What exactly is it about guys and cars?
I mean, we seem to take delight in DEFINING ourselves by the car we drive, whereas women (to the best of my knowledge) have none of this in their DNA.
The one millionth Corvette rolled off the assembly line on this date in 1992. Original designer Zora Arkus Duntov did the honors behind the wheel as it emerged from the Bowling Green, Kentucky assembly plant.
The Corvette was really America’s first sports car, allowing young men to drive fast and attract women-and allowing old guys to address their mid-life crisis by attempting to APPEAR young and ATTEMPTING to attract women(usually in vain). Convertibles sold to middle-age guys should have come equipped with toupee glue, just in case that hairpiece wanted to liberate itself from the head behind the wheel!
Do women have a problem driving, say, a pickup truck? I don’t think so. Their orientation is simply point A to point B (especially if Point B is a shoe store). Guys, on the other hand, feel downright UNMANLY behind the wheel of, say, a VW Bug.
“Please, God, don’t let any of my friends SEE me driving this car!”
Of course, sheer economics will drive what you drive.
As a younger man, I had not the means to purchase the macho cars of choice: Corvette, Camaro or…Firebird Trans-Am!! I drove whatever I could afford-and took the verbal abuse from my friends, whose cars may have been SLIGHTLY more testosterone-friendly.
My personal low point was the Pinto Wagon, which became my “ride” in the late 70’s. Talk about a chick magnet. As if the standard Pinto wasn’t bad enough, I had the WAGON, which ratcheted up the laugh index to new heights. At least I wasn’t so delusional to think that “tricking out” (or “pimping”, to use a more contemporary term) would make any difference to my prospects for getting girls. My friend put decals of flames and mag wheels on his VEGA! I can assure you from his many dateless nights that no one was fooled.
That said, it does appear that although women may not define THEMSELVES by their cars the way men do, it does appear that they defined their MEN by that standard. Not to say that George Clooney in a Yugo would lose out to Marty Feldman in a Maserati, but you get the idea. I have seen some homely guys with chicks WAY out of their league cruising down the boulevard in a Jaguar. That same dude in a Suburban station wagon (with genuine imitation woodgrain on the side) wouldn’t have had a chance.
Could it be that BOTH sexes are that shallow?
Yes….but at least the ladies can leave it at the curb. Men have to make monthly payments on their image enhancers, all of which eventually end up in the junkyard!
Check out this video, probably the VERY first TV commercial for the brand new 1953 Corvette!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HC8bwEQFx6M
If you’d like my blog in your inbox, let me know! Tim.moore@citcomm.com
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Remembering The Wolfman
Maybe this one is just for radio geeks like me.
Whether you are now or ever have been “on the air”, you cherish the Wolfman’s reverence for his craft, for his listeners-and for the music that surrounded him. His crazy howl, high-pitched laugh and “ya understand” tag on virtually everything were his trademark, one that endeared him to generations of fans. Radio people may not have imitated him—there was simply no way to accomplish that. They did-and still do try to establish that intimate bond and playful vibe that made him an icon. If you are or were an avid listener to this incredible medium called radio, you know all about Wolfman Jack. This legend in the business passed away on this date in 1995.
Born Robert Smith, the Wolfman became famous in the 60’s broadcasting from Mexico. The stations there-not subject to the power limitations of U.S. stations-broadcast over much of the States. Wolfman Jack combined his antics-with an “illicit, we’re breakin’ the law” attitude that was just right for America’s youth in the rock and roll sixties.
It was his appearance (as himself) in the 1973 movie “American Graffiti” that propelled him to “household name” status. He inspired a hit record “Clap For The Wolfman” and hosted the TV show “Midnight Special”
Here below is a video of stills w/ audio from his very first show on WNBC in New York in 1973. Highly entertaining!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtNa9v9d5v4
I love this business, love being on the air-and although I am no “Wolfman”, I too revere the medium, it’s power to connect-and to spread positive vibes!
