relies on rote memorization. Of course, all excuses about forgetting to do your homework will also vanish.
I can’t wait for the day when….when……
What were we talking about?
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Car Insurance: "Mayhem" Means Money!
I don’t think the average American can go through the day without being exposed to some kind of ad for car insurance.
There must be a lot of money to be made since it seems the airwaves are littered with commercials. I think the first big player was GEICO. It was their “good news” campaign, where the answer to the “I’ve got good news!” statement was: “I just saved $400 on car insurance by switching to GEICO!” It was so effective that most of us used it as a punch line in everyday life.
That’s effective.
GEICO was not content to stay there. Along came the Caveman-those ads can still be seen, but the real star of the GEICO show is the gecko. That little green dude is everywhere. And even though the lizard shares time with another campaign that links mini-vignettes of woodchucks chucking wood and Abe Lincoln being painfully honest, the gecko still reigns supreme.
Of course, there’s the slightly wacko lady selling Progressive Car Insurance in a blindingly white store and others from State Farm and Farmers—and on and on.
My absolute favorite though, is Allstate Insurance—starring actor Dean Winters as the character “Mayhem”. Known for his roles in HBO’s “Oz” and NBC’s “30 Rock”, his greatest exposure has to be in ads for Allstate.
Here’s a compilation of these hilarious commercials—some of which I had never seen—and what I believe is a new one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7R8vG9NJQFY
This one I came across while researching this blog—“Mayhem” as a GPS-enjoy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZXM_g3mqew&NR=1
After all these spots, I still don’t know which car insurance is the cheapest—or which one is the best, but based solely on their marketing, I rate Allstate #1 and GEICO a close #2!
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
There must be a lot of money to be made since it seems the airwaves are littered with commercials. I think the first big player was GEICO. It was their “good news” campaign, where the answer to the “I’ve got good news!” statement was: “I just saved $400 on car insurance by switching to GEICO!” It was so effective that most of us used it as a punch line in everyday life.
That’s effective.
GEICO was not content to stay there. Along came the Caveman-those ads can still be seen, but the real star of the GEICO show is the gecko. That little green dude is everywhere. And even though the lizard shares time with another campaign that links mini-vignettes of woodchucks chucking wood and Abe Lincoln being painfully honest, the gecko still reigns supreme.
Of course, there’s the slightly wacko lady selling Progressive Car Insurance in a blindingly white store and others from State Farm and Farmers—and on and on.
My absolute favorite though, is Allstate Insurance—starring actor Dean Winters as the character “Mayhem”. Known for his roles in HBO’s “Oz” and NBC’s “30 Rock”, his greatest exposure has to be in ads for Allstate.
Here’s a compilation of these hilarious commercials—some of which I had never seen—and what I believe is a new one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7R8vG9NJQFY
This one I came across while researching this blog—“Mayhem” as a GPS-enjoy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZXM_g3mqew&NR=1
After all these spots, I still don’t know which car insurance is the cheapest—or which one is the best, but based solely on their marketing, I rate Allstate #1 and GEICO a close #2!
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Friday, February 18, 2011
Ray Charles: "What'd I Say" Said It All
There are moments when musical “lightning in a bottle” is captured. On this day in 1959, Ray Charles did just that with the recording of “What’d I Say?” for Atlantic Records.
Like the discovery of penicillin, this too was purely by accident.
A song that was born out of necessity—the need to merely fill time. Ray Charles had about 10 minutes to fill at the end of a show in Pittsburgh. He and the band had completely run out of songs to play, so Ray’s genius kicked in. A riff that had been “floating around” in his head suddenly came out.
The crowd went wild.
It would have been fun to hear the conversation when Charles phoned his label with the request to record this song. A made-up song played on the road was doing the same thing to audiences each and every time. Namely, the beat, the piano and the back-and-forth with the crowd was creating magic night after night.
Here’s a rare clip of the song performed live on the TV show “Shindig” in 1965. Notice how the Righteous Brothers get into the act:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pm1iGqecFGo&feature=related
I love that song, but my all-time favorite Ray Charles tune is “Hit The Road Jack”—Here’s a clip of that huge hit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8Tiz6INF7I&feature=fvwrel
“What’d I Say” became a #1 R&B hit—and went #6 on the pop charts, thus becoming the very first of Ray Charles crossover smashes. It wouldn’t be his last.
If you’d like my blog in my box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Like the discovery of penicillin, this too was purely by accident.
A song that was born out of necessity—the need to merely fill time. Ray Charles had about 10 minutes to fill at the end of a show in Pittsburgh. He and the band had completely run out of songs to play, so Ray’s genius kicked in. A riff that had been “floating around” in his head suddenly came out.
The crowd went wild.
It would have been fun to hear the conversation when Charles phoned his label with the request to record this song. A made-up song played on the road was doing the same thing to audiences each and every time. Namely, the beat, the piano and the back-and-forth with the crowd was creating magic night after night.
Here’s a rare clip of the song performed live on the TV show “Shindig” in 1965. Notice how the Righteous Brothers get into the act:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pm1iGqecFGo&feature=related
I love that song, but my all-time favorite Ray Charles tune is “Hit The Road Jack”—Here’s a clip of that huge hit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8Tiz6INF7I&feature=fvwrel
“What’d I Say” became a #1 R&B hit—and went #6 on the pop charts, thus becoming the very first of Ray Charles crossover smashes. It wouldn’t be his last.
If you’d like my blog in my box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Coke's Secret Formula: It's OUT!
It appears that the closely guarded secret recipe for Coca-Cola, a mystery for 125 years—has now been publicly revealed.
A Chicago radio show, “This American Life” says it stumbled upon the recipe in a photo that was used back in 1979 in an article on Coke in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
The picture showed a handwritten recipe by a friend of John Pemberton’s, written in a book of medicines and ointments. All in a leather-bound journal, it has been passed down through the generations, no one realizing that this was the world’s best-kept corporate secret.
Of course, much of the ingredients are known: extract of coca, caramel, caffeine, sugar and vanilla. What was always missing was that “special” ingredient—known as “7X”, which gave Coke its unique flavor…..
(insert drum roll here) And here it is:
The secret 7X flavor (use 2 oz of flavor to 5 gals syrup):
Alcohol: 8 oz
Orange oil: 20 drops
Lemon oil: 30 drops
Nutmeg oil: 10 drops
Coriander: 5 drops
Neroli: 10 drops
Cinnamon: 10 drops
Until now, the secret formula was the stuff of legend. Supposedly, it has been locked up in a safe for over 125 years. Also, there are only two people at any given time who know the secret ingredients—and they must never travel together.
