Thursday, February 28, 2008

"The Most Beautiful Girl In the World"

I am not much of a country-western fan, but this is a good song from back in the day. I heard it today on "Legend" radio, here in Hotlanta town. And it deserves a spot on my l'il old blog, aka Golden Pond.

It's not really hot here; it's been kinda cool-even snowed a little bit yesterday. More cold weather might alarm the global warmist theorists. It has definitely been a colder winter than what we've had in the last few years. Cyclical, eh? Here's hoping from yours truly that we will see a blizzard before Spring. Shut r down-the naked city that is.

However, that may alarm the population-explosion theorists of this world. Because when it is cold, then, surely, couples will snuggle with the inevitable result.

Snuggle sounds like a good idea to me, v.c.

P.S. The old clock on the wall says it's time to turn out the lights; the party's over. And more snugglin'.


object width="425" height="355">

"Phi Zappa Krappa"

 
Posted by Picasa

"Research"

While doing my research for the infamous "Phi Zappa Krappa" photo, I did my obligatory google search and was surprised to find a familiar picture. I am enclosing it here.

P.S. The reader must scroll down the page to see it.

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

"Toast of the Town" or "Really Big Show"

Back in the day the "Toast of the Town" aka "The Ed Sullivan Show" was one of the hottest programs on the vast wasteland aka television. If Ed wanted you, then you were a hot act

There was Elvis, the Doors, the Rolling Stones, et al. Even the Vanilla Fudge. And let's not forget the Supremes, the Temptations, et al.

Here's Johnny, er, Ed introducing one of the biggest acts in history. Duh! Can you guess who it might be?



P.S. Here's another one from the show. Seems the "Doors" were told to change the lyric "girl, we can't get much higher" 15 minutes before air time.

Sunday, February 24, 2008

"Cheese and Onions-'Do I Have To Spell It Out'"

Ok, I will. C.h.e.e.s.e.a.n.d.o.n.i.o.n.s. Oh, no.



P.S. I used to say "cheese and crackers" in place of the many expletives at one's disposal. Especially in the workplace. Used to make the staff laugh.

"Piggy in the Middle" or "I'm Dancing In My Underwear and I Don't Care!"

 


Posted by Picasa

"TCM"

My favorite channel, TCM, is once again featuring "31 Days of Oscar." Movies shown during this period have won or were nominated for the grand prize....of Oscar.

"Raging Bull" just concluded. I have seen it only once. And that was at the Bijou back in the day. Circa 1980, methinks. And only a person like myself-mesmerized with pop cvulture-would even know the date. But that's how my mind works, and there ain't nothing I can do about it.

"Raging Bull" was directed by Martin Scorcese. < sp > One of the top films of all time as verified by most critics. But it's an ultra dark look at the human condition. Even tho' filmed in black/white, if I want to view a seamy side of life, I can turn on the local news or Court TV.

"Breaker Morant" just took its place. And 1980 or so sounds about right for this cinematic foray. I enjoyed it back then, but the last time I tried to watch-on TCM-of course, I couldn't get into it.


Anyway, there's the usual slate of great to good movies. Here's to Ted Turner, who was a man of great vision.

All quiet on the western front, v.c.


Saturday, February 23, 2008

"Tragical History Tour" or "I Did It 'My Way.'"

The picture that adorns Golden Pond is not an effort from the Fab 4 but is a parody from "The Rutles." One song of note on the "Tragical History Tour" is "Your Mother Should Go!" Anyone who has had their mother-in-law live with them for any period of time can relate.

Speaking of time, this effort is to let everyone know the catfish is still a'ticking allah Timex. And whatever happened to John Cameron Swayze? Not to be confused with Patrick Swayze, he of "Dirty Dancin'" fame.

Life is a cabaret, ol' chum, v.c.

P.S. Another good song from T.H.T. is "Hello, Get Lost." My last few job efforts have been similarly inclined.


P.S.S. I did it my way....unfortunately.

Monday, February 18, 2008

"Losing My Religion"

Life is bigger
It's bigger than you
And you are not me
The lengths that I will go to
The distance in your eyes
Oh no I've said too much
I set it up




P.S. Amen!

Sunday, February 17, 2008

 
Posted by Picasa

"Sad News"

Roy Scheider passed away yesterday. He was 75. And one of the stars of "Jaws" my fav flick of all time. Forget "Citizen Kane"; "GWTH"; "Da Godfather"; et al. Why? The dialogue; the characterizations; the director, one Steven Spielberg; the setting; Bruce, da shark; et al.

For those of you who don't know, he played Sheriff Brody. He of the "we gotta get a bigger boat"; "why don't you [ Capt'n Quint ] let Hooper sling some of this shit [ chum ]; et al.

