Generation4Boomers.com / 17

For more than five decades, the Age Discrimination inEmployment Act (ADEA) has helped older adults fightworkplace bias. But court rulings over the past decadehave weakened some of the ADEA’s protections, just

as the number of older workers is hitting historic peaks.Adults 55 and older will make up 25 percent of the U.S. work­force within six years, says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics,compared with just 11.9 percent of workers in 1990.

Despite their growing numbers, older workers continue toface age discrimination at stubbornly persistent rates. Arecent AARP survey found that 61 percent of workers over 45said they have seen or experienced age discrimination in theworkplace, nearly identical to the level reported in a 2013survey. The number of age discrimination complaints filedwith the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission(EEOC) similarly has largely stayed level: 18,376 complaintswere filed in FY 2017.

New rulings, new issuesIn a major 2009 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that work­ers filing age discrimination complaints have to prove that agewas the primary factor that affected the employer’s decision,

not just one of several elements. The law previouslyhad been applied like other civil rights laws: Agebias could be claimed if it was any part of theemployer’s decision.

The new standard is difficult to meet, especiallywhen some older job seekers may not know whatthey are missing out on.

A practice known as “microtarget­ing” lets employers decide whichpeople get to see their online help­wanted ads. If you don’t match thecharacteristics the company is look­ing for — you live too far away oraren’t in their preferred age range,for example — you’ll never even seethat job posting.A group of older workers is suing T­Mobile, Amazonand several other companies for using Facebook torecruit job applicants in this manner.

Another ADEA weakness, legal experts say, is the way it limitscash payouts. Unlike most other antidiscrimination laws, theADEA essentially only allows people to win lost compensation,not punitive damages. Because victims are less likely to be eli­gible for large awards if their case succeeds, lawyers can bereluctant to take them on.

Yet another obstacle in the fight against age discrimination:People often don’t consider it to be comparable to othertypes of bias, such as race, sex or sexual orientation. “There isa sense that age discrimination is just not as harmful,” saysCathy Ventrell­Monsees, a senior adviser at the EEOC.

Changes to the ADEA would require action from Congress.There’s evidence that voters want legislators to step up tothat task. An AARP survey of older voters showed that morethan 9 out of 10 agreed that “Older Americans should be pro­tected from age discrimination just like they are protectedfrom discrimination on the basis of race, sex, national originand religion.” Check to see if your elected officials and policymakers back that idea. Then advocate whenever you get theopportunity for fair employment practices.

Gavel on a Book with the Title Age Discrimination

Over 7.4 million people annuallyset a goal to lose weight andimprove fitness. Although these

goals are best met with a nutritious dietand regular physical activity, many peo­ple may turn to dietary supplements fora boost to their routines. To help cutthe confusion, the Office of DietarySupplements (ODS) at the NationalInstitutes of Health has two newresources to help people understandwhat is known about the effectivenessand safety of many ingredients found indietary supplements promoted for fit­ness and weight loss.

Dietary Supplements for Exercise andAthletic Performance, covers products— sometimes called ergogenic aids —that claim to improve strength orendurance, increase exercise efficiency,achieve a performance goal more quick­ly, and increase tolerance for moreintense training.

“Dietary supplements marketed forexercise and athletic performance can’ttake the place of a healthy diet, butsome might have value for certain typesof activity,” said Paul M. Coates, Ph.D.,director of ODS. “Others don’t seem towork, and some might even be harm­ful.”

This fact sheet covers more than 20ingredients found in fitness supple­ments, including antioxidants, beetroot,tart cherry, branched­chain amino acids,caffeine, creatine, and protein. Creatine,for example, might help with shortbursts of high­intensity activity likesprinting or weight lifting, but not forendurance efforts like distance runningor swimming. However, antioxidantssuch as vitamins C and E don’t seem toimprove any type of physical activity,

though they're needed insmall amounts for over­all health.More than two­thirds ofadults in the UnitedStates are overweight orobese, and many are try­ing to lose those extrapounds. DietarySupplements for WeightLoss guides readersthrough the confusingset of options in themarketplace.

“Americans spend over$2 billion a year ondietary supplements pro­moted for weight loss,but there’s little evi­dence they actuallywork,” said Anne L. Thurn, Ph.D., direc­tor of the ODS CommunicationsProgram. “And people may not knowthat many manufacturers of weight­losssupplements don’t conduct studies inhumans to find out whether their prod­uct works and is safe.”

