Keith Anderson

Jimmy says Early Spring!

2012-02-02T06:10:00.000-08:00

Wisconsin's answer to Punxsutawney Phil, Jimmy the Groundhog in Sun Prairie, did not see his shadow this morning! According to Groundhog Lore, that means an early spring for Wisconsin. To be honest, Phil did see his shadow but Jimmy has a better record of accuracy... at least if you believe the locals. I choose to believe Jimmy (probably because I'm anxious for spring). Remember last year on this day? The U.S.A. had one to two feet of snow in the midwest and east and the worst blizzard of the winter along with billions of dollars of storm damage... with over 100 million of us affected. Now, isn't 2012 a lot better?

Keith's Forgotten Oldie...

2012-02-01T04:32:00.000-08:00

Today a record that was one of the first big garage-band hits, and is credited with pioneering punk-rock. The Seeds "Pushin' Too Hard" broke into the top 40 in February of 1968 and stayed on the charts for 11 weeks. Sky Saxon was the writer and vocalist on the song, which he wrote sitting in a car waiting for his girlfriend to finish grocery shopping. The song is on the soundtrack of several movies, and was selected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's list of the 500 songs that shaped rock and roll. I just think it's a great song!

Mirror mirror on the wall...

2012-01-30T10:49:00.000-08:00

You're running late for an important meeting. You waste a valuable minute to dash into a restroom to make sure you look good. Uh oh, now what?

Friday!!!

2012-01-27T05:38:00.000-08:00

I am so happy it's Friday! I feel silly, I feel sly, I feel ready for anything! I feel like a kid again... and I remember what used to make me really happy when I was a kid in school. What made you the happiest when you were in school? Remember the TV on wheels?

January 26, 1964

2012-01-26T07:16:00.000-08:00

Today in rock history - The Beatles hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for the first time on this day with "I Want To Hold Your Hand". It was the beginning of the British invasion. It was the start of my favorite era in rock music. It was the day that American performers said "this won't last". But it did last... all the old rules slowly ceased to exist. I was one of the first kids in school to comb my hair down... I got chewed out by a teacher. A year later the same teacher had a better Beatle haircut than I did. What a wonderful time to grow up!

Keith's Forgotten Oldie...

2012-01-25T04:32:00.000-08:00

Today a record from a band that has more than one distinction under their belt... they are credited with pioneering heavy metal, and they were among the first "power trio's". "Summertime Blues" was San Francisco psychedelia at it's best extreme, and shook the roots of rock and roll all summer long in 1968, but was the only single by the band to climb into the top 40. The band had several lineup changes over the years, finally breaking up for good in 2009 with the death of founding member Dickie Peterson. I saw them back in 1969 or 1970 and was awed by their power and unique sound... I loved them. And I wasn't alone, Jim Morrison of the Doors called Blue Cheer the "single, most powerful band I've ever seen!"

Optimism!

2012-01-24T06:56:00.000-08:00

Well after the freezing rain and snow Sunday and Monday, the forecast for the rest of the week is pretty darned good. Lately, a nice forecast seems to get me up for the day. I feel like a nice day is going to be a good day... and I get all optimistic. Even a silly idea seems to have merit (see picture). Do you feel better with a favorable visit from Mother Nature?

Postage Stamps now 45 Cents!

2012-01-23T07:12:00.000-08:00

Just in case you missed it, the price of a postage stamp went up to 45 cents yesterday. Hopefully, you already bought a lot of stamps like this one... because "forever" stamps are still good!

COLD!!!

2012-01-19T06:57:00.000-08:00

Bundle up today, dress in layers, avoid being outdoors if you can, and stay warm! Wind chills have been around 25 below zero all morning, and there's a wind chill advisory until noon. Brrrrr. And by the way, 2-6 inches of snow is on the way!

Keith's Forgotten Oldie...

2012-01-18T05:10:00.000-08:00

Today a record that roared into the top 20 back in 1969, and got solid airplay for many months. The song "Evil Woman (Don't Play Your Games With Me)" was a national hit for the Minneapolis based blues-rock quintet Crow. A great dance song, Evil Woman featured overdubbed horns that the band was not happy about. The band released three albums without a second hit before finally disbanding in 1971. Lead singer Dave Wagner did release a solo album in 1973. Crow has the weird distinction of having the keyboard player with my favorite rock name... Kink Middlemist.

Miracle at the Liquor Store!

2012-01-17T12:04:00.000-08:00

Hallelujah!

Football blues...

2012-01-16T05:58:00.001-08:00

Well, the Packers quest for another Superbowl title ended yesterday with a disappointing loss at home to the Giants. But the Pack had a great season overall and ended up 15-2. And there's always next year. Me, I'm rooting for the 49ers now. And just to lift your spirits, here's a football picture showing two guys that should never sit together on the bench...

January 13, 1964

2012-01-13T06:51:00.001-08:00

To me, this is a landmark day in rock history... I consider this the day the music was born. Prior to 1/13/64 we'd had plenty of rock and roll... Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard and many more great acts. But then something happened and we got tunes from Frankie Avalon, Bobby Vee, Fabian and (ugh) Bobby Vinton. But very quietly and with no fanfare at all, an unknown (at the time) band from Liverpool, England released a record that would very shortly change everything. Today is the day the Beatle released "I Want to Hold Your Hand". And we were shortly going to get our rock and roll back!

Wednesday's Forgotten Oldie...

2012-01-11T05:15:00.000-08:00

Today I'm featuring a song that reached #6 on Billboard in late 1966; Peter and Gordon's "Lady Godiva". A catchy novelty tune, the song dominated the airwaves almost immediately on it's September release. Unfortunately, the song signaled the impending end of Peter & Gordon as chart toppers. The follow-up "Knight in Rusty Armour" seemed to tell fans that the boys were stuck in the novelty mode, and they broke up in 1968.

Do you get it?

2012-01-10T06:09:00.000-08:00

This is the funniest cartoon I've seen in a long time... do you get it?

