Just in time for the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Selma March, we have a group of college students celebrating on a bus by singing a racist song that has its roots in the legacy of their fraternity. Hey fellas. The late 1950's are calling. They want their bigotry back.
I was thinking about my own musical legacy that started in the late 1950's and continues until today:
I listen to Nat King Cole over and over.
(I have his autograph on a 45 record cover in a frame on my wall)
I listen to Dionne Warwick over and over.
I listen to the Four Tops over and over.
I listen to the Temptations over and over.
I listen to the Supremes over and over.
(Even though I had a run-in with Diana Ross once and yes--she's an egotistical bitch)
I listen to Martha and the Vandellas over and over.
I listen to the Jackson Five over and over.
I listen to Sam Cooke over and over.
I listen to Marvin Gaye over and over.
I listen to Stevie Wonder over and over.
I listen to Smokey Robinson over and over.
I listen to Ray Charles over and over.
I listen to the Marvelettes over and over.
I listen to B B King over and over.
I listen to the Fifth Dimension over and over.
I listen to the Dixie Cups over and over.
I listen to Jimi Hendrix over and over.
I listen to Gene McDaniels over and over.
I listen to Mary Wells over and over.
I listen to Barbara Lewis over and over.
I listen to the Shirelles over and over.
I listen to Aretha Franklin over and over.
I listen to Ella Fitzgerald over and over.
I listen to Dinah Washington over and over.
I listen to Louis Armstrong over and over.
I listen to the Platters over and over.
I listen to the Ronettes over and over.
I listen to the Chiffons over and over.
I listen to the Crystals over and over.
The following songs put me into a dream world every time I hear them:
Reach Out I'll Be There - Four Tops
Someday We'll Be Together - Supremes
A Rainy Night In Georgia - Brook Benton
Valley of the Dolls - Dionne Warwick
Oh Happy Day - Edwin Hawkin Singers
What's Going On - Marvin Gaye
Anybody Notice Anything?
Welcome to the 1960's
Today is the 50th Anniversary of American ground soldiers for the first time in Vietnam. They were Marines. And the official beginning of "The 60's" as for the first time, the children of America began protesting U.S. involvement in a war 10,000 miles away that was never officially declared. Over the next 10 years, America would drop more than 3 times the amount of bombs and chemicals than they used in WW2 on a tiny Southeast Asian country.
This war would see 58,000 Americans dead--the majority--the youth of America aged 18 to 25. And an additional 100,000 with lifelong permanent injuries.
And as America became a divided nation--those over 30 in support of the war and those under 30 against the war (in general), we saw a political and social phenomenon that destroyed the country. Parents not talking to their children. Children not talking to their parents. 100,000 young people 13-23 taking off in the middle of the night for San Francisco with no notice. Protests in the streets nationwide and on college campuses. A generation gap unlike that had ever existed. Young people hitchhiking all over America, easily recognizable by their new clothing and hair styles. The re-introduction of a brief 1930s fad, marijuana, on epidemic scales. New social protest movements everywhere from every segment of society that felt they were getting a bad deal. The sudden strange musical shift, even from the world's most popular English band. The draft dodging. A sexual revolution that makes "50 Shades Of Grey" seem like a cartoon.
And there was total culture shock from the generation that had just seen WW2 end 20 years earlier. Had America slipped into some kind of parallel dimension?
Nobody had ever dared to question the actions of the U.S. Government, let alone, the children of the nation.
Welcome to the 1960's.
This war would see 58,000 Americans dead--the majority--the youth of America aged 18 to 25. And an additional 100,000 with lifelong permanent injuries.
And as America became a divided nation--those over 30 in support of the war and those under 30 against the war (in general), we saw a political and social phenomenon that destroyed the country. Parents not talking to their children. Children not talking to their parents. 100,000 young people 13-23 taking off in the middle of the night for San Francisco with no notice. Protests in the streets nationwide and on college campuses. A generation gap unlike that had ever existed. Young people hitchhiking all over America, easily recognizable by their new clothing and hair styles. The re-introduction of a brief 1930s fad, marijuana, on epidemic scales. New social protest movements everywhere from every segment of society that felt they were getting a bad deal. The sudden strange musical shift, even from the world's most popular English band. The draft dodging. A sexual revolution that makes "50 Shades Of Grey" seem like a cartoon.
