Christmas Video Clips: MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY HOLIDAYS, AND A TERRIFIC NEW YEAR

SUZY SNOWFLAKE




CHRISTMAS TOY SHOP



FROSTY THE SNOWMAN



GARRY MOORE SHOW 1953





HOWDY DOODY CHRISTMAS

Grant!

I am pleased to announce that the Bolivar-Hardeman County Library has been awarded a Community Enhancement Grant in the amount of $10,000. The grant will be used to purchase a new microfilm reader/printer, a digital projector, and a laptop computer.

Friends of the Library Meeting Minutes Sept. 8, 2007

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY
BOLIVAR-HARDEMAN COUNTY CHAPTER
September 8, 2007


Friends of the Library met on the above date at the Bolivar-Hardeman County Regional Library. Those present were: Wanza Taylor, Librarian; Rosalyn Browder, Library Board Consultant; Dolores Fortune, Library Board Consultant; Pat Vincent, Genealogy Consultant; Juanita Bowden, Treasurer; Barbara Stamey; and Annette Lowrance, Secretary.

Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order by Mrs. Juanita Bowden at 10:30 AM and the following was discussed:

Minutes of Last Meeting:
The minutes of March 3, 2007 were read by Annette.
A correction was made to the following sentence:
The Library sends thanks to Mrs. Jane Stevens for her generous contribution. The word “contribution” was changed to “indefinite loan” in the minutes. The minutes were approved by everyone present, and with this change, will stand as written.

Financial Report:
Mrs. Juanita Bowden reported that we have a total of $473.61 in our account as of today. *Reminder – annual membership dues are $25.00. Checks should be made to Bolivar-Hardeman County Friends of the Library.

$119.00 annual payment is due for the Library website. Since a credit card payment is required, Wanza agreed to charge the dues to her personal credit card. It was agreed by all present to reimburse her from the Friends of the Library account.


OLD BUSINESS

There was no old business to discuss.

NEW BUSINESS

Election of Officers 2007-2008:
Officers were elected as follows:
President: Walter Bowden
Treasurer: Juanita Bowden
Secretary: Annette Lowrance
Genealogy Consultant: Pat Vincent
Library Board Consultants: Dolores Fortune & Rosalyn Browder

DIRECTOR’S REPORT:

Total circulation: 13,798
New Library cards issued: 74
Total Library cards holders: 6,874
History Room:
The Library History Room had 133 visitors last month, some from as far away as California.

Genealogy Databases:
The genealogy databases continue to be extremely popular with 2455 searches this month.

Library Out-reach Programs:
Five visits were made to area nursing homes, Bolivar Senior Citizens, and assisted living facilities to provide library programming and/or library materials to our senior citizens who may not have access to the Library.

Events Held:
An adult Basic Computer Skills class was held August 7, 2007. As usual, the class was full with four participants. The next class is scheduled for Sept. 18, 2007. More people will be able to attend due to the new computers we have received.

The Library hosted a seminar entitled “Writing and Publishing Your First Book” on August 11, 2007. Amanda Avery from Silver Key Publishing conducted the seminar. It was a huge success with approximately 20 participants.

On August 18, 2007, the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting for the British Royal Commemoratives Exhibit was held. Over 100 people attended this event. As of this time, over 150 people have visited the exhibit since it opened just a few weeks ago. Some were from as far away as Missouri.

The Library held a “Back to School” Children’s Program August 25, 2007. 14 children and teen volunteers participated in the event.

Tammy and Bryson Crowder were here Sat., August 25, 2007 for a book signing.

The Summer Reading Program was extremely successful:
June: 10 Programs with 266 attending
July: 10 Programs with 506 attending

New Computers:
The 16 new HP computers arrived late in August and were installed by state personnel on August 29, 2007. A time limit of one and one-half hours has been set for usage of the computers, and personal information devices such as flash-drives and floppies may now be used. These computers, valued at over $12,000.00, were free through a grant the Library received.

Bolivar- Hardeman County Library Genealogical Society:
The first meeting of the Bolivar-Hardeman County Library Genealogical Society met on August 18, 2007 in the History Room. It was very successful with sixteen attending. This group has no officers, and is organized to do research and assist each other in a relaxed, stress-free environment.