If you don't get it, there was a TV show in the 50's called "The Honeymooners" with Jackie Gleason as Ralph Cramden. And he was always getting mad at his wife Alice, and threatening to send her "to the moon". Not very PC today, but we always knew that Ralph would never do it.

Monday...

2012-01-09T12:44:00.000-08:00

Back to work. And we were just getting used to not working Mondays. Nice weather though, so how's your day going?

Frampton finds his Guitar!

2012-01-05T06:55:00.000-08:00

Peter Frampton's famous 1954 Les Paul Custom has been returned to it's happy owner! Back in 1980, a lot of Frampton's equipment was believed to have been destroyed in a fiery plane crash in the Caribbean, including the iconic Gibson guitar. But a guitar tech in Curacao discovered the guitar and with the help of officials from the tourist board of Curacao was able to obtain it, and return it to it's delighted owner! The guitar's identity was confirmed by Gibson. Frampton hopes to use it for his upcoming tour starting February 1st. An amazing story!

The Wednesday Forgotten Oldie

2012-01-04T04:32:00.000-08:00

Every Wednesday around 7:30 AM listen to Eagle 102.7 for the "Forgotten Oldie". Today, I'm featuring one of the 60's USA bands that shaped the sound of rock in San Francisco... and yet they receive virtually no credit for it. THE MOJO MEN were born as a British Invasion cover band, but when female drummer/singer Jan Ashton joined, the band moved to a more intricate, psychedelic sound that was highlighted by vocal harmonies. Their only top-40 hit was "Sit Down I Think I Love You", a song written by Stephen Stills and originally recorded by Buffalo Springfield for their first album. The Mojo Men version of the song came out in March of 1967 and stayed in the top 40 for several weeks.

2012... what's in store?

2012-01-02T06:01:00.000-08:00

I only have one wish for 2012... that everyone is back here a year from now, still smiling and still happy!

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T20:44:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year!!

2011-12-30T14:23:00.001-08:00

But remember...

Quote for today...

2011-12-29T15:05:00.000-08:00

With apologies to MJ fans, this is Keef at his priceless best.

Dennis Wilson

2011-12-28T08:02:00.001-08:00

Dennis Wilson was my favorite Beach Boy. He was probably the first person to suggest to his brothers that they should start a band. His older brother Brian said he should play the drums, so Dennis learned drums. He was the only Beach Boy that really was a surfer/beach bum like their songs. He eventually became a very good drummer, and was pretty fair on guitar and piano as well. His vocals are heard on many, many Beach Boys songs... you can hear the slight raspiness in Dennis' voice. He released a critically acclaimed solo album, Pacific Ocean Blue, which is considered a cult classic. He was pretty wild, and his alcohol abuse probably contributed to his death. But he was my favorite... and died too young. Dennis Wilson died 28 years ago today, December 28, 1983.

The LAST MONDAY (until next year)

2011-12-26T08:33:00.000-08:00

Shouldn't there be some kind of huge party to celebrate the last Monday of the year? A ceremony or dedication? A gathering to consume alcohol and cheer resoundingly? I think so....

Merry Christmas!!

2011-12-24T13:57:00.001-08:00

Good luck Santa! The cookies are ready!
http://www.noradsanta.org/en/

Oh, and by the way....

2011-12-23T09:21:00.001-08:00

No texting while driving!

Merry Christmas!!

2011-12-23T07:22:00.000-08:00

Here's to family & friends, great food, fun gifts, and safe travels! Merry Christmas!

Office Christmas Party Day!

2011-12-21T09:50:00.000-08:00

The one day every year that people gather around my old PC...

Jon Bon Jovi is alive and well

2011-12-20T06:46:00.000-08:00

I have to admit, for a minute yesterday they had me going too... a story on Facebook popped up that Jon had died after cardiac arrest in New Jersey. And even after the story was repudiated several times (including by me) I had friends that were posting how terrible it was. Amazing how gullible people are. Anyway, here's pictorial proof... a picture Jon had taken and posted late yesterday afternoon. Check out what he wrote on the paper. It says "Heaven looks a lot like New Jersey. Dec. 19th, 2011, 6:00".

And the winner of Survivor is....

2011-12-19T05:39:00.000-08:00

Sophie!! Yep, my second pick was the winner! She played great and to me totally deserved it. So here's what happened:
First, the Redemption Island Duel pitted Ozzie against Brandon. One of those climb up a pole and see who can hang there the longest. The kind of challenge I'd hate! It was tough and I felt sorry for both players. Finally Brandon dropped to the ground and Ozzie won. So Ozzie got to rejoin the four remaining Opulu members.
Then at the immunity challenge, Ozzie triumphed again, and with Coach threatening to play the immunity idol at tribal council, the vote was between Albert, Sophie and Cowboy Rick. A close vote ensued, 3-2, and bye-bye Rick.
The final immunity challenge was one of the toughest I can remember... make your way through five parts of an obstacle course to gather five puzzle bags, thenput together a very hard puzzle. Ozzie had a huge lead but must have had brain-freeze because Sophie got the puzzle done first and won immunity.
At tribal council... bye-bye Ozzie.
So the final three came down to Albert, Sophie and Coach. At the last tribal council, Coach finally crashed and burned when he took heat from everyone about how he talked honor and integrity, but exhibited nothing but deceit and lies.
So we move to L.A. and the reunion show. And Sophie won the million! And I'm happy. Why? Very simple - Sophie, my second choice, won the million. Ozzie, my first choice, won the $100,000 fan vote. Coach got his come-uppance finally, and Albert didn't get a single vote. It's all good!
Bring on the next season!