This fact sheet covers 24 ingredientsfound in these products, includingAfrican mango, beta­glucans, chromium,garcinia, green tea, hoodia, and raspber­ry ketones. Chromium, for example,might help you lose a very small amountof weight and body fat, and is safe, butraspberry ketones haven’t been studiedenough to know whether they're safe oreffective. And while drinking green teais safe, taking green­tea extract pills hasbeen linked to liver damage in somepeople.

Both fact sheets are available in ahealth professional version that isdetailed and fully referenced, as well as

consumer versions in both English andSpanish. In fact, most ODS fact sheetson dietary supplement ingredients areavailable in these multiple formats.

“We encourage people to talk with theirhealthcare providers to get advice aboutdietary supplements and to visit theODS website to learn valuable informa­tion about these products,” said Coates.“People can also sign up for the ODSlistserv to be notified when we add newinformation to our website.”

Part of the Office of the Director at theNational Institutes of Health, the Officeof Dietary Supplements (ODS), strength­ens knowledge and understanding ofdietary supplements by evaluating sci­entific information, stimulating and sup­porting research, disseminatingresearch results, and educating the pub­lic to foster an enhanced quality of lifeand health for the U.S. population. Formore information about ODS and itsprograms, see https://ods.od.nih.gov.

GOOD HEALTH

Will Supplements Help Your Workout or Diet Routine?

National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements

18 / Generation4Boomers.com

Have a question?Ask ODS: ods.od.nih.gov/contact

• Feb. 2 ­ Whose LiveAnyway?, 8 p.m., PioneerCenter for Performing Arts.

• Feb. 9 ­ 10 ­ Classix Series:Timeless Masters, 7:30 p.m.,Pioneer Center for thePerforming Arts. Featuring JonNakamatsu, Piano.

• Feb. 14 ­ It Had to be You,four­course dinner, Shades ofSinatra, Atlantis Resort.

• Feb. 15 ­ The Oak RidgeBoys ­ Shine The LightTour, Silver Legacy, 8 p.m.

• Feb. 15 ­ 17 ­Something Rotten!Pioneer Center for thePerforming Arts.

• Feb. 16 ­ DierksBentley Burning ManTour, Reno Events Center,7 p.m.

• Feb. 17 ­ Hacken Lee 30thAnniversary Concert, RenoEvents Center, 8 p.m.

• Feb. 23 ­ Toni Braxton,Grand Theatre, Grand SierraResort, 8 p.m.

• Feb. 23 ­ Chinese New YearCelebration Year of the Pig,Atlantis Resort, buffet.

• Feb. 24 ­ Tim McGraw,Reno Events Center, 8 p.m.

• Feb. 24 ­ Marisela, GrandTheatre, 7 p.m., Grand Sierra

Resort, Reno.

• March 1 ­ GladysKnight, Grand Theatre,Grand Sierra Resort, 9p.m.

• March 8 ­ DancingWith The Stars: Live!,Grand Theatre, GrandSierra Resort, 8 p.m.

• March 9 ­ Diva’s Day Out!1­4 p.m., Summit Pavilion,Grand Sierra Resort, Reno.

• March 16 ­ An Eveningwith Marie and TheOsmonds, SilverLegacy, GrandeExposition Hall, 8p.m.

• March 23 ­Flogging Molly, 8p.m., GrandTheatre, GrandSierra Resort.

• March 30 ­ Tyler Henry ­The Hollywood Medium,Silver Legacy, 8 p.m.

• April 6 ­ Alan Parsons LiveProject, 8 p.m., GrandTheatre, Grand Sierra Resort.

Generation4Boomers.com / 19

Calendar Calendar

Alan Parsons, April 6.

Diva’s Day Out, March 9.

Feb. 24 ­ Tim McGraw.

Calendar

What better timethan now tothink and be cre­ative? Being art­

ful during the winter months isrelaxing, rewarding and rejuve­nating. When you create fromnothing, you are giving yourbrain a chance to dream andexplore, your hands a time towork in different ways and yoursoul to speak and express itself.

An artist organization that hasbeen carrying on the creativetradition since 1921 is The

Latimer Art ClubReno (LAC).

The LAC is dedi­cated to promot­ing the visual artsin a wide varietyof mediums frompainting, to illus­tration, mixedmedia works and3D sculptures.LAC encourageshealthy interac­tion among fellowartists, as well asthe growth andimprovement ofeach person asindividuals. LACalso supports the skill and develop­ment of local col­lege and high

school art students through thegranting of yearly educational schol­arships.