Tennessee Electronic Library:
Andy Carter, who is our West Tennessee representative of Volunteer Voices, has sent a letter informing us that he will be here September 17, 18, 20, and 21, 2007. He will spend one day of this time at the Pillars. The goal is to build a digital library from Tennessee’s historical collections. He is interested in original documents of historical significance, such as pictures, records, diaries, maps, etc. It was noted hat pictures and records can be from the recent-past, such as Viet Nam, just as long as they are historically significant. Pictures/documents will be scanned on site and returned to the owner. Those present were encouraged to read the letter to their churches and other organizations. For more information, visit the website at http://www.volunteervoices.org/.

Upcoming Events:
Bryan Davis
September 29, 2007 – 10:00 AM at the Library
Speaking and Book-signing

Meeting Adjourned:
The meeting was adjourned at 11:45 AM.

Anyone who wishes to help in any way should contact the Hardeman County Regional Library, 213 N. Washington Street, Bolivar, TN. 38008, Phone # 731/658-3436.

Next Meeting:
The next meeting of the Friends of the Library will be held Dec. 1, 2007, at 10:30 AM in the Library.


Annette Lowrance, CPS
____________________________________________
SUBMITTED BY: Annette Lowrance, CPS

Thanksgiving Weekend Fun: Jack Benny

Jack Benny was a radio and TV staple for 5 decades . . . .here are some clips from his long-running television show:

Weekend FUN: Random Classic TV Opening Credits

Newspaper Archives

A subscription to the online database,NEWSPAPER ARCHIVE , has been donated to the Bolivar Hardeman County Library. To access this service download newspaper articles - millions of pages dating back to the mid-1800s - ask Wanza or Jeanette at the front desk for assistance.

NEWSPAPER ARCHIVE LINK

Genealogy Monday: CYNDI'S LIST

http://www.cyndislist.com/

Genealogy Monday: CYNDI HOWELLS

Monday Genealogy: ELSE CHURCHILL

Genealogy Monday: Jesus

Genealogy of Jesus

Jesus' genealogy can be found at two places in the Bible:

1. Matthew's gospel (Mat 1:2-16). Starts with Abraham and lists his descendants all the way down to Jesus. There are 41 generations in total, divided into 3 sections as follows:

1. Abraham - David (from Abraham to David)
2. David - Josias (from David until the carrying away into Babylon)
3. Jechonias - Jesus (from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ)

Each section contains 14 generations. Note, that David is counted twice: Once at the end of the first section, then once again at the beginning of the second section. This explains how 41 generations are divided equally into three. See Mat 1:17 for further explanation.

2. Luke's gospel (Luk 3:23-38). This genealogy starts withJesus and follows his line up until God. There are 77 generations mentioned in total.




USE THIS LINK TO EXPLORE AN ONLINE DATABASE WITH THE COMPLETE GENEALOGY, INCLUDING CLICKABLE LINKS FOR EACH FAMILY

Hardeman County Photo of the Week

©Greg Howell, "Whiteville, Tennessee"

Monday Genealogy: War Letters

Genealogy Room Gets New Look

A big 'thank you' goes to Jim Lee for all his hard work in our genealogy room. Jim spent two days in the room repairing shelves, moving shelves & putting more shelves together for the library.

Now all of our bound newspapers are in the shelf (and off the floor).

Janette & Pat are busy arranging the 'Hardeman County' resources to make them more accessible for our patrons

Library Schedule of Events...November

Saturday, November 10th 10:00am
Children’s Program: “Lottie Dot Visits the Library”


Tuesday, November 13th 11:00am
Lapsit for birth – age 4 children and parent(s)


Thursday, November 15th 2:30pm
Reception for Rep. Johnny Shaw
Thanking him for supporting Tennessee Electronic Library
Public invited, RSVP 658-3436

Friday, November, 16th 2:00pm
Home School Class Pre-6th grade


Saturday, November 17th 10:00am
Genealogical Society Meets


Saturday, November 17th 1:00pm
Local Author, Deborah A. Hodge
Book Signing
“Cate’s Second Chance”


Thursday, November 29th 10:00am
Beginner Computer Skills Class
Taught by Jim Lee
Call to reserve your seat: 658-3436

Group From Trenton, TN Visits

A group from Trenton, TN visited the Bolivar-Hardeman County Library November 7th. Mrs. Jane Stevens gave a guided tour of her wonderful British Royals Commemoratives Exhibit, a must see for anyone visiting Bolivar.

