Showing posts with label USA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label USA. Show all posts

Thursday, March 16, 2023

Brendan Fraser born December 1968


Brendan Fraser
is a Canadian-American actor who was born on December 3, 1968, in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. He is the youngest of four children born to Canadian parents, Peter and Carol Fraser. His father was a former journalist and travel executive while his mother worked as a sales counselor. The family moved frequently during Fraser's childhood due to his father's job, living in several cities across the United States and Canada.

Fraser attended several schools growing up, including Upper Canada College, a private school in Toronto, Ontario, where he excelled in sports and drama. He later enrolled at Seattle's Cornish College of the Arts, where he studied acting and graduated with a bachelor's degree in fine arts.

Fraser started his acting career in the early 1990s with small roles in films like "Dogfight" and "Encino Man." However, it was his breakout role as the titular character in "George of the Jungle" in 1997 that catapulted him to stardom. This led to more leading roles in big-budget movies, including "The Mummy" franchise, which was a commercial and critical success. In addition to his film work, Fraser has also appeared in several television shows, including the critically acclaimed series "The Affair" and "Doom Patrol."

Aside from his acting talents, Fraser is also known for his philanthropic work. He has served as a board member for several charitable organizations, including the World Wildlife Fund and the Film Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and restoring classic films.

Despite his success, Fraser has faced some personal and professional challenges over the years. In 2003, he underwent a partial knee replacement surgery after sustaining an injury while filming "The Quiet American." He also went through a highly publicized divorce from his first wife, actress Afton Smith, in 2007, which was reportedly a major setback for him.

However, Fraser has bounced back and continued to work steadily in the entertainment industry. He has been recognized for his acting talents with numerous awards and nominations, including a Golden Globe nomination for his performance in "Gods and Monsters." His fans appreciate his friendly demeanor and down-to-earth personality, and he continues to be a beloved figure in Hollywood.

Fraser has been married twice and has three children. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, photography, and playing various sports, including tennis and golf. He is also an avid reader and has been known to recommend books to his fans on social media. 

Saturday, February 4, 2023

"Hey Jude" - 1968 The Beatles song

"Hey Jude" is one of the six songs released by The Beatles in 1968. Written by Paul McCartney, the song was recorded on July 29 and released as a single on August 26. "Hey Jude" quickly rose to the top of the charts and became a number one hit, solidifying its place in music history as one of The Beatles' most beloved and enduring tracks.

The song is known for its memorable and uplifting chorus, which encourages listeners to "take a sad song and make it better." The lyrics are inspired by McCartney's relationship with Julian Lennon, John Lennon's son, and offer a message of encouragement and support in the face of difficulty.

The production of "Hey Jude" was marked by several key moments, including a long and impassioned solo performance by McCartney during the recording session. This solo was eventually edited down to the iconic four-minute version that was released as a single. The song also features a distinctive piano intro and a soaring string arrangement, both of which contribute to its timeless appeal.

"Hey Jude" has been covered by countless artists over the years, and its enduring popularity is a testament to its power as a song. Whether you're listening to the original version by The Beatles or a contemporary interpretation, "Hey Jude" remains a timeless anthem of hope, resilience, and the unbreakable human spirit.

In conclusion, "Hey Jude" is a classic song that remains relevant and beloved to this day. With its uplifting lyrics and unforgettable melody, it continues to be one of The Beatles' most enduring and beloved tracks, and an enduring symbol of the power of music to bring people together and offer hope in times of darkness.

"Hey Jude" by the Beatles

Hey Jude, don't make it bad

Take a sad song and make it better

Remember to let her into your heart

Then you can start to make it better


Hey Jude, don't be afraid

You were made to go out and get her

The minute you let her under your skin

Then you begin to make it better


And any time you feel the pain

Hey Jude, refrain

Don't carry the world upon your shoulder

For, well, you know that it's a fool

Who plays it cool

By making his world a little colder


Na, na, na, na-na, na, na, na-na


Hey Jude, don't let me down

You have found her, now go and get her (let it out and let it in)

Remember (hey Jude) to let her into your heart

Then you can start to make it better

Better, better, better, better (I'm begging you), better, oh!


