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
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
The Case For Term Limits Just Died
The title of this blog is misleading, because the case for term limits has never been stronger.
Senator Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia completely personified the acute need to restrict access to power—and he just passed away. Byrd was a walking, talking, filibustering, airtight argument for the imposition of term limits. Interesting to note that his DEATH was ultimately the only way to extricate him from a seat that he held for over a half a century. Over a dozen Senators and the President of the United States were not even BORN when he first took office.
Did he have excessive power, influence and opportunity for corruption? Without a doubt.
In the interest of full disclosure, I must declare that I am no fan of the late Senator. As is often the case when someone passes, the deceased are deified, their transgressions dismissed and their accomplishments magnified.
When evaluating the good Senator, keep in mind the following facts:
1) He joined the Ku Klux Klan in 1942, rising to the level of “Exalted Cyclops” (I am not making this up) His writings during this period survive:
“I shall never fight in the armed forces with a Negro by my side ... Rather I should die a thousand times, and see Old Glory trampled in the dirt never to rise again, than to see this beloved land of ours become degraded by race mongrels, a throwback to the blackest specimen from the wilds.”
The above is from a letter written to Mississippi Senator Theodore Bilbo in 1944.
2) He personally mounted a 14-hour filibuster to block passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Thankfully, he was unsuccessful in this endeavor.
3) He opposed the Voting Rights Act of 1965
Supporters of Sen. Byrd point to his about-face regarding race relations in the years since. Can’t someone simply change his or her mind?Absolutely.
Yet, the cynic in me wonders whether Byrd’s epiphany was due to a heartfelt realization that he was wrong----or were merely the calculations of an astute politician who came to understand that blacks voting in unison could deny him his precious seat.
We’ll never really know.
I see both sides in the arguments for and against terms limits—and a reasonable person can understand the primary contradiction that term limits impose on democracy-namely:
If the collective will of the people is inclined towards a particular individual, to deny that person the ability to serve is inherently---undemocratic.
One of the intriguing arguments against term limits has to do with a phenomenon that, over time, would transfer true power and influence not to the elected, but rather to the entrenched staffs who would remain in place through a succession of politicians, exerting a power no less insidious—and perhaps more so.
Like it or not, the machinations of government, particularly at the federal level—are complex. Any freshman Congress member will admit (after the fact, of course) that much of their first term is spent merely “learning the ropes”. A populist candidate from Wyoming, for instance, arrives in Washington with no clue as to how to navigate the ways and means of legislating. Who do they end up relying upon? Usually, it falls on the veterans of the D.C. bureaucracy. People who have “been there, done that”. They are not elected. They are the office workers, the staffers who have labored for a variety of Senators and Congress members, ascending to more prestigious jobs based on their competence, their ability to forge relationships and manage the intricate mosaic of competing forces that define politics and governing.
All well and good until you enact term limits. Now, it’s a revolving door where the second (and perhaps last?) term may be a Congressman or woman’s only effective one. As the outgoing politicians exit town, the new ones arriving are essentially the trainees of those for whom no one has cast a vote. In short, the bureaucrats—nameless, faceless-and unaccountable—will be in charge over time.
Still, with all of that said, I stand in favor if imposing SOME kind of term limit.
Democracy by definition requires compromise—and all it takes is one look at politicians like Byrd, Strom Thurmond—and other entrenched, long-term power brokers—to see that the system is dysfunctional in part because the organizational flow chart of getting things done can be literally choked off by one person.
Such was often the case with Senator Byrd. Known as the “King of Pork” by the Citizens Against Government Waste, Byrd procured over a billion dollars for his home state—and used his seniority to block his opponents from voting against his whims-lest they suffer the retribution that comes from a senior Senator with Chairmanship positions on key Committees.
Politics at its best----and worst.
Yes, let’s impose a reasonable limit on the CONSECUTIVE terms that one can serve. Perhaps a lifetime cap of 25 years total service as well.
Smarter people than myself can debate the specifics, but it doesn’t take a deep thinker to know that what we’ve got now—a system of reward and payback based on the greedy accumulation and exercise of power—isn’t the government we deserve.