So, is it the…….ahem…”Real Thing”? Coca-Cola says “No!”:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2Q-odr4am0
Here’s an animated and informative quick history of the world’s #1 soft drink:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMa7dM7NHM4&feature=related
And finally, here’s a 1930’s era film on the success of the Coca-Cola Company—even during the Great Depression:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnfpEoN7FCA
I must say that I hope the recipe printed above is NOT the actual secret formula-it’s like knowing how to do a magic trick. You are quickly satisfied—and then a bit disappointed that some of the mystery and magic is gone.
Perhaps we’ll never know…….
I wonder…does DIET Coke have a secret formula?
If you’d like to receive my blog in your inbox, just let me know! tim.moore@citcomm.com
A Chicago radio show, “This American Life” says it stumbled upon the recipe in a photo that was used back in 1979 in an article on Coke in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
The picture showed a handwritten recipe by a friend of John Pemberton’s, written in a book of medicines and ointments. All in a leather-bound journal, it has been passed down through the generations, no one realizing that this was the world’s best-kept corporate secret.
Of course, much of the ingredients are known: extract of coca, caramel, caffeine, sugar and vanilla. What was always missing was that “special” ingredient—known as “7X”, which gave Coke its unique flavor…..
(insert drum roll here) And here it is:
The secret 7X flavor (use 2 oz of flavor to 5 gals syrup):
Alcohol: 8 oz
Orange oil: 20 drops
Lemon oil: 30 drops
Nutmeg oil: 10 drops
Coriander: 5 drops
Neroli: 10 drops
Cinnamon: 10 drops
Until now, the secret formula was the stuff of legend. Supposedly, it has been locked up in a safe for over 125 years. Also, there are only two people at any given time who know the secret ingredients—and they must never travel together.
So, is it the…….ahem…”Real Thing”? Coca-Cola says “No!”:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2Q-odr4am0
Here’s an animated and informative quick history of the world’s #1 soft drink:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMa7dM7NHM4&feature=related
And finally, here’s a 1930’s era film on the success of the Coca-Cola Company—even during the Great Depression:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnfpEoN7FCA
I must say that I hope the recipe printed above is NOT the actual secret formula-it’s like knowing how to do a magic trick. You are quickly satisfied—and then a bit disappointed that some of the mystery and magic is gone.
Perhaps we’ll never know…….
I wonder…does DIET Coke have a secret formula?
If you’d like to receive my blog in your inbox, just let me know! tim.moore@citcomm.com
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Stroke: Act F.A.S.T.!
The video of TV reporter Serene Branson at the Grammys Sunday has gone viral.
Her unintelligible speech and inability to communicate has been more of a topic of conversation than perhaps the awards themselves. She was on site at the Staples Center to report on the ceremony—and what followed both surprised and worried thousands who were watching.
Was she having a stroke?
Perhaps….here is the video in case you haven’t seen it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biTEGZnSofs
Branson reported seeing a doctor on Monday and says she is feeling fine, but the episode was a reminder to everyone that a stroke can hit anyone of any age—and those around the stricken person can literally save their life---or maybe lesson and/or eliminate the specter of permanent disability.
If a stroke victim receives treatment within 3 hours of the attack, the prospects for that person’s recovery are MUCH higher. An acronym has been developed to help non-medical personnel deal with those we suspect may be stroke victims.
The acronym is: F.A.S.T, standing for Facial, Arm, Speech Test.
Any one of the symptoms revealed by F.A.S.T could mean stroke. Watch the following video, produced in England. Keeping in mind the stats are from the UK—and that the emergency number over there is 999 instead of 911, it is nevertheless very well done, informative—and investing ten minutes of your life in watching it could save someone else’s --embedding was disabled, so you'll have to click the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEmR4HaluYw&feature=related
Here is a shorter version of the same general advice:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0EbBADTWXM&feature=related
My mother suffered a massive stroke a half-dozen years ago. Unfortunately, my father, who was suffering with Parkinson’s disease—was severely hampered in summoning help. He finally managed to get to a neighbor, who called an ambulance. By the time she received treatment, the damage had already been done. She lost her ability to speak—and completely lost movement on one side of her body, which eventually led to a leg amputation.
Mom passed away a little over a year ago---and the last five years of her life were a never-ending parade of pain, frustration and inability to communicate to her family or caregivers. I have often wondered what would have happened had the attack occurred in the presence of those who could have acted quickly. Perhaps the outcome would have been the same…but who knows?
If you and I learn the F.A.S.T. response, we can maybe save a life—or at least preserve some form of functioning—should we encounter someone having a stroke.
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Monday, February 14, 2011
Valentine's Day Trap
THE FOLLOWING IS AN ENCORE TIM MOORE BLOG:
When it comes to Valentine’s Day, there is definitely a RIGHT way to do it—and millions of WRONG ways---as men throughout history have discovered. As usual, we have found out the errors of our ways only AFTER the offending act or insensitive gift has been delivered.
As far back as the caveman (whose banishment back then was to sofas made of stone), guys have been mystified by the magnitude of female rage following our boneheaded attempts to court our sweethearts.
Although I myself have no doubt joined in with these “errors of judgment”, (and thereby am disqualify from being an expert), there are some general do’s and don’t that may seem obvious, but their yearly violation by armies of men requires me to repeat this short list:
DO’s
1) This should be obvious, but I’ll say it anyway. DO SOMETHING. Blowing it off is simply not an option, unless you like the feeling of a cast iron frying pan slamming into your head. Ouch.
2) The Big Three are cool, but ho-hum. Flowers, Candy & Jewelry are good, but the jewelry takes top spot.
3) If buying her clothes, be sure to SIZE down. Yes, SMALLER than she really is. See Number 3 of “Don’ts below.
4) Surprise her at work! Generally speaking, however, it’s a PLUS to have the flowers delivered where your lady can display them in front of her co-workers. Singing telegrams are romantic—and a good way to send your love. Strippers are NOT a good choice to deliver the sentiments here.
5) SPEND MONEY. Skimping on cost is not smart. Remember, she shops more than you do and can smell a cheap gift from a mile out. You WON’T fool her. If she doesn’t instinctively know how much you spent, she’ll look it up.
DON’T’s
1) Top of the list: DON’T FORGET. Tie a string around your finger, mark your datebook, write it on the wall. With TV, radio and print advertising impossible to avoid, there is no excuse for taking a whiff here.
2) Don’t get her a vacuum cleaner, a bowling ball, a Swiffer or brand new laundry basket. If you SURVIVE after giving such a gift, the cost of having a Hoover surgically removed from its most likely entry point will make you wish that you’d purchased a diamond necklace.
3) Don’t buy anything that implies she needs to lose weight. A gym membership, a case of SlimFast or clothes in size XXL are simply a death wish.