Decorating the Christmas Tree

2011-12-16T06:55:00.000-08:00

The number one thing that gets me in the Christmas mood is decorating the Christmas tree. We stopped using the typical colored balls and sets of matching ornaments many years ago. All the ornaments we use at home mean something, commemorating events like our son being born, our pets, our hobbies, even a Badger visit to the Rose Bowl. And we have almost 150 individual ornaments. We always do the tree two or three weeks before Christmas. How about you? What's your Christmas Tree tradition. Follow the link here and email me... I'll post fun entries hereonthe blog!

Survivor Update-

2011-12-15T06:07:00.000-08:00

11/15/12 - Time to get up to date. To be honest there hasn't been anything exciting for a while, very predictable as the final five from Upolu continue to the end. Thanksgiving week they aired one of those "behind the scenes" episodes, so nothing exciting there (I was yawning again).

Last week, despite efforts to preview excitement the predictable happened and Edna was voted to Redemption Island. Afterwards the charming segment with tribe members battling to spend a day with family members from home produced one interesting chapter, as Brandon's father (Russell Hantz's brother remember) tried to bully Coach into taking son Brandon to the end with him. Coach didn't appreciate that at all.

Then more "exciting" previews showed Edna about to beat Ozzie in the Redemption Duel, and she honestly had a chance and made it close, but Ozzie won.

So last night the final five duked it out and Brandon won immunity. Afterwards Albert self-destructed and put himself in the middle when his recent spate of lies came out in a series of tribal discussions.

Then things got a little weird as Brandon decided he would save Albert out of forgiveness by giving him immunity and Coach prayed to find the name of his next vote-out. Well, it was Brandon... after giving his necklace to Albert and getting a swell weird hug (see picture), he was voted off to face Ozzie at Redemption this Sunday night in the season two-hour finale.

So Sunday night will begin with Ozzie and Brandon dueling, and then the winner will join the other four for the last challenges and votes and the eventual winner.

Just because it's about time something totally improbable happened, I'm picking Ozzie... but if he goes down in flames I'll take Sophie. Not sure why.

I wonder if Rudolph knows?

2011-12-14T05:42:00.000-08:00

I wish I knew the story behind this photo. But obviously, eight moose would be able to pull Santa's sleigh even faster than eight reindeer. I'm betting Rudolph is keeping this a secret from Santa!

Reminds me of our house!

2011-12-13T07:00:00.000-08:00

13 Days Til Christmas!

2011-12-12T07:46:00.000-08:00

So, you also have 13 SHOPPING days til Christmas. And just in case you need a push... I'm pretty much done with my Christmas shopping! We got up early Saturday and went to eleven stores... yup, ELEVEN! That's a new Saturday record for us. But we got 'er done and found most of the goodies on family Christmas lists. I have to admit we did well too, most items were on sale or well below manufacturer's list price. I wonder if there really is such a thing anymore... MSRP?!?! Anyway, if you need a hint - I like gift certificates from electronics stores, book stores and music stores. If you were planning to get me something... (lol)

31 years ago today...

2011-12-08T07:17:00.000-08:00

On December 8, 1980, crazed fan Mark David Chapman stood with a gathered crowd outside the Dakota in New York City. As John Lennon and Yoko Ono passed through the crowd on their way home after a recording session, Chapman put two bullets into John. Seconds later, John collapsed and died just inside the Dakota entrance. The ex-Beatle was at the time just getting his life back together, recording and making public appearances again after a long, soul-searching hiatus.
I was watching Monday Night Football when Howard Cosell announced John's murder. I was stunned. Even now, 31 years later, I can still feel the anguish I felt that night, a feeling that the world was no longer a happy place, and that I'd been changed forever. We miss you John!

Hello snow...

2011-12-06T06:56:00.000-08:00

Well, I guess I better accept it. Winter is here. I better get the snowblower ready... and put the mower away (sigh). The older I get, the less I like it. Kind of pretty though...

Uh oh...

2011-12-04T08:14:00.001-08:00

So be good for goodness sake!

TGIF!! With a winter storm watch...

2011-12-02T06:40:00.001-08:00

You read right... Saturday at 6:00AM we have a winter storm watch with a wintry mix all day. BUT, it could be worse! No matter how you hate the forecast, it could always be much worse! Just check out the cartoon and you'll smile through the snow tomorrow! ;)

Survivor recap - 11/30/11

2011-12-01T07:22:00.000-08:00

Let's call this episode "the big yawn". There are several reasons I call it that. First, in the duel on Redemption Island, Dawn yawned causing her balancing plates to fall and relegating her to the jury. Ozzie also eliminated Whitney, whose plates fell a few minutes later, which caused me to yawn because it was obvious by his focus and concentration that Ozzie was going to win. I honestly wish Dawn and Whitney could somehow have stayed on Survivor. And as they were dismissed by Probst, did I not detect an obvious look on the faces of the audience/their former foes, that perhaps both Dawn and Whitney deserved to be in the game more than anyone still left? Well, that's what it looked like to me...
So Ozzie is once again the last man standing on Redemption Island until next week (yawn).
Another yawn occurred when Cochran called a meeting of the Te Tuna tribe (see photo) and announced that his treachery was the reason they'd eliminated all the former members of Savaii, and he deserved another pass at the next tribal council. Oh Cochran, the writing is on the wall dude, and nothing is going to save you (yawn).
At the immunity challenge, Albert wins immunity. The big prize is a spa-day complete with a shower and massage. Surprisingly, Albert chooses Coach as his person that gets to have the massage too. And then a shocker, Albert gives his own spot at massage day to Cochran. I guess because it's Cochran's birthday in a couple days... who knows?
Anyhow, at tribal council Brandon breaks down again and cries and babbles for a while about how anything worth having is not going to be easy (this kid is still unbalanced - yawn), and Cochran reminds everyone how much he deserves to stay three more days (I already yawned for that one).
So Cochran gets voted off, puts out his torch and heads off to Redemption Island to get chewed up and spat out by Ozzie in next week's duel. Oh darn... I think I'm going to yawn again.