If you’d like my blog in your daily inbox, just let me know; tim.moore@citcomm.com
Senator Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia completely personified the acute need to restrict access to power—and he just passed away. Byrd was a walking, talking, filibustering, airtight argument for the imposition of term limits. Interesting to note that his DEATH was ultimately the only way to extricate him from a seat that he held for over a half a century. Over a dozen Senators and the President of the United States were not even BORN when he first took office.
Did he have excessive power, influence and opportunity for corruption? Without a doubt.
In the interest of full disclosure, I must declare that I am no fan of the late Senator. As is often the case when someone passes, the deceased are deified, their transgressions dismissed and their accomplishments magnified.
When evaluating the good Senator, keep in mind the following facts:
1) He joined the Ku Klux Klan in 1942, rising to the level of “Exalted Cyclops” (I am not making this up) His writings during this period survive:
“I shall never fight in the armed forces with a Negro by my side ... Rather I should die a thousand times, and see Old Glory trampled in the dirt never to rise again, than to see this beloved land of ours become degraded by race mongrels, a throwback to the blackest specimen from the wilds.”
The above is from a letter written to Mississippi Senator Theodore Bilbo in 1944.
2) He personally mounted a 14-hour filibuster to block passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Thankfully, he was unsuccessful in this endeavor.
3) He opposed the Voting Rights Act of 1965
Supporters of Sen. Byrd point to his about-face regarding race relations in the years since. Can’t someone simply change his or her mind?Absolutely.
Yet, the cynic in me wonders whether Byrd’s epiphany was due to a heartfelt realization that he was wrong----or were merely the calculations of an astute politician who came to understand that blacks voting in unison could deny him his precious seat.
We’ll never really know.
I see both sides in the arguments for and against terms limits—and a reasonable person can understand the primary contradiction that term limits impose on democracy-namely:
If the collective will of the people is inclined towards a particular individual, to deny that person the ability to serve is inherently---undemocratic.
One of the intriguing arguments against term limits has to do with a phenomenon that, over time, would transfer true power and influence not to the elected, but rather to the entrenched staffs who would remain in place through a succession of politicians, exerting a power no less insidious—and perhaps more so.
Like it or not, the machinations of government, particularly at the federal level—are complex. Any freshman Congress member will admit (after the fact, of course) that much of their first term is spent merely “learning the ropes”. A populist candidate from Wyoming, for instance, arrives in Washington with no clue as to how to navigate the ways and means of legislating. Who do they end up relying upon? Usually, it falls on the veterans of the D.C. bureaucracy. People who have “been there, done that”. They are not elected. They are the office workers, the staffers who have labored for a variety of Senators and Congress members, ascending to more prestigious jobs based on their competence, their ability to forge relationships and manage the intricate mosaic of competing forces that define politics and governing.
All well and good until you enact term limits. Now, it’s a revolving door where the second (and perhaps last?) term may be a Congressman or woman’s only effective one. As the outgoing politicians exit town, the new ones arriving are essentially the trainees of those for whom no one has cast a vote. In short, the bureaucrats—nameless, faceless-and unaccountable—will be in charge over time.
Still, with all of that said, I stand in favor if imposing SOME kind of term limit.
Democracy by definition requires compromise—and all it takes is one look at politicians like Byrd, Strom Thurmond—and other entrenched, long-term power brokers—to see that the system is dysfunctional in part because the organizational flow chart of getting things done can be literally choked off by one person.
Such was often the case with Senator Byrd. Known as the “King of Pork” by the Citizens Against Government Waste, Byrd procured over a billion dollars for his home state—and used his seniority to block his opponents from voting against his whims-lest they suffer the retribution that comes from a senior Senator with Chairmanship positions on key Committees.
Politics at its best----and worst.
Yes, let’s impose a reasonable limit on the CONSECUTIVE terms that one can serve. Perhaps a lifetime cap of 25 years total service as well.
Smarter people than myself can debate the specifics, but it doesn’t take a deep thinker to know that what we’ve got now—a system of reward and payback based on the greedy accumulation and exercise of power—isn’t the government we deserve.