And there was total culture shock from the generation that had just seen WW2 end 20 years earlier. Had America slipped into some kind of parallel dimension?
Nobody had ever dared to question the actions of the U.S. Government, let alone, the children of the nation.
Welcome to the 1960's.
SELMA MARCH March 7, 1965
1965 started out as a magical year in America because of the variety of Pop Culture--TV, Music, Movies were the greatest!
At the same time, young people of America had an important question on March 7, 1965:
How come these people are not allowed to vote?
Here is how society responded to America's children:
"You're too young to understand. Go listen to the Beatles."
"We do not discuss things like that at this school."
Those same young people wanted answers and would soon explode across the nation.
2015, 50 years to the day of the Selma to Montgomery March.
In more ways then one, the "60's" are going to start the very next day as you can see from this archived newspaper:
http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1965/03/08/page/1/article/negroes-routed-by-tear-gas
At the same time, young people of America had an important question on March 7, 1965:
How come these people are not allowed to vote?
Here is how society responded to America's children:
"You're too young to understand. Go listen to the Beatles."
"We do not discuss things like that at this school."
Those same young people wanted answers and would soon explode across the nation.
2015, 50 years to the day of the Selma to Montgomery March.
In more ways then one, the "60's" are going to start the very next day as you can see from this archived newspaper:
http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1965/03/08/page/1/article/negroes-routed-by-tear-gas
BIBI COMES UP WITH A CLASSIC LINE
ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER BIBI NETANYAHU CAME UP WITH A CLASSIC LINE IN HIS ADDRESS BEFORE THE U.S. CONGRESS.IN DESCRIBING IRAN, ISIS AND THE OTHER PLAYERS INVOLVED, HE GAVE A NEW INTERPRETATION OF A POPULAR PHRASE:
"THE ENEMY OF YOUR ENEMY--IS YOUR ENEMY."
THE COLOR-CHANGING DRESS IS NOT A HOAX
Chances are that you have heard something about a color-changing dress in the last few days.
Try this first. What color is the dress and what color is the lace?
Some of you will say - it is clearly a white dress with gold lace.
Some of you will say - it is clearly a blue dress with black lace.
When I saw this for the the first time last night, it was clearly a white dress with gold lace. I mean--how could anybody say it was blue?
I made a copy of it.
When I woke up this morning, the dress was now clearly blue with black lace. My first thought was that the photo must have a program built in that changes the color.
Throughout the day, under different outside and inside lighting conditions, I have watched it change back and forth at different times.
Apparently, an illusion is taking place.
When you look at the photo, your brain picks up a small context clue of it and then establishes the rest of it--all happening in milliseconds.
Wouldn't it be great if this worked on a map of all the red and blue states?
Try this first. What color is the dress and what color is the lace?
Some of you will say - it is clearly a white dress with gold lace.
Some of you will say - it is clearly a blue dress with black lace.
When I saw this for the the first time last night, it was clearly a white dress with gold lace. I mean--how could anybody say it was blue?
I made a copy of it.
When I woke up this morning, the dress was now clearly blue with black lace. My first thought was that the photo must have a program built in that changes the color.
Throughout the day, under different outside and inside lighting conditions, I have watched it change back and forth at different times.
Apparently, an illusion is taking place.
When you look at the photo, your brain picks up a small context clue of it and then establishes the rest of it--all happening in milliseconds.
Wouldn't it be great if this worked on a map of all the red and blue states?
LEONARD NIMOY
It was Leonard Nimoy's portrayal of Mr. Spock which made the character a worldwide and timeless icon. Every actor focuses on different aspects of a character's personality, responses, vocal inflections, body movements, motivations and interactions. With a different actor, we would probably be looking at Mr. Spock in a completely different manner. Leonard Nimoy's version for a TV show with a tiny budget dominated television at the time and is legendary.
"Live Long And Prosper"
"Live Long And Prosper"
IT'S MY PARTY
Lesley Gore was the Britney Spears of the early-mid 1960's if I had to explain it to those who were not there.
You've all heard "It's My Party," "Judy's Turn to Cry" and the first pop-feminist song ever, "You Don't Own Me" many times.
She was a worldwide phenomenon and represented the average teenage American girl in those innocent times.
Her singles played over and over on radio worldwide and throughout the years.
Does anybody remember when she was cast as Catwoman's sidekick on the satirical "Batman" TV show?
Last year I learned something for the very first time.