November 29, 2011

2011-11-29T05:32:00.000-08:00

Ten years ago today, we lost George Harrison to cancer at the age of 58. As the lead guitar player of the world's greatest rock band ever, Beatle George was a huge part of an amazing chapter in rock history. Simply put, the Beatles changed the world... and George was a huge part of it. Although he always felt unjustly overshadowed by John and Paul and desperately wanted his songs to play a bigger role, as a solo artist after the Beatle break-up we got the chance to see the immense talents George had. If only we could go back...

Cyber Monday!

2011-11-28T06:14:00.000-08:00

Happy on-line shopping today! Now, if you're up for some amazing deals from local merchants, go to bigdealslacrosse.com and check out gift certificates for local restaurants, services, and manyof your favorite stores! Some serious savings on items for anyone in the family!

Redneck Yard Swing...

2011-11-23T07:21:00.000-08:00

Well, my picture of the "Volkswagen Sleigh" redneck decoration opened the floodgates. Yesterday I got a whole batch of pictures of so-called redneck items. This one is a classic... I present to you the redneck yard swing!!

November 22, 1963

2011-11-22T06:27:00.000-08:00

This is the one date every year that stops me in my tracks and really makes me look back on my life. I was in High School the day President Kennedy was shot. I didn't know much about politics back then, I doubt I even knew there were Republicans and Democrats. All I knew was that something terrible had happened to our country... and that I was terribly affected by it. I remember hearing the news that Kennedy had been shot while I was in the hallway between classes... then minutes later the Principal announced it over the Public Address System. I left my class and went downstairs to the AV room where many sports lettermen had gathered to watch the TV coverage. After a while, they announced that JFK had died. Minutes later, the Principal dismissed school. I went home and spent the rest of the day watching the coverage with my mother and sisters. It's a day I can never forget.

Redneck Holiday Decor

2011-11-21T10:36:00.000-08:00

I love rednecks! And here's an idea for Christmas Decorations that's straight out of the Redneck how-to guide. Of course, not many of us have an old Volkswagen laying around!

Survivor Re-cap - The Oz-Man Stayeth!

2011-11-17T07:43:00.000-08:00

11/17/11 - Last night's episode was pretty predictable. In the Redemption Island 3-way challenge between Ozzy, Keith and Jim it was Ozzy narrowly defeating and eliminating his former tribemates... so Jim and Keith became the first members of the jury.
Back at Te Tuna later, Dawn and Whitney made a valiant effort to convince some of the remaining Opulu tribe members to make a big move and join them in voting Edna off. They seem to be swaying Albert and Cochran, and for a few minutes it appears Sophie may go along as well. In the most entertaining immunity challenge Sophie took a chance by over-loading her bowl of rice and somehow balancing it on her head through the teeter-totter course, and tipping her basket first (see picture) to win the necklace. Both Dawn (far left) and Whitney (far right) were close, but failed. Cochran (2nd from left) did his usual job of botching any athletic challenge and even complained later about how he's cursed by a "lack of agility". And at tribal council, Dawn is voted off. Then after a promised "twist" a second immunity challenge is again won by Sophie and Whitney is voted off too.
So next week's episode will begin with Ozzy facing Dawn and Whitney on Redemption Island.
Of the competitors that remain, I couldn't begin to tell you who I'm rooting for. Maybe Sophie or Albert, just because they seem somewhat aloof about Coach and his "big plan" and both seem to realize the time for a bold move is fast approaching.
I can't root for Coach... I can't stand the weirdo. Edna is a shirt-tail rider who should have been removed long ago, she's really just Coach's "toady". Cochran is just a loser... pitiable, but still a loser. Brandon Hantz is just a nutty kid who seems to be kind of out-of-touch with everything... no vote there. And finally Rick the cowboy... but I'd only root for him because he wears a cowboy hat... he really hasn't done much else to impress me.
So at this point who will win? Sadly, if they don't get him off soon... Coach just might do it. And that would make me sick!

Today's mystery...

2011-11-16T06:58:00.000-08:00

Who figures these things out? Who has time to sit down and do these things? Whoever it is, dude you're weird! But I like you...

TOYS FOR TOTS!!

2011-11-14T12:56:00.000-08:00

Please mark it on your calendar... this Friday from 6:00AM - 6:00PM we'll be broadcasting live at the front of the La Crosse Center with the La Crosse Jaycees to kick off "TOYS FOR TOTS 2011"!! Please bring us some new or gently used toys or even a cash donation to help the needy kids of the Coulee Region have a Merry Christmas! We need your help!

Ever had a REALLY bad day?

2011-11-11T06:59:00.000-08:00

This looks like one of those normal "oops" photos, until you realize that the car in the water is a Bugatti Veyron... with a sticker price of $1,700,000.00. Now that makes this "a really bad day"!!!

The snake...

2011-11-10T06:03:00.000-08:00

Survivor Re-cap, 11/9/11 - I'm calling this re-cap "the snake" in honor of Cochran (see picture). With last week's shameful flop, he sent Keith to Redemption Island. Now this week he showed his spite and vengeful nature by voting off his two (former) strongest allies in the Savaii tribe; Ozzy and Jim. Yes, this was a double tribal council episode, with two immunity challenges and two votes. As near as I remember, in this one episode, Cochran betrayed two people that had combined to save his butt at least five times in previous episodes. This skinny, homely dude with the bad complexion and the total lack of conscience is turning into one of Survivor's all-time villains.

So now, Dawn and Whitney are all that's left of Savaii and the ex-Upolu members are still solidly six strong... plus Cochran.

Some random thoughts... Coach definitely needs a bump in the road. He is the worst gloater in history andI find myself wanting a huge disaster to befall him. Brandon Hantz (Russell's nephew) is still nuts, and somehow still thinks he's on a mission for God. I don't get it at all.

Meanwhile Ozzy, Keith and Jim, the ex-backbone of Savaii await next week's three-way challenge on Redemption Island. Where Ozzy is catching 15 pound fish and they're eating like kings. Ozzy could wind up being practically un-beatable if he can battle his way back from RI... at least I hope so.

