J~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~J O R O C K Y M O U N T A I N H I G H O H =============================================== H N The John Denver Internet Fan Club N D D E M O N T H L Y N E W S L E T T E R E N N V F e b r u a r y 1 9 9 6 V E E R Emily Parris emily@sky.net http://www.sky.net/~emily R ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ TABLE OF CONTENTS February 1996 J.D. Concert Information...............................1 Awards for the Rocky Mtn High WWW Page: McKinley Review gives RMH Web Page 3 stars..........2 RMH Web Page put in top 5% of the web...............2 Reviews of "Minneapolis Does Denver" Minneapolis Tribune 1/14/96 - Jim Meyer............3 Mary Ledford of "Rhymes & Reasons"..................4 John Denver - Sightings and News.......................5 Poetry Corner: "Annie's Song" by David Stemple.....................6 "Through Your Eyes" by Paige Drake..................7 Calypso Sinks..........................................8 "An Ode To The Calypso" by Emily Parris.............8 J.D. Memorabilia - Want Lists/For Sale.................9 State High Court Set For Denver DUI Aspen Times - Melissa Schmitt - 1/6/96.............10 ============================================== John Denver Concert Information ============================================== Chicago, Illinois March 8-9 Rosemont Theater Detroit, Michigan March 14-17 Fox Theater ============================================== ================================================== McKINLEY REVIEW gives RMH web site 3 stars! ================================================== Date: Sat, 20 Jan 1996 From: McKinley Review To: emily@sky.net Subject: Your site awarded 3 stars by Magellan Congratulations! Your Internet site - WWW Page of Rocky Mountain High (http://www.sky.net/~emily/) has been selected by The McKinley Group's professional editorial team as a "3-Star" site. This rating is a special mark of achievement in Magellan, McKinley's comprehensive Internet directory of over 1.5 million sites and 40,000 reviews. As a Magellan 3-Star site, you are being awarded a special logo to recognize the hard work that has gone into establishing and maintaining your site. Here at The McKinley Group, we pride ourselves on our ability to recognize the best resources on the Net. Your site has been recognized as part of our rigorous review process, in which we consider three primary factors: depth of content, ease of exploration, and Net appeal. =========================================================== John Denver on the WWW is Rated in the Top 5% =========================================================== Date: Wed, 24 Jan 1996 From: Todd Whitney To: emily@sky.net Subject: John Denver on the WWW is Rated in the Top 5% Congratulations! Your home page has been rated among the top 5% of all sites on the Internet by Point Survey. Point is a free service which rates and reviews only the best sites on the World Wide Web. We provide surfers with a standard of excellence: a catalog of the most lively, useful, and fun sites on the Net. If you haven't already seen Point, come visit us at: http://www.pointcom.com/ Our Top Ten list has been featured on CNN and in many publications, and Point Survey ratings are provided to media around the world. We invite you to display the prestigious "Top 5% of the Web" badge. Thanks -- and again, congratulations! Sincerely, Todd Whitney Point Communications MINNEAPOLIS DOES DENVER October Records released a JD Tribute CD entitled MINNEAPOLIS DOES DENVER, on January 16th, 1996 - - - 18 Minneapolis bands doing 18 JD favorites. The following are reviews of that album: Minneapolis Tribune 1/14/96 - Jim Meyer "MINNEAPOLIS DOES DENVER": The 18 song titles alone are a stunning reminder than in the '70s John Denver wrote or recorded a bushel of classics, mixing strong pop and simple country like we've never heard since. But more than a pleasant reminder, "Minneapolis Does Denver," due in stores Tuesday, succeeds at numerous artistic risks by unifying a splintered Twin Cities music community, forging interest, new partnerships, and showcasing some vastly underrated artists. For combinations, Beatles freaks Rex Daisy meet the bluegrass beat of Steeplejack on "Matthew." Members of Trailer Trash give Tina and the B-side Movement crucial accompaniment on "Thank God I'm a Country Boy,.' And vocalists Marlee Macleod and Kristin Mooney leapfrog to great heights on "Follow Me." Some of local Music's bigger draws (Delilahs, Mango Jam) are matched with Denver's biggest hits but these takes are no match for such