Hendrix Monkees Around -- a CRAZY Story!
Today’s story is about one of the oddest musical pairings in rock & roll history.
In 1967, a man who would soon become one of the world’s most legendary acid rock guitarists of all time, agreed to be the warm-up act for a tour by one of the goofiest – but hottest - bubblegum teenybopper groups in America at that time.
Yes, it’s true. Jimi Hendrix once opened for The Monkees. Ten shows, in fact.
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They say that aims and ambitions can create strange bedfellows, and in the more naive days of the first decade of classic rock, it’s hard to wrap your mind around such an odd pairing – although keep in mind that in that very same year, The Who opened for Herman’s Hermits.
(And as an aside – the 2 minute Herman’s Hermit hit song – I’m Henry The 8th I Am – is one of the most annoying earworm monstrosities of all time. If you look it up and play it, don’t say I didn’t warn you!)
So to properly set this up, let’s go back a couple of years earlier.
The Monkees – how they came to be.
The Monkees were “artificially” assembled in 1965, and by the spring of 1967 – the time of this particular tour – they were arguably the biggest act in America.
Aspiring filmmaker Bob Rafelson had actually developed the idea forThe Monkeesa few years earlier, in 1962, but he was never able to sell the series. However, when in 1964 The Beatles' film,“A Hard Day's Night”came out to huge success, it inspired Rafelson to revive his idea forThe Monkees.
Rafelson corrects the often-reported assumption that “The Monkees,” was inspired by “A Hard Day’s Night. “I wrote the show six years before the Beatles existed, and the pilot was based on my own life as an itinerant musician when I was 17 years old,” Rafelson continues. “What the Beatlesdid was to create a kind of permission for rock ‘n’ roll to be a popular subject for television.”
He and his partner Bert Schneider sold The Monkees TV Show to Screen Gems Television in 1965. The concept was to make a TV version of A Hard Day's Night. An imaginary band like the Beatles – but who hadn’t yet experienced any success.
Rafelson & Schneider’s original idea was to cast an existing New York group,The Lovin' Spoonful, who were not well known at the time. However, the band had already signed a record contract, which would have denied Screen Gems the right to market the music from the show – so they were out.
What the two television producers eventually decided to do, was run an ad in theHollywood ReporterandDaily Varietyinviting “insane boys, age 17–21” to audition. Here’s the ad:
MADNESS!!
Auditions.
Folk & Roll Musicians-Singers for acting roles in new TV series.
Running parts for 4 insane boys, age 17-21.
Want spirited Ben Frank’s-types.
Must have courage to work.
Must come down for an interview.
By the way - Ben Frank’s was a Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood restaurant and favourite late night hangout of rockers like Frank Zappa & the Stones due to its proximity to many recording studios.
This “looking for talent”, cattle-call ad drew over 400 aspiring actors and musicians, all of whom were no doubt dreaming of getting paid handsomely to be in a rock band. Some of the hopefuls it attracted, included:
PAUL WILLIAMS – who ended up becoming a hugely successful singer, songwriter and actor in his own right.
STEPHEN STILLS - best known for his work with Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. (Legend says Stills didn’t get the gig because his teeth weren’t straight enough. Stills did however, tip off his friend Peter Tork, and Peter ultimately got the gig.
DANNY HUTTON - also answered the ad and auditioned – he’s best known as one of the three lead singers in Three Dog Night.
HARRY NILSSON - also responded to the ad and auditioned. Nilsson also went on to be a renowned singer-songwriter himself, and was to become a drinking buddy of John Lennon during his “Lost Weekend” phase. And Nilsson actually had one of his songs later recorded by the Monkees – Cuddly Toy. It was a hit, and Nilsson earned enough in royalties to be able to quit his job at the bank, and begin his own career as a singer.
The producers finally settled on the quartet of Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, Mike Nesmith and Peter Tork – but not before they all went through a series of about 15 separate screen tests each.