Na, na, na, na-na-na-na

Na-na-na-na, hey Jude

Na, na, na, na-na-na-na

Na-na-na-na, hey Jude

Na, na, na, na-na-na-na

Na-na-na-na, hey Jude (Jude)

Na, na, na, na-na-na-na

Na-na-na-na, hey Jude

(Yeah, you know you can make)

(Jude, Jude, you're not gonna break it)


Na, na, na, na-na-na-na (don't make it bad, Jude)

(Take a sad song and make it better) na-na-na-na, hey Jude

(Hey Jude, Jude, hey Jude, wow!)


Na, na, na, na-na-na-na (ooh, Jude)


Na-na-na-na, hey Jude (hey Jude)

Na, na, na, na-na-na-na

Na-na-na-na, hey Jude

Na, na, na, na-na-na-na

Na-na-na-na, hey Jude

Na, na, na, na-na-na-na

Na-na-na-na, hey Jude

Tuesday, January 31, 2023

"People Got to Be Free" 1968 hit song by The Rascals

 

"People Got to Be Free" is a song by the American rock band The Rascals. It was released in August 23 1968 as a single from their album "Peaceful World". The song became the group's second biggest hits and reached the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. 

It is indeed a popular and successful song that has reached millions of listeners and continues to be remembered and appreciated today. The RIAA certification as a gold record, high ranking on the Billboard charts, and inclusion on the group's album "Freedom Suite" are testament to its lasting impact. 

The lyrics of "People Got to Be Free" reflect the spirit of the 1960s and the push for equality and freedom. The song became an anthem for the Civil Rights Movement and was widely played at protests and demonstrations. It was also used as a backdrop to news footage of events such as the death of Martin Luther King Jr.

The song features a catchy and upbeat melody and the optimistic lyrics, which helped to make it a popular and enduring hit. The message of "People Got to Be Free" still resonates with listeners today and it remains a classic example of the music of the 1960s.

Here are the lyrics to "People Got to Be Free" by The Rascals written by Felix Cavaliere and Eddie Brigati and featuring a lead vocal from Cavaliere.

All the world over, so easy to see

People everywhere just wanna be free

Listen, please listen, that's the way it should be

Peace in the valley, people got to be free


You should see what a lovely, lovely world this'd be

Everyone learns to live together

Seems to me such an easy, easy thing should be

Why can't you and me learn to love one another


All the world over, so easy to see

People everywhere just wanna be free (wanna be free)

I can't understand it, so simple to me (it is)

People everywhere just got to be free


If there's a man who is down and needs a helping hand

All it takes is you to understand and to pull him through

Seems to me we got to solve it individually

And I'll do unto you what you do to me


There'll be shoutin' from the mountains on out to sea (out to sea)

No two ways about it, people have to be free (they got to be free)

Ask me my opinion, my opinion will be (ah-ha)

It's a natural situation for a man to be free


Oh, what a feelin's just come over me

It's enough to move a mountain, make a blind man see

Everybody's dancin'

Peace in the valley, now they want to be free

See that train over there

Now that's the train of freedom

It's about to arrive any minute, now

You know, it's been long, long overdue

Look out 'cause it's comin' right on through

Tuesday, January 24, 2023

1968: A Year of Memorable Moments and Historic Achievements in Sports

The year 1968 was a significant one in the world of sports, with many memorable events and moments taking place.

In the world of baseball, the Detroit Tigers won the World Series, defeating the St. Louis Cardinals in seven games. This was the Tigers' first World Series victory since 1935 and was led by their legendary pitcher, Denny McLain, who won 31 games that season, a feat that has not been matched since. The Boston Red Sox's "Impossible Dream" season also came to a close, as they finished 1 game behind the Tigers in the American League. The Red Sox, led by their Hall of Fame outfielder Carl Yastrzemski, who won the Triple Crown that year and was one of the best players in the league, had an unlikely run to the AL pennant, but were unable to secure the championship.