Captain Book Visits the Library

Captain Book (aka Kathy Keller) visited the Bolivar-Hardeman County Library on October 31st(Halloween).

New Arrivals: Non-Fiction

To Touch The Past, The Painted Pottery of the Mimbres People

100 Greatest Hitters by Benton Minks

Washington, D.C., A Photographic Tour by Carol M. Highsmith

100 Greatest Pitchers by Brent P. Kelley

The New Baseball Catalog by Dan Schlossbert

Arranging Flowers, The Best Of Martha Stewart Living

Parties and Projects for the Holidays, Christmas With Martha Stewart

Circles of Tradition, Folk Art In Minnesota

Within This Garden Photographs by Ruth Thorne-Thomsen

Museum Pieces, Photographs by George Woodman

Desserts, The Best of Martha Stewart Living

Faces of Ground Zero, Portraits of the Heroes of September 11, 2001

100 Years of American Newspaper Comics by Maurice Horn

The Years and Beyond, Inspirational Poetry by William Furr

Southern Living 2006 Annual Recipes

Unbelievable Desserts With Splenda by Marlene Koch

Edward Weston Color Photography

Pearl Harbor, The Day of Infamy-An Illustrated History

Profiles In Courage by Seantor John F. Kennedy

Hardeman County Spotlight: Foggy Morning Landscape

Celebration Honoring Representative Johnny Shaw

You are invited to a celebration honoring Representative Johnny Shaw, sponsored by the Hardeman County Chamber of Commerce and the Bolivar-Hardeman County Library.

We want to thank Representative Shaw for supporting the Tennessee Electronic Library, providing convenient and equitable access to library and information resources for all citizens of Tennessee to enhance the quality of their everyday lives, the depth of their educational experience, and the economic prosperity of their communities.

The event will be held Thursday, November 15th, at 2:30pm at the Bolivar-Hardeman County Library.

Please RSVP the Bolivar-Hardeman County Library by Tuesday, November 13, 2007.
Phone: 731-658-3436

Tennessee Electronic Library (TEL)

The Tennessee Electronic Library is a collection of articles from reference books, magazines and journals arranged by subject in databases available to residents of Tennessee from any computer with online Access--from home or from a computer in a public, school, college, or university library. The articles and information found in TEL, available 24/7, come from established newspapers, magazines and journals such as The New York Times, Newsweek, and the Journal of the American Medical Association rather than from unreliable general Internet sources such as Google and Wikipedia.

Stop by the Bolivar-Hardeman County Library and get the URL and password to access this wealth of ready information.

Friends Of The Library

I would like to welcome the two newest members of the Bolivar-Hardeman County Friends of the Library, Chip and Jane. Our next Friends meeting will be Saturday, December 1st at 10:30am at the library. The Friends of the Library are responsible for funding this website, as well as, purchasing books and furnishings for the library. Friends volunteers help with various library programs. It's simple to join. Dues are just $25.00 per year. Send or bring the dues to: Bolivar-Hardeman County Library, 213 North Washington St, Bolivar, TN 38008. Include your name, address and telephone contact information. For more information, call us at 731-658-3436

From the Library Archives: DEC 13, 1877

BOLIVAR BULLETIN, DEC. 13, 1877 & DEC. 18, 1877
CLICK NEWSPAPER TO ENLARGE

Genealogy Mondays: Hispanic Genealogy

Music From the Library Collection: Brian Bromberg

From the Library Archives

Bolivar Bulletin, World War 2, 1942

CLICK NEWSPAPER IMAGE TO ENLARGE

The British Royalty Commemoratives Exhibit

The Bolivar Hardeman Library premiere exhibit features British Royalty Commeratives from the collection of Jane Stevens. Beginning with Queen Victoria, the comprehensive collection contains over 700 pieces through the reigns of Edward VII, George V, Elizabeth II, and Princess Diana.

This exhibit was filmed by local PBS station, Channel 11 and will air November 2 at 9:30 pm. Also, look for a rebroadcast a few days later.