I have watched it at least a hundred times, cos my two sons dug it, too. And, of course, we bought the tape and later the dvd. Must be in the DNA, eh? But they never liked Perry Mason so perhaps they belong to the postman; milkman; cable provider; et al.

We all have to leave this old world at some point. Which reminds me I had a dream last nite where I was sitting at a piano with none other than George Harrison. I couldn't believe I was sitting with a member of the Fabulous 4. I didn't know what to say, but I did tell him my favorite song of his was "While My Guitar Gently Weeps."

But as most dreams go awry-just when they're getting good-so did this one. Dammit. And I either woke up or shifted into another sequence. Double dammit.

Back to Roy. I was looking for a flick to watch this past week on Comcast ( free movies ) and decided on "Blue Thunder." An old one from the early 80's. It just so happens that Mr. Scheider was the star. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm! Apologies to Arsenio Hall.

Make of it what you may. But there seems to be a force working within and perhaps without yours truly. Only time william tell, er, will tell.

It's late-gotta go; farewell and adieu; adios; au revoir; et al.

Dream a little dream of me, v.c.

P.S. Jaws was Steven Spielberg's first major motion picture. And could have been his last. Overbudget; Bruce, the shark didn't work all the time; and Steven was worried about the public's acceptance of such a film; et al. Interesting history behind it. It was also the first flick to gross over 100 million dollars. Ka-ching.


Thursday, February 14, 2008

"Clockwork Orange"

I have never seen the whole movie. Just bits and pieces. I must admit to watching the much ballyhooed rape scenes. Just happened to be "clicking away" whilst perusing the many channels available via the vast wasteland, aka television.

Clockwork Orange is one of those artsy-fartsy movies, and Stanley Kubrick has made many of 'em. A Space Odyssey comes to mind. I saw that one in '70 or back in the day and remember walking out of the theatre wondering what the f***! I liked the parts with "Hal," the mutinous robot. But they lost me with the gorillas throwing the bones into the air; and the embryonic baby at the end; and all of the other weird stuff.

I tried to make sense of it all, but it was way over me head. I require the basic premise: aliens arrive on Earth from outer space and wreak havoc, until a team of scientists finds the outer spacemen's Achilles heel.

The dialogue is always the same:

"The aliens are smarter than us! Hopefully, they are a peaceful lot."

"We must get to know and understand them."

"Like we have understood each other on Earth?"

"Oh, my God. They are wreaking havoc."

"Don't worry. We have the best minds ( team of scientists ) on the job."

"Arghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

"I am Doctor Robert, and I have conceived an Achilles Heel plan to eradicate the aliens."

"That was brilliance. Thank you team of scientists. You have saved our world. Mankind is once again in control of his, er, destiny.."

"Until the sequel!"

"The End!"



Happy Valentine's Day, v.c.

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

"Opus 17" and "American Bandstand"

Dick Clark was besmirched in "Bowling for Columbine," Michael Moore's, er, opus from a few years ago. Mr. Moore tried to have an impromptu interview with Dick asking why he paid minimum wage to the "Dick Clark Eatery" ( something like that ) staff, who were serving "rich people" and having a hard time making ends meet. Dick doesn't answer the question and zooms off in his limo.

But when I was a kid, Dick was the cat's meow. My sis was on the show when it was broadcast live from Philadelphia, where it originated. Soon thereafter the show moved to-where else-Hollywood.

While looking at youtube videos late last night, I stumbled upon this song from the 4 Seasons. And listened to others by them, as well. "Ronnie" brought back a lot of childhood memories. The ones that I hadn't thought of in many moons.

Perhaps there's a foray there. But because of the hour, it will have to wait.

Once again, parting is such sweet sorrow, v.c.




 
Posted by Picasa

"The World According to v.c."

Dear Cat: I have read your column for years and have noticed your affinity for believing "the world has gone mad." What evidence purports your claim? And do you believe the only sane people are those housed in asylums?

Signed: Purporting to be one who flew over the cuckoo's nest.

Dear Cuckoo: First let me applaud your choice of words: purport. Not many denizens of this world ( or any other, for that matter ) would use purport in everyday conversation. Especially using it in a query to a lovelorn column, such as this one.
But for evidence that you deem necessary, just click on the link: grills by Paul Wall. I report; you purport. Thanks for the query!

Dear Cat: Will you consider voting for Hillary Clinton as our next President of these United States? If not, would you ever vote for a woman?

Signed: China Girl

Dear China Girl: Just you shut your mouth! Apologies to David Bowie. I would NEVER vote for Hillary. And I would NEVER vote for a woman. Why? Women are either too hot or too cold. They all suffer from inferiority complexes, i.e. does this dress make my butt look too big? ( the only answer is "no, darling." ) Women whine incessantly. And they become mean-spirited and highly opinionated as they get older. My thesis is purportedly politically incorrect. But I calls 'em as I sees 'em.