rarities as "The Eagle and the Hawk" by Holiday Ranch or "Hard LIfe, Hard Times" by the Found. Still, gruff John Casey comes through wonderfully on a slow burn "Take Me Home, Country Roads," and the Hang Ups' Brian Tighe somehow makes the overdone "Leaving on a Jet Plane" sound as if he wrote it last week. Where many indie-rock tribute compilations run too long, "Minneapolis Does Denver" picks up power at the midpoint as some relatively obscure artists take great liberties. Beat the Clock give "Sunshine on My Shoulders" a hypnotic reggae feel. And album producer John Strawberry Fields' 4-year old funk band, Fat Lip, does a slippery cajun shuffle on "Grandma's Feather Bed." Ademordna Rotavele, a collection of studio wizards, glistens on "Farewell Andromeda (Welcome to My Morning)," showcasing the unknown but impressive Karen Nemec. And this wild journey concludes with an unrecognizable extension of "Fly Away," in which hard rockers Juggernaut invent a new musical genre -- Gregorian ambient heavy-metal. Other than "Calypso" and John Eller & Chris Lynch's 21- second salute to Spiro Agnew," the weird wit and environmental idealism of later Denver goes unnoticed. But in all, producer Fields averts potential disaster and does Denver -- and Minneapolis -- very proud. (Reviewer: Jim Meyer/Minneapolis writer) Review of "Minneapolis Does Denver" from Mary Ledford: ====================================================== I received the above mentioned CD and am offering my viewpoint. I have been an admirer of John Denver and his music for 22 years now. The magic of his music far surpasses any I've ever heard, thus the honor he received years ago, Poet Lauret of Colorado, well befits his incredible talent. I'm sure that most of the bands on this CD are very good in their own right - unfortunately not playing/singing John Denver's style of music. The vocals were at most passable with the exception of "Country Roads" and "Matthew" where they resembled a bad Rod Stewart. I found the entire CD to be terribly funky and/or a rebirth of the psychedelic 70s. "Back Home Again" was done in such a weird key that had I not heard the words, I wouldn't know what song I was listening to. John's lyrics come from his heart telling stories of personal experiences - experiences he cherishes and enjoys sharing with his audiences. His lyrics can be heard and enjoyed by young children, parents and grandparents alike. "Matthew" is one of those songs - my personal favorite. Thus, I was quite surprised and disappointed to hear the lyric change from "all the memories that he gave me" to "all the hickies that he gave me." Another great disappointment was "Fly Away" by Juggernaut. That gave the musical impression of being on an LSD trip and it was hard to tell what it was without the list of songs in front of you. John is always flattered when other artists perform his music, but somehow I don't think 'flattered' would come to mind in this case. I'm sure the intentions were honorable as far as wanting to do a tribute to him and I do appreciate that some value is found in John's music - it's just not evident in this CD. Sincerely, Mary Ledford, President/Editor Rhymes & Reasons ========================================================= John Denver ......Sightings and News ========================================================= JOHN IN SAN FRANCISCO........... Date: Mon, 15 Jan 1996 From: Judi Stickney Hi, Emily! Just an interesting FYI for you. :) I was in San Francisco this past weekend (1/12-1/14), staying at a friend's house. He came home from work on Sunday and told us that he had lunch with John Denver at the Grand Hyatt! John was in San Francisco for an overnight, enroute to Palm Springs for some golfing. :) He was staying at the Grand Hyatt in Burlingame (near the SF airport). In case anyone on your mailing list may be from San Francisco, they might be interested to know that the Grand Hyatt is, apparently, John's place to stay when he's in town. Thanks for the wonderful newsletter! I look forward to reading it whenever it comes out! JOHN IN ITALY.............. - In December John was in Italy recording a track for a Christmas Album(CD)/Christmas TV Show for the Pope. It's a multi-artist thing. He's was over there with his Mother and they got an audience with the Pope. - Apparently the program was only aired in Italy and will not be shown in the United States. JOHN WITH MICHAEL MARTIN MURPHEY....... "Swans Against The Sun" (Michael Murphey) is now out on CD. John sings/plays on three songs. MARK STERN - NO LONGER JOHN'S PUBLICIST....... Date: Tues, 16 Jan 96 From: Mary Ledford "I just got a call from Mark and he's no longer working for John. Apparently it was decided that his services are no longer needed because John is not touring this year. This is really depressing news. Mark had no idea what is going to happen or who will handle the information dissemination to us. So, I guess for now it's back to the grape vine." JOHN'S DOINGS.............. Date: Fri, 19 Jan 1996 From: Ann Schnitz John isn't "doing nothing" after his performances in March. He has about 12 songs that are in some stage of completion that he wants to get finished for an album he'd like to record in the fall. So he needs time off to get his head together for that. Prior to that, he's planning on playing his annual gig at the AT&T Pebble Beach Golf extravaganza. ANNIE'S SONG by David Stemple Dedicated to John Denver When I hear it, It's as though I've died, And gone to heaven, Every verse, Every phrase, Every note, Written and performed, To perfection, Like nothing else I've ever heard. The Instrumental break, Makes me cry, Whenever I hear it, As it is probably, The prettiest music, I've ever heard, When I hear it, It's as though I've died, And gone to heaven. I sure hope, that on the day I die for real, I'm listening to Annie's song, Both before and after, This event occurs, For when I land in heaven I hope to still be able to cry, As Annie's Song, Fills my inner-soul, For years to come. THROUGH YOUR EYES by Paige Drake Dedicated to John Denver ------------------------------------- An eagle in flight Is the sight that I see When I look through your eyes And I see what you see. I see children laughing And flowers in spring When I look at the world Through the songs that you sing. Everyday I listen to The radio and to the news, They seldom say a thing to make me smile. So I put an album on And sit and listen to your songs And I find some peace in listening for a while. And the mountains in spring Is a sight that I see When I look through your eyes And I see what you see. I see rivers flowing Their waters so clean When I look at the world Through the songs that you sing. In this world There is pain and destruction, There are children without enough to eat. But you sing of love and peace and of the day when war will cease, And you sing about the hope that love can bring. And hungry children being fed Is a sight that I see When I look through your eyes And I see what you see. I see barren deserts Converted to green When I look at the world Through the songs that you sing. And all the world at peace Is the sight that I see When I look through your eyes And I see what you see. I see children laughing; Their future is clean When I look at the world Through the songs that you sing. Copyright 1985 by Paige Drake CALYPSO SINGAPORE (Reuter) - Jacques-Yves Cousteau's ocean research ship, the Calypso, sank in shallow waters off Singapore this week, a spokeswoman for the Port of Singapore Authority said Thursday. The 66-foot converted British minesweeper, in which the famous 85-year-old French oceanographer has toured the globe since 1950, went down in about 16 feet of water at the shipyard where it had been berthed. It is now resting on its starboard side with only the corner of its bridge, masts and helideck visible above the port's muddy waters. The Calypso played a starring role in Cousteau's long-running television series, which pioneered interest in the world's oceans and the conservation of marine life. The Calypso's captain and engineer were on board when the ship began to go down but no one was hurt, Singapore's state television news quoted port authorities as saying. In Paris, officials of the Cousteau Society said the vessel had sunk after being hit in the shipyard by a barge, which tore a hole in its hull at the waterline, quickly sinking it. The Calypso, which had arrived in Singapore after a research and filming mission in China and Vietnam in 1994, was awaiting its next expedition to China when it sank, the society said in a statement. Society officials were now in Singapore to refloat the ship and bring it to a port where it could be retired, the society said, adding ``numerous cities are already candidates.'' Environmental campaigner Cousteau has long planned to replace the vessel and has been raising funds in recent months.