Calling all hippies: Summer of Love turns the big 4-0

San Francisco - The Summer of Love turns 40 this year, and parties are planned. (More)









Monterey Summer of Love Festival 40th Anniversary Celebration, at the same venue as 1967's Monterey Pop Festival, is July 28-29 in Monterey, Calif. (INFO)






Summer of Love 40th Anniversary is a free musical event planned for Speedway Meadow in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, Sept. 2. Announced acts include Ray Manzarek (of The Doors), Country Joe McDonald, Canned Heat, New Riders of the Purple Sage, Dan Hicks and more. (INFO)

The FATHER of Woodstock

On September 9, 1942 Arthur Lawrence Kornfeld was born in Brooklyn, NY. The son of a New York City policeman and his wife (Irving & Shirley) during a hard time in our country where the dreams of the day were as simple as "just making $2 an hour". Brought up in the early 50's in Levittown, Artie's family constantly moved and he attended 6 different schools; learning the lessons of the world through the song lyrics played over the radio. Artie Kornfeld would soon live his American dream and become the the guiding force to what is now known as "The Woodstock Generation". Dreams become Reality ~ The overiding metaphysical concept of physical manifestation. The Magic of Woodstock!

Artie's website is the personal story of rock music writer & producer Artie Kornfeld (who along with Mike Lang) created the legendary Woodstock Music & Art Fair from an idea that came at 2am in the morning after a bumper pool game and a few joints! "Never did I think that what started as an idealistic conversation among friends would become part of history" and what Rolling Stone magazine describes as one of the top moments 'That Changed the History of Rock & Roll'.

A personal note to you from Artie Kornfeld,
co-creator and promoter of Woodstock '69:

"This new Woodstock website is a bonus to you designed as the behind the scenes story of the creation of the greatest event in pop culture . This is the missing part of the whole Woodstock '69 story. The diamond amongst all of the other thoughts written by authors that had no insight into the real story ...and clearly little, or no part in its creation. Please support my effort to make this website preview available for you free on the internet... "The fences are down and the concert is free; and in the spirit of Woodstock the memories of those event are given here are for your personal enjoyment."

Composer, Publisher, Producer, Manager, & Promoter
First Vice President of Rock Music at Capitol Records (or any label)

Artie wrote lot's of HITS as a songwriter(including) :
Crispian St.Peters, “The Pied Piper”
The Cowsills, “The Rain,The Park & Other Things”, (aka “I Love The Flower Girl”)
Jan & Dean, “Dead Mans Curve”, Written with Brian Wilson & Jan Berry

Artie and I have been friends for over 30 years. He's a wonderful human being and a virtual encyclopedia of Rock and Roll history. He's been in the middle of that history, from The Brill Building group of song writers to creating the most important Music Festival ever.
Visit Artie's website. HERE
Artie is available for radio interviews. He's quite amazing on the radio and has stories to tell.

HOW IT ALL WENT WRONG

So who killed the record industry as we knew it? "The record companies have created this situation themselves," says Simon Wright, CEO of Virgin Entertainment Group, which operates Virgin Megastores. While there are factors outside of the labels' control -- from the rise of the Internet to the popularity of video games and DVDs -- many in the industry see the last seven years as a series of botched opportunities. And among the biggest, they say, was the labels' failure to address online piracy at the beginning by making peace with the first file-sharing service, Napster. "They left billions and billions of dollars on the table by suing Napster -- that was the moment that the labels killed themselves," says Jeff Kwatinetz, CEO of management company the Firm. "The record business had an unbelievable opportunity there. They were all using the same service. It was as if everybody was listening to the same radio station. Then Napster shut down, and all those 30 or 40 million people went to other [file-sharing services]." (Must Read @ Rolling Stone)

LET'S LOOK BACK 100 YEARS

This will boggle your mind, I know it did mine!

The year is 1907.
One hundred years ago.
What a difference a century makes!
Here are some statistics for the Year 1907 :
************************************
The average life expectancy was 47 years.
Only 14 percent of the homes had a bathtub.
Only 8 percent of the homes had a telephone.
There were only 8,000 cars and only 144 miles of paved roads.
The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph.
The tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower!
The average wage in 1907 was 22 cents per hour.
The average worker made between $200 and $400 per year .
A competent accountant could expect to earn $2000 per year,
A dentist $2,500 per year, a veterinarian between $1,500 and $4,000
per year and a mechanical engineer about $5,000 per year.
More than 95 percent of all births took place at HOME .
Ninety percent of all doctors had NO COLLEGE EDUCATION!
Instead, they attended so-called medical schools, many of which
were condemned in the press AND the government as "substandard."
Sugar cost four cents a pound.
Eggs were fourteen cents a dozen.
Coffee was fifteen cents a pound.
Most women only washed their hair once a month, and used Borax or egg yolks for shampoo.
Canada passed a law that prohibited poor people from entering into their country for any reason.

