The comparisons are unavoidable—it’s the mid 50’s and two young men are launching their careers. Both are white, raised in the south and influenced heavily by gospel music while growing up. One is from Tupelo, Mississippi----something of a “bad boy”—but this one, Elvis Presley—goes on to become the King of Rock and Roll.
The other guy is Pat Boone.
He’s the “good boy” from Nashville, Tennessee. Clean-cut, handsome and wholesome, he’s the dream of many a young girl—and their Moms too!
Unlike Elvis, Pat Boone’s style was strictly conservative—and mainstream.
It was on this date in 1957 that Pat would score his second chart-topper with the ballad “April Love”. He actually rivaled Elvis on the charts for a short time—and was a huge star-albeit of a different sort. A movie star too, here he is performing that hit song in the movie of the same name:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLaKFpMoRt0
Although Pat Boone played a juvenile delinquent in the film, it’s hard to imagine him pulling it off (but then again I haven’t seen the movie!) Looks like he lands the girl (Shirley Jones) in the end—and isn’t that how all mainstream 1950’s movies were supposed to end?
Completely embraced by establishment advertisers, Pat Boone was a big star for quite a few years—and oddly became enamored with the R&B music that black musicians couldn’t get radio airplay for at the time. Although perhaps best known for songs like “April Love” and “Love Letters In The Sand”, Pat Boone also covered more than a few R&B hits. In fact, his “whitewashed” versions of Little Richard’s “Tutti Fruitti” and Fats Domino’s “Ain’t That A Shame” actually charted higher and were bigger hits than the original recordings by these legendary artists.
And that IS a shame.
Nothing against Pat Boone—he was on the trailing edge of entertainers who catered to the conservative mainstream for their success. The soon-to-come parade of Elvis, the Beatles, Rolling Stones—as well as movie stars like James Dean proved that a counter-culture angle that defies the status quo also had a ready market.
Years later, Pat Boone released a CD of heavy-metal classics. Funny—and in fact a bit disturbing.
His time had passed—and his image would never withstand an effort to modify it. While not necessarily my cup of tea, he was an icon for many—and holds a unique place in music and entertainment history.
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@cumulus.com
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Philly Mayor Tells It Like It Is
Today’s blog is all about the video—maybe you’ve seen it. Mayor Michael Nutter of Philadelphia addressed a church congregation in August of this year.
The topic was originally meant to focus on the “flash mob” violence that the city was experiencing, but Mr. Nutter fanned out a bit and spoke to some larger issues. Citizens of the city were being randomly targeted for violence by groups of young people. Random is the key word here, as robbery was not a motive—nor was revenge . Rather, there seemed to be no provocation whatsoever—just a classic case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Mayor Nutter’s full speech is over a half hour (and worth watching-available on YouTube as well)—but here is an edited clip with some of the highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vL0QFZBLca4
It would probably be tough for anyone other than a person of color to deliver these harsh words to the audience. Things that need to be said—and an urgent need for parental follow through—the really tough part.
Only time will tell if Nutter’s words have an impact on the “City of Brotherly Love”, but I believe that he’s dead serious about tackling the city’s problems head-on.
I would be thrilled to have him as my mayor. No nonsense. No B.S. Just straight talk that needs to be said---and heard.
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@cumulus.com
The topic was originally meant to focus on the “flash mob” violence that the city was experiencing, but Mr. Nutter fanned out a bit and spoke to some larger issues. Citizens of the city were being randomly targeted for violence by groups of young people. Random is the key word here, as robbery was not a motive—nor was revenge . Rather, there seemed to be no provocation whatsoever—just a classic case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Mayor Nutter’s full speech is over a half hour (and worth watching-available on YouTube as well)—but here is an edited clip with some of the highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vL0QFZBLca4
It would probably be tough for anyone other than a person of color to deliver these harsh words to the audience. Things that need to be said—and an urgent need for parental follow through—the really tough part.