On the football field, the Baltimore Colts won Super Bowl III, defeating the heavily favored New York Jets 16-7. This was the first Super Bowl victory for the Colts and the first Super Bowl victory for the American Football League, which would merge with the National Football League in 1970. The game was notable for the performance of Colts quarterback, Earl Morrall, who filled in for an injured Johnny Unitas and led the team to victory, and for Jets quarterback Joe Namath famously guaranteeing a win for his team before the game.

In the world of basketball, the Boston Celtics won the NBA Championship, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals. This was the Celtics' tenth championship in thirteen years and the eleventh championship in franchise history. The team was led by Bill Russell, who retired after the championship, and John Havlicek, who was named the Finals MVP.

The Olympics in 1968 was held in Mexico City, Mexico and it was a historic event as it saw the African American athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos raise their fists in the Black Power salute during the medal ceremony for the 200m race. This iconic moment in sports history highlighted the ongoing civil rights movement and brought attention to the issue of racial inequality in the United States. Smith and Carlos were subsequently banned from the Olympic Village and faced backlash from the media and the general public for their actions.

1968 was also a significant year in the world of motorsports, as Graham Hill became the Formula One World Champion, winning the championship for the second time in his career. He won the championship driving for Team Lotus, and he also won the prestigious Monaco Grand Prix. This was a huge achievement as he beat out drivers such as Jackie Stewart, Denny Hulme and Jochen Rindt.

1968 was a year of memorable moments, historic events and great performances in the world of sports, and it continues to be remembered and celebrated by fans and enthusiasts around the world. The year saw the rise of new stars, the emergence of new leagues, and the continuation of great rivalries. It was a year that shaped the future of sports, and its legacy can still be felt today.

Monday, January 23, 2023

1968 Fashion Trends - influenced by Counterculture Movement

 

1968 was a year of significant social and political change, and this is reflected in the fashion of the time. The late 1960s saw a shift away from the more structured, conservative styles of the 1950s and early 60s, towards a more relaxed, bohemian aesthetic.

One of the key fashion trends of 1968 was the "peasant look", which featured long, flowing skirts, blouses with embroidery or lace details, and natural fabrics like cotton and linen. This style was influenced by the counterculture movement and the growing interest in Eastern spirituality and culture. The long, flowy skirts and blouses were often paired with fringed leather vests, suede boots, and oversized sunglasses, which helped to create an earthy, bohemian look.

The "mod" style, which had been popular in the mid-60s, also continued to be influential in 1968. This style featured clean lines, bold geometric patterns, and bright colors. Miniskirts and go-go boots were also popular, as were short, boxy shifts and geometric print dresses. The mod look was characterized by a futuristic, space-age aesthetic, which was often achieved through the use of bold colors, geometric patterns, and innovative textiles.

Another trend that emerged in 1968 was the "ethnic look", which incorporated elements of traditional clothing from around the world, such as batik prints, African-inspired textiles, and Native American-inspired fringes. This trend was a reflection of the growing interest in multiculturalism and the desire to explore different cultures and customs. The ethnic look often featured bold, colorful prints and intricate beading, which helped to create a sense of exoticism and adventure.

In addition to these specific trends, 1968 was also a year of experimentation and personal expression in fashion. Many young people began to create their own clothes, using techniques like tie-dye, batik, and macramé, and this DIY ethos had a significant impact on fashion. It was a common sight to see individuals creating their own unique styles by taking inspiration from different cultures, incorporating vintage pieces or experimenting with different fabrics and patterns.


As the year progressed, fashion began to evolve, reflecting the political and social changes of the time. The Civil Rights Movement and the feminist movement were making an impact on society, and fashion began to reflect this change, as more designers began to incorporate elements of androgynous styling, such as tailored pants and blazers for women.

Overall, 1968 was a year of transition in fashion, as the more rigid, structured styles of the past gave way to a more relaxed, free-spirited aesthetic. The fashion of 1968 reflected the changing attitudes and values of the time, and the desire for self-expression and individuality. It was a year that saw fashion break free from the traditional norms and embrace new styles, patterns, and designs that would have a lasting impact on the fashion industry.


