Joe Namath is 80.....Woke companies....VP Pence and Governor Christie......Jane Fonda white men......Lula & Maduro.......and other stories....click to listen:
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
Wednesdays video: Joe Namath is 80.....Woke companies....Jane Fonda & more
Joe Namath is 80.....Woke companies....VP Pence and Governor Christie......Jane Fonda white men......Lula & Maduro.......and other stories....
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Happy # 80 Joe Namath
If you grew up watching those AFL games on NBC, then you probably remember Joe Namath, who was born in Beaver Falls, PA, on this day in 1943. What I recall is that all the girls in high school suddenly spoke about touchdown passes and the guys were jealous that Joe had girls chasing him.
Namath came out of Alabama and was signed by the new AFL. The league needed big college players to compete with the mature NFL. They also made Joe the face of the league and appealed to younger fans, especially women watching on television.
Joe did not disappoint the AFL. In fact, he won Super Bowl III, the game that gave the AFL instant credibility. The best part is that he walked the talk when he predicted a Jets victory. I saw that game with my brother and father. My sister did not watch, but she always said that Joe was cute. What girl did not think that? Maybe the Baltimore girls who found Joe a bit too much off a big mouth.
The game, not called Super Bowl until later, was the perfect stage for Namath. He was a genius that day, as they wrote back in 1969:
Almost no one thought the New York Jets could penetrate the fine Baltimore defense, but Namath was sure of it and said so. "We're a better team than Baltimore," he said before the game. He was lying by the pool at the Gait Ocean Mile Hotel, where the Jets stayed, tanned and oiled against the sun. Namath reminds you a bit of Dean Martin in his relaxed confidence and in the droop of his heavy-lidded eyes. He is a man of immense self-assurance and, as he showed early in the week, a man of startling honesty.
To be honest, I loved Joe but did not think that he'd beat the mighty Colts. The funny part is that everyone in school was talking about the game the next day. And everyone said with a straight face that they knew the Jets would win. Too bad we didn't have iPhones back then to show them all their videos or texts picking the Colts.
Beyond that game and all the TV commercials, Joe was also a very good quarterback: 173 TDs and over 27,000 yards passed. We remind you that most of the numbers came in his first five seasons. He was hurt a lot after winning that Super Bowl in 1969. Joe was more than numbers. He made the AFL and was responsible for the merger in 1970.
Namath is one of my all-time favorite sports personalities! The Jets knew something when they gave him all that money to play with them.
Time flies and Namath is 80.
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Happy # 85 to Peter Yarrow (of Peter Paul & Mary)
We grew up listening to their songs, from "Puff the magic dragon" to "I dig rockn' roll music". They were great and their vocal arrangements second to none.
Mary died in 2009 and I have not kept up with Peter and Paul. Nevertheless, every once in a while one of their songs comes on the radio and brings back lots of good memories.
"Puff the magic dragon" is one with Peter on lead vocals.
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Happy # 73 to Tippy Martinez
Tippy came up with the Yankees and was traded to Baltimore in 1976 along with Scott McGregor and Rick Dempsey. The Yankees were headed to the World Series in 1976 and the Orioles were rebuilding. They made the classic veterans for young guys trade and it worked great for Baltimore. The Orioles picked up a starter, a great reliever and wonderful catcher out of that deal.
Tippy had some great seasons out of the bullpen for the Orioles. He was one of the best lefties in the game. Along the way, he saved 115 games with a 3.45 ERA. He was the 8th inning set up man for some of that time so the "saves" don't tell the whole story. Often, Weaver would bring him to pitch to a tough lefty.
My favorite memory was Tippy Martinez on the mound when the Orioles beat the White Sox to clinch the AL pennant in 1983.
Tippy is the answer to a great trivia question. Who picked three Toronto Blue Jays (Barry Bonnell, Dave Collins and Willie Upshaw) at first base in one inning during an August 24, 1983 game at Baltimore's Memorial Stadium? The answer is Tippy Martinez.
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Happy # 93 to Clint Eastwood
We remember Clint Eastwood, who was born in San Francisco on this day in 1930.
Eastwood made his TV debut with "Rawhide" in 1955. It was a great Western about cattlemen who drove their herds across the Great Plains.
After that, he had a huge career in the movies. Check out this western collection!
You can get the whole "Rawhide" series HERE.
