Affair of the Heart

As most anyone who has known me for any considerable amount of time knows, I am quite the Rick Springfield fanatic. Only recently have begun to really rekindle my ever blossoming affection for this amazing musician. A couple of days ago "Don't Talk to Strangers" became my ring tone for my phone. Just last week I received my mint/sealed original (Chelsea Records) copy of Wait for Night (1974)!!! What a treat it was to not only hear it for the first time scratch free in 20 years, but to also share it w/ my other musicial half and true love, John. He really dug the album and pointed out that the backing musicians on the album were in fact Elton John's band of misfits. How cool is that?? Not to mention how absolutely beautiful it is to be able to listen with someone that also enjoys early Rick. *sigh*





Well, after months, if not years, of whining and sighing over the fact that 1) I have YET to meet my idol Rick Springfield and 2) that this is the 3rd year that the Rick Springfield cruise has sailed out of Miami without me, I finally decided that enough is enough! Early yesterday morning, as soon as the sun was coming up, I began to devise a plan, a financial plan, to make this important neccessary dream a staunch reality.





I grabbed the biggest jar I could find from our pantry (I save jars for seeds, beans, etc and just can't find it in my heart to throw them away!!) this huge pickle jar!!! . Every day we diligently add money to said jar. This is the official Rick jar which, once full, will get John and I to either a local concert with a Meet and Greet, or to Florida for the cruise. Either way, I know it has to be.

Top 100 Ads of the Century

TOP 100 ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS (www.adage.com)


Volkswagen, "Think Small", Doyle Dane Bernbach, 1959

Coca-Cola, "The pause that refreshes", D'Arcy Co., 1929

Marlboro, The Marlboro Man, Leo Burnett Co., 1955

Nike, "Just do it", Wieden & Kennedy, 1988

McDonald's, "You deserve a break today", Needham, Harper & Steers, 1971

DeBeers, "A diamond is forever", N.W. Ayer & Son, 1948

Absolut Vodka, The Absolut Bottle, TBWA, 1981

Miller Lite beer, "Tastes great, less filling", McCann-Erickson Worldwide, 1974

Clairol, Does she...or doesn't she?", Foote, Cone & Belding, 1957

Avis, "We try harder", Doyle Dane Bernbach, 1963

Federal Express, "Fast talker", Ally & Gargano, 1982

Apple Computer, "1984", Chiat/Day, 1984

Alka-Seltzer, Various ads, Jack Tinker & Partners; Doyle Dane Bernbach; Wells Rich, Greene, 1960s, 1970s

Pepsi-Cola, "Pepsi-Cola hits the spot", Newell-Emmett Co., 1940s

Maxwell House, "Good to the last drop", Ogilvy, Benson & Mather, 1959

Ivory Soap, "99 and 44/100% Pure", Proctor & Gamble Co., 1882

American Express, "Do you know me?", Ogilvy & Mather, 1975

U.S. Army, "Be all that you can be", N.W. Ayer & Son, 1981

Anacin, "Fast, fast, fast relief", Ted Bates & Co., 1952

Rolling Stone, "Perception. Reality.", Fallon McElligott Rice, 1985

Pepsi-Cola, "The Pepsi generation", Batton, Barton, Durstine & Osborn, 1964

Hathaway Shirts, "The man in the Hathaway shirt", Hewitt, Ogilvy, Benson & Mather, 1951

Burma-Shave, Roadside signs in verse, Allen Odell, 1925

Burger King, "Have it your way", BBDO, 1973

Campbell Soup, "Mmm mm good", BBDO, 1930s

U.S. Forest Service, Smokey the Bear/"Only you can prevent forest fires", Advertising Council/Foote, Cone & Belding
Budweiser, "This Bud's for you", D'Arcy Masius Benton & Bowles, 1970s

Maidenform, "I dreamed I went shopping in my Maidenform bra", Norman, Craig & Kunnel, 1949

Victor Talking Machine Co., "His master's voice", Francis Barraud, 1901

Jordan Motor Car Co., "Somewhere west of Laramie", Edward S. (Ned) Jordan, 1923

Woodbury Soap, "The skin you love to touch", J. Walter Thompson Co., 1911

Benson & Hedges 100s, "The disadvantages", Wells, Rich, Greene, 1960s

National Biscuit Co., Uneeda Biscuits' Boy in Boots, N.W. Ayer & Son, 1899

Energizer, The Energizer Bunny, Chiat/Day, 1989

Morton Salt, "When it rains it pours", N.W. Ayer & Son, 1912

Chanel, "Share the fantasy", Doyle Dane Bernbach, 1979

Saturn, "A different kind of company, A different kind of car.", Hal Riney & Partners, 1989

Crest toothpaste, "Look, Ma! No cavities!", Benton & Bowles, 1958

M&Ms, "Melts in your mouth, not in your hands", Ted Bates & Co., 1954

Timex, "Takes a licking and keeps on ticking", W.B. Doner & Co & predecessor agencies, 1950s

Chevrolet, "See the USA in your Chevrolet", Campbell-Ewald, 1950s

Calvin Klein, "Know what comes between me and my Calvins? Nothing!