Friday, January 20, 2023

Black Power Movement of 1968


 The Black Power Movement of 1968 was a civil rights movement that emphasized racial pride and the creation of black political and economic power. It emerged in the late 1960s as a response to the perceived failures of the Civil Rights Movement to fully address the issues of economic inequality and police brutality faced by many African Americans.

On April 4, 1968, the movement suffered a significant blow when Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee. This event further galvanized the Black Power Movement, as many saw the failure of non-violent civil rights tactics in the face of ongoing violence against African Americans.


Leaders of the Black Power Movement, such as Stokely Carmichael and Huey P. Newton, called for black people to reject the idea of integration with white society and instead work to build their own independent institutions and communities. They advocated for policies such as affirmative action, community control of schools and police, and reparations for the descendants of slaves.

One of the key events of the Black Power Movement in 1968 was the "Black Power" speech given by Olympian Tommie Smith and John Carlos during the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City on October 16, 1968. Smith and Carlos raised their fists in a Black Power salute during the national anthem, sparking controversy and discussions around the country. This act was not only seen as a political statement, but also as a symbol of the growing black consciousness and pride, which was the core of the Black Power Movement.

The movement also led to the formation of new black nationalist organizations such as the Black Panthers, which was founded on October 15, 1966, and advocated for self-defense and community control, and the Republic of New Africa, which sought to establish an independent black nation in the southern United States. These organizations provided a platform for black people to voice their grievances and demand political and economic power.

However, the movement faced significant opposition, both from white supremacists and from some within the Civil Rights Movement who felt that the Black Power Movement's tactics and rhetoric were divisive and harmful. Despite this opposition, the movement continued to grow and gain support throughout 1968, and had a lasting impact on American society and politics.

In summary, the Black Power Movement of 1968 was a civil rights movement that sought to empower African Americans by promoting racial pride and building independent black political and economic power. It was marked by key events such as the "Black Power" speech by Tommie Smith and John Carlos on October 16, 1968, the formation of new black nationalist organizations and the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr on April 4, 1968, but also faced significant opposition. Despite this, the movement had a lasting impact on American society and politics, and continues to be remembered and studied today.

Photo: courtesy of writingcities.com




Thursday, January 19, 2023

Civil Rights Movement in 1968

The Civil Rights Movement in 1968 was marked by both progress and tragedy. On one hand, many significant advances were made in the fight for racial equality, but on the other hand, the movement lost one of its most prominent and influential leaders in the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.

One of the major events of 1968 was the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, also known as the Fair Housing Act. This legislation, signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on April 11th, prohibited discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of housing based on race, religion, national origin, and sex. This was a significant step forward in the fight for racial equality, as it helped to address the issue of housing discrimination and provide greater access to homeownership for people of color.

Another important event was the formation of the Black Power Movement. The Black Power Movement was a cultural and political movement that sought to empower Black people and promote self-determination and pride in their African heritage. The movement, which began to gain momentum in the mid-1960s, advocated for more militant and radical tactics than the traditional Civil Rights Movement. One of the most famous examples of the Black Power Movement was the Black Panthers, who advocated for self-defense and community control.

However, the most impactful event of 1968 was the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. on April 4th. King, who had been at the forefront of the civil rights movement and the fight for equality for African Americans, was shot and killed while standing on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. His death sparked riots and protests in cities across the United States, and left the Civil Rights Movement without one of its most prominent and influential leaders.

Despite this tragedy, the Civil Rights Movement continued to make progress in 1968. Civil rights activists and leaders such as Jesse Jackson, Ralph Abernathy, and Coretta Scott King stepped forward to continue Martin Luther King Jr.'s work. Additionally, many African Americans continued to organize and fight for equal rights on a grassroots level.

In conclusion, the Civil Rights Movement in 1968 was marked by both progress and tragedy. The Civil Rights Act of 1968 and the Black Power Movement were significant steps forward in the fight for racial equality, but the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. was a major setback. Nevertheless, the Civil Rights Movement continued to push for change and make progress, as activists and leaders stepped forward to continue the fight for racial equality.

Thursday, April 8, 2021

Honey

"Honey", also known as "Honey (I Miss You)", is a song written by Bobby Russell. He first produced it with former Kingston Trio member Bob Shane. Then he gave it to American singer Bobby Goldsboro, who recorded it for his 1968 album of the same name, originally titled Pledge of Love.

The song's narrator mourns his deceased wife, beginning with him looking at a tree in their garden, remembering how "it was just a twig" on the day she planted it. This single was released February 17, 1968 and a US No. 1 the week of April 7, 1968.


Honey

See the tree, how big it's grown
But friend, it hasn't been too long
It wasn't big
I laughed at her, and she got mad
The first day that she planted it
Was just a twig

Then the first snow came
And she ran out to brush the snow away
So it wouldn't die
Came runnin' in all excited
Slipped and almost hurt herself
And I laughed 'til I cried

She was always young at heart
Kinda dumb, and kinda smart
And I loved her so
And I surprised her with a puppy
Kept me up all Christmas eve
Two years ago

And it would sure embarrass her
When I came in from workin' late
'Cause I would know
That she'd been sittin' there and cryin'
Over some sad and silly late, late show

And honey, I miss you
And I'm bein' good
And I'd love to be with you
If only I could

She wrecked the car, and she was sad
And so afraid that I'd be mad
But what the heck
Though I pretended hard to be
Guess you could say she saw through me
And hugged my neck

I came home unexpectedly
And caught her cryin' needlessly
In the middle of the day
And it was in the early spring
When flowers bloom, and robins sing
She went away

And honey, I miss you
And I'm bein' good
And I'd love to be with you
If only I could

One day while I was not at home
While she was there, and all alone
The angels came
Now all I have is memories of honey
And I wake up nights
And call her name

Now my life's an empty stage
Where honey lived, and honey played
And love grew up
And a small cloud passes overhead
And cries down on the flower bed
That honey loved

And see the tree, how big it's grown
But friend, it hasn't been too long
It wasn't big
And I laughed at her, and she got mad
The first day that she planted it
Was just a twig

Source: Musixmatch

1968 - Robert F. Kennedy assasination


Senator Robert Kennedy is shot at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles after winning the California presidential primary. Immediately after he announced to his cheering supporters that the country was ready to end its fractious divisions, Kennedy was shot several times by 22-year-old Palestinian Sirhan Sirhan. He was pronounced dead a day later, on June 6, 1968.

The summer of 1968 was a tempestuous time in American history. Both the Vietnam War and the anti-war movement were peaking. Martin Luther King, Jr. had been assassinated in the spring, igniting riots across the country. In the face of this unrest, President Lyndon B. Johnson decided not to seek a second term in the upcoming presidential election. Robert Kennedy, John F. Kennedy’s younger brother and former U.S. Attorney General, stepped into this breach and experienced a groundswell of support. 

Kennedy was perceived by many to be the only person in American politics capable of uniting the people. He was beloved by the minority community for his integrity and devotion to the civil rights cause. After winning California’s primary, Kennedy was in the position to receive the Democratic nomination and face off against Richard Nixon in the general election.

As star athletes Rafer Johnson and Roosevelt Grier accompanied Kennedy out a rear exit of the Ambassador Hotel, Sirhan Sirhan stepped forward with a rolled-up campaign poster, hiding his .22 revolver. He was only a foot away when he fired several shots at Kennedy. Grier and Johnson wrestled Sirhan to the ground, but not before five bystanders were wounded. Grier was distraught afterward and blamed himself for allowing Kennedy to be shot.

Source: History.com/photos: Pinterest



Thursday, April 1, 2021

Aaron Eckhart born in March 1968

 


Aaron Eckhart is an accomplished American actor, known for his versatility and range in the roles he plays on screen. He was born on March 12, 1968 in Cupertino, California, the son of Mary Martha Lawrence, a writer, artist, and poet, and James Conrad Eckhart, a computer executive. He is the youngest of three brothers and has a diverse ancestry, with his father being of German-Russian descent and his mother having English, German, Scots-Irish, and Scottish ancestry.

Eckhart was raised as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served a two-year mission in France and Switzerland. This experience, where he learned to speak French fluently, would later serve him well in his acting career. In 1981, his family moved to the United Kingdom, where they lived in various towns in Surrey, England. This move allowed Eckhart to experience different cultures and gain a broader perspective on life.