First snow...

2011-11-09T14:18:00.000-08:00

Well, at first I thought it missed us. When I drove to work at 5:00 AM today it was raining but no snow. But then around 6:00 AM it all changed fast. Heavy, thick snowflakes filled the sky as the temperature went from 36 to 32 degrees in just a few minutes. Soon the roads were slick and people started calling in... a three-car accident on I-90, no power along 33 in Shelby, a fender-bender on West Avenue, and other mishaps. Our first splash of winter was fairly short, but a good reminder of what's ahead. And I'm not ready!

Learn to play guitar!

2011-11-08T06:15:00.000-08:00

This is hilarious and self explanatory... it's also NOT PC, but it's so "out there" I had to let you see it. Incidentally, I never noticed this phenomenon when I learned to play guitar.

Happy Anniversary!

2011-11-07T06:10:00.000-08:00

Today is the 36th anniversary of the wedding of Daryl Dragon and Toni Tennille, better known as "The Captain and Tennille"! From 1975 this amazing duo had 14 chart-topping hits and 9 great albums! They racked up 5 gold albums, 6 gold singles, 2 platinum albums, and a platinum single... and they won a grammy! Pretty darned good for a married couple who devoted most of their music to each other!

Sunday follies...

2011-11-06T07:13:00.000-08:00

Ever feel guilty when you delete that text message or e-mail without forwarding it? There could be consequences (lol),,,

Try this...

2011-11-05T04:16:00.000-07:00

Survivor - 11/2/11 Recap

2011-11-03T05:31:00.000-07:00

Ozzie did it. Last week he sacrificed himself to Redemption Island in order to defeat Christine, and then re-join his Savaii tribe for the merge, and then so each tribe would have six members once the merge was complete. And it worked. The strategy paid off as Ozzie crushed Christine, (yes the Bulldog is finally gone), and then Jeff Probst announced that the tribes were now merged, and each tribe stood six members strong. Then Cochran returned the hidden immunity idol to Ozzie leaving just one part of the strategy to fall into place - for Cochran to spy on the Upolo members and find out who they were voting for, all while claiming he was flipping to their side.

True to the plan, Coach and his minions immediately started working on Cochran (see picture), trying to get him to flip sides. Not surprisingly, Cochran seemed very receptive to the idea stating that his tribe hadn't been that nice to him all along, crying that he'd had to beg to keep from getting voted off, and whining about the emotional roller coaster he'd been on since the game started. But Cochran was serious, NOT playing along. Is there anything about Cochran that isn't weak, wimpy and wishy-washy?? It seems the answer is no.

After Ozzie and Dawn each won immunity, Dawn made a huge effort to convince Cochran to stay with the plan and vote with his old tribe... to stay with the plan. And at the tribal council, the first vote was six to six with everyone staying strong to their old tribe - six votes for Rick (the cowboy) and six votes for Keith. And then on the second vote, inexplicably, Cochran flipped and voted with Coach, and sending Keith to Redemption Island.

I don't remember any previous tribal council with so many nasty comments made between the contestants... ex-Savaii members calling Cochran a coward and traitor, and ex-Upolo members accusing Savaii of mis-treating Cochran all along and getting what they deserved. Even crazy Brandon stood up for Cochran and told him "stay close to me".

So Keith is off to Redemption Island, and things continue to go splendidly for Coach... and I'll tell you what... that has to change soon! We need to see Coach go down soon!!!

Happy Birthday Radio!

2011-11-02T07:21:00.000-07:00

On November 2, 1920, KDKA in Pittsburgh signed on as (arguably) the first commercial radio station. They placed a microphone on a table and an announcer read election returns between Warren G. Harding and James Cox that were phoned to him by the Pittsburgh Post. In between updates he played music on a record player set up next to the microphone. Many other people had been broadcasting radio signals as early as 1907, however Westinghouse Corporation was granted the first Broadcast license not issued to a private individual on October 27, 1920, and was assigned the call-letters KDKA. The station has been broadcasting ever since.
So, Happy Birthday Radio!!

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T12:37:00.000-07:00

Here's hoping you have a safe and magical Halloween! Since I always find a funny photo for the occasion, here's a cat and a dog carving pumpkins... the dog is doing it the "old Fashioned way" while the cat has a "new technique". If you have a great caption for this shot, email it to me and I'll post it here on the blog!

How to be nice...

2011-10-28T12:49:00.000-07:00

This picture is so true... every morning a nasty excuse for a human being walks through the door and is replaced by a very nice person as the first cup of coffee goes down. I'm still apologizing to people for the way I treated them the day the coffee machine was broken!

Survivor Re-Cap

2011-10-27T05:43:00.000-07:00

10/26/11 - Now we're talking! One of the boldest moves of all time in Survivor happened tonight... Ozzy had his Savaii tribemates vote him to Redemption Island!

Okay, here's what happened. First, Christine knocked Mikayla off in the Redemption Island challenge... surprised the heck out of me! Christine is on a roll and has really earned my nickname for her "the Bulldog"! And her victory is what got Ozzy thinking... and pretty soon ol' Ozzy has a plan for his tribe. If Savaii loses the immunity challenge, his tribe should vote Ozzy to Redemption Island so he can beat Christine. Thus, if the tribes merge after the Redemption Island challenge Ozzy can come back into the game and Upolu and Savaii will be even again at six members each. Bold plan! But Ozzy is taking some huge risks, maybe the boldest risks in the history of the game.

At the immunity challenge, good old Cochran messes things up so badly for Savaii that they blow a lead and lose a challenge they should have won pretty easily. Afterwards it looks like Ozzy has forgotten his bold plan and the tribe will send Cochran to Redemption Island after all. But in the end, he gives Cochran the immunity Idol and sacrifices himself for the plan. Ozzy even explains the strategy to Probst at tribal council (see photo). The episode ends with Ozzy telling a big fib to Christine on Redemption Island about how Cochran blindsided everyone by secretly having and playing the immunity idol.