Only time will tell if Nutter’s words have an impact on the “City of Brotherly Love”, but I believe that he’s dead serious about tackling the city’s problems head-on.
I would be thrilled to have him as my mayor. No nonsense. No B.S. Just straight talk that needs to be said---and heard.
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@cumulus.com
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Catch-22 For The G.O.P.
It’s been amusing to see the verbal gymnastics surrounding the proposed extension of the payroll tax cut from the Republicans.
No one is buying the argument that the holdup is over an extension that lasts a year rather than the two months that could be accomplished right now.
Who knows if any of this is good fiscal policy? I won’t pretend to. What I do know is that it’s great politics (for the Democrats)—who can get away with it all and not appear to be “playing politics”
Hoisted on their own petard, the G.O.P. has successfully fended off tax increases for the wealthy on the sole premise that raise taxes on ANYONE during a recession is a bad idea. Well, now that increase falls squarely on the shoulders of 160 million Americans, many from the ever-shrinking “middle class”. A thousand bucks in extra taxes starting next year if you make $50,000—and double it if you clear $100,000. For the average working stiff, the $40 a paycheck angle drives the point home better.
Republicans who fearfully signed a “no tax increase pledge” with Grover Norquist are now about to violate it—and even Grover stumbles in his explanation on how this situation is somehow “different”.
Note to the G.O.P.: When even the Wall Street Journal takes you to task, you’ve got a problem. Jack Kennedy once quipped that the Journal criticizing a Republican was the equivalent of the Vatican newspaper taking on the Pope.
While Speaker John Boehner assails the President for a lack of leadership, it appears that he cannot even count votes in his own chamber. A Tea Party revolt over a compromise between Democrats and Republicans caused the good Speaker to trash that compromise and keep a measure that would surely have passed from even reaching the floor for a vote. For Republicans in tight re-election races, this is toxic stuff. Even Senator John McCain attacked the bickering and urged the passage of the bill.
The presidential candidates are largely keeping mum (except the ever-babbling Newt)—and yet they can see this critical moment as another nail in the coffin for their chances of taking the White House next year. In an election year where the incumbent would seemingly be vulnerable to a credible counter-campaign, the G.O.P. cannot decide which walking disaster they’ll nominate to take Obama on. With each passing day, the Democrats store up more ammo.
So, what should the G.O.P. do? Seems the choices all have costs:
1) Stick to their guns and refuse anything less than a year. President Obama would be happy to blame a tax increase on 160 million Americans on Republicans. And it WILL stick. At least the Tea Party will be satisfied. Unfortunately, this course will not only sweep Obama back into the Oval Office, but the G.O.P. could seriously risk losing the House of Representatives (again)
2) Swallow hard, extend the payroll tax break—and thus anger Grover Norquist and the Tea Party too. Republicans with elections looming could be targeted for removal with either scenario.
Good luck, G.O.P.! The public admonishment of the President’s planned holiday trip to Hawaii when there was still unfinished business in Washington backfired when he decided to stay in town. Now, it’s the Republicans who want to go home for Christmas and must face the fallout from their own words.
The American people are watching very carefully what the clowns on Capitol Hill do with their money in the coming days. Since there will be consequences whatever they decide, a smart Republican would do well to considering the following:.
An angry Tea Party/Base/Norquist----------or an angry 160 million Americans?
Do the math.
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@cumulus.com
No one is buying the argument that the holdup is over an extension that lasts a year rather than the two months that could be accomplished right now.
Who knows if any of this is good fiscal policy? I won’t pretend to. What I do know is that it’s great politics (for the Democrats)—who can get away with it all and not appear to be “playing politics”
Hoisted on their own petard, the G.O.P. has successfully fended off tax increases for the wealthy on the sole premise that raise taxes on ANYONE during a recession is a bad idea. Well, now that increase falls squarely on the shoulders of 160 million Americans, many from the ever-shrinking “middle class”. A thousand bucks in extra taxes starting next year if you make $50,000—and double it if you clear $100,000. For the average working stiff, the $40 a paycheck angle drives the point home better.