If you’d like my blog in your box daily, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Whether you are now or ever have been “on the air”, you cherish the Wolfman’s reverence for his craft, for his listeners-and for the music that surrounded him. His crazy howl, high-pitched laugh and “ya understand” tag on virtually everything were his trademark, one that endeared him to generations of fans. Radio people may not have imitated him—there was simply no way to accomplish that. They did-and still do try to establish that intimate bond and playful vibe that made him an icon. If you are or were an avid listener to this incredible medium called radio, you know all about Wolfman Jack. This legend in the business passed away on this date in 1995.
Born Robert Smith, the Wolfman became famous in the 60’s broadcasting from Mexico. The stations there-not subject to the power limitations of U.S. stations-broadcast over much of the States. Wolfman Jack combined his antics-with an “illicit, we’re breakin’ the law” attitude that was just right for America’s youth in the rock and roll sixties.
It was his appearance (as himself) in the 1973 movie “American Graffiti” that propelled him to “household name” status. He inspired a hit record “Clap For The Wolfman” and hosted the TV show “Midnight Special”
Here below is a video of stills w/ audio from his very first show on WNBC in New York in 1973. Highly entertaining!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtNa9v9d5v4
I love this business, love being on the air-and although I am no “Wolfman”, I too revere the medium, it’s power to connect-and to spread positive vibes!
If you’d like my blog in your box daily, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Niagara Falls Is Calling All Idiots
It was on this date in 1859 that the first person to cross Niagara Falls on a TIGHTROPE did so.
This idiot’s name was Jean-Francois Gravelet-a Frenchman known professionally as Emile Blondin. He performed his “feat” 160 feet above the Niagara gorge-just down from the Falls. It was the first of several famous tightrope walks, each with a different variation, from being blindfolded to having his manager on his back!
No video exists of this (obviously), but there have been many attempts to survive the Falls in a barrel-or similar device—and of course, I do have newsreel footage for your amusement here!
What possesses someone to flirt with DEATH like this? Some people have made it-and others have died in the attempt to….what? I mean, what is the POINT? Unlike someone who may risk his/her life for say, space exploration, going over Niagara Falls in a barrel accomplishes NOTHING, even if successful.
That said, enjoy the following clip-chronicling a few attempts—not all of which were successful.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1y6RL7kpSI
If you’d like my blog in your inbox daily, just let me know! It’s free-you have me over a barrel! Tim.moore@citcomm.com
This idiot’s name was Jean-Francois Gravelet-a Frenchman known professionally as Emile Blondin. He performed his “feat” 160 feet above the Niagara gorge-just down from the Falls. It was the first of several famous tightrope walks, each with a different variation, from being blindfolded to having his manager on his back!
No video exists of this (obviously), but there have been many attempts to survive the Falls in a barrel-or similar device—and of course, I do have newsreel footage for your amusement here!
What possesses someone to flirt with DEATH like this? Some people have made it-and others have died in the attempt to….what? I mean, what is the POINT? Unlike someone who may risk his/her life for say, space exploration, going over Niagara Falls in a barrel accomplishes NOTHING, even if successful.
That said, enjoy the following clip-chronicling a few attempts—not all of which were successful.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1y6RL7kpSI
If you’d like my blog in your inbox daily, just let me know! It’s free-you have me over a barrel! Tim.moore@citcomm.com
Monday, June 29, 2009
So, You Wanna Be A Reporter, Eh?
Today marks the launch of You Tube’s new venture—that of the ordinary citizen as “reporter”. Yes, you can realize that dream of being the first with the “scoop”, whatever it may happen to be!
The You Tube “Reporters Center” is a defined section where ordinary folks can upload stories to the web. Of course, it looks easier than it is. The filming, editing and audio may be handled neatly by technology-as is the case with getting it out to the WORLD via uploading to the web. Here is the link:
http://www.youtube.com/reporterscenter
What may not be so easy is the actual telling of the story. If you head to the Reporters Center, there are some videos to assist you in writing your story. The first issue you may need to ask your self (internally) is WHY? Or, more to the point, WHO CARES?