Incidentally, over at Upolu Coach is leading prayer meetings and group hugs so often that I was wondering if I was watching Survivor or a revival meeting. I think Coach needs to go...

But Wow, the game has suddenly gotten very interesting!

Halloween costume?

2011-10-26T06:36:00.000-07:00

So what are you wearing to that wild Halloween party this year? Here's an idea... and it's the hottest selling costume item so far this year. Charlie Sheen!! Hilarious!

What's your halloween costume?

2011-10-24T08:14:00.001-07:00

Here's your challenge for the next few days... email me your costumes for Halloween. I know there are some great ones out there... lemme see 'em!
And here's a great idea if you're going out as Tarzan... take along your own "pet lion".

What if Uncle Sam was in charge of my budget?

2011-10-21T07:11:00.000-07:00

This is from an email I got this week. Frankly, it's very non-political as in I don't think it matters if you're a Republican or Democrat... but it's pretty darned scary!

Okay... here's the numbers:
U.S. Tax Revenue $2,170,000,000,000
The Federal Budget $3,820,000,000,000
New Debt $1,650,000,000,000
National Debt $14,271,000,000,000
Recent Budget Cut $38,500,000,000

Now, let's remove eight zeros and pretend the same numbers are a household budget:
Annual Family income $21,700
Money the family spent $38,200
New Debt on the credit card $16,500
Outstanding Balance on credit card $142,710
Total budget cuts $385

So now we're all good and scared, just in time for Halloween!

Survivor - 10/19/11

2011-10-20T06:53:00.000-07:00

Lots of excitement this week. The bulldog Christine barely wins the Redemption Island challenge against Elyse, but she does while slipping her ex-tribemates a sly middle finger. Later, Ozzy dumps a temper tantrum on everyone, announcing he has the hidden immunity idol and declaring himself a free agent. Geez Ozzy, use your head! Of course all this just makes Cochrane happy, knowing it's pulling attention away from him.

Coach is starting to annoy me more than usual... he really thinks he's running the game. We need something to happen there. Especially when he exerts his will and gets his tribe to vote Mikayla off (photo). The lingerie football player should be a formidable opponent for Christine next week on the Redemption Island challenge... the bulldog may be done finally.

And oh yeah, I think Brandon Hantz is a full bubble off sane,,, what a WEIRD KID!!!

October 19, 1965

2011-10-19T07:20:00.001-07:00

This day in rock history...

Get a horse...

2011-10-18T04:08:00.000-07:00

This is the original SUV folks. I'm posting this because five years ago we were complaining about gas reaching a record high of $2.04 a gallon. Of course I hear oats and hay are going up too...

What you see on a pole...

2011-10-14T05:31:00.000-07:00

Hmmmm, shall we call this animal a cat-o-possum? How about a cassum? Or a poat? Or maybe just a... possum (I know, that's so obvious) ? Hilarious, but probably photo-shop.

Survivor Gets Better...

2011-10-12T19:42:00.000-07:00

See, everytime I ignore my updates for a while the show gets better.

Okay, here's what's happened lately. First, Christine beat Semhar in the challenge on Redemption Island. We knew that would happen, Christine is a bulldog. As the episode continues, the gay ex-cop from New York makes a feeble attempt to convince everyone that he's found the immunity idol, but nobody falls for it and because of his lousy showing in the immunity challenge... well, bye bye papa bear.

Another unique event occurs when Brandon Hantz, who has been adamant about not showing his tribe that he's the nasty Russell Hantz's nephew, whips off his shirt and shows everyone his "Hantz" tattoos and blurts out that his uncle is Russell. However, he exhorts his tribe to believe that he's actually a wonderful guy with deep faith, honor, and integrity. I'm surprised that they didn't cut away to show the whole tribe laughing at that. Little Brandon has issues. What kills me is every time he's one-on-one with the camera, his own story makes him cry. Weinie.

Okay, moving on to next week, papa bear gets wiped at Redemption Island by Christine the bulldog, and after a lot of apologizing and more tears from Brandon, the usual nerdy desparation from Cochrane, the Upolo tribe loses the immunity challenge and votes Stacey off.

So finally to tonight's episode... yes it's getting better... the producers finally let everyone have their bathing suits!! Finally no more underwear scenes (LOL).

First, Christine (Bulldog) defeats Stacey on Redemption. Second, Ozzy makes a critical strategy error when he spends a lot of time in his hammock and in bed. And most of the time it's with Elyse. Survivor usually doesn't like couples and Ozzy should know this. So when Savaii loses the grossest immunity challenge ever (everyone biting chunks of a roast pig and spitting the pieces in a pan) Jim, Dawn and Cochrane cook up a little 4 on 3 move and vote Ozzy's little love-match Elyse (see picture) off to Redemption Island. Poor Ozzy, blindsided like that.

Soooo, next week will Christine defeat Elyse on Redemption Island? Bet on it. And will Ozzy separate himself from his tribe and mope a lot to show he misses his lost love? Bet on it! And will things continue to go wonderfully for Coach? Um, don't bet on it.

Too funny!!!

2011-09-28T04:19:00.001-07:00

Happy Oktoberfest, Happy Autumn...

2011-09-23T07:42:00.000-07:00

Just a quick entry because it's the first day of Oktoberfest and the first day of Autumn. Be smart, stay safe and have fun this weekend... Gemutlicheit! And for autumn... well, how about a picture?

Survivor Re-Cap

2011-09-22T05:40:00.000-07:00

9/21/11 - Well we're getting to know the cast of Survivor South Pacific and already there are some very strange things going on. Brandon, the nephew of Russell Hantz, is one twisted dude! He struggles with feelings of guilt because his uncle was such a jerk, struggles with his devotion to Christianity, and struggles with what he perceives to be the biggest threat to his staying on the straight and narrow... which turns out to be a Lingerie Football player named Mikayla. The funny thing is, Mikayla hasn't said or done anything to Brandon. She works hard around camp, is very good in challenges, and usually has a smile on her face. But little Brandon seems to have decided she's an evil temptress, bent on seducing him and destroying his soul... what the heck??? Brandon seems to have some sociological issues!!