Born in Gold Hill, California in 1857,Lorenzo P. Latimer was a criticallyacclaimed landscape painter. Muchof Latimer’s work was done in thefield or what is known as plein­airpainting. It was during these plein­air excursions in the early 20th centu­ry that the painter captured theSierra Nevada and numerous scenesof Lake Tahoe and Fallen Leaf Lake.

During his trips to the Tahoe area,Latimer began teaching students in Reno, Nevada. In 1921 anumber of his Reno students organized the Latimer Art Club.

Members of theLatimer Art clubwere instrumentalin founding theSierra NevadaMuseum of Artnow called theNevada Museumof Art.

During meetings,attendees aretreated to presen­tations/demonstra­tions by artists ormembers of thecommunity, as wellas having thechance to enjoythe camaraderie offellow artists.

20 / Generation4Boomers.com Eileen Fuller, Latimer Club President.

THE ARTS“Support a thriving cultural community! Get involved!”

Carol Foldvary-Anderson“Creating Beauty-Inspiring Joy!”

varyCarol.com

Get your ART ON!!!!!

Pine and Rocks, Fallen Leaf Lake, Lake Tahoe,Watercolor by Lorenzo P. Latimer,

Collection of the Brewery Arts Center.

Work of Kaleigh Surber.

Generation4Boomers.com / 21

Meetings are held six Saturdays between 1p.m. to 3 p.m. atthe Moana Lane Nursery Design Center, 1100 West MoanaLane, Reno, NV 89509. Go to http://www.latimerartclub.comfor the yearly schedule.

Several special meetings take place: February a MiniatureExchange, October a card exchange, in memory of Lorenzo P.Latimer’s birthday month, and in December a pot luck and

ornament exchange, which is always fun.

Other activities include a varied schedule of paint­outs fromMay through October. Members gather at locations through­out Reno and the Sierra and enjoy the company of otherartists practicing their craft.

Two exhibits of members work is planned for 2019: TMCCNourishing Body & Soul, the Annual Juried and JudgedMiniature Exhibition, a state­wide invitational.

The club welcomes new members and ideas about uniqueexhibit venues. Attend a meeting or contact President, EileenFuller to find out details.

Latimer Art Club: http://www.LatimerArtClub.com Phone: 775­233­4796 Eileen Fuller President

GenerationsART / from page 20

Carol Foldvary-Anderson/varyCarolAward Winning. Artist/ Designer. ArtsEducator . Published Illustrator. Author.Calligrapher. Photographer. Innovator ofthe Oil Pastel Smudge technique.http://www.varyCarol.comhttp.www.MakeArtYourBusiness.comart@varycarol.com 775.721.5338

Past speaker Luverne Lightfoot.

Carol Foldvary­Anderson

Over the holiday I had the experi­ence of visiting The CheesecakeFactory located inside

Meadowood Mall in Reno, after anexhausting day of shopping. What a sur­prise and treat! Not only was the menuimpressive, but the selections listedwere outstanding choices.

The Cheesecake Factory was created toperfect the upscale casual dining experi­ence in 1978 with the opening of its firstrestaurant in Beverly Hills, CA. Morethan 40 years later, The CheesecakeFactory is known across the globe for itsextensive and creative menu, generousportions, distinctive décor and leg­endary desserts.

With more than 250 menu selec­tions – all handmade, in­housewith fresh ingredients – and morethan 50 signature cheesecakes anddesserts, there is truly “Somethingfor everyone” at The CheesecakeFactory.

After shopping among largecrowds, The Cheesecake Factorywas geared up to accommodate.Escorted to a secluded table weordered and quickly snacked onthe famous Brown Bread TheCheesecake Factory is so known for.The brown bread, soft and doughy, hasbeen on the menu nearly from the start.It is delicious and perfectly baked.

While waiting forour order, I lookedover the wine andspirit menu...whichis well suppliedwith the best byglass and bottle.Ordering afavorite whitewine, nothingwas morecomfortingaside a greatrelaxingatmosphere.

Listings onthe menuwere largeand wideranging for alltastes. If rich,creamy cheese­cake is not yourfirst selection, andthere are manytempting offerings,salads, burgers,fish, beef, or a

large listing of sandwiches will generateanticipation in ordering.

The Cobb Salad is layered with chickenbreast, avocado, blue cheese, bacon,tomato, egg and mixed greens, while aseared Tuna Tataki Salad features freshAhi lightly seared and served rare withavocado, tomato and mixed greens.Both dishes do not disappoint.

Other featured dishes include a varietyof pizza, soups, and hamburgers,

served with French fries or green salad.