If you cannot answer that question, it could be that fame/exposing your mug might be your sole motivation, in which case, save your time (and ours!) by taking up another hobby. You Tube is polluted with homemade videos about absolutely NOTHING. Worse than creating them-an exercise in wasting time, you have an audience of like-minded Neanderthals who have nothing better to do that waste THEIR time watching you waste yours.
Brilliant.
OK, assuming you have a story to tell-or would like to enter the world of web journalism, the following video may be of use for those who are planning to use interviews as a tool.
Tavis Smiley has some tips-perhaps they will help you—and maybe, in a year or so, Matt Drudge will be a has-been—and YOU will be all the rage for internet reporting.
Good luck!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loPmtnxI12o
If you'd like my blog in your inbox daily, just let me know! tim.moore@citcomm.com
The You Tube “Reporters Center” is a defined section where ordinary folks can upload stories to the web. Of course, it looks easier than it is. The filming, editing and audio may be handled neatly by technology-as is the case with getting it out to the WORLD via uploading to the web. Here is the link:
http://www.youtube.com/reporterscenter
What may not be so easy is the actual telling of the story. If you head to the Reporters Center, there are some videos to assist you in writing your story. The first issue you may need to ask your self (internally) is WHY? Or, more to the point, WHO CARES?
If you cannot answer that question, it could be that fame/exposing your mug might be your sole motivation, in which case, save your time (and ours!) by taking up another hobby. You Tube is polluted with homemade videos about absolutely NOTHING. Worse than creating them-an exercise in wasting time, you have an audience of like-minded Neanderthals who have nothing better to do that waste THEIR time watching you waste yours.
Brilliant.
OK, assuming you have a story to tell-or would like to enter the world of web journalism, the following video may be of use for those who are planning to use interviews as a tool.
Tavis Smiley has some tips-perhaps they will help you—and maybe, in a year or so, Matt Drudge will be a has-been—and YOU will be all the rage for internet reporting.
Good luck!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loPmtnxI12o
If you'd like my blog in your inbox daily, just let me know! tim.moore@citcomm.com
Friday, June 26, 2009
And Now, Michael Jackson....
When does it end? Ed McMahon, then Farrah Fawcett-and now the King of Pop.
More words will be said over the next few weeks to smother and render irrelevant anything I put out here. However, I must put MJ’s life and work in perspective from a personal point of view.
First, I must say that I am not –nor was I ever really a “fan” of Michael Jackson. As a DJ who grew up on the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, Michael was merely a curiosity when he landed as a solo act. I was actually a fan of the Jackson 5 when I was a kid. I was singing, “stop, the love you save may be your own!” right along with the radio. I also remember reading an article from someone in the music business who was asked, “Who is the next big thing in music?”—and this person (whom I cannot recall, but obviously was spot-on) said, “Michael Jackson”. I distinctly remember thinking, “That kid from the Jackson 5? They are OVER!”
Shows how much I know.
The writer went on to extol the 1979 solo LP “Off The Wall”, the album that immediately preceded “Thriller”. When that record dropped in 1982, the music world exploded! I was the Program Director and midday announcer at WKSQ-FM (“Kiss 94”) in Bangor, Maine at the time. Mark Osborne, the station’s owner-told me to put “Billie Jean” on the air immediately—a move that Mark was not known for. It was fresh-and amazing, completely redefining pop music.
Despite all of this, I was more respectful of Michael’s incredible timing—to make use of the emerging medium of music videos and MTV—breaking the color barrier by producing visual masterpieces that were as compelling as the music itself. I believe it was the videos that really catapulted him to the mega-stardom that he was destined for.
As for the allegations, Neverland, “Bubbles” the chimp, the Elephant Man bones (and on and on)-all these things pulled me further and further away from admiring him as I did, say, Elvis—or The Beatles. Frankly, he was a mess. If even 10% of what has been reported about his childhood is true, then it is nothing short of incredible that Jackson was not committed to an asylum in adolescence.