If you’d like my blog in your daily inbox, just let me know; tim.moore@citcomm.com
Monday, June 28, 2010
Mommy Rhapsody
The alarm clock will ring for me at 3am this week—as I fill in for GV on the 94.9 WHOM “More Music Morning Show”.
Something has to give---and it may be this blog!
Today’s is merely a cute video which was sent to me today. Would have been perfect around Mothers Day, but EVERY day is Mothers Day, no?
Well, ask the Moms out there and the answer might be “We wish!”
A parody of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody”, every Mom who watches will appreciate the clever and truthful lyrics performed by three women who have that knowing look as they deliver the goods!
Enjoy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqbkT3PnwkQ
If you’d like my blog in your weekday inbox, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Something has to give---and it may be this blog!
Today’s is merely a cute video which was sent to me today. Would have been perfect around Mothers Day, but EVERY day is Mothers Day, no?
Well, ask the Moms out there and the answer might be “We wish!”
A parody of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody”, every Mom who watches will appreciate the clever and truthful lyrics performed by three women who have that knowing look as they deliver the goods!
Enjoy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqbkT3PnwkQ
If you’d like my blog in your weekday inbox, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Jackie Gleason--The Great One!
THE FOLLOWING IS AN ENCORE TIM MOORE BLOG-UPDATED
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!”
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Tiffany Goes To The Mall
You may not remember her.
You may not have liked her if you do remember.
You may have never heard of her at all.
None of it really matters, because like her or not, a young pop singer took matters into her own hands on this date in 1987—and I respect that.
The singer was Tiffany Darwish—or just “Tiffany”—and she embarked on a nationwide tour of shopping malls in what is now considered a stroke of marketing genius. Although not a fan myself, I played her songs on the air back in the 80’s—and I respect the savvy of her management and the 15 year old singer herself. That “Mall Tour” turned a floundering career completely around—and made a pop star out of the youngster—if only for a short period of time.
After signing with MCA Records, Tiffany’s discs were gathering dust on store shelves. Long before downloads and iTunes, radio was the #1 way to expose new music and brick and mortar record stores were the only outlets to purchase this music.
Well, radio wasn’t convinced that the young diva had the goods—and sales were miniscule. A brainstorm from Tiffany’s manager—agreed to by the teenager—made all the difference. Tiffany opened at the Paramus Park Mall in New Jersey on this date.
From this humble beginning, Tiffany’s exceptional voice and bubbly personality won over both young and old alike. As she continued to criss-cross the country, the crowds began to grow—and radio began to take notice. Airplay catapulted the youngster into a star whose Mall appearances began to attract huge enthusiastic crowds.
Here’s a video of Tiffany with her hit song “I Think We’re Alone Now”—a remake of the Tommy James and the Shondells hit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=826PTEuHKhE
Tiffany went on to sell over four MILLION copies of her debut album, so it’s safe to say that the Mall Tour was a good idea.
Of course, her career stalled as music tastes changed-and Tiffany was the focus of tabloid news starting around squabbles with her own parents over financial control-and culminating with her nude photos in Playboy magazine.
Tiffany, now 38, is still recording and performing.
If you’d like my blog in your weekday box, just let me know! Tim.moore@citcomm.com
You may not have liked her if you do remember.
You may have never heard of her at all.
None of it really matters, because like her or not, a young pop singer took matters into her own hands on this date in 1987—and I respect that.
The singer was Tiffany Darwish—or just “Tiffany”—and she embarked on a nationwide tour of shopping malls in what is now considered a stroke of marketing genius. Although not a fan myself, I played her songs on the air back in the 80’s—and I respect the savvy of her management and the 15 year old singer herself. That “Mall Tour” turned a floundering career completely around—and made a pop star out of the youngster—if only for a short period of time.
After signing with MCA Records, Tiffany’s discs were gathering dust on store shelves. Long before downloads and iTunes, radio was the #1 way to expose new music and brick and mortar record stores were the only outlets to purchase this music.
