Otokichi

When dumping a popular TV show, the last defense of the network programmer is to put it on the heads of the Accounting department. (After all, there hasn't been a successful TV show about accountants..,or has there?) That way, "the suits" get to stick it to the "jeans gang" on the set. (A paraphrase from "WKRP in Cincinnati" about Herb & Les vs. Johnny Fever, Venus, and Andy Travis.) After all, the last thing TV execs want is to be compared to CBS, which used to keep above average TV shows going for decades. (Ya gotta watch where the 18-35 demographic channel surfs.)

Burgess Meredith, a classic everyman in "The Twilight Zone" "Witness Mr. Henry Bemis, a charter member in the fraternity of dreamers." Opening narration from: "Time Enough At Last." "Uniquely American institution known as the neighborhood bar...And this is Mr. Luther Dingle, a vacuum cleaner salesman..." Opening narration from: "Mr. Dingle, The Strong." "You walk into this room at your own risk, because it leads to the future, not a future that will but might be...This is Romney Wordsworth, in his last forty-eight hours on earth." Opening narration from: "The Obsolete Man." "Take away a man's dream, fill him with whiskey and despair, send him to a lonely bridge, let him stand there by himself looking down at the black water..." Opening narration from: "Printer's Devil"

I feel a "Who's on First" attack coming on!

Unless it's a social necessity, eggplant is #1 on the "Yuck!" no-eat list. Which is odd, since I don't mind a nice, slimy Okra pod, which isn't that far removed from the purple ball of death. I have tried boiled octopus and teriyaki squid, both of which leave me cold.

Ah yes, Jason Voorhees of Human Resources. A real cut-up at the last Christmas, er, Holiday party the year after I left. I never did figure out what he was doing with a Hockey mask, since there's no ice or snow at sea level hereabouts.

What is this "other half" you're talking about?

Did anyone see the three-part "Frontline" special on public TV about the two Kentucky high school droputs? They're very "differently disadvantaged," though their Job-like trials don't faze them. An unexpected treat is the source music, partly bluegrass, country, sacred, and Heavy Metal Christian (!). If you didn't, watch for a rebroadcast, and see what a few good teachers and adults can do in the face of very long odds. If nothing else, this high school story will have you rooting for Chris and Cody to graduate to a stable/normal life. (And leave you counting your blessings.)

Madison, Oscar. I drive Felix Unger crazy. My childhood nickname was "Pigpen." Oops, dropped a bit of Taco filling on the computer keyboard. Ah, got a bit of bread into the nooks and crannies, so there's nothing left to stick on the laptop screen. Hey, are you turning a deep Chartreuse?

I'm with "Ed Chigliak"on this: "St. Elsewhere" by Dave Grusin. *Speaking of other gone (and mostly forgotten) TV shows: "Northern Exposure" "Picket Fences" "The Twilight Zone" by Marius Constant "Hawaii Five-O" by The Ventures "Cagney & Lacey" "The Courtship of Eddie's Father" (Harry Nilsson) "Newhart" Theme by Henry Mancini "WKRP in Cincinnati" *Then there are newer notables: "Where My Heart Will Take Me" by Diane Warren (aka, "Star Trek: Enterprise" theme performed by Russel Watson) "Law & Order: SVU" And...the "Friends" Theme by The Rembrandts (The TV networks were about to do away with theme songs to save "program time." The success of this single stayed their clumsy hands.) :guitar:

When "New York City" is mentioned, two contradictory songs come to mind, by two very different artists. They are/were: "New York State of Mind" performed by Billy Joel "New York's Not My Home" performed by Jim Croce Then, there's: "I Guess The Lord Must Be In New York City" performed by Harry Nilsson. "New York Minute" performed by Don Henley "The 59th Street Bridge Song," "Bleecker Street," and "The Boxer" performed by Simon & Garfunkel. :guitar:

"Klaatu Barada Nikto!" I have the Laserdisc version, but I found "The Day The Earth Stood Still" DVD while doing some new year shoppin at Sam's Club. Also put in the cart: "Fargo" and "Chicago."

Here's something for the Films & Music set: In the 1973 TV movie, "Birds of Prey," David Janssen, playing ex-Flying Tiger "Harry Walker," sang along, clapped, and flew his traffic watch chopper to "Three Little Fishies" as he pursued helicopter-borne bank robbers. (I have it on Ye Ancient Beta L-500) I've read that the current DVD release doesn't have it or the 1940's tunes heard on the WTBS broadcast. It's a matter of forking out $$$ for music rights, going with a "generic equivalent," or some Indie band. (This "can't use the original" syndrome afflicts the "Northern Exposure" DVDs as well.)

