Maybe I’m out of the loop, but throughout all of the news coverage regarding the security breach at the While House last week, the one thing I didn’t hear about was---how did the party crashers STORY get out?
Did THEY reveal it—or did someone else?
I know that the Salahi’s posted photos of themselves on Facebook with everyone from Vice President Biden to Katie Couric, but is that unusual? Who wouldn’t showcase their brush with celebrity? The question that now begs to be asked is this: how many times has this happened in the past WITHOUT media discovery?
Probably a lot.
Back in the old days, average Joe Citizen with a gripe or a request for Presidential intervention could just show up at the White House and wait for an audience with the Big Guy. Clearly, those days are over.
Given the dangers of exposing the President and other VIPs in the government to terrorist plots, the curtain of security has been drawn tighter, particularly after 9/11/01. So, exactly how COULD a couple with a craving for attention (and thankfully that’s all) get through what should be the most secure location in the world?
Success (however devious) leaves clues, and here are the ones we know about:
1) Dress impeccably.
2) Arrive as a couple-the fact that one of you is a striking blonde will not hurt either
3) Arrive in a limousine.
4) Smile and appear relaxed and bewildered when the guard says he doesn’t see your names on the guest list
5) Having a foreign name at a State Dinner where a Indian Prime Minister is the Guest of Honor may have been a plus too, as avoiding an unintentional slight or desire to avert an “international incident” may have played into the whole “let’s allow the NEXT guy in the security line to turn them away”.
Here’s the AP video report on the party crashers:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g44_MTMH4oA
Since the discovery, it is a given that:
A) Someone (maybe several people) will lose their jobs. There will be a fall-guy--or guys, whether some of those people deserve it or not.
B) Life for everyone in the Secret Service has been and will continue to be HELL as Congress now has threatened an “investigation”
Imaginations have understandably gone WILD with what could have happened-while it’s unlikely that either of the party crashers could have smuggled a conventional weapon into the receiving line, everything from a broken glass to a pin-prick with a deadly virus are possibilities not to be dismissed.
All of this blame lands squarely on the Secret Service. Of course, there are many calling for prosecution of the uninvited guests themselves. I have mixed feelings on this. While doing so could provide a deterrent to future party-crashers—setting them up as an example, I have difficulty in articulating a charge that could lead to a conviction.
Would it be “deception by tuxedo/evening gown?” Trespassing? Making these two “martyrs” would likely elicit more attention-the very thing they desire.
Better to let this go the way of “Balloon Boy” and his family—namely, let it fade from the front page naturally and be grateful that this intrusion was non-threatening. Use it to shore up security and prevent future incidents that could be sinister in nature.
Someday, we could be thanking the Salahi’s for exposing a chink in the White House armor that could save us from a disaster.
If you’d like my weekday blog to “crash” into your in-box (not uninvited, of course) just drop me a line—and I will clear you through security myself: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Monday, November 30, 2009
Friday, November 27, 2009
Macy's Tradition Starts
I still can’t MOVE following Thanksgiving dinner yesterday!
Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, beans, rolls, jello, pumpkin pie and strawberry rhubarb pie! All of this—in quantities too embarrassingly large to divulge. Yes, I have much to be thankful for—blessed am I in all things---but restraint, apparently.
The Moore tradition starts with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade---which actually began on this date in 1924. Ironically, it was Gimbel’s Department store in New York that hosted the first parade, but Macy’s was not to be denied. The parade in 1924 was designed to boost sales at the new store at Herald Square. With a quarter of a million people lining the streets to see mostly Macy’s employees marching and riding in floats, the parade was such a success, it was declared an annual event!
Few commercial enterprises have woven their name inextricably into an event that symbolizes the holiday as has Macy’s. As I marketer, I greatly respect Macy’s ability to wrest away the parade from their competitor and make it bigger and better! Gimbels eventually gave up, ceding the image of the parade forever to Macy’s.
So part of the American holiday landscape, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade cemented it’s place when it was immortalized in the movie, “Miracle on 34th Street”-here’s a clip of the trailer-with a glimpse of the parade included :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfSzW6K9ZbA
Of course, perhaps the most thrilling aspect of the parade are the HUGE balloons that float between the skyscrapers! The first one, Felix the Cat, made his debut in 1927 in the parade’s 4th year. Stories abound of struggles against the elements, particularly wind that have made many years a true adventure! The lore of the Macy’s balloon prompted Coca Cola to come up with this clever ad:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiMf5cCDy1I
Since 1950, the Macy’s parade has been televised nationally to an audience of millions, most of them still in their pajamas!
Have a great holiday weekend! If you’d like my weekday blog in your inbox, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, beans, rolls, jello, pumpkin pie and strawberry rhubarb pie! All of this—in quantities too embarrassingly large to divulge. Yes, I have much to be thankful for—blessed am I in all things---but restraint, apparently.
The Moore tradition starts with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade---which actually began on this date in 1924. Ironically, it was Gimbel’s Department store in New York that hosted the first parade, but Macy’s was not to be denied. The parade in 1924 was designed to boost sales at the new store at Herald Square. With a quarter of a million people lining the streets to see mostly Macy’s employees marching and riding in floats, the parade was such a success, it was declared an annual event!
Few commercial enterprises have woven their name inextricably into an event that symbolizes the holiday as has Macy’s. As I marketer, I greatly respect Macy’s ability to wrest away the parade from their competitor and make it bigger and better! Gimbels eventually gave up, ceding the image of the parade forever to Macy’s.
So part of the American holiday landscape, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade cemented it’s place when it was immortalized in the movie, “Miracle on 34th Street”-here’s a clip of the trailer-with a glimpse of the parade included :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfSzW6K9ZbA
Of course, perhaps the most thrilling aspect of the parade are the HUGE balloons that float between the skyscrapers! The first one, Felix the Cat, made his debut in 1927 in the parade’s 4th year. Stories abound of struggles against the elements, particularly wind that have made many years a true adventure! The lore of the Macy’s balloon prompted Coca Cola to come up with this clever ad:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiMf5cCDy1I
Since 1950, the Macy’s parade has been televised nationally to an audience of millions, most of them still in their pajamas!
