Wednesday, July 31, 2024
The week in review with Bill Katz the editor of Urgent Agenda
The week in review with Bill Katz the editor of Urgent Agenda
Barack ‘Luca Brasi’ Obama
Barack ‘Luca Brasi’ Obama: Maybe you remember this one from The Godfather movie:
Michael Corleone: My father made him an offer he couldn’t refuse.
Kay Adams: What was that?
Michael Corleone: Luca Brasi held a gun to his head, and my father assured him that….
Click to read:
Barack ‘Luca Brasi’ Obama - American Thinker https://t.co/DmnJiqEnwL
— Silvio Canto. Jr. (@silvio_canto) July 31, 2024
Happy # 79 Gary Lewis
We say happy birthday to Gary Lewis who was born in New Jersey on this day in 1945.
His father was Jerry Lewis, one of the superstars of movies and comedy.
In 1965, Gary formed a band and enjoyed several hits, such as "This diamond ring" a # 1 song. All together, Gary Lewis and the Playboys had 7 Top 10 hits.
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.
Happy # 70 Ellis Valentine
Ellis Valentine was born in Arkansas on this day in 1954. He was drafted by Montreal and broke with them in 1975. By 1976, he was the every day right fielder.
In the late 1970's, the Montreal Expos had one of the best outfields in modern baseball history. In fact, you could argue that it was the best in quite some time: Ellis Valentine, future Hall of Famer Andre Dawson & Warren Cromartie.
Valentine and teammate Cromartie had 24 assists in 1977. You simply could not take an extra base on that Expos' outfield!
Valentine survived injuries and retired with a .278 batting average and .288 in 7 seasons in Montreal.
Valentine was part of the Expos who came in second in 1978, 1979 & 1980. They lost the NLCS to the LA Dodgers in 1981. In today's game, Montreal would have clinched a wild card spot everyone of those years that they came in second in the NL East. Who knows what would have happened to that "wild card team" in the NL post season?
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.
We remember Milton Friedman (1912-2006)
My guess is that most of you read "Free to choose" or watched the TV series. Or, maybe you are familiar with Dr Friedman's work in Chile, the story of "The Chicago Boys" who turned that South American country into one of the best economies in the world.
Milton Friedman was born in 1912 and died in 2006. Rose, his devoted wife, research partner and companion of many years, died in 2009. They were always together and that was great too.
Stephen Moore of the WSJ wrote a great column about the life & times of Mr Friedman. I love Mr. Friedman's advice just before he died:
"I remember asking Milton, a year or so before his death, during one of our semiannual dinners in downtown San Francisco: What can we do to make America more prosperous? "Three things," he replied instantly. "Promote free trade, school choice for all children, and cut government spending."How much should we cut? "As much as possible.""
Thank you Mr. Friedman!
We remember Curt Gowdy (1919-2006)
We remember Curt Gowdy who was born in Wyoming on this day in 1919.
A few days ago, I caught an audio clip of Curt Gowdy doing a World Series game many years ago. What a treat to hear that voice again!
Most of us grew up watching the NBC Saturday afternoon baseball game of the week and listening to Gowdy's voice. I recall many World Series games, too. He was also the voice of the Super Bowl and the famous Heidi game, when NBC cut off the Jets-Raiders game to broadcast the Disney movie.
In '84, Gowdy was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1984. Curt Gowdy died in 2006. He was a gem calling baseball and football.
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, July 30, 2024
Don't be surprised if there is a Walz on the ticket
Don't be surprised if there is a Walz on the ticket - American Thinker https://t.co/YlEzrLAWV2
— Silvio Canto. Jr. (@silvio_canto) July 30, 2024
"In God we trust" signed into law in 1956
President Eisenhower made it legal in 1956:
"On this day in 1956, two years after pushing to have the phrase “under God” inserted into the pledge of allegiance, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signs a law officially declaring “In God We Trust” to be the nation’s official motto. The law, P.L. 84-140, also mandated that the phrase be printed on all American paper currency. The phrase had been placed on U.S. coins since the Civil War when, according to the historical association of the United States Treasury, religious sentiment reached a peak."It was a good day for the US.
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.
Happy # 83 Paul Anka, great vocalist and songwriter!
Wonder how many people know that Paul Anka was born in Canada? He was born on this day in 1941. Paul is from Ottawa and enjoyed big hits by the time that he was a teenager.
Anka is one of the few pop artists who had Top 10 songs in the 1950s, 1960's & 1970's! Who else but Elvis can say that?