``The Singapore accident will speed up the construction of the Calypso II, which could sail within a year,'' the society said. Cousteau told Reuters last month that he planned to make the Calypso II a high-tech ship equipped with a marine laboratory and a TV studio to help children explore the underwater world. The $20 million craft will also boast solar energy panels, a helicopter and satellite transmission facilities. An Ode to the Calypso by Emily M. Parris Aye Calypso! Your voyages were many The data you brought us was vast You searched for the secrets of the sea But now you have sailed your last Calypso II will have to sail on And continue the journey alone But you leave us a legacy always From all of the journey's you've known ================================================= FOR SALE....WANTED......JOHN DENVER MEMORABILIA ================================================= Rick Capone has J.D. SONGBOOKS for sale: =========================================================== (In parentheses is the original price and # of photos) Aerie (4 B&W - $3.95) / Rocky Mnt High (B&W Photos - $5.95) Farewell Andromeda (4 B&W - $5.95) John Denver's Greatest Hits (2 B&W - $5.95) Back Home Again (2 color w/JD + others not JD - $5.95) Windsong (Color photo of JD - $5.95) An Evening with John Denver (9 color/concert photos - $6.95) I Want To Live (1 B&W - $5.95) / JD (4 color photos - $6.95) Autograph (Some color photos, not JD - $6.95) John Denver Songbook (lots of scenic photos, not of JD, but a couple taken by JD - $5.95) Music of JD - Easy Guitar (No photos - $3.95) John Denver's Greatest Hits - Easy Guitar (no photos - $3.95) Price is $1 less than original price + postage. * * * Email: rcapone@vnet.net * * * WANTED - "Autograph" ==================== I'd very much like to purchase a copy of the "Autograph" album. I've looked for it everywhere to no avail. The format can be LP, cassette, or CD. I can be reached via e-mail at: PUBREL@VUNET.VINU.EDU - Vickie A. (in Indiana) - - - - - - - - STATE HIGH COURT SET FOR DENVER DUI Deputy DA eager for first appearance before Supreme Court By Melissa Schmitt Aspen Times - 1/6/96 The Colorado Supreme Court is scheduled to begin deliberating on Jan. 8 as to whether John Denver was exposed to double jeopardy in relation to the drunk-driving charges against him. Denver was arrested and charged with DUI for the second time in a year on Aug. 21, 1994, after he crashed his Porsche into a tree on Starwood Drive. Through his lawyer, Walter Gerash of Denver, the singer-songwriter cried double jeopardy, saying his constitutional protection against being tried twice for the same crime were violated when he was hauled before both a Department of Motor Vehicles driver's license revocation hearing and DUI court proceedings. Pitkin County Court Judge Tam Scott ruled in favor of Denver, agreeing the two hearings exposed him to double jeopardy. But Ninth Judicial District Judge Peter Craven overturned that ruling. Gerash appealed to the Colorado Supreme Court, which accepted the case in late November. Denver's pleading will be consolidated with a similar Boulder County case. Gerash will butt heads in the courtroom with a legal team made up of Pitkin County Deputy District Attorney Lawson Wills, Boulder County Deputy District Attorney D.D. Mallard and a representative from the Colorado Attorney General's Office. The three will present their case in a "response brief" to be filed sometime in the next few months. Gerash is scheduled to file the opening brief by Monday, though he could get a continuance. Once the response brief is reviewed by the court, Gerash has a chance to reply, before all the attorneys go before the Colorado Supreme Court for oral arguments -- a first for Wills. "Going to the Supreme Court for a lawyer is an exciting prospect and a rare opportunity," he said. "It's a challenging situation." The three will try to convince the state's highest court that either the results of the license-revocation hearing and the DUI proceedings were based on different pieces of evidence or that the revocation hearing was held for protection of drivers on the road and not as punishment for Denver. Disproving one of these two criteria could prove challenging and legal observers around the state are worried that a failure to do so could cause major problems for DUI prosecutors. A decision in favor of Denver would force revisions in the way license revocations are handled, turning that responsibility over to the courts. A decision in favor of the prosecution could send the case either back to Pitkin County Court or to the U.S. Supreme Court. "If we win, Mr. Denver will have to come back to trial," Wills declared. But Gerash could appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, which may agree to hear the case, though Wills said that