Anyhow, Upolu defeats Savaii in the immunity challenge (it wasn't really close) and Christine (photo) gets voted off to Redemption Island at the tribal council. The show ends with Christine trying to wake up Semhar over on Redemption Island, but Semhar sleeps soundly through the last ten seconds. I figure next week Christine will beat Semhar in the RI challenge and Brandon will probably sacrifice a crab or coconut trying to get Mikayla voted off... or at least sent to hell where he obviously thinks she belongs.

Sidenotes- Coach made some alliances on Savaii, but it seems shaky. Ozzie found the hidden immunity idol, but the previews made me think he's about to become very unpopular with Upolu. Ahh Survivour!

Survivor South Pacific

2011-09-15T06:27:00.000-07:00

9/14/11 - Episode one. Finally, another edition of Survivor begins. Two quick complaints, first why South Pacific? It seems so "been there done that". Second complaint - Jeff did it again... bringing back two players from previous seasons (Ozzie and Coach) and making each of them a member of a different tribe. I get upset every time this happens, simply because it so greatly affects and diminishes what should be the natural development of the game and the contestants.

Anyway, if you ever read Jeff Probst's blog, he picked who he thought would be voted off first. Sure enough, Semhar Tadesse was the first, and she deserved it, as her inability to shoot a coconut definitely cost her tribe the immunity. Bye bye poet, and nice call Probst.

The best part about this season... no Russell Hantz. But Survivor just can't get rid of the guy completely, his nephew Brandon Hantz is on the show and swears he'll do everything to restore honor to the Hantz name... I wonder what his uncle thinks of that.

Happy Birthday Ringo

2011-07-07T05:37:00.000-07:00

Ringo Starr, aka Richard Starkey, drummer to the Beatles, performer extraordinaire, and the most famous and influential drummer in the history of rock & roll, is 71 today. Amazingly, Ringo is in Europe on tour and performing in Hamburg, Germany... the place where Ringo met and first performed with John, Paul & George. Long live Ringo!!!

New Album from Marianne Faithfull

2011-06-27T06:18:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow fans of Marianne Faithfull will want to head for their favorite record store to pickup "Horses and High Heels", the 19th album release from the 60's star. Her voice is still strong, and this album has been more highly reviewed than many of her previous releases... check it out!

Stevie Nicks Solo Tour

2011-06-22T06:57:00.000-07:00

She's probably my favorite lady of Rock & Roll... Stevie Nicks. And she's headed out on a late summer solo tour in August. Best of all, she'll be close enough to road trip and see - she'll be in Rosemont, Illinois on 8/23 at the Rosemont Theatre, and at the Mystic Lakes Casino in Prior Lake, Minnesota on 8/24! Check her out, it should be a great show!

New antiques...

2011-06-03T07:12:00.001-07:00

Found this picture online the other day... here's a store that has the right idea. Why scour the country searching for antique tables when you can make brand new antique tables every day?
I love it! Maybe they can make me a '55 Chevy Bel Air...

First 2011 camping trip!

2011-05-31T06:20:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day Weekend was marvelous... despite a forecast that seemed filled with rain and thunderstorms, we had awesome weather and it only rained a little bit! On Saturday when we were relaxing with friends, we had an unusual visitor. The hawk in the photo landed atop a power pole on the edge of our campsite. He sat there for 45 minutes, watching us and looking like he wanted to swoop down and have a beer. He also kept a very close eye on our friend's dog, which kept the owner a bit nervous the whole time. Finally he gracefully swooped away and headed South, maybe to find another campsite with a smaller dog...

Yup, it was a tornado...

2011-05-24T05:28:00.000-07:00

According to Glenn Lussky, meteoroligist with the National Weather Service, LaCrosse was hit by a weak tornado Sunday afternoon. It was on the ground for four minutes, traveling 2.3 miles, with wind speeds of 115-120 miles per hour, which means it was a F-2 tornado according to the Fujita scale. It was the first twister to hit La Crosse since 1966 when an F-1 roared through the airport injuring one person and flipping two planes over. It was the first tornado to touch down on the city's South side since 1961, when another F-2 uprooted several trees and crunched several garages.

Despite the significant damage it appears La Crosse will not receive any Federal aid as a result of the storm. Governor Walker toured the damage Monday and promised state aid however. You'll find much more at www.lacrossetribune.com - www.wkbt.com and of course, www.lacrosseradiogroup.net

Photo of the tornado as it touched down in Sparta courtesy of wkbt.

What a storm!!

2011-05-23T05:36:00.000-07:00

So, was the storm that tore through South LaCrosse late Sunday afternoon a tornado or not? We'll probably get the final word today from the National Weather Service. Regardless, it was nasty and certainly rattled the security of the old indian legend that you're safe from tornadoes where three rivers meet.

Authorities are still working to restore power, remove debris and downed trees, and are urging everyone to stay away from the areas hardest hit while they do their job. So please stay away, either on foot or in a vehicle. What a storm!

Thanks to Bob Schmidt, News Director of the LaCrosse Radio Group for the photos.

Survivor Finale - 5/15/11

2011-05-15T19:34:00.000-07:00

Okay I'm bummed... totally. Survivor Nicaragua/Redemption Island ends with Boston Rob winning. Nasty finish... duh, the guy had four tries and finally won. But I'm bummed because of who he is. I'll explain that at the end.

Here's the recap... on Redemption Island (see photo) Andrea beat the boys, Matt, Mike and Grant all put on the jury. The little gal from Wisconsin beat the guys in a physical challenge. But it didn't do her any good because she rejoined the tribe and was voted out at the next tribal council. The Boston Rob cult still voted the way he wanted them to.