Anka's formula? Romantic and catchy songs that filled Top 40 play lists in the era of AM radio stations. I'm sure that lots of our parents have Anka 45's among their belongings and souvenirs.
I learned in the 1970's that Paul Anka composed "My Way" and several TV songs, such as The Tonight Song theme song! How would you like to collect those royalties?
A few years ago, Paul wrote an autobiography. He also left us an amazing collection of hit songs, available now on digital.
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.
The best Lennon-McCartney song?
What was the best of all of the Lennon-McCartney tunes?
Over time, I've grown to love "In my life".
It was released in "Rubber Soul", my favorite of all of The Beatles' albums.
This is such a nice song, specially as we get a little older and remember all of the places that "have changed".
According to "songfacts":
"The lyrics about friends refer to Stu Sutcliffe, an early Beatle and great friend of John's who died in 1962, and another friend named Pete Shotton.John & Paul do some great vocals:
Lennon also thought of his Aunt Mimi and wife Cynthia, as well as other friends."
"There are places I remember
All my life though some have changed
Some forever not for better
Some have gone and some remain
All these places had their moments
With lovers and friends I still can recall
Some are dead and some are living
In my life I've loved them all
But of all these friends and lovers
There is no one compares with you
And these memories lose their meaning
When I think of love as something new
Though I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life I love you more
Though I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life I love you more
In my life I love you more..."
Monday, July 29, 2024
Well, Jill liked the Olympic ceremony
Well, Jill liked the Olympic ceremony: Well, we finally have a White House response to the Paris show. Someone liked it and her name is Jill:
First lady Jill Biden had high praise for the opening ceremony at the Paris Olympics this weekend, despite widespread criticism that….
Click to read:
Well, Jill liked the Olympic ceremony - American Thinker https://t.co/PVeTHPwMAY
— Silvio Canto. Jr. (@silvio_canto) July 29, 2024
1958: "La violetera" with Sara Montiel
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To be honest, I didn't like this movie the first time around. Years later, I saw it again and appreciated Sara Montiel's voice and acting skills.
"La Violetera" was released in 1958.
Sara died in 2013 and left behind quite a legacy of movies and recording, including "Vera Cruz" (1955) with Gary Cooper and Burt Lancaster and "Run of the Arrow" (1957) with Rod Steiger.
It's a nice movie.
Sara died in 2013 and left behind quite a legacy of movies and recording, including "Vera Cruz" (1955) with Gary Cooper and Burt Lancaster and "Run of the Arrow" (1957) with Rod Steiger.
It's a nice movie.
P.S. You can listen to my show (Canto Talk). If you like our posts, please look for ”Donate” on the right column.
1970: “Close to you" was # 1 this week
Richard Carpenter was 24, and younger sister Karen was only 20, when they recorded "Close to you" many summers ago. It was another great song written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, who also wrote songs for Dionne Warwick!
"Close to you" was their first # 1 song and became one of the biggest hits of the 1970's.
Have you listened to the radio lately? It is still one of the most requested pop songs on the radio.
According to songfacts, "Close to you" was recorded by a couple of artists before The Carpenters. It became a hit when the song met Karen's beautiful voice and Richard's awesome arrangement!
'Close to you" turned out to be one of the most popular songs of 1970 and the entire decade. It's still a popular selection in various radio formats, from oldies to Top 40 to soft-rock. This is one of those pop songs that you need to download!
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.
Sunday, July 28, 2024
In Paris, there’ll be no Charlie Hebdo repeat over the blasphemous open ceremonies
In Paris, there’ll be no Charlie Hebdo repeat over the blasphemous open ceremonies: Once upon a time, the athletes marched into a stadium without so much fanfare or production. It’s an introduction of teams, after all. Unfortunately, Paris decided to go woke this year and convince people like me to turn off the TV and skip…
Click to read:
In Paris, there’ll be no Charlie Hebdo repeat over the blasphemous open ceremonies - American Thinker https://t.co/Uhnm42lEg9
— Silvio Canto. Jr. (@silvio_canto) July 28, 2024
We remember Vida Blue (1949-2023)
Vida Rochelle Blue, Jr. was born on this day in 1949 in Louisiana. He died in 2023.
He broke with the A's in 1969 at age 19 and then became the pitching story of 1971: 24-8, a 1.82 ERA, 8 shutouts & 301 Ks. It earned him a Cy Young Award & MVP!
Overall, he won 209 with 143 complete games and pitched with the A's in the postseason, 1971-75.
I saw Vida shutout the Orioles in game 3 of the 1974 ALCS, a dominating 2-hit shutout! He beat Jim Palmer, 1-0 with Sal Bando hitting a home run for the only run of the game.
