THROWBACK THURSDAY

50 years ago yesterday, Arizona U.S. Senator Barry Goldwater launched his campaign for President from the courthouse steps in Prescott.  The anniversary was marked by a gathering of friends last night and a visit from the Senator's son, Barry Goldwater Jr.

I didn't attend though I covered the Senator through the years.  I went to Washington from Phoenix in 1974 or 1975 to cover the events surrounding a reunion of staff and friends.  It was billed as the 10th annual anniversary of Goldwater's non-inauguration.  I managed a handshake with then-President Gerald Ford.

I have many fond memories of Goldwater, though we didn't often share a political philosophy.  But he was a good man.

This picture is from a visit he made to North Dakota during his 1964 campaign.  I was a news reporter in Bismarck then and am standing just behind him, visible over his shoulder.

One added item, if you don't mind.  One of my colleagues at KFYR Radio at the time was a young (weren't we all) disc jockey named Dan Brannan.  Regular readers of this blog may recall my infrequent references to him as Danny Bananas.  Yesterday in Bismarck, Dan was honored by the North Dakota Broadcasters Association with the Pioneer Award.  Congratulations to him.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY (sort of)

There are some words here, sung by the man who also plays the trumpet.

The incomparable Chet Baker.

A remarkably talented man whose career was cut short 26 years ago by the ravages of heroin and cocaine.  It makes me . . almost blue.

THE BRD

Those of you who have been regular readers for some time will know that the BRD is my wife's Beautiful Rich Daughter.  She recently changed her Facebook profile picture and she looks so good (in spite of those hideous cowboy boots) that I decided to share it with y'all.

Pretty damn fine, eh?

LABOR DAY MESSAGE

LABOR DAY WEEKEND

You might well ask how I'm spending the long weekend.

Am I off to the shore?  Or the lake?  Or the mountains?

Well.  No.

I'm spending the last holiday of summer as I spend most of my other days.

Like a sloth.

Or a lizard in the sun.

Ho hum.

Is it time for my nap yet?

FRIDAY FUNNIES

Q:  What is easier to make fun of than a blonde?  

A:  A California blonde!

Have a mirth-filled weekend, folks.  Hey!  For those of you who haven't reached the golden age of retirement yet . . it's a THREE DAY WEEKEND!  Enjoy it and keep laughing.  It will add years to your life.

THROWBACK THURSDAY

Date: mid to late 1987
Location: Big Mama's, Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico
Personality: One Happy Expatriate