Five leading causes of death were:
1. Pneumonia and influenza
2. Tuberculosis
3. Diarrhea
4. Heart disease
5. Stroke

The American flag had 45 stars.
The population of Las Vegas, Nevada, was only 30!!!!
Crossword puzzles, canned beer, and ice tea hadn't been invented yet.
There was no Mother's Day or Father's Day.
Two out of every 10 adults couldn't read or write.
Only 6 percent of all Americans had graduated from high school.
Marijuana, heroin, and morphine were all available over the counter at the local corner drugstores. Back then pharmacists said, "Heroin clears the complexion, gives buoyancy to the mind, regulates the stomach and bowels, and is, in fact, a perfect guardian of health." (Shocking? DUH! )
Eighteen percent of households had at least one full-time servant or domestic help.
There were about 230 reported murders in the ENTIRE ! U.S.A. !
Try to imagine what it may be like in another 100 years.

IT STAGGERS THE MIND, EH ?

Thanks to Greg at CFL History.

Today in Rock Music History

On this day in 1967, Jimi Hendrix burst upon the consciousness of American rock audiences with a blistering set of psychedelic blues rock at the Monterey Pop festival, at the climax of which he threw his guitar to the stage, squirted it with lighter fluid, and set it ablaze. That image of Hendrix - who would tragically be labeled “a sex machine/witch doctor” because of his action (a stage stunt meant to rival the hyper-destructive Who’s earlier instrument bashing at the end of their set) - burning his instrument would become the definitive moment of the first great rock festival - and an iconic moment in a decade full of iconic moments. Thankfully, it was captured for posterity.

None of us knew then that this “trans-cendiary” act would be the apex of Jimi’s career - and that from that magic moment he would enter the slow downward spiral that - despite the brilliant music he created while falling from the sky he’d kissed so passionately - would end in a London flat just over three years later - deeply in debt, lonely, confused, feeling abandoned by friends and business associates - dead by choking on his own vomit, his drug addled girlfriend too confused or scared to save him….He was 27…. (More)

And Now for a Syllable From Our Sponsor

The New Radio Spots, Shrinking Into Freckles

By Paul Farhi
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, June 17, 2007; D01

It goes by so quickly -- sneeze and you'll miss it -- that it's almost not there at all. Just as one song on the radio fades away and another begins, a ghostly voice intones: "Iced coffee at McDonald's."

No elaboration, no product superiority claims, no "tastes great!" braggadocio. Just four words. And gone.

Way back when, radio commercials were 60 seconds long. Eventually, the :60 begat the 30-second ad, which begat the :15. More recently, some spots have shrunk to just five seconds. Now, "Iced coffee at McDonald's" is part of the vanguard of radio commercials that take this trend to its obvious next diminution: the two-second ad.

The two-second format -- Clear Channel calls them "blinks" -- offers two immediate benefits for advertisers. Because the ultra-brief ads pop up within the programs themselves, they don't compete for consumers' attention with longer ads packed into minutes-long commercial breaks. (Clear Channel says it will run no more than two "blinks" per hour.) The second advantage is the ads' brevity and, well, sneakiness: A listener would have to be mighty fast on the draw to zap a two-second spot. (Clear Channel declined to disclose the price charged for nano-ads.) (MORE)

Saving the Internet!!

Senator John Kerry's statement from the Commerce Committee this past week:

Mr. Chairman, the upcoming auction of spectrum in the 700 band has profound implications for consumers, schools, businesses, emergency first responders, and rural communities. We are presented with a unique opportunity to shape the future of wireless communication and innovation in America.

With this auction, we stand at a crossroads—we can either provide extraordinary benefits to millions of Americans or tilt bandwidth policy to line the pockets of a privileged few.

There is a clear path I believe must be taken: the airwaves belong to the American people, and their use should serve the public interest.

We must establish rules in this auction that encourage competitive entry into the wireless market, spur innovation and increase affordability and availability of broadband services.

There is no argument that we are lagging in deployment. More than 60 percent of Americans do not subscribe to broadband service—primarily because they don’t have access or can’t afford it.

My own state of Massachusetts, a recognized leader in innovation and technological advancement, has a 49% broadband penetration rate. And it is 4th best in the country.

So this auction of very valuable spectrum, takes on heightened importance. How do we ensure it works for the American people?

First, the Commission must promote the broadest level of participation in the auction, to encourage competition – and enable entrepreneurs to think innovatively, and provide affordable, high-speed wireless broadband services. Auction rules should be directed at promoting additional market entrants. Open access proposals and innovative bidding rules must be closely considered.

Secondly, the FCC must settle on strict build out requirements that compel auction winners to offer services. Now, I understand the fears of industry in this area. If we are forced to build networks, it delays service and innovation.

I am confident the Commission can find the appropriate balance – The spectrum must be deployed in a reasonable time. What would be unacceptable is a set of rules that allow large companies to scoop up and warehouse this spectrum. I have been encouraged by the Chairman’s attention to this matter, and I will be looking for a strong set of requirements.