The Cheesecake Factory:Meadowood Mall5162 Meadowood Mall CircleReno, NV 89502 US775­826­4107

22 / Generation4Boomers.com

Cheesecake Factory in Reno A Delicious Surprise

Seared Tuna Tataki Salad.

There are 50 signature cheesecakes and desserts.

GOOD TASTE

Connie McMullen

Generation4Boomers.com / 23

TRAVEL

Machu Picchu or Manhattan? Oahuor Iceland? Galapagos or the GreatBarrier Reef? If travel is on your

bucket list, do it now, while you are stillenergetic and agile.In the age of the Internet, travel options are endless. You cando all the planning and preparation yourself, join a tourgroup, use a Travel Agent, or take advantage of all threeoptions to put things in motion.

Once you reach your desired location, whether your dreamdestination becomes the trip of a lifetime or a disappointingdisaster, the end result depends largely on you. And, that iswhy energy and agility count – along with a good amount ofenthusiasm. Expect to be surprised, amazed and annoyedwhen you leave the comforts of home. You'll be an ambassa­dor for your city, state and, internationally, for the UnitedStates.

A very good friend of mine qualifies as an intrepid world trav­eler. She makes almost all her travel arrangements on­line forherself and the family members who come along on hertwice­yearly excursions around the globe. Destinationresearch begins with travel magazines and guide books(Fodors, Frommer's or Lonely Planet). She culls these sourcesfor cultural information (those essential “do's or do nots”)along with weather considerations, local attractions andevents, transportation tips (bus vs train, etc.). Once a basicplan is in place, she uses websites for flights (www.expedia.com, www.obitz.com, www.seatguru.com),accommodations (www.vrbo.com, www.homeaway.com) pluswww.tripadvisor.com for reviews. She often Googles thisquery: “10 best things to see in ­­­­­”.

My friend never leaves town without a detailed itinerary thatincludes enough flexibility for unexpected events (a cancelledflight, rainy days, or a local festival). She also takes along anextra, folded suitcase for those must­have souvenirs.

My brother prefers cruises for most of his bucket list travel.His longest cruise was a three­month Millennial voyagearound the world; a recent favorite is to the Hawaiian Islandsfrom the Pacific Coast. He usually stays with one cruise line soperks and discounts for future cruises add up. He also ignoresmost of the costly shore excursions, instead hiring local taxi drivers for exploring port cities along the way. You can book

your own cruise directly with the line of your choice, or work

with a Travel Agent, especially if you're cruising for the firsttime.

When it comes to traveling with a group, you can create yourown. This takes a lot of work and previously required a mini­mum of ten participants before there would be any discounts.Or, you can join a tour company's outing to the destination ofyour choice. I have participated in more than a dozen RoadScholar tours with the number of participants ranging from acozy seven to a maximum (but manageable) forty­four, allwithin the United States or Hawaii. (Road Scholar does highlyrated international tours and cruises as well.) Road Scholartours (formerly Elderhostel) can be ideal for a solo travelerand usually include all ground transportation, admission fees,most meals, and gratuities. Take a look at what's on offer attheir website:www.roadscholar.org.

For day trips from Reno and Carson City – and these aren'texempt from being on one's bucket list, I've had good

(Where to Go page 24)

WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO?By Janet Ross

In an exclusive interview, legendarysinger and prolific songwriter SmokeyRobinson shares behind­the­scenes

stories about how he, founder BarryGordy, and a cast of Detroit teenagerschanged the world of music withMotown records.

The iconic record label – responsible forlaunching the careers of superstars

Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, MarvinGaye, and Aretha Franklin – turns 60this year. Smokey Robinson wrotesongs, traveled, and shared countlessmoments with each of them during histime at Motown. In fact, he metFranklin long before their music careerstook off; the two were childhood friendsand remained close personally and pro­fessionally for over 70 years. In a recentedition of AARP Magazine, Robinsonreveals his reactions and emotionswhen he learned of the passing of theQueen of Soul.

Being at the forefront of a worldwidephenomenon at the most importantmusic label of the century was beyondRobinson's wildest dreams. He remem­bers the first day of Motown whenfounder Berry Gordy sat everyone downand said, "I'm going to start my ownrecord company. We are not just going

to make black music, we're going tomake music for the world." And accord­ing to Robinson, "That was our plan,and we did it."