Her real name was Lesley Goldstein.
The Hollywood publicity machine managed to keep this a secret throughout the entire 60's. And from then on. Nobody knew.
They just did not want to taint the idea of the personification of the ultimate American teenage girl with a minority religious identification.
They further covered up the fact that she was a lesbian.
That would have created a national emergency in the early 60's.
Nobody ever questioned why she was never seen linked up with famous Hollywood male TV stars or recording artists.
We all assumed she was too busy having a party.
Lesley, thanks for the Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows.
You've all heard "It's My Party," "Judy's Turn to Cry" and the first pop-feminist song ever, "You Don't Own Me" many times.
She was a worldwide phenomenon and represented the average teenage American girl in those innocent times.
Her singles played over and over on radio worldwide and throughout the years.
Does anybody remember when she was cast as Catwoman's sidekick on the satirical "Batman" TV show?
Last year I learned something for the very first time.
Her real name was Lesley Goldstein.
The Hollywood publicity machine managed to keep this a secret throughout the entire 60's. And from then on. Nobody knew.
They just did not want to taint the idea of the personification of the ultimate American teenage girl with a minority religious identification.
They further covered up the fact that she was a lesbian.
That would have created a national emergency in the early 60's.
Nobody ever questioned why she was never seen linked up with famous Hollywood male TV stars or recording artists.
We all assumed she was too busy having a party.
Lesley, thanks for the Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows.
KARDASHIAN SISTERS CONVERT TO JUDAISM
The Kardashian sisters have officially converted to Judaism and will create their own line of yamikas, prayer shawls and jewelry.
"It is so hip to be Jewish these days and we go where hip is," said Khloe Kardashian, the second most popular of the famous trio.
"We are already the 'chosen people' so why not play it out to the fullest," exclaimed Kim Kardashian as she demonstrated a new davening dance she created.
"I can only imagine what Bruce Jenner will look like as a Jewish woman," giggled Kourtney Kardashian.
The girls are considering changing their name to Kardashianberg and say that they invite everybody to join them at the Wilshire Blvd. temple on Friday evenings for new Friday night services followed by a Hip-Hop version of "Shalom Aleichem."
IF IT'S TUESDAY THIS MUST BE BELGIUM
In 1969, when you went to the movie theater, you still got two movies. An extra full-length movie first and then the main film you came to see.
I always remembered a lighthearted film called "If It's Tuesday This Must Be Belgium," about an assorted group of American tourists on a whirlwind tour of Europe.
I remember it was charming, well-done and worthwhile.
Photography, acting, editing, sound are all top-notch from
producer David Wolper.
It still is enchanting and the entire film is currently available for free on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRmO1BXDONI
It stars a very young Ian McShane who has been consistently active in acting since 1969 and a ravishing Suzanne Pleshette. And a cast of character actors who you will recognize from TV and movies of the era.
It's always a good memory test when you only saw it once back in 1969.
I remembered there was a young couple who kept trying to avoid their square parents.
I remembered Donovan singing a folk song in the back of the bus.
I remembered a romance between an American and the tour guide.
I remembered red-headed Peggy Cass being an annoying American.
Let's see how I did.
The young girl was on the tour with her parents. She met an American boy who was doing the hippie-protest scene alone in Europe and followed the tour on his motorcycle.
Donovan sang a folk song but it was in a coffee house for alienated young people.
The romance between the American and the tour guide seems very realistic and possible even from today's viewpoint.
Yes on Peggy Cass.
They don't make movies like this anymore. Why don't you watch it while it's there?
Oh yes...watch the credits at the end. The last three seconds is very funny.
IT'S OFFICIAL: KATE PERRY OWNS ALL CARTOON SHARKS
Taylor Swift's lawyers sent a threatening legal letter to a woman who put three words on a crafts gift for sale on Etsy. After all, Taylor Swift owns those three words and
nobody can use them without her permission.
Now Kate Perry's lawyers have sent a threatening letter to a man
who made a 3-D shark and placed it online for sale.
The letter says that it violates her copyright and intellectual
property.
However, apparently, Kate Perry violated the copyrights and
intellectual property of at least 9 cartoon sharks which
have been in existence for many years and one that is
marketed as a toy.
But she is Kate Perry. And her cartoon shark is the only
one that matters.
These people can get so ridiculous.
nobody can use them without her permission.