4) If a romantic meal at a restaurant is planned, make sure you MAKE A RESERVATION. Nothing kills the mood faster than standing amidst other thoughtless men and their dates, waiting for an hour to get a cramped table next to the Mens Room. Nice.
5) Don’t deliver the gift in the bag where you shopped for it. No matter how enticing the item is, it’s appeal plummets when yanked from a plastic WalMart bag.
Clearly this is an abbreviated list, but nevertheless, it behooves all men reading this blog to adhere strictly to the rules of engagement above. Ladies, you no doubt could add to this list—and I welcome your input (as do all men worldwide)
Here’s a humorous ad that spoofs our ineptitude in selecting a proper gift:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pffeMdDSoY
Funny.
Of course, the desired emotion, guys, is LOVE, not laughter. AMORE!
Good luck! And Happy Valentine’s Day!!
If you’d like my blog in your box weekdays, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
When it comes to Valentine’s Day, there is definitely a RIGHT way to do it—and millions of WRONG ways---as men throughout history have discovered. As usual, we have found out the errors of our ways only AFTER the offending act or insensitive gift has been delivered.
As far back as the caveman (whose banishment back then was to sofas made of stone), guys have been mystified by the magnitude of female rage following our boneheaded attempts to court our sweethearts.
Although I myself have no doubt joined in with these “errors of judgment”, (and thereby am disqualify from being an expert), there are some general do’s and don’t that may seem obvious, but their yearly violation by armies of men requires me to repeat this short list:
DO’s
1) This should be obvious, but I’ll say it anyway. DO SOMETHING. Blowing it off is simply not an option, unless you like the feeling of a cast iron frying pan slamming into your head. Ouch.
2) The Big Three are cool, but ho-hum. Flowers, Candy & Jewelry are good, but the jewelry takes top spot.
3) If buying her clothes, be sure to SIZE down. Yes, SMALLER than she really is. See Number 3 of “Don’ts below.
4) Surprise her at work! Generally speaking, however, it’s a PLUS to have the flowers delivered where your lady can display them in front of her co-workers. Singing telegrams are romantic—and a good way to send your love. Strippers are NOT a good choice to deliver the sentiments here.
5) SPEND MONEY. Skimping on cost is not smart. Remember, she shops more than you do and can smell a cheap gift from a mile out. You WON’T fool her. If she doesn’t instinctively know how much you spent, she’ll look it up.
DON’T’s
1) Top of the list: DON’T FORGET. Tie a string around your finger, mark your datebook, write it on the wall. With TV, radio and print advertising impossible to avoid, there is no excuse for taking a whiff here.
2) Don’t get her a vacuum cleaner, a bowling ball, a Swiffer or brand new laundry basket. If you SURVIVE after giving such a gift, the cost of having a Hoover surgically removed from its most likely entry point will make you wish that you’d purchased a diamond necklace.
3) Don’t buy anything that implies she needs to lose weight. A gym membership, a case of SlimFast or clothes in size XXL are simply a death wish.
4) If a romantic meal at a restaurant is planned, make sure you MAKE A RESERVATION. Nothing kills the mood faster than standing amidst other thoughtless men and their dates, waiting for an hour to get a cramped table next to the Mens Room. Nice.
5) Don’t deliver the gift in the bag where you shopped for it. No matter how enticing the item is, it’s appeal plummets when yanked from a plastic WalMart bag.
Clearly this is an abbreviated list, but nevertheless, it behooves all men reading this blog to adhere strictly to the rules of engagement above. Ladies, you no doubt could add to this list—and I welcome your input (as do all men worldwide)
Here’s a humorous ad that spoofs our ineptitude in selecting a proper gift:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pffeMdDSoY
Funny.
Of course, the desired emotion, guys, is LOVE, not laughter. AMORE!
Good luck! And Happy Valentine’s Day!!
If you’d like my blog in your box weekdays, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Friday, February 11, 2011
Hand Dancing: Take THAT, Riverdance!
So, it’s Friday…it’s cold (still) and the world is looking at the goings on in Egypt.
Mubarak is out—and the entire Middle East situation has been thrown off balance. I could blog about this unfolding drama—but since I really don’t know the implications of it all, keeping things light and entertaining is my only goal today!
Thanks to Lorenzo at One City Center News (Portland’s unofficial mayor and wayward playboy) for sending me the video you are about to see. A proud Italian, Lorenzo wastes no time in passing along all things Italian. Some of them are not appropriate for this blog (ahem), but this one will make you smile.
Forget “Lord Of The Dance” Michael Flatley, the heck with “Riverdance”----check out the “hand dancing” in this clip!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iANRO3I30nM
Coordination for this is amazing—and so is the memory to nail every move—in unison!
My hands were busy clapping for these two as soon as they were done.
Have a great weekend!
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Mubarak is out—and the entire Middle East situation has been thrown off balance. I could blog about this unfolding drama—but since I really don’t know the implications of it all, keeping things light and entertaining is my only goal today!
Thanks to Lorenzo at One City Center News (Portland’s unofficial mayor and wayward playboy) for sending me the video you are about to see. A proud Italian, Lorenzo wastes no time in passing along all things Italian. Some of them are not appropriate for this blog (ahem), but this one will make you smile.
Forget “Lord Of The Dance” Michael Flatley, the heck with “Riverdance”----check out the “hand dancing” in this clip!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iANRO3I30nM
Coordination for this is amazing—and so is the memory to nail every move—in unison!
My hands were busy clapping for these two as soon as they were done.
Have a great weekend!
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Man Loses To Machine: IBM Bests Kasparov
THE FOLLOWING IS AN ENCORE TIM MOORE BLOG:
This blog’s title implies that humans coming up short when matched against machines is either a rarity or newsworthy or both.
Not so.
Anyone who has lost a dollar in a vending machine can attest to the feelings of helplessness that accrue when those Fritos are RIGHT THERE—on the other side of the glass, yet unattainable, smugly nestled on their little perch, seeming to laugh at you. Kicking the machine makes you feel better—only until the moment of impact. The site of you hopping around holding your now-throbbing foot only adds injury to insult.
Yes, machines have been pushing us around ever since Eli Whitney invented that cotton-pickin’ gin. Yet, despite it all, we have chalked up all frustrations with machines to man-made malfunctions in either design or construction. The INTELLIGENCE associated only with human beings could never be duplicated by an inanimate object.
That is, until this day in 1996.