Also in the December/January ATM:The Story of Motown ATM's commemo­rative feature details the hidden historyof Motown records. Read about theyoung Detroit entrepreneur who creat­ed music that broke down racial barri­ers, electrified the American songbook.

experiences with Patty's Tours(www.pattystours.com). As an exam­ple, one could drive to Ananda nearNevada City to see the tulips in theSpring, but why do the driving whenyou get on a large, comfortable bus, letsomeone else take the wheel, elimi­nate the hassle of traffic and parking,enjoy a fine meal as part of the outing,and even have time to explore theshops in Grass Valley – all in the spaceof a day.

My favorite trips and locations – one toLondon, one to New York City – werewith a company that has 40 years inproducing tours to see the latest playsand musicals in London or onBroadway. That's all they do, theatertours. Accommodations are top­notch,seating for all productions is first­class,and a lot of great extras are included inthe price. Break­Away tours is head­quartered in San Diego; locally they aresponsored by Reno's Pioneer Theater.For more information you can call 800­962­7325 or check their website atwww.break­awaytours.com.

Finally, there's a bucket list destinationfew of us can afford, but it may beavailable sooner than we think. EitherRichard Branson or Elon Musk plans toget you there … SPACE. Might be agood idea to reserve your seat now.

24 / Generation4Boomers.com

Smokey Robinson Photo: promotional

TRAVEL / from page 23

Motown Legend Smokey Robinson Reflects on the Birth of Motown Records

Darlings all…. Recently from the terrace restaurant ofthe Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild on Cap Ferat, wewere rasing a glass of champers to the spectacular

view of the nonpareil gardens overlooking the spectacle ofthe bay of Villefranche (www.villa­ephrussi.com). Our headswere full of grand plans to stroll the fabled avenues ofMonte Carlo, gazing into the gorgeous shops, dining incharming cafes and world class restaurants, swanning aboutthe decks of yachts and all such splendours. But If you willtake the word of one who would not deceive you; Montewas heaving with the most horrible posturing people whosework of the moment seemed to be impressing their newfound gaudy wealth on all and sundry. Everyone wasdressed in clothes showing so many designer logos we beganto wonder if they were all getting product placement fees.The shops have always been extravagantly expensive, butnow they were insultingly so. Suffice to say a baguette ofbread in a local patisserie was eight euros! Shopkeepers har­ried and snappish were not at all polite. So offended by the

supercilious manner of a clerk in a boutique, I put down anexquisite silk scarf, I was about to buy and walked out! Gonewas the lovely laissez faire feeling of old. Quiet elegance hasbeen replaced by loud unintelligible voices and glaringavarice. Drat, I really wanted that scarf too – a nautical motif

(Travel page 26)

Generation4Boomers.com / 25

THE WRIGHT WAY TO TRAVELBy Lauren and Ian Wright

The SECRET French Riviera

Bay of Villefranche.

in navy, ice blue and lavender, however one simply mustdraw the line.

We reconnoitered back to our hotel, The Chateau ChevreD’or in Eze (www.chevredor.com). Halfway through our sec­ond Boodles martini, (shaken of course) we decided it wastime to up sticks and retrench for the other French Riviera,that azure coastline on the north west Atlantic coast ofFrance that the French try to keep secret from the rest of theworld. They designed the Mediterranean Cote D’Azure toappeal to international travellers, but they designed theAtlantic Cote D’Amour for themselves. The exclusive seasideresort of La Baule Escoublac boats a micro climate with someof the most temperate weather in Europe due to the GulfStream which hits Europe first at La Baule. A promenade ofindigenous palms fringe Europe’s longest beach, a 12 kilome­ter stretch of talcum powder sand, along the Bay Of La Baule,edged by a boardwalk, overlooked by a plethora of luxuryhotels, and of course… all the best designer boutiques. Sincethe late 1800s, the pine forest backing the beach at La Bauleis where the French haute monde built seaside houses in aneclectic mix of fanciful architectural styles set on serpentineavenues under the shade of Les Pins.

The atmosphere is unhurried and elegant. French societycomes here to relax not to show off. If you’re looking for pureFrench chic in all its forms and glory, La Baule is the place tobe. You’ll find all the finest in everything from cuisine,antiques, jewelry, luggage and designer fashions. I bought a

divine art deco copper and lapis lazuli inlaid travel clock withits original fitted leather case for $100 at an antique shopfilled with treasures, and a gorgeous blush coloured cashmere

overcoat with a huge crystalfox collar in a tiny fur shop where they tailored it to fitperfectly and delivered it thenext day. The thallasso ther­apy spa is one of the finest inEurope and there’s also aspectacular casino. Asidefrom sunbathing and swim­ming in the clear sea, there’sgolf at the splendid champi­onship course at La BauleGolf Club. All things equestri­an can be found at theLongines Five Star Grand Prixde la Ville de La Baule whichhosts the prestigious eques­trian show jumping competi­tion that is part of theInternational EquestrianNations Cup Series. The sta­ble lads from the local hippo­drome exercise the string ofthoroughbred race horsesevery morning. It’s a won­derful spectacle and the

26 / Generation4Boomers.com

YOUR LEISURE

La Baule offers splendid seaside views.

