The Year Was 1995

I was around 18 years old in the year of 1995. It was also the year I graduated high school. I have posted blogs on my favorite year, 1969, and 1977, the year I was born. I want to write another time blog for 1995 because these were the times that my life would soon begin to change. I recall this a time of change for me the world was rapidly developing, and I think that some historical events did as well. On January 4th, republican Newt Gingrich becomes speaker of the house. On January 8th, the 15th United Negro College Fund raises $12,200,000. On January 10th, “The Late Late Show” with Tom Snyder premieres on CBS. On January 12th, the murder trial of OJ Simpson begins. On January 17th, Los Angeles Rams announce they are moving to St. Louis, Missouri. On January 21st, the movie “Forrest Gump”, Tom Hanks, and Jessica Lange win the 52nd Golden Globe Awards. On January 26th, New Jersey Governor, Christine Whitman dedicates a rest stop to Howard Stern. On January 29th, Super Bowl XXIX: San Francisco 49ers beat San Diego Chargers 49-26 in Miami. Steve Young,quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, was named Most Valuable Player. On January 30th, Ace of Base and Boys II Men win the 22nd American Music Awards. Also on January 30th, workers from the National Institutes of Health announces the success of clinical trials testing the first preventative treatment for sickle-cell disease. On January 21st, President Bill Clinton authorizes a $20 billion loan to Mexico to stabilize its economy. On February 10th, Chelsi Smith, 21 years old from Texas, is crowned the 44th Miss USA. On February 13th, Howard Stern’s radio show premieres in San Diego, California on KIOZ 105.3 FM. On February 17th, Federal judge allows lawsuit claiming US Tobacco makers knew nicotine was addictive and manipulated its levels to keep customers hooked. On February 18th, Pamela Anderson and Motley Crue drummer, Tommy Lee, wed. On February 28th, Denver International Airport opens. On March 1st, “All I Wanna Do” by Sheryl Crow and “Streets of Philadelphia” by Bruce Springsteen win 37th Grammy Awards. On March 3rd, Camilla Parker Bowles, Prince Charles’s mistress, divorces husband Andrew. On March 4th, blind teenage boy receives a “bionic” eye. On March 5th, comedian and actor, Tim Allen wins the 21st People’s Choice Awards. On March 6th, comedian and actor, Rodney Dangerfield wins the 9th American Comedy Award. Also on March 6th, Howard Stern’s radio show premieres in Phoenix, Arizona on KEDJ 106.3/100.3 FM. On March 7th, New York becomes 38th state to have the death penalty. On March 13th, Boys II Men and Anita Baker with the 9th annual Soul Train Music Awards. On March 14th, it was the first time 13 people have been on space. On March 18th, NBA player, Michael Jordan, announces he is ending his 17 month retirement. On March 19th, Michael Jordon rejoins the Chicago Bulls after 17 months of retirement. On March 20th, The Beatles released its first single in more than 30 years “Baby It’s You” with the late John Lennon as the singer. On March 21st, New Jersey officially dedicated rest area to Howard Stern along Route 295. On March 25th, Mike Tyson, heavyweight boxer, was released from prison after three years. On March 27th, the movie “Forrest Gump” , Tom Hanks, and Jessica Lange won the 67th Academy Awards. On March 28th, actress Julia Roberts and country singer Lyle Lovett split-up. On March 29th, Howard Stern’s radio show premieres in Chicago, Illinois on WCKG 105.9 FM. On April 3rd, radio personality, Howard Stern, gets in trouble for disapproving remarks about the singer Selena. On April 18th, quarterback Joe Montana announces his retirement from pro-football. On April 19th, truck bomb at Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma kills 168 people, injuring 500. On April 21st, FBI arrests Timothy McVeigh and charge him with the Oklahoma City bombing. On April 22nd, George Foreman beats Axel Schulz in 12 rounds for heavyweight championship boxing title. On April 23rd, President Clinton announces mourning day for the Oklahoma City bombing. On May 10th, Reba McEntire wins the 30th Academy of Country Music Awards. On May 13th, Chelsi Smith, 21 years old, Miss USA, wins the crown for Miss Universe. Shanna Lynn Moakler, 19 years old from New York replaces Chelsi’s title as Miss USA. On May 20th, Connie Chung, co-anchor for CBS news, gets fired. On May 22nd, the television show “Laverne and Shirley” has a reunion special. On May 27th, In Culpeper, Virginia, actor Christopher Reeve is paralyzed from the neck down after falling from his horse in a riding competition. On June 5th, Alan Jackson and Reba McEntire win the 29th Music City Country Awards. On June 9th, the movie “Congo” premieres. On June 16th, the movie “Batman Forever” opens with a record of $528 million over a weekend. On June 29th, George Foreman loses the IBF boxing title because he refused to fight Axel Schulz. On July 17th, Forbes Magazine announces Bill Gates as the richest man in the world ($12.9 billion.) On July 22nd, child killer, Susan Smith, is found guilty for the murder of drowning her two little boys in South Carolina. On July 27th, the Korean War Veterans Memorial is dedicated in Washington D.C. On August 15th, Keylee Sue Sanders, 18 years of age from Kansas, was crowned the 13th Miss Teen USA. On August 19th, Mike Tyson returns to the ring defeating Peter McNeeley in 38 seconds. On August 23rd, the nighttime soap “Dallas” star Larry Hagman receives a liver transplant. On August 24th, a fire that wipes out 6,000 acres begins in Hampton in Long Island, New York. Also on August 24th, Windows 95 debuts. On August 27th, worst fire in New York ends after 4 years; noted worst fire since 80 years. On September 1st, New York reinstates the death penalty. Also on September 1st, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame opens in Cleveland, Ohio. On September 3rd, e-bay was founded. On September 7th was the 12th annual MTV Music Awards. On September 10th, television shows “NYPD Blue,” “ER,” “Frasier”, and actress Candice Bergen wins 47th Emmy Awards. On September 12th, INXS late singer, Michael Hutchence pleads guilty to hitting a photographer. On September 16th, Shawntel Smith, 24 years of age, Miss Oklahoma, is crowned 69th Miss America. On September 26th, “George” Magazine premiers, published by John F. Kennedy Jr., On September 29th, the trial of OJ Simpson goes to jury. On October 3rd, OJ Simpson was found not guilty for the murder of his wife, Nicole, and friend Ron Goldman. On October 11th, John Bobbitt, ex-husband of Lorena Bobbitt, has plastic surgery to increase 3 inches on his private part. Also on October 11th, OJ Simpson cancels a TV appearance on Dateline. On October 13th, Pamela Anderson Lee was rushed to the hospital with serious flu like symptoms. On November 5th, George Foreman beats Michael Moorer to win WBA/IBF boxing title. On November 7th, Howard Stern’s radio show premieres in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on WXDX 105.9 FM. Also on November 7th, Howard Stern’s second book “Miss America” was released. It has been said it was a fast selling book. On November 16th, Attorney General Janet Reno announces she has Parkinson’s Disease. On November 16th, Queen Mother Elizabeth undergoes hip surgery. On November 19th, The Beatles “Anthology” premieres on ABC. On November 20th, Princess Diana admits to infidelity on Prince Charles in a TV interview. On November 28th, James Brady, former White House Press Secretary, suffers a heart attack. On November 30th marks the end of Operation Desert Storm. On December 6th, Michael Jackson collapses while rehearsing for an HBO special. On December 12th, an amendment to make physical desecration to the American flag was turned down by the Senate on a 63 to 36 vote. On December 13th, actor Christopher Reeve released from physical rehab center. On December 13th, the US Federal Court votes that Cable companies require to carry local TV Stations. On December 19th, Queen Elizabeth II asks Prince Charles and Princess Diana to divorce.

