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Author	Topic: It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time
Dave Thomer Guardian of Peace and Justice in the Galaxy	posted 01-03-2001 01:33 AM The other night the local country station was running a retrospective of the top 10 country songs of the last four decades. Number 3 for the 80s was Willie Nelson and Julio Iglesias' "To All the Girls I've Loved Before." Pattie and I had not heard this is song in years, and by the time it was over were howling in laughter. I am hard pressed to think of a bigger mismatch between two performers talented in their own areas, and were trying to figure out how someone thought this was a good idea. Since then, we've been trying to come up with other contenders for the Nelson-Iglesias Memorial "Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time" Award. New Coke is an obvious pick, as are the 80s road uniforms for the Houston Astros, but what other suggestions are out there?
Dave Thomer Guardian of Peace and Justice in the Galaxy	posted 01-03-2001 01:35 AM Starting this thread while visiting my mother's seemed like a good idea too, until I got home and discovered I had accidentally posted under Brian's name. Whoops. Sorry 'bout that.
Pattie Gillett True Believer	posted 01-03-2001 07:36 AM Euro-Disney and hiring O.J. Simpson as a spokesperson for anything.
Pattie Gillett True Believer	posted 01-03-2001 08:36 AM Slightly OT, the 80s home uniforms for the Astros weren't much better, Dave and just what was with those light blue ensembles the Phillies used to wear on the road? Yikes.
Dave Thomer Guardian of Peace and Justice in the Galaxy	posted 01-03-2001 11:36 AM Baseball uniforms as a whole during the 70s and 80s could probably qualify here, other than those who stuck with traditional looks -- who could forget the late 70s Pirates? But you gotta admit the Astros set a new standard. You know, while we're at it, AstroTurf and multipurposestadiums must've seemed like a good idea at the time . . .
Kevin Ott True Believer	posted 01-03-2001 12:37 PM Did Euro-Disney ever seem like a good idea? Aren't French people still surrendering to Goofy?
Brian Thomer One of the Regulars	posted 01-03-2001 04:04 PM Oh good job Dave way to sully my good name, now everyone thinks I listen to country music. Just so you all know I'm a Chris Gaines fan, good ole Rock n' Roll.
Pattie Gillett True Believer	posted 01-03-2001 06:03 PM Hey, Brian, I'll have you know that having people think you listen to country doesn't necessarily "sully" your name. End tirade. C'mon, you didn't think I was going to let that slide, did you?
Dave Thomer Guardian of Peace and Justice in the Galaxy	posted 01-03-2001 06:35 PM That Chris Gaines, though, man . . . can he rock or what? Come to think of it, that definitely deserves a nomination in this category.
Kevin Ott True Believer	posted 01-03-2001 07:09 PM What truly deserves a nomination is the episode of Saturday Night Live that featured Garth as the guest star and Chris as the musical guest.
Brian Thomer One of the Regulars	posted 01-03-2001 08:48 PM No Pattie I didn't expect you to let it slide, but it let me get my Chris Gaines shot in, so it was worth your "tirade." And believe it or not, Kev, I found that episode of SNL to be quite humorous.
Dave Thomer Guardian of Peace and Justice in the Galaxy	posted 01-04-2001 10:12 PM Did Garth do anything to add to the humor? I also think "oldies radio" deserves a nomination. Because the whole time-period-as-genre thing has gotten way out of hand. Now you have your classic rock, your modern rock, we're probably far enough along to have classic modern rock, and of course you have "hits of the 70s, 80s, and 90s," "rocking hits of the 80s, 90s and 70s," Philly had an all-70s station for a while, we just had an all-80s station start up . . . I'm just waiting for "classic modern jammin' rockin' hits from February 1983 through April 17, 1995, except leap years."
Kevin Ott True Believer	posted 01-04-2001 11:00 PM There's an oldies radio station here in Altoona that never seems to play any songs I recognize. Like, I mean, never ever. I'm not terribly familiar with most of the music produced between 1950 and 1959, but you'd think I've seen enough ads for Time-Life record collections to recognize something on this station. Never any Elvis, never any Chuck Berry, never even any Frankie Valley and the damn Four Seasons. Nothing. It's amazing. The tendency to refer to a mix of disco, funk and motown styles as "Jammin' Oldies" is something I can appreciate, and there are stations in both Philly and Pittsburgh that use this term and have a great sound. So it's not all bad. And I'm sure that somewhere, at some time, Frankie Valley and the Four Seasons seemed like a good idea to someone, but I assume this person was a cretin.
BJ One of the Regulars	posted 01-04-2001 11:49 PM I think that the concept of a single currency for Europe might work, as well as the accompanying trend in combining economies or something, I can't remember because it seems so long ago. By the way, I have to side with Kevin, that episode sucked and I hate Garth Brooks as well as just about all country music (except Shania Twain, she's hot. Someone back me up.).
Dave Thomer Guardian of Peace and Justice in the Galaxy	posted 01-04-2001 11:59 PM By "worked", do you mean it will actually turn out to be a good idea, or that it will be worth considering as a bad idea that seemed good at the time. And hey -- knock Garth all you want, but not all country music is bad. We have established that the Dixie Chick rock, and I must admit that when my feet are in the mood to be a-stompin', Eric Heatherly has some good tracks. And anyone bashing Randy Travis gets beaten with sticks. As for Shania -- while I can certainly see why unmarried men would find her attractive, I'm not sure she should really be considered a country artist anymore. She's much more pop than country at this point.
BJ One of the Regulars	posted 01-05-2001 12:35 AM Well, it seemed like a good idea. That way the currency exchange would be easy, since there wouldn't be one. If that had happened, I think there would be a world currency soon. But now since it has been void from the news, I think it was more like a good idea at the time, because it would take a lot of work. On good country music, ugh.
Dave Thomer Guardian of Peace and Justice in the Galaxy	posted 01-05-2001 12:38 AM You know that the European Union DID unify its currency, right? Except for Great Britain and one other country, Denmark I think. The unified currency is called the Euro, and it only exists as a "virtual" currency right now, but if it isn't starting to circulate now, it will in a year, I believe.
Stephanie One of the Regulars	posted 01-05-2001 09:29 AM Now, Dave, this is a little off the topic, but in reference to your Shania comment, why would "unmarried men" find Shania attractive? I can understand if she's not your type, but what happens to married men that they no longer have eyes or can appreciate beauty? I don't believe that marriage vows can suddenly take away this ability. Very sad that a person who works in publishing and regularly makes fun of a certain imprint which makes constant typos and misspellings to be guilty of this herself. [This message has been edited by Stephanie (edited 01-05-2001).]
Dave Thomer Guardian of Peace and Justice in the Galaxy	posted 01-05-2001 10:35 AM quote: Originally posted by Stephanie: Now, Dave, this is a little off the topic, but in reference to your Shania comment, why would "unmarried men" find Shania attractive? I can understand if she's not your type, but what happens to married men that they no longer have eyes or can appreciate beauty? I don't believe that marriage vows can suddenly take away this ability. To keep the country theme going, there's a line in Randy Travis' "Forever and Ever Amen" that goes like this: "They say time can play tricks on the memory/Make people forget things they knew/Well it's easy to see/It's happening to me/I've already forgotten every woman but you." Randy is no fool. Or put another way -- saying another woman is hot on a thread your wife is reading is something else that may seem like a good idea at the time . . . (Mostly, the comment is a joke.)
Pattie Gillett True Believer	posted 01-05-2001 11:12 AM Not that I'm monitoring your actions or anything, Dave. For the record, Dave's "unmarried men" line is an ongoing gag. Not too long ago, Dave and one of his married male friends were relaying a story to me about a young woman they saw hitch-hiking. When I asked if she was attractive, they diplomatically replied "Unmarried men might think so." I think I speak for many wives out there when I say I'd be stupid to think that my husband's eyes didn't work any more. I really don't want to hear about what he looks at. As long as he has two brain cells to rub together, he should be aware of that.