Generation4Boomers.com / 27

sound of 30 galloping horses kicking up the sand andsea spray is never to be forgotten.

If you’d like to rent a car and venture further afield thewhole coastline is a succession of beautiful beachesand charming villages. One of my favourite spots in thearea is Saint Malo a charismatic walled city surroundedby vivid turquoise seas. Medieval turreted andcrenelated walls encircle the entire city and walkingalong the lofty ramparts affords stunning views out tosea. Amazingly, the tides ebb and flow as much as fif­teen kilometers making many of the small offshoreislands, easy to reach by foot, across dazzling whitesands, during low tide. When we first discovered SaintMalo, the tide was miles out and a captivating castleperched on the precipice of a rocky offshore outcrop­ping, beckoned like a siren. I was wearing, what I consid­er to be, the perfect black suede boots, that were only foundafter an exhaustive husband­maddening search though theshoe shops of Nice, Paris and London. Obviously, they werenot the appropriate footwear to walk across wide expanses ofwet sand, no matter how white and pristine. My intrepid spir­it of adventure along with Ian’s gently persistent coaxing,(ahem) swamped and submerged my vanity. We popped intoa nearby shop and bought a pair of hideous green rubberatrocities Ian laughingly called, “Gucci Wellies” and set outacross the vast sands, my gallant husband with a walking sticklooking like nothing so much as Sir Edmund Hillary about to

scale Mt. Everest. Naturally, the castle was much farther awaythan it appeared, but we eventually reached it to be reward­ed with an enthralling view of Saint Malo from the offshorevantage. Need I say, we forgot all about the time? A glanceseaward jerked us smartly from our thraldom. The tide wascoming in. If we didn’t high ourselves back across all that sand to theshore in double quick time, we would be engulfed by thesteadily advancing tide. By the time we got back to shore, thelimpid blue sea was nipping at our heels and within minutes,crashing on the city walls, sending huge geysers of spray upand over the ramparts onto the pavements. We dashed into a

THE WRIGHT WAY TO TRAVEL / from p. 26

The enthralling view of Saint Malo.

28 / Generation4Boomers.com

charming teashop set into the stone walls for a refreshing cupof the old tissue restorative and sinfully huge slice of sublimecake. Breaths caught and jangled nerves calmed, there wasbut one pressing task remaining before my equanimity couldbe fully restored. I held the foul green rubber abominations,with the very tippy tips of my fingers, above the nearest trashbin and let them fall into the black void, never to be seenagain!

On the way back to La Baule we stopped in the picturesquelittle town of Cancalle, known as the oyster capital of France,which has countless restaurants purveying succulent oystersand innumerable other seafood specialties, overlooking mas­sive oyster beds, which are revealed at low tide. The areaabounds in mesmerizing medieval towns where you canspend days strolling the ancient streets filled with antiqueshops, excellent restaurants and gardens. Any sort of watersport from sailing to sand yachting is readily available. For theadventurous, there are literally endless expanses of whitesand to explore at low tide, just remember to check the tidetables and give yourself plenty of time to get back to shorebefore the tide comes flooding in.

And finally darlings, having lived in La Baule for a number ofyears, we know of what we speak. La Baule was built by theFrench for the French and they endeavor to guard its secret.Don’t even try to get information from the La Baule Office ofTourism; they simply won’t bother to respond to an English orAmerican voice. But don’t let this put you off. Simply makeyour own hotel reservations. We suggest flying to Paris and

taking the TGV Train from Le Gare Montparnasse direct to LaBaule Escoublac rail station, a journey of about three hours.(www.sncf.com) There is a flight from Charles Gaulle toNantes followed by an hour and a half journey to La Baule bycar or train, but the transfers are a bloody nightmare and tobe avoided at all costs. Ian advises, on this occasion, "Let thetrain take the strain” Of course, if you’re really posh you’llarrive by yacht and berth in La Pouligan which is at the north­ern end of the La Baule boardwalk and has the most pictur­esque marina. We shall take a cue from the French and nottell you another thing about Le Pouligan. You shall discover itsglories for yourself.