The IBM computer named “Big Blue” defeated reigning World Chess Champion Gary Kasparov in the first game of a 6-game match. Although man eventually triumphed over machine—as Kasparov won the match 4-2, this initial defeat laid the groundwork for refinements in the computer software that eventually allowed for a better Big Blue, one that won a rematch in 1997 (3.5 to 2.5)
Although Big Blue could evaluate 100 million chess combinations PER SECOND (my guess is that Kasparov was a tad below this level of performance), the initial machine could not store PAST moves, thereby creating a predictability quotient for the individual player. After the initial match, IBM eggheads went back to Geek Central and improved this shortcoming. The Big Blue that faced our human hero a year later was now able to process 200 million combinations per second AND look backward to past moves.
Kasparov was toast.
Here’s the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJarxpYyoFI
I love chess—and played quite a bit while young. Matches were a slow affair and never did I attempt to play multiple games at once (show-offs!)
Although it could accurately be said that Kasparov was STILL playing against humans—the ones who created the computer and wrote the software, it’s my belief that part of our dignity DIED that day.
Artificial intelligence is now a common term and the capabilities of computers since 1996 are light years ahead. Robots with vision and dexterity are able to simulate much of human movement. Could they eventually replace human beings doing everyday tasks?
Maybe, but none would EVER be victorious against a vending machine that refuses to fork over the Fritos!
If you’d like my blog in your weekday inbox, let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
This blog’s title implies that humans coming up short when matched against machines is either a rarity or newsworthy or both.
Not so.
Anyone who has lost a dollar in a vending machine can attest to the feelings of helplessness that accrue when those Fritos are RIGHT THERE—on the other side of the glass, yet unattainable, smugly nestled on their little perch, seeming to laugh at you. Kicking the machine makes you feel better—only until the moment of impact. The site of you hopping around holding your now-throbbing foot only adds injury to insult.
Yes, machines have been pushing us around ever since Eli Whitney invented that cotton-pickin’ gin. Yet, despite it all, we have chalked up all frustrations with machines to man-made malfunctions in either design or construction. The INTELLIGENCE associated only with human beings could never be duplicated by an inanimate object.
That is, until this day in 1996.
The IBM computer named “Big Blue” defeated reigning World Chess Champion Gary Kasparov in the first game of a 6-game match. Although man eventually triumphed over machine—as Kasparov won the match 4-2, this initial defeat laid the groundwork for refinements in the computer software that eventually allowed for a better Big Blue, one that won a rematch in 1997 (3.5 to 2.5)
Although Big Blue could evaluate 100 million chess combinations PER SECOND (my guess is that Kasparov was a tad below this level of performance), the initial machine could not store PAST moves, thereby creating a predictability quotient for the individual player. After the initial match, IBM eggheads went back to Geek Central and improved this shortcoming. The Big Blue that faced our human hero a year later was now able to process 200 million combinations per second AND look backward to past moves.
Kasparov was toast.
Here’s the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJarxpYyoFI
I love chess—and played quite a bit while young. Matches were a slow affair and never did I attempt to play multiple games at once (show-offs!)
Although it could accurately be said that Kasparov was STILL playing against humans—the ones who created the computer and wrote the software, it’s my belief that part of our dignity DIED that day.
Artificial intelligence is now a common term and the capabilities of computers since 1996 are light years ahead. Robots with vision and dexterity are able to simulate much of human movement. Could they eventually replace human beings doing everyday tasks?
Maybe, but none would EVER be victorious against a vending machine that refuses to fork over the Fritos!
If you’d like my blog in your weekday inbox, let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
The Beatles: A Hard Act To Follow
There’s a bit of musical trivia embedded in the show that most of America viewed on this date in 1964.
The program, of course, was the Ed Sullivan Show---and the introduction of The Beatles to America. This past weekend’s Super Bowl apparently set the all-time TV audience record, but 47 years ago, it was Sullivan’s program that set the bar at over 73 million viewers—a mark that would take years to topple.
Here’s a clip of perhaps the most electrifying song of that performance-“She Loves You”:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBnC8REsvwg
An aspect lost to modern audiences is the fact that there were OTHER performers on that fateful night. The first to follow the Beatles after their initial appearance on the show was a magician by the name of Fred Kaps.
Poor guy.
Hundreds of screaming girls in the audience and this guy is in a tuxedo doing card tricks. The size of his audience that night is tempered by the fact that nobody cared about him or his magic.
One of the other performers that night, however, may have appreciated The Beatles more than he could fully realize at the time. It was the Broadway cast of “Oliver!”—singing the song “I’d Do Anything”. The featured young singer was a young man named Davey Jones as the Artful Dodger, who, in less than three years time would star in his own TV show as the lead singer of a musical group whose very existence would not have occurred without the Fab Four-----The Monkees!
Here is that performance:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXu3LS1fmdg
Who knew that that kid would himself become a teen heartthrob? And while the musical contribution of the Monkees cannot be compared to that of the Beatles, they were a pop culture phenomenon---and yet, just an obscure trivia footnote to the landmark TV show on this date 47 years ago.
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
The program, of course, was the Ed Sullivan Show---and the introduction of The Beatles to America. This past weekend’s Super Bowl apparently set the all-time TV audience record, but 47 years ago, it was Sullivan’s program that set the bar at over 73 million viewers—a mark that would take years to topple.
Here’s a clip of perhaps the most electrifying song of that performance-“She Loves You”:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBnC8REsvwg
An aspect lost to modern audiences is the fact that there were OTHER performers on that fateful night. The first to follow the Beatles after their initial appearance on the show was a magician by the name of Fred Kaps.
Poor guy.
Hundreds of screaming girls in the audience and this guy is in a tuxedo doing card tricks. The size of his audience that night is tempered by the fact that nobody cared about him or his magic.
One of the other performers that night, however, may have appreciated The Beatles more than he could fully realize at the time. It was the Broadway cast of “Oliver!”—singing the song “I’d Do Anything”. The featured young singer was a young man named Davey Jones as the Artful Dodger, who, in less than three years time would star in his own TV show as the lead singer of a musical group whose very existence would not have occurred without the Fab Four-----The Monkees!
Here is that performance:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXu3LS1fmdg
Who knew that that kid would himself become a teen heartthrob? And while the musical contribution of the Monkees cannot be compared to that of the Beatles, they were a pop culture phenomenon---and yet, just an obscure trivia footnote to the landmark TV show on this date 47 years ago.
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Spud Webb: The Little Engine That Could...And Did!
Have you ever tried to dunk a basketball?
Me?
Never been close. Even though I am 6’1”, it would appear that I have a vertical leap of just under 12 centimeters. The adage that 'white guys can’t jump' has never so thoroughly borne out as it is with me. With the basket fixed there at ten feet even, assuming that my arms over my head give me another two feet, I would need to elevate another two plus feet to be over the rim.
Not happening.
