Showing posts with label Thanksgiving. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Thanksgiving. Show all posts

Saturday, December 28, 2024

John Denver: The Kings of Country Music Wearing Rolex Series


The Kings of Country Music Wearing Rolex Series

...Rolex Super Coolness...

John Denver

1943-1997
Yellow Gold Rolex GMT-Master

As we move from celebrating the Christmas holiday to New Years I thought it would be great to enjoy some amazing music history with the legendary John Denver.


This is the fourth installment in my series named, "The Kings Of Country Music Wearing Rolex." I realize that John Denver not only sang many country hits, like "Thank God I'm A Country Boy", "Take Me Home, Country Roads", and "Rocky Mountain High", but he also crossed-over into many other genres including Folk singing.


John Denver had many other popular songs like "Annie's Song", "Leaving On A Jet Plane", and "Sunshine On My Shoulders." He was born Henry John Deutschendorf Jr.in Roswell, New Mexico on December 31, 1943.


When I was a kid growing up in Northern California, I some of my fondest memories are of summer camp, listening to John Denver songs, like Take Me Home, Country Roads. 

When I think about John Denver's music, I think it's really ideal for listening to around Thanksgiving, along with other artists like Simon and Garfunkel. Something about this genre of music is heartwarming and kind of folksy...


In several of the images in this story we see photos of John Denver wearing a yellow gold Rolex GMT-Master, which I think suited him perfectly. It never ceases to amaze me how many guitarists wear Rolex watches.

John Denver was not only a recording and live performance superstar, but he was also an activist and humanitarian who dedicated much of his time and money to trying to take care of issues that effect earth. In my opinion, John Denver was the living embodiment and true symbol of Thanksgiving...



Aye, Calypso, I Sing To Your Spirit

John Denver was one of Jacques Cousteau's biggest fans. Not only did he write the fantastic song "Calypso" but he donated all the proceeds from the song to the Cousteau Society. John also performed concerts and donated the proceeds to the Cousteau Society.


The photo below of Jacques Cousteau was taken on-board the Calypso in 1953, an we see him wearing a prototype Rolex Submariner. Jacques Cousteau, in my opinion, is the greatest explorer that ever lived, and is the living embodiment of the Rolex Submariner.


By the way, John Denver wrote a beautiful song in the 1970s about Jacques Cousteau's Calypso ship and I thought I would share the profound words:

Calypso
By John Denver


To sail on a dream on a crystal clear ocean
To ride on the crest of a wild raging storm
To work in the service of life and the living
In search of the answers to questions unknown
To be part of the movement and part of the growing
Part of beginning to understand

Aye, Calypso, the places you've been to
The things that you've shown us
The stories you tell
Aye, Calypso, I sing to your spirit
The men who have served you
So long and so well

Like the dolphin who guides you
You bring us beside you
To light up the darkness and show us the way
For though we are strangers in your silent world
To live on the land we must learn from the sea
To be true as the tide
And free as the wind-swell
Joyful and loving in letting it be

Aye, Calypso, the places you've been to
The things that you've shown us
The stories you tell
Aye, Calypso, I sing to your spirit
The men who have served you
So long and so well

Aye, Calypso, the places you've been to
The things that you've shown us
The stories you tell
Aye, Calypso, I sing to your spirit
The men who have served you
So long and so well


John Denver is pictured below on-board the Calypso with Jacques Cousteau and they are talking with media mogul, Ted Turner. This photos was taken on the occasion of Jacques Cousteau's 75th birthday party in Washington D.C., which took place in 1985. In an ironic twist of fate, both John Denver and Jacques Cousteau both passed away twelve years later in 1997.



In the photo below we see John Denver (giving the thumbs-up!) diving on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Connie Reeder is pictured on the far left, and she sang with John Denver on "Fly Away", which can be viewed below this image.


“To Live on the Land We Must Learn from the Sea” 

–John Denver (Calypso)

Richard Hyman took the photo below onboard the Calypso when they were filming in the Belize Barrier Reef and John Denver gave an impromptu concert for Captain Cousteau and his wife Simone.

Thursday, November 28, 2024

Happy Thanksgiving from Jake

   

A Note from Jake

Happy Thanksgiving 

Hi Everybody!!!

It is hard to believe it is already Thanksgiving again on Jake's Rolex World!!! It has been another absolutely amazing year filled with growth and fascinating new Rolex historical content!!! I am now in my 17th year of publishing Jake's Rolex World and I still feel like I am just getting warmed-up with Rolex history. I have many, many more exciting pieces of the Rolex history puzzle to share with you in the future, as well as some major announcements coming up, including some REALLY cool new Rolex History stories, coming this holiday season, so be sure to stay tuned...