You can hear the classic theme song HERE by Frankie Laine. It is one of the most popular TV themes ever.
P.S. You can listen to my show. If you like our posts, please look for ”Donate” on the right column of the blog page.
A word about May 31
We remember May 31:
"Broadway Joe": We remember Joe Namath who was born in Beaver Falls. PA, on this day in 1943. Namath won Super Bowl III and a very good quarterback: 173 TDs and over 27,000 yards passed.
"Folk music": We remember Peter Yarrow of the legendary Peter Paul & Mary. He was born in New York City on this day in 1938.
"Orioles magic": We remember Tippy Martinez who was born in Colorado on this day in 1950. He became one of the best Orioles ever.
"Go ahead and make my day": We remember Clint Eastwood, who was born in San Francisco on this day in 1930. Check out this western collection! You can get the whole "Rawhide" series HERE.
P.S. You can listen to my show. If you like our posts, please look for ”Donate” on the right column of the blog page.
Tuesday, May 30, 2023
Tuesday's video: Spain elections. AG Paxton in Texas, Woke vs customers & Lincoln Memorial 1922
Tuesday's elections:
Spain elections. AG Paxton in Texas, Woke vs customers & Lincoln Memorial 1922.....
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Good day for 'la derecha' in Spain
(My new American Thinker post)
Like many Cubans of my generation, we were born in the island, grew up in the US. .and had Spanish grandparents or great grandparents. This is because Cuba was a Spanish colony until 1898 (Spanish -merican War) and the new country was flooded with Iberian immigrants in the first half of the 20th century. In other words, I grew up with Spanish traditions and have always been interested in what happens in Spain.
Over the weekend, the voters in Spain said "no" to the socialists. It was a loud rejection as we see in this report from Reuters:
Spain's ruling Socialists suffered heavy losses to opposition conservatives in Sunday's local election, with around 95% of the votes counted, showing their electoral vulnerability ahead of an end-of-year general election.
Only three of the 12 regions holding elections will retain Socialist dominance by very narrow margins, with the rest likely go to the conservative People's Party, albeit with coalitions or informal support agreements with the far-right Vox party.
"The map changes completely and is a boost for Alberto Nuñez Feijoo -- the new leader of the PP -- ahead of the elections at the end of the year," said Ignacio Jurado, professor of political science at the Carlos III University.
The gains for the People's Party (PP) indicate the conservatives could unseat the current left-wing coalition led by the Partido Socialista Obrero Español (PSOE) if they replicate the performance in national elections by December.
Let me remind you that they have a parliamentary system, so coalitions will determine the final results. Nevertheless, it was a bad weekend for the Left.
So what happened? My friend in Madrid told me a couple of things over the phone:
First, it's the economy "estupido." It matters in Spain too;
Second, we saw a little nationalism blossoming. Many feel that the euro has tied up Spanish exports and tourism. In other words, Spanish goods consumed here or tourists spots would be a lot cheaper with their old "peseta" than the euro. I'm not saying that this is the Spanish version of Brexit but it sounds a bit like it; and,
Third, the Left is obsessed with gender and issues that don't matter to people struggling with their family budgets.
To be fair, this is my friend's opinion and he voted for the Right. However, he is a serious man and his analysis is probably right.
What's next? PM Pedro Sánchez of the Left is calling for general elections.
P.S. Check out my blog for posts, podcasts and videos.
A word about May 30
We remember May 30:
On May 30, 1922, The Lincoln Memorial was dedicated. It was 57 years after Lincoln died.
Indy 500: The Indianapolis 500 is always a real treat. It all got started in 1911 when Ray Harround came in first.
Yankee history: On this day in 1956, Mickey Mantle hit one of the most memorable home runs in his career. It happened on the second game of a doubleheader with the Washington Senators. He hit a pitch from Pedro Ramos that came within 18 inches of leaving Yankee Stadium. The experts said that the ball could have traveled more than 600 feet.
P.S. You can listen to my show. If you like our posts, please look for ”Donate” on the right column of the blog page.
2015 podcast: Political humor with Antonio F Branco & Leslie Eastman
2015: Political humor with Antonio F Branco & Leslie Eastman......... https://t.co/audrQD48oD— Silvio Canto, Jr.
Monday, May 29, 2023
It's important to remember why we have a day off
(My new American Thinker post)
Like most of you, I will enjoy a "family day" and eat too much.