Finally, I am encouraged that the Commission is taking a close look at solutions for public safety. We have been working on the interoperability for quite some time. And despite our efforts, Mr. Chairman, interoperability remains one of our most vexing policy challenges — despite the lessons of 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina.

Providing an effective public safety communications network is of paramount importance, and I am encouraged that industry leaders are thinking about the topic in an innovative way.

All Americans have an opportunity to benefit from this auction. This is more than an issue of Government revenue – it is also about expanded access to revolutionary new technology for every American. Our economy, our schools, our families and our first responders are counting on the FCC to conduct a fair auction in the spirit of competition and innovation that drives our country.

I, for one, will be watching closely.

TATTOO SPECIAL FOR JUNE & JULY

We currently are running a special on 2" X 2" temporary tattoos.
During the months of June and July you can buy
5,000/ 10,000/15,000 tattoos at
$.05 each
At 20,000 the price drops to
$.045 each
(Up to 6 color imprint included in the price)
No set up charges.
The only additional charge would be minimal shipping charges. Otherwise the price includes everything.
We need approximately 10 working days turn around time.
5000 Tattoos for only $250 is a great value.

NEXT BIG THING!!

This is the hottest new foot gear item. The next CROC? Maybe.
Sold out everywhere. Flip Flops on steroids.
Every step you take in the FitFlop helps tone and trim your legs. The FitFlop's uniquely built multi-density midsole activates muscles midstep to help tone your thighs, your calves and your glutes. In fact, FitFlops are biomechanically engineered to absorb shock, lessen joint strain, and recreate the gait of barefoot walking - but with a powerful new built-in micro-wobbleboard workout-enhancing effect. MORE
Pre-order in America at Bliss.

How to Win at Rock, Paper, Scissors

Know rookie tendencies. The World Rock Paper Scissors society claims rookie men tend to lead with rock. If you're playing a spontaneous game against a male rookie, there's an increased chance that his opening throw will be rock, so you'll want to go with paper. Why do men start with rock? Perhaps the clenched fist evokes power and makes guys feel tough. If you're playing a female rookie, however, keep in mind that competitive player Jason Simmons claims that women tend to start with scissors, so go with rock. MORE

PERSPECTIVE

Eddie-The Beav-Wally

Court Rebuffs F.C.C. on Fines for Indecency

If President Bush and Vice President Cheney can blurt out vulgar language, then the government cannot punish broadcast television stations for broadcasting the same words in similarly fleeting contexts.

That, in essence, was the decision on Monday, when a federal appeals panel struck down the government policy that allows stations and networks to be fined if they broadcast shows containing obscene language.

Although the case was primarily concerned with what is known as “fleeting expletives,” or blurted obscenities, on television, both network executives and top officials at the Federal Communications Commission said the opinion could gut the ability of the commission to regulate any speech on television or radio.

Kevin J. Martin, the chairman of the F.C.C., said that the agency was now considering whether to seek an appeal before all the judges of the appeals court or to take the matter directly to the Supreme Court. (MORE from NY Times)

It Was Forty Years Ago Today

It was forty years ago today The Beatles released their groundbreaking album "Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" to the world. To celebrate and commemorate this historic album thebeatles.com has launched a new site featuring video, photographs and music from the album.

Click HERE to launch the site.

You can also see the "Making of Pepper" video at:

youtube.com/thebeatlesofficial

MORE PEPPER TRIVIA:

• It was the band's eighth album.

• The album was recorded at the famous Abbey Road studios over a 129-day period, at a cost of £25,000.

• Pink Floyd were working on Piper at the Gates of Dawn in the next studio at the same time.

• The idea of making the whole album as if Sgt Pepper was a real band was believed to be Paul McCartney's.

• It was a completely self-contained album which was meant to be played from start to finish.

• One critic described the album as "a decisive moment in the history of Western civilisation".

• Within weeks of the album's release, Jimi Hendrix started performing the title track in concert.

• It was the first rock album to win Grammy Awards for album of the year and best contemporary album.

• Rolling Stone magazine rated it number one in the list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.

• Sir Peter Blake designed the front cover. It featured a colourful collage of life-sized cardboard models of famous people, including Marlon Brando and Karl Marx.

• Mae West originally refused to appear on the front cover, but changed her mind after the band wrote to her.

• The initial design was altered, deleting Hitler and Jesus from the image, before the album was released.

• It was rumoured that Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds was about the drug LSD. Lennon always denied this, insisting it was inspired by a drawing done by his young son, Julian.

• The song was still banned by the BBC.

• The lyrics to John Lennon's Being for the Benefit of Mr Kite were adapted almost word for word from an old circus poster which he bought at an antique shop in Kent.

• McCartney's vocals were sped up for the song When I'm 64 to give it a unique sound.

Thanks to the BBC for the info.