But Spud Webb—at FIVE FOOT SEVEN---not only can dunk it—but moreover, won the NBA’s Slam Dunk competition on this date twenty five years ago. He did it by outdunking (is that a word?) fellow Atlanta Hawks teammate Dominique Wilkins, who was the reigning champion from 1985.
Dominique, by the way, is 6’8”.
Nothing short of amazing, but that’s the life and career of Spud Webb, who overcame incredible odds to even make it to the NBA. Coming out of high school with a 26 point per game average, he was ignored by Division One colleges due to his stature—or lack thereof. He went instead to Midland Junior College in his home state of Texas. There, his play attracted the attention of the coaches at North Carolina State University. He transferred there and played for two years.
Despite his college resume, he again was ignored by the NBA. Really, how could anyone nearly a half foot short of six feet actually compete against the sequoias who pace the pro arenas? Hard work, talent and persistence finally earned him a roster spot on the Atlanta team—and the rest is pro b-ball lore.
Here’s a short clip of that memorable 1986 Slam Dunk performance:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5wBI98NXEE
OK, so there’s nothing particularly useful about the ability to dunk a basketball. It won’t cure cancer or stop global warming, but it is a physical feat that can only be appreciated after attempting to do it yourself.
Spud went on to play in the NBA for 12 seasons—and is credited with paving the way for even SHORTER players who made it., including Muggsy Bogues, who is 5’3” and Nate Robinson, who was the second shortest player to win the slam dunk competition in 2006 at all of 5’9”. Spud Webb was on hand for that competition in Dallas—and Robinson LEAPED OVER Webb to slam dunk the ball!
Here it is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gv_F0zS-e20
The lesson for all of us is obvious: don’t let obstacles get in the way of your dreams! Webb (and Robinson) were the Little Engines that said “I think I can, I think I can….”----and DID!!
If you’d like my blog in your box, drop me a line-it’s free: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Me?
Never been close. Even though I am 6’1”, it would appear that I have a vertical leap of just under 12 centimeters. The adage that 'white guys can’t jump' has never so thoroughly borne out as it is with me. With the basket fixed there at ten feet even, assuming that my arms over my head give me another two feet, I would need to elevate another two plus feet to be over the rim.
Not happening.
But Spud Webb—at FIVE FOOT SEVEN---not only can dunk it—but moreover, won the NBA’s Slam Dunk competition on this date twenty five years ago. He did it by outdunking (is that a word?) fellow Atlanta Hawks teammate Dominique Wilkins, who was the reigning champion from 1985.
Dominique, by the way, is 6’8”.
Nothing short of amazing, but that’s the life and career of Spud Webb, who overcame incredible odds to even make it to the NBA. Coming out of high school with a 26 point per game average, he was ignored by Division One colleges due to his stature—or lack thereof. He went instead to Midland Junior College in his home state of Texas. There, his play attracted the attention of the coaches at North Carolina State University. He transferred there and played for two years.
Despite his college resume, he again was ignored by the NBA. Really, how could anyone nearly a half foot short of six feet actually compete against the sequoias who pace the pro arenas? Hard work, talent and persistence finally earned him a roster spot on the Atlanta team—and the rest is pro b-ball lore.
Here’s a short clip of that memorable 1986 Slam Dunk performance:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5wBI98NXEE
OK, so there’s nothing particularly useful about the ability to dunk a basketball. It won’t cure cancer or stop global warming, but it is a physical feat that can only be appreciated after attempting to do it yourself.
Spud went on to play in the NBA for 12 seasons—and is credited with paving the way for even SHORTER players who made it., including Muggsy Bogues, who is 5’3” and Nate Robinson, who was the second shortest player to win the slam dunk competition in 2006 at all of 5’9”. Spud Webb was on hand for that competition in Dallas—and Robinson LEAPED OVER Webb to slam dunk the ball!
Here it is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gv_F0zS-e20
The lesson for all of us is obvious: don’t let obstacles get in the way of your dreams! Webb (and Robinson) were the Little Engines that said “I think I can, I think I can….”----and DID!!
If you’d like my blog in your box, drop me a line-it’s free: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Monday, February 7, 2011
Super Bowl: Ads, Beer, Snacks..Oh Yeah--And A Game
A funny thing happens when you don’t care who wins the Super Bowl—you actually ENJOY the telecast!
Don’t get me wrong—I wish the Patriots had been in it yesterday. Being a lifelong Redskin fan, I also hearken back to those Super Bowl glory days—looking forward to the day when the ‘Skins make another appearance.
I may be a grandfather before that happens.
Anyway, the absence of adrenalin, stress and anxiety made for a rather enjoyable evening. Had I a “horse in the race”, I would have OD’d on pre-game hype, seeking out the keys to victory for my team.
Yesterday, I didn’t care. Packers. Steelers. Whatever.
I actually thought the Steelers would win. After they handled the Jets, who had embarrassed the Patriots, I truly believed that Pittsburgh was just too good on defense and too multi-faceted on offense to lose. I think “Big Ben “ is a big jerk, but I really like the coach Mike Tomlin and the entire Steelers organization.
After all, the Green Bay Packers were mostly dependent on Aaron Rodgers. Ring his bell a couple of times and he becomes a different player. I thought the Steelers would actually risk giving up a big play or two in exchange for a couple of blitzes that would leave Rodgers on his back. Had they done so, I believe another outcome would have resulted.
Regardless, it was a pretty good game—and Pittsburgh’s furious comeback in the second half kept things interesting. The telecast was OK—I give it a B+.
The Super Bowl has the distinction of keeping you tuned in mentally when the commercial breaks happen. In fact, fans seem more likely to take their bathroom breaks during a lull in the action rather than during the spot breaks.
While I thought the commercials were below average this year in entertainment value, there were a few good ones, including the following CareerBuilder.com ad-featuring the ever-popular chimps:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRDx18GYITw
If I were the NFL Commissioner, I would have instituted on the following changes in yesterday’s spectacle:
1) Count the seats before you sell tickets. Hundreds of ticket holders were denied entrance yesterday---forced to watch the game OUTSIDE on big screen TV’s. Embarrassing.
2) Audition whomever you choose to sing the National Anthem. Whoever it is should both know the words and refrain from changing the note progression of the song itself. Francis Scott Key might not have recognized what happened Sunday as his composition. I like Christina Aguilera, but she botched the deal in front of millions upon millions.
3) The Medal of Honor winner who got a brief minute in the spotlight during halftime should have had a more prominent role—like flipping the coin. OK to have Deion Sanders out there with the other Hall of Famers, but choosing him to flip the coin was a mistake.