New Arrivals: DVD's

Dreamgirls

Thursday Music: Floyd Cramer

No one can mistake the piano of Floyd Cramer. He worked in the studio with Patsy Cline, Elvis, Statler Brothers and hundreds of other artist, but was a major solo star in the 1960's. There is no mistaking his classic sound, even when his name is not n the record label.

Last Date



The Last Goodbye



King of the Road

Genealogy: Preserving Digital Imaging

This Week in History, October 10

Loch Ness Monster Search (Click on Newspaper to Enlarge)

Thursday Music: Hank Williams

From 1949 to 1953, Hank had 34 consecutive hit singles - 32 hitting the top ten and 11 going to number 1. His songs of "drinking, living, and praying" were never before heard of themes. His troubled and turbulent life was intimately reflected in his music. Hank was only 29 when he died but his legacy as the king of country music lives on.

Hey Good Lookin'




Lovesick Blues



I Saw the Light (Written by Hank Williams, performed by the Carter Family)




Cold, Cold Heart/I Can't Help It



And a new animation, again, I Saw the Light

New Book Releases

AMERICAN RED CROSS RELEASE BOOK ON CANINE HEALTH

(Someone who enjoys this Library Site should donate this book to our library!)

The American Red Cross is dedicated to helping every member of a family be safer and better protected, including the family dog. To make this possible, the Red Cross has released a new book dedicated solely to the health and well-being of dogs. Dog First Aid is a unique health and emergency preparedness guide packaged with a full-length instructional DVD to make caring for your dog even easier.

Because our pets depend on us to keep them healthy and safe, as a valued member of the family, it is important that we learn how to give them the best care possible. Dog First Aid is a comprehensive easy-to-read guide with instructions on how to care for virtually every aspect of a dog's health. With nearly 70 health and wellness topics, the book gives directions on treatment of everything from routine cuts and scrapes to rescue steps you should take if your dog is choking or has a cardiac emergency. Dog First Aid also demonstrates how simple it is to include your pet in the family's emergency preparedness plan. The book's easy-to-use quick reference guide and step-by-step instructional DVD makes it simple to learn and remember important health tips.

READ FULL ARTICLE

Meanwhile, until someone donates this book, visit the Red Cross site to learn about Canine Health.....

This Week In History, October 3, 2007

CLICK ON NEWSPAPERS TO ENLARGE



O.J. SIMPSON



WOODIE GUTHRIE

Genealogy: Random Documentaries

OUR SUMMER VACATION



HAM- FAMILY NAME



WAR LETTERS

Thursday Music: 2008 nominees for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Maybe the wildest group of nominees ever:

Afrika Bambaataa



Dave Clark 5



Madonna



Donna Summer



The Ventures



Leonard Cohen



Beastie Boys



Chic

This Week in History, September 26, 1969

Probably no one can identify why this small, little show became a phenomenon. Based on the enormously popular hit 1968 Lucille Ball movie, YOURS, MINE, and OURS, The Brady Bunch ran five seasons, but spun off a cartoon, television movies, more TV series, and two hit big screen movies. Like Star Trek, the show's success stemmed from syndication in the late seventies and early eighties. During its original run, it never ranked in the Top Thirty TV shows, but was a Friday night staple for kids.

CLICK ON NEWPAPER BELOW TO ENLARGE

Genealogical Studies: Online Courses

Want to learn more about genealogical studies. There are online courses to educate new genealogist about professionalism in the field, such as the one below:

http://www.genealogicalstudies.com/






And here is a site to assist parents and teachers about genealogy education for children:

http://www.easyfunschool.com/article1099.html


Take a video tour of the Allen County Public Library's Genealogy Center




PART 2

Thursday Music: Marvin Gaye

FROM THE 1973 FILM, "SAVE THE CHILDREN"



WITH HIS MOST FAMOUS DUET PARTNER, TAMI TERREL, "AIN'T NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH", 1967



HIS LAST SUPR HIT BEFORE HIS DEATH, 1980'S "SEXUAL HEALING"



MARVIN GAYE'S BIGGEST DISCO HIT, PERFORMED LIVE



WATCH THE WOMEN MELT IN THIS PERFORMANCE OF "LET'S GET IT ON"



PERHAPS "HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE" IS HIS SIGNATURE HIT, BUT THIS ONE, "DISTANT LOVER" IS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL SOUL SONGS OF ALL TIMES, HERE FROM THE CLASSIC TV SHOW, "SOUL TRAIN"