Eckhart attended American Community School, where he was first introduced to acting, starring in a school production as Charlie Brown. However, it wasn't until he moved to Australia and settled in Sydney that he fully developed his acting skills. He attended the American International School of Sydney for his high school senior year and starred in productions like Waiting for Godot, where he admits that he gave a "terrible" performance. Despite this, the experience ignited a passion for acting in Eckhart and he knew that this is what he wanted to do with his life.

In the autumn of his senior year, Eckhart left school to take a job at the Warringah Mall movie theater. He eventually earned his diploma through an adult education course. This also allowed Eckhart time to enjoy a year of surfing in Hawaii and France, as well as skiing in the Alps. He believes that these experiences helped him become more well-rounded and gave him a deeper understanding of the world and people around him.
In 1988, Eckhart returned to the United States and enrolled as a film major at Brigham Young University–Hawaii, but later transferred to Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah. He graduated in 1994 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. He also studied acting at the William Esper Studio, where he honed his craft under the tutelage of renowned acting coach, William Esper.

After graduation, Eckhart moved to New York City to pursue his acting career. He worked hard and made a name for himself in the theater scene, before making his way to Hollywood. Since then, he has appeared in a wide range of films, including drama, comedy, and action films, earning critical acclaim and a loyal fan base along the way. He is known for his ability to disappear into a role and make it his own, and his performances have been praised for their depth and nuance.

Eckhart's talent, dedication, and hard work have resulted in a successful and enduring career in the entertainment industry. He continues to work on exciting and challenging projects, and is considered one of the most talented actors of his generation.

Sunday, October 3, 2010

1968 Planet of the Apes

Planet of the Apes was released on February 8, 1968 in the United States and was a commercial success, gaining $32,589,624 at the international box office. The film was ground-breaking for its prosthetic makeup techniques by artist John Chambers, and was well received by critics and audiences, launching a film franchise,[4] including four sequels, as well as a short lived television show, animated series, comic books, various merchandising, and eventually a remake in 2001 and a new film to be released in 2011. Roddy McDowall, in particular, had a long-running relationship with the Apes series, appearing in the original series of five films (one only via stock footage from an earlier film), and also in the television series.

In 2001, Planet of the Apes was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Ashley Judd born April 1968

Ashley Judd is a highly accomplished American actress and humanitarian. Born on April 19, 1968, in Granada Hills, California, Judd is the daughter of Naomi Judd, a country music singer, and Michael Ciminella, a marketing analyst for the horseracing industry. She grew up in a family of performers, as her mother and half-sister, Wynonna Judd, also had successful careers in the entertainment industry.

Judd's childhood was spent traveling the country with her family, as her mother and sister performed in various venues. She attended 13 schools across the United States before graduating high school and later graduated with a degree in French from the University of Kentucky.

Judd began her acting career in the early 1990s and quickly established herself as a talented and versatile performer. She has appeared in a wide range of films, including "Ruby in Paradise," "Smoke," "A Time to Kill," "Double Jeopardy," "Where the Heart Is," and "Kiss the Girls." Her performances have been widely praised, and she has received numerous awards and nominations for her work.

In addition to her acting career, Judd is also an active humanitarian and advocate for social justice issues. She has been involved in a variety of charitable organizations and causes, including the fight against HIV/AIDS, the protection of civil liberties, and the promotion of education and equality for women and girls. Her dedication to these causes has earned her recognition and respect both within the entertainment industry and beyond.

Ashley Judd continues to be an influential figure in the entertainment industry and her activism make her a role model for many. She has a career that spans over more than two decades and has performed in a variety of roles that have showcased her range and talent as an actress.

Friday, February 5, 2010

Cuba M. Gooding, Jr born January 1968

Cuba M. Gooding, Jr. (born January 2, 1968) is an American actor. He is best known for his Academy Award-winning portrayal as Rod Tidwell in Cameron Crowe's Jerry Maguire (1996) and his critically acclaimed performance as Tré Styles in John Singleton's Boyz n the Hood (1991).