The esteemed PsychoCatholic was born in the year of the Ox, according to the list of celebrities posted. (Took the methodical route, starting of with the Rat and found an animal match quickly.) So, excuse me for boaring you to death, it's time to check out other threads and posts at Songfacts' message boared.

A private discussion led to a search for Chinese new year date and animal zodiac pages. I had thought that I was a Rat, but a look at links at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_zodiac make me a Pig/Boar. (Pay close attention to the beginning of Chinese new year; as a December 1948 arrival, I'm definitely not a Rat.) So, I share this sign with: Elton John, Arnold Scwarzenegger, etc. Another page, http://www.rainfall.com/horoscop/chinese.htm allows you to see your character traits correspond to your animal zodiac sign. (That explains why I'm not a killer businessman nor an accumulator of fortunes!) Have fun, and remember that the month/day/hour of your birth, along with yin/yang elements further define you. "Kung Hee Fat Choy," as the Cantonese merchants of Hawai'i say!

OK, how about this dinosaur from the late 1960's? It was a monster hit, covered by numbers of performers, and is a comforting tune in uncertain times. "Bridge Over Troubled Water" performed by Simon & Garfunkel: When you’re weary, feeling small, When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all; I’m on your side. when times get rough And friends just can’t be found, Like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down. Like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down. When you’re down and out, When you’re on the street, When evening falls so hard I will comfort you. I’ll take your part. When darkness comes And pains is all around, Like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down. Like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down. Sail on silvergirl, Sail on by. Your time has come to shine. All your dreams are on their way. See how they shine. If you need a friend I’m sailing right behind. Like a bridge over troubled water I will ease your mind. Like a bridge over troubled water I will ease your mind. If a bridge can catch you when you fall, that is.

This requires some cogitation: 01. Your favorite song with the name of a city in the title or text. "Honolulu City Lights" by Keola & Kapono Beamer 02. A song you've listened to repeatedly when you were depressed at some point in your life. "Linus and Lucy" by Vince Guaraldi "All Day Music" performed by War 03. A song you purchased an album for, and wound up liking nothing but that one song. "What If God Were One of Us" by Joan Osborne from "Relish" (But the "How Sweet It Is" CD delivers!) 04. A great song in a language other than English. "Volare" performed by Russell Watson "Rainbow Connection" performed by The Brothers Cazimero (In Hawaiian, except for the last verse) 05. Your least favorite song on one of your favorite albums of all time. "UFO" by The Peter Moon Band ("Tropical Storm" CD) 06. A song you like by someone you find physically unattractive or otherwise repellent. "You Are So Beautiful" performed by Joe Cocker 07. Your favorite song that has expletives in it (that's not by Liz Phair). "Back to Salome" performed by Shawn Colvin ("Tin Cup" soundtrack...not much of an expletive, though.) 08. A song that sounds as if it's by someone British but isn't. "My Favorite Things" performed by Frederica von Stade 09. A song you like (possibly from your past) that took you forever to finally locate a copy of. "All Around The Town" (Bob James Live) Recorded to vinyl back in 1981, but only discovered recently in CD form. 10. A song that reminds you of spring but doesn't mention spring at all. "Mountain Dance" by Dave Grusin 11. A song that sounds to you how being happy feels. "Top of the World" performed by The Carpenters 12. Your favorite song from a non-soundtrack compilation album. "Chain Gang Medley" performed by Jim Croce ("The 50th Anniversary Collection" CD) 13. A song that reminds you of high school. "Somebody's Baby" performed by Jackson Browne 14. A song that reminds you of college. "The 'Fish Cheer" performed by Country Joe & The Fish 15. A song you actually like by an artist you otherwise dislike. "Peace Train" once performed by Yusuf Islam (AKA, Cat Stevens) 16. A song by a band that features three or more female members. "Local Boys" by Na Leo Pilimehana 17. One of the earliest songs that you can remember listening to. "Que Sera Sera" performed by Doris Day 18. A song you've been mocked by friends for liking. "We've Only Just Begun" performed by The Carpenters 19. A really good cover version you think no one else has heard. "Imagine" performed by Eva Cassidy (It's different enough from the original that Lennon fans diss it.) 20. A song that has helped cheer you up after a breakup or other difficult situation. "Tiergarten" performed by Tangerine Dream "Somewhere Over The Rainbow/What A Wonderful World" performed by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole 21. A Classic good for any old time. Dvorak: "The Slavonic Dances, Op. 46 & 72" Copland: "Fanfare for the Common Man," "Lincoln Portrait," "Appalachian Spring" Sorry for that last one, but Classical music's market share is so tiny that I had to mention it.

