Monday Morning Musings

Posted on July 22, 2019 under Monday Morning Musings with one comment

“If you believed, they put a man on the moon.”

(With thanks to Bernice MacDonald Photography)

 

“Fly me to the moon,

Let me play among the stars,

Let me see what spring is like,

On Jupiter and Mars.”

Fly Me to The Moon. Frank Sinatra

Where were you on Sunday, July 20, 1969? If you weren’t born, you’ll be forgiven for not understanding the nostalgia felt recently by the 50 and over crowd. It was on this day, that man first stepped on the moon. While the moon landing is arguably the most important event of that calendar year, there were many other things that happened in the world that grabbed our attention.

I was playing in a golf tournament in the Annapolis Valley that day and on the way home, we heard the news on the radio. How about you?

The moon has inspired many songs over the decades.

“Moon River, wider than a mile; I’m crossing you in style someday.” Moon River. Frank Ocean

Richard Nixon became president of the United States in 1969 as the war in Vietnam raged. Joe Namath became a household name when he led his New York Jets football team to a stunning upset in the Super Bowl. The average income in North America was $8,500 and a gallon of gas cost 35 cents.

“I see a bad moon arising; I see trouble on the way.” Bad Moon Rising Credence Clearwater Revival.

The Beatles gave their last public appearance on the roof of Apple studio. Hard core Montreal Expos fans might remember that the Expos made their debut as the first major league baseball team outside of the United States on April 8, 1969

“And if your head explodes with dark forebodings too; I’ll see you on the dark side of the moon.” Dark Side of the Moon. Pink Floyd

I guess Montreal was the place to be in 1969. John Lennon and Yoko Ono held their second “bed-in” at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel during which Lennon wrote and recorded “Give Peace a Chance”. Woodstock, a generational outdoor concert held in upstate New York, dominated the headlines in August of 1969. A “Who’s Who” in the world of popular music (including The Who!) was there including Jimi Hendrix, Santana, Janis Joplin, Joe Cocker, The Band, Arlo Guthrie, Joan Baez and one of my all-time favourite groups, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young.

“Well it’s a marvellous night for a moondance; with the stars up above in your eyes.” Moondance. Van Morrison

The Beatles released their album “Abbey Road” in September of 1969. Many people consider it one of their best. Here Comes the Sun remains one of my favourites from that album. For those of you with a funny streak in you might remember the launch of Month Python’s Flying Circus in October that year. In what still ranks as one of the greatest upsets in baseball history, the (Amazing) New York Mets defeated the Baltimore Orioles in the World Series.

“If you believed they put a man on the moon, man on the moon.” Man on the Moon R.E.M.

The child in all of us will surely remember Sesame Street.  The first episode of this amazing children’s educational program was aired in November of 1969. The first ATM machine was installed in New York City.

“I love you to the moon and back.” Guess How Much I Love You. Sam McBratney

I have always wondered about this expression as I see it repeatedly on social media platforms. Apparently, every day, the heart creates enough energy to drive a truck for 30K. In a lifetime, that is the equivalent of driving to the moon and back. So when you tell someone that you love them “to the moon and back”, you’re essentially saying you will love them with all the blood your heart pumps your whole life.

Well, how’s that for some light fare during the dog days of summer?

I think I’ll just “moonwalk” out of here.

Have a great week.