This Week in History, September 19, 1970

Jimi Hendrix Dies -- CLICK ON NEWSPAPER TO ENLARGE

Remember When: Kennedy Inauguration

Part 1



Part 2



Walter Cronkite and Edward R. Murrow Post Inauguration Reports

Monday Genealogy: Socks to America and More Genealogy Humor

Weekend Movie: FIRE OVER ENGLAND

Click Here: FIRE OVER ENGLAND, starring Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier

Thursday Music: Donna Summer

Be sure to check out the Donna Summer autobiography from the Hardeman Library, Ordinary Girl.

Donna Summer was the first black artist to win a grammy for Rock Music for this song, HOT STUFF, 1979



Recently in concert, Summer performs PEARLS



Her first international hit from 1976, LOVE TO LOVE YOU BABY, recently covered by Beyonce.



Summer and Producer Giorgio Moroder changed the direction of music with I FEEL LOVE, the world's first fully electronic smash.



Another Grammy Winner, this one for R&B, 1978's LAST DANCE



I HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE




ON THE RADIO



Over a period of 4 decades, Summer has charted 22 #1 Dance hits, and over three dozen pop hits. She is the only artist to have Grammy Awards for Rock, R&B, Dance, and Gospel!

Today In History, September 4, 1997 & 9-11-2001

Mother Theresa dies in 1997. CLICK NEWSPAPER IMAGES TO ENLARGE.

Genealogy: Military Records

Remember When: Cold War Toy Commercials

Thursday Music: Classsical Guitar

This Week in History, August 29, 1963

Martin Luther King Jr Gives His If I Can Dream Speech

CLICK ON NEWSPAPER BELOW TO ENLARGE

NEW ARRIVALS: Non-Fiction

Jewelry Making & Beading For Dummies

Bead On A Wire by Sharilyn Miller

2007 Consumer Action Handbook

Autobiography Of A Face by Lucy Grealy

Random Family By Adrian Nicole LeBlanc



Once Bitten, Twice Fined by Graeme H. Pagan

Your Guardian Angel by Claire Nahmad

What To Expect When You're Expecting

Tea & Etiquette by Dorothea Johnson

New Arrivals: Fiction

Sugar Daddy by Lisa Kleypas

Redemption by Jacquelin Thomas

West To Laramie by Les Savage, Jr.

Bungalow 2 by Danielle Steel

The Lue Place by Nicola Griffith

Michigan Weddings by Mary Davis

Perfect Weapon by Amy J. Fetzer

Origins by Diana Abu-Jaber

Eye Of the Oracle by Bryan Davis



The Three Mrs. Parkers by Joan Medlicott

Two Days After The Wedding by Joan Medlicott

Alaskan Red by Michael Featherstone

Bone Key by Les Standiford

Going Home by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Bel Canto by Ann Patchett

Suite Francaise by Irene Nemirovsky

True Light by Terri Blackstock

Beyond Reach by Karin Slaughter

The Unquiet by John Connolly

Killer Weekend by Ridley Pearson

Abomination by Colleen Coble

The Tin Roof Blowdown by James Lee Burke

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

The Burnt House by Faye Kellerman

Up Close and Personal by Fern Michaels

The Quickie by James Patterson



Justice Denied by J.A. Jance

Play Dirty by Sandra Brown

The Devil's Labyrinth by John Saul

What Matters Most by Luanne Rice

Someone To Love by Jude Deveraux

High Noon by Nora Roberts

Gun Shy by Donna Ball

311 Pelican Court by Debbie Macomber

16 Lighthouse Road by Debbie Macomber

Death Qualified Kate Wilhelm

Robert Ludlum's The Bourne Legacy by Eric Van Lustbader

Like A Dog With A Bone by Lee Charles Kelley

Gerald's Game by Stephen King

Drop Shot by Harlan Coben

Inner Harbor by Nora Roberts

Fade Away by Harlan Coben

Almost Dead by Lisa Jackson

Sweet and Deadly by Charlaine Harris

An Unquiet Grave by P.J. Parrish

Out to Canaan by Jan Karon

Triptych by Karin Slaughter

Rising Tides by Nora Roberts

Genealogy Monday: Census Records

PART 2



PART 3




PART 4




PART 5

Weekend Movie: THE FLYING DUECES

Click this Link to Watch The Flying Deuces with Laurel and Hardy

Remember When: Newsreels

A few Hollywood Newsreels:

Remember When & Music Thursday

This week, we are combining our two features into one........ in honor of Elvis Week in Memphis Tennessee

This first one, from 1957, more closely resembles today's music videos than any other musical segment from film and television in the 1950's (or 60s and 70s for that matter).