The Year Was 1977

1977 was the year I was born. Most people who lived in the seventies claim that this decade was known as the “lost years.” I am not sure of the events that happened this year. From my resources, I will tell you what I know happened on this year. Those of us who were born this year should read this blog because some of these events may be of importance to you in the later years, and it is a story that you can always tell your grandchildren to.

On January 3^rd, Apple computers integrated. On January 6^th, EMI Records drops punk rock band “Sex Pistols.” On January 9^th, Super Bowl XI: Oakland, Raiders versus Minnesota Vikings. Raiders beat Vikings 32 to 14 in Pasadena. Oakland Raiders, Fred Biletnikoff was named Most Valuable Player. On January 15^th, “Coneheads” debuted on Saturday Night Live. On January 19^th, Miami, Florida was hit by snow. It has been said that this was the first time in history that snowfall has happened. It also hit the Bahamas. On January 20^th, George Bush ends term as 11^th Director of the CIA. On January 21^st, President Jimmy Carter pardons almost all Vietnam War draft evaders.

On February 4^th, Fleetwood Mac’s album “Rumours” was released. Also on February 4^th, Paul McCartney and Wings released the single “Baby, I’m Amazed.” On February 8^th, earthquake reaches in San Francisco at 5.0 on the Richter scale. It was reported the strongest earthquake since 1966. On February 24^th, President Jimmy Carter announces US Foreign Aid will consider human rights. On February 25^th, 31 million gallons of oil has been spilled after an oil tanker explosion west of Honolulu, Hawaii. On February 27^th, The Rolling Stones, Keith Richards, gets suspended sentence for heroin possession in Canada. On February 28^th, first Killer Whale born in captivity in Marineland, Los Angeles, California.

On March 1^st, Bank of America adopts VISA for their credit cards. On March 2^nd, it was the first appearance of the future host of the “Tonight Show” Jay Leno. Also on March 2^nd, actress Bette Davis was received the Lifetime Achievement Award. On March 8^th, Princess Anne, daughter of Queen Elizabeth II, announces pregnancy with her first child, Peter. On March 28^th, Peter Finch and Faye Dunaway win an award, the movie “Rocky” wins an award at the 49^th Academy Awards.

On April 2^nd, Fleetwood Mac’s album “Rumours” becomes number one and remains that way for 31 weeks. On April 26^th, New York City’s famed disco night club, Studio 54, opens. On April 30^th, pro-wrestler Billy Graham defeats Bruno Sammartino in Baltimore, Maryland and become the World Wrestling Federation champion.

On May 10^th, actress, Joan Crawford dies from cancer and acute coronary occlusion. On May 13^th, Howard Stern begins broadcasting at WRNW in Briarcliff Manor in New York. On May 16^th, Mohammed Ali defeats Alfredo Evangelist in fifteen for heavyweight boxing title. On May 19^th, the movie “Smokey and the Bandit” premieres. On May 23^rd, the Supreme Court refused to hear the appeals of the Watergate Scandal wrong doers H.R. Halderman, John Ehrlichman, and John Mitchell. On May 25^th “The Brady Bunch” hour last airs on ABC-TV. Also on May 25^th, the movie “Star Wars” was released. On May 26^th, George Willig climbs the New York City World Trade Center. On May 27^th, New York City fines George Willig one cent for each of the 110 stories he climbed. On May 29^th, Janet Guthrie is the first woman to race in the Indy 500.