P.S.­ One more little secret. If you drive southof La Baule for about twenty minutes, passingthrough Pornichet and St Marguerite, you’llarrive at the lovely little town of St. Marcwhich was the location of the classic andmuch beloved by the French, Jacques Tati film,"La Vacances de M. Hulot”. Here you will findour very favourite restaurant in the entireregion. It’s hidden away under the boardwalkwhere a life­sized statue of M. Hulot gazes outover the beach named for him and protectsthe secret jewel of a restaurant at his feet.Restaurant La France serving the most incredi­ble seafood at amazingly affordable pricesaccompanied by the local white Muscadet isnestled right on the sands of La Plage M.Hulot. We highly recommend the mousse auchocolate for desert followed by a walk alongthe beach to the north and up along a cliffpath where charming villas overlook the sea.

Please darlings let’s keep this secret under ourchapeaus as we don’t want the same to hap­pen to La Cote D’Amour that’s happened to LaCote D’Azure.

THE WRIGHT WAY TO TRAVEL / from page 27

Le Castel Marie­Louise ­ An exquisite manor overlooking the aquamarineCote d’Amour and backed by a magnificent green wooded park. This sumptu­ous setting was created by Jacques Garcia (www.hotelsbarriere.com).

Generation4Boomers.com / 29

In late 1960 at the tender age of 15, I was beinginterviewed for the position of junior darkroomboy at The Northern Echo, a provincial newspa­per in the north east of England. Also on the

same day an older chap aged 33, (we were both thesame size and weight, it was difficult to distinguishus from the back, and he was also doing his best toimpress), auditioned to become the papers new edi­tor. Both would become successful.

Harold Evans had his first editorial post. He was amodernist and brought sweeping changes to this lowcirculation liberal broad sheet still labouring, on postWW2 editorial policies. To survive it had to have anew voice. He said to me later in life: “I heard itcoming, the Sixties Revolution. Together I chronicledand you illustrated the greatest decade of the lastcentury”

By 1962, 20 million Baby Boomers flowered in America, and 5million in the U.K., these figures were of biblical proportions,and he realized they had to be acknowledge and needed avoice. He would provide it, by publishing a four page fold oversupplement titled ‘The Teenage Special’ published eachMonday. He had acquired a team of journalists that hadendured the war and had enjoyed the comforts of the fifties.He had a couple of junior reporters and one junior photogra­pher, ME. We were the only ones who knew the scene, whowas playing at which theatre, night club and dance halls.

Evans elevated me to the post of photographer, alas therewere stipulations, you have to do it in your own time, no timeoff, no overtime and no expenses. I put both hands up. Thiswas the opportunity I was waiting for to show what I couldproduce. Too young to drive I was instantly elevated to a modon a bike. I was out every night peddling all over the region tocapture some of the earliest photographs of The Beatles,Rolling Stones, the Animals, Dave Clark Five, Roy Orbison,Johnny Cash, Ike and Tina Turner, Chubby Checker, CliffRichard. My first portrait was of Miss Ella Fitzgerald. I had topadlock my bike to a drain pipe outside the La Dolce Vitanight club, the casino was straight from a Bond movie. Whatno one realized, and if it had been brought to the editor’sattention my meteoric rise would have died in a second. InBritain it mattered not a jot to the local police if you were asixteen­year­old member of the press, the law stated NO ONE UNDER THE AGE OF 18 ALLOWED ON LICENCEDPREMISES.

I was in and out of a choice of thirty night clubs to ply my

trade. I knew all the managers, strippers, card sharps, waiters,croupiers and of course all the stars. I was the only photogra­pher taking these images, and they loved it.

On February 9th 1963, a tour bus carrying The Helen ShapiroVariety Show ploughed through snow drifts to arrive atSunderland’s Empire Theatre in the North East of England, fora one­night performance during their U.K. tour. Aged fifteenwith two number one hits, “You Don’t Know” and “WalkingBack To Happiness,” Helen Shapiro had recently been votedtop female singer of 1962 by readers of New Music Express.Second on the bill, South African, Danny Williams, had a num­ber one hit with; “Moon River” the title song from AudreyHepburn’s smash hit film, “Breakfast At Tiffany’s.” Filling outthe cast were a fabulous singing trio, The Vernon Girls, a trioof female singers, The Kestrals, another girl group, TheHoneys and at the bottom of the bill, earning wages ofapproximately £40 a week including expenses were four ladsfrom Liverpool called the Beatles who had a song in the chartsat number 39.