Have a great holiday weekend! If you’d like my weekday blog in your inbox, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Holiday Traditions
The 2009 Holiday season officially begins tomorrow with Thanksgiving-a holiday that in itself seems all but forgotten in the blizzard that IS Christmas.
I guess we’re guilty of overlooking Thanksgiving too-as 94.9 WHOM will flip to all Christmas music on Turkey Day. We asked listeners about it—and they were fine with the idea overall—most wanted the station to flip on Thanksgiving Day. Their logic went something like this: if you are going to play your REGULAR format on Thanksgiving, we don’t see that as “honoring” the holiday (since there are maybe two songs I can think of about Thanksgiving-and one is by Adam Sandler) Might as well kick off the Christmas songs!
So, just as Santa will ride in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, 94.9 WHOM will start rolling the holiday tunes at midnight tonight!
As you hit the roads of Northern New England to visit family and friends, we’ll be jingling our bells, so to speak. It’s our holiday tradition now.
Of course, every family has their own traditions—those rituals that revolve around food and activities. Some of these have a known origin—and others have a murkier history.
A lot of the holiday traditions are shared by many—and cherished, despite the fact that some are quirky at best.
Time to bring in one of my favorite comedians, Jim Gaffigan, who does a very funny routine on holiday traditions—enjoy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJAxRVeKnTE
Overeating seems to be the order of the day on Thanksgiving. Combined with alcohol and sometimes family members who, as Jim says “annoy the hell out of us”-it can sometimes be a recipe for disaster. Let’s hope that DOESN’T happen at your gathering.
Despite the economy, the wars and terrorism, all the bad news we’re exposed to, most of us have a lot to be thankful for: health, family, friends, a roof over your head and food on the table.
Time magazine’s cover this week says “The Decade From Hell”. Not sure if I agree, but if you do, here’s to ushering in better times! I have zero to complain about—and I’ll be extra thankful this year for the blessings in my life.
Happy Thanksgiving!If you’d like my blog in your inbox weekdays (except holidays!) just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
I guess we’re guilty of overlooking Thanksgiving too-as 94.9 WHOM will flip to all Christmas music on Turkey Day. We asked listeners about it—and they were fine with the idea overall—most wanted the station to flip on Thanksgiving Day. Their logic went something like this: if you are going to play your REGULAR format on Thanksgiving, we don’t see that as “honoring” the holiday (since there are maybe two songs I can think of about Thanksgiving-and one is by Adam Sandler) Might as well kick off the Christmas songs!
So, just as Santa will ride in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, 94.9 WHOM will start rolling the holiday tunes at midnight tonight!
As you hit the roads of Northern New England to visit family and friends, we’ll be jingling our bells, so to speak. It’s our holiday tradition now.
Of course, every family has their own traditions—those rituals that revolve around food and activities. Some of these have a known origin—and others have a murkier history.
A lot of the holiday traditions are shared by many—and cherished, despite the fact that some are quirky at best.
Time to bring in one of my favorite comedians, Jim Gaffigan, who does a very funny routine on holiday traditions—enjoy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJAxRVeKnTE
Overeating seems to be the order of the day on Thanksgiving. Combined with alcohol and sometimes family members who, as Jim says “annoy the hell out of us”-it can sometimes be a recipe for disaster. Let’s hope that DOESN’T happen at your gathering.
Despite the economy, the wars and terrorism, all the bad news we’re exposed to, most of us have a lot to be thankful for: health, family, friends, a roof over your head and food on the table.
Time magazine’s cover this week says “The Decade From Hell”. Not sure if I agree, but if you do, here’s to ushering in better times! I have zero to complain about—and I’ll be extra thankful this year for the blessings in my life.
Happy Thanksgiving!If you’d like my blog in your inbox weekdays (except holidays!) just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
The Kennedy Assassination- A Different Perspective
I defer to Oprah Winfrey the power to recommend a book and have it LEAP to the top of the best seller list.
I’ll just recommend a book I found fascinating—and let you decide whether or not you’d like to read it.
It’s called “Brothers: The Hidden History Of The Kennedy Years” by David Talbot. It’s been out for a few years—and I picked it up in a bargain bin, but this former New York Times Bestseller is painstakingly researched—and reads much like a mystery thriller.
It was on this date in 1963 that JFK’s accused assassin Lee Harvey Oswald was himself gunned down by Jack Ruby in Dallas. This murder was shown on nationwide live TV-here is some rare footage from a perspective not often seen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLF9_Hp-IyY
The murder of Oswald only confirmed what many believed at the time—and others have come to believe—namely, that President Kennedy’s assassination was a conspiracy. Jack Ruby’s role was to silence the killer of record, even though it appears he was not acting alone. An official report from The Warren Commission has done nothing to quiet the feeling among many that the “lone gunman” theory has not sufficiently been proven.
I won’t give away the conclusions of the book---and author Talbot does have some riveting evidence as to the likely individuals he believes were involved.
It is simply the PREMISE of the book that fueled my interest. Namely, since Robert F. Kennedy was the nation’s top law enforcement officer in his capacity as Attorney General, why didn’t HE lead an exhaustive investigation?
A valid question, no? After all, the President was his brother, his closest ally and his hero all rolled into one. Why didn’t RFK pursue the real story?
The reason is simple—and terrifying. RFK flew his investigation “under the radar” because he knew that officials in his slain brothers government were behind the murder. To overtly seek the truth would be futile—and fatal—as the younger Kennedy eventually found out. Kennedy and his closest aides have left a long trail of evidence gathered without arousing the suspicion of those within the U.S. Government, particularly the CIA who had their hands dirty in the scheme.
“Brothers” is the story of the relationship between JFK and RFK—and the SECRET investigation orchestrated by Robert in the years following that fateful day in Dallas. If you are a history buff, you will love it. If you are a Kennedy conspiracy believer, you will also be enthralled, although there is little discussion of the “grassy knoll”, multiple shooters and such.
Motive from the highest echelons of government and the means to carry out covert operations drive this true-life tale of treachery against our own President. The fact that more has not been leaked since that November day 46 years ago is testament to the code of silence employed by the two groups most likely to have joined forces-the mob and the Central Intelligence Agency.
Kennedy’s (and virtually any President’s) inability to control forces within their own government is a threat to our democracy. In retrospect, we can look at the Cuban situation through the lens of history—and relative harmlessness. In the early 60’s however, President Kennedy’s unwillingness to send in U.S. forces to support the Bay of Pigs invasion—set the course for events that would eventually turn many in his own administration against him—and in a deadly way.
Some will argue that the nation needed the band-aid of a closed case-and a single shooter, the conclusion of the Warren Commission—in order to move on. Unfortunately, this cover-up only emboldened those who disagreed with the democratically elected leaders to commit treason and take matters into their own hands.
If the truth will set you free, then we are still being held hostage to a lie—“Brothers” is a necessary step toward that journey to full disclosure that democracy demands.
If you’d like my blog in your weekday box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
I’ll just recommend a book I found fascinating—and let you decide whether or not you’d like to read it.
It’s called “Brothers: The Hidden History Of The Kennedy Years” by David Talbot. It’s been out for a few years—and I picked it up in a bargain bin, but this former New York Times Bestseller is painstakingly researched—and reads much like a mystery thriller.
It was on this date in 1963 that JFK’s accused assassin Lee Harvey Oswald was himself gunned down by Jack Ruby in Dallas. This murder was shown on nationwide live TV-here is some rare footage from a perspective not often seen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLF9_Hp-IyY
The murder of Oswald only confirmed what many believed at the time—and others have come to believe—namely, that President Kennedy’s assassination was a conspiracy. Jack Ruby’s role was to silence the killer of record, even though it appears he was not acting alone. An official report from The Warren Commission has done nothing to quiet the feeling among many that the “lone gunman” theory has not sufficiently been proven.
I won’t give away the conclusions of the book---and author Talbot does have some riveting evidence as to the likely individuals he believes were involved.
It is simply the PREMISE of the book that fueled my interest. Namely, since Robert F. Kennedy was the nation’s top law enforcement officer in his capacity as Attorney General, why didn’t HE lead an exhaustive investigation?
A valid question, no? After all, the President was his brother, his closest ally and his hero all rolled into one. Why didn’t RFK pursue the real story?
The reason is simple—and terrifying. RFK flew his investigation “under the radar” because he knew that officials in his slain brothers government were behind the murder. To overtly seek the truth would be futile—and fatal—as the younger Kennedy eventually found out. Kennedy and his closest aides have left a long trail of evidence gathered without arousing the suspicion of those within the U.S. Government, particularly the CIA who had their hands dirty in the scheme.
“Brothers” is the story of the relationship between JFK and RFK—and the SECRET investigation orchestrated by Robert in the years following that fateful day in Dallas. If you are a history buff, you will love it. If you are a Kennedy conspiracy believer, you will also be enthralled, although there is little discussion of the “grassy knoll”, multiple shooters and such.
Motive from the highest echelons of government and the means to carry out covert operations drive this true-life tale of treachery against our own President. The fact that more has not been leaked since that November day 46 years ago is testament to the code of silence employed by the two groups most likely to have joined forces-the mob and the Central Intelligence Agency.
Kennedy’s (and virtually any President’s) inability to control forces within their own government is a threat to our democracy. In retrospect, we can look at the Cuban situation through the lens of history—and relative harmlessness. In the early 60’s however, President Kennedy’s unwillingness to send in U.S. forces to support the Bay of Pigs invasion—set the course for events that would eventually turn many in his own administration against him—and in a deadly way.
Some will argue that the nation needed the band-aid of a closed case-and a single shooter, the conclusion of the Warren Commission—in order to move on. Unfortunately, this cover-up only emboldened those who disagreed with the democratically elected leaders to commit treason and take matters into their own hands.
If the truth will set you free, then we are still being held hostage to a lie—“Brothers” is a necessary step toward that journey to full disclosure that democracy demands.
If you’d like my blog in your weekday box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Monday, November 23, 2009
Life Before TV
It was on this date in 1936 that the very first issue of Life magazine was published. Before there was television, there was Life magazine—doing for America what the technology could not yet do----bring riveting images of people, places and world events to the nation in a way that had never been done before.
Actually, Life magazine started earlier-as a weekly humor publication—much like The New Yorker is today—pop culture, cartoons and humorous pieces. This original Life folded during the Great Depression.
Time magazine publisher Henry Luce bought the name—and re-launched the magazine as a picture based periodical. As Time magazine’s mission was to tell the news, Life magazine’s was the SHOW it.
The first cover photo was of the Fort Peck Dam, which was an example of Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal public works programs. This was just the first of thousands of incredible photos to grace the cover-and inside pages of Life.
The magazine became a huge success in its very first year-changing the way people looked at the world.
This short video, narrated by Walter Cronkite, sums it up well:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAJ3h6dOrk4
At its peak, Life Magazine had a circulation of over 8 million, among them many people who could not read, but who could be nonetheless reached by the images brought front and center. Most historians credit Life magazine with being enormously influential in American society during its heyday. Images of war, of starlets and sports, faraway places and stunning nature photos made the issues collector’s items. It’s a good bet that many American attics still have bundled issues of Life. Who could toss them out?
As television grew in popularity, Life magazine began to suffer, eventually ceasing to be a weekly publication in 1972. It began publishing retrospective issues on major events-and in 2004 “returned” as a weekly publication as a supplement to U.S. newspapers.
I miss the original Life magazine-and remember being aghast when the announcement was made in 1972 that Life would end-as we knew it! Although gone from the ranks of influential publications, its heritage has insured a lofty place in American history and culture.
If you’d like my blog in your weekday inbox, just drop me a line: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Actually, Life magazine started earlier-as a weekly humor publication—much like The New Yorker is today—pop culture, cartoons and humorous pieces. This original Life folded during the Great Depression.
Time magazine publisher Henry Luce bought the name—and re-launched the magazine as a picture based periodical. As Time magazine’s mission was to tell the news, Life magazine’s was the SHOW it.
The first cover photo was of the Fort Peck Dam, which was an example of Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal public works programs. This was just the first of thousands of incredible photos to grace the cover-and inside pages of Life.
The magazine became a huge success in its very first year-changing the way people looked at the world.
This short video, narrated by Walter Cronkite, sums it up well:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAJ3h6dOrk4
At its peak, Life Magazine had a circulation of over 8 million, among them many people who could not read, but who could be nonetheless reached by the images brought front and center. Most historians credit Life magazine with being enormously influential in American society during its heyday. Images of war, of starlets and sports, faraway places and stunning nature photos made the issues collector’s items. It’s a good bet that many American attics still have bundled issues of Life. Who could toss them out?
As television grew in popularity, Life magazine began to suffer, eventually ceasing to be a weekly publication in 1972. It began publishing retrospective issues on major events-and in 2004 “returned” as a weekly publication as a supplement to U.S. newspapers.
I miss the original Life magazine-and remember being aghast when the announcement was made in 1972 that Life would end-as we knew it! Although gone from the ranks of influential publications, its heritage has insured a lofty place in American history and culture.
If you’d like my blog in your weekday inbox, just drop me a line: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Friday, November 20, 2009
College Football's "The Play"
As I anxiously await the Ohio State-Michigan game tomorrow (Go Bucks!), I am reminded of what is perhaps the GREATEST—and funniest endings to a college football game----EVER!
It occurred on this date in 1982—and has since been dubbed “The Play”.
The Cal football team won an improbable last second victory over Stanford after completing five lateral passes and ran right through the Stanford Marching Band, which had mistakenly started an upset celebration a tad too early!
The scene was set with one of the game’s great quarterbacks—John Elway. Playing for Stanford late in the fourth quarter, he managed to get his team down the field and into field goal range with just 8 seconds left. Mark Harmon kicked a 35 yard field goal to give Stanford a 20-19 lead.
Sensing an upset, the Cardinals flooded the field, triggering a penalty that made them have to kickoff from the 25 yard line. Harmon then squibbed the kick on purpose, where Cal’s Kevin Moen grabbed it on the Cal 46 yard line. Instead of trying to run solo for a TD, Kevin remembered one of Coach Kapp’s favorite practice drills—essentially a game of “keep away” with laterals to extend the play.
And that’s exactly what happened—after several tosses (one backwards over the Mariet Ford’s shoulder to a teammate behind), the ball finally ended up back in Moen’s hands.
Meanwhile, Stanford’s band began marching onto the field, playing Free’s “All Right Now”, unaware that 22 football players were barreling their way!
Moen weaved through the startled band-and into the end zone, where he slammed into trombone player Gary Tyrell (a photo of the triumphant Moen and the terrified Tyrell in the moment just before the collision that appeared in the Oakland Tribune is still displayed all over the Cal-Berkeley campus!)
Everyone who saw the game remembers “The Play”-in case you’ve never seen it, here it is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fZCCAqoSwY
So Cal won the game 25-20—and insured that John Elway would never play in a college bowl game, despite being a first round pick in the NFL.
If there is a more dramatic end to a college football game, I have yet to see it!
Hopefully, the Buckeye Band will refrain from marching onto the field in Ann Arbor Saturday—and I hope the outcome won’t be close enough to make it dramatic!
If you’d like my blog in your e-mail box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
It occurred on this date in 1982—and has since been dubbed “The Play”.
The Cal football team won an improbable last second victory over Stanford after completing five lateral passes and ran right through the Stanford Marching Band, which had mistakenly started an upset celebration a tad too early!
The scene was set with one of the game’s great quarterbacks—John Elway. Playing for Stanford late in the fourth quarter, he managed to get his team down the field and into field goal range with just 8 seconds left. Mark Harmon kicked a 35 yard field goal to give Stanford a 20-19 lead.
Sensing an upset, the Cardinals flooded the field, triggering a penalty that made them have to kickoff from the 25 yard line. Harmon then squibbed the kick on purpose, where Cal’s Kevin Moen grabbed it on the Cal 46 yard line. Instead of trying to run solo for a TD, Kevin remembered one of Coach Kapp’s favorite practice drills—essentially a game of “keep away” with laterals to extend the play.
And that’s exactly what happened—after several tosses (one backwards over the Mariet Ford’s shoulder to a teammate behind), the ball finally ended up back in Moen’s hands.
Meanwhile, Stanford’s band began marching onto the field, playing Free’s “All Right Now”, unaware that 22 football players were barreling their way!
Moen weaved through the startled band-and into the end zone, where he slammed into trombone player Gary Tyrell (a photo of the triumphant Moen and the terrified Tyrell in the moment just before the collision that appeared in the Oakland Tribune is still displayed all over the Cal-Berkeley campus!)
Everyone who saw the game remembers “The Play”-in case you’ve never seen it, here it is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fZCCAqoSwY
So Cal won the game 25-20—and insured that John Elway would never play in a college bowl game, despite being a first round pick in the NFL.
If there is a more dramatic end to a college football game, I have yet to see it!
Hopefully, the Buckeye Band will refrain from marching onto the field in Ann Arbor Saturday—and I hope the outcome won’t be close enough to make it dramatic!
If you’d like my blog in your e-mail box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Thursday, November 19, 2009
The Toll Machine Arrives
Often this blog touts the advancement of technology or the discovery of either a medical breakthrough or development of a machine that advances the lives of people the world over.
Not today.
It was on this date in 1954 that the very first toll machine made its debut at the Union Toll Plaza on New Jersey’s Garden State Parkway (figures). Motorists dropped a quarter into the mesh basket and then waited for the light to turn green. Now that’s progress. At least with a human being there, you knew that someone was employed, albeit in a mind-numbing job.
This great innovation in motoring occurred 14 years after the first toll highway appeared. The Pennsylvania Turnpike opened in 1940 to ease by three hours the travel time between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg. Motorists gladly forked over a few coins to save time and gas.
I hate toll roads. They are inefficient—and generally a pain in the rear. The Maine Turnpike opened with a promise to END the tolls once the road was paid for. Of course, the gravy train was too good to stop after the highway had been paid for—and now we are hostages to a system based on a lie.
The theory behind the toll is valid—have those who USE the road pay for it. However, after the road is constructed, the maintenance and upkeep cannot possibly be equal to the tolls we are compelled to pay to use it.
On Monday, I drove from Portland to Massachusetts. I paid a dollar to enter the Maine Turnpike, another 2 dollars to leave it at the York tollbooth—and then another 2 dollars to pass through the Seabrook toll booth in New Hampshire. FIVE bucks to drive less than 60 miles! Multiply that by the millions of cars traveling the Turnpike and we could be paving the road with gold bricks---and still have dough left over.
The advent of the Speedpass has made the pain a bit less—as it goes a lot faster—and, like using a credit card, there is a false and fleeting sense that it really isn’t costing you anything to travel.
For the most part, toll collectors are a friendly bunch, but speed isn’t a hallmark of the operation. Since they’ll be there for hours on end, they are in no hurry to make change. The worst is pulling up to witness an “across the lane” conversation between two toll collectors. Uh, HELLO!! Can I just pay my toll and move on?
I’m sure that the turnpike employees have their own stories to tell. From rude motorists (like me) to those asking directions to those engaged in embarrassing activities inside the vehicle, there must be some whoppers making the rounds at the annual Christmas party.
Perhaps the worst are those motorists not prepared to pay-including this motorist who decided to test the patience of the toll collector as a prank-check it out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLW1JAVG81o
My Favorite toll booth scene is from the Mel Brooks movie “Blazing Saddles” . WARNING! There are a couple of “bad words” spoken here, so beware!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbWg-mozGsU
Now, THAT’S FUNNY!
It is clear that the future holds no job opportunities for toll collectors. Instead of having to purchase a “speedpass”—and hide it from theft, every car should have a transponder embedded that directs an invoice to the current holder of the registration. Tolls would be “taken” at high speed without any slowdown, there would be no toll collectors or even traditional toll booths. Cameras could still record violaters and the average toll could (and should) drop significantly.
As long as the toll COST were posted in enough advance mileage to allow exit from the road and the toll, it could be a far better system than the long lines to pay excessive tolls to drive on (often) inferior roads.
If you’d like my blog in your weekday box, let me know—NO TOLL associated! Tim.moore@citcomm.com
Happy Motoring!
Not today.
It was on this date in 1954 that the very first toll machine made its debut at the Union Toll Plaza on New Jersey’s Garden State Parkway (figures). Motorists dropped a quarter into the mesh basket and then waited for the light to turn green. Now that’s progress. At least with a human being there, you knew that someone was employed, albeit in a mind-numbing job.
This great innovation in motoring occurred 14 years after the first toll highway appeared. The Pennsylvania Turnpike opened in 1940 to ease by three hours the travel time between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg. Motorists gladly forked over a few coins to save time and gas.
I hate toll roads. They are inefficient—and generally a pain in the rear. The Maine Turnpike opened with a promise to END the tolls once the road was paid for. Of course, the gravy train was too good to stop after the highway had been paid for—and now we are hostages to a system based on a lie.
The theory behind the toll is valid—have those who USE the road pay for it. However, after the road is constructed, the maintenance and upkeep cannot possibly be equal to the tolls we are compelled to pay to use it.
On Monday, I drove from Portland to Massachusetts. I paid a dollar to enter the Maine Turnpike, another 2 dollars to leave it at the York tollbooth—and then another 2 dollars to pass through the Seabrook toll booth in New Hampshire. FIVE bucks to drive less than 60 miles! Multiply that by the millions of cars traveling the Turnpike and we could be paving the road with gold bricks---and still have dough left over.
The advent of the Speedpass has made the pain a bit less—as it goes a lot faster—and, like using a credit card, there is a false and fleeting sense that it really isn’t costing you anything to travel.
For the most part, toll collectors are a friendly bunch, but speed isn’t a hallmark of the operation. Since they’ll be there for hours on end, they are in no hurry to make change. The worst is pulling up to witness an “across the lane” conversation between two toll collectors. Uh, HELLO!! Can I just pay my toll and move on?
I’m sure that the turnpike employees have their own stories to tell. From rude motorists (like me) to those asking directions to those engaged in embarrassing activities inside the vehicle, there must be some whoppers making the rounds at the annual Christmas party.
Perhaps the worst are those motorists not prepared to pay-including this motorist who decided to test the patience of the toll collector as a prank-check it out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLW1JAVG81o
My Favorite toll booth scene is from the Mel Brooks movie “Blazing Saddles” . WARNING! There are a couple of “bad words” spoken here, so beware!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbWg-mozGsU
Now, THAT’S FUNNY!
It is clear that the future holds no job opportunities for toll collectors. Instead of having to purchase a “speedpass”—and hide it from theft, every car should have a transponder embedded that directs an invoice to the current holder of the registration. Tolls would be “taken” at high speed without any slowdown, there would be no toll collectors or even traditional toll booths. Cameras could still record violaters and the average toll could (and should) drop significantly.
As long as the toll COST were posted in enough advance mileage to allow exit from the road and the toll, it could be a far better system than the long lines to pay excessive tolls to drive on (often) inferior roads.
If you’d like my blog in your weekday box, let me know—NO TOLL associated! Tim.moore@citcomm.com
Happy Motoring!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
The Gratitude Campaign-Bangor, Maine Style
Last week, I watched one of the most moving PBS shows of my life-the story of the Bangor, Maine troop greeters.
It’s likely that you have heard of them—these mostly senior citizens-many of them veterans themselves—who are unfailingly there at Bangor International Airport for each and every incoming troop flight-regardless of the hour.
Their job?Simply to extend a hand and say “Thank you”. The troops are visibly surprised, taken aback—and grateful. After 5 years, hundreds if not thousands of flights—and well over a million troops (in total, counting multiple tours of duty), they still show up.
If you can find time to see the show, it will change your outlook on life. As the greeters say themselves, it is not political. There are strong opinions on the war itself—but sides are never taken at the jetway gate when the soldiers are making their way home. There are only thank-you’s, handshakes and hugs.
Here is the trailer for the show, giving you a glimpse of the magnitude of effort required for each of these “Greeters” to complete THEIR mission:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70xGwH9k4Qg
Special thanks to faithful blog reader Don Coddington of Interscope Records in New York, who inspired today’s subject by sending along a video link to The Gratitude Campaign.
Like the Bangor, Maine greeters, this is an easy way to show your support to men and women in uniform—wherever they are-at the airport or train station, at the Mall or on the street.
Check out this video—and better yet, adopt the practice demonstrated here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSfFYxSdKdo
Tens of thousands of men and women leaves their families, their jobs and their normal lives to fight for our country. The evidence suggests that not one of them comes back unchanged. Many continue to suffer long after their physical injuries have healed. Some without outward battle scars have nonetheless become casualties on an emotional and psychological level.
There are those who say that we have not learned the lessons of Viet Nam. In the political arena where wars are decided, perhaps that is true. There is, however, a marked difference in the way the American public treats those who fight.
Perhaps the greatest tragedy of Viet Nam was that returning soldiers were scorned by many, especially the young war protesters. These draft dodgers and college students called them “baby killers” and worse.
In this regard, I believe that we have made some progress. Now, regardless of your personal stance on the conflict, most Americans can separate the political situation from the personal odyssey of those who serve.
So, it is high time to say “Thank You”!
The Gratitude Campaign—make it a part of who you are whenever you encounter someone who risks everything for you and your family.
If you’d like my blog in your box weekdays, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
It’s likely that you have heard of them—these mostly senior citizens-many of them veterans themselves—who are unfailingly there at Bangor International Airport for each and every incoming troop flight-regardless of the hour.
Their job?Simply to extend a hand and say “Thank you”. The troops are visibly surprised, taken aback—and grateful. After 5 years, hundreds if not thousands of flights—and well over a million troops (in total, counting multiple tours of duty), they still show up.
If you can find time to see the show, it will change your outlook on life. As the greeters say themselves, it is not political. There are strong opinions on the war itself—but sides are never taken at the jetway gate when the soldiers are making their way home. There are only thank-you’s, handshakes and hugs.
Here is the trailer for the show, giving you a glimpse of the magnitude of effort required for each of these “Greeters” to complete THEIR mission:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70xGwH9k4Qg
Special thanks to faithful blog reader Don Coddington of Interscope Records in New York, who inspired today’s subject by sending along a video link to The Gratitude Campaign.
Like the Bangor, Maine greeters, this is an easy way to show your support to men and women in uniform—wherever they are-at the airport or train station, at the Mall or on the street.
Check out this video—and better yet, adopt the practice demonstrated here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSfFYxSdKdo
Tens of thousands of men and women leaves their families, their jobs and their normal lives to fight for our country. The evidence suggests that not one of them comes back unchanged. Many continue to suffer long after their physical injuries have healed. Some without outward battle scars have nonetheless become casualties on an emotional and psychological level.
There are those who say that we have not learned the lessons of Viet Nam. In the political arena where wars are decided, perhaps that is true. There is, however, a marked difference in the way the American public treats those who fight.
Perhaps the greatest tragedy of Viet Nam was that returning soldiers were scorned by many, especially the young war protesters. These draft dodgers and college students called them “baby killers” and worse.
In this regard, I believe that we have made some progress. Now, regardless of your personal stance on the conflict, most Americans can separate the political situation from the personal odyssey of those who serve.
So, it is high time to say “Thank You”!
The Gratitude Campaign—make it a part of who you are whenever you encounter someone who risks everything for you and your family.
If you’d like my blog in your box weekdays, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Texting While Driving Spells Danger
Warning! The second of the two videos included today is VERY graphic. To say it is disturbing would be insufficient. It is horrifying.
And yet, if viewing either of the two videos in this blog would prevent someone from EVER texting while driving, the visual onslaught would be far better than an actual outcome similar to that in the dramatization.
In fact, if you have teenaged or younger drivers, it might be considered required viewing.
That, of course, is up to you. Sometimes, young people—who often see themselves as invincible—need to be SHOCKED into awareness that would change behavior. The second video should do the trick.
The first video is an on-track field test from the publishers of Car and Driver magazine, measuring the effects of both alcohol and texting on driver response times. Not to give away the results, but it is clear that texting while behind the wheel is even more dangerous than operating a vehicle while above the legal blood alcohol limit.
Here’s the first film:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbiHwGBsRr0
Pretty scary, no? Well, as clinical and factual as the previous video is, this next one displays in graphic detail the results of texting on a visceral and emotional level. Produced in the UK for young people to be compelled to view, it has been touted as both horrific and terrific---terrific in the sense that it has affected viewers at a gut level that may be more effective in changing behaviors—as opposed to mere “preaching”. One moment of inattention—especially for a text or message that is frivolous in nature---nonetheless becomes life-changing----and perhaps life-ending for the victims of this accident. The consequences of a split-second mistake will alter the course of these kids' lives forever:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIqO2IBR8aY
Hard to watch.
Harder still if you imagine any of those kids being your own. So, at the risk of being a pest, at the peril of nagging your loved ones, PLEASE convey the danger of texting while driving. Much has been said about speaking on a cell phone while driving. I won’t attempt to minimize the dangers here too, but texting while driving is demonstrably worse.
I have been guilty of it in the past, but these videos have hit me so hard, I won’t be doing it again. There is no message so urgent to receive or send that it is worth risking your life-or the lives of others.
Be careful out there!
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
And yet, if viewing either of the two videos in this blog would prevent someone from EVER texting while driving, the visual onslaught would be far better than an actual outcome similar to that in the dramatization.
In fact, if you have teenaged or younger drivers, it might be considered required viewing.
That, of course, is up to you. Sometimes, young people—who often see themselves as invincible—need to be SHOCKED into awareness that would change behavior. The second video should do the trick.
The first video is an on-track field test from the publishers of Car and Driver magazine, measuring the effects of both alcohol and texting on driver response times. Not to give away the results, but it is clear that texting while behind the wheel is even more dangerous than operating a vehicle while above the legal blood alcohol limit.
Here’s the first film:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbiHwGBsRr0
Pretty scary, no? Well, as clinical and factual as the previous video is, this next one displays in graphic detail the results of texting on a visceral and emotional level. Produced in the UK for young people to be compelled to view, it has been touted as both horrific and terrific---terrific in the sense that it has affected viewers at a gut level that may be more effective in changing behaviors—as opposed to mere “preaching”. One moment of inattention—especially for a text or message that is frivolous in nature---nonetheless becomes life-changing----and perhaps life-ending for the victims of this accident. The consequences of a split-second mistake will alter the course of these kids' lives forever:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIqO2IBR8aY
Hard to watch.
Harder still if you imagine any of those kids being your own. So, at the risk of being a pest, at the peril of nagging your loved ones, PLEASE convey the danger of texting while driving. Much has been said about speaking on a cell phone while driving. I won’t attempt to minimize the dangers here too, but texting while driving is demonstrably worse.
I have been guilty of it in the past, but these videos have hit me so hard, I won’t be doing it again. There is no message so urgent to receive or send that it is worth risking your life-or the lives of others.
Be careful out there!
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Monday, November 16, 2009
We Deserve What We Get
As Sarah Palin’s book “Going Rogue” is released this week —and she makes the rounds on the talk show circuit, I am reminded of a belief that is held by many (I think) and yet shared by few:
Namely, the American electorate is largely ignorant.
Not stupid, necessarily, not dumb, just largely uninformed and prone to pulling the lever for the person or persons who have penetrated their consciousness by whatever means necessary to achieve recognition.
Sarah Palin just happens to be the flavor of the month. From almost total obscurity (despite being elected the governor of a state) to “rock star” status, she is the product of the media’s 2008 fascination with the “new”-and is now being touted as the next possible Republican nominee for President in 2012. Here is a compilation of Sarah’s Greatest Hits from the LAST campaign:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrzXLYA_e6E
Trust me, I could dig this stuff up for Democrats or Republicans---- it is NOT about partisan politics.
It’s ALL about name recognition. The game begins and ends with this elusive target goal.
Pierce their awareness with who you are—and that is electoral gold, regardless of your qualifications.
I admit that it is arrogant to say this. No politician would contemplate uttering such words, even if they secretly believe the masses are like cattle-largely unaware of their surroundings and susceptible to a prod in one direction or another. Again, this is not a partisan attack, it’s just reality.
Part of the problem is not really our fault. Issues tend to be complex—and the media reduces everything to sound bites, one-liners and “zingers”. We Americans are busy. We simply don’t have time to evaluate the nuances of any one person’s stand on a variety of issues—especially after driven through the filter of a media outlet that may be biased. It’s often hard to know just who is telling the truth.
So, what’s a voter to do?
Well, we do what’s been done for most of our history— we gravitate to emotional “gut” feelings about the “type of person” we want to serve us. It has nothing to do with competence. It is “perceived ability”—based almost exclusively on EMOTION.
This used to mean that former generals like Ulysses S Grant and Dwight Eisenhower, clearly competent in their wartime leadership roles—would be tapped to move into the Oval Office. Even a young PT boat commander with little legislative experience can arrange to get elected. Nothing against John F. Kennedy, but most historians agree that the TV debate between JFK and Nixon sealed the fate of the 1960 election.
Why?
Nixon refused the TV makeup before the telecast. As a result, he looked pasty and ill. Kennedy appeared tanned and relaxed. How would history have changed if the makeup artist had convinced Nixon to wear a cosmetic foundation for the camera in that razor-thin election?
Nowadays, the name recognition doesn’t need to come from leadership in a field where the skill set would transfer seamlessly to legislative expertise. It can come from ANYWHERE—and does.
Check out this list of politicians and their former careers:
Ronald Reagan-actor—Personally, I think he was a terrific President. He was involved
Republican politics after working tirelessly in a similar fashion
for the Screen Actor’s Guild. Still, his fame (and his name
recognition was from movies/TV)
Sonny Bono-singer—(sung to the tune of “I Got You Babe”) “They say he’s young and
he don’t know, won’t find out until he grows”
Jesse Ventura-Wrestler-did to Minnesota voters the electoral equivalent to hitting your
opponent over the head with a folding chair.
Al Frankin-Comedian—Minnesota does it again, but then, he’s good enough, he’s smart
enough, and dagnabit, people like him.
Arnold Schwarzenegger-actor—“Terminated” the fiscal viability of California
Jack Kemp—Football player-He played for Buffalo, so even Congress was a step up
Fred Grandy-Actor—Parlayed a role on “The Love Boat” into a Congressional seat..
allrighty then..
Of course, this is just a partial list, but you get the idea. Making yourself KNOWN is clearly Job 1—and then if you can muster up the mere appearance of someone who won’t screw things up too badly, you’ve got a great chance against a lesser-known (but perhaps more qualified) opponent.