His body of work was impressive-and his impact will be felt forever. In this world of downloads, it is highly likely that the sales pinnacle that “Thriller” achieved will NEVER be topped. Maybe that should be his legacy. The Guinness Book called him “The World’s Most Successful Entertainer”
Too bad that success didn’t extend to Jackson’s own life. His appearance-changing as it did—and his increasingly eccentric and bizarre behavior betrayed a scared little boy with low self esteem.
He deserved better.
Jackson’s people have disabled the ability to embed his music videos on this blog (sorry!), so here is a LIVE performance of “Thriller” from 1987. Still impressive!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYrUQItmW4s
Michael Jackson, Rest In Peace. Maybe you will find the peace you never had here.
More words will be said over the next few weeks to smother and render irrelevant anything I put out here. However, I must put MJ’s life and work in perspective from a personal point of view.
First, I must say that I am not –nor was I ever really a “fan” of Michael Jackson. As a DJ who grew up on the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, Michael was merely a curiosity when he landed as a solo act. I was actually a fan of the Jackson 5 when I was a kid. I was singing, “stop, the love you save may be your own!” right along with the radio. I also remember reading an article from someone in the music business who was asked, “Who is the next big thing in music?”—and this person (whom I cannot recall, but obviously was spot-on) said, “Michael Jackson”. I distinctly remember thinking, “That kid from the Jackson 5? They are OVER!”
Shows how much I know.
The writer went on to extol the 1979 solo LP “Off The Wall”, the album that immediately preceded “Thriller”. When that record dropped in 1982, the music world exploded! I was the Program Director and midday announcer at WKSQ-FM (“Kiss 94”) in Bangor, Maine at the time. Mark Osborne, the station’s owner-told me to put “Billie Jean” on the air immediately—a move that Mark was not known for. It was fresh-and amazing, completely redefining pop music.
Despite all of this, I was more respectful of Michael’s incredible timing—to make use of the emerging medium of music videos and MTV—breaking the color barrier by producing visual masterpieces that were as compelling as the music itself. I believe it was the videos that really catapulted him to the mega-stardom that he was destined for.
As for the allegations, Neverland, “Bubbles” the chimp, the Elephant Man bones (and on and on)-all these things pulled me further and further away from admiring him as I did, say, Elvis—or The Beatles. Frankly, he was a mess. If even 10% of what has been reported about his childhood is true, then it is nothing short of incredible that Jackson was not committed to an asylum in adolescence.
His body of work was impressive-and his impact will be felt forever. In this world of downloads, it is highly likely that the sales pinnacle that “Thriller” achieved will NEVER be topped. Maybe that should be his legacy. The Guinness Book called him “The World’s Most Successful Entertainer”
Too bad that success didn’t extend to Jackson’s own life. His appearance-changing as it did—and his increasingly eccentric and bizarre behavior betrayed a scared little boy with low self esteem.
He deserved better.
Jackson’s people have disabled the ability to embed his music videos on this blog (sorry!), so here is a LIVE performance of “Thriller” from 1987. Still impressive!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYrUQItmW4s
Michael Jackson, Rest In Peace. Maybe you will find the peace you never had here.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Farrah Fawcett---A Real Angel Now
What a week it has been-and my apologies for the morbid nature of the blogs the last few days. From Ed McMahon’s obit tribute-to yesterday’s piece on Jackie Gleason-on the anniversary of his death—and now, this.
Actress Farrah Fawcett, dying of cancer today at the age of 62. From her starring role in the 70’s TV show “Charlie’s Angels”-to her redemption as a serious actress in “The Burning Bed”—to her very public look at coping with cancer-recently broadcast nationwide.
She was America’s darling, our sweetheart, the object of fantasy—and probably none of that from her own perspective. Living in the bubble of show business and the manufactured images that are portrayed, reality must be a different animal than the public persona.