How about being the one(s) who "stand by you"? I'm thinking about "Flying With Angels" by Na Leo (Pilimehana) Where are you going, inside your mind I guess were always livin' on borrowed time Yes I will be here, to hold your hand just close your eyes and sleep I understand Chorus: You're flying with angels above us all and I'll be here to catch you if you fall If others leave you, you know I'll stay My dreams will whisper to you and guide you way so sleep my darlin' (sleep my darlin') one kiss goodnight (one kiss goodnight) another song awaits you with rising eyes Chorus 2x Oh I'll be here to catch if you fall

Some observations from the middle of the Pacific: Best Band: Dr. Sam & The Managed Care Blues Band Best Song: "Before You Go" (A song+slide show tribute to World War II veterans) Best Surprise: "Intelligent Design" lost. (for now) worst surprise: Polar bears are drowning. Best TV show: "Lost" Best movie: "The Incredibles"

Since these are the years of uncertainty, here's an answer to "the safe life" from Mary-Chapin Carpenter: I took a walk in the rain one day on the wrong side of the tracks I stood on the rails till I saw that train Just to see how my heart would react Now some people say that you shouldn't tempt fate And for them I would not disagree But I never learned nothing from playing it safe I say fate should not tempt me I take my chances, I don't mind working without a net I take my chances, I take my chances every chance I get I sat alone in the dark one night, tuning in by remote I found a preacher who spoke of the light but there was brimstone in his throat He'd show me the way according to him in return for my personal check I flipped my channel back to CNN and I lit another cigarette I take my chances, forgiveness doesn't come with a debt I take my chances, I take my chances every chance I get I've crossed lines of words and wire and both have cut me deep I've been frozen out and I've been on fire and the tears are mine to weep Now I can cry until I laugh and laugh until I cry So cut the deck right in half, I'll play from either side I take my chances, I pay my dollar and I place my bet I take my chances, I take my chances every chance I get I take my chances, I don't cling to remorse or regret I take my chances, I take my chances every chance I get I take my chances I take my chances :guitar:

Speaking of Tangerine Dream, "Le Parc" has always been on my iTunes library. (I found this at a now-defunct used music CD shop in this small town.)

At the imdb.com "Music" message board, the question was: "What song reminds you of what movie?" Here's an obvious one: Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On" lands you on the deck of "Titanic" screaming something about "I'm king of the world!"

While doing a Google! search for "I'm gonna leave her where I found her," I ran into links to the Yardbirds and the Zombies, but nothing solid. So, what other music of the 1960's sounded like the unnamed band performing this "dump city" tune?

My older sister asked me what I wanted for Christmas, so I mentioned Cat Stevens. (The fellow now known as Yusuf Islam) When I unwrapped a bulky package this was revealed: "The Very Best of Classical" (a 5-CD set featuring The Appolonia Symphony Orchestra. Whozat?) "Holiday Collection" (a 10-CD set featuring The Holly Tree or The Misteltoe Players. WHO?) These are produced in Canada and sold at discount stores for $7.49 each. It's nice elevator music, overall, though the "Holiday Collection" features CDs by Perry Como and Bing Crosby. (Perfect for "The Greatest Generation.) I could return these sets, but I could take them up to the local Long Term Care facility where there are members of "The Greatest Generation." I've been dropping off music of the 1940's when I find it at the local indie comic book/used music store, which is preferable to corporate radio/top 40 junk. For the record, my sister got a Tuck & Patty music CD for Christmas, and "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" CD for her December 24th birthday. These holiday surprizes match the "stormy weather+Classical music CDs" from last year. (There was a Blues music CD also, but I prefer musical cousin Jazz.) Aren't siblings interesting?

It's the reason I bought a DVD player, because there wasn't a Laserdisk version: "It's A Wonderful Life" (1947) Followed closely by: "Stalag 17" (1953) "Snow Falling on Cedars" (1999) "Cinema Paradiso" (1988) "The Iron Giant" (1999) "Life of Brian" (1979) and "The Wizard of Oz" (1939) While some of these movies aren't specifically about Christmas like, say, "A Midnight Clear," these are more like "Holiday Inn," about the many ways people act in altruistic ways when the situation calls for it.

Not exactly ridiculous, but a tad different: Dr. Sam & The Managed Care Blues Band. :guitar: