That’ll Be The Day
September 23, 2009
In my quest to spread effective communications and team building, I am often traveling to many unique locals. People will often ask what did I see. My stock answer is, that will be the day, I don’t have time-have to get in and out.
Currently I’m in Clovis, New Mexico, which is in the eastern part of New Mexico near the Texas Panhandle. I have been here to train several times and have always found the people to be very nice and accommodating. My typical itinerary is to fly to Albuquerque, drive four hours, do the training and leave.
On this trip I was coaching in the Chamber of Commerce/Clovis Industrial Development Corporation complex. It is also the home of the Norman and Vi Petty Museum, otherwise known in these parts as the Buddy Holly Museum. Remember “That’ll Be The Day” and “Peggy Sue”?-that’s the same Buddy Holly who was one of the first inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Little did I know that Buddy Holly recorded here in Clovis-until I toured the Museum, which happens to be in the lower level of the complex where I was coaching. Upon leaving, Chamber President Ernie Kos and CIDC Executive Director Chase Gentry gave my host and I a personal tour of the Museum. What a very pleasant surprise!
As a music lover I did know a little about Buddy Holly and his huge Rock influence. What I knew paled compared to what I learned. I didn’t know Clovis played a roll in early Rock. His manager, Norman Petty had a recording studio here.
The Museum is a gem! Their displays, artifacts, pictures, old recoding equipment and Buddy Holly memorabilia is phenomenal! I felt as though I was back in the 1950’s. You can walk into an old recording studio and record, using the same priceless equipment BH used. They have so much history to share, that the displays change often.
Kudos to Ernie and Chase for their work in founding, growing and promoting the Buddy Holly tribute. It is truly first rate. If you are ever near Clovis or are a Buddy Holly fan or you just want to visit a really neat city- treat yourself and go to Clovis, New Mexico.
I’m glad I took the time.
The Silence of the Lion
August 29, 2009
Last night I watched part of “Remembering Ted Kennedy” on MSNBC. In just a few moments, the person I grew up watching, “The Lion of the Senate”, was larger than ever before. It seems as though he did as many great things out of the public eye as he did before the camera. I was so impressed with his multitude of accomplishments and the tremendous work he did on behalf of the disadvantaged.
I was fascinated by those who spoke so passionately about “Teddy” the father, family patriarch, ardent fighter for healthcare and great lover of the sea. The night belonged to him through the touching words of John Kerry, John Culver, Orin Hatch,Thomas M. Menino, John McCain, Joe Biden and his niece Carolyn Kennedy Schlossberg(more to come). What was so amazing about the politicians was their warmth, humor, admiration, humility and eloquence in speaking about Senator Kennedy. Thru their funny stories, antidotes and tales of behind the scenes negotiations, they spoke as friends, colleagues and admirers of the senate icon. The sounds emanating from their voices were warm, loving and reverent.
As I watched and listened, I couldn’t help but think, why can’t you all be like that all the time? (Or maybe most of the time?, ok-every now and then?) Why can’t you play nice and be as bipartisan while doing the “work of the people”?
Ted Kennedy was a great example of what can be accomplished when we work together towards a common goal.
Politicians seem to always have their game face on, doing battle and obstructing. It’s not pretty to watch or listen to. I know it’s way too simplistic to expect and want so much more from those we choose to lead us, but hey why not?
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