Here's Jailhouse Rock


And Hound Dog from the final ever Milton Berle Show, this one was so controversial and shocking in 1956, it may have had a hand in NBC canceling the show after 8 long, hugely successful years. Notice about mid-way, a woman in the audience appears rather disgusted, if not stupefied, by his performance.



Below is the famous Ed Sullivan telecast where Elvis could only be photographed from the waist up. This was in response to the firestorm started with the Milton Berle Show and two previous appearances on Ed Sullivan. The firestorm created and the ensuing censorship was the same magnatude of the Janet Jackson / Justin Timberlake incident during the Superbowl halftime show.



And grown up Elvis at his best. This one is terrific.

This Week in History, August 15, 1945

CLICK ON NEWSPAPER TO ENLARGE

UPCOMING EVENT: British Royals Commemoratives Exhibit

British Royals Commemoratives Exhibit
Posted by Wanza at 3:45 PM

The Grand Opening for our new exhibit, "British Royals Commemoratives", will be held Saturday, August 18th from 2:00pm until 4:00pm. The collection belongs to Mrs. Jane Stevens. She will be on hand to 'cut the ribbon' and explain many interesting facts and stories about the extensive collection of over 500 pieces. The exhibit will be on permanent loan and can be viewed any time during normal library hours after the opening. Naturally, tea and tea cakes will be served as refreshments. This will be a very memorable event. Please make plans to join us.

RECENT EVENT: Writing & Publishing Your 1st Book Seminar

Writing & Publishing Your 1st Book Seminar
Posted by Wanza at 3:53 PM

Silver Key Publishing Company hosted a seminar at the library Saturday, August 11th at 10:00am. Amanda Avery instructed you how to get started writing and publishing that new 1st book. It was free to the public, but pre-registration was required.

LIBRARY EVENTS: Bolivar-Hardeman County Library Genealogical Society

Bolivar-Hardeman County Library Genealogical Society
Posted by Wanza at 4:01 PM

The Bolivar-Hardeman County Library Genealogical Society is now forming for any interested individuals in the county. Our purpose is to join together to research family history. Each member can conduct research into his/her own family connections. Society members will aide one another in developing research techniques and inlocating various sources of information. The Bolivar-Hardeman County Library provides an extensive collection of research materials to members and participates in the Tennessee state wide inter-library loan program wherein materials from other state libraries may be sent to our local library. In addition our library subscribes to ancestral databases and would be available to society members with a library card.

The Bolivar-Hardeman County Library Genealogical Society will meet on the third Saturday of each month at 10:00am at the library. It is located at 213 N. Washington St in Bolivar, TN. Annual dues ($10.00) will be collected in August of each year. The funds will help pay the Society expenses for printed materials used during meetings, newletters, and postage. In addition, it is recommended that each member obtain a library card in order to access all materials. The first library card issued to an individual is free. If you have questions you may contact the library at 658-3436 for further info. All are welcome and we hope that you will consider joining us August 18th for an enjoyable time in finding links to the past.