Republicans who fearfully signed a “no tax increase pledge” with Grover Norquist are now about to violate it—and even Grover stumbles in his explanation on how this situation is somehow “different”.
Note to the G.O.P.: When even the Wall Street Journal takes you to task, you’ve got a problem. Jack Kennedy once quipped that the Journal criticizing a Republican was the equivalent of the Vatican newspaper taking on the Pope.
While Speaker John Boehner assails the President for a lack of leadership, it appears that he cannot even count votes in his own chamber. A Tea Party revolt over a compromise between Democrats and Republicans caused the good Speaker to trash that compromise and keep a measure that would surely have passed from even reaching the floor for a vote. For Republicans in tight re-election races, this is toxic stuff. Even Senator John McCain attacked the bickering and urged the passage of the bill.
The presidential candidates are largely keeping mum (except the ever-babbling Newt)—and yet they can see this critical moment as another nail in the coffin for their chances of taking the White House next year. In an election year where the incumbent would seemingly be vulnerable to a credible counter-campaign, the G.O.P. cannot decide which walking disaster they’ll nominate to take Obama on. With each passing day, the Democrats store up more ammo.
So, what should the G.O.P. do? Seems the choices all have costs:
1) Stick to their guns and refuse anything less than a year. President Obama would be happy to blame a tax increase on 160 million Americans on Republicans. And it WILL stick. At least the Tea Party will be satisfied. Unfortunately, this course will not only sweep Obama back into the Oval Office, but the G.O.P. could seriously risk losing the House of Representatives (again)
2) Swallow hard, extend the payroll tax break—and thus anger Grover Norquist and the Tea Party too. Republicans with elections looming could be targeted for removal with either scenario.
Good luck, G.O.P.! The public admonishment of the President’s planned holiday trip to Hawaii when there was still unfinished business in Washington backfired when he decided to stay in town. Now, it’s the Republicans who want to go home for Christmas and must face the fallout from their own words.
The American people are watching very carefully what the clowns on Capitol Hill do with their money in the coming days. Since there will be consequences whatever they decide, a smart Republican would do well to considering the following:.
An angry Tea Party/Base/Norquist----------or an angry 160 million Americans?
Do the math.
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@cumulus.com
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Happy Birthday, National Guard!
Some people have termed the National Guard the “Rodney Dangerfield” of the military---it’s the branch of the U.S. Armed Forces that “Don’t get no respect!”
Never deserving of second-class status, I nevertheless believe that pecking order no longer exists—or at least is not as prevalent—since the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
In the aftermath of 9-11, it was often National Guard units that deployed multiple times and bore a huge burden.
While the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines may have good-naturedly chided the National Guard for duty on American soil (while the aforementioned branches fought on foreign shores), this distinction evaporated in the so-called “War on Terror”. Everyone went abroad.
It was on this date in 1636 that the Massachusetts Bay Colony authorized an organized militia—primarily to fend off Indian attacks. That humble beginning marked the birth of the Guard.
Today, the National Guard is unique in its role as a reserve military force. It is comprised of “citizen soldiers”, who pursue a civilian career and then serve part-time.
Enjoy this short video on the Guard—and their mission:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yE7dKlHL_5w
Whether it's fighting a war overseas---or rescuing Americans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the U.S. National Guard has been a vital part of the fabric of our country—and indispensable to safeguarding the freedoms that we enjoy.
If you are a member of the Guard—or a veteran of National Guard service, we salute you today.
Happy 375th birthday, National Guard!!!
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@cumulus.com
Never deserving of second-class status, I nevertheless believe that pecking order no longer exists—or at least is not as prevalent—since the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
In the aftermath of 9-11, it was often National Guard units that deployed multiple times and bore a huge burden.