Well, radio wasn’t convinced that the young diva had the goods—and sales were miniscule. A brainstorm from Tiffany’s manager—agreed to by the teenager—made all the difference. Tiffany opened at the Paramus Park Mall in New Jersey on this date.
From this humble beginning, Tiffany’s exceptional voice and bubbly personality won over both young and old alike. As she continued to criss-cross the country, the crowds began to grow—and radio began to take notice. Airplay catapulted the youngster into a star whose Mall appearances began to attract huge enthusiastic crowds.
Here’s a video of Tiffany with her hit song “I Think We’re Alone Now”—a remake of the Tommy James and the Shondells hit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=826PTEuHKhE
Tiffany went on to sell over four MILLION copies of her debut album, so it’s safe to say that the Mall Tour was a good idea.
Of course, her career stalled as music tastes changed-and Tiffany was the focus of tabloid news starting around squabbles with her own parents over financial control-and culminating with her nude photos in Playboy magazine.
Tiffany, now 38, is still recording and performing.
If you’d like my blog in your weekday box, just let me know! Tim.moore@citcomm.com
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
A Quarter Century Of Us
It was on this date 25 years ago---- that Peggy and I were married—a beautiful ceremony on a gorgeous day in Ellsworth, Maine.
St. Joseph’s Church was filled with family, soon-to-be family---and friends. Noel Paul Stookey consented to perform his hit, “The Wedding Song” at the ceremony—and Father Peter Gorham (God rest his soul!) did the heavy lifting.
It’s hard to believe that a quarter century has passed since then. Three incredible children: John, Christina and Kevin are without a doubt our biggest “accomplishment”. Bringing them into the world has made this spinning orb infinitely better---and life for both of us is simply inconceivable without them.
Likewise, I have been blessed with a family of “in-laws” who are outstanding in every way. I have never been able to relate to “mother-in-law” jokes, mostly because Peggy’s Mom is truly one of the finest people I have ever met. Ann’s character and personality are completely embodied in my wife—as they are also in her brother Bob and her sisters Kathy & Judy. Their spouses are well aware of it, too—and I’m certain they share my belief that we all hit the “in-law jackpot” My affection for all of them, their children and Mom’s husband Dick are beyond words. Same for all the aunts and uncles and cousins. I am truly a lucky guy.
What’s really amazing is that my lovely wife has been able to put up with ME for all these years. Even more beautiful today than the day I married her, the same cannot be said for yours truly. Grayer hair, glasses and 36-pack abs have take the place of…….OK, never mind. GQ never approached me for a cover shot back then either.
In assembling some of my more endearing qualities, I do have to admit that I snore heavily.
Who wouldn’t ask for THAT in a mate? Combined with occasional thoughtlessness, carelessness and stupidity, it’s easy to see why I was a real catch.
Like most husbands, I suppose, I have not told her that I love her enough, have committed enough transgressions to test the forgiveness of Mother Teresa—and have generally been something of an ass on and off for 25 years.
But, I guess that deep down, Peggy has always known that I love her—even if I sometimes have a funny way of showing it. And by “funny”, I mean seldom. She has been the friend you want in a partner, the counselor you need—and the companion that you seek when you first pop that question.
Much of our wedding day is a blur to me now—as is much of the last 25 years, where children, jobs, houses, pets and vacations have blended into a net collage of fond memories. Hard times, too, however….the loss of both of my parents, two of Peggy’s grandparents among other loved ones---have tempered the good times that have been in abundance. The thought of “what we’d be like” a quarter century in the future would have been too much to fathom on that beautiful summer day back in 1985.
Nevertheless, I couldn’t have written a better screenplay---and I look forward to the next 25, hoping all the while that I can grow into the kind of person who deserves someone as wonderful as my wife Peggy is—and has been.
Happy Anniversary, Shweetie!
St. Joseph’s Church was filled with family, soon-to-be family---and friends. Noel Paul Stookey consented to perform his hit, “The Wedding Song” at the ceremony—and Father Peter Gorham (God rest his soul!) did the heavy lifting.