Stephanie One of the Regulars	posted 01-05-2001 12:07 PM Ok, I'm the one who's not cool, not knowing the "in joke" and all. For the record, I was using my sarcastic tone of voice which comes across so well when I type. BTW, Pattie is monitering you (I finally discovered the smilies!)
Brian Thomer One of the Regulars	posted 01-05-2001 12:44 PM Ummm... Dave, if people are still starting time period based radio stations and the ones that have been around are still thriving then wouldn't it stand to reason that it's still a good idea?? And that whole Euro thing? I think the British are still patting themselves on the back for not getting involved in that one...
Dave Thomer Guardian of Peace and Justice in the Galaxy	posted 01-05-2001 01:51 PM quote: Originally posted by Brian Thomer: Ummm... Dave, if people are still starting time period based radio stations and the ones that have been around are still thriving then wouldn't it stand to reason that it's still a good idea?? That is assuming that radio executives have a) the business acumen to recognize when something's not working and b) the creativity to come up with something better. Also, I was talking more from the point of view of the listener, who gets to see radio stations switch formats at the drop of a hat, and has to deal with stations that have limited themselves so much that they can't stick to the format. A classic rock station around here has been heard to play "Where the Streets Have No Name," and I think even "Mysterious Ways." I'm no expert, but I think that if the classic rock station and the modern rock station are playing the same song, something isn't quite right. To say nothing of the fact that the alleged all-80s station will play "Losing My Religion" and "Friday I'm in Love" but not "Radio Free Europe" or "In Between Days."
Brian Thomer One of the Regulars	posted 01-05-2001 02:16 PM Well I guess the problem lies in where exactly the cutoff dates are... Since there's not really a playbook to consult. When exactly does "classic" rock end and "modern" rock begin, there's a grey area there so that's why you here the same songs on both stations. (Why am I defending myself so wholeheartedly on a humor thread?? I think I've spent too much time on The Red Star thread...)
slgorman One of the Regulars	posted 01-05-2001 03:01 PM quote: I think I speak for many wives out there when I say I'd be stupid to think that my husband's eyes didn't work any more. I really don't want to hear about what he looks at. The only world-wide philosophy of married women! As for the radio station "format," I have completely given up. I thankfully have 12 presets for FM on my radio and happily use them all. I've discovered it really sucks to have ecclectic taste in music when dealing with the radio. I've got to have the modern rock, classic rock, alternative rock, 80s rock, 70s-90s whatever, and on and on and on to make me happy. And don't even get me started on those lame ass morning shows! Thank god for the "mix" function on my CD changer!
Brian Thomer One of the Regulars	posted 01-05-2001 03:13 PM Also, me driving to work seemed like a good idea this morning, then it started snowing. D'oh!
Dave Thomer Guardian of Peace and Justice in the Galaxy	posted 01-09-2001 02:28 AM quote: Originally posted by slgorman: The only world-wide philosophy of married women! Ya know, it's not like married men don't have to hold to a similar philosophy. Or am I not talking with two members of the Josh Harem here?
slgorman One of the Regulars	posted 01-09-2001 08:12 PM Mr. sl, having been good friends with me for about 5 years before becoming Mr. sl and because I am notoriously known as "the kind of chick guys can be guys around and friends with -- at the same time!" feels compelled to tell me most of his thoughts on other women's anatomy. Hence, the formation of that philosophy. I do appreciate you trying to drag Josh and his harem into it, however. NBC showed an ad that pretty much fits the bill. Picturesque views of snow and wintertime scenes with patriotic music playing and the pronouncement of "Only 400 days until the 2002 Winter Olympics!" Goodness! Will the incessant hype never end? [This message has been edited by slgorman (edited 01-09-2001).]