Now Kate Perry's lawyers have sent a threatening letter to a man
who made a 3-D shark and placed it online for sale.
The letter says that it violates her copyright and intellectual
property.
However, apparently, Kate Perry violated the copyrights and
intellectual property of at least 9 cartoon sharks which
have been in existence for many years and one that is
marketed as a toy.
But she is Kate Perry. And her cartoon shark is the only
one that matters.
These people can get so ridiculous.
Ernie Banks - Here's What Baby Boomers Saw
One of the highlights of attending a Chicago Cubs game was to see Ernie Banks.
Here's what we saw: A great baseball player who was incredible at bat, on the field, had warmth and charisma.
This was not a black baseball player to us. We saw no color. We went nuts when he came up to bat.
It is an honor and thrill to be able to say that I saw Ernie Banks play baseball.
An unfortunate commentary on our times -- The President Does A Live Spontaneous Interview On YouTube
The President of the United States, Barack Obama, came on YouTube for a live interview today which was being watched by over 85,000 people. While the interview took place, YouTube ran a corresponding area in which those attending could post their comments.
The live stream of comments for an hour was outright obscene, pornographic, racist, profane, lewd and an unfortunate commentary on our times.
(this is a lighter moment when you click to enlarge. I didn't want to post more.)
During the late 1960's, when for the first time ever, young people were using salty and profane language aimed at Richard Nixon, the adults were saying: "Whether you agree with him or not, he is the President of the United States and you need to speak respectfully."
That language was lightweight compared to what went on for an hour today. It is really a shame.
Richard Nixon would have never appeared in a live interview in which the young interviewers could ask whatever they wanted spontaneously and was not controlled.
The live stream of comments for an hour was outright obscene, pornographic, racist, profane, lewd and an unfortunate commentary on our times.
(this is a lighter moment when you click to enlarge. I didn't want to post more.)
During the late 1960's, when for the first time ever, young people were using salty and profane language aimed at Richard Nixon, the adults were saying: "Whether you agree with him or not, he is the President of the United States and you need to speak respectfully."
That language was lightweight compared to what went on for an hour today. It is really a shame.
Richard Nixon would have never appeared in a live interview in which the young interviewers could ask whatever they wanted spontaneously and was not controlled.
President Obama Makes An Interesting Observation
In his State of the Union Speech, President Obama made reference to something that has been unfortunate for America.
He noted that instead of focusing on positive things to move the country forward, we all become involved in "Fake Controversies."
Americans have been programmed to the point that they need something new to be HYSTERICAL about every few days.
Americans become HYSTERICAL about a story being pushed by the media and when that becomes old a newer story replaces that and makes them even more HYSTERICAL. And a few days later the media has an even newer story and so on and so on.
Everybody is so used to it they don't even notice their behavior.
AMERICA - LAND OF THE AFRAID and the HOME OF THE OFFENDED
Millions of people turn out in France to show their support for Freedom of Speech.
Here in America, the sheeple are already controlled. Americans are afraid to say anything at work, home, school, in public or even among friends. They might offend somebody. They are further afraid to write anything on the Internet. America's media is afraid to say anything controversial.
We have become the Land Of the Afraid and the Home of the Offended.
The only way you could get a million Americans together for the commitment to any cause is if the Kartrashians were making a guest appearance and coupons were handed out for discounts on Big Macs.
2016 CLINTON vs. BUSH
It looks like out of 300 million Americans, only 2 will qualify as President in 2016.
Hillary Clinton and Jeb Bush.
Americans love celebrity. They must have some kind of "Personality Cult" around them at all times -- even in who is running their government.
They absolutely need a third term for a Clinton or a Bush.
It will be just like the good old days:
A Clinton administration will find new ways of shipping another few million American jobs overseas.
A Bush administration will get some new wars rolling so that defense contractors can make hundreds of millions.
And that's okay. Just as long as Americans have a celebrity personality in the Oval Office.
With lots of smiles and photo opportunities -- everything will be okay!
Hillary Clinton and Jeb Bush.
Americans love celebrity. They must have some kind of "Personality Cult" around them at all times -- even in who is running their government.
They absolutely need a third term for a Clinton or a Bush.
It will be just like the good old days:
A Clinton administration will find new ways of shipping another few million American jobs overseas.
A Bush administration will get some new wars rolling so that defense contractors can make hundreds of millions.
And that's okay. Just as long as Americans have a celebrity personality in the Oval Office.