Genealogy Monday: Deportation

Thursday Music: Dolly Parton

From the early 1970s, Coat of Many Colors




From the Porter Wagner Show, Dolly sings How Great Thou Art




From her TV show, Dolly sings Jolene



From Dolly & Carol In Nashville

NEW ARRIVALS: Fiction

Remembered by Tamera Alexander

A Bend In the Road by Nicholas Sparks

Return to Promise by Debbie Macomber

A Perfect Day by Richard Paul Evans

The Other Woman by Jane Green

The Log of a Cowboy by Andy Adams

Double Take by Catherine Coulter

English Creek by Ivan Doig

The Last Summer of You & Me by Ann Brashares

The Penny by Joyce Meyer and Deborah Bedford

Full Circle by Michael Thomas Ford

Sandstorm by James Rollins

Come To Grief by Dick Francis

They Also Serve by Pam Hanson

Summer Breezes by Jane Orcutt

Sing A New Song by Sunni Jeffers

Until The End by Harold Coyle

Lean Mean Thirteen by Janet Evanovich

Courting Trouble by Deeanne Gist

Anybody Out There by Marian Keyes

Winter Birds by Jamie Langston Turne

Majestic Descending by Mitchell Graham

When I Fall In Love by Iris Rainer Dart

The Second Objective by Mark Frost

Falling Man by Don DeLillo

Lawman by Diana Palmer

Buffalo Valley by Debbie Macomber

The Chrstmas Hope by Donna VanLiere

Just For Kicks by Susan Andersen

Nothing to Fear But Ferrets by Linda O. Johnston

Monday Genealogy: Psychic Roots Part 1-5

Weekend Movie: Tarzan & the Green Goddess

CLICK HERE ON THIS LINK TO WATCH: Tarzan and the Green Goddess

REMEMBER WHEN? Ricky Nelson and Ozzie & Harriet

Rick Nelson's star should burn brighter. He was the featured player on The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, the quintessential family sitcom that ran for 14 seasons on television. Young 11 year old Ricky and the rest of the Nelson family debuted on television after a long run on radio. The young tyke grew up in front of America audiences and was 25 years old when the show finally left the air. His TV character's famous line, "I don't mess around, boy" became a national catch phrase in the early 1950s. His TV character quickly became the most popular on the show, and the majority of story lines were developed around him.

Young Ricky Nelson had a secret, however, he loved music! When Elvis Presley broke nationally in 1956, Ricky picked up the guitar and began to sing. Ozzie and Harriet scripts always incorporated the family's real life into the show, so it seemed natural for Ricky to also sing on TV. He was the ultimate All-American teenager, and it was a risk showcasing the teenager as a rock star. Rock and Roll was considered music of "degenerates" in the 1950s, and generally not acceptable on family shows. The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet's popularity soared even higher, however, as audiences embraced his rock and roll act. And Ricky, soon to be Rick Nelson, became a superstar.

Rick Nelson became the first television character / performer to cross over into a successful, long term career in music. He used his television show to promote his latest releases, and by the end of the show in 1966, Nelson racked up a whopping 34 Top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. He also was an essential player in the early development of the music video, and is certainly one of the first pioneers of implementing visual and graphic elements on film to correspond with new music releases. More importantly, he was good. His introspective, sultry vocal style gave Elvis a run for his money, and ultimately landed him in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Rockabilly Hall of Fame!

So why isn't Rick Nelson as fondly remembered and revered as Elvis, Lucy, or even "the Beaver?" He was a strikingly handsome rock star seen on weekly television for 14 years, crossed over into movies, and appeared on the cover of hundreds of major magazines. He had a successful recording career well into the 1970's. He even died at a very young age - which usually pushes icons to the forefront. For whatever reason Rick Nelson is not as well remembered as other major stars, his impact on television and rock music is exceptional.



Rick Nelson died in a plane crash in 1985, at the age of 45. His four children have each had impressive careers on their own. The twins Gunnar and Mathew, known as Nelson, had successful recording careers in America in the early 1990s and are still virtually as popular internationally. Tracy is an accomplished actress and a staple on television, including two classic Seinfeld episodes, The Father Dowling Mysteries, and the classic, cult TV show, Square Pegs. She has made dozens of popular television movies. Sam Nelson inherited his father's brooding sex appeal, and is the front man for the underground rock group h is orange. Obviously, the Nelson genetic code runs deep.

Here are a few video clips from The Adventure of Ozzie and Harriet:







Sources:

The Billboard® Book of Top 40 Hits, Joel Whitburn

Rick Nelson Official Web Site

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Rockabilly Hall of Fame

Tracy Nelson

Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet

Thursday Music: 78 RPMs from the early 20th Century

CLICK ON LINK BELOW, then press the play (arrow) in the dialog box to listen to rare recording from the early 20th century.

Caruso
Dixie (1916) with Ada Jones
I'm Always Chasing Rainbows (1916) Harry Fox
My Wild Irish Rose (1910) Brunswick Quartet
Rhapsody in Blue (1924) George Gershwin