While the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines may have good-naturedly chided the National Guard for duty on American soil (while the aforementioned branches fought on foreign shores), this distinction evaporated in the so-called “War on Terror”. Everyone went abroad.
It was on this date in 1636 that the Massachusetts Bay Colony authorized an organized militia—primarily to fend off Indian attacks. That humble beginning marked the birth of the Guard.
Today, the National Guard is unique in its role as a reserve military force. It is comprised of “citizen soldiers”, who pursue a civilian career and then serve part-time.
Enjoy this short video on the Guard—and their mission:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yE7dKlHL_5w
Whether it's fighting a war overseas---or rescuing Americans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the U.S. National Guard has been a vital part of the fabric of our country—and indispensable to safeguarding the freedoms that we enjoy.
If you are a member of the Guard—or a veteran of National Guard service, we salute you today.
Happy 375th birthday, National Guard!!!
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@cumulus.com
Friday, December 9, 2011
Helen Reddy: Gender Icon
I must admit up front that I’ve never been a fan of Helen Reddy, but then again, I’m a guy.
Men were never the target market—and that point really hit home on this date in 1972, as Helen’s first hit song “I Am Woman” reached #1 on the pop charts. Maybe I felt threatened back then, even at the tender age of 14. The ladies were asserting themselves!
The timing couldn’t have been better, but the messenger was an unlikely one.
The women’s liberation movement had just started to gain momentum—“Ms. Magazine” had recently been launched—but Helen Reddy gave no prior clue that she would be the voice of an entire gender. The “breakthrough” for this young Australian singer came with a cover from the score of “Jesus Christ Superstar”—“I Don’t Know How To Love Him” (hardly a song of female independence!)
Even so, Helen was influenced by the growing women’s lib movement—and set out to write a song that captured its spirit.
Safe to say she succeeded.
Released in the spring of 1972, “I Am Woman” struggled to get airplay---perhaps because most radio stations were programmed by men! It dropped off the Hot 100 chart altogether, but thanks to multiple TV appearances and the subsequent avalanche of requests from women to radio stations, the song found a second life and re-emerged on the chart—a rare feat indeed!
Here’s a clip of Helen Reddy performing her first hit song on the old TV show “Midnight Special” (remember that one!?)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmifO2sKT7g
Helen would go on to have several other hits, including: “Delta Dawn”, “You And Me Against The World”, “Ain’t No Way To Treat A Lady” and “Leave Me Alone(Ruby Red Dress)”. She stated in 2008 that she would never perform in front of another audience, saying that her voice had “deepened to another level”—and she wasn’t sure she could even pull off “Delta Dawn”.
That’s OK—her voice was heard loud and clear in the 70’s, when her gender needed it most. To steal from her lyrics, she is woman—and we definitely heard her roar---to an audience too big to ignore.
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@cumulus.com
Men were never the target market—and that point really hit home on this date in 1972, as Helen’s first hit song “I Am Woman” reached #1 on the pop charts. Maybe I felt threatened back then, even at the tender age of 14. The ladies were asserting themselves!
The timing couldn’t have been better, but the messenger was an unlikely one.
The women’s liberation movement had just started to gain momentum—“Ms. Magazine” had recently been launched—but Helen Reddy gave no prior clue that she would be the voice of an entire gender. The “breakthrough” for this young Australian singer came with a cover from the score of “Jesus Christ Superstar”—“I Don’t Know How To Love Him” (hardly a song of female independence!)
Even so, Helen was influenced by the growing women’s lib movement—and set out to write a song that captured its spirit.
Safe to say she succeeded.
Released in the spring of 1972, “I Am Woman” struggled to get airplay---perhaps because most radio stations were programmed by men! It dropped off the Hot 100 chart altogether, but thanks to multiple TV appearances and the subsequent avalanche of requests from women to radio stations, the song found a second life and re-emerged on the chart—a rare feat indeed!