With lots of smiles and photo opportunities -- everything will be okay!
ELLIE MAE CLAMPETT -- HEADED TO THE OZARKS IN THE SKY
One of the most beloved television characters ever has passed on. Ellie Mae Clampett, actress Donna Douglas of the Beverly Hillbillies was 81.
Who has not laughed or been charmed by this innocent country girl and her menagerie of animals?
Other than this popular show still broadcast daily all over the world, Douglas was seen in the most well known and meaningful "Twilight Zone" episode ever titled "Eye Of The Beholder." Or I should say: She Was Not Seen.
If you don't know what I'm talking about, you've never seen it and you really need to watch it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dloBl_kIMk
Who has not laughed or been charmed by this innocent country girl and her menagerie of animals?
Other than this popular show still broadcast daily all over the world, Douglas was seen in the most well known and meaningful "Twilight Zone" episode ever titled "Eye Of The Beholder." Or I should say: She Was Not Seen.
If you don't know what I'm talking about, you've never seen it and you really need to watch it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dloBl_kIMk
"The Interview"
"The Interview" is the closest thing you will find to an "Austin Powers" movie.
It is hilarious. I don't recall anything this funny in many years.
However, it is filled with non-stop profanities, vulgarities and crudeness.
"Austin Powers" movies were made so you could actually take any family member from 8 years old and up and a family could enjoy it together.
You do not want to be sitting next to anybody in your family under 25 either at the theater or in your living room. It would be very embarrassing.
It does have a moment of seriousness which comments clearly on Kim Jong Un and his totalitarian 1984 state.
I have been talking about that family on here for 7 years. This film could be very educational for many people.
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL THE BANKS WHO ARE "TOO BIG TO FAIL" !!! Courtesy of the Taxpayers.
The largest banks in America have just been handed the greatest Christmas gift from the American people. The most one-sided piece of legislation since the creation of the Federal Reserve was quietly attached to the major spending bill which will keep the U.S. Government running another year.
The White House and President Obama was pressured into signing it even after they protested the contents of this attachment. Obama knew it was detrimental to all Americans, but couldn't afford another government shutdown.
The gift is a dream come true for all of America's "too big too fail" banks. It's another bailout courtesy of the American taxpayer.
A "derivative" is a bet that banks make on the future.They bet on oil, commodities, livestock, corn and stocks. Here is how it basically works:
A bank bets that soybeans currently valued at $100. a bushel, a year from now will be worth $150. a bushel. They invest millions on that future event. They don't have to put down the full amount now, only 10% on it.
A year goes by. Demand for soybeans did go way up and they now have a marker, which they can sell in the open marketplace, which covers the other 90% they owed from the profits made and gives them a huge profit besides. That profit can be in the billions!
But wait. Weather conditions were extremely bad over that next year. People decided they can do with other foods instead. The price of soybeans went down to $50. a bushel.
The banks owe that 90% they didn't put down up front and they also lost billions when the price of soybeans dropped.
What will the "too big to fail" banks do? They lost billions by making a bad bet in the marketplace.
Not to worry.
When all of you were busy being amused by the antics of the North Koreans and Sony Pictures, your Congressmen and Senators created a last minute attachment dealing with big banks and derivatives.
They have now aligned trading and swapping derivatives for the big banks with the FDIC. This is the government agency which insures your bank savings and checking accounts for up to $250,000.
As of now, if a big bank suddenly loses billions in a derivative deal gone bad, the amount lost will be fully covered by the FDIC and returned to the big bank. And where does the FDIC get its money from? From your savings and checking accounts.
You will now insure the big banks against any bad derivative deal they make. They cannot lose. If they make profits on a derivative deal -- they win! If they lose money on a derivative deal -- they win! Because you have insured their losses.
Can you imagine going to Las Vegas and playing Roulette and if your number comes up -- taking all the profits! And if your number doesn't come up -- the casino refunds back all the money you put down?
How did Congress come up with a piece of legislation like this? We cannot expect our representatives to work too hard. The attached piece of legislation was written by Citigroup, the owners of Citibank. Congress just changed a few words around. Banks had been trying for years to get this passed. Your representatives--the best money can buy--found just the right time to take care of it. America was so distracted by what movie executives were saying about major movie stars, they just slipped this one past us.
Derivative Santa has one message for the American people:
HA! HA! HA!