It’s hard to believe that a quarter century has passed since then. Three incredible children: John, Christina and Kevin are without a doubt our biggest “accomplishment”. Bringing them into the world has made this spinning orb infinitely better---and life for both of us is simply inconceivable without them.
Likewise, I have been blessed with a family of “in-laws” who are outstanding in every way. I have never been able to relate to “mother-in-law” jokes, mostly because Peggy’s Mom is truly one of the finest people I have ever met. Ann’s character and personality are completely embodied in my wife—as they are also in her brother Bob and her sisters Kathy & Judy. Their spouses are well aware of it, too—and I’m certain they share my belief that we all hit the “in-law jackpot” My affection for all of them, their children and Mom’s husband Dick are beyond words. Same for all the aunts and uncles and cousins. I am truly a lucky guy.
What’s really amazing is that my lovely wife has been able to put up with ME for all these years. Even more beautiful today than the day I married her, the same cannot be said for yours truly. Grayer hair, glasses and 36-pack abs have take the place of…….OK, never mind. GQ never approached me for a cover shot back then either.
In assembling some of my more endearing qualities, I do have to admit that I snore heavily.
Who wouldn’t ask for THAT in a mate? Combined with occasional thoughtlessness, carelessness and stupidity, it’s easy to see why I was a real catch.
Like most husbands, I suppose, I have not told her that I love her enough, have committed enough transgressions to test the forgiveness of Mother Teresa—and have generally been something of an ass on and off for 25 years.
But, I guess that deep down, Peggy has always known that I love her—even if I sometimes have a funny way of showing it. And by “funny”, I mean seldom. She has been the friend you want in a partner, the counselor you need—and the companion that you seek when you first pop that question.
Much of our wedding day is a blur to me now—as is much of the last 25 years, where children, jobs, houses, pets and vacations have blended into a net collage of fond memories. Hard times, too, however….the loss of both of my parents, two of Peggy’s grandparents among other loved ones---have tempered the good times that have been in abundance. The thought of “what we’d be like” a quarter century in the future would have been too much to fathom on that beautiful summer day back in 1985.
Nevertheless, I couldn’t have written a better screenplay---and I look forward to the next 25, hoping all the while that I can grow into the kind of person who deserves someone as wonderful as my wife Peggy is—and has been.
Happy Anniversary, Shweetie!
Monday, June 21, 2010
The Byrds Begin The Folk-Rock Revolution
It was on this date 45 years ago that the Byrds released “Mr. Tambourine Man”—their debut album, which is credited with starting what’s been termed the “folk-rock revolution”.
No one saw it coming.
Back in 1965, the Beatles were truly “it”, so the emergence of this variation of sound went largely unnoticed by many at the time. Of course, radio listeners and album buyers embraced it—and the #1 single, the title track, helped to launch a sound that is still being heard today.
The guitars and backbeat of the British invasion were successfully joined to the harmonies and lyrical depth of folk music—to create a distinct new sound.
Roger McGuinn had that sound in his head—and decided to draw upon the genius of Bob Dylan to make it real. Newly signed to Columbia Records, McGuinn had access to a demo of “Mr. Tambourine Man” even before Dylan himself (another Columbia artist) could record it for his own album.
On January 20, 1965, the Byrds—McGuinn, David Crosby, Gene Clark, Michael Clark and Chris Hillman—entered the studio to record what would eventually become the only Dylan song to hit #1 on the pop charts.
Here is a video of the Byrds performing this classic on the Frankie Avalon show—only their SECOND TV appearance:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPqAvgN6Tyw
Even Bob Dylan was impressed—his reaction after hearing the Byrds’ version of his song was, “Wow, man you can even dance to that!”
Although the Byrds achieved their huge commercial success for only about two years, they are still considered one of the most influential bands of the 60’s.
In 1991, the Byrds were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, marking the last time the original five members performed together. Gene Clark died later that year from a heart attack—and Michael Clarke passed away from liver problems in 1993.
To this day, the sustained-note sound of that twelve string Rickenbacker guitar remains an integral part of a sound that essentially began 45 years ago.
If you’d like my blog in your inbox weekdays, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
No one saw it coming.