Cuba Gooding, Jr. was born and raised in The Bronx, New York, the son of Shirley, a singer with the Sweethearts, and Cuba Gooding, Sr., a lead vocalist of soul group The Main Ingredient. He has two brothers, musician Tommy Gooding and fellow actor Omar Gooding, and sister, April Gooding. His family moved to Los Angeles after Gooding, Sr.'s music group had a hit single with "Everybody Plays the Fool" in 1972; the elder Gooding abandoned his family two years later. During his appearance on The Howard Stern Show, Gooding revealed that after his father had left, his family lived in hotels throughout Los Angeles. Gooding was raised by his mother and attended four different high schools: North Hollywood High School, Tustin High School, Apple Valley High School, and John F. Kennedy High School in Granada Hills in Los Angeles. He served as class president in three of them. He became a born-again Christian at age 13.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In debuts in 1968


January 22,  1968 – Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In debuts on NBC.

Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In is an American sketch comedy television program which ran for 140 episodes from January 22, 1968 to May 14, 1973. It was hosted by comedians Dan Rowan and Dick Martin and was broadcast over NBC. It originally aired as a one-time special on September 9, 1967 and was such a success that it was brought back as a series, replacing The Man from U.N.C.L.E. on Mondays at 8pm on NBC.

The title, Laugh-In, came out of events of the 1960s hippie culture, such as "love-ins" or "be-ins." These were terms that were, in turn, derived from "sit-ins," common in protests associated with civil rights and anti-war demonstrations of the time.

The show was characterized by a rapid-fire series of gags and sketches, many of which conveyed sexual innuendo or were politically charged. Rowan and Martin continued the exasperated straight man (Dan Rowan) and "dumb" guy (Dick Martin) act which they had established as nightclub comics. This was a continuation of the "dumb Dora" acts of vaudeville, best popularized by Burns And Allen. Rowan and Martin had a similar tag line, "Say goodnight Dick".

Laugh-In had its roots in the humor of vaudeville and burlesque, but its most direct influences were from the comedy of Olsen and Johnson (specifically, their free-form Broadway revue Hellzapoppin'), the innovative television works of Ernie Kovacs, and the topical satire of That Was The Week That Was.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

McDonald's Big Mac was introduced in 1968


In 1968 to be precise, the Big Mac was launched on to the French market. It was the same year as the McDonald's 1000th highly successful franchised outlet was opened in Des Plaines, Illinois, USA.

McDonald’s flagship sandwich, the Big Mac was introduced on McDonald’s national menu in 1968. Big Mac, the iconic burger, has a strong appeal among Asian consumers. The introduction of the Big Mac in Asia was so successful that a lot of Asian consumers viewed the Big Mac as the benchmark of all hamburgers – the Big Mac is how a classic, original hamburger should be. In fact, McDonald’s Big Mac was the first burger many Asian consumers tried. Ever since then, Big Mac has become a meal preference whenever they crave for burgers.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

1968 film 2001: A Space Odyssey


2001: A Space Odyssey (occasionally referred to as simply 2001) released on April 6, 1968 is a 1968 science fiction film directed by Stanley Kubrick and written by Kubrick and Arthur C. Clarke. The film deals with thematic elements of human evolution, technology, artificial intelligence, and extraterrestrial life, and is notable for its scientific realism, pioneering special effects, ambiguous and often surreal imagery, sound in place of traditional narrative techniques, and minimal use of dialogue.

The film has a memorable soundtrack — the result of the association which Kubrick made between the rotary motion of the satellites and the dancers of waltzes, which led him to use the Blue Danube waltz by Johann Strauss II, and the famous symphonic poem Also sprach Zarathustra, by Richard Strauss, to portray the philosophical evolution of Man theorized in Nietzsche's homonymous work.

Despite receiving mixed reviews upon release, 2001: A Space Odyssey is today recognized by many critics and audiences as one of the greatest films ever made; the 2002 Sight & Sound poll of critics ranked it among the top ten films of all time. It was nominated for four Academy Awards, and received one for visual effects. In 1991, it was deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant" by the United States Library of Congress and selected for preservation in The National Film Registry.

