We remember Tim Hardin (1941-80)

We remember Tim Hardin, who was born in Eugene, Oregon, on this day in 1941 and died in 1980.     His life was cut short by some personal problems, specially an addiction to heroin.

His songs include "Reason to believe", recorded by Rod Stewart and The Carpenters,  and "If I were a carpenter", a big hit for Bobby Darin and recorded by many others.

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We remember Walt "No neck" Williams (1943-2016)

We remember Walt Williams who was born on this day in 1943.  He died in 2016.

In the early 1970s, it was a treat to watch the Chicago White Sox play the Milwaukee Brewers at the old County Stadium.

During that time, the White Sox had a stocky outfielder (5'6" & 165 lbs) with one of the greatest nicknames in baseball, or "No neck" Williams.   His wife said that he got the nickname in his first year of baseball.   

"No neck" played for several years with Chicago, Cleveland and New York Yankees.   His best season was 1969 when he hit .304 with 133 hits.    Overall, he retired with a very respectable .270 career batting average.

Walt "No neck" Williams.    I loved the nickname and very aggressive style on the field.

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We remember Tony Taylor (1935-2020)

We remember Tony Taylor, who was born in Central Alava, Matanzas, Cuba.   He was born in 1935 and died today in 2020.

Tony broke with the Cubs in 1958 hitting .235 in 140 games.  

He was traded to the Phillies and enjoyed a very good career:   2.007 hits, a .261 average, 234 stolen bases and 1,005 runs scored.    Tony had a couple of seasons with 700-plus plate appearances, a test to his durability. 

Taylor retired in 1976.   Tony is one of a handful of major leaguers who played in the pre-Castro winter league and the majors. 

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We remember William Safire (1929-2009)

We remember William Safire, who was born in New York City on this day in 1929 and died in 2009.

Safire was associated with President Nixon, including the famous "Kitchen debate" from 1959.  Later, he wrote several books and a column.  

His books were great.

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1773: A little Tea Party history

Once upon a time, colonists threw tea into the water of Boston harbor.     

Our own "tea party" these days is also based on taxation and the sense that the government is out of touch with the governed.

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1951: Joe DiMaggio retired from baseball

The great Joe DiMaggio officially ended his baseball career on this day in 1951.   

He began with the Yankees in 1936 when he was 21.   We remember him for the 56-game hitting streak and a .325 career batting average.  

He also played in 10 World Series, including 4 in a row (1936-39) and won the MVP 3 times. (1939, 1941 & 1947).

Was he the best?   Let's say that he was one of the best!    

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World War II right after the attack on Pearl Harbor with Barry Jacobsen

Guest:  Barry Jacobsen, blogger and military historian........

.we will look at World War II right after the attack on Pearl Harbor.........the US declared war and now must organize a military response...........and other stories.......

Click to listen:

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November 1980: Reagan elected

Many years ago, I was following the 1980 presidential election results on radio and TV. 

The last minute polls were calling for a close race.  It was confusing, to say the least.

Around 7 pm, the Eastern results came in and Carter looked weak.  

By 9 pm, the Southern results started projecting a Reagan victory.  

By 11 pm, the Western results made it a landslide. 

Some things don't get old. Instead, they get better with age. Reagan's 1980 landslide victory is one of those things.

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1980: KC Royals finally beat the Yankees

In the late 1970's Kansas City and New York met 3 times in the ALCS.  The Yankees won in 1976, 1977 and 1978.  

The 1976 and 1977 series saw New York win in the bottom of the 9th (Chris Chambliss walk off HR) and a top of the 9th rally in Kansas City.   They were crushing defeats for the Royals.

The Yankees won the 1978 series in 4 games.

Finally, the Royals won in 1980 sweeping the Yankees.  George Brett's HR off of Goose Gossage clinched it.

And KC finally beat New York!

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"Julia" and more John Lennon memories!

(This is John and his mother Julia)

A couple days ago, we posted about John Lennon and his songs.

Of course, John was killed in December 1980 outside his New York City apartment.

We remember a great song from The Beatles' White Album.

This is "Julia", a song about his mother who was killed in an accident when John was a teenager.

Here is that song about Julia, his mother, and Aunt Mimi, who became very close to him.

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.

(Lennon/McCartney)

Half of what I say is meaningless

But I say it just to reach you, Julia

Julia, Julia, oceanchild, calls me

So I sing a song of love, Julia

Julia, seashell eyes, windy smile, calls me

So I sing a song of love, Julia

Her hair of floating sky is shimmering,

glimmering In the sun

Julia, Julia, morning moon, touch me

So I sing a song of love, Julia

When I cannot sing my heart

I can only speak my mind, Julia

Julia, sleeping sand, silent cloud, touch me

So I sing a song of love, Julia

Hum hum hum hum... calls me

So I sing a song of love for Julia, Julia, Julia"