And then it seemed like overnight – and it really was the textbook description of ‘overnight success’, they went from being a lip-syncing boy band of comedians to becoming genuine international pop stars. Micky once said “it was the equivalent of Leonard Nimoy really becoming a Vulcan.”
With a stable of super-talented songwriters lined up to write for them, including Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart – who wrote the Theme song and Last Train to Clarkesville, Neil Diamond, David Gates – of the band Bread, Andy Kim, Neil Sedaka and Carole King & Gerry Goffin – the hits began to pour in.
And combined with the talents of many amazing studio musicians including members of The Wrecking Crew, the Monkees TV show – their music – and their careers – all took off like a rocket.
When asked about the sudden rush of fame - Micky Dolenz – who had already experienced a level of fame as a child actor, said, “We were actually rather isolated and secluded from it. Our workload was enormous. We were rehearsing the TV show 10 hours a day and then rehearsing for touring and recording at night - that went on for a couple of years.” It was when they went on tour that it really hit them all. “Nothing could have prepared us for what we were presented with. Usually, you start in a new band and you play at birthday parties or in bowling alley parking lots. Our first Monkees gig was at a 10,000-seat sold-out arena. It was very exciting... and quite daunting. On the other hand, you couldn't hear anything anyway!" [Laughs]
The Monkees would go on to sell more than 75 million records,making them one of the top selling bands of all time with hits like "Last Train to Clarksville", "Daydream Believer", "Pleasant Valley Sunday", “I’m Not Your Steppin’ Stone”, and "I'm a Believer".
AND … they also had a very cool car. The Monkeemobile! A 1966 candy-apple red Pontiac GTO convertible with some so-sixties, modifications that included a rear-mounted parachute.
So there.
Critics of the Monkees said they were simply the "Pre-Fab Four", a made-for-TV knockoff ofthe Beatles; however, the Beatles themselves took it in stride and even hosted a party for the Monkees when they visited England.
George Harrisonpraised their self-produced musical attempts, saying, "It's obvious what's happening. There's talent there. They're doing a TV show. It’s a difficult chore and I wouldn't want to be in their shoes for the world.
Mike Nesmith once asked Lennon "Do you think we're a cheap imitation of the Beatles, your movies and your records?" to which Lennon assuredly replied, "I think you're the greatest comic talent since theMarx Brothers. I've never missed one of your programs."
Regardless of what The Beatles thought of them, a good summation of the negative backlash the band was getting can be seen in this article by dance band trombonist Jack Bentley – later the show business editor of the Sunday Mirror newspaper. Titled, “"A Disgrace to the Pop World", Bentley denounced the Monkees as talentless frauds who mimed to music played by others. An outraged Bentley wrote:
This idiotic Monkee business — was there ever a bigger spoof pulled on the pop world? …
The group’s musical fame is the result of a gigantic Hollywood TV publicity campaign. Americans never forgave the Beatles for not being born there, so they decided to create their own. Even the Monkees’ television show is a prolonged imitation from the Beatles’ films. The fact that the big spoof came off, making the Monkees No.1 on both sides of the Atlantic, is a downright disgrace, an insult to pop fans, a threat to the pop business as a whole and a deterrent to any youngster who has a musical future in mind.
Musicians like myself spend years of hard practice before being able to earn a living comparable to a grocery assistant’s. Even the lowliest pop group in Britain can’t get a job withoutsomehard work…. Yet here are a bunch of kids trading on other people’s talents and cashing in on millions. Who can ever regard that No.1 spot with any seriousness again?
Musically, comparing the Monkees with the Beatles is like comparing a milk float with a Mercedes.
But this critical reputation has softened somewhat over the years, with the recognition that the Monkees were neither the first manufactured group nor unusual in this respect. Yes The Wrecking Crew musicians provided most of the musicianship, but as we now know, there were a LOT of artists using studio talent – bands like the Beach Boys, the Beatles, the Mamas and the Papas, and the Byrds.
In fact, the Wrecking Crew played on several hundred Top 40 hits.
And it’s been said that the Monkees pioneered the music video format and paved the way for everyboy bandthat followed in their wake.