4) The Black Eyed Peas. Decent visually in what is historically a horrible setting for any coherent musical performance, but Fergie (whom I actually like) was off-key. As the years go by, it becomes harder to choose a top-level act. While the Super Bowl attracts a cross section of America, my bet is that over 80% of the audience both inside and outside the stadium would not call themselves “fans” of will.i.am and the crew. The Who (perhaps a better fit demographically) were stale last year. Who will it be next year? Start looking NOW.
5) Tell John Madden that the former President and First Lady were sitting NEXT to him, so texting (or playing Madden 2011) on his smartphone when the cameras peeked into the VIP box was bad form. Funny, but rude.
6) Dispense with the ridiculous “spoofs”—like the one featuring Shaquille O’Neal. I realize that Fox has a lot of time to fill, but really?
7) Think about who is appearing with who. Sending former Dallas Cowboy great Roger Staubach to the podium with the Vince Lombardi trophy had to be Jerry Jones’ idea, but did he not realize that Roger the dodger would be handing it off to Fox Sports analyst (and former nemesis Terry Bradshaw). These two hate each other from all reports—and while we could hear the stilted pleasantries, it was clear that Roger couldn’t wait to leave.
8) Start the kickoff at 4pm so kids can stay up and watch the whole game. I understand the desire to hit “prime time”, but really—the audience for a Super Bowl wouldn’t be LESS if played earlier. More people who have to work or go to school the next day (everyone) would get to watch the entire game. The other upside is that the hosting network would have a huge lead-in at a REASONABLE hour to showcase their pet show, which always follows the post-game show.
I’m sure you have other suggestions as well.
Given the winter weather in Dallas this past week, the fact that there was no security incident or major power failure means that the NFL will call this a big success. Haven’t heard about the ratings yet, but likely less than had the Jets or Patriots been playing Chicago.
For me, the chips and dip were good, the beer was cold—and there was no stress over the outcome.
Next year,however, wil be a different story. I’ll be all wound up as the AFC Champion New England Patriots take on the NFC Champion Washington Redskins!!!
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Don’t get me wrong—I wish the Patriots had been in it yesterday. Being a lifelong Redskin fan, I also hearken back to those Super Bowl glory days—looking forward to the day when the ‘Skins make another appearance.
I may be a grandfather before that happens.
Anyway, the absence of adrenalin, stress and anxiety made for a rather enjoyable evening. Had I a “horse in the race”, I would have OD’d on pre-game hype, seeking out the keys to victory for my team.
Yesterday, I didn’t care. Packers. Steelers. Whatever.
I actually thought the Steelers would win. After they handled the Jets, who had embarrassed the Patriots, I truly believed that Pittsburgh was just too good on defense and too multi-faceted on offense to lose. I think “Big Ben “ is a big jerk, but I really like the coach Mike Tomlin and the entire Steelers organization.
After all, the Green Bay Packers were mostly dependent on Aaron Rodgers. Ring his bell a couple of times and he becomes a different player. I thought the Steelers would actually risk giving up a big play or two in exchange for a couple of blitzes that would leave Rodgers on his back. Had they done so, I believe another outcome would have resulted.
Regardless, it was a pretty good game—and Pittsburgh’s furious comeback in the second half kept things interesting. The telecast was OK—I give it a B+.
The Super Bowl has the distinction of keeping you tuned in mentally when the commercial breaks happen. In fact, fans seem more likely to take their bathroom breaks during a lull in the action rather than during the spot breaks.
While I thought the commercials were below average this year in entertainment value, there were a few good ones, including the following CareerBuilder.com ad-featuring the ever-popular chimps:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRDx18GYITw
If I were the NFL Commissioner, I would have instituted on the following changes in yesterday’s spectacle:
1) Count the seats before you sell tickets. Hundreds of ticket holders were denied entrance yesterday---forced to watch the game OUTSIDE on big screen TV’s. Embarrassing.
2) Audition whomever you choose to sing the National Anthem. Whoever it is should both know the words and refrain from changing the note progression of the song itself. Francis Scott Key might not have recognized what happened Sunday as his composition. I like Christina Aguilera, but she botched the deal in front of millions upon millions.
3) The Medal of Honor winner who got a brief minute in the spotlight during halftime should have had a more prominent role—like flipping the coin. OK to have Deion Sanders out there with the other Hall of Famers, but choosing him to flip the coin was a mistake.
4) The Black Eyed Peas. Decent visually in what is historically a horrible setting for any coherent musical performance, but Fergie (whom I actually like) was off-key. As the years go by, it becomes harder to choose a top-level act. While the Super Bowl attracts a cross section of America, my bet is that over 80% of the audience both inside and outside the stadium would not call themselves “fans” of will.i.am and the crew. The Who (perhaps a better fit demographically) were stale last year. Who will it be next year? Start looking NOW.
5) Tell John Madden that the former President and First Lady were sitting NEXT to him, so texting (or playing Madden 2011) on his smartphone when the cameras peeked into the VIP box was bad form. Funny, but rude.
6) Dispense with the ridiculous “spoofs”—like the one featuring Shaquille O’Neal. I realize that Fox has a lot of time to fill, but really?
7) Think about who is appearing with who. Sending former Dallas Cowboy great Roger Staubach to the podium with the Vince Lombardi trophy had to be Jerry Jones’ idea, but did he not realize that Roger the dodger would be handing it off to Fox Sports analyst (and former nemesis Terry Bradshaw). These two hate each other from all reports—and while we could hear the stilted pleasantries, it was clear that Roger couldn’t wait to leave.
8) Start the kickoff at 4pm so kids can stay up and watch the whole game. I understand the desire to hit “prime time”, but really—the audience for a Super Bowl wouldn’t be LESS if played earlier. More people who have to work or go to school the next day (everyone) would get to watch the entire game. The other upside is that the hosting network would have a huge lead-in at a REASONABLE hour to showcase their pet show, which always follows the post-game show.
I’m sure you have other suggestions as well.
Given the winter weather in Dallas this past week, the fact that there was no security incident or major power failure means that the NFL will call this a big success. Haven’t heard about the ratings yet, but likely less than had the Jets or Patriots been playing Chicago.
For me, the chips and dip were good, the beer was cold—and there was no stress over the outcome.
Next year,however, wil be a different story. I’ll be all wound up as the AFC Champion New England Patriots take on the NFC Champion Washington Redskins!!!
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Friday, February 4, 2011
Patty Hearst: Victim or Felon?
THE FOLLOWING IS AN UPDATED TIM MOORE BLOG:
It was on this date 37 years ago that we first heard the name Patricia Hearst. On February 4, 1974, the 19 year-old media heiress captured headlines in her family’s newspapers as well as those across the world with word of her kidnapping.
An unknown group identified as the Symbionese Liberation Army claimed responsibility—and what unfolded over the next months and years became a bizarre tale of crime, brainwashing and perhaps…betrayal.