Back in 1965, the Beatles were truly “it”, so the emergence of this variation of sound went largely unnoticed by many at the time. Of course, radio listeners and album buyers embraced it—and the #1 single, the title track, helped to launch a sound that is still being heard today.
The guitars and backbeat of the British invasion were successfully joined to the harmonies and lyrical depth of folk music—to create a distinct new sound.
Roger McGuinn had that sound in his head—and decided to draw upon the genius of Bob Dylan to make it real. Newly signed to Columbia Records, McGuinn had access to a demo of “Mr. Tambourine Man” even before Dylan himself (another Columbia artist) could record it for his own album.
On January 20, 1965, the Byrds—McGuinn, David Crosby, Gene Clark, Michael Clark and Chris Hillman—entered the studio to record what would eventually become the only Dylan song to hit #1 on the pop charts.
Here is a video of the Byrds performing this classic on the Frankie Avalon show—only their SECOND TV appearance:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPqAvgN6Tyw
Even Bob Dylan was impressed—his reaction after hearing the Byrds’ version of his song was, “Wow, man you can even dance to that!”
Although the Byrds achieved their huge commercial success for only about two years, they are still considered one of the most influential bands of the 60’s.
In 1991, the Byrds were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, marking the last time the original five members performed together. Gene Clark died later that year from a heart attack—and Michael Clarke passed away from liver problems in 1993.
To this day, the sustained-note sound of that twelve string Rickenbacker guitar remains an integral part of a sound that essentially began 45 years ago.
If you’d like my blog in your inbox weekdays, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Friday, June 18, 2010
Monterey Pop Festival--1967
Woodstock must have had a better press agent.
Seems the little get-together on Max Yasgur’s farm in New York gets the lion's share of attention when one speaks of the seminal musical event of the 60’s.
However, to do so would be to overlook Woodstock’s predecessor a full two years earlier, the Monterey Pop Festival, which reached its climax on this date in 1967.
Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, The Who and the Grateful Dead were all established superstars by the time they arrived at Woodstock. At Monterey, all were virtually unknown—and it was THIS festival that launched their rise to fame and fortune.
It was the so-called “Summer of Love”—and over three days, all of the above performed, along with the Mamas and The Papas, Simon and Garfunkel, Canned Heat, Eric Burdon and The Animals, Country Joe & The Fish, The Association, Jefferson Airplane,The Byrds, Otis Redding and Ravi Shankar (the father of current star Norah Jones)
Some 200,000 people attended this groundbreaking musical event. The Scott MacKenzie hit song “San Francisco (Be Sure To Wear Flowers In Your Hair)” was written by festival organizer John Phillips of the Mamas and the Papas expressly as a promotional tune for Monterey.
The following series of videos chronicle the whole scene:
Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErrgTVQvzpM
Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pinIZqqrX80&feature=related
Part 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kDeQKOfQds&feature=related
Part 4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iy3gM59_vLQ&feature=related
Part 5
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8IrCso7WLg&feature=related
Part 6
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PSSugXMVJY&feature=related
Part 7
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDDdvl1O32o&feature=related
Part 8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfVsL0DRpPM&feature=related
Part 9
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8w8J2Fw2uE&feature=related
So, no disrespect to Woodstock, but the weather was lousy, people were running around naked with nowhere to go to the bathroom—and it was overcrowded. Given the choice, I think that I would have preferred the Monterey Pop Festival over Woodstock.
Of course, I attended neither. Being only 9 years old that summer, a trip to the drug store to buy a Coke was about as adventurous as it got.
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Seems the little get-together on Max Yasgur’s farm in New York gets the lion's share of attention when one speaks of the seminal musical event of the 60’s.
However, to do so would be to overlook Woodstock’s predecessor a full two years earlier, the Monterey Pop Festival, which reached its climax on this date in 1967.
Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, The Who and the Grateful Dead were all established superstars by the time they arrived at Woodstock. At Monterey, all were virtually unknown—and it was THIS festival that launched their rise to fame and fortune.
