Classic Rock Music Monday

The stuff that now passes as "music", particularly rock 'n roll, leaves me cold. So, to start off the week, here's a video of a classic rock artist. 

To start off the week, we have Rocky Burnette with his 1980 hit, "Tired of Towin' The Line." This song takes me back to the summer of 1980 when I was in Englewood, Colorado for two weeks for a two-week course at the GAB Damage Appraisal School. After the class was over, I was back in L.A. for two weeks and then left again to Detroit, Michigan for the 1980 Republican National Convention as a California Reagan Delegate.

From Wikipedia:

Jonathan "Rocky" Burnette (born June 12, 1953) is an American singer and musician and the son of the rockabilly and pop singer Johnny Burnette. Rocky is best known for his 1980 hit single "Tired of Toein' the Line" which he co-wrote with Ron Coleman, who formerly wrote, recorded and performed with the Brothers Grim and the Everly Brothers.

 

Reagan Portrait Re-Framed and Matted

Last year, I had a photographic portrait of President Ronald Reagan matted and framed with my invitation to the White House as shown above. It now hangs in my living room.

The portrait was a thank-you gift from the Citizens for Reagan campaign in 1976. I served as an area chairman for the campaign in my congressional district that year. I also was a California Delegate to the 1976 Republican National Convention in Kansas City, Missouri. 

Above, in 1981, I had my collection of Reagan campaign memorabilia
 on display at the Hawthorne Library. The photo above shows me
 holding the portrait in its original matte and frame at the Library.
Photo by Mike Davis of the Daily Breeze.

The California Delegation to the 1980 Republican National Convention were invited to the White House in June 1982 for a reception. The convention was held in Detroit, Michigan. While President Reagan was mingling with the Delegation guests in the East Room, I had him sign my invitation. 

Above, the California Delegation reception in the East Room. President Reagan signing a delegate's invitation. I am in the background at left behind someone's white shoulder. White House photo.

I had the items framed and matted at Frame 'N Art in Gallup. 

UPDATE: 

Here I am at the presidential podium (before the seal was put on it) in the East Room of the White House.

Reagan Assassination Attempt 42 Years Ago

Above, the site of the Reagan assassination attempt in June 1981. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today marks 42 years since the assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan took place at the Washington Hilton.

From Firstpost:

1981 – Failed attempt of assassination against US President Ronald Reagan

US President Ronald Reagan was shot and severely injured by John W. Hinckley Jr. on this day in 1981. Hinckley Jr. was trying to assassinate Reagan, just two months following his inauguration as the 40th President.

I remember that day quite well. I was at my desk at United Pacific/Reliance Insurance Cos. offices in Los Angeles when one of our underwriters came over to me and told me that Reagan had just been shot. He knew that I was a California Reagan delegate at the 1980 GOP National Convention in Detroit.

People reacted at first much like they did when President Kennedy was assassinated and, realizing not much work would be taking place, we were released. Fortunately, the outcome was much better and Reagan fully recovered.  

The following year (June 1982), I was invited to the White House for a reception for the California Delegation to the 1980 Republican National Convention. 

Since my hotel was within blocks of the Washington Hilton, I took one of their shuttles into Washington, D.C. from Dulles International Airport to the Washington Hilton. Before walking to my hotel, I took some photos of the assassination attempt scene. At that time, it was unchanged from the previous year,

40th Anniversary of the Reagan Assassination Attempt

Above, the site of the shooting at the Washington Hilton. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While doing some reading on Twitter, I came across a Tweet by Michael Reagan who said that he was invited to participate in a Fox Nation special on the 40th anniversary of the assassination attempt on President Reagan.

It is hard to believe that I has been that long (March 30, 1981) and I remember exactly how I got the news.

A year later, during a trip to Washington, D. C. to attend a White House reception for the 1980 California Delegation to the GOP National Convention, I visited the spot where the shooting took place at the Washington Hilton.

40 years. Man, does that make one feel old!

Wacko Socialist Virtual Convention, No Thanks!

Above, yours truly in profile in the white cowboy hat at the 1980 Republican
 National Convention in Detroit, Michigan. Los Angeles Times photo.

Well, the virtual Democrat National Convention is over and done with.