As the occupants of the tour bus unloaded at the stage door, Iarrived on my rusty, bone shaker of a bicycle. Consequentlymy huge 5x4 glass plate camera and a flash the size of aBentley head lamp were strapped to my bike’s frame. Evansdirective to me: "Photograph everyone on the bill. You neverknow who will become famous.” After photographing all theperformers backstage, I was busy packing up my equipmentas Don the Doorman said, “You better get off home, its reallystarting to snow” I was just about to leave when I stopped

(Way Up page 30)

On Their Way Up By IAN Wright

YOUR LEISURE

Beatles at Sunderland, onstage. Photo: Ian Wright

30 / Generation4Boomers.com

Way UP / from page 29

dead in my tracks by a voice with a heavy Liverpudlian Scouse accent from the stage. "Good evening ladies and gentlemen.Those of you who want to sing along can or clap your hands ifyou can’t do that just take off your shoes and socks and hum.Our first song is, "Love Me Do. A one a, one two three four”The incredible sound of a mouth organ intro and the firstlyrics to the song, rooted to the spot. I hadn’t ever heard any­thing like it, I grabbed my camera and shot into the auditori­um as four lads in matching black silk and mohair suits weresinging, "Kansas City.” I took one photograph and stood theremesmerized. I’d been photographing pop groups for severalmonths and they had all acted and sounded pretty much thesame. This group was completely unique. Rather than juststanding there singing, they shook their heads in time to thedrummer’s back beat, moved about the stage, were com­pletely animated and obviously having fun. They encouragedthe audience to clap their hands over their heads, told sillyjokes and the only half full theatre loved it. Until that momentaudiences only applauded between songs, but now somethingnew happened. Little fledgling screams emanated from someof the young girls sitting in the front row seats. The Beatlessang “Mr Postman” followed by “Twist and Shout,” beforebowing in unison and walking offstage. The crowd went wild.Even mums, dads, aunts and uncles were on their feet shout­ing for more. The boys ran back onstage plugged in the gui­tars and performed “Please Please Me”. One month laterthat song, reached number one.

Before the song was over, I shot back stage. There was noneed for passes in those days as I was usually the only pho­tographer there. I found their dressing room which by daywas a broom cupboard and knocked on the door. A shoutfrom within said, "Yeah. What is it?” I explained I was withthe local paper and had an idea for a photograph. The dooropened and the lad who seemed to be the leader said again,“Yeah. What is it?” I pointed across the hall at the open eleva­

tor door and said “I want you all in the lift. The caption willbe, “On The Way Up”. All he said was, “In the lift lads.” FlashBang Wollop, the Bentley flash momentarily blinded the fourBeatles. Rubbing their eyes they began spilling out of the lift.I yelled, ”STOP” and motioned for them to stay put. I had noidea who they were and I needed the names left to right.They all had a good laugh and spelled out their names.“What did you say your name was?” asked John Lennon. Itold him, "Ian Wright.“ John said, “From now on you’reknown to us as Wrighty, OK? Do us a favour will you? Can yousend the photos and cuttins to my Auntie Mimi in Liverpool?She thinks were crap and won’t make it but she’s keepin ascrapbook any­way.” He wrotedown theaddress on theback of theshow’s flier;“Mimi Smith,The Mendips,Melove Avenue,Woolton,Liverpool.” AsJohn wrote, Itold him mymum was keep­ing a scrapbookof all my pic­tures that gotput in thepapers.

Whilst I hadbeen out ped­alling in thesnow storm thecast of the Helen Shapiro Variety Show had finished their sec­ond show and loaded into the tour busses, hoping to catch afish and chip shop still open. There were no pizza, curry orkebab houses in those days, no fast food restaurants or toiletfacilities. Everything had to be done on the bus. As the buswith no heating left Sunderland that night, the windows werefrozen on the inside. Tour manager Joe Collins, (Father of Joanand Jackie), had provided sandwiches, crisps and woodencrates full of beer. Those empty bottles would be used laterto pee in. The performers started off sitting bolt upright in theseats wearing over coats, woolly hats, scarves and gloves.Some started a sing song, others read. Some played cardswhile others cuddled together to keep warm and tried to getsome sleep. The back seats had been removed and a singlebed installed exclusively for the star. By the time they reachedthe next destination the interior of the bus had a pervasiveoverpowering stench ­ a combination of stale beer, cigarettesmoke, piss, puke and deadly farts.

Beatles in Sunderland Lift. Photo: Ian Wright

Ian with Bicycle 1964.