We have three grandchildren now so we need more food these days.
On this Memorial Day holiday, the U.S. could use a lesson from our ancestors because there are too many people around who want us to forget our history or devalue its importance. Sadly, they want us to hate the country rather than love its unique history.
So let's remember why we take a day off today.
My guess is that all countries have one day to remember those who have paid the ultimate price, as President Lincoln said. In the U.S., we call it Memorial Day and it has a long history.
On May 5, 1868, General John A. Logan, leader of an organization for Northern Civil War veterans, called for a nationwide day of remembrance later that month. “The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land,” he proclaimed.
The date of Decoration Day, as he called it, was chosen because it wasn’t the anniversary of any particular battle.
On the first Decoration Day, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, and 5,000 participants decorated the graves of the 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried there.
For decades, Memorial Day continued to be observed on May 30, the date Logan had selected for the first Decoration Day. But in 1968 Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which established Memorial Day as the last Monday in May in order to create a three-day weekend for federal employees; the change went into effect in 1971. The same law also declared Memorial Day a federal holiday.
Looking back today and reading about Decoration Day, I am amazed how our ancestors were willing to decorate the graves of northern and southern soldiers. It’s a good lesson for those who want to remove Confederate statues. Sometimes the best way to heal is to honor the dead rather than selectively remove them from history.
Remember what Memorial Day is about. It's the best way to honor their sacrifice.
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A thought about Memorial Day
We take a minute from political opinions to remember all of the heroes on Memorial Day.
In my case, I will remember a young man named Nathan Aguirre who died in Iraq in 2006.
I know Nathan’s parents. His dad and I are church ushers. His mom is a beautiful person who is now working with other families who lost sons in Iraq.
Nathan Aguirre is a real hero. Remember him and his parents today!
Over the years, we’ve heard many messages on Memorial Day. I like this one from President Bush in 2003:
“On Memorial Day, Americans place flags on military graves, walk past a wall of black granite in Washington, D.C., and many families think of a face and voice they miss so much.Today, we honor the men and women who have worn the nation’s uniform and were last seen on duty.From the battles of Iraq and Afghanistan, to the conflicts in Korea and Vietnam, to the trials of World War, to the struggles that made us a nation, today we recall that liberty is always the achievement of courage.”
Happy Memorial Day and remember the real meaning of this “day off” from work!
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Let's remember those who paid the full price!
Another day and another opportunity to make my presentation at GID, a Latin American Group in the Dallas area. We formed this group back in 1992 for fellowship and to learn more about roots. Over the years, we've had speakers an guests from Latin America and we hear about the many traditions south of the border, and I mean all the way down to Argentina.
So I gave my annual presentation about Memorial Day, a special American holiday. My guess is that all countries have one day to remember those who have paid the ultimate price, as President Abraham Lincoln said. In the U.S., we call it Memorial Day and it has a long history.
Let’s start with the War Between the States or the Civil War (1861-65) and “Decoration Day“:
On May 5, 1868, General John A. Logan, leader of an organization for Northern Civil War veterans, called for a nationwide day of remembrance later that month. “The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land,” he proclaimed.
The date of Decoration Day, as he called it, was chosen because it wasn’t the anniversary of any particular battle.
On the first Decoration Day, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, and 5,000 participants decorated the graves of the 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried there.
In 1968, it became Memorial Day.
For decades, Memorial Day continued to be observed on May 30, the date Logan had selected for the first Decoration Day. But in 1968 Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which established Memorial Day as the last Monday in May in order to create a three-day weekend for federal employees; the change went into effect in 1971. The same law also declared Memorial Day a federal holiday.
Looking back today and reading about Decoration Day, I am impressed at the dedication of all of those who decorated the graves of northern and southern soldiers. Over time, we see celebrations for the fallen of recent wars, too. The wars where we may have a connection to the fallen soldier, as I did with Nathan Aguirre, a young man from our church killed in Iraq.
Every year I hear the same comments about how Americans respect and honor their veterans. It’s different in most Latin American countries where military service is not something people talk about.
Remember their sacrifice on Memorial Day.
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We remember President John F. Kennedy (1917-63)
He won the 1960 election but was assassinated in Dallas in 1963.
JFK's 34-month presidency saw the crisis in Cuba, the early days of Southeast Asia and the commitment to put a man in the moon by the end of decade.