Monkee money also enabled their producers to financethe movies Easy RiderandFive Easy Pieces, which made Jack Nicholson a star.
Perhaps it wasn’t so much righteous indignation, but rather, thinly disguised jealousy that motivated the scornful dismissal of what must, in retrospect, be seen as an entertaining, imaginative and highly memorable exercise in pop culture.
And let it be known that in 2014 the Monkees were inducted into America's Pop Music Hall of Fame
The Monkees Discover Hendrix
Back to 1967 – at Monkeemania’s peak.
Micky Dolenz was the first Monkee to “discover” Hendrix. While visiting New York, a friend advised him to “check out this amazing musician in the Village who played guitar with his teeth”. Dolenz was impressed but didn’t remember the guitarist’s name until he saw The Jimi Hendrix Experience onstage at the Monterey Pop Festival several months later.
Mickey and Peter were sitting in the audience in Monterey, and as Mickey explains, “out walks these three incredibly decorated characters, and I just remember going, that’s the guy who plays guitar with his teeth! Afterwards I told our producers, hey you got to check this guy out!
The Monkees were about to embark on a U.S. concert tour and Dolenz strongly suggested to the show producers that Jimi Hendrix and The Experience would be a really cool opening act because they were very theatrical and The Monkees was this theatrical act.
Peter Tork and Michael Nesmith supported the choice; as both were anxious to be accepted as serious musicians and believed that Hendrix would lend them some credibility with rock critics and older record buyers. “Besides,” Tork would later say, “it would give us the chance to watch Jimi Hendrix perform night after night!”
Mike Nesmith had first heard Hendrix playing "Hey Joe" while listening to a cassette club recording at a dinner party with John Lennon, Paul McCartney and Eric Clapton. (Why don’t I ever get invited to those parties?)
Nesmith recalls, "Everyone at the table was silent”. "When the song was over, someone said, 'How could anybody be that good?'"
"When I got back to the hotel after that dinner, I ran into Micky. He told me he had seen Hendrix and asked him if he would be the opening act for the next leg of the Monkees tour, and Jimi had agreed."
Although Nesmith thought the combination of the Monkees and The Jimi Hendrix Experience - was "staggeringly weird," he couldn't help but let the thrill of seeing this electric new musician in person every night stop him from sensibly challenging the logic of joining up these two different acts.
Hendrix already had three hits in England but he was virtually unknown in America. His manager wanted to capitalize on the buzz generated by Jimi’s recent Monterey Pop performance, and The Monkees were just about the biggest act in the country at that time.
As theNew York Timesnoted in 2006, "The Monkees wanted respect, and Hendrix wanted publicity." With the goal of attaining a mainstream hit in the United States, Jimi Hendrix and the Experience agreed to join the tour.
What could possibly go wrong?
The Odd Coupling Tour
The Monkees' 1967 summer tour occurred at the height of Monkeemania, visiting 28 different cities in the United States and England throughout July and August. Just five days before they began the tour, the Monkees TV series had taken home two Emmy Awards, including 'Outstanding Comedy Series.' And throughout the tour, The Monkees' third album,Headquarters, was at #2 on the charts behind The Beatles'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.
Hendrix joined the tour in Jacksonville, Florida, in July of 1967. The musicians from both bands struck up of a friendship that Nesmith said thankfully outlived the tour.
Tales from the Monkees tour reveal that everyone got along great. "He was such a sweet guy," said Tork. "It was really just a pleasure to have him around for company."
It’s great that the two bands got along, because Monkees audience members had a slightly different reaction to Mr. Hendrix. The Monkees were playing to 12,000 14-year-old girls, so when Hendrix walked on stage, it was an absolute anomaly. Micky Dolenz said, "The parents were probably not too crazy to begin with about having to sit through a Monkees concert, much less this guy in a psychedelic Day-Glo blouse, playing music from hell, holding his guitar erotically, and then lighting it on fire ... Jimi would amble out onto the stage, fire up the amps and break into …
(Micky) “Foxy Lady – wah wah wah – We want Davy! We want Davy! We want the Monkees … It was very embarrassing.”
