Skyline Number 3

Shanghai, China

How About Some Fun?

For shits and grins let's take a look at the top five songs according to Billboard on this date from 1965-1974 (to me, that's always been the golden age of pop music).

Here we go. (stop me if I start sounding like Dick Clark)

From June 26, 1965

1. Mr. Tamborine Man-The Byrds

2. I Can't Help Myself-Four Tops

3. Wooly Bully-Sam The Sham

4. Satisfaction-Rolling Stones (it was #26 the week before)

5. Wonderful World-Herman's Hermits

the highest debut from that week..."Theme From A Summer Place" by the Lettermen

From June 25, 1966

1. Paperback Writer-Beatles (was number 15 the week before)

2. Strangers In The Night-Frank Sinatra

3. Paint It, Black-R0lling Stones (down from two weeks at number one)

4. Did You Ever Have To Make Up Your Mind-Lovin' Spoonful

5. I Am A Rock-Simon and Garfunkel

The highest debut from that week..."Wild Thing" by the Troggs

From June 24, 1967

1. Groovin-Young Rascals (second week at number one)

2. Respect-Aretha Franklin (second week at number 2 after having been number 1 for 2 weeks)

3. She'd Rather Be With Me-Turtles

4. Windy-The Association

5. Little Bit O' Soul-Music Explosion

The highest debut of the week.."Whiter Shade of Pale" -Procul Harum

From June 22, 1968

1. This Guy's In Love With You-Herb Alpert

2. MacArthur Park-Richard Harris

3. Mrs. Robinson-Simon and Garfunkel (after being number one for three weeks)

4. Yummy Yummy Yummy-Ohio Express (gag me)

5. The Look of Love-Sergio Mendez (very mellow top five, huh?)

The highest debut of the week..."People Sure Act Funny"-Arthur Conley (wtf?)

From June 28 1969

1. Love Theme From Romeo and Juliet-Henry Mancini

2. Bad Moon Rising-CCR

3. Get Back-Beatles (after five weeks at number one)

4. Too Busy Thinkin About My Baby-Marvin Gaye

5. One-3 Dog Night

The highest debut of the week....(at number 59!!) "Sweet Caroline"-Neil Diamond

From June 27, 19701. The Love You Save-Jackson Five

2. Mama Told Me Not To Come-3 Dog Night

3. Ball Of Confusion-Temptations

4. The Long and Winding Road-Beatles (after two weeks at number one)

5. Hitchin A Ride-Vanity Fare

The highest debut of the week..(at number 49!!)"Signed, Sealed, Delivered"-Stevie Wonder

From June 26, 1971

1. It's Too Late-Carole King

2. Rainy Days and Mondays-Carpenters

3. Want Ads-Honey Cone

4. Indian Reservation-The Raiders

5. Treat Her Like A Lady-Cornelius Bros. and Sister Rose

Highest Debut of the week..."Moonshadow"-Cat Stevens

From June 24, 1972

1. Candy Man-Sammy Davis

2. Song Sung Blue-Neil Diamond

3. Outa-Space-Billy Preston

4. Nice To Be with You-Gallery

5. I'll Take You There-Staple Singers

Highest debut of the week..."Honky Tonk Part 1"-James Brown

From June 23, 1973

1. My Love-Paul McCartney

2. Playground In My Mind-Clint Holmes (eww)

3. I'm Gonna Love You Just A Little Bit More-Barry White

4. Will It Go Round It Circles-Billy Preston

5. Give Me Love-George Harrison

Highest debut of the week..."Feelin Stronger Every Day"-Chicago

From June 22, 1974

1. Billy, Don't Be a Hero-Bo Donaldson & the Heywoods

2. You Make Me Feel Brand New-Stylistics

3. Sundown-Gordon Lightfoot

4. The Streak-Ray Stevens

5. Be Thankful For what You Got-William DeVaughn

Highest debut of the week..."Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me"-Elton John

So Long, Farewell

Today is the the day that the boy finds himself on a new journey in a land far far away. He is headed to the bright lights of LA. No tearful goodbyes, just farewell. A very new and exciting beginning is about to unfold as he adds another new chapter in his glorious book. How cool it has been to watch this young man grow up. I envy him. I also know what it feels like to start that new chapter. It's scary but exciting. I remember moving to Kansas City, not knowing a soul and somehow figured it out. I remember moving to St. Louis, only knowing a couple of people and somehow figuring it out. He won't be back much, I know but this is what we call "The Cycle Of Life". We all must leave the nest someday and today is his day. Sadness but yet fulfillment knowing that he is about as prepped for this journey as anyone can be. He is a great young man, rooted in his values and his faith. I am not worried about who he is or what he will accomplish, it will all be good.