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.He broke with the A's in 1969 at age 19 and then became the pitching story of 1971: 24-8, a 1.82 ERA, 8 shutouts & 301 Ks. It earned him a Cy Young Award & MVP!
Overall, he won 209 with 143 complete games and pitched with the A's in the postseason, 1971-75.
I saw Vida shutout the Orioles in game 3 of the 1974 ALCS, a dominating 2-hit shutout! He beat Jim Palmer, 1-0 with Sal Bando hitting a home run for the only run of the game.
We remember Jackie Kennedy (1929-1994)
Jacqueline Bouvier was born in New York on this day in 1929.
We remember her as the very elegant First Lady Jackie Kennedy.
She died in 1994.
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Saturday, July 27, 2024
California or Texas that is the question
California or Texas that is the question: We probably won't get it in 2024 but the country really needs a debate about the future. Do we want to be Texas or California? New York or Florida? Why? Because the country is having that debate and voting with its feet. The voters here are ahead...
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California or Texas that is the question - American Thinker https://t.co/3PuOtiuxCG
— Silvio Canto. Jr. (@silvio_canto) July 27, 2024
We remember Leo Durocher (1905-1991)
The legendary Leo Durocher was born on this day in 1905.
Leo broke with the Yankees in 1925 but did not start playing on a regular basis until 1928 when he hit .270 in 102 games.
Durocher had a pretty good career with the Yankees, Reds, Cardinals and Dodgers. He was primarily a short stop and finished with a .247 career average.
As a manager, Durocher won 2,008 games, 3 NL Pennants and the World Series with the 1954 Giants.
In the spring of 1947, Leo and the Brooklyn Dodgers took their spring training camp to Havana. It was a real treat for Cuban fans to catch major league exhibition baseball games.
We remember him as a very colorful figure on and off the field.
P.S. Check out my blog for posts, podcasts and videos. If you like our posts, please look for ”Donate” on the right column of the blog page.
Happy # 75 Maureen McGovern
(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)
We remember Maureen for "Morning after" or the theme song of the movie "The Poseidon Adventure". Remember the one about the cruise ship that flipped over in the middle of the ocean?
Scary movie and a nice pop song by Maureen McGovern.
It was the a big hit in the summer of 1973! She did not have another Top 20 until "Different worlds" in 1979, a song that reminds me of "The love boat" theme song.
Click here for "Morning After":
Scary movie and a nice pop song by Maureen McGovern.
It was the a big hit in the summer of 1973! She did not have another Top 20 until "Different worlds" in 1979, a song that reminds me of "The love boat" theme song.
Click here for "Morning After":
"There's got to be a morning after
If we can hold on through the night
We have a chance to find the sunshine
Let's keep on lookin' for the light
Oh, can't you see the morning after
It's waiting right outside the storm
Why don't we cross the bridge together
And find a place that's safe and warm
It's not too late, we should be giving
Only with love can we climb
It's not too late, not while we're living
Let's put our hands out in time
There's got to be a morning after
We're moving closer to the shore
I know we'll be there by tomorrow
And we'll escape the darkness
We won't be searchin' any more
There's got to be a morning after
(There's got to be a morning after)
There's got to be a morning after..."
Happy # 82 Bobbie Gentry
We say happy birthday to Roberta Lee Streeter who was born in Mississippi on this day in 1942. "It was the third of June.." sang Bobbie Gentry in "Ode to Billy Joe"....# 419 in Rolling Stone Top 500 songs....
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.
Friday, July 26, 2024
Move over Michael, Joe is singing your song
Move over Michael, Joe is singing your song: On one hand, it was sad to see a defeated man forced to read a speech he never planned to read. What happened this weekend? Did Nancy and the gang threaten to pull the curtain on the family scandals? On the other hand, this is what ...
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Move over Michael, Joe is singing your song - American Thinker https://t.co/W9sDc4bByr
— Silvio Canto. Jr. (@silvio_canto) July 26, 2024
Happy # 81 Mick Jagger
We say happy to Mick Jagger, one of the greats of rock. He was born on this day in 1943.
Mick, along with Keith Richards, turned The Rolling Stones into one of the greatest rock bands ever.
Rolling Stone magazine, no connection to the rock group, has Jagger at # 16 of the top vocalists 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.
1965: The Rolling Stones' "Satisfaction" was # 1 this week
Mick Jagger got a big gift for his 22nd birthday in 1965, or the # 1 song on Billboard USA. It was also the song that turned The Rolling Stones into huge rock superstars.