Patty, at the center of it all, fluctuated from being a victim to a participant in the revolutionary endeavors of the SLA. Never has the public been so confused as to the guilt or innocence of an individual as was the case with Patty Hearst. From sympathetic concern to uncertainty to conviction that she was part of the plot---all of these emotions swirled as public sentiment swung wildly with each news report. Her arrest in September of 1975 did little to settle the details of her captivity and subsequent participation in a crime caught on tape
To this day, many people frankly don’t know WHAT to believe. Neither do I, but I find the entire case fascinating.
I had the pleasure this week of meeting famed attorney F. Lee Bailey in my office here at 94.9 WHOM/Citadel Broadcasting. Bailey has returned to Maine and is currently in the process of launching a consultancy and a mediation/arbitration business in the state. Our meeting focused on the possible marketing of those businesses—but I must admit the temptation to quiz Bailey about some of his famous cases was almost too much to bear. I withstood the urge. Bailey was Patty Hearst’s attorney—and I can only imagine how unusual it must have been to defend the victim of a kidnapping who seemed to be a willing participant in a bank robbery.
Bizarre!
From her abduction to her arrest, trial and conviction for bank robbery—to her release and subsequent Presidential pardon, Patty Hearst has been a mystery, en enigma.
Here are three videos you may find interesting:
A) News report a few days after her abduction in 1974
B) Bank footage of Patty during a robbery
C) Her appearance a couple of years ago on Larry King Live
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4K-BHQqDo0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p05xGAvTjIg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NV9AGvfN13M&feature=related
So….do you have an opinion? Was she a victim brainwashed by her captors—or did she evolve into a willing member of the SLA? Did she deserve to go to prison—or conversely, did she deserve a pardon?
We’ll probably never know the truth—and I doubt there will ever be a case even remotely similar.
If you’d like my blog in your weekday box, drop me a line: tim.moore@citcomm.com
It was on this date 37 years ago that we first heard the name Patricia Hearst. On February 4, 1974, the 19 year-old media heiress captured headlines in her family’s newspapers as well as those across the world with word of her kidnapping.
An unknown group identified as the Symbionese Liberation Army claimed responsibility—and what unfolded over the next months and years became a bizarre tale of crime, brainwashing and perhaps…betrayal.
Patty, at the center of it all, fluctuated from being a victim to a participant in the revolutionary endeavors of the SLA. Never has the public been so confused as to the guilt or innocence of an individual as was the case with Patty Hearst. From sympathetic concern to uncertainty to conviction that she was part of the plot---all of these emotions swirled as public sentiment swung wildly with each news report. Her arrest in September of 1975 did little to settle the details of her captivity and subsequent participation in a crime caught on tape
To this day, many people frankly don’t know WHAT to believe. Neither do I, but I find the entire case fascinating.
I had the pleasure this week of meeting famed attorney F. Lee Bailey in my office here at 94.9 WHOM/Citadel Broadcasting. Bailey has returned to Maine and is currently in the process of launching a consultancy and a mediation/arbitration business in the state. Our meeting focused on the possible marketing of those businesses—but I must admit the temptation to quiz Bailey about some of his famous cases was almost too much to bear. I withstood the urge. Bailey was Patty Hearst’s attorney—and I can only imagine how unusual it must have been to defend the victim of a kidnapping who seemed to be a willing participant in a bank robbery.
Bizarre!
From her abduction to her arrest, trial and conviction for bank robbery—to her release and subsequent Presidential pardon, Patty Hearst has been a mystery, en enigma.
Here are three videos you may find interesting:
A) News report a few days after her abduction in 1974
B) Bank footage of Patty during a robbery
C) Her appearance a couple of years ago on Larry King Live
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4K-BHQqDo0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p05xGAvTjIg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NV9AGvfN13M&feature=related
So….do you have an opinion? Was she a victim brainwashed by her captors—or did she evolve into a willing member of the SLA? Did she deserve to go to prison—or conversely, did she deserve a pardon?
We’ll probably never know the truth—and I doubt there will ever be a case even remotely similar.
If you’d like my blog in your weekday box, drop me a line: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Thursday, February 3, 2011
The Internet: "Today Show" 1994 to Today
Many people have viewed the “Today Show “clip from 1994 where Bryant Gumbel and Katie Couric clearly have no clue as to what the internet is.
Only 17 years ago—and something that is as common today as turning on a radio or TV was barely in the public’s consciousness just a few years ago. Here is that clip:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUs7iG1mNjI
VERY amusing—and these hosts-intelligent people—appear to be ignorant when viewed today.
Of course, conversely, many people are unaware that the seeds of the internet were planted over 50 years ago! While most Americans consider the web as an invention of the 90’s----the formative stages began in the 1950’s!
And while each of us uses the internet on a daily basis—and many of us can loosely define what it is (far better than the Today Show hosts back then!) we might be hard pressed to really explain exactly how it works.
Here’s a short film I featured in a blog a couple of years ago. While the technology has advanced enough to make even this clip appear to be a bit dated, it is nonetheless an excellent primer on the birth of the internet—enjoy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hIQjrMHTv4&feature=dir
Now, go amaze your friends at cocktail parties with your newly found in-depth knowledge of the dawn of the internet!
If you’d like my blog in your e-mail, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Only 17 years ago—and something that is as common today as turning on a radio or TV was barely in the public’s consciousness just a few years ago. Here is that clip:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUs7iG1mNjI
VERY amusing—and these hosts-intelligent people—appear to be ignorant when viewed today.
Of course, conversely, many people are unaware that the seeds of the internet were planted over 50 years ago! While most Americans consider the web as an invention of the 90’s----the formative stages began in the 1950’s!
And while each of us uses the internet on a daily basis—and many of us can loosely define what it is (far better than the Today Show hosts back then!) we might be hard pressed to really explain exactly how it works.
Here’s a short film I featured in a blog a couple of years ago. While the technology has advanced enough to make even this clip appear to be a bit dated, it is nonetheless an excellent primer on the birth of the internet—enjoy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hIQjrMHTv4&feature=dir
Now, go amaze your friends at cocktail parties with your newly found in-depth knowledge of the dawn of the internet!
If you’d like my blog in your e-mail, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Groundhog Day: Grown Men Rely On Rodent
I guess it’s official.
An early spring—predicted by Punxsutawney Phil---the well-fed groundhog who apparently did NOT see his shadow this morning.
That’s a relief—since a couple of feet of snow on the ground with another foot or so falling as I write—makes me think that this rodent is wrong.
Another possibility is that Phil took a groundhog correspondence course and is now a certified meteorologist---which would explain why his predictions will be incorrect. After all, weather forecasters comprise the only profession I know of where being consistently and dramatically off-base is no obstacle to employment or advancement.