There was a time when I used to enjoy watching the conventions of both parties. (I attended three GOP national conventions as a member of California delegation.) Not anymore. I have no desire to stomach the constant lying propaganda of the left wing that has taken over the Democrat Party. There's no moderate (or even mildly conservative) Democrats left anymore. The wackos have taken over. They're not just liberals, they're actual socialists and communists. This ain't your daddy's Democrat Party!

It is not surprising that the audience numbers for the convention dropped by around 40% from four years ago. Overall, the "convention" was a colossal borefest according to many sources. The virtual Republican National Convention will probably see a similar drop in viewership.

Then again, maybe not.

Since President Trump is also a very capable showman, the GOP virtual convention could see better viewership numbers than the Democrats'. Viewers will probably get some good entertainment, at least.

We shall see.

Remembering Don DeFore

Above, John Wayne, Claudette Colbert and Don DeFore in Without Reservations.

Yesterday, a batch of DVDs arrived in the mail and one of them was the 1946 light romantic comedy, Without Reservations, starring John Wayne, Claudette Colbert and Don DeFore, with cameos by Jack Benny and Cary Grant. I viewed it this evening.

Here's the story synopsis:

Famous author "Kit" Masterson (Claudette Colbert) needs an actor to portray the lead character, a soldier, in the upcoming movie version of her book. While on a train to California, she meets Marine Rusty Thomas (John Wayne) and his friend, Dink (Don DeFore). She begins to imagine the macho Rusty as the lead, and attempts to stay in his company. However, since Rusty did not like her book, Kit must conceal her identity, all the while growing more attracted to her potential actor.

It had been over 40 years since I last viewed this movie, so it was almost fresh today. It reminded me of my meeting Don DeFore 40 years ago.

Actor Don DeFore was a California Ronald Reagan Delegate (as I was) for the 1980 Republican National Convention in Detroit, Michigan. The Reagan campaign chartered a delegation plane and I was seated next to DeFore and his wife Marion during the flight. While headed to Detroit, DeFore and I talked movies and one of the movies we especially discussed was Without Reservations, since I last viewed it only months before.

DeFore is best known for his roles in the series Ozzie and Harriet and Hazel.

Above, actor Don DeFore (center) at the 1980 Republican National Convention. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Following the convention, I sent a copy of the above photo to DeFore (at his request) and I received a nice thank-you letter (which I have around here, somewhere).

Some parts of the movie took place in New Mexico with some footage of 1940s Albuquerque, which I found interesting. If one is a John Wayne fan or a fan of 1940s romantic comedies, I recommend this movie.

Don DeFore passed away in 1993 and Marion DeFore passed away in 2011.

Ronald Reagan's 1980 Acceptance Speech

Above, I was there (circled) as a California delegate.

Back From G-FEST XXVI

Above, J. D. Lees and yours truly with the "peace pipe". Photo by Reagan Lees.

A day late, but I finally got back home from G-FEST XXVI (the premiere Godzilla/kaiju convention) in Rosemont, Illinois (an outskirt of Chicago and near O'Hare International Airport) at about 1:45 this morning.

I was originally set to fly out Sunday night, but at about 20 minutes before boarding time, my flight was cancelled. So, I ended up leaving last evening. At least it was a nonstop flight to Albuquerque International Airport and The Beast was waiting for me for the 120 mile drive home.

I had a good time at G-FEST, especially for seeing many friends, some for the first time in years.

I will go into deeper detail on the experience later. My main surprise (well, not really a surprise) was seeing how big the convention had grown in 10 years. In years past, when I was involved, we averaged around 1,500 attendees. This year, that number tripled.

With some additions (restaurants, bars, etc.), the old Crowne Plaza looked about the same to me. I think the convention has outgrown the hotel.

Above, the inspiration for the top photo. Former President Gerald Ford and former Gov. Ronald Reagan in 1980.

After arriving at the Crowne Plaza (I stayed at the Candlewood Suites, which worked out great for me as I had my own kitchen to cook breakfast and save some cash), I ran into the Lees family in the Chicago Fire Oven restaurant. I was invited over and we caught up on a few things. I took the opportunity to present J.D. Lees with a Navajo pipe (sort of a peace pipe). This was inspired by a gesture by former Governor Ronald Reagan in presenting a peace pipe to former President Gerald Ford at the 1980 GOP National Convention.

