There are popular artists with which one simply does not connect. Such is the case for me with Toto, which created Rosanna and Africa, huge hits. I wasn't sure I'd ever heard the latter, which is highlighted in an article today by the NY Post's music critic, Hardeep Phull. I went to youtube, cued the video, and recognized it immediately. I had never listened to the lyrics, only the pleasant melody. I'd had no idea what it was about. Despite being savaged by critics, it has had remarkable staying power as a radio staple, and in use on TV shows like South Park. It was co-written by keyboardist Jeff Paich and drummer Jeff Porcaro, the latter having been inspired by the African Pavilion exhibit at the 1964 NYC World's Fair. He was only ten at the time. Tragically, he died of a heart attack in 1992 at 38. Africa's enduring popularity has engendered a Toto revival - the release of a 40th anniversary compilation, 40 Trips Around the Sun. A European tour is also in the works. Kudos to the band for sticking it to its detractors. I'm not a fan of it's two biggest hits, but I do like Hold the Line. Here's a live clip of it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNjFLv_73hk And here's a 1977 shot of the group:
A blurb in yesterday's Post informed that U.S. production of crude oil in 2017 was its highest since 1970. This is great news for advocates of an across the board energy policy. The emerging technologies are not yet ready to replace black gold, and will not be for the foreseeable future - unless one doesn't mind paying the high prices the alternatives currently demand. Eventually, they will probably take over, but for now oil and gas are imperatives to any economy.
Animal rights lovers will cherish this: A man was hunting in a party of four on Maryland's Eastern Shore when one fired at a flock of geese flying above them. A falling goose struck one on the noggin, knocking him out and causing head and facial injuries. (From Yahoo's Odd News, edited by yours truly)
No luck selling books on the street today. The groundhog can kiss my grits.
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