"Young Man's Fancy" by the Amazing Blondel

"Here's to my acquaintance, and companion
Lift your glass I love you, and leave you
I do, give you, all my best.
Here's to lovely lasses
Who by now are sleeping sound
We miss you, and kiss you,
We will, until we can no longer hope
And I would spread the softest ground,
For you to walk around,
If I could be your right hand,
I'd bless the seed that I would sow,
And hope that it would grow
Into a sight to hold you
And we could have the richest thing
To make your songbird sing
A tale to haunt the evening.
Then I would give you every note
Of every song I wrote
For them to ring forever "

What Happened Here?

Beautiful, sexy, a very fine looking woman. Loved her in Jerry McGuire. A beauty.

For goodness sakes, woman, eat something. Just my opinion, but I think she looks like hell.

Have a tuna salad sammich or sumpin'

God, the Painter, Volume Two

Maybe someday, I'll live in a place just like that. God bless us all.

The Five Biggest Pricks in Congress

And Missouri is well represented.

Love this list and I agree on all of them.

RIP Dianna Kirby

Dianna Kirby was the

person who ran the radio station at Flo Valley Community College, taught broadcasting there and so much more. The number of lives she touched cannot be measured in mere numbers. To many students, Dianna was more than a teacher, she was a friend and mentor. I knew Dianna from the time she asked me to come speak to her class many years ago.

I was somebody then and for some reason, she kept asking me back. I had a deep respect for Dianna, she was doing what I wanted to do(teach radio to college kids) only better than I could have ever hoped. She died of a heart attack a few days ago while battling cancer. I am almost sorry to say that it was probably better she went this way than having a long nasty fight with the big C. RIP, Dianna, I think you know how many lives you touched. I know you touched mine.

I'll remember you like the pictures show, smiling and happy. Godspeed.

Words Of Wisdom

In April, Maya Angelou was interviewed by Oprah on her 70+ birthday.

Oprah asked her what she thought of growing older.

And, there on television, she said it was "exciting." Regarding body changes, she said there were many, occurring every day...like her breasts.

They seem to be in a race to see which will reach her waist, first.

The audience laughed so hard they cried. She is such a simple and honest woman, with so much wisdom in her words!

Maya Angelou said this:

"I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow."

"I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights."

"I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life."

"I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as 'making a life'."

"I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance."

"I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back."

"I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision."

"I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one."

"I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone.

People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back."

"I've learned that I still have a lot to learn."

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

Skyline Number 4

New York, New York

Gag Me with A Pitchfork

June 21, 2007 -- LOS ANGELES -

NBC has agreed to pay as much as $1 million for Paris Hilton's first after-jail interview, which will appear on the "Today" show, The Post has learned.
Sources told The Post the sit-down will be conducted by Meredith Vieira the day after the heir-head is sprung some time next week.
The deal has infuriated ABC executives, the sources said, because they were banking on Hilton's first remarks as a free woman going to Barbara Walters, who has become close with Hilton's mom, Kathy.
ABC was the front-runner until NBC Universal boss Jeff Zucker personally called Hilton's father Rick and made the pitch, the sources said.
Hilton agreed to the interview, but said she'd only speak with Vieira because of "disparaging" remarks her co-host Matt Lauer made about her.
A spokeswoman for NBC did not return a call for comment.
Hilton's spokesman Eliot Mintz said he "can't confirm or deny" the report.
If Hilton's jailhouse fan mail is any indication, the interview will fetch great ratings. She has received almost 5,000 pieces during her three weeks behind bars and she's writing back to her admirers, authorities said yesterday.