I received a lot of "welcome backs" from old friends during the weekend. Yes, it was nice to be back, although the old stamina wasn't what it used to be 10 years ago. Oh, well.

Yes, it felt great to be back and it also feels good to be back home.

George H. W. Bush At the 1980 GOP National Convention

Above, George H. W. Bush giving his vice presidential acceptance speech. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Seeing former Senator Bob Dole pay tribute to former President George H. W. Bush today reminded me that he placed Bush in nomination as the Republican candidate for vice president at the 1980 Republican National Convention in Detroit, Michigan.

Bush and Dole had a complicated relationship. At times they were rivals, sometimes very bitter ones, over the years (Rush Limbaugh spoke at length about this today). But today, Bush's onetime rival payed tribute to him at the U.S. Capitol.

Above, George and Barbara Bush on an excalator at the Detroit Plaza. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I was looking through my photo album of the 1980 Republican National Convention and came across a photo of Dole nominating Bush. Also, I have some photos of Bush giving his acceptance speech. I also found a photo of George and Barbara Bush on an escalator at the Detroit Plaza.

With this blog post are two photos from 1980. They are faded with age, but historical nonetheless.

Ronald Reagan In San Diego

Above, Gov. Reagan addresses the rally. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now that I have my old photo albums easily accessible, I have been going through them.

This morning, I was going through an album from 1979. In it, are some photos from the Fall convention of the California Republican Party (those were the days when there really was a California Republican Party) in which former Governor Ronald Reagan and Nancy Reagan attended a rally at the Town & Country Hotel in San Diego on September 15, 1979.

Above, Paul (Mike) Evans, lower left, is approached by the Reagans. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Reagan was getting ready for his 1980 campaign for president. He later won the nomination on the first ballot at the 1980 Republican National Convention in Detroit.

I scanned a couple of photos of that rally. They were slightly faded, but I did some tinkering and made them look marginally better.

15 Strange Secrets of the White House

Above, yours truly in the East Room of the White House in June 1982.

Everyone knows that the President of the United States lives in the White House in Washington, D.C. I once attended a reception for the 1980 California Reagan Delegation at the White House in 1982. It was by invitation-only and I figured it was one of those once-in-a-lifetime events. So I went.

But there are little-known facts about the Executive Mansion that may come as a surprise. Fox News has posted 15 of them

They begin with:

The storied 55,000 square foot mansion at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C. may go by many a name, but most Americans are unaware of all the presidential mansion's secrets. 

From its architecture and design to secret rooms and the ghosts that allegedly haunt it, explore these fifteen little known facts that make the White House the residence it is today.

To read more, go here. 

1980 Republican National Convention

Above, Gov. Ronald Reagan delivers his 1980 acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention.

Earlier this month, I picked up a DVD copy of PBS's The American Experience episode on President Ronald Reagan.

While watching it, I noticed a scene during Reagan's 1980 acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention in Detroit, Michigan in which the crowd was shown. At the upper right of the picture, I could be clearly seen sitting as a California delegate. I was at the ripe old age of 26.

I have circled myself (I had a bit more hair back then):

Hugh O' Brian Dies At 91

Above, Hugh O' Brian (far right) at a LAX rally welcoming the Reagans
 home from the 1980 GOP National Convention. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Another television icon has passed away.

Actor Hugh O'Brian, television's Wyatt Earp, died at age 91.

According to Variety:

Hugh O’Brian, who starred in the long-running series “The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp,” died Monday. He was 91. 

The actor died peacefully in his Beverly Hills home, according to a statement from Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership.

ABC Western “The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp,” in which the exceedingly handsome, muscular O’Brian starred as the title character, ran for 221 episodes from 1955-61. At the time he was one of television’s great male sex symbols.

In 1957 he was nominated for an Emmy for best continuing performance by an actor in a dramatic series for his work on “The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp.”

I saw him in 1980 at a rally at Los Angeles International Airport for Ronald & Nancy Reagan's return from the Republican National Convention.

To read more, go here.

"Dallas"

One of my television "guilty pleasures" over the decades was watching the prime-time soap Dallas on Friday nights on CBS-TV. I am speaking of the original series that aired from 1978 to 1991. I haven't seen the revival series on TNT. The original series was my favorite television show for most of its run.