Here’s a clip of Helen Reddy performing her first hit song on the old TV show “Midnight Special” (remember that one!?)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmifO2sKT7g
Helen would go on to have several other hits, including: “Delta Dawn”, “You And Me Against The World”, “Ain’t No Way To Treat A Lady” and “Leave Me Alone(Ruby Red Dress)”. She stated in 2008 that she would never perform in front of another audience, saying that her voice had “deepened to another level”—and she wasn’t sure she could even pull off “Delta Dawn”.
That’s OK—her voice was heard loud and clear in the 70’s, when her gender needed it most. To steal from her lyrics, she is woman—and we definitely heard her roar---to an audience too big to ignore.
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@cumulus.com
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Pearl Harbor-70 Years Later
THE FOLLOWING IS AN UPDATEDENCORE TIM MOORE BLOG:
Most Americans had never heard of Pearl Harbor—until this fateful day 70 years ago
At around 7:55am local time, 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.
A couple of years ago, 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
Here is the NBC broadcast audio of the attack-coupled with more footage of the carnage:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePe5s0E5MeA&feature=related
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.
This year marked what likely will be the last major anniversary of the attack where survivors will gather to remember. The youngest of them are in their late eighties—and they are now dying at a rapid rate. My family and I were treated to a speech by a survivor this past Sunday at the Wreaths Across America ceremony at Cheverus High School. Semis loaded with wreaths bound for Arlington National Cemetery made a stop—and former Naval Chief Petty Officer Robert Coles was on hand to speak about what he experienced that day 70 years ago. Mr. Coles was as sharp mentally as any one of us in the gymnasium—and funnier than most. His short speech was remarkable.
We owe these veterans a debt we can never repay—but it is important that we never fail to say, “Thank you”.
If you’d like my weekday blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Most Americans had never heard of Pearl Harbor—until this fateful day 70 years ago
At around 7:55am local time, 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.
A couple of years ago, 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
Here is the NBC broadcast audio of the attack-coupled with more footage of the carnage:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePe5s0E5MeA&feature=related
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.
This year marked what likely will be the last major anniversary of the attack where survivors will gather to remember. The youngest of them are in their late eighties—and they are now dying at a rapid rate. My family and I were treated to a speech by a survivor this past Sunday at the Wreaths Across America ceremony at Cheverus High School. Semis loaded with wreaths bound for Arlington National Cemetery made a stop—and former Naval Chief Petty Officer Robert Coles was on hand to speak about what he experienced that day 70 years ago. Mr. Coles was as sharp mentally as any one of us in the gymnasium—and funnier than most. His short speech was remarkable.
We owe these veterans a debt we can never repay—but it is important that we never fail to say, “Thank you”.
If you’d like my weekday blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
No Obstacles For This Lady
Sometimes I run across a video that I feel compelled to share with my faithful blog readers, thus becoming the topic and focus of the day.
I saw the following video of Amy Purdy, who lost both legs as a young woman. Instead of defining her life in a negative way, she has managed to not only overcome the obstacles, but has succeeded beyond even her wildest dreams.
Personally, I have had a few challenging weeks at work. The natural tendency is to narrow your focus and hone in on your own mountains, climbing them and getting wrapped up in your own troubles. That’s what I did.
What a wake-up call young Amy provided to me.
The holiday season is beautiful and wonderful, but it can also be hectic, stressful and somewhat sad if you have recently lost a loved one or are going through a particularly tough time. The Christmas season can magnify the areas that may be lacking in your life.
If so, this is for you. May it be the inspiration to you that is has been for me:
http://www.ted.com/talks/amy_purdy_living_beyond_limits.html
Wow.
Wise beyond her years—and someone to think of whenever we run into seemingly insurmountable challenges. Whatever they are, Amy may have you beat—and her story will hopefully continue to inspire you.