"The First Thanksgiving" painting by Jean Gerome Ferris (1863-1930)

2024 has been another "interesting" year for everybody—but nonetheless, I am very grateful to have so many great readers all over the world and I hope you have found some solace and inspiration in all the amazing Rolex history I have shared with you. So many of you have written in over the years to help correct my typos, as well as to share your valuable insight and enthusiasm, for which I am eternally grateful!

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday as it gives us a chance to pause and reflect on how fortunate we all are to be able to experience this amazing miracle, known as life, on this spinning marble we all share–named Earth.

I wish you all a great holiday season!!!

Warmest regards,

Jake ;-)

Thursday, November 24, 2022

Happy Thanksgiving from Jake...

  

A Note from Jake


Happy Thanksgiving 


Hi Everybody!!!

It is hard to believe it is already Thanksgiving again on Jake's Rolex World!!! It has been another absolutely amazing year filled with growth and fascinating new Rolex historical content!!! I am now in my 15th year of publishing Jake's Rolex World and I still feel like I am just getting warmed-up with Rolex history. I have many, many more exciting pieces of the Rolex history puzzle to share with you in the future, as well as some major announcements coming up...


"The First Thanksgiving" painting by Jean Gerome Ferris (1863-1930)

2022 has been another really bizarre year for everybody—but nonetheless, I am very grateful to have so many great readers all over the world and I hope you have found some solace and inspiration in all the amazing Rolex history I have shared with you. So many of you have written in over the years to help correct my typos, as well as to share your valuable insight and enthusiasm, for which I am eternally grateful!

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday as it gives us a chance to pause and reflect on how fortunate we all are to be able to experience this amazing miracle, known as life, on this spinning marble we all share–named Earth.

I recently completed my new studio, and shot my first Rolex video for my JAKEeSHOW, and am currently working on editing my second episode, which I plan to publish soon...In case you missed my first Rolex episode, I am including it below...


As many of you know, I have been working for some time now on a series of dozen books that cover the entire Rolex history arc. I plan to start rolling out my 12 volumes next year, with Volume 1 dropping in late Q1 of 2023, with each following volume releasing on a rolling quarterly basis, which means I expect to publish the final volume in Q4 of 2025.





Thursday, November 25, 2021

Happy Thanksgiving from Jake :-)

 

A Note from Jake


Happy Thanksgiving 


Hi Everybody!!!

It is hard to believe it is already Thanksgiving again on Jake's Rolex World!!! It has been another absolutely amazing year filled with growth and fascinating new Rolex historical content!!! I am now in my 14th year of publishing Jake's Rolex World and I have to say, I feel like I am just getting warmed-up with Rolex history. I have many, many more exciting pieces of the Rolex history puzzle to share with you in the future, as well as some major announcements coming up...


"The First Thanksgiving" painting by Jean Gerome Ferris (1863-1930)

2021 has been a really bizarre year for everybody—but nonetheless, I am very grateful to have so many great readers all over the world and I hope you have found some solace and inspiration in all the amazing Rolex history I have shared with you. So many of you have written in over the years to help correct my typos, as well as to share your valuable insight and enthusiasm, for which I am eternally grateful!

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday as it gives us a chance to pause and reflect on how fortunate we all are to be able to experience this amazing miracle, known as life, on this spinning marble we all share–named Earth.

This year I have a special Thanksgiving gift for you! I am working on my review of the epic new documentary named Becoming Cousteau, and hope to have it done soon—and in the meantime you can get a detailed preview in the story below this one. I am extremely grateful for this documentary which ads many of the missing puzzle pieces in telling his amazing lifetime story. Below is a teaser image from my review and it shows Jacques-Yves Cousteau rocking his prototype Submariner back in 1953 around this time of year while he was filming his critically acclaimed Academy Award Winning aquatic documentary named The Silent World, while conducting real world testing with his Calypso team divers.




Of course, I realize Thanksgiving is a U.S. holiday, but I believe it's as timeless and universal as a sunset or a smile :-)))

Once again, Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Warmest regards,

Jake

Thursday, November 26, 2020

A Note from Jake: Happy Thanksgiving

 




A Note from Jake


Happy Thanksgiving 


Hi Everybody!!!

It is hard to believe it is already Thanksgiving again on Jake's Rolex World!!! It has been another absolutely amazing year filled with growth and fascinating new Rolex historical content!!! I am now in my 13th year of publishing Jake's Rolex World and I have to say, I feel like I am just getting warmed-up with Rolex history. I have many, many more exciting pieces of the Rolex history puzzle to share with you in the future, as well as some major announcements coming up...