About a month or so ago, I picked up the first two seasons of Dallas on DVD at the CD Trader near my house. The first season was actually a 5-part mini-series. Things didn't really kick into high gear until CBS made it a regular series, starting with Season Two.

While I was familiar with the characters and general plot(s) of the show, I hadn't watched it since the episodes aired 38 years ago. So, in essence, it almost seems like watching them for the first time.

Back then, the original characters were Ellie Southworth Ewing (Barbara Bel Geddes), Jock Ewing (Jim Davis), Bobby Ewing (Patrick Duffy), Cliff Barnes (Ken Kercheval), J.R. Ewing (Larry Hagman), Pam Ewing (Victoria Principal), Sue Ellen Ewing (Linda Gray), Ray Krebbs (Steve Kanaly) and Lucy Ewing (Charlene Tilton).

The plots centered around the wealthy and feuding Ewing Family, and oil and ranching family based in Dallas, Texas, especially with the dastardly schemes of J. R. Ewing. Larry Hagman made the character "the villain you loved to watch".

I finished watching seasons one and two. I picked up Season Three (1979-80) a week ago at CD Trader and currently watching the season's 25 episodes, which will have the season end with the famous shooting of J. R. Ewing. For the summer hiatus, people wondered, "Who shot J.R.?" That season-ending cliffhanger was so popular that there were buttons sold at the 1980 Republican National Convention in Detroit that read, "A Democrat Shot J.R." Four years later, the GOP held their next convention in Dallas, Texas. One of the activities offered to delegates and their families were tours of Southfork Ranch, that was used in the show.

It looks like I'll have to buy Season Four once I finish with Season Three. It has been fun watching it again after all these years.

36 Years Ago Today...

Above, yours truly on the convention floor in Detroit. 

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation posted this yesterday on Facebook:

Tomorrow (July 16) marks the 36th anniversary of Ronald Reagan winning the Republican nomination at the Republican National Convention.

The 1980 Republican National Convention was held in Detroit, Michigan at the Joe Louis Arena. I was there as a Reagan Delegate from California (31st Congessional District). I was 26 at the time. This was the second of three times I was a member of the California delegation.

Above, Ronald Reagan at Cobo Hall. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

2016 Republican National Convention

Above, the 1980 GOP National
Convention in Detroit, Michigan.

One of the things I've been considering for next year is to possibly attend the 2016 Republican National Convention.

The last convention I went to, but didn't actually go inside the arena, was in 1996 in San Diego. Amber and I just drove down to San Diego to see about buying some campaign souvenirs.

The 2016 GOP National Convention will be held in Cleveland, Ohio on July 18–21, 2016. It would be nice to attend as a delegate or alternate delegate (the last convention I attended while on the California Delegation was in 1984 in Dallas, Texas), but it would be fun to take The Beast to Cleveland and see attractions on the way and back. (I'll need to check on RV parks in the the Cleveland area.) I haven't decided on a candidate to back as yet.

We'll see how things develop between now and then.

10th Anniversary of Ronald Reagan's Death

Above, Ronald and Nancy Reagan at LAX after returning to Los Angeles following
 the 1980 Republican National Convention in Detroit. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Ten years ago today, the fortieth President of the United States, Ronald Reagan died from complications (pneumonia) of Alzheimer's Disease at his Bel Air home in California. He was 93.

It is hard to believe that ten years have passed.  It was a Saturday and I was watching television when the bulletin of Reagan's passing came on. I put a blank tape into the VCR so the bulletins can be recorded.

Reagan endured the disease for about ten years before passing. The news of his death brought back many memories. They included attending many of his speeches while he was governor of California; working in his 1976, 1980 and 1984 campaigns for president; serving as  a California delegate to the 1976 and 1980 Republican National Conventions and as an alternate California delegate at the 1984 Republican National Convention; meeting him at the opening of the headquarters of his Citizens for the Republic political action committee; and going to a White House reception with fellow members of the California Delegation in June 1982.

I have a collection of photographs and negatives of Reagan that I took over those years. I am debating whether to pass them on to my daughter or donate them to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. I haven't made up my mind on that as yet.

During the days that followed Reagan's death, the outpouring of affection by ordinary citizens was a testiment to the fact that despite the best efforts by the liberal media to downgrade his presidency, the people weren't fooled. They knew then (as they know now) who had their best interests at heart. That is underscored when people compare Reagan's economic policies and foreign policy achievements to those of the current White House occupant's.