"Satisfaction" was released on the "Out of our heads" LP. It was also included in various compilations LP's, specially "The singles".
It is not my favorite song by The Rolling Stones. Frankly, I'd rather hear "Jumpin' Jack Flash". Nevertheless, "Satisfaction" was huge.
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.
1775: Happy birthday to the US Post Office
Wonder what it cost to post a letter in 1775?
The Post Office changed the country in many ways, from commerce to personal correspondence to the distribution of political ideas.
Say hello to your postman today!
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A word about The Rolling Stones!
McCartney had a great solo career. Lennon did OK and was killed just as he was coming back to the charts. Harrison and Starr had limited solo careers.
The Rolling Stones are a different story. They are still going.
Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Charlie Watts are still in the band. Bill Wyman retired a couple of years ago. Brian Jones died in 1969. He was replaced by Ron Wood and Mick Taylor.
Bottom line: The Rolling Stones are the longest running band of the rock era.
P.S. Check out my blog for posts, podcasts and videos. If you like our posts, please look for ”Donate” on the right column of the blog page.
Thursday, July 25, 2024
But Josh is pro-Israel
But Josh is pro-Israel: The VP short list includes a few interesting names like Governor Josh Shapiro. I don't live in Pennsylvania but they tell me that the governor is popular. I hear that he could deliver that important state to the Democrats.
But why would the…
Click to read:
But Josh is pro-Israel - American Thinker https://t.co/XW3cpjEHdj
— Silvio Canto. Jr. (@silvio_canto) July 25, 2024
"Brief encounter" is intense but very nice
It is the story of a married woman who meets a doctor at a train station. It's a chance meeting and they begin to see each other. She is Celia Johnson and he is Trevor Howard.
I had no idea that the movie is considered a romantic classic.
Also, the movie's soundtrack is fabulous, or Rachmaninoff's second piano concerto exquisitely dropped in at different moments of the story.
Very nice movie. What happened to the married woman and the doctor? Watch the movie and find out!
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.
Wednesday, July 24, 2024
Kamala you have some ‘splainin’ to do
Kamala you have some ‘splainin’ to do: Maybe a reporter will ask VP Harris about the 25th Amendment and President Biden. After all, all we’ve heard about the ailing president is a phone call and a memo retiring from the election. Is it too much to ask about the president...
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Kamala you have some ‘splainin’ to do - American Thinker https://t.co/g2mBBGxocF
— Silvio Canto. Jr. (@silvio_canto) July 24, 2024
We remember Willie Davis (1934-2020)
We remember Willie Davis who was born in Louisiana on this day in 1934.
As a teenager growing up in Wisconsin, I had to learn about pro football.
We did not play it in Cuba. Nevertheless, I fell in love with the Green Bay Packers, the dream team of the pre-Super Bowl days.
Before the Steelers, 49ers and Patriots won Super Bowls, the Packers won a bunch of NFL titles.
They had a great coach in Vince Lombardi, a great QB in Bart Starr and a great running back in Jim Taylor. The Pack even had great rookies, like Donny Anderson and Jim Grabowski. I remember Leroy Williams, who used to run back kickoffs. He ran one back for almost 100 yards against the Rams!
What a great team. It was easy to fall in love with a team like the Packers.
Willie Davis was also on those teams and a great fan favorite. After football, Davis became a successful businessman, author and speaker.
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, July 23, 2024
She’s always Kamala to me
She’s always Kamala to me: It’s official now and VP Kamala Harris is heading to Chicago to pick up the nomination. We will follow her trip and see if the vice president can persuade Democrats that she is the one to beat President Trump. Some have doubts.
Click to read:
She’s always Kamala to me - American Thinker https://t.co/ASEPbFg5nG
— Silvio Canto. Jr. (@silvio_canto) July 23, 2024
We remember Pee Wee Reese (1918-1999)
Pee Wee Reese hit .269 with 2,170 career hits & 1,338 runs scored. He missed 3 full seasons to military service.
Reese's greatest contribution was his leadership in bringing Jackie Robinson along as the first black player in major league baseball. In 1947, Pee Wee embraced Jackie in front of Cincinnati fans who were yelling obscenities at him. It showed everyone that Pee Wee was also a great player and a man of character.
Reese was inducted to The Hall of Fame in 1984 and died in 1999.
By the way, one of the greatest books about those legendary Brooklyn Dodgers is "Wait till next year" by Doris Kearns Goodwin.
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.