Reagan for President, "It's morning again in America" Tuesday Team, 1984

Winston cigarettes, "Winston tastes good--like a cigarette should" 1954

U.S. School of Music, "They laughed when I sat down at the piano, but when I started to play!" Ruthrauff & Ryan, 1925

Camel cigarettes, "I'd walk a mile for a Camel", N. W. Ayer & Son, 1921

Wendy's, "Where's the beef?", Dancer-Fitzgerald-Sample, 1984

Listerine, "Always a bridesmaid, but never a bride", Lambert & Feasley, 1923

Cadillac, "The penalty of leadership", MacManus, John & Adams, 1915

Keep America Beautiful, "Crying Indian", Advertising Council/Marstellar Inc., 1971

Charmin, "Please don't squeeze the Charmin", Benton & Bowles, 1964

Wheaties, "Breakfast of champions", Blackett-Sample-Hummert, 1930s

Coca-Cola, "It's the real thing", McCann-Erickson, 1970

Greyhound, "It's such a comfort to take the bus and leave the driving to us", Grey Advertising, 1957

Kellogg's Rice Krispies, "Snap! Crackle! and Pop!", Leo Burnett Co., 1940s

Polaroid, "It's so simple", Doyle Dane Bernbach, 1977

Gillette, "Look sharp, feel sharp", BBDO, 1940s

Levy's Rye Bread, "You don't have to be Jewish to love Levy's Rye Bread", Doyle Dane Bernbach, 1949

Pepsodent, "You'll wonder where the yellow went", Foote, Cone & Belding, 1956

Lucky Strike cigarettes, "Reach for a Lucky instead of a sweet", Lord & Thomas, 1920s

7 UP, "The Uncola", J. Walter Thompson, 1970s

Wisk detergent, "Ring around the collar", BBDO, 1968

Sunsweet Prunes, "Today the pits, tomorrow the wrinkles", Freberg Ltd., 1970s

Life cereal, "Hey, Mikey", Doyle Dane Bernbach, 1972

Hertz, "Let Hertz put you in the driver's seat", Norman, Craig & Kummel, 1961

Foster Grant, "Who's that behind those Foster Grants?", Geer, Dubois, 1965

Perdue chicken, "It takes a tough man to make tender chicken" Scali, McCabe, Sloves, 1971

Hallmark, "When you care enough to send the very best", Foote, Cone & Belding, 1930s

Springmaid sheets, "A buck well spent", In-house, 1948

Queensboro Corp., Jackson Heights Apartment Homes, WEAF, NYC, 1920s

Steinway & Sons, "The instrument of the immortals", N.W. Ayer & Sons, 1919

Levi's jeans, "501 Blues", Foote, Cone & Belding, 1984

Blackglama-Great Lakes Mink, "What becomes a legend most?", Jane Trahey Associates, 1960s

Blue Nun wine, Stiller & Meara campaign, Della Famina, Travisano & Partners, 1970s

Hamm's beer, "From the Land of Sky Blue Waters", Campbell-Mithun, 1950s

Quaker Puffed Wheat, "Shot from guns", Lord & Thomas, 1920s

ESPN Sports, "This is SportsCenter", Wieden & Kennedy, 1995

Molson Beer, Laughing Couple, Moving & Talking Picture Co., 1980s

California Milk Processor Board, "Got Milk?", 1993

AT&T, "Reach out and touch someone", N.W. Ayer, 1979

Brylcreem, "A little dab'll do ya", Kenyon & Eckhardt, 1950s

Carling Black Label beer, "Hey Mabel, Black Label!", Lang, Fisher & Stashower, 1940s

Isuzu, "Lying Joe Isuzu", Della Famina, Travisano & Partners, 1980s

BMW, "The ultimate driving machine", Ammirati & Puris, 1975

Texaco, "You can trust your car to the men who wear the star", Benton & Bowles, 1940s