It doesn’t matter in the end.
At the end, she carried herself with dignity and bore her burden for all to see, in the hopes that it would give courage to others. For that-and the joy she brought to millions—she will be missed.
Below is a clip of Farrah 40 YEARS AGO, as a contestant on The Dating Game!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEuIlXVtbys
Farrah Fawcett, rest in peace.
Actress Farrah Fawcett, dying of cancer today at the age of 62. From her starring role in the 70’s TV show “Charlie’s Angels”-to her redemption as a serious actress in “The Burning Bed”—to her very public look at coping with cancer-recently broadcast nationwide.
She was America’s darling, our sweetheart, the object of fantasy—and probably none of that from her own perspective. Living in the bubble of show business and the manufactured images that are portrayed, reality must be a different animal than the public persona.
It doesn’t matter in the end.
At the end, she carried herself with dignity and bore her burden for all to see, in the hopes that it would give courage to others. For that-and the joy she brought to millions—she will be missed.
Below is a clip of Farrah 40 YEARS AGO, as a contestant on The Dating Game!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEuIlXVtbys
Farrah Fawcett, rest in peace.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Jackie Gleason-The Great One!
After losing Ed McMahon yesterday, I was reminded of ANOTHER man who made me laugh as a kid--- and in reruns to this day!
Jackie Gleason was indeed “The Great One”-in all ways. The child of a single-parent household, Gleason dropped out of high school and began performing in his teens. He passed away on this date in 1987.
Most famous for his role as Ralph Kramden in “The Honeymooners”, no blog could do justice to the interview that Morley Safer did with Gleason three years before his death in 1984.
The interview is in three parts-all of which are WORTH WATCHING!!!
Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_vPLCJRvuE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM2336rhGZA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4XVsFPlKVI
That’s it for today! If you’d like my blog in your daily inbox, let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
“And Awayyyy we go!”
Jackie Gleason was indeed “The Great One”-in all ways. The child of a single-parent household, Gleason dropped out of high school and began performing in his teens. He passed away on this date in 1987.
Most famous for his role as Ralph Kramden in “The Honeymooners”, no blog could do justice to the interview that Morley Safer did with Gleason three years before his death in 1984.
The interview is in three parts-all of which are WORTH WATCHING!!!
Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_vPLCJRvuE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM2336rhGZA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4XVsFPlKVI
That’s it for today! If you’d like my blog in your daily inbox, let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
“And Awayyyy we go!”
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Ed McMahon-Rest In Peace!
Today, we lost one of the last remaining ICONS of television, as Ed McMahon passed away at the age of 86.
How do you appropriately summarize his career? In a world where he was content to be the “second banana” to Johnny Carson, he later emerged from that shadow and created his own identity, one that was as varied as the roles he played out in the public spotlight.
Sidekick, game show host, emcee extraordinaire, host of “Star Search” pitchman for a variety of products-and the guy who wanted to give you millions in the Publisher’s Clearinghouse—and even a movie star of sorts, appearing in several films.
Through it all, he was funny, self-deprecating and a guy that America would love to have a beer with.
Born in Detroit, he was raised in Lowell, Mass. and graduated from Catholic University in Washington, D.C. in 1949. He worked as a carnival barker in Mexico, Maine for 3 years-and as a bingo caller in Maine as well. During World War II, he was a Marine fighter pilot-and served in Korea as well.
Most famous for his introduction of Carson: “Heeeeeeeeere’s Johnny!”, he was a huge part of the success of the Tonight Show. In later years, his financial troubles made headlines-and surprised his many fans who naturally “assumed” he had millions stashed away. Billionaire Donald Trump offered to buy his Beverly Hills home and lease it back to McMahon in order to keep it from being foreclosed. A lawsuit McMahon lodged against a contractor for mold spores in his home (which made the family ill and killed their dog) netted McMahon about $7 Million dollars.