isn't likely at this point. Six state supreme courts that have dealt with the double-jeopardy DUI defense have found in favor of the prosecution, Wills said, adding that the U.S. Supreme Court usually hears only cases in which the states appear to need judicial direction. "There is not a state supreme court that has supported (Denver's) position," he said. The double-jeopardy question began popping up in courts around the country in 1994, when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of a Montana resident convicted of growing marijuana on his ranch. In addition to the drug conviction, the rancher was ordered by the Department of Revenue to pay taxes in excess of $400,000 on the marijuana. But the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the rancher, saying the tax was an additional punishment for a crime he had already been tried and punished for, constituting double jeopardy. Gerash and a number of other attorneys have used that case to argue the double-jeopardy defense for clients facing DUI charges. The purpose of the Supreme Court proceedings is to give the state's lower courts a precedent to follow in dealing with similar cases. The Colorado Supreme Court accepted the case because some lower courts around the state have gone along with the defense, while others have not. Wills' position is that the DMV proceeding and the court proceeding do not constitute double jeopardy because they use different criteria to determine what should be done. The DUI statute says it is illegal to drive when the ability to operate a motor vehicle safely is impaired. To revoke driving rights at the state driver's license hearing, the only criteria is the blood-alcohol level test. The sole question is whether the driver had a blood-alcohol content of more than .1 percent within two hours of driving. "All (the DMV) has to prove is BAC within two hours," Wills said. The court proceeding is more involved and is dependent on more than BAC. In court, a Breathalyzer reading of more than .1 isn't going to guarantee a guilty verdict. If other evidence gathered at the scene is strong enough to convince a jury the driver was capable of driving safely, the driver can be found not guilty. That other evidence could be doing well on roadside sobriety tests, not showing any physical signs of being incapable of driving safely, and not being cited for weaving or speeding. Also at issue is the question of whether the DMV hearing to revoke the driver's license is meant to impose punishment, which Wills contends is not the case. As is standard procedure in 37 states across the country, Colorado drivers arrested on suspicion of DUI are required to attend a DMV administrative hearing to determine whether the driver's license will be revoked. Gerash and other attorneys across the country say the revocation hearing is designed to inflict punishment on the driver, as are the legal proceedings. Wills says that hearing is designed to keep dangerous drivers off the road for their own safety as well as that of others. Denver, incidentally, didn't lose his license at the hearing - the result of a technicality concerning time. Arresting officer Bruce Berry, a state trooper, didn't administer the BAC test within the two hours the DMV requires for license revocation. "The officer sat around as a courtesy to watch Mr. Denver get sewn up," Wills said, referring to the injuries incurred in the accident. "And it turned around and bit him." Whatever the opinion of the Colorado Supreme Court, it is not likely to be the end of the alleged Denver DUI. Should the court find in favor of prosecutors and send Denver back to Pitkin County Court, Gerash has options to pursue. He gave a preview of what might occur should the case return to the county level, when in the original proceedings he claimed there was too much media publicity about the case and said Denver could never get a fair trial. In addition, there are questions about the release to the press of Denver's BAC test results, and Wills' role in that release. A witness has said she overheard Wills and Scott discussing the opening of the file to the public, and says Wills told Scott the BAC wasn't in the file. It was in the file and was subsequently published in newspaper accounts. Gerash has said Wills is therefore a witness and can't prosecute the case. ****************************************************** ENDFILE: http://www.sky.net/~emily Rocky Mountain High: The John Denver Internet Fan Club February 1996 * Issue #22 * emily@sky.net ******************************************************