On June 4^th, Apple II and first personal computer goes on sale. On June 6^th, The Washington Post reports that the US has developed a neutron bomb. On June 6^th, the Supreme Court tosses out automatic death penalties. On June 7^th, Anita Bryant leads successful crusade for gay rights law in Miami, Florida. On June 9^th, The Beatles, George Harrison and wife, Patti get a divorce. Also on June 9^th, Silver jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II was celebrated with fireworks. On June 10^th, Apple II ships its first personal computer. Also on June 10^th, James Earl Ray, Martin Luther King Jr’s., killer, escaped from prison. On June 11^th, “I’m Your Boogie Man” performed by KC & The Sunshine Band reaches number one on the charts. On June 13^th, James Earl Ray, Martin Luther King Jr’s., killer was recaptured. On June 21^st, Watergate Scandal wrong doer, H.R. Halderman enters prison. On June 24^th, the IRS reveals that President Jimmy Carter did not pay his taxes in 1976. On June 25^th, former President Lyndon B. Johnson denies having cancer during his presidency. On June 26^th, Elvis Presley’s last performance in his career took place in Indianapolis, Indiana. On June 27^th, a Supreme Court decision allows lawyers to advertise. On June 28^th, the Supreme Court allows federal control over Nixon’s tapes and papers pertaining to the Watergate Scandal. On June 29^th, the Supreme Court rules out death penalty for rapists of adults. On June 30^th, Marvel Comics published “Kiss Book” paying tribute to the rock band “Kiss.”

On July 11^th, a Medal of Freedom was awarded to Reverend Martin Luther King Jr., On July 13^th, New York City experiences 25 hour blackout. On July 16^th, Janelle Commissiong of Trinidad & Tobago was crowned the 26^th Miss Universe. On July 27^th, John Lennon was granted a green card for permanent residence in the United States.

On August 10^th, postal service employee, David Berkowitz “The Son of Sam” was arrested in Yonkers, New York being accused of being the 44 Caliber killer. On August 16^th, Elvis Presley “King of Rock and Roll” was found dead in his home of a drug overdose. On August 18^th, two girls were killed by a runaway car outside of Graceland, Elvis Presley’s future burial site.

On September 3^rd, “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” was last aired on NBC. On September 10^th, Susan Perkins, Miss Ohio, was crowned the 50^th Miss America. September 11^th, Bea Arthur, Mary Tyler Moore, and Carroll O’Connor won the 29^th Emmy Awards. On September 18^th, it is said that all four members of the band “Kiss” released albums solo. On September 23^rd, Cheryl Ladd replaces Farrah Fawcett on “Charlie’s Angels.” On September 24^th, “The Love Boat” first airs on ABC.

On October 18^th, the New York Yankees wins their 21^st World Championship. On October 20^th, Ronnie Van Zant and five others from the band Lynyrd Skynyrd die in a plane crash.

On November 1^st, President Jimmy Carter raises minimum wage from $2.30 to $3.35 beginning January 1^st, 1978. On November 12^th, New Orleans, Louisiana elects first black mayor, Ernest “Dutch” Morial.

On December 14^th, the movie “Saturday Night Fever” starring John Travolta premieres in New York City. On December 31^st, serial killer, Ted Bundy, escapes from jail in Colorado.

Musicians Who Died At 27: Is It A Curse?

According to Wikkipedia, musicians who died at 27 years of age is also known as the “27 Club.” A large portion of musicians died at this age. On this list on the 27 Club is Brian Jones, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, and Kurt Cobain. Brian Jones was one of the founders of The Rolling Stones and is a guitarist and multi-instrumentalist. Brian died by drowning in a swimming pool on July 3^rd, 1969. Jimi Hendrix is known as a guitar legend known for his hits, such as Purple Haze, All Along The Watchtower, and Little Wing. Many musicians are influenced by Jimi Hendrix today. Jimi Hendrix died of accidental asphyxiation from overdosing on sleeping pills on September 18^th, 1970. Janis Joplin is a well known blues singer that was in the bands Big Brother And The Holding Company, The Kozmic Blues Band, and Full Tilt Boogie Band. Her raspy singing voice will always be remembered by many generations. Janis Joplin died of a possible heroin overdose on October 4^th, 1970. Jim Morrison, the lead singer of The Doors, a well-known poet, and video director is a die hard legend to this day. For many generations, he will be respected and idolized. Jim Morrison died of heart failure, although there was no autopsy performed, on July 3^rd, 1971. Last but not least, Kurt Cobain was the lead singer, guitarist, and songwriter for the band Nirvana. He is also today’s legend and made a new wave of music in the 1990’s. Kurt Cobain died from apparent suicide by shotgun on April 5^th, 1994.