Dear Cat: I see where Paul McCartney and Heather Mills are going to court. To dissolve their marriage. Some say she will receive at least 50 million to untie the knot. Poor Heather has been villified by the press, and not since John began dating Yoko Ono has there been so much hate directed towards one woman, Hillary notwithstanding. Because you are a big fan of the Fab 4, what's your take on this delicate situation?

Signed: Love is a battlefield-apology to Pat Benatar.

Dear Love is all you need. See my answer to China Girl's query. Nuff said.

Dear Cat: What's tonite's video from youtube? I will go out on a limb and predict it to be a tune mentioned in tonite's lovelorn column? Am I right?

Signed: You will have no female readers after your latest foray concerning the opposite sex.

Dear Opposite Sex: Tell 'em what she won, Johnny. And if the prize happens to be a dress, mention nada about what it does for her posterior region. Here's Johnny, er, tonite's youtube video.


Saturday, February 09, 2008

"A Hard Day's Night" or "More Cowbell ad Infinitum"

I love youtube. You should love youtube, and, Shirley, he, she, it loves youtube. My internet connection has recently resumed, thank gawd. And without further adieu, more cowbell, please.



P.S. The opening chord of tonite's song has always been under close scutiny. Look it up in your Funk and Wagnalls!

"A Hard Day's Night" is immediately identifiable before the vocals even begin, thanks to George Harrison's unmistakable Rickenbacker 360/12 12-string guitar's "mighty opening chord" [9]. According to George Martin, "We knew it would open both the film and the soundtrack LP, so we wanted a particularly strong and effective beginning. The strident guitar chord was the perfect launch"[7] having what Ian MacDonald calls "'a significance in Beatles lore matched only by the concluding E major of "A Day in the Life", the two opening and closing the group's middle period of peak creativity'"[10]. "That sound you just associate with those early 1960s Beatles records" [

Tuesday, February 05, 2008

"The White Buffalo"

I don't have to work tomorrow until 5 p.m. eastern standard time. So I have time to indulge my hobby by writing a few blurbs on the world according to one v.c., yours truly. I am being slowed-once again-by this thing called a keyboard. Whose letters stick, "r", "d", and "e" being the main culprits. Where's the wd 40 when you really need it?

As some of you know, I am a movie buff. And whilst traversing over 100 channels on my t.v. I ain't found nothing of interest.

I am trying "The WHite Buffalo" with Charles Bronson, he of "Death Wish" fame, which was parlayed into 5 installments. Buffalo has C.B. as Wild Bill Hickok, who is in pursuit of a crazed albino bison of his nightmares.

Then there was "They Live." A film from John Carpenter, he of "Halloween" fame. This one stars Rowdy Roddy Piper, he of wrestling fame in the WWE. The movie starts out slow, too slow even for me.

Buffalo co-stars Clint Walker-he just arrived on the scene-he of Cheyenne Brodie fame.

During the 50's and early 60's westerns were the rage. There was Bonanza, the Rifeleman, Wanted Dead or Alive, Wagon Train, Sugarfoot, Bronco, ad nauseum. The chic latter 60's pushed the genre into oblivion. No longer was it cool for the white man to kill the Indians. Because we soon learned the white man did in fact speak with forked tongue.

One of my favorite movies as a kid was an Indians-Cowboys movie in which the Indians were the good guys. Starred Sal Mineo-of all people-as an Injun whose horse was Tonka
Lane. Great movie for me as a youngster. Sal was probably from Brooklyn or the Bronx, so go figure. Leave it to Walt Disney to make this incongrous fantasy come true.

I looked for "High Stakes Poker" on the Game Show Channel, but it ain't on tonite. Speaking of incongrous, the host is Gabe Kaplan, he of "Welcome Back, Kotter" fame. Who now proclaims himself as a professional gambler.

To get in the game, you have to buy in at a minimum of $100,000. Small fortunes are won and lost on every hand. Now that's entertainment. And makes me want to head to Vegas and get in on the action. I don't have the necessary requirements, unfortunately. No guts, no glory.

Bruce Lee's final foray into karate and jiu jitsu and mayhem was on earlier, but I forgot it was on. "Casablanca" starts at 1:00-the ultimate chick flick-so these eyes may watch again. "The problems of three people don't amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world." Exactly! And as we all know-well, those of us in the know know-Rick never said "Play It Again, Sam!" Why? Because he loathed the song. It was he and Ilsa's "song." And she ditched him in Paris, never to return until that fateful day in Casablanca.