Monday, July 22, 2024
Claudia is a feminist
Claudia is a feminist: Up here we may have VP Kamala Harris but down in Mexico they've gone full feminist girl, President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum. As she said, she is a feminist on a mission. Check this out:
México’s president-elect, Claudia...
Click to read:
Claudia is a feminist - American Thinker https://t.co/shuxTDDbJ4
— Silvio Canto. Jr. (@silvio_canto) July 22, 2024
We remember Bobby Sherman (1944-2025)
Between 1969 and 1972, Bobby Sherman sold millions and millions of records. As I recall, he was on the radio, TV and maybe a movie as well. He died in 2025.
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.
Sunday, July 21, 2024
Looking like a five-run lead
Looking like a five-run lead: The late Earl Weaver, Hall of Fame manager of the Orioles, once told a journalist that he loved five-run leads.
Click to read:
Looking like a five-run lead - American Thinker https://t.co/b0eRILEOHI
— Silvio Canto. Jr. (@silvio_canto) July 21, 2024
Happy # 76 Cat Stevens
We remember Cat Stevens who was born in London on this day in 1948.
I lost track of his career in the 1980's but do recall some of his 1970's hits: "Morning Has Broken", "Peace Train" and "Moonshadow".
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.
We remember Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961)
We remember a great American novelist. He wrote many poems, short stories and books.
Ernest Hemingway was born in Illinois. Along the way, he lived in Spain and Cuba. In 1961, Hemingway committed suicide.
His time in Cuba in the late 1950's and experiences during the Spanish Civil War inspired two of his greatest novels.
Ernest Hemingway was born in Illinois. Along the way, he lived in Spain and Cuba. In 1961, Hemingway committed suicide.
His time in Cuba in the late 1950's and experiences during the Spanish Civil War inspired two of his greatest novels.
We remember Mike Hegan (1942-2013)
James Michael Hegan was born in Cleveland on this day in 1942. His father, Jim Hegan, was an All Star major league catcher with the Indians.
Jim was a high school baseball star at St. Ignatius and accepted a baseball scholarship to play at Worcester. In 1961, he was offered contracts by 15 teams and signed with the New York Yankees. (I should add that this is before the draft or the rules in place today.)
Mike broke with the Yankees in September 1964 and was added to the World Series roster. Mike is the only player to score a post-season run before getting his major league hit.
Hegan spent the new few seasons between the majors and the minors. In 1968, Jim was added to the Seattle Pilots expansion roster.
He blasted the Pilots’ first HR in game one of the 1969 season, hit .292 and was elected to the AL All Star team.
In 1970, the Pilots became the Milwaukee Brewers and Jim became the regular first baseman. He was a very popular player but was traded to the A’s in 1971 and played in the post season again.
After baseball, Jim moved into the TV booth and worked for Milwaukee and later Cleveland. My guess is that most fans in those cities remember Jim the broadcaster more than the player.
Hegan died in 2013. 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.
Saturday, July 20, 2024
A look back at the GOP convention with George Rodriguez
A look back at the GOP convention with George Rodriguez
Let the delegates decide
Let the delegates decide: The GOP convention is over and it's on to Chicago. What will Democrats do if President Biden steps aside? I don't know, but I would like to see the delegates decide. This is from the Chicago Tribune:
At the very least, the DNC owes ...
Click to read:
Let the delegates decide - American Thinker https://t.co/8XaYpcLD4d
— Silvio Canto. Jr. (@silvio_canto) July 20, 2024
Happy # 86 Tony Oliva
We say happy birthday to Hall of Famer Tony Oliva who was born in Pinar del Rio on this day in 1938.
Tony was quite a player:
a) He won 3 American League batting titles and led the American League in hits five times and in doubles four times;
b) He earned one Gold Glove, in 1966, and was named The Sporting News AL Player of the year twice (1965, '71); and,
c) Oliva hit over .300 six times in over 11 full seasons and .285 or better 10 times, never finishing below .270.
Unfortunately, injuries cut short his career in the 1970's.
Nevertheless, Oliva finished with a .304 average, 1917 hits, 220 Hrs & 947 RBI.
What if he had played 2,500 games rather than 1,676? The answer is 3,000 hits and probably one or two more batting titles.
One of the greatest Cuban players in major league history!
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.
Happy # 77 Carlos Santana
Happy birthday to Carlos Santana, who was born in Mexico on this day in 1947 and a man who has survived several musical seasons........from the late 1960's to the present, Santana has been a major force on the radio......my favorite album is still "Abraxas" from 1970 and the amazing "Black magic woman".
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.
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