Eventually Hendrix had had enough. He had joined the tour on its first date in Jacksonville, Florida., on July 8, and stuck it out for nine more shows, exiting after a run of three concerts at the Forest Hills Tennis Stadium in New York City in mid July. Jimi walked off the Monkee’s stage for the final time, giving the finger to his audience as he left. And just like that – one of rock and roll’s most unlikely couplings – had come to an end. Jimi Hendrix and The Experience had been scheduled to play 29 tour dates.
Of his exit after a mere 10 days of Monkeemania? Hendrix has said that it was just the “wrong audience,” joking that he was being replaced by “Mickey Mouse.”
- An aside on Jimi. He had already had some strange employment experiences. Two of them come to mind.
A few years before meeting the Monkees, Hendrix had been hired by Little Richard, who then fired him after only one set.
Then Ike Turner of Ike & Tina Turner hired him. And shortly thereafter, they fired him.
And speaking of odd facts – I want to throw two other odd Monkees facts in here.
Mike Nesmith’s mother invented "Liquid Whiteout" in her kitchen in 1951, originally calling the stuffMistake Out. Her correction fluid would go on to be a godsend for millions of typists and bring millions of dollars to herself and then to her son Michael Nesmith.
And, did you know that David Bowie’s real name is David Robert Jones. He went by Davy Jones in his early, formative rock & roll days, but he changed his name to Bowie to avoid confusion with the already famous Monkee Davy Jones. He picked Bowie based on frontiersman Jim Bowie and his famous knife.
So, as I said, the exposure of being on tour with the hottest act in America DID propel Hendrix and company to the next level, as his music began to be recognized in the United States.
"Purple Haze" debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 in August, and as a result, superstardom came quickly for Hendrix.
So Monkee-ing around for a few weeks may not have been that bad of an idea at all.
And whatever you think of The Monkees’ music, you have to admit that they had one of the most extraordinary careers of any band in rock and roll.
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To support my channel: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/peterbeamish
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“Peep”-ing & Chirping Cardinal
In hues of crimson and grace, she perches there,
A young female Cardinal, a vision rare.
Against my window, she softly peeps,
Intriguing, her presence, secrets she keeps.
Her feathers, a tapestry of vibrant red,
A symphony of colours, by nature spread.
Her eyes, bright beads of inquisitive gleam,
In them, a world, a whispered dream.
As I ponder, what tale does she bring?
What melody does she wish to sing?
Does she carry a message from skies afar?
Or simply seeks solace, under twilight's star?
Perhaps she's a harbinger of love's sweet embrace,
Or a symbol of hope in this transient space.
Her presence, a reminder of nature's profound,
In every chirp, a whisper, a sound.
Oh, lovely young Cardinal, perched by my side,
In your silent gaze, mysteries abide.
What secrets do you carry, what stories untold?
In your fluttering wings, a message unfolds.
So I'll cherish this moment, with you by my pane,
A fleeting encounter, not to be in vain.
For in your presence, I find solace and grace,
A delicate reminder, of life's gentle pace.
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“The Sphere," a mesmerizing, stainless steel masterpiece
"The Sphere," a mesmerizing stainless steel masterpiece crafted by renowned artist Art Price, stands as a captivating emblem of innovation and creativity within the tranquil grounds of the National Research Council of Canada complex on Montreal Road in Ottawa. Rising gracefully from its surroundings, this iconic sculpture embodies the spirit of scientific exploration and artistic ingenuity, captivating the imagination of all who encounter it.
Crafted with precision and finesse, "The Sphere" exudes a timeless elegance, its polished surfaces reflecting the ever-changing play of light and shadow. As sunlight dances upon its metallic form, intricate patterns emerge, casting a kaleidoscope of colours and textures that mesmerize and inspire. Each angle offers a new perspective, inviting viewers to embark on a journey of discovery and contemplation.