"The First Thanksgiving" painting by Jean Gerome Ferris (1863-1930)

2020 has been a really bizarre year for everybody—but nonetheless I am very grateful to have so many great readers all over the world and I hope you have found some solace and inspiration in all the amazing Rolex history I have shared with you. So many of you have written in over the years to help correct my typos, as well as to share your valuable insight and enthusiasm, for which I am eternally grateful!

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday as it gives us a chance to pause and reflect on how fortunate we all are to be able to experience this amazing miracle, known as life, on this spinning marble we all share–named Earth.

Of course, I realize Thanksgiving is a U.S. holiday, but I believe it's as timeless and universal as a sunset or a smile :-)))

Once again, Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Warmest regards,

Jake

Thursday, November 28, 2019

Happy Thanksgiving




A Note from Jake


Happy Thanksgiving 


Hi Everybody!!!

It is hard to believe it is already Thanksgiving again on Jake's Rolex World!!! It has been another absolutely amazing year filled with growth and fascinating new Rolex historical content!!! I am now in my 12th year of publishing Jake's Rolex World and I have to say, I feel like I am just getting warmed-up with Rolex history. I have many, many more exciting pieces of the Rolex history puzzle to share with you in the future, as well as some major announcements coming up...


"The First Thanksgiving" painting by Jean Gerome Ferris (1863-1930)

I want to mention I am very thankful to be working with Danny, Jose, Nick, Al, and Jean-Pierre who are all doing a great job as part of my team. I am also very grateful to have so many great readers all over the world. So many of you have written in over the years to help correct my typos, as well as to share your valuable insight and enthusiasm, for which I am eternally grateful!

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday because it gives us a chance to pause and reflect on how fortunate we all are to be able to experience this amazing miracle, known as life, on this spinning marble we all share–named Earth.

Of course, I realize Thanksgiving is a U.S. holiday, but I believe it's as timeless and universal as a sunset or a smile :-)))

Once again, Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Warmest regards,

Jake

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving from Jake!!!



Happy Thanksgiving from Jake!!!

Hi Everybody!!!

It is hard to believe it is already Thanksgiving again on Jake's Rolex Watch Blog!!! It has been another absolutely amazing year of filled with growth and amazing new Rolex historical content. Since last Thanksgiving I have met many new international readers and made many new and exiting friends.

I even started Jake's Patek Philippe World Blog as well as Jake's Who Knew World Blog. I publish all my blogs more as notebooks for my interest, and as the CEO and Designer at BulletTrain, I also publish the BulletBlog by JakeE. As you can imagine, I have so much to be grateful for and I wish all my readers a happy Thanksgiving!!!!


"The First Thanksgiving" painting by Jean Gerome Ferris (1863-1930)

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday because it gives us a chance to pause and reflect on how fortunate we all are to be able to experience this amazing miracle, known as life, on this spinning marble we all share–named Earth.

Of course I realize Thanksgiving is a U.S. holiday, but I believe it's as timeless and universal as a sunset or a smile :-)))

Once again, Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Warmest regards,

Jake

Thursday, November 26, 2009

The Real Meaning Of Thanksgiving: Fernando's Story...


For everything we miss we gain something else, and for everything we gain we miss something else. –Ralph Waldo Emerson


Fernando's Liberty

The Real Meaning Of Thanksgiving

Putting Things In Perspective


I have an extremely touching, moving story to share with you about a very brave man I recently met named Fernando who has been a great source of inspiration for me–and for many other people–and I believe once you learn his story, he will inspire you as well.


Recently, I received an email from Joshua Bonifas whose family owns Fortané Jewelers which is an amazing store that sells new and vintage Rolex watches.


I have become close with Josh and his younger brother Kris since we held the first Carmel GTG and Vintage Rolex Concours Exhibition in August. Kris and Josh and I share a deep appreciation for Rolex history to say the least!!!


Josh originally shared Fernando's story with me and then Kris shared more details with me and introduced me to Fernando.


Fernando, whose nickname is Sandy, was working on a project to build a new bridge at the San Jose Airport when a 40,000 pound-pile driver mistakenly fell from above him and in a micro-second severed his arms from his body.


Fernando's co-workers instantly rushed him and his severed hands (placed on ice) to Stanford University Medical Center where he was rushed into an emergency operating room where he was operated on by Dr. Matt Miller who saved Fernando's life and tried desperately to save as much of Fernando's arms as possible.


Despite his best effort, Dr. Miller was not able to re-attach Fernando's hands because the nerves in his arms were pulverized by the 40,000 pound pile driver.


Kris Bonifas & Fernando Limon at Fourtané checking out Rolex watches

Fernando was so stunned. He said "I spent my 41st birthday at Stanford starring at my missing arms."

