"My Ding a Ling" (Dave Bartholomew and Chuck Berry)

Been listening to Chuck Berry, and reading a very good biography about him. Very well researched. But Chuck's auto biography is much more fun.

Funny story about him and Pink Floyd. In 1972 the promoter on the English tour at the Lanchester Arts Festival in Coventry told Berry he could only play one more song because the fans outside were waiting for the next show, which was Pink Floyd. Chuck said okay, and then took 11 minutes to create his version of the song "My Ding a Ling" on stage. Dave Bartholomew had a minor hit with his own version of the song in 1952.

When Chuck's version hit #1 Bartholomew tried to sue him. Berry told him, "When you pull YOUR  pants down; that's YOUR Ding a Ling. When I pull MY pants down, that's "MY Ding a Ling." Bartholomew dropped the suit.

The song actually goes back to 1878 and was written by a songwriter/publisher in Philadelphia named Joseph Eastburn Winner/ aka R.A. Winner. He used to keep his office window open. It was above Bartholomew's father's barber shop. He would listen to the sounds coming from the street for inspiration. The kids were singing a very mild version of a song, based on the melody to "Little Brown Jug", the old drinking song.  So it was really one of those street rhymes which all kids learn.

They are similar, but Bartholomew did not write it. It may say so on the label of the 1952 recording, but that doesn't make it true. At any rate, titles are not subject to copyright. I believe he first recorded it in 1945,  but cannot find it at the moment.

Here is Chuck's 11 minute live improvisation from the concert in 1972. 

Religion on Bumper Stickers

Many people display their religious beliefs on bumper stickers. From the ubiquitous “WWJD”; as if anyone really knows; to the more subtle ones; you can find them all on the bumpers of cars. But of all the ones out there, this is by far the most important one, as it emphasizes respect for one another’s beliefs. And that includes being able to laugh at ourselves, no matter what denomination we hail from. In that spirit I propose to have a bit of fun with this bumper sticker, the message of which I happen to agree with.

Let’s look at the symbols and what they represent, and then surmise what would really transpire if these different religions were to sit down and discuss something important beyond sentiment. To do this we have to look at this as a recap of a scrimmage play in some respects. In other words, what would each player do in this circumstance?

The C in Coexist is meant to represent the Islamic religion, which is why it has a star resting near the horns. That’s the symbol of the Islamic faith. It also dates further back to ancient times and the goddess Diana. The O in Coexist is the international sign for peace. It came about after the Second World War and the beginnings of the Nuclear Disarmament Movement.  It originated in England. The E is a combination of the male and female logos for Venus and Mars. It also is meant to represent the opposite sexes living in harmony. The X is a clever rendering of the Jewish Star of David, which is comprised of two equilateral triangles. The I is a Pagan, or Wiccan, Pentacle which rests upon the letter I.  It also represents the earth elements and beyond that I know very little. The S the Taoist Yin Yang also often associated with Buddhism. Yin and Yang represent the two opposite forces of nature, working in harmony. The T in Coexist is obviously a Christian Cross, which is a symbol representing Jesus Crucifixion.

   

That’s the real scoop; now let’s have some fun. If these different religions were to sit down at the same table, this is my impression of what would ensue.

First off, the Christians will never stand for being the last on the list. The meek may inherit the earth eventually, but the Church owns it now. They would insist on being first, putting them at odds with the Islamics, who are listed first, and would surely not yield that position. This calamity would have the Peace group demonstrating against the attendant violent nature of the confrontation between the first two. The E group of believers would make a good show of it at first, but soon dissolve precisely due to the fact that they are Venus and Mars, and if you've read that book you can see how that will work out.

This leaves the Wiccans and Taoists to battle it out for control. The Wiccans would cast spells using the elements which they worship in the hopes of disrupting the prayers of the Taoists, and probably ending in a stalemate. This leaves the Jews, standing just where they have for ages; in the middle; the place where it all began, with the others radiating outward in opposite directions.

So, what we need is one symbol to bring us all together. Let’s see, what color, shape and size? And who will own it? Even the Coexist bumper sticker is copyrighted, and in an effort to bring about World Peace and Harmony, they just might sue me for using the image. It’s copyrighted, meaning they own it. How can anyone believe that it is even morally possible to copyright everyone’s Gods and World Peace?

Movie Minefield - Modern Cinema

Going to the movies, or even watching one at home, can be fraught with anxiety, as well as legal liabilities. It is, at the very least, intimidating. From the moment you slip that DVD into your player, you are in jeopardy. The combined forces of the FBI and Interpol are tracking every movement of that disc. Sometimes I find myself wondering if the FBI and Interpol should put this much effort into thwarting terrorism; instead of tracking movies.

I mean, here I am in my own home, watching a movie which I have either bought, borrowed, or rented, and the first thing I see on the screen is a warning from both of these agencies. They can fine you, imprison you, and even bankrupt you for misuse of a movie. And to cap it off, you can’t fast forward these warnings to the next scene. You are a prisoner in your own home, even before you have committed the crime.

You know, they hung Hussein, and I have always harbored a suspicion that he was guilty of stockpiling huge amounts of pirated DVD’s in each of his many palaces. And what about Bin Laden? Don’t you find it a little bit suspicious that he was killed while sitting in front of his TV? You have to wonder…

Theaters nowadays are not much fun either. It begins with the purchase of your ticket, when you are threatened with being evicted from the premises; without a refund; for violating the “Code of Conduct”, which is not on the ticket, or even posted anywhere I’ve ever seen. So, now I am sitting anxiously in my seat, wondering if I am doing anything wrong.

Then comes the film itself; with its ubiquitous warnings about copying the film. Yeah, I’m all set up in the third row with a video recorder, waiting to make my fortune. I guess it’s time to think back to the days of my youth, and contrast the 2 experiences.

As a kid we had it fairly simple. You bought your ticket, you paid the price. And then stayed all day if you cared to. At the Century’s Avalon, on Kings Highway and East 18^th Street, there was even a balcony; or lodge, as it was referred to on the sign by the stairs. That was where we went to sit if we were bored, or had sat through the movie already. The balcony was the spot to pour soda upon the unsuspecting souls watching the movie for the first time. And for those who cared to sit up close down below; in order to avoid the soda; there was the thrill of hurling quarters; or rocks; at the screen, hoping to tear a hole in it.

But, by far the most exciting way of going to the movies involved a group effort. We would all chip in for one ticket; which was like a buck at the time; and then one of us would go into the theater and let the others in through the fire door, which, when done in the daytime, would bath the entire theater in bright daylight, eliciting moans and curses from the afflicted innocents. Then came the fun part; being chased by the 17 year old usher dressed in an Admirals uniform, armed with a flashlight. He never caught anyone, leaving me to wonder at the lengths which some people will go to for minimum wage.

Well, looking back on it all, I suppose I can now see that I brought it all upon myself, and as such, have no real reason to complain. But man, I miss those days!