Merry Christmas!
If you would like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@cumulus.com
I saw the following video of Amy Purdy, who lost both legs as a young woman. Instead of defining her life in a negative way, she has managed to not only overcome the obstacles, but has succeeded beyond even her wildest dreams.
Personally, I have had a few challenging weeks at work. The natural tendency is to narrow your focus and hone in on your own mountains, climbing them and getting wrapped up in your own troubles. That’s what I did.
What a wake-up call young Amy provided to me.
The holiday season is beautiful and wonderful, but it can also be hectic, stressful and somewhat sad if you have recently lost a loved one or are going through a particularly tough time. The Christmas season can magnify the areas that may be lacking in your life.
If so, this is for you. May it be the inspiration to you that is has been for me:
http://www.ted.com/talks/amy_purdy_living_beyond_limits.html
Wow.
Wise beyond her years—and someone to think of whenever we run into seemingly insurmountable challenges. Whatever they are, Amy may have you beat—and her story will hopefully continue to inspire you.
Merry Christmas!
If you would like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@cumulus.com
Monday, December 5, 2011
Turmoil In The G.O.P.
It’s only been a couple of weeks since my last blog (sorry! Exceedingly busy at work these days..), but a lot has happened in just the past few days in the race for the Republican nomination:
1) The Herman Cain train has permanently derailed
2) Newt Gingrich has surged ahead to be the newest frontrunner
3) Rick Perry has put his foot in his mouth (again)
4) Mitt Romney has faded
The G.O.P. has never been in such disarray. It may be Old, but it is not too Grand right now and no one is Partying.
All the while, the most intelligent and most conservative candidate of the bunch can’t get arrested. John Huntsman may be the best the Republicans have to offer—and yet he cannot seem to break out of the single digits.
After a Georgia woman came out last week and admitted to a THIRTEEN YEAR affair with Herman Cain, it became increasingly clear that the pizza guy couldn’t possibly be nominated. If the personal behavior could be forgiven, certainly the denials could not be. Many Presidents have lied—and a few have strayed, but the knowledge didn’t hit the public consciousness until after the offender was in the Oval Office. We simply cannot vote for a man whose sole response to a litany of credible accusations is “I didn’t do it”—or worse…”9-9-9”
Please.
Herman Cain is not ready to assume the office. Besides an inability to tell the truth, he has exposed his complete ignorance of foreign policy. When I want extra cheese on my stuffed crust pie or an order of crazy bread, Cain is the man to call. Otherwise, he is the sideshow he has always been. Interesting and entertaining, but not credible.
Newt Gingrich?
Really? If the Obama White House is smart, they will keep their hands off him. Continue to batter the candidacy of Romney on TV—he still represents the best chance for the GOP to take the White House. Democrats are licking their chops at the prospect of facing his Newtness as the standard bearer of the Republicans in 2012. Over his long and rocky career as the ultimate Washington insider, he represents everything that Tea Party conservatives loathe. Gingrich has made millions from taxpayer dollars in “consulting fees”—there is no way he won’t be fried alive in his own juices should the GOP award him the nomination. He may be the latest “shiny new toy”, but closer look reveals a “slimy old boy”.
Rick Perry’s latest gaffe-not knowing that the voting age in America is 18, not 21—and not even knowing the date of the election—has sealed his fate. It must be embarrassing to be from Texas. This is the guy YOU voted in as your governor?
Ron Paul’s stature as the #3 guy in most polls is more of a slap in the face to the other aspirants than it is an endorsement of Paul himself. An isolationist, a libertarian and someone who is viewed as extreme on most issues, he too cannot be the nominee.
So, who will it be?
Mitt Romney will take New Hampshire, but Newt will finish second. Gingrich will likely take Iowa, South Carolina and Florida. That momentum will make him the frontrunner until he has a Rick Perry moment.
And he most assuredly will.