This topic puzzles me to this day because I feel that they lived under a death curse due to their fame and popularity. Many musicians that have achieved such great fame and popularity seem to die young, but some of them did not die at the age of 27. There were many other musicians who died at this age, and I am sure the list is full of names. Sometimes, I sit and reflect on this subject because I wonder if they had sold their soul to the evil forces, or if a greater power planted a death curse on these famous musicians? I think that their extensive alcohol or drug use put them to their death also. It is obvious that Brian Jones, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Kurt Cobain were intense drug users. Brian Jones, Jimi Hendrix, and Janis Joplin all died of a drug overdose. Although I don’t have the resources of how Brian Jones really died, but from the resources I read, it was related to drug use causing him to drown in a swimming pool. I have read in articles that Kurt Cobain was a heroin user, and I also heard that due to the intense high of the heroin, it lead him to a sense of depression causing him to commit suicide. I also have read articles that his widow, Courtney Love, was possibly responsible for his death. The truth is, none of us really know how they exactly died. Jim Morrison was an alcoholic, I believe. I think it was his intense drinking that caused his heart failure.

Noone really knows what exactly killed the known “27 Club.” I do feel that a curse was responsible for their deaths, as well as the intense drug and alcohol use. I also believe that this curse has been planted on these musicians due to the intense popularity. I don’t mean to go off the subject, but take a look at Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley. Although they did not die at the age of 27, I believe that the death curse was planted on them. None of us know who or what caused this curse, but it is a curse.

Life: The Most Difficult Obstacle We Have To Face

Each day, life is full of surprises. If you watched the movie “Forest Gump,” Sally Field told Tom Hanks, before her character died, that “Life is like a bunch of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get.” That quote is so much the truth. Sometimes, we have days of euphoria, happiness, joy, and contentment. Other days, we have just plain bad luck. The reason why I am choosing this topic is because it is hard to face the everyday obstacles of life. Sure, life can be easy for some people, but I don’t buy it. Life is difficult for everyone; it is not easy to live. I believe we are put on this planet as a test to see if we succeed the tough choices we make and the cards we are dealt. This is a difficult topic because we all can sit here and discuss our life’s obstacles, and I think we all understand that life is different for everyone. Some people have all sorts of different beliefs about life, especially their own. Whatever you go through in life is supposed to be considered a life lesson. Some people have capabilities of being able to cope, and some of us don’t. Some of us have common sense, and others are just book smart. You can be a world leader and still have problems because everyone does. These problems can result in either or both physical and mental illness. I can name a few obstacles in life that I had and have to face. Number one, I battle a mental illness known as Schizo-affective disorder/bi-polar type. Number two, I have been a recovering drug addict. Number three, I may be having some physical problems, such as diabetes. You know, even though life gives us a number of hard balls, we all must need to understand that what doesn’t kill us only makes us stronger. All of us are warriors or survivors at something in this life. Life is the most difficult obstacle we face because we never know what it is going to throw at us. The point I am trying to make is no matter how hard things get, we all have to find a way to beat these obstacles. The only way, I believe, you fail is if you commit suicide, resort to drugs and alcohol, or have a negative way of thinking in order to cope with the obstacles of life. These options are an easy way out of dealing with everyday’s problems. Sometimes, we all need friends, family, or someone to talk to vent these feelings out. There are days that I feel like I can accomplish anything, and there are days that I feel that I can’t escape. It results to my panic attacks and high anxiety problems, as well as depression and frustration issues. Maybe I am not an expert at this life thing, but truthfully, who is? We all have to deal with what we got in the best way we can. What do you think? Is life our biggest challenge or what?