Let me get this straight...Paris Hilton broke the law and by doing so endangered others, thankfully finally got caught and punished and spent a few days in jail, has not exactly been the most articulate interview subject in the past and NBC thinks that anything she would have to say in an interview (after a "slap on the wrist" punishment) is newsworthy AND worth a million dollars? What can this woman possibly say that commands that kind of money? Shame on her if she accepts the offer, which we all know she will. I believe that it is pretty much a given, based on things she has said to the media in the past, that she will make a fool of herself which is the only upside to this. It would be nice if she at least donated the proceeds of this farce to charity but we all know that won't happen. If anyone had doubts about what is wrong with our society, this answers the question. No wonder there are so many people around the world who have negative feelings towards this country. There are so many positive aspects about life here in America that apparently a lot of people take for granted. American television - can now be seen everywhere and anywhere and a "news" program like the Today show is sending out the worst possible message about life in America. Are ratings that important to NBC that it can be justified paying all that money to someone who is famous for doing nothing but going to parties and posing for the paparazzi...what is this country coming to? I know one thing for sure, whether this "interview" airs or not I will never ever, watch the TODAY show again. I find this just another example of the glorification of what is base in this country. The rich get richer is exemplified by this hunger for headlines. What kind of society are we that has a sheriff promising to make sure this young lady does not hurt herself in jail, which is why he released her in the first place? What ever happened to considering those SHE may have injured getting behind the wheel of a car DRUNK?And now the pay off for her fine behavior, and this is just the beginning, book and movie deal to follow. Joey Buttafuoco, Amy Fisher, the Clinton's Grotesque Road Show, Britney Spears 'Crotch, and now Paris is Burning ............some country, great role models.
We are suffering from a major ethical deficit............does it ever end?

Skeeters

It's about that time folks--so thought I'd send out this reminder!!!!

OK, mosquitoes..prepare to be repelled!!!!!

Use Bounce Fabric Softener Sheets...Best thing ever used in Louisiana..just wipe on & go..Great for Babies.

Bob, a fisherman, takes one vitamin B-1 tablet a day April through October He said it works. He was right. Hasn't had a mosquito bite in 33 years. Try it. Every one he has talked into trying it works on them.Vitimin B-1( Thiamine Hydrochloride 100 mg.)

If you eat bananas, the mosquitos like you, - something about banana oils and the way your body processes it. Stop eating bananas for the summer and the mosquitos will be much less interested.

This is going to floor you, but one of the best insect repellents someone found (who is in the woods every day), is Vick's Vaporub. My grandfather used to eat it. (ewwww)

Plant marigolds around the yard, the flowers give off a smell that bugs do not like, so plant some in that garden also to help ward off bugs without using insecticides.

'Tough guy' Marines who spend a great deal of time 'camping out' say that the very best mosquito repellant you can use is Avon Skin-So-Soft bath oil mixed about half and half with alcohol.

One of the best natural insect repellants that I've discovered is made from the clear real vanilla. This is the pure Vanilla that is sold in Mexico. It works great for mosquitoes and ticks,don't know about other insects.

When all else fails--get a frog

God, the Painter Volume one.

May He bless us all.

Skyline Number 5

On our list of the top fifteen is...Tokyo

Skylines and Old Gas stations, aren't ya glad you're here?

Old Gas Station Number 5

I can imagine having a cold RC Cola and a moonpie at a place like this.

This is Absolutely Incredible

For young and old alike...enjoy this.

Homeless People Gotta Eat, Too...

Very ingenious wouldn't you say?

In Praise of The Buckinghams

I was in the grocery store tonight, picking up some stuff for dinner when "Don't You Care" by the Buckinghams came on over the loud speaker. Damn, I was immediately transported back to being eleven again and to top it off, I knew every word, just like the old days. When I got home, I popped "The Buckinghams' Greatest Hits" on the old Bose Wave and sang to my heart's content. These guys were one of the best sounding bands ever. The precursor to Chicago with that horn section and those tight harmonies. They were produced by James William Guercio (the same guy who did Chicago) and they were from Chicago. I hear that four of the five original guys are still playing in rock and roll shows. I would pay money to see them, no doubt. With that in mind, my five favorite Buckinghams tunes would be these:

1. Kind Of A Drag

2. Don't You Care

3. Mercy Mercy Mercy

4. Susan (I was head over heels about a girl named Suzie)

5. Hey Baby (They're Playing Our Song)

Shut the hell up, Ted

Ted Nugent: 'Live and let live' foreign idea to left
By Ted Nugent, Texas Wildman
Sunday, June 17, 2007
I like sizzling meat on the grill. Wild, huh? Anybody? Now, we all know ol' Nuge isn't by any stretch of the imagination a weirdo when it comes to an omnivorous diet.
Especially here in the great Republic of Texas, a smiling, drooling preference for succulent, protein-rich, nutritious backstrap over aromatic mesquite coals is as American and natural and right as Mom, apple pie and the flag. It's beautiful, really. But a culture war rages against such universal, self-evident truths. It would be laughable if it were not so deranged. Some weirdos actually are on a crusade to outlaw the consumption of flesh. I have musical touring associates who have been fired from their jobs with ex-Beatle Paul McCartney for sneaking a hamburger.
You heard that right. Fired for eating meat by an animal-rights maniac, hard-core vegan bass player. The entire agenda of the gazillion-dollar-financed joke known as PETA literally is dedicated to outlawing meat. Neither I, nor any hunter or meat eater on the planet, has any desire whatsoever to influence any vegetarian's choice of diet or to force them to eat meat. We are the friendly, tolerant Americans.
This is but one of many issues that represent the line drawn in the sand between liberals and conservatives. Our own intrepid opinion editor at the Trib, my friend John Young, doesn't want to simply make the choice to be unarmed and helpless for himself. He has again recently insisted that you and I must also comply with his soulless condition of unarmed helplessness in "gun-free zones." Nobody from our side wants to force anybody to have a gun or defend themselves. It is us, the conservatives, who are for individual choice.
Taxation, confiscation. As for the American left: One hears the words of Mao Tse-Tung come broiling out of the mouths of its heroes, when Ted Kennedy and Hillary Clinton et al unflinchingly push for "redistribution of wealth."Central Texas' own Chet Edwards has the audacity to support taxing the after-tax life savings of American families following the death of a loved one. The unfair, un-American, unconstitutional death tax literally destroys mom-and-pop businesses across the land. Think about it.
The wall that once symbolized communism is down, yet some still want to give it a shot. Dear God in heaven, help us. Recently, Danny Glover, an otherwise fine actor, embarrassingly abused his uniquely American freedoms by siding with the communist Venezuelan dictator Hugo Chavez to finance what clearly appears to be an anti-American propaganda film. Nice.
Meanwhile, right there in that communist country, old Hugo is shutting down an entire media network for daring to challenge his heavy handed, corrupt, dictatorial policies.
This is a leader who has proudly sided with terrorist support groups, and Danny Glover gives him a big hug. If a Venezuelan citizen were to do so with President Bush, I am confident that Chavez would not respect that individual's right to free expression.
Venezuela gives its citizens no right to free expression. Glover must be blinded by the trees in that forest. Examine the agendas of the liberal "party of peace." Its members clearly don't believe you and I are smart enough or capable of making our own choices in life.
While conservatives "live and let live," the left arrogantly thinks it knows better than we do and will burden "we the people" with more government control until we are taxed to death.
Watch them. Listen, pay attention and blow whistles.
Educate your family, neighbors, friends, co-workers and hunting buddies on how dangerous such control is against the American Dream of individual pursuit of happiness.
Throw off the shackles of government-run slavery. Stand up for individual independence. Enough is enough.
Hey, Hugo and Hillary, leave me alone.
Ted Nugent is a Waco-based musician and television show host.

Uh, Mr. Nugent (I own a number of your records, by the way), can we go back to a couple of points I have highlighted? The individual choice thing? I guess it's OK if you're not a mother carrying a child that will be seriously deformed and not be able to function? Yeah, that's individual choice. I know you believe in that right, huh Ted? Or what about gay people, Ted? Do you "conservatives" really want individual choice? It's OK to love whoever you want? Good, glad we cleared that up. Now, onto the "death tax" thing. Uh, Ted I think the amount of money that you get taxed on is somewhere around a million dollars. Don't know many "mom and pop" shops with that kind of loot. Ted, you have claimed to be a Christian "God fearing" man. I have heard you in concert use the Lord's name in vain so many times that it's very disheartening; there is something in the commandments about that, maybe you should check it out sometime. Let's talk about your sex life, Ted. Oh, wait let's not. Not a pretty subject, huh Mr. Nuge? One more thing, Mr. Theadocious Atrocious, if Paul McCartney had signed these guys to a contract that says they can't eat meat and then they did, in my line of business it's called "breach of contract" and they are gone. I've certainly been fired for less. While you have some valid points in your diatribe, we should really be talking about your guitar playing because basically, you are full of shit.

Cool Pictures part deaux

I don't think this is a way to increase the selling price of the house.

Uh....how coincidental

Sure, sure it's safe, c'mon man, would I kid you?

Jennifer never really felt at home with her other goth friends
Sounds like my morning consitutional. This writer deserves a raise

I don't think this kid will ever graduate at the top of his class
I guess you really can't un-see this, huh?

Happy Father's Day

My father would have been 100 this year, my brother 59. Happy Father's Day to all.
This picture was taken in 1967. I was eleven.