It was the so-called “Summer of Love”—and over three days, all of the above performed, along with the Mamas and The Papas, Simon and Garfunkel, Canned Heat, Eric Burdon and The Animals, Country Joe & The Fish, The Association, Jefferson Airplane,The Byrds, Otis Redding and Ravi Shankar (the father of current star Norah Jones)
Some 200,000 people attended this groundbreaking musical event. The Scott MacKenzie hit song “San Francisco (Be Sure To Wear Flowers In Your Hair)” was written by festival organizer John Phillips of the Mamas and the Papas expressly as a promotional tune for Monterey.
The following series of videos chronicle the whole scene:
Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErrgTVQvzpM
Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pinIZqqrX80&feature=related
Part 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kDeQKOfQds&feature=related
Part 4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iy3gM59_vLQ&feature=related
Part 5
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8IrCso7WLg&feature=related
Part 6
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PSSugXMVJY&feature=related
Part 7
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDDdvl1O32o&feature=related
Part 8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfVsL0DRpPM&feature=related
Part 9
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8w8J2Fw2uE&feature=related
So, no disrespect to Woodstock, but the weather was lousy, people were running around naked with nowhere to go to the bathroom—and it was overcrowded. Given the choice, I think that I would have preferred the Monterey Pop Festival over Woodstock.
Of course, I attended neither. Being only 9 years old that summer, a trip to the drug store to buy a Coke was about as adventurous as it got.
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Lady Liberty Arrives!!
THE FOLLOWING IS AN ENCORE TIM MOORE BLOG:
The Statue of Liberty-a gift from the people of France-arrived in New York harbor on this date in 1885!
Designed by French sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, it arrived in many pieces-more than 200 packing cases-- and had to be assembled atop the pedestal built to display her on Liberty Island. The 151 foot statue was a dramatic first view of America for the millions of immigrants who arrived at Ellis Island to be processed for citizenship.
A couple of neat videos included today-one of a New York Congressman taking us up to the top-as the first person since the terrorist attacks in 2001 to do so. The second is of illusionist David Copperfield, who made the Statue “disappear” on Live TV 4 years ago!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_rgmqnQYYo
Now, here’s the illusion:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAEw-gtDkO4
Hail the Statue of Liberty, iconic symbol of America-and Freedom!
The Statue of Liberty-a gift from the people of France-arrived in New York harbor on this date in 1885!
Designed by French sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, it arrived in many pieces-more than 200 packing cases-- and had to be assembled atop the pedestal built to display her on Liberty Island. The 151 foot statue was a dramatic first view of America for the millions of immigrants who arrived at Ellis Island to be processed for citizenship.
A couple of neat videos included today-one of a New York Congressman taking us up to the top-as the first person since the terrorist attacks in 2001 to do so. The second is of illusionist David Copperfield, who made the Statue “disappear” on Live TV 4 years ago!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_rgmqnQYYo
Now, here’s the illusion:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAEw-gtDkO4
Hail the Statue of Liberty, iconic symbol of America-and Freedom!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Video Claims Another Victim
There’s no escaping the videocam.
Forget about TV cameras. Everyone—especially a Congressman—can see them coming. Evident from the pre-arrival preening that today’s blow-dry politicians engage in, the arrival of the News Crew is a ritual of ego.
No, I’m referring to all other manner of videocam—those that reside in iPhones, Blackberries and Flipcams. They are everywhere—and within minutes, your loss of self control is there for all the world to see.
And that’s exactly what happened to Rep. Bob Etheridge, a Democrat from North Carolina last week. Approached by “students” doing a “project”, the good Congressman flipped out---and his meltdown is one of the most viewed videos on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v60oNUoHBYM&feature=topvideos
You’d expect better from someone first elected in 1996—he’s not a rookie. Yet, a man approaching 70 is not fully engaged with the world of 2010, where gaffes cannot be contained. They expand exponentially into the vast, unlimited world of the internet-where they are hungrily consumed by a public always on the lookout for people to humiliate, especially the “high and mighty” of Congress, an august body that’s currently not held in the highest esteem.
The Congressman’s office issued an apology:
"Rep. Etheridge again deeply apologizes for his reaction on the street last week," Owens said. "He will continue to serve the people of North Carolina's 2nd District by focusing on the needs of middle-class families and hard-working folks."