What if the following announcement was made in 1964 by Columbia Pictures?
What if the following announcement was made in 1964 by Columbia Pictures?
"Columbia Pictures has decided not to release the cold war comedy 'Dr. Strangelove' starring Peter Sellers because of the response from Soviet premiere Nikita Khruschev. The head of the Soviet Union has determined that the film makes his nation look bad and must not be exhibited in America or anywhere else. Khruschev says that failure to follow his demands will result in total non-cooperation and more desktop shoe banging at the United Nations."
Americans would never had stood for such an announcement. And they should not allow a rogue nation now to dictate our right to engage in social satire.
Columbia (Sony) needs to release "The Interview" for free online worldwide.
"Columbia Pictures has decided not to release the cold war comedy 'Dr. Strangelove' starring Peter Sellers because of the response from Soviet premiere Nikita Khruschev. The head of the Soviet Union has determined that the film makes his nation look bad and must not be exhibited in America or anywhere else. Khruschev says that failure to follow his demands will result in total non-cooperation and more desktop shoe banging at the United Nations."
Americans would never had stood for such an announcement. And they should not allow a rogue nation now to dictate our right to engage in social satire.
Columbia (Sony) needs to release "The Interview" for free online worldwide.
SONY HACK REVEALS HYPOCRISY -- No Different At Any Other Major Corporation
The inside business revelations revealed by the hacking of Sony Pictures computers says a great deal more than just about the movie company. It says something about American business in general.
As top executives at the Sony company sling insults at their biggest stars, directors, creative people and other industry personnel, the public cannot be more amused at learning what really goes on behind the scenes. And even how they try and cover things up with coordinated PR jobs, is revealed better than any textbook or Harvard business course.
The unethical hypocrisy demonstrated at the highest levels at Sony is no different than what goes on daily at every major American corporation.
The exposure of any major company's email would show the same dishonesty, callousness, treachery, double-dealing and corruptness emanating from the top down.
Yet, young folks just recently out of college find out when they try and get a job at any of these companies that a double standard applies. Young folks are told their credit isn't good enough, they wrote about a party they went to on Facebook, they are given psychological tests designed to weed out anybody but the most perfected human beings--there is always some reason why they are not eligible for employment--which eventually goes to somebody's family member or relative anyway.
Companies that are fined hundreds of millions of dollars for some of the most illegal activities, then turn to young people who worked hard for an education, and tell them that they just aren't good enough to be employed at their corporation.
Americans are hypocrites. From politics to business to sports to education to media--especially media.
ARCHIE and JUGHEAD TAKE ON THE NAZIS?
I think most people are aware that when World War II started, the government called on the entertainment industry to convince Americans to give full support to the war. America's favorite pastime, the movies, soon reflected that with non-stop propaganda films, newsreels, shorts and cartoons.
Superman, Popeye, Bugs Bunny, Donald Duck and other cartoon favorites stepped out of their normal innocent roles to attack both Germany and Japan. Those cartoons were put away after the war in the studio vaults, the baby boomers that were introduced to these characters on TV never saw these WWII versions and only recently they have been making the rounds.
I really thought I had seen them all.
Then I heard a rumor that Archie Andrews and his pal Jughead of innocent Riverdale also took their own turn against Hitler in a comic book.
That seemed impossible. Archie and his friends always were concerned with the malt shop, school and comical romance.
I tried to research it but came up with nothing.
I could not believe what I finally found.
Take a look for yourself. Archie and Jughead against the Nazis! It appeared in a 1943 PEP comic book before Archie got his own comic series.
Superman, Popeye, Bugs Bunny, Donald Duck and other cartoon favorites stepped out of their normal innocent roles to attack both Germany and Japan. Those cartoons were put away after the war in the studio vaults, the baby boomers that were introduced to these characters on TV never saw these WWII versions and only recently they have been making the rounds.
I really thought I had seen them all.
Then I heard a rumor that Archie Andrews and his pal Jughead of innocent Riverdale also took their own turn against Hitler in a comic book.
That seemed impossible. Archie and his friends always were concerned with the malt shop, school and comical romance.
I tried to research it but came up with nothing.
I could not believe what I finally found.
Take a look for yourself. Archie and Jughead against the Nazis! It appeared in a 1943 PEP comic book before Archie got his own comic series.