Coca-Cola, "Always", Creative Artists Agency, 1993

Xerox, "It's a miracle", Needham, Harper & Steers, 1975

Bartles & Jaymes, "Frank and Ed", Hal Riney & Partners, 1985

Dannon Yogurt, Old People in Russia, Marstellar Inc., 1970s

Volvo, Average life of a car in Sweden, Scali, McCabe, Sloves, 1960s

Motel 6, "We'll leave a light on for you", Richards Group, 1988

Jell-O, Bill Cosby with kids, Young & Rubicam, 1975

IBM, Chaplin's Little Tramp character, Lord, Geller, Federico, Einstein, 1982

American Tourister, The Gorilla, Doyle, Dane Bernbach, late 1960s

Right Guard, "Medicine Cabinet", BBDO, 1960s

Maypo, "I want my Maypo", Fletcher, Calkins & Holden, 1960s

Bufferin, Pounding heartbeat, Young & Rubicam, 1960

Arrow Shirts, "My friend, Joe Holmes, is now a horse", Young & Rubicam, 1938

Young & Rubicam, "Impact", Young & Rubicam, 1930

Lyndon Johnson for President, "Daisy", Doyle Dane Bernbach, 1964



Thank You to www.adage.com for this info.



All Rights Reserved © 1999 & 2005, Advertising Age
Crain Communications, Inc.
editor@AdAge.com
.

Comfort Wipe - the SPOOF!

Roadkill 101

As a relatively new driver, I realize there are a certain number of "firsts" which I am sure to encounter. First speeding ticket. First "slo-poking" along behind an elderly driver. First "I locked my keys in car". First drive to work on icy streets. But this past Monday, as I headed into work, I encountered one of my most dreaded firsts - my first roadkill.

Granted, I see all sorts of unfortunate animals strewn about the streets, many times impossible to even indentify. It had fur and legs - and that's about all you can usually make out.

But this past Monday morning, at around 5:10 am, I was heading up Creedmoor Road here in North Raleigh, completely caught up in my "Beatles For Sale" CD when out of nowhere this adorable, furry, happy-go-lucky bunny rabbit comes darting across the road. As I caught him in my headlights, I froze. He froze. Neither one of us sure of what to do. With traffic to my right and behind me, I had to think fast. He didn't seem to be doing any sort of deep thinking. He just stood there, staring at me as if to say, "Hey, I know you gotta think fast, but could you please try not to hit me?" Believe me when I say I am the last person to intentionally take a small animal's life, but this situation called for a quick manuever. My logic said try and get him in between my tires (brand new tires too, by the way) and hopefully he'd clear the bottom of the car and come out unscathed. I did just that.

Sadly, my calculations did not account for the fact this rabbit may, in a moment of panic, try to hop, as rabbits do, whilst under the car.

I hear a sickening "thud" as I passed over him. Clearly he had hopped. I immediately looked up in my rear view mirror, only to see this poor little guy spinning in circles on the pavement, obviously killed by the blunt force trauma to his head.

Needless to say, I lost it. I felt like I had just opened fire on the damned thing. Between trying to drive, and praying for God to forgive me, and crying, I finally did make it to work semi-composed. Not a good way to start off the week.

As the week went on, I slowly let that memory go, and forgave myself for something which I had no control over. What was done, was done. I just hoped I would not be put in that position again any time soon. Too much to ask for apparently.

This morning, coming home from Kroger, on that same stretch of Creedmoor Road, only this time heading in the opposite direction, I came across a squirrel darting across which was, at 10:00 am, a very busy road. This time I was lucky enough not to have anyone behind me within a dangerous distance, so as he ran out in front of my car, I slowed to almost a stop, safely, and the squirrel panicked and darted left, only to have the car in the lane next to me honk and then speed over him like a steamroller. I watched in horror as parts of the squirrel exploded all over the road. Even though it was not at my hand this time, it was almost just as upsetting.

I couldn't believe it. Twice. Twice in five days I encountered this nauseating scene. Is it normal for a person to be shaken the way I was when this happens? Perhaps I am making a mountain out of a mole hill, but I digress. Even knowing that this happens to hundreds, if not thousnads of animals every day doesn't make it sit any easier on my conscience. Go ahead and call me "over sensitive" if you like, but man, what an awful beginning and end to this week.

Now, where's that bus schedule????