It won’t be a Perry “$^&*-for-brains” gaffe, but somehow Newt’s own mouth will torpedo his hopes of winning the nomination. In desperation, the party elders will have to either hold their collective noses and line up behind Romney---or maybe pluck someone from the wings.
Michael Bloomberg is the best option, but he says he doesn’t want the job. If ever there was a year in which he could win the Presidency, this is it.
All we know is that it cannot possibly be Bachman, Santoro, Paul, Perry or Huntsman (even though he most likely has earned the consideration based on his resume alone)
Romney…or….whom?
This is starting to get interesting!
If you’d like to have my blog land in your mailbox, just let me know: tim.moore@cumulus.com
1) The Herman Cain train has permanently derailed
2) Newt Gingrich has surged ahead to be the newest frontrunner
3) Rick Perry has put his foot in his mouth (again)
4) Mitt Romney has faded
The G.O.P. has never been in such disarray. It may be Old, but it is not too Grand right now and no one is Partying.
All the while, the most intelligent and most conservative candidate of the bunch can’t get arrested. John Huntsman may be the best the Republicans have to offer—and yet he cannot seem to break out of the single digits.
After a Georgia woman came out last week and admitted to a THIRTEEN YEAR affair with Herman Cain, it became increasingly clear that the pizza guy couldn’t possibly be nominated. If the personal behavior could be forgiven, certainly the denials could not be. Many Presidents have lied—and a few have strayed, but the knowledge didn’t hit the public consciousness until after the offender was in the Oval Office. We simply cannot vote for a man whose sole response to a litany of credible accusations is “I didn’t do it”—or worse…”9-9-9”
Please.
Herman Cain is not ready to assume the office. Besides an inability to tell the truth, he has exposed his complete ignorance of foreign policy. When I want extra cheese on my stuffed crust pie or an order of crazy bread, Cain is the man to call. Otherwise, he is the sideshow he has always been. Interesting and entertaining, but not credible.
Newt Gingrich?
Really? If the Obama White House is smart, they will keep their hands off him. Continue to batter the candidacy of Romney on TV—he still represents the best chance for the GOP to take the White House. Democrats are licking their chops at the prospect of facing his Newtness as the standard bearer of the Republicans in 2012. Over his long and rocky career as the ultimate Washington insider, he represents everything that Tea Party conservatives loathe. Gingrich has made millions from taxpayer dollars in “consulting fees”—there is no way he won’t be fried alive in his own juices should the GOP award him the nomination. He may be the latest “shiny new toy”, but closer look reveals a “slimy old boy”.
Rick Perry’s latest gaffe-not knowing that the voting age in America is 18, not 21—and not even knowing the date of the election—has sealed his fate. It must be embarrassing to be from Texas. This is the guy YOU voted in as your governor?
Ron Paul’s stature as the #3 guy in most polls is more of a slap in the face to the other aspirants than it is an endorsement of Paul himself. An isolationist, a libertarian and someone who is viewed as extreme on most issues, he too cannot be the nominee.
So, who will it be?
Mitt Romney will take New Hampshire, but Newt will finish second. Gingrich will likely take Iowa, South Carolina and Florida. That momentum will make him the frontrunner until he has a Rick Perry moment.
And he most assuredly will.
It won’t be a Perry “$^&*-for-brains” gaffe, but somehow Newt’s own mouth will torpedo his hopes of winning the nomination. In desperation, the party elders will have to either hold their collective noses and line up behind Romney---or maybe pluck someone from the wings.
Michael Bloomberg is the best option, but he says he doesn’t want the job. If ever there was a year in which he could win the Presidency, this is it.
All we know is that it cannot possibly be Bachman, Santoro, Paul, Perry or Huntsman (even though he most likely has earned the consideration based on his resume alone)
Romney…or….whom?
This is starting to get interesting!
If you’d like to have my blog land in your mailbox, just let me know: tim.moore@cumulus.com
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