THE BERLIN WALL WENT DOWN 25 YEARS AGO TODAY
I keep some small pieces of cement on my wall in a frame where I can see them every single day. They are pieces of the Berlin Wall.
And these little chipped rocks remind me daily of the difference between having Freedom and Not Having Freedom.
It was 25 years ago today that the Berlin Wall came down.
The day that millions of people would regain their freedoms after having been enclosed in a communist "paradise" for almost 30 years.
When the wall went up in August of 1961, the East German puppets of the Soviet Union told their fellow comrades that the wall was not to keep them from losing their freedoms--it was being done on their behalf--to stop them from being influenced and corrupted by those horrible Western Capitalist Dogs of Democracy.
In 1961 I was 8 years old. My understanding of politics as most children of the time was virtually non-existent.
But I understood the Wall on a child's level.
I knew that the children there were forced to wear drab-looking military uniforms to school, they couldn't read Superman comic books, there were no visits from the Good Humor man, they couldn't listen to Elvis on a transistor radio under their pillow at night, there was no Three Stooges on TV after school, they couldn't play on their Schwinn bikes with their friends and they could not read Mad Magazine.
And these things made me very, very sad. Children over there were slaves as much as the adults were behind this evil monstrosity.
From time to time I would see news reports about people risking their lives to get over that wall to freedom in West Berlin.
By 1963, it was amazing to watch our young and brave President JFK go over to West Berlin and speak on behalf of those people in East Berlin who no longer had a voice.
By early 1964, a worldwide phenomenon happened. And in East Berlin, whether you were a child or an adult, if you were caught listening to four young men over Radio Free Europe or Armed Forces Radio--John, Paul, George and Ringo--there were severe punishments.
It was illegal to own a smuggled-in Beatles record. They represented FREEDOM. And the East Germans would have none of that. Yet, they found it difficult to deal with the impact of the group on its younger citizens. For a while, the East Germans allowed the distribution of a sound alike band doing Beatles songs with German accents, political changes in the lyrics (isn't that scary?) but could not stop the demand for the real thing. By the 1970's, they actually started licensing some of the real music to be distributed--the secret was out about this band.
We have a new East Germany on the face of the planet. It is called North Korea.
I absolutely volunteer to straddle one giant nuclear missile and steer it right at Kim Jong Un's extravagant palace.
And these little chipped rocks remind me daily of the difference between having Freedom and Not Having Freedom.
It was 25 years ago today that the Berlin Wall came down.
The day that millions of people would regain their freedoms after having been enclosed in a communist "paradise" for almost 30 years.
When the wall went up in August of 1961, the East German puppets of the Soviet Union told their fellow comrades that the wall was not to keep them from losing their freedoms--it was being done on their behalf--to stop them from being influenced and corrupted by those horrible Western Capitalist Dogs of Democracy.
In 1961 I was 8 years old. My understanding of politics as most children of the time was virtually non-existent.
But I understood the Wall on a child's level.
I knew that the children there were forced to wear drab-looking military uniforms to school, they couldn't read Superman comic books, there were no visits from the Good Humor man, they couldn't listen to Elvis on a transistor radio under their pillow at night, there was no Three Stooges on TV after school, they couldn't play on their Schwinn bikes with their friends and they could not read Mad Magazine.
And these things made me very, very sad. Children over there were slaves as much as the adults were behind this evil monstrosity.
From time to time I would see news reports about people risking their lives to get over that wall to freedom in West Berlin.
By 1963, it was amazing to watch our young and brave President JFK go over to West Berlin and speak on behalf of those people in East Berlin who no longer had a voice.
By early 1964, a worldwide phenomenon happened. And in East Berlin, whether you were a child or an adult, if you were caught listening to four young men over Radio Free Europe or Armed Forces Radio--John, Paul, George and Ringo--there were severe punishments.
It was illegal to own a smuggled-in Beatles record. They represented FREEDOM. And the East Germans would have none of that. Yet, they found it difficult to deal with the impact of the group on its younger citizens. For a while, the East Germans allowed the distribution of a sound alike band doing Beatles songs with German accents, political changes in the lyrics (isn't that scary?) but could not stop the demand for the real thing. By the 1970's, they actually started licensing some of the real music to be distributed--the secret was out about this band.
We have a new East Germany on the face of the planet. It is called North Korea.
I absolutely volunteer to straddle one giant nuclear missile and steer it right at Kim Jong Un's extravagant palace.
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