Dave Thomer Guardian of Peace and Justice in the Galaxy	posted 01-11-2001 03:04 PM Yeah, that getting involved in a relationship with a friend idea certainly seems like something qualifies for this award. (Don't hit me, Pattie! Just kidding!) Dear Lord. Olympic hype starting already? Isn't NBC still offering make-goods from the last Olympics?
slgorman One of the Regulars	posted 01-11-2001 05:16 PM I actually threw my shoe at the TV and yelled, "I have to listen to this &%$ for 400* more days!!!" It's about the last straw.
Dave Thomer Guardian of Peace and Justice in the Galaxy	posted 01-11-2001 06:39 PM It may be time to start taping West Wing and fastforwarding through the commercials.
Dave Thomer Guardian of Peace and Justice in the Galaxy	posted 01-12-2001 01:03 AM Folks, I'm not sure, but we may have a winner. The Ice Hotel Quebec.
Pattie Gillett True Believer	posted 01-12-2001 06:48 AM A) Where did you find this, Dave? B) Why on earth would anyone think that I would pay to sleep on a block of ice?
Dave Thomer Guardian of Peace and Justice in the Galaxy	posted 01-12-2001 11:17 AM A) Brucnhing Shuttlecocks. B) Hey, you get a sleeping bag too.
Dave Thomer Guardian of Peace and Justice in the Galaxy	posted 01-17-2001 03:36 AM It occurs to me that I would be remiss without mentioning McLean Stevenson, who left MASH to go star on his onw show, which promptly fell off the face of the Earth. TV critic David Bianculli coined the "McLean Stevenson 'I'm Gonna Leave This Show and Become a Big Star' Award," which I like to think of as a precursor to the Julio-Willie.
Kevin Ott True Believer	posted 01-17-2001 06:49 AM Then I guess I should stop using the phrase "He really pulled a Caruso" in favor of "He really pulled a Stevenson."
Kevin Ott True Believer	posted 01-17-2001 07:08 AM You know the children's song "John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt?" What the hell is that all about? I mean, first off: The chances that two men with such a bizarre name would live in the same community and meet are extremely slim. I suppose that, in a German-American neighborhood, the names "John" and "Jacob" would be pretty common, and "Schmidt" is the equivalent of "Smith," so that's not too bad. But "Jingleheimer?" What the hell is that? Is it some medieval profession that only survives in the form of surnames? Did old German to-do lists have the item "Visit tanner, cooper, jingleheimer and chandler" in between "Invent fairy tale to keep children away from neighbor woman's edible house" and "Enslave Europe?" And even if two men with such unlikely names did live in the same community and become friends, wouldn't the novelty of it grow old after a while? I mean, if I knew another guy with my name, and we went places together, people would eventually stop shouting "Kevin Ott! Ya da da da da da da!" Whatever.
Dave Thomer Guardian of Peace and Justice in the Galaxy	posted 01-17-2001 01:42 PM quote: Originally posted by Kevin Ott: Then I guess I should stop using the phrase "He really pulled a Caruso" in favor of "He really pulled a Stevenson." Caruso was definitely a prominent winner of the award, though.
Dave Thomer Guardian of Peace and Justice in the Galaxy	posted 01-21-2001 12:35 AM Here is a definite nominee: Check out this article about the TV movies Madonna will be producing for VH-"Videos? What are they?"-1. Here's my favorite synopsis so far: quote: "Teen Queens," a fictional comedy that starts during the mid-1980s when a 16-year-old pop teen sensation (Deborah Gibson) is unexpectedly joined onstage at an awards show by her bitter rival and a fight ensues, ending their careers. The movie picks up 15 years later when the two try to exact revenge upon each other through music acts they are managing.
Dave Thomer Guardian of Peace and Justice in the Galaxy	posted 02-07-2001 02:30 AM quote: Originally posted by Kevin Ott: I mean, if I knew another guy with my name, and we went places together, people would eventually stop shouting "Kevin Ott! Ya da da da da da da!" Maybe it'd be worth pretending to have the same name in some town with a heavy percentage of German immigrants, just to test this theory. I mean, would they even shout "Kevin Ott! Ya da da da da da da!" once?

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