Making hubby happy - in 1955

I came across this Housekeeper's Monthly excerpt from May 1955. According to society in the fifties, wives sole purpose is to cook, clean, and keep quiet - not to mention lighting fires and realizing her topics of conversation are not as important as his. No surprises there...
(open this image in paint and zoom to read article - it's worth it!)

To My Love

I post this from my heart, because that is where he lives....

No one ever claimed life was an easy road to travel. I will be the first to admit that. But considering the places I have been, and the person I have become as a result of this, I have to say that the "me" that writes this is content and truly happy.

I don't care to recount all my mistakes and painful memories, although they are undoubtedly a part of who I am. I want only to let you know how I truly feel, so that you will have no reservations or confusion.

John Taylor, you have no idea just how important you are to me, in my life, my heart, and my very existence here on Earth. You inspire me always!!! It is your sheer essence that puts a smile on my face every morning when I awake; even more so when you are there with me. This is the happiness I have longed for...I see in you the man I have always dreamed of. A man of beauty, strength, compassion, intelligence, humor, and wit. But not just these things - you possess the rare ability to understand me, and I can't thank you enough for that. It speaks volumes to me and lets me know every day how much you love me.

I adore you. In every way. Your smile is contagious, your embraces warm and passionate at the same time. When you touch me, nothing else matters. All of a sudden it's only you and I in the universe, and that's a beautiful feeling. Whether it be Raleigh, or Orange Beach, or Jupiter, I am the luckiest girl alive.

Unfortunately, my life has taken its toll in several ways over the years, and so many times I feel unable to show you just how much I love you. For this, I can only apologize and hope that you will know that my love for you is real, and complete, and forever lasting. Unconditional.

Since we have come together to share our lives, I have learn so many things, and continue to do so. I have learned that it is ok to trust, and its even more ok to dream. I look forward to the future now, when before all I could see was pain and obstacles. I had always fought my way uphill alone, but I know now that I have a solid partner in you, and honey, I can't describe how happy that makes me.

What are the odds of two quirky outcasts seeking each other out in the cosmos AND finding one another? I think it's something like 2 to the power of 3.1423045867374 and falling (LOL). We enjoy the most random things - and its awesome!!! You are an inspiration as well as best friend. A lover, and also a teacher. We journey together and hold each other's hand as life finally becomes bright again - and forever shining.

I post this as a blog because I have no fear in showing how I feel. I see no need to hide my feelings - you make me proud to be yours.

I love, cherish, and adore you. XOXOXOXOXO Me

Dammit Jim - I'm a doctor, not a....

Finally, after much internet scouring, I have landed this classic SNL clip featuring the Star Trek parody "Star Trek V: The Restaurant Enterprise":

Classic SNL: The Restaurant Enterprise

Dana Carvey SNL Auditions

I was cruising youtube looking for a rare old SNL sketch featurin Dana Carvey as Khan in the Star Trek revolving restaurant but...instead, here's a great look into the auditions for Lorne Michaels that Dana Carvey performed prior to getting to SNL spot:

Blackbird....fly!!!

From the news desk of KPIX Channel 5 come a story about one very protective bird down on Front Street:


SF Bird Attacks Pedestrians, Gets Worldwide Notice

The bird is reported to reside on Front Street between California and Sacramento streets, and has been featured in articles on CNN and BBC News after continually diving down on people walking along the street.

The bird has a small nest in the area and has been doing the attacks for a couple of weeks, according to an employee at Schroeder's, a German restaurant located nearby.

None of the attacks appear to have caused serious injury. However, they have attracted groups of people "laughing, waiting and watching during their lunch breaks," the employee said. "He's a star right now."

A Web site, http://www.frontstreetattackbird.blogspot.com, has been set up to follow the bird, referred to as Swoops by the site's creators.

An official with San Francisco Animal Care and Control said that these types of incidents happen all the time because of birds guarding their nests.

Johnny Carson and Uri Geller

Watch as Uri squirms in the presence of Johnny. Enjoy....

Never touch another dirty toilet tissue!!

How can you NOT love this?? It's real...and it frightens me.

Where am I?

**HAPPY BIRTHDAY V!!"

Well, when I started this blog three months ago I was happily unemployed, but really needing an outlet (not to mention a supplemental income!!). Since going back to work, you have no doubt noticed the sluggishness in which posts are made. Honestly, I have been drawn to other avenues of my life, mainly work and home. I have also began toying with the idea of expanding this blog to include all things ME. I have far too many interests to maintain 20 different blogs, so look for more and more "off the beaten path" entries as well!! Never fear, though, new posts are coming!! Stay tuned....