Lucy Liu born December 1968


Lucy Alexis Liu (born December 2, 1968) is an American actress. She became known for her role in the television series Ally McBeal (1998–2002) as the vicious and ill-mannered Ling Woo, and has also appeared in several notable film roles, including Charlie's Angels, Kill Bill and Kung Fu Panda.

Lucy Liu was born and was raised with her brother John in Jackson Heights, Queens, New York, by Taiwanese immigrant parents. Liu has said that she grew up in a "diverse" neighborhood. Her family spoke Mandarin at home and she did not learn English until she was five years old. Her father, Tom, was a civil engineer and her mother, Cecilia, a biochemist, but they sacrificed those careers in Taiwan to come to the United States. Liu, at her parents' insistence, devoted her spare time to studying. She attended the Joseph Pulitzer Middle School (I.S.145) and she graduated from New York City's prestigious Stuyvesant High School in 1986. She attended New York University for one year, before transferring to the University of Michigan, where she joined the Chi Omega sorority and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Asian Languages and Cultures. At one point, Liu worked as a waitress in Michigan.

Friday, January 1, 2010

Owen Wilson born November 1968



Owen Cunningham Wilson (born November 18, 1968) is an American actor, comedian and writer.

Wilson was born in Dallas, Texas, to photographer Laura Cunningham Wilson and Robert Andrew Wilson, an advertising executive and operator of a public television station. He has an older brother, Andrew and a younger brother, Luke, both also involved in filmmaking. His family is Irish American and Roman Catholic. While living in Dallas, Wilson attended The Lamplighter School, and St. Mark's School of Texas, from which he was expelled when, in the tenth grade, he stole his teacher's textbook to aid him in his homework. Wilson attended his junior and senior years in high school at the New Mexico Military Institute.

Friday, October 9, 2009

1968 Vietnam War - My Lai Massacre

The My Lai Massacre, also known as the Son My Massacre, was a mass murder of unarmed South Vietnamese civilians that occurred on March 16, 1968, during the Vietnam War. The massacre was committed by a unit of the U.S. Army, known as Charlie Company, under the command of Lieutenant William Calley Jr.

The events of that day began early in the morning, when Charlie Company was ordered to search and destroy the hamlets of My Lai and My Khe in Quang Ngai province, as it was believed that the area was a stronghold of the Viet Cong, the communist forces fighting against the U.S.-backed government of South Vietnam. However, upon arriving at the hamlets, the soldiers found no evidence of the Viet Cong and instead encountered only unarmed civilians.

Over the course of the next four hours, the soldiers of Charlie Company indiscriminately killed between 347 and 504 civilians, the majority of whom were women, children, and elderly people. The soldiers also raped women, mutilated the dead, and destroyed homes and livestock. The massacre was not limited to My Lai, but also in the nearby hamlet of My Khe where they killed between 50 and 80 villagers.

The My Lai Massacre was initially covered up by the U.S. military, but the story eventually came to light through investigations by investigative journalists and the testimony of veterans who had participated in the massacre. In 1971, Lieutenant William Calley Jr. was court-martialed for his role in the massacre and found guilty of murder for the deaths of 22 civilians. He was sentenced to life in prison, but his sentence was later reduced to 20 years and he was released on parole after serving just three and a half years.

The My Lai Massacre is widely considered to be one of the most egregious war crimes committed by U.S. forces during the Vietnam War, and it had a profound impact on the American public's perception of the war. The incident also led to changes in U.S. military policy and increased scrutiny of military operations. The memory of My Lai massacre is still alive today, and it continues to be used as a symbol of the atrocities of war.

In conclusion, the My Lai Massacre was a tragic event in which hundreds of unarmed South Vietnamese civilians, mostly women, children, and the elderly, were brutally murdered by U.S. soldiers. The massacre, which occurred on March 16, 1968, was a grave violation of human rights and had a profound impact on the American public's perception of the Vietnam War. The memory of the massacre continues to be a reminder of the atrocities of war and the importance of holding those responsible accountable for their actions.
"I would say that most people in our company didn't consider the Vietnamese human." —Dennis Bunning,