Enjoy the following video clip of Ed McMahon, appearing on the Tonight Show after he had a wee bit too much to drink-hilarious!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QC-25xPmX7o
Ed, you will be missed! Thanks for the many years of laughs!
How do you appropriately summarize his career? In a world where he was content to be the “second banana” to Johnny Carson, he later emerged from that shadow and created his own identity, one that was as varied as the roles he played out in the public spotlight.
Sidekick, game show host, emcee extraordinaire, host of “Star Search” pitchman for a variety of products-and the guy who wanted to give you millions in the Publisher’s Clearinghouse—and even a movie star of sorts, appearing in several films.
Through it all, he was funny, self-deprecating and a guy that America would love to have a beer with.
Born in Detroit, he was raised in Lowell, Mass. and graduated from Catholic University in Washington, D.C. in 1949. He worked as a carnival barker in Mexico, Maine for 3 years-and as a bingo caller in Maine as well. During World War II, he was a Marine fighter pilot-and served in Korea as well.
Most famous for his introduction of Carson: “Heeeeeeeeere’s Johnny!”, he was a huge part of the success of the Tonight Show. In later years, his financial troubles made headlines-and surprised his many fans who naturally “assumed” he had millions stashed away. Billionaire Donald Trump offered to buy his Beverly Hills home and lease it back to McMahon in order to keep it from being foreclosed. A lawsuit McMahon lodged against a contractor for mold spores in his home (which made the family ill and killed their dog) netted McMahon about $7 Million dollars.
Enjoy the following video clip of Ed McMahon, appearing on the Tonight Show after he had a wee bit too much to drink-hilarious!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QC-25xPmX7o
Ed, you will be missed! Thanks for the many years of laughs!
Monday, June 22, 2009
Anniversary Scramble
I know that a lot of guys forget their anniversaries. My hope is that they all have comfortable sofas.
I have yet to forget-and I’m not likely to do so. What still astounds me is that anyone would put up with me for what is today—24 YEARS!
Peggy is the love of my life-and after nearly a quarter century, three kids, two dogs, a cat and countless (deceased) fish have been in the mix since then, she is still hangin’ out with me.
Go figure.
On this day in 1985, our future was as bright as the beautiful June day in Ellsworth where we were married-and Northeast Harbor where our reception was held. So much has happened-and I wouldn’t trade any of it for a substitute life or circumstance-or partner!
I am cutting this blog short in order to-in typical male fashion—rush out and pick up a card and a gift that you will fawn over—whether it deserves to be or not.
I love you, Peggy!
I have yet to forget-and I’m not likely to do so. What still astounds me is that anyone would put up with me for what is today—24 YEARS!
Peggy is the love of my life-and after nearly a quarter century, three kids, two dogs, a cat and countless (deceased) fish have been in the mix since then, she is still hangin’ out with me.
Go figure.
On this day in 1985, our future was as bright as the beautiful June day in Ellsworth where we were married-and Northeast Harbor where our reception was held. So much has happened-and I wouldn’t trade any of it for a substitute life or circumstance-or partner!
I am cutting this blog short in order to-in typical male fashion—rush out and pick up a card and a gift that you will fawn over—whether it deserves to be or not.
I love you, Peggy!
Friday, June 19, 2009
Golf Is The Hardest Sport
Now there’s a statement that will forever elude consensus, but the evidence seems overwhelming to me, a golfer who sucks.
Ok, not all the time, but I string together moments of brilliance and combine them with episodes of total ineptitude. I am, unfortunately, heavier on the latter. On one tee, I smack it 250 yards right down the middle. Next tee, same club, only the ball’s flight resembles a banana as it rockets into the woods. Go figure.
Tennis is a tough sport, requiring skill, quick reflexes and stamina. However, one forehand is about the same as another-the simple variety of shots is limited to a reasonable number. In golf, there are NEVER two shots exactly alike. You can play the same course a thousand times and you will never play the exact same shot. Even on the tee, you can play your ball at exactly the same place, tee it to the exact same height –BUT, the wind will be different, the weather conditions overall not the same, the moisture or lack thereof on the grass also affecting conditions.