It was on this date in 1887 that the first Ground hog Day was “celebrated”---and I think no other “if/then” scenario causes more confusion. If you, too, are a bit confused, it goes like this:
Groundhog sees shadow= 6 more weeks of Winter
Groundhog sees no shadow= Early Spring
Since groundhogs live about 6-8 years, there have been approximately 18 or so woodchucks to hold the coveted moniker “Punxsutawney Phil”. I’m not sure it’s a honor they actually strive to achieve.
Looking at it purely from the Groundhog’s point of view, it has to be a strange existence. Sure, life is easy. Unlimited food (whatever those things eat)-and pampering for an entire year culminates with a rather rude awakening every February 2nd. Yanked from a sound sleep, you are hauled out of your hole.
Greeting you are an assembly of fairly creepy old men, dressed in tuxedos with top hats. Thousands of spectators are also on hand—as are TV cameras from around the world. The glare of lights—all focused on your chubby little body as you are held high for all to see.
Now time for the main event. You are placed on a surface—and scrutiny over the shadow you cast-or lack thereof—is ascertained. Unaware of what a shadow even is---either rejoicing or expletives follow your appearance-----and then it’s back into your HOLE for another year.
Nice.
More inane than the adults that partake in this charade—is the news coverage it receives. The situation right now in Cairo is dire----but we must interrupt coverage in Egypt with this Breaking News Update:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMaMiO83rvI
Of course, for the people in Gobblers Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, the entire affair represents a goldmine. Not only is the attention of the nation fixated upon their little town (if only for an hour or so), but the economic boon is enough to…well…make grown men dress up in tuxedos and hoist a hairy rodent over the heads.
Their families must be proud.
The sale of groundhog keychains, T-shirts and hats must be worth sacrificing their dignity and self respect.
Today’s prediction was unusual, as Phil has NOT seen his shadow only 13% of the time.
According to the record books, that little critter has been correct only 39% of the time.
Yep, he must be a meteorologist.
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
An early spring—predicted by Punxsutawney Phil---the well-fed groundhog who apparently did NOT see his shadow this morning.
That’s a relief—since a couple of feet of snow on the ground with another foot or so falling as I write—makes me think that this rodent is wrong.
Another possibility is that Phil took a groundhog correspondence course and is now a certified meteorologist---which would explain why his predictions will be incorrect. After all, weather forecasters comprise the only profession I know of where being consistently and dramatically off-base is no obstacle to employment or advancement.
It was on this date in 1887 that the first Ground hog Day was “celebrated”---and I think no other “if/then” scenario causes more confusion. If you, too, are a bit confused, it goes like this:
Groundhog sees shadow= 6 more weeks of Winter
Groundhog sees no shadow= Early Spring
Since groundhogs live about 6-8 years, there have been approximately 18 or so woodchucks to hold the coveted moniker “Punxsutawney Phil”. I’m not sure it’s a honor they actually strive to achieve.
Looking at it purely from the Groundhog’s point of view, it has to be a strange existence. Sure, life is easy. Unlimited food (whatever those things eat)-and pampering for an entire year culminates with a rather rude awakening every February 2nd. Yanked from a sound sleep, you are hauled out of your hole.
Greeting you are an assembly of fairly creepy old men, dressed in tuxedos with top hats. Thousands of spectators are also on hand—as are TV cameras from around the world. The glare of lights—all focused on your chubby little body as you are held high for all to see.
Now time for the main event. You are placed on a surface—and scrutiny over the shadow you cast-or lack thereof—is ascertained. Unaware of what a shadow even is---either rejoicing or expletives follow your appearance-----and then it’s back into your HOLE for another year.
Nice.
More inane than the adults that partake in this charade—is the news coverage it receives. The situation right now in Cairo is dire----but we must interrupt coverage in Egypt with this Breaking News Update:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMaMiO83rvI
Of course, for the people in Gobblers Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, the entire affair represents a goldmine. Not only is the attention of the nation fixated upon their little town (if only for an hour or so), but the economic boon is enough to…well…make grown men dress up in tuxedos and hoist a hairy rodent over the heads.
Their families must be proud.
The sale of groundhog keychains, T-shirts and hats must be worth sacrificing their dignity and self respect.
Today’s prediction was unusual, as Phil has NOT seen his shadow only 13% of the time.
According to the record books, that little critter has been correct only 39% of the time.
Yep, he must be a meteorologist.
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Dog And Deer: Best Friends Forever
Every now and then, an e-mail lands in my inbox w/ attached video that makes me smile.
Such was the case yesterday—and I’d like to share it with you.
I love critters—and though we humans have our own ideas of how animals behave, videos like the one below force us to rethink our assumptions. Patterns of behavior that we attribute to certain kinds of animals are turned upside down when we see a real-life example that deviates from the norm.
Nobody (other than militant cat lovers) will deny that dogs are amazing. Deer, on the other hand—are skittish, antisocial to other animals and humans—and generally not thought of as engaging.
But, if you subscribe to the notion that animals each have definitively unique personalities, as do I, there exists the possibility that encounters depicted in this video could really happen.
They do.
A dog whose best friend is a deer.
Different worlds.
Different threats and species expectations.
And yet, given the opportunity, the following can happen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xU5h1paYQ0
Friendship knows no boundaries. Just as human beings can and do form very strong bonds with animals—their pets----it is also true that friendships are forged among different types of animals as well. It gives me hope that human beings can one day learn to live with other humans whose culture, background, race, gender and nationality or religion can find out that friendship rises above all differences.
I find it all so reassuring—and magical, in fact. Hope you do too.
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Such was the case yesterday—and I’d like to share it with you.
I love critters—and though we humans have our own ideas of how animals behave, videos like the one below force us to rethink our assumptions. Patterns of behavior that we attribute to certain kinds of animals are turned upside down when we see a real-life example that deviates from the norm.
Nobody (other than militant cat lovers) will deny that dogs are amazing. Deer, on the other hand—are skittish, antisocial to other animals and humans—and generally not thought of as engaging.
But, if you subscribe to the notion that animals each have definitively unique personalities, as do I, there exists the possibility that encounters depicted in this video could really happen.
They do.
A dog whose best friend is a deer.
Different worlds.
Different threats and species expectations.
And yet, given the opportunity, the following can happen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xU5h1paYQ0
Friendship knows no boundaries. Just as human beings can and do form very strong bonds with animals—their pets----it is also true that friendships are forged among different types of animals as well. It gives me hope that human beings can one day learn to live with other humans whose culture, background, race, gender and nationality or religion can find out that friendship rises above all differences.
I find it all so reassuring—and magical, in fact. Hope you do too.
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
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