Until then, enjoy this hilarious short clip of the infamous bush man at Fisherman's Wharf courtesy of youtube.com:

Evening Magazine w/ Jan and Steve 1980

This clip from vintage Evening Magazine with Jan Yanahiro and Steve Fox wishing goodbye to San Jose's Frontier Village.

Conan O'Brien in San Francisco 2007 w/ Tom Waits

Thomas Alan Waits (born December 7, 1949) is an American singer-songwriter, composer and actor. Waits has a distinctive voice, described by critic Daniel Durchholz as sounding "like it was soaked in a vat of bourbon, left hanging in the smokehouse for a few months, and then taken outside and run over with a car." With this trademark growl, his incorporation of pre-rock music styles such as blues, jazz, and vaudeville, and experimental tendencies verging on industrial music, Waits has built up a distinctive musical persona. (courtesy wikipedia)

I am really digging Tom Waits lately - I mean really digging him. Pure genius this man...today I heard the entire "Nighthawks at the Diner" LP from 1975 and was mesmorized. I wanted so badly to tie in Tom Waits and San Francisco, so here ya go. Conan O'Brien filmed in San Francisco one week back in 2007 and interviewed Tom Waits. HA!! I did it!!

Also, congrats to Conan for snaggin' that Tonight Show gig - good luck Monday night!

The Tuesday noon siren

All of us living in the city know what this is. Every Tuesday, even as I grew up in Daly City, at noon on the dot, you would hear this noise. Check out this very cool informative video regarding the siren from Youtube:

Happy Birthday Harvey Milk

Yesterday would have been Harvey Milk's 79th birthday. Unfortunately, Harvey's life was cut short in November of 1978 when he was assassinated along with Mayor George Moscone in City Hall.
We will never forget all you did for the San Francisco gay community, not to mention securing the civil rights of gay/lesbian/transgender people around the world.

Peace.

Back to the streets

Returning to The Streets of San Francisco
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
posted July 29, 2008

CBS is developing a contemporary remake of the classic 1970s cop series "The Streets of San Francisco," which starred Michael Douglas and Karl Malden.The Hollywood Reporter says feature writer Sheldon Turner (The Longest Yard) and "Numb3rs" producer Robert Port are writing the script, with Simon West on board to direct the potential pilot.CBS Paramount TV, which owns the rights to Quinn Martin Productions' original series, is producing the new take that has received a script order from the network.Turner and Port, a certified member of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, had worked on reinventing "Streets" for the past seven months. They spent time in San Francisco, riding along with SFPD cops.The trade adds that the remake will keep key elements from the original series: the title, the names of the two main characters and, of course, the backdrop of the City by the Bay. The series will also feature elements of a traditional crime procedural.

Arboretum update

Those who can attend SHOULD! The more we sit idly by, the more they sell off our City like an auction. Please don't let it continue. Help preserve what little character San Francisco has left. BE HEARD!

Speaking of bizarre....

Wanna know just how screwball San Francisco really is?? I suggest checking out the Holy Grail of weird SF...Jack Boulware's "San Francisco Bizarro: A Guide to Notorious Sites, Lusty Pursuits, and Downright Freakiness in the City by the Bay". Here are a few of his strange entries:



One of the original drag reviews on the West Coast, Finocchio's on Broadway broke new ground with it's frighteningly convincing female impersonators. Somehow I get the feeling that the gowns were the least of the attractions!



I love this item! Mark McLoud is hardly a household name, but he happens to own an out of the ordinary collection. Also known as the "Institute of Illegal Images" it is the most comprehensive collection of decorated neutralized LSD blotter paper in the world. As such, the collection has been the target of two criminal trials where McCloud was forced to defend not only the collection, but also his own liberty.




An artist named Jeanie M. at PaxtonGate.com offers an unusual service: taxidermy of a rodent nature. That's right - you can have your favorite gerbil stuffed and mounted, not to mention papally dressed, in one of many twisted religious costumes.





Where do I start with this one?? Apparently anyone can become an "ordained minister", so says the Universal Life Church. They even send you a card to stick in your wallet, right next to your Costco card. Famous members in good standing include Johnny Carson, Mae West, Wolfman Jack, and even LBJ. What's not to love?

I always wanted to write a book like this, but apparently Mr. Boulware beat me to it. Kudos to you, sir!

Bizarro - Dan Piraro

Today I thought I would share a smattering of some of my favorite Bizarro panels. Happy Thursday!