Memorial Day Weekend

Our own soldier on spring ROTC maneuvers at Ft Jackson, SC.

This coming weekend marks the first 'long' weekend most of us get in the calendar year.
Back yard grilling, yard work, baseball, family reunions, and the end of the school year are the things that pop into our heads first.

But we must not forget the real purpose of the Holiday.
It is to condense all of the other 'recognition' days into one National day of remembrance for all of the men and women who have worn the uniform in defense and service of our country, especially those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

"Greater love has no man, than he who has laid down his life for a friend."
"There will always be wars, and rumors of wars."

It is not meant to be political, nor nationalistic. That's what July 4th is for.
"Lest we forget" should be the theme of the weekend.

I will be posting more history over the next few days on who some of the fallen were, and what they have accomplished for freedom and decency over the life of our country.

No, they weren't all noble, nor heroes, nor were they all happy to serve.
Many were drafted, but when asked to serve, serve they did.
We have had, and we still have a true "Citizens Army"
Especially now, when all of our military is voluntary service.

In honor of our own son, now serving in the U.S. Army Reserve while he completes his ROTC and college studies, here follows the Soldier's Creed.

THE SOLDIER'S CREED

I am an American Soldier.
I am a Warrior and a member of a team.
I serve the people of the United States and live the Army Values.
I will always place the mission first.
I will never accept defeat.
I will never quit.
I will never leave a fallen comrade.
I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough,
trained and proficient in my Warrior tasks and drills.
I always maintain my arms, my equipment and myself.
I am an expert and I am a professional.
I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy the enemies
of the United States of America in close combat.
I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life.
I am an American Soldier.

God Speed to them all.

Stunning Annoucement from Little Johnny Edwards!

Our former NC Senator John "Little Johnny" Edwards, who will be former Presidential Candidate Edwards on November 8th of next year announced that there is no War on Terror!
That's right, we can all sleep easier tonight, there is no threat from radical Islamic extremists!

He came to that conclusion sometime after he voted for military action after the 9/11 attack on America.
You know, the one that apparently didn't happen.
Kind of like the Apollo Moon landings. Or the Holocaust.
He undoubtedly showed up for the vote between appointments with his stylist.
His voting record while 'serving' our great state was less than stellar.
He typically missed over 70% of the roll call votes while in the Senate.

He was joined in this earth shaking insight by fellow candidates Sen Joe Biden "my time", and Dennis "The Menace" Kucinich.
And a former Senator from Alaska who remains unknown outside of his hometown.
Sen Hillary Clinton and Sen Obama both think that we are engaged in a war on extremist terrorists.
Unfortunately, they think that all of the terrorists are in the Bush Administration.

As for the Republican 'candidates' to date, they do agree that we are involved in a death struggle with extremism, to some degree.
Former NYC Mayor Rudy is solid on this count, but can't seem to decide whether he is a Reagan conservative, an FDR liberal, or the President of the League of Women Voters on other issues.

The rest of the Republicans that have declared to date are about as exciting as watching a bowl of cornflakes soak up skim milk.
Sen McCain, when he isn't napping, manages to alienate himself from a different key conservative group on a daily basis.
Mitt Romney? Just imagine hearing "President Mitt" every day for the next four years.
That's enough to kill his campaign.
The rest of them are simply there to balance out the stage during the early debates.

Speaking of early debates, the Democrats are showing real brilliance in boycotting Fox News.
That's right, the cable news network with the highest number of viewers.
I liken that to opening a gas station and refusing to sell your product to people with cars.
That would solve the energy problem, though.

It is going to be fun to watch candidates in both parties play C.Y.A. for the next 5 or 6 months.
With Al "Is it getting hot in here, or is it just me" Gore, and possibly Sen John F. (for flatulent) Kerry hanging in the wings on the D side, and former Sen Fred "L.A. Law" Thompson, and former Speaker "Newt" on the R as of yet undeclared, they are all running scared.

Gingrich is a brilliant guy, but even I may have a problem with the Commander in Chief having the name of Newt. Doesn't he have a middle name?
It would be fun to witness first time meetings with foreign heads of state, their translators trying to do justice to
"Hello Mr. Farouk-Billings-Morrisette, I'm President Newt!"
"What is he saying, he would like a lizard? These Americans are crazy!"

Maybe it's time for a viable third party.
We could name it in honor of my favorite thespian troupe, and call it "The Stooge Party"
Oh wait, we already have two of those, and two more similar groups in Congress.
Speaking of which, maybe Congress should forswear making fun of 'W's approval ratings.
Last week George Gallup had him at 34, and Congress at 29.
Under the old math, his was 5 points higher.

Someone please wake me after the election, unless we can have Ronnie Reagan cloned.
Or Dame Margaret Thatcher. (She's a bit advanced in years to run otherwise)
We'll even amend the Constitution for her.

Sgt Pepper, a latter day review

It's relatively easy to 'review' something that you've been listening to for almost half a century.
"Hind sight is twenty-twenty" and all that.
If you've never listened to any of the music on this album, try to borrow the actual vinyl from an old fossil like me for your first listen.
Pop it on the turn table (there are a few left in museums! Seriously, you can still buy them new at certain stores. I purchased a nice Sony just a couple of years ago.)
plug in the headphones, and listen to it the way it was meant to be enjoyed.
In one sitting, without interruption.

Here goes, music lovers.

"Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" 2:04
"It was twenty years ago today..."
Originally, this was meant to be a true 'concept' album. Paul wanted all of them to adopt alter egos, ie' Billy Shear. Only this track, and the following kept to that idea.
John flatly refused to follow along.
Still, the album has a 'feel' to it that gives it continuity, and is still credited as the first of it's kind.

"With a Little Help From My Friends" 2:46
"I get high with a little help from my friends"
Ringo's lead vocal slot on this album, which was typical of all their albums. Most notable because it is the only song which followed the concept of Sgt Pepper's band.
Also notable due to all of the accusations of drug references in the lyrics.
Normally off track accusations, but pretty obvious here.
A pretty good radio play song.

"Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" 3:30
"Suddenly there appeared at the turnstile, a girl with Kaleidescope eyes"
John actually credited a drawing done by his son Julian. When asked what it was, (all of you with young kids have been there too) the lad answered "Lucy in the sky with diamonds"
Great musicianship, and the first track that showed this album was different from anything preceding it.

"Getting Better" 2:49
"Man I was mean, but I'm changing that scene and I'm doing the best that I can."
Fantastic lyrics, and the first hint of the Sitar on the album.
Paul's bass work was among his best.

"Fixing A Hole" 2:28
"It really doesn't matter if I'm wrong or right, when I am wrong I'm right, where I belong."
Whimsical lyrics, and Paul's voice made this one of the easiest songs to remember.
Very poetic.

"She's Leaving Home" 3:37
"Daddy, our Baby's Gone!"
Easily one of the saddest songs the Beatles recorded, and still very timely.
Money can't buy you love, as one of their earliest hits stated.
Also noteworthy for the lush orchestration.

"Being For The Benefit Of Mr. Kite" 2:39
"And of course Henry the horse dances the Waltz"
One of my favorite Lennon songs. The lyrics had nothing to do with drugs, John took them almost verbatim from an antique circus poster he saw in a quaint shop.
Sir George Martin added (I believe he actually played) authentic Calliope music which gives the song it's wonderful, somewhat spooky atmosphere.

Side 2

"Within You, Without You" 5:07
"We were talking...."
The instrumentation on this track is groundbreaking. George had become enamored with eastern music and instruments, and this was the first major track where they used them.
But, it.....is......just.....too.....long!
I have to admit, when I am listening in the car, I skip this track.

"When I'm Sixty Four" 2:37
"Grandchildren on your knee, Vera, Chuck and Dave"
Ironically, Paul is 64 as I write this. He is reputed to have been 16 when he wrote it.
I always thought he would have been happy leading the house band at an old fashioned dance hall in the Gay Nineties.
This is a very cute song, with adorable lyrics.
It has more relevance for me now that I can see 64 from where I sit.

"Lovely Rita" 2:44
"Took her home, I nearly made it, sitting on a sofa with a sister or two"
Probably my third favorite song on the album.
It is what Paul did best, very memorable tap your foot melody, silly lyrics, an altogether fun piece of music.

"Good Morning" 2:43
"Nothing to do to save his life, call his wife in"
Paul made you sing along, John made you think.
The lyrics on this track ran the spectrum from easy familiarity to pathos.
What happened to 'him', car accident, heart attack, ?
"Then you decide to take a walk by the old school. Nothing has changed, it's still the same."
"Watching the skirts, you start to perk, now you feel cool."
"Time for tea and meet the wife."
Add John's great voice, and some really interesting background noises, roosters crowing, old fashioned milk wagon bells, etc. and you have a great song.

"Sgt Pepper, reprise" 1:20
A really great rocker, fabulous guitar work, great bass riff, Ringo's rock solid drumming.
Especially if you are lucky enough to hear it live. Paul normally closes his show with it.
It also suckers you. You think it's the end of the album, but it isn't.

"A Day In The Life" 5:33
"Four Thousand holes in black at Lancashire"
Really two songs in one, John's haunting voice and lyrics in part one,
and Paul's jumpy up-tempo delivery in part two.
"I went upstairs and had a smoke, somebody spoke and I went into a dream...."
Haunting song, incredible ground breaking production technique, everything about this song
makes it perhaps the Beatles Opus Magnum.
If I was forced to pick just one song from the Beatles catalog for my favorite, it would either be this one, or "Penny Lane".
That last sustained piano cord gets into your soul......

Sgt. Pepper, side 2

Culturally speaking, why was Sgt. Peppers Lonely Heart's Club Band such a big deal?
For one thing, the music has passed the test of time.
We'll speak more of that in a bit.

Another reason it mattered is on the technical side.
It changed the way that music was recorded and produced,
and it changed our expectations of how music had to sound to us.

The Beatles, and their brilliant producer Sir George Martin and
Ken Townshend, the EMI sound engineer were innovators.
They were always looking for new sounds, and new ways to
put those sounds on magnetic tape.

Bear in mind that in those ancient days of yore, 4 track equipment
was State of the Art.
There were no laptop computers, tube technology was the norm
in amps, and mikes were primitive by todays standards.

Many of the Beatles early recordings were done in one take, most
notable of these their cover of "Twist and Shout". (Isley Brothers)
(Made popular again in the movie "Ferris Bueller's Day Off")
John had just enough voice left for one take, after a night of recording.
Listen to his scream in the final track, and you can hear his voice break.

Techniques and technology we now take for granted were used for the first
time in Abbey Road studio during the making of this album.

Some notable 'Pepper' firsts; use of Dolby Noise Reduction,
use of D.I. (direct input, Paul plugged his bass right into the sound board,
bypassing his amp and mike), first use of 'bouncing down' technique, also called
dubbing down, which takes the four track technology and creates a virtual
multi-track sound comparable to today's 24 track and higher technology.

First use of the Mellotron, Wah-Wah and Fuzzbox (used by George Harrison).
Also ADT, which stands for Automatic Double Tracking on lead vocals.
This technique lends depth and strength to the voice, particularly where
a soft voiced singer is concerned.
The use of vari-speed and other similar innovations made it difficult for the
band to perform many of these pieces outside of the studio, even had they wanted
to continue live performances.

When I attended a Paul McCartney live concert in 2005, he was just then adding
some of their later Beatles hits to his play list.
It was a treat to hear "Golden Slumbers", "Carry That Weight" and "Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" live.

So the next time you pop in a modern CD, go to the movies, or even sit down to listen
to your TV through your sound system, thank Billy Shears and the boys!

Credit to Wikapedia, several excellent Beatles books I've read over the years, and 40 years
of following the Fab Four's music for the above information.

"It was forty years ago today......"

June 1 (U.K.) and June 2 in the U.S.A. marks the date of the original release of the most influential rock album of all time.

Regardless of whether you liked the music of the four young lads from Liverpool, you simply could not ignore them if you came of age during the sixties.

Even my father, who loathed and despised "long haired hippie" music, liked "Yesterday" and "When I'm Sixty Four".

The most famous album cover of the era. A lost art form, to be sure.
CD labels don't come close to replacing them.



















It was a tough time in which to grow up.
It was a time of transition, moving from the relative innocence and "buttoned down" personal regimentation and sameness of the 1950's, to the anything goes, let's throw everything out and start over mindset of the mid sixties.

Most of us didn't change that much personally.
Except for our music.

The Beatles led the charge, and exemplified the cultural changes in their music, and in their own lives. All of them were simple blue collar lads from the seaport town of Liverpool.
When they hit the scene on the Ed Sullivan Show in February of 1964, popular music was never the same again.

From their tailored suits, their long hair, their droll sense of humor to their screaming, out of control teeny bopper fans, we kids loved them, and our parents pretty much hated them.
What more could a teenager ask for?
In short, they were cool, in a time when cool was needed.

And as their music matured and progressed, those of us who paid attention to lyrics, production quality and musicianship started to notice,
"Hey, these guys actually have talent!"

1966 was a tough year. It was for the Fab Four as well.
John's incredibly stupid comment about being more popular than Jesus nearly ended their career. He was actually commenting on the ridiculousness of the hysteria surrounding their every move, but it was the most ill advised and regretful comment he ever made.

The Vietnam war reached a peak in 1966, race riots were rampant here in the States, and the drug movement started to gain momentum.
And the Beatles agreed to stop touring and performing live at the end of the year.

In December, they went into Abbey Road Studios to work on a new album, for the first time without the encumbrance of an impending tour hanging over their heads.

On June 1, the long awaited album was finally released, the next day it debuted in America.

We'll talk about that in detail on my next post.

Today is your Birthday (Queen Felicia!), Happy Birthday to You!

Happy Birthday to Felicia!











Queen Nana, Princess Felicia, King Kenneth the First, and Princesses Kimberly and Heather, Bartow, May 1981



















Some time ago, in a mysterious land in the far, far away (South Florida)
a young lad was smitten.
Yes, head over heals, gah-gah boogety-boogety hit right on the head with
the big cartoon Anvil of Love!

The object of his ardor?

A comely blond goddess with luxurious locks, the face of an angel,
and well, the entire package!
She was sitting in the front row of his night class.
Sitting in the back row of class, as was his wont, (Easier to catch a few winks there)
he asked his buddy Simon,
who himself had every other single girl on campus targeting him,
"Who is she, and please tell me that she's single?"

He gave the 411, and informed the love struck lad that as far as he knew, she was available.
"Life is good, and the Lord is still reasonably happy with me!" the lad exulted.

Alas, every good fairy tale has a sad bit, right in the middle.

Even though the comely princess played "Moonlight Sonata" to attract his attention on
the piano in the classroom (the only song she knew!)
the intrepid young lad was shy, and somewhat thick headed.
She was just as shy, going so far as to hide in the campus library after a mutual friend set
up a clandestine meeting for the two star crossed lovers.

The princess finally took matters in hand and invited the young, slow and stupid prince to a hoe down. Not really a hoe down, 'twas a Sadie Hawkins event called "Esrever"
(Spell it backwards, brave readers!)

After pizza at Mary's, during which the young prince demonstrated his Stooge like talent for making her laugh with the stringy cheese, and a spirited round of mini-golf, they talked well into the wee hours of the morning.

The princess knew, and he knew. But, what next?

She asked the young knight if he would accompany her to her year end banquet at the Kapok Tree Inn, just before she graduated from Princess University.
Of course, he was thrilled to do so.

But, just a few nights later, the lad had to slay the Dragon of every young suitors worst fear.
"By the way, a few of my family will be there too. You don't mind, do you?"
"Of course not!" he lied through his knightly teeth.
"How many are coming?"
"Oh, just a couple. (The princess had and still has a problem with math)
My Mom and Dad, (The dignified Queen Nana and her Prince Consort Kenneth the First), oh, and my sister Princess Kendra and her man Prince Meredith, and the lovely young princesses Heather and Kimberly"
"A couple, eh? Well of course, I'd love to meet them all on our second date!"
As it developed, the Queen was charming, the King was thrilled at the prospect of getting his last daughter married off, and Princess Kendra and Prince Meredith were welcoming.
And young princess Kimberly peeked over the table and made google eyes at the lad, and her sister Princess Heather was adorable in her pig tails.

They all acted like they were in on a big secret.
Princess's are like that, quite conspiratorial.
The lad asked the young beauty to return for the July 4th weekend and accompany him to his 10th High School (For knights, of course) reunion.
She returned home to the distant land of Bartow.
Low and behold two weeks later, her birthday arrived. (Today in fact, May 21st)
She had casually dropped that into an idle conversation about the weather.
The lad had mentally awakened by now, and thought to himself
"Self, you should send her roses, and a nice card."
"Wish I was there, or you were here, or we were somewhere together!"
Hey, the lad never claimed to be Shakespeare!
He did so, and as the princess returned from a trip to the Magic Kingdom of Disney with princess Kendra and the young girls, there were roses on the porch of the Manse!

"Oh, princess, he's quite smitten with you!" quoth Princess Kendra.
Righto, sister, and he still is these Happy Ever After years later!

During the 'reunion' weekend, more fireworks erupted than those that were seen in the South Florida sky, and the two youngsters were engaged.
The former young lad still ponders who was happier, the delighted couple, or King Kenneth the First.
"They're all spoken for now, Hooray!"

You are lovelier than ever, my Queen, and there are many more happy ever afters to come!

Happy Birthday!

The Queen and young Prince Ariel on Mother's Day.

Fractured Fairy Tales

Shrek 3 premiered this week.
Soldier boy has seen it, but as he keeps hours like Count Dracula between semesters and military duty, we can't get his review yet.
The Queen and I will see it next week.

Our generation had to endure a lot of negatives culturally, but our music and our cartoons
are far superior to the drek of today.

My absolute favorite cartoon series during my Junior High years was The Bullwinkle Show.
The key element each week was Jay Ward's wonderful "Fractured FairyTales" segment.
A wonderful ensemble cast of voice talent did twisted, and somewhat anarchist takes on the traditional fairy tales that our parents read to us.

For a couple of really good links, check out www.brownielocks.com/fracturedfairytales.html
There are twelve classic bits available for free downloads, as well as links to other like sites.
Also, www.toonpedia.com/fracture.htm which also has a link to the Jay Ward site.

Who needs weird Japanese Anime' when one has Goldilocks with a Brooklyn accent?