Dr. Matt Miller who saved Fernando's life was Joshua Bonifas' best-friend growing up. When Fernando became conscious and started speaking with Dr. Miller he asked if they found his watch and Dr. Miller regrettably said no.

Noticing Fernando was a little dismayed, Dr. Miller said "Don't worry about your watch that is gone. I am going to write you a prescription for any Rolex you want."

Much to Fernando's surprise, Dr. Miller who was wears a stainless steel Rolex Yachtmaster, pulled out his prescription pad and literally wrote a prescription for "Any Rolex of Fernando's choice" and for the pharmacy to pick-it-up he filled in Fourtané Jewelers in Carmel, California.

Then Dr. Miller handed the prescription to Fernando and said, "My best friend growing up has a store in Carmel named Fourtané Jewelers that has the most amazing selection of vintage Rolex watches. When you are able to travel with your wife Donna, I want you to go down and pick-out any Rolex watch you want and consider it a gift from me."

Fernando said he was a surprised and the extremely kind gesture made him giggle. Fernando mentioned he was amazed by the compassion Dr. Miller showed.

Dr. Miller was extremely inspired by Fernando's spirit and they two of them became close friends, spending much time together.

Fernando told me when he first went home he felt completely devastated. At first he went into a very deep depression and became despondent. He also said he was afraid to go out into public because he said "I didn't want to be a freak."

As time went by Fernando had an epiphany one day were he said he realized he was getting nowhere by feeling sorry for himself. He realized his attitude was taking a toll on his wife Donna and family and he decided to change his attitude and appreciate all he had to be thankful for.

Fernando realized he had a beautiful, loving family and in reality he could do more than 99+% percent of the things he was able to do before the accident, including driving a car and many other things.

When Fernando got better, he and Donna took a trip to Carmel and they stopped into Fourtané Jewelers where they were greeted by Rosa who is in sales at Fourtané. Fernando told Rosa about how Dr. Miller had prescribed a new or vintage Rolex watch for him. Rosa was extremely moved by Fernando's story and invited Kris Bonifas over and introduced them.

Kris and Fernando had an amazing conversation (as seen in the photo above that Fernando's wife Donna took with her iPhone :-) and Kris started showing Fernando vintage Rolex stories while sharing Rolex's amazing history with Fernando. Fernando said "The Rolex watches were so beautiful!!! "Kris showed me many beautiful watches and explained what Rolex was all about.""

Fernando and Kris spoke for hours and Fernando said he really enjoyed his conversation with Kris. Kris mentioned when he would try to hand the watches to Fernando, he was afraid to hold them with his claw arm because he was afraid of scratching them. Kris figured out a way to wrap the bracelets with a dust cloth so Fernando was able to pick them up and examine them close up.

In the meantime, all the other employees in Fourtané got extremely emotional and were really moved. Fernando ended up having a conversation with a man in the store who was thinking about buying a watch and since Fernando got his diving certification in 1982 he said he thought the all-new Rolex DEEP-SEA was the best watch and the customer agreed and purchased it.

When Kris first shared the story with me, I asked him if Fernando ended up getting a Rolex watch and he said no. When I asked Fernando why he didn't take Dr. Miller up on his offer, he very humbly said, "I couldn't allow him to buy me a watch. He already saved my life and has been so compassionate with me."

I asked Fernando if he could get prosthetic arms so he could eventually wear a Rolex? Fernando responded by telling me that he had a prosthetic right arm but he has not been wearing it since it was so too heavy and made him uncomfortable. He mentioned he was going to try and figure out a way to eventually get arms that would work and be comfortable.

Fernando went on to tell me his dream is to one day be able to go SCUBA diving with prosthetic arms, while wearing a Submariner or DEEP-SEA.

Fernando and I had a really deep conversation and he said:

"Ever since this happened, I see the good in people. As bad as this world can be, there are still great people."

Fernando has chosen to rise above the loss of his hands, which he said he took for granted before his accident. He reflected that despite the loss of his hands, he has so much to look forward to.

If you would like to drop Fernando an email, even to just say hello and wish him a a happy Thanksgiving, you may email him at:

LimonF824@yahoo.com

On a side note, Fernando's story reminds me of something my Aunt Dora Jane used to always tell me. Dora Jane would say:

"It's not what you have that counts. It's what you do with what you have that counts."

In my mind, and it is easy for me to say, but that is the real takeaway point in Fernando's story for everybody, including Fernando. Fernando chose proactively not be a victim of his circumstances, but to take ownership of his life, and that is the greatest thing any man or woman can achieve.

Have a happy and Safe Thanksgiving everybody!!!!