Category Archives: cool

American Cool

February 6, 2014 – 6:53 pm

This week the AMERICAN COOL photo exhibition opened at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery. Cool reserve was a specialty of the British upper-class, however true coolness originated with the Yoruba concept of Itutu, which according to Wikipedia is a combination of gentleness, generosity and grace coupled with the ability to defuse fights and disputes. The […]

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WHAT IS HAPPINESS by Totie Fields

January 31, 2014 – 9:59 pm

Totie Fields is a lost genius of Borscht Belt comedy. I reincarnated her from the past this evening, finding a 1974 clip from the Mike Douglas Show on which she puts Gene Simmons from Kiss by saying after he denied being Jewish, “The hook don’t lie.” See this URL I then sought out more and […]

By Peter | Also posted in 60s | Tagged , | Comments (0)

Fascinating Rhythm by Mel Tormé

January 16, 2014 – 9:29 pm

Mel Torme was well-known for his smooth voice. The VelvetFog was also an accomplished drummer. ps the foto is Benny Goodman and Teddy Wilson accompanied by Mel Torme. To see how good Mel was, please go to the following url

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Work by Maynard G Krebs

January 2, 2014 – 10:44 am

From 1959 to 1963 THE LOVES OF DOBIE GILLIS was one of America’s favorite TV shows featuring Dwayne Hickman in the lead role along with Bob Denver as his friend. Maynard G Krebs believed life was for living and he mere mention of the word ‘work’ made him quiver. He was the most famous beatnik […]

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CHINESE ROCKS – Johnny Thunders and the Heartbreakers

September 21, 2013 – 12:40 pm

Nothing says 1970s Lower East Side better than Johnny Thunders performing the classic CHINESE ROCKS. “I’M LIVING ON CHINESE ROCKS. ALL MY BEST THINGS ARE IN HOCK.” He was a legend on the Lower East Side. “I take smack because I enjoy it. I enjoy all it makes me feel. I don’t do it to […]

By Peter | Also posted in 70s, Drugs, music, NEW YORK | Tagged , , | Comments (0)