If you’re not a golfer, you simply don’t understand. No offense!
That’s why non-golfers cannot fathom the near “worship” of Tiger Woods. Each and every player on the Tour is a phenomenal golfer, better than ANYONE we see or play with at our courses. Nevertheless, even they are astounded by how incredible Tiger is. He has already won 14 majors(17 if you count his 3 Amateur titles, which he does) 67 PGA Tour victories, just 6 behind Jack Nicklaus and 16 behind all-time tournament winner Sam Snead. There is no doubt that he will own all records and most observers already call him the greatest golfer of all time. Jack himself agrees with this.
In a game that is so hard, Tiger makes it look easy. And he makes the pressure putts when he needs to. It is often said that “golf doesn’t build character, it reveals it”
I’ll try to remember that the next time I’m hurling clubs and screaming obscenities after another errant shot. Actually, I’ve grown beyond throwing/breaking clubs-and am comfortable that I can actually become a BETTER golfer as I grow older, a quirk of the game that is not usually present in other sports. After all, it is finesse, not raw strength that determines one’s level of play. I could fit both Sergio Garcia and David Toms in one pair of my pants-and they’d still have room to invite friends over. Yet, each of these diminutive players can out-drive me by triple digits!
As it is U.S. Open week, I am into WATCHING the good guys on TV and try to pick up some tips (and no I don’t mean a tip like “take up tennis”)
Here’s a short video of some of Tiger’s best shots:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gKSxUer_3I
FORE!
If you’d like my blog in your box daily, just let me know!! Tim.moore@citcomm.com
Ok, not all the time, but I string together moments of brilliance and combine them with episodes of total ineptitude. I am, unfortunately, heavier on the latter. On one tee, I smack it 250 yards right down the middle. Next tee, same club, only the ball’s flight resembles a banana as it rockets into the woods. Go figure.
Tennis is a tough sport, requiring skill, quick reflexes and stamina. However, one forehand is about the same as another-the simple variety of shots is limited to a reasonable number. In golf, there are NEVER two shots exactly alike. You can play the same course a thousand times and you will never play the exact same shot. Even on the tee, you can play your ball at exactly the same place, tee it to the exact same height –BUT, the wind will be different, the weather conditions overall not the same, the moisture or lack thereof on the grass also affecting conditions.
If you’re not a golfer, you simply don’t understand. No offense!
That’s why non-golfers cannot fathom the near “worship” of Tiger Woods. Each and every player on the Tour is a phenomenal golfer, better than ANYONE we see or play with at our courses. Nevertheless, even they are astounded by how incredible Tiger is. He has already won 14 majors(17 if you count his 3 Amateur titles, which he does) 67 PGA Tour victories, just 6 behind Jack Nicklaus and 16 behind all-time tournament winner Sam Snead. There is no doubt that he will own all records and most observers already call him the greatest golfer of all time. Jack himself agrees with this.
In a game that is so hard, Tiger makes it look easy. And he makes the pressure putts when he needs to. It is often said that “golf doesn’t build character, it reveals it”
I’ll try to remember that the next time I’m hurling clubs and screaming obscenities after another errant shot. Actually, I’ve grown beyond throwing/breaking clubs-and am comfortable that I can actually become a BETTER golfer as I grow older, a quirk of the game that is not usually present in other sports. After all, it is finesse, not raw strength that determines one’s level of play. I could fit both Sergio Garcia and David Toms in one pair of my pants-and they’d still have room to invite friends over. Yet, each of these diminutive players can out-drive me by triple digits!
As it is U.S. Open week, I am into WATCHING the good guys on TV and try to pick up some tips (and no I don’t mean a tip like “take up tennis”)
Here’s a short video of some of Tiger’s best shots:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gKSxUer_3I
FORE!
If you’d like my blog in your box daily, just let me know!! Tim.moore@citcomm.com
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