Up for re-election in North Carolina’s Second District, his prospects were looking fairly bright (despite the current disdain for incumbents)----that is, until this week. Now, his Republican challenger, nurse Renee Ellmers, is beginning to believe. Campaign donations are pouring into her coffers. Good thing, as her “war chest” stood at about $5,400 last month.
Still quite the uphill climb to unseat an incumbent, Republican leaders are starting to show interest in Ellmers’ candidacy. Perhaps the best campaign ad for unseating Etheridge is the video above, running free of charge on TV news shows and all over the web.
While no one has declared the Democrat “toast” just yet, one has to wonder about the temperament of a man who would physically assault a young person who was not being rude or abusive—especially when he could clearly see that he was being filmed.
Idiot.
No shortage of imbeciles in elected office, but this one stands apart. And while he can chalk it up to a “bad day”, the voters of North Carolina must decide if this man, who hasn’t the presence of mind to exercise a little self control—has the qualifications to be considered a “leader”.
About 20 protesters appeared outside Etheridge’s Raleigh office, demanding he resign immediately.
I wouldn’t hold my breath for THAT to happen anytime soon. It will be up to the voters to decide if this “pillar of the community” deserves to represent their interests any longer.
If not—and the good Congressman loses his seat, perhaps there is an “Over 70” Division in the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Show “RAW”.
Smackdown!
If you’d like my blog in your weekday box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Forget about TV cameras. Everyone—especially a Congressman—can see them coming. Evident from the pre-arrival preening that today’s blow-dry politicians engage in, the arrival of the News Crew is a ritual of ego.
No, I’m referring to all other manner of videocam—those that reside in iPhones, Blackberries and Flipcams. They are everywhere—and within minutes, your loss of self control is there for all the world to see.
And that’s exactly what happened to Rep. Bob Etheridge, a Democrat from North Carolina last week. Approached by “students” doing a “project”, the good Congressman flipped out---and his meltdown is one of the most viewed videos on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v60oNUoHBYM&feature=topvideos
You’d expect better from someone first elected in 1996—he’s not a rookie. Yet, a man approaching 70 is not fully engaged with the world of 2010, where gaffes cannot be contained. They expand exponentially into the vast, unlimited world of the internet-where they are hungrily consumed by a public always on the lookout for people to humiliate, especially the “high and mighty” of Congress, an august body that’s currently not held in the highest esteem.
The Congressman’s office issued an apology:
"Rep. Etheridge again deeply apologizes for his reaction on the street last week," Owens said. "He will continue to serve the people of North Carolina's 2nd District by focusing on the needs of middle-class families and hard-working folks."
Up for re-election in North Carolina’s Second District, his prospects were looking fairly bright (despite the current disdain for incumbents)----that is, until this week. Now, his Republican challenger, nurse Renee Ellmers, is beginning to believe. Campaign donations are pouring into her coffers. Good thing, as her “war chest” stood at about $5,400 last month.
Still quite the uphill climb to unseat an incumbent, Republican leaders are starting to show interest in Ellmers’ candidacy. Perhaps the best campaign ad for unseating Etheridge is the video above, running free of charge on TV news shows and all over the web.
While no one has declared the Democrat “toast” just yet, one has to wonder about the temperament of a man who would physically assault a young person who was not being rude or abusive—especially when he could clearly see that he was being filmed.
Idiot.
No shortage of imbeciles in elected office, but this one stands apart. And while he can chalk it up to a “bad day”, the voters of North Carolina must decide if this man, who hasn’t the presence of mind to exercise a little self control—has the qualifications to be considered a “leader”.
About 20 protesters appeared outside Etheridge’s Raleigh office, demanding he resign immediately.
I wouldn’t hold my breath for THAT to happen anytime soon. It will be up to the voters to decide if this “pillar of the community” deserves to represent their interests any longer.
If not—and the good Congressman loses his seat, perhaps there is an “Over 70” Division in the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Show “RAW”.
Smackdown!
If you’d like my blog in your weekday box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
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