Oprah could probably get elected President.
Bill Clinton’s saxophone-toting appearance on Arsenio Hall elevated his stature in his first race for the White House. After all, why couldn’t he lead the free world? He can play the SAXOPHONE, for God’s sake!
And George Bush had that homey appeal of a guy you’d like to have a beer with. If that doesn’t qualify you for the job, I don’t know what does!
How about we ditch the notion of glamour and Hollywood credentials in our leaders? How about we settle for good old-fashioned COMPETENCE? Be articulate enough to know how to communicate, be smart enough to understand the issues—and then go forth with your views on your sleeve. Speak in plain English and we’ll decide if we like what we hear.
Perhaps we should turn the tables on our own tendencies to gravitate to the known. I realize the old saying is dominant, the “devil you know is better than the devil you don’t”…..
Or is it?
Let’s try politicians brave enough to risk alienating us with views that are spoken plainly and not susceptible to misinterpretation by a media always looking for a gaffe.
If it is clowns, boobs, idiots and crooks that we send to represent us, it is therefore precisely what we deserve—only because we haven’t taken the time and effort to demand better.
If you’d like my weekday blog in your box, just let me know! Tim.moore@citcomm.com
Namely, the American electorate is largely ignorant.
Not stupid, necessarily, not dumb, just largely uninformed and prone to pulling the lever for the person or persons who have penetrated their consciousness by whatever means necessary to achieve recognition.
Sarah Palin just happens to be the flavor of the month. From almost total obscurity (despite being elected the governor of a state) to “rock star” status, she is the product of the media’s 2008 fascination with the “new”-and is now being touted as the next possible Republican nominee for President in 2012. Here is a compilation of Sarah’s Greatest Hits from the LAST campaign:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrzXLYA_e6E
Trust me, I could dig this stuff up for Democrats or Republicans---- it is NOT about partisan politics.
It’s ALL about name recognition. The game begins and ends with this elusive target goal.
Pierce their awareness with who you are—and that is electoral gold, regardless of your qualifications.
I admit that it is arrogant to say this. No politician would contemplate uttering such words, even if they secretly believe the masses are like cattle-largely unaware of their surroundings and susceptible to a prod in one direction or another. Again, this is not a partisan attack, it’s just reality.
Part of the problem is not really our fault. Issues tend to be complex—and the media reduces everything to sound bites, one-liners and “zingers”. We Americans are busy. We simply don’t have time to evaluate the nuances of any one person’s stand on a variety of issues—especially after driven through the filter of a media outlet that may be biased. It’s often hard to know just who is telling the truth.
So, what’s a voter to do?
Well, we do what’s been done for most of our history— we gravitate to emotional “gut” feelings about the “type of person” we want to serve us. It has nothing to do with competence. It is “perceived ability”—based almost exclusively on EMOTION.
This used to mean that former generals like Ulysses S Grant and Dwight Eisenhower, clearly competent in their wartime leadership roles—would be tapped to move into the Oval Office. Even a young PT boat commander with little legislative experience can arrange to get elected. Nothing against John F. Kennedy, but most historians agree that the TV debate between JFK and Nixon sealed the fate of the 1960 election.
Why?
Nixon refused the TV makeup before the telecast. As a result, he looked pasty and ill. Kennedy appeared tanned and relaxed. How would history have changed if the makeup artist had convinced Nixon to wear a cosmetic foundation for the camera in that razor-thin election?
Nowadays, the name recognition doesn’t need to come from leadership in a field where the skill set would transfer seamlessly to legislative expertise. It can come from ANYWHERE—and does.
Check out this list of politicians and their former careers:
Ronald Reagan-actor—Personally, I think he was a terrific President. He was involved
Republican politics after working tirelessly in a similar fashion
for the Screen Actor’s Guild. Still, his fame (and his name
recognition was from movies/TV)
Sonny Bono-singer—(sung to the tune of “I Got You Babe”) “They say he’s young and
he don’t know, won’t find out until he grows”
Jesse Ventura-Wrestler-did to Minnesota voters the electoral equivalent to hitting your
opponent over the head with a folding chair.
Al Frankin-Comedian—Minnesota does it again, but then, he’s good enough, he’s smart
enough, and dagnabit, people like him.
Arnold Schwarzenegger-actor—“Terminated” the fiscal viability of California
Jack Kemp—Football player-He played for Buffalo, so even Congress was a step up
Fred Grandy-Actor—Parlayed a role on “The Love Boat” into a Congressional seat..
allrighty then..
Of course, this is just a partial list, but you get the idea. Making yourself KNOWN is clearly Job 1—and then if you can muster up the mere appearance of someone who won’t screw things up too badly, you’ve got a great chance against a lesser-known (but perhaps more qualified) opponent.
Oprah could probably get elected President.
Bill Clinton’s saxophone-toting appearance on Arsenio Hall elevated his stature in his first race for the White House. After all, why couldn’t he lead the free world? He can play the SAXOPHONE, for God’s sake!
And George Bush had that homey appeal of a guy you’d like to have a beer with. If that doesn’t qualify you for the job, I don’t know what does!
How about we ditch the notion of glamour and Hollywood credentials in our leaders? How about we settle for good old-fashioned COMPETENCE? Be articulate enough to know how to communicate, be smart enough to understand the issues—and then go forth with your views on your sleeve. Speak in plain English and we’ll decide if we like what we hear.
Perhaps we should turn the tables on our own tendencies to gravitate to the known. I realize the old saying is dominant, the “devil you know is better than the devil you don’t”…..
Or is it?
Let’s try politicians brave enough to risk alienating us with views that are spoken plainly and not susceptible to misinterpretation by a media always looking for a gaffe.
If it is clowns, boobs, idiots and crooks that we send to represent us, it is therefore precisely what we deserve—only because we haven’t taken the time and effort to demand better.
If you’d like my weekday blog in your box, just let me know! Tim.moore@citcomm.com
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