Reagan's years shine brighter to people as they endure the failings of the current administration. America can sure use another Reagan to clean up the mess this country's now in.

Just like in 1980.

Efrem Zimbalist Jr. Dies At 95

Above, Efrem Zimbalist Jr. in 1971.

Longtime television actor Efrem Zimbalist, Jr. has passed away at 95.

Japan Today reported:

LOS ANGELES —Efrem Zimbalist Jr, the son of famous musical parents who established his own name in the long-running television series “77 Sunset Strip” and the even longer running TV hit “The FBI,” has died at age 95. 

Zimbalist died Friday at his Solvang home in California’s bucolic horse country, said family friend Judith Moose, who released a statement from his children, actress Stephanie Zimbalist and her brother, Efrem Zimbalist III. 

“We are heartbroken to announce the passing into peace of our beloved father, Efrem Zimbalist Jr, today at his Solvang ranch,” it said. “He actively enjoyed his life to the last day, showering love on his extended family, playing golf and visiting with close friends.”

Back in the early 1980s, it seemed that I couldn't take a flight anywhere without Efrem Zimbalist, Jr. being on the same flight.

During the 1980 presidential campaign, a rally was held at the West Imperial Terminal of Los Angeles International Airport for the arrival of former Gov. Ronald and Nancy Reagan from the 1980 Republican National Convention in Detroit, Michigan. After the convention, the Reagans joined George and Barbara Bush in Texas for some campaign events and then flew on to Los Angeles. At rally, celebrity guests included Zimbalist, Hugh O'Brien, Johnny Grant and Robert Stack.

"The FBI" was a favorite show in my family's household.

To read more, go here.

1980 GOP National Convention C-Span Video

Ronald Reagan's 1980 Acceptance Speech at the Republican National Convention in Detroit, Michigan.

Minute point 24:27.

I am circled:

To view the video where this is from, go here.

The Wilshire Brown Derby

Above, the original Wilshire Blvd. Brown Derby Restaurant in the 1950s.

A kind soul posted the above photo of the original Wilshire Blvd. Brown Derby Restaurant over on Twitter. This jogged a memory of my last meal there.

It was on primary election night in June 1980 in which former Governor Ronald Reagan won the California Primary for the GOP nomination for president. I was an area chairman for the Reagan campaign in the Hawthorne-Gardena area of Los Angeles County. The victory party was held that night at the Ambassador Hotel across the street from the Brown Derby. This was probably the first presidential campaign victory party held at the Ambassador Hotel since Sen. Robert F. Kennedy's assassination there in June 1968.

Before heading over to the Ambassador, I stopped at the Brown Derby for dinner. Much to my delight, they had a special of two lobster tails for around $12 or $15. So, I had two lobster tails that night.

According to Wikipedia, I was lucky to eat there as the restaurant was permanently closed later that year:

Opened in 1926, the original restaurant at 3427 Wilshire Boulevard remains the most famous due to its distinctive shape. Whimsical architecture was popular at the time, and the restaurant was designed to catch the eye of passing motorists. The Brown Derby name originated from a Malverne, New York-based restaurant of the same name which had been a popular hang-out for vaudevillians in the 1920s.^[2] 

The small cafe, close to popular Hollywood hot spots such as Cocoanut Grove at the Ambassador Hotel, became successful enough to warrant building a second branch. 

The original, derby-shaped building was moved in 1937 to 3377 Wilshire Boulevard at the northeast corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Alexandria Avenue, about a block from its previous location (and about a block north of the Ambassador Hotel). 

After being sold in 1975 and renovated, the building was finally replaced in 1980 by a shopping center known as the Brown Derby Plaza.

The Derby was incorporated into the new shopping center building after preservationists campaigned to save it.

Above, actor Michael Landon and Gov. Reagan at the private reception in the Ambassador Hotel in June 1980.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After dinner, I headed off to the Ambassador Hotel for the victory party. While the main party was in the Embassy Ballroom, I was in a separate reception room for campaign officials where the Reagans, along with actor Michael Landon, made an appearance before Gov. Reagan made his public victory speech. I took several photographs of them, one of which was published on the front page of the Los Angeles County Republican Central Committee's The Trunkline newspaper.