The Kennedy presidency continues to be very popular as Professor Sabato wrote recently.
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Happy Memorial Day!
Take a minute and attend a parade or just remember the meaning of this day.
We are very happy to see this: 74% Have Favorable Opinion of U.S. Military
The US military is a wonderful institution, from defending our freedoms to developing young men.
On Memorial Day, we remember the soldier who gave his life.
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A word about May 29
We remember May 29:
May 1813: The week Thomas Jefferson and John Adams started their historic correspondence........
JFK: We remember President John F. Kennedy who was born in Massachusetts on this day in 1917.
19th century: Wisconsin joined the Union on this day in 1848. It was state # 30 on the way to 50!
"Hollywood": The great Bob Hope was born on this day in 1903 and lived 100 years plus 2 months!
"Hall of Famer": Slugger Mike Schmidt closed the books on a great career with the Phillies on this day in 1989. He was one of the very best third basemen in baseball history. His numbers were awesome: 548 HR & 1, 595 RBI.
9-11 widow: On 9-11, Beverly Eckert was one of the many ladies at home talking to their husbands at the collapsing World Trade Center or aboard one of those jets. Beverly Eckert was born on this day in 1951. She was killed in a Buffalo plane crash in 2009. Beverly was on her way to Buffalo to attend a ceremony related to her husband at Canisius High School, a Jesuit school.
"1960's classic": We remember Gary Brooker, vocalist and keyboardist for Procol Harum. He was born in the UK on this day in 1945. Back in 1967, the band scored a worldwide hit: "A whiter shade of pale".
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Sunday, May 28, 2023
Happy # 79 Gladys Knight
We remember Gladys Knight who was born in Atlanta, GA, on this day in 1944.
In the 1970's, Gladys Knight & The Pips recorded gold singles like “Neither One of Us (Wants to be the First to Say Goodbye),” “I’ve Got to Use My Imagination,” “Best Thing to Ever Happen to Me” and the #1 smash “Midnight Train to Georgia”.
All together, she recorded over 30 LP's and worked with other artists, like Stevie Wonder.
A super artist and vocalist.
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Happy # 78 John Fogerty
We salute John Fogerty born on this day in 1945......lead vocalist and guitarist of CCR, one of the biggest bands in the history of rock........their songs are heard everyday on radio stations all over the world...
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A word about May 28
We remember May 28:
"Creedence Clearwater Revival": We salute John Fogerty born on this day in 1945......lead vocalist and guitarist of CCR, one of the biggest bands in the history of rock...
"007 man": Ian Fleming born May 28, 1910.......died in 1964..... the man who created James Bond 007...... great writer.
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Saturday, May 27, 2023
Maybe we should do the 'persona non grata' thing with AMLO
(My new American Thinker post)
To paraphrase that famous line from Anne Richards about then VP George H.W. Bush: "Poor Andres, he can't help it. He was born with a leftist foot in his mouth.” As you may remember, VP Bush went on to win big in 1988.
My guess is that Hispanics are not going to vote based on what they hear from AMLO.
The man who always wants a headline, President Andres Lopez Obrador of Mexico, decided to go cute on us. Let's hear about it:
Lopez Obrador accused DeSantis of pushing "anti-immigrant" policies and urged Hispanics not to vote for him.
"I hope the Hispanics of Florida wake up and don't give him any votes, that they don't vote for those who persecute migrants, those who don't respect migrants," he said, according to The Guardian.
The remarks are the latest instance of meddling in U.S. elections by the unpredictable Mexican premier, who has fumed at Republican criticism of his handling of immigration and the flow of fentanyl into the U.S.
In March, he threatened to launch an "information campaign" against Republicans, telling Hispanics not to vote for them, after lawmakers suggested potential military action to take out the drug cartels pumping out fentanyl and sending it to the U.S.
So much for all those lectures about not intervening in other country's elections.
My guess is that AMLO is talking to Hispanics who are U.S. citizens and can vote in our elections. The problem for AMLO is that Hispanics have soured on President Biden. It's funny how paying more for gasoline and tortillas will change your political alliances. The second mistake is that AMLO thinks that Hispanics spend all their time talking about immigration. Most don't, but they do care about border control.
So maybe Governor DeSantis should say that we should declare the big mouth a "persona non grata" like they did in Peru.
Go out and eat some ceviche this weekend and say thanks to Peru.
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