Standing as a beacon of inspiration, "The Sphere" serves as a poignant reminder of the symbiotic relationship between art and science. Its sleek contours and seamless design pay homage to the quest for knowledge and the pursuit of excellence that define the National Research Council of Canada's mission. As a focal point for reflection and dialogue, it sparks conversations and fosters connections, bridging the gap between disciplines and inviting collaboration.
Surrounded by lush greenery and pristine landscaping, "The Sphere" commands attention while harmonizing with its natural surroundings. Its presence evokes a sense of wonder and curiosity, beckoning passersby to pause and immerse themselves in its radiant aura. Whether admired from afar or experienced up close, it leaves an indelible impression on all who encounter it, igniting a sense of wonder and awe that transcends boundaries and inspires greatness.
In the heart of Ottawa's vibrant landscape, "The Sphere" stands as a testament to the power of art to ignite the imagination and stir the soul. With its timeless beauty and enduring significance, it remains a cherished landmark, enriching the cultural fabric of the city and serving as a symbol of progress and possibility for generations to come.
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The Waters Above and Below
The water feature inside the National Art Gallery of Canada in Ottawa, is a captivating blend of artistic expression and natural elegance, seamlessly integrated into the architectural landscape of the gallery. Situated at the heart of the gallery's interior, this water feature serves as a serene focal point, inviting visitors to pause and contemplate amidst the bustling environment of artistic exploration.
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the design of the water feature harmonizes with the gallery's aesthetic ethos, marrying modern sophistication with timeless beauty. Smooth, polished surfaces of marble or granite may encase the water, reflecting the gallery's refined ambiance and enhancing the play of light within the space. The water's gentle movement creates a tranquil ambiance, its soft murmurs offering a soothing soundtrack to the artistic journey unfolding around it.
The water feature's design may incorporate elements inspired by the natural world, such as cascading streams, tranquil ponds, or gracefully arcing fountains. These elements evoke a sense of fluidity and motion, mirroring the dynamic energy of creativity and expression found within the gallery's walls. Intricate sculptures or architectural elements may rise from the water, further enriching the visual tapestry and inviting contemplation.
Surrounding the water feature, lush greenery or carefully curated landscaping enhances the sense of tranquility, creating a verdant oasis within the gallery's interior. The interplay between water, light, and foliage fosters a harmonious atmosphere, encouraging visitors to engage with the art on display with a heightened sense of mindfulness and appreciation.
Whether serving as a reflective pool for contemplation, a dynamic focal point for artistic dialogue, or simply a respite from the bustling gallery experience, the water feature inside the National Art Gallery of Canada is a testament to the power of design to elevate and enrich the human spirit. It stands as a testament to the intersection of art and nature, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in a sensory journey that transcends the boundaries of time and space.
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See the Ceiling
The glass ceiling within the National Art Gallery of Canada is a shimmering canopy that embraces the space with ethereal grace. Like a delicate veil, it allows the soft glow of natural light to filter through, casting a mesmerizing dance of shadows upon the artworks below. This transparent barrier, adorned with intricate patterns and delicate hues, serves as a symbol of artistic aspirations reaching for the heavens.
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Rideau Canal Skateway- The World's Largest Skating Rink
Skating down the Rideau Canal feels like gliding through a frozen dreamland, where the world slows down to the rhythm of your skates. As the morning sun casts a soft golden glow upon the icy surface, the canal transforms into a sparkling ribbon of possibility, stretching as far as the eye can see.
With each stride, the crisp winter air kisses your cheeks, carrying the faint scent of hot chocolate and laughter from nearby vendors. The cityscape of Ottawa stands tall on either side, its historic buildings and modern skyscrapers framed by the frosted branches of trees lining the canal's edge.
The sound of blades carving through the ice harmonizes with the gentle hum of chatter and the occasional delighted squeal. Skaters of all ages and abilities share in the joy of this quintessential Canadian experience, weaving effortlessly between clusters of fellow adventurers and pausing occasionally to admire the picturesque views.