It's a damn shame with all of the channels on my vast wasteland of a television set, there's nothing to watch but C.B. chasing an albino; and Rowdy Roddy Piper trying to become the next Brando. Where's something to watch: like "The Thing" ( from outer space ); "Invasion of the Body Snatchers"; "I Married an Alien From Outer Space"; and/or "Alien."

"I Married An Alien" starred the enigmatic Tom Tryon as the alien. He was also a cowboy in a series that escapes me at the moment. And he also wrote "The Other," a macabre thriller which was-what else?-turned into a movie.

Well, the old clock on the wall says it's time to conclude tonite's foray. I could go on and on. Which makes parting such sweet sorrow. Apologies to the Bard!

Selah, v.c.


P.S. I guess I could be watching the election returns? Nah!

Sunday, February 03, 2008

"Super Bowl Sunday"

Super Bowl Sunday has arrived and now is gone. What a game! As Eli Manning and Tom Coughlin and the rest of the G Men put an end to New England's hopes of completeing a perfect season.

Bill Bellicek, the Patriots coach, was so devestated at losing that he left the field with one second left on the clock. Methinks the media will roast him. Even tho' the game appeared to be over after the last ditch "hail Mary" pass that went awry, the Officials said there was one second left on the clock. The captain of the ship is supposed to go down with the ship.

After shooing the photographers and fans and the rest of the clutter back to the sidelines, Eli made it a game when he kneeled down. Game over. Accolades to follow.

Some are already calling it the greatest game in NFL history. And Eli and Tom now have that huge monkey off their backs. Good for them. A person can only stand so much negativity.

I celebrated the win by broiling a ribeye. Add baked potato. And salad. And voila. There it is.

Post Super Bowl on the Fox Network, "House" is attemting to save a female doctor's life. Via webcam. Because the damsel in distress is living in Antarctica. Stay tuned.

Well, the hoopla is over for another year. Me and the rest of the football fanatics out there will have to wait until August to get our fix again. The good news: March Madness is right around the corner; the NBA Finals begin in April and don't end until late June; and baseball will begin ( sort of ) at the end of the month.

I didn't mention the NHL Playoffs; NASCAR; and golf and tennis and tiddlywinks; because I don't give a rat's tush about any of them. Watching cars go around a circular track; guys putting from the greens; and icy playing surfaces leave me limp interest-wise. Sorry Tiger, Fireball Roberts, and Bobby Orr. The latter two names from the 60's. I honestly don't know any of today's NASCAR drivers or hockey players.

Super Bowl Sunday lived up to the hype. And the commercials were interesting and fun. My favorite was Will Farrell for Bud Light.

Withdrawal time, v.c.

P.S. My sis is now on the Obama bandwagon. She even wants me to read his new book. Huh? I could see me recommending a book for her to read. Result?: Negative! Ah, liberalism. Can't live with 'em; can't live.... er, without 'em?

P.S.S. I did know Wayne Gretsky but he retired many moons ago. Eh?

Saturday, February 02, 2008

"Across the Universe"

"Send my love to the aliens," Paul McCartney told Nasa through a Beatles historian. "All the best, Paul."
Seems a Fab 4 tune is being sent across the galaxy to Polaris, the North Star.

Is Nasa sending a Rolling Stones tune? Nah!

Is Nasa sending a Bob Zimmerman, er, Dylan melody like a rolling stone? Nah!

Michael Jackson? Definitely would be a thrilla, but Nah!

Billy Ray Cyrus? Ditto!

Ice Tea?; Snoop Dog? Brittney Spears? Not sure how to spell her name but Nah!

Elvis? A hunk a'hunk of burning love? Nah!

Frank Sinatra? Fly him to the moon, but across the universe. Not in my lifetime. Nah!

Frank Zappa? Huh? You know: Phi Zappa Krappa! Nah!

Jose Feliciano? Doors? Break on through to the other side! Nah!

Hendrix? Meatloaf? Spooky Tooth? Nah!

Shop Boyz? Huh? And the "boy band" with Justin Timberlake, et al? Can't recall their name. Double Nah.

Anyhoo, NASA picked the best. The article mentions the song was written by Lennon/McCartney, but it was all John. J'ai guru deva om.




P.S. Dear Cat takes a momentary hiatus. Or more aptly "the world according to v.c." is taking a break. Nothing's gonna change my world. ( see lyrics to the above song. )

"Across the Universe Too" or "Beatles"

A new movie is soon to be released with the entire soundtrack from music by the lads from Liverpool. Will I go see it? Nah! Of course, there will be nothing to stop me excepting an early demise.

I have always enjoyed "cover versions" from other artists. Reportedly, "Yesterday" is the most "covered" recording of any in the history of popular music. And to think at first Paul was afraid he had stolen the tune. It's first working title was "Scrambled Eggs!"


"Another Version" or "Cos I'm Down"