Whether gliding solo in quiet contemplation or hand in hand with loved ones, skating down the Rideau Canal is a timeless ritual that celebrates the beauty of winter and the camaraderie of community.
Music: Neu! by Hallogallo 1972
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Incredible footage of a woodpecker pecking on a tree
Loud and bright, you can’t miss this bird. Here it is on a cold sunny February day in Quebec Canada.
This is a Pileated woodpecker, often confused with the Red-headed woodpecker. They are two of the most recognizable bird species. One is easily identified by its solid red head, while the other is recognized by its red crest. Both species have overlapping ranges, but that is about as far as similarities go.
Pileated Woodpeckers have red crests and long bills, whereas Red-headed Woodpeckers have red heads with a much shorter bill. Their plumages are entirely different, making it easy to tell apart by appearance alone. Also, Pileated Woodpeckers are considerably larger than Red-headed Woodpeckers.
The eating habits of these two woodpeckers also differ significantly. One exhibits classic pecking and gleaning behavior, while the other is primarily a flycatcher.
We will discuss the differences between the pileated and red-headed woodpecker in more detail throughout the article. Read on to discover more about two fascinating species!
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Crews & Longshoremen Dance
Music: Shuttlecock, by Manuel Göttsching (1977)
Shot & edited by Peter Beamish (2023)
Shot on an iPhone 15 Pro Max
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Shall We Promenade?
3 laps = 1 mile
Music: Echo Waves, Manuel Göttsching (1974)
Shot & edited by Peter Beamish (2023)
Shot on an iPhone 15 Pro Max
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Sea Serenity
Music: Dream, Manuel Göttsching (1977)
Shot & edited by Peter Beamish (2023)
Shot on an iPhone 15 Pro Max
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Casting off for the Caribbean
Music: Die Mulde, Manuel Göttsching (2005)
Shot & edited by Peter Beamish (2023)
Shot on an iPhone 15 Pro Max
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Trance Train To Toronto
Music: Pluralis, by Manuel Gottsching (1975)
Shot & edited by Peter Beamish (2023)
I took the November Noon Train To T.O. on a pastel-palleted day.
“Enjoy the way”, suggests VIARail.
And I did.
Shot on an iPhone 15 Pro Max.
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Golden Ginko. Red Cardinal. Canadian Autumn.
A chilly November Ottawa afternoon. The pond is near-frozen. The golden Ginko leaves have all floated to the ground, creating a yellow-leafed carpet. And suddenly, a splash of red appears.
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The Doobie Brothers Ottawa-2023
Tell me what you want (and I’ll give you what you need).
I think everyone got both what they wanted and what they needed from the 53-year-old-strong rock & roll band from San Jose, California.
Some deep cuts, some hits, some interpretations and some jamming. All resulting in a night of sweet, sweet music.
Here’s a few highlights for the fans among you who love to keep rockin’ down the highway.
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Soothing Autumn Ride through Lovely Forest Trails
Ideal for relaxing, meditating and vibing out. This video will relieve your stress and mellow your mind. Also ideal for those who are shut-in or otherwise unable to enjoy the great outdoors at the moment.
A crisp, autumn, October Canadian morning, as I ride my Radrunner 3+ from Shirley’s Bay through forest and city trails, along the Ottawa River, Rideau Canal, beaches and bridges to my home in Old Ottawa East, Oct 2nd 2023.
Enjoy the Fall kaleidoscope of colours along with a wonderful music track that will take you on a calming psychedelic journey.
Original music by Silas Durocher, https://youtu.be/ICmWwxaTmB8?si=PzDVANfXUMgMqRAZ
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Underwater work can be dangerous.
Many people start at the bottom (pardon the pun) as a dive tender, working their way up the ranks. It can take a good two years to become a diver, making many dives along the way before "Breaking-out", and from there, you can specialize in air and mixed gas diving, focusing primarily on underwater welding, including challenging nuclear projects.
Becoming a deep-sea diver isn’t easy. It requires thorough preparation and a diverse skill set. To stand out in this competitive field, you have to be mechanically proficient, possess strong common sense, and maintain confidence without arrogance.
As a deep-sea diver, you can tackle a wide range of jobs. From manual labor to intricate instrumentation installations, there is always something important to be done underwater in addition to the mid-water welding work. You serve as the "eyes and ears" for topside welding engineers and "company men", gathering crucial information that couldn't be obtained by anyone else. And as a construction diver, you can take on concrete forming, welding, cutting, rigging, hand-jetting and various other tasks, all while enduring the challenges of working in cool, sometimes freezing, waters with limited to absolutely zero visibility.
Securing a job as a deep-sea diver is undoubtedly competitive. You need a relentless work ethic, eagerness to learn, and adaptability in challenging situations. A background in welding and construction, coupled with good physical fitness and problem-solving abilities, will make you a standout candidate. Moreover, effective collaboration and clear communication skills will prove invaluable in demanding scenarios.
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Row! Row! Row! On the Rideau!
It’s Saturday morning here on a warm September on Ottawa’s Rideau canal. Watch the guys zoom along with gusto and exuberance!
Did you know that the Ottawa Rowing Club has been around for as long as Canada itself? That's right, it was established way back in 1867! Over the past 154 years, the ORC has had its fair share of ups and downs, but it has remained a constant in Ontario rowing circles. Interestingly, rowing was already being practiced in the Ottawa region before the club was even formed.
It's believed that rowing on the Ottawa River started when the Royal Engineers of the British Army began building the Rideau Canal. They would cross the river in oared ferries from the Quebec side to work at the base of the canal. Bytown, which is now part of the Ottawa Capital Region, was established in 1826 on the Ottawa side of the river.
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Radio-Controlled!
I spent a little time hanging-out with members of the Ottawa Area Model Yacht Club at Andrew Hayden Park in Ottawa, Canada, one warm and sunny July of 2023. Check out these radio-controlled (RC) yachts!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ottawarc
Web: https://ottawasailing.webs.com
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Cruise-ship cast-off time-lapse!
Carnival’s Mardis Gras leaves the port of Grand Turk, followed by us on Holland-America’s Nieuw Amsterdam.
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Catamaran 3-point turn :)
Just doin’ a 3-point turn out of the parking lot, and then off to ‘work’.
In my Catamaran.
SunRay Beach, Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos
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Playful little pup loves to race with his dad
It's no secret that Miles, a 1-year-old blonde Norwich Terrier puppy, is obsessed with racing his father, Russell, five years old. And watch out for the camera, guys!
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Leaving Amber Cove, Dominican Republic - TimeLapse
Timelapse of the Mardi Gras leaving Amber Cove right after our Holland-America ship leaves. (no sound)
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Red-Winged Dive Bomber
There are some red-winged blackbirds in my neighbourhood who don’t take kindly to us humans coming too close to their nests in springtime. Of course, we have no idea exactly where their nests are, and we’re just trying to make our way down the street - Ottawa’s Echo Drive - to be specific.
Here are a few comments from the Old Ottawa South Facebook Group.
Got me!!
Yep! Was regularly attacked there years ago while passing on my bike.
I'm glad I'd seen this post before getting pinged in the back of the head (for the first time ever) on Friday morning in this very spot. If I hadn't known it was a regular thing, I'd have been afraid I was turning into Tippi Hedren in The Birds!
The angry bird buzzed past my head the first time, then hit me on the second time. I was thinking of adding a helmet or umbrella to my morning walk!
I was 'dive bombed' there yesterday, as I was contemplating what the meaning of the sign really meant.
That explains the whack on the head I felt this week…
Yup, and I was “whacked” by this bird yesterday! That’ll teach me not to slow down while reading the signs.
My son got attacked there this week. Luckily, he thought it was hilarious.
I heard a woman on a CBC call-in show saying she used to walk by there in the 1950s and was regularly attacked by a redwing blackbird. I too remember redwing attacks over the years. It's a family trait I reckon.
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