So now we have four left. And Boston Rob controls the cult and wants Ashley gone... so when she doesn't win the next immunity challenge... she's gone at the next tribal council. And when the final three; Boston Rob, Natalie and Philip are voted on by the nine jurists... we go live to New York and Boston Rob wins.

Now, as to being bummed at who Boston Rob is... Grant summed it up the best when he said that Survivor is so much more than scheming, plotting, stabbing in the back and blindsiding people. Survivor is who you are. If you lie to win, you don't deserve to win. If you break promise after promise you don't deserve to win. If your word isn't worth the spit it took to speak... you don't deserve to win. Boston Rob didn't deserve to win.

Survivor - 5/11/11

2011-05-12T06:37:00.000-07:00

So do you think anyone's learning why you can NEVER trust Boston Rob? In another treacherous blindside, Rob lied to and betrayed Grant (2nd from left in photo), sending him to Redemption Island. As usual, Rob (far right in photo) explained to the camera how brilliant he is, while teaching us that the best way to play is to lie and betray your friends... my usual sigh seems inadequate here. At least he kept his word to Natalie (far left in photo), it's about time he keeps a promise somewhere. I still can't believe he's dragging Phillip along to the end, thinking he'll get votes ahead of Phillip. Another inadequate sigh here...

So the last couple of weeks, we've seen Rob make promises to, and then betray both Andrea (between Rob & Grant in photo) and Grant. And all the while, he's filling the jury with people that I think will absolutely NOT vote him the million.

Redemption Island was entertaining though, as Ralph couldn't put the puzzle together and was eliminated. Matt and Mike had no problem advancing 1st and 2nd, and Andrea (despite obvious panic when she fell behind) really had no trouble beating Ralph. I felt sorry for Ralph, but the one lesson we've learned in 22 seasons of Survivor... you gotta be good at puzzles!!

So now this Sunday is the finale... and at this point I'm cheering for anyone except Boston Rob. And Phillip. Yeah, anyone besides those two.

May 9, 1962

2011-05-09T06:13:00.000-07:00

A small event that had a huge effect happened on this date, forty nine years ago. Producer George Martin signed the Beatles to a recording contract with EMI records. He collaborated with and produced every single Beatle record until the group broke up in 1970. His guiding hand, amazing instincts, and willingness to let the band experiment is as important to rock music today as the many talents of the Beatles themselves. Here's to you George Martin... and thank you!

Survivor - 5/4/11

2011-05-06T05:25:00.000-07:00

BLINDSIDE! I was sure it would happen, and it did... Boston Rob secretly rallied his tribe to turn on Andrea (see photo) - sending her to Redemption Island. Personally, I think Rob's only reason was his usual pettiness after seeing her nearly beat him in a very physical immunity challenge. Rob won, but he was barely able to walk at the end... baby. Andrea proved she's a tough lady... hey, she's another Wisconsinite! She's a Theater/Communications major at Stevens Point and graduated high school in Random Lake! She's definitely tough enough to work herself back from Redemption Island... and that part is gonna be soon because the show finale is scheduled for Sunday, May 15th... just two nights left!

A couple of things worth re-capping. First, the elimination challenge on Redemption saw Ralph get the boot for good. We also got to see Mike (the winner on Redemption) trade a visit with his mother to allow the six remaining Ometepe's to spend time with their family members... all that courtesy of the Ten Commandments and the "love thy brother" interpretation. Plus Matt survived the duel as well.

So who are you picking to win? At this point I'm actually leaning towards Grant... he just seems to be strong enough, popular enough, and if he can avoid a blindside from Rob... well, who knows?

Star Wars Day Today!

2011-05-04T06:40:00.000-07:00

I love this... it's Star Wars Day! The Star Wars website promised a special announcement today... I've been checking it but nothing so far. Anyhow, celebrate Star Wars Day! And by the way, the reason today was chosen... because it's May 4th. Say it with me... "May the Fourth Be With You!" Get it? Also, the Star Wars website is at www.starwars.com - of course!

May 3, 1964 - Gerry & the Pacemakers

2011-05-03T05:29:00.000-07:00

The British Invasion resoundingly continued it's onslaught in America when Gerry and the Pacemakers appeared on Ed Sullivan on 5/3/64. G&TP was eerily similar to the Beatles, they were from Liverpool, they had honed their craft with long stays in Hamburg, Germany, and they were the second band managed by Brian Epstein. During 1964 they took turns with the Beatles at the number one spot on the charts in England with tunes like "Ferry Cross the Mersey", "How Do You Do It" and "Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying". With Gerry Marsden on lead vocals and guitar, his brother Freddy on drums, Les Chadwick on bass and Les Maguire on piano, G&TP had a string of chart hits as well as a smash-hit movie from 1964 to their breakup in October of 1966. They actually set a record in England as their first three releases all climbed to number one on the British charts.

Happily in 1974, Gerry reformed the group and in one form or another they've been performing world-wide ever since.

Elton John at the Royal Wedding

2011-04-29T06:56:00.000-07:00

It seems kind of strange to me that Elton John is at the Royal Wedding today, and will be performing here in La Crosse next Wednesday. But here's a pic of Sir Elton arriving at the wedding this morning (with partner David Furnish).

Survivor - 4/27/11

2011-04-28T06:02:00.000-07:00

Well, the former Ometepe tribe wiped out the last of the Zapatera tribe members in Wednesday's episode. After voting Ralph off at tribal council, Jeff Probst tossed a curve ball when he announced they would immediately have another immunity challenge and then vote another contestant off. Sure enough the last thing we wanted, Boston Rob won immunity and his "cult" voted Steve off. Which means that next week there will be four competitors on Redemption Island.

And yes, Matt is still around. Despite his crying on camera and his obvious close proximity to a breakdown, he survived the "shuffleboard" game that Probst threw at the Redemption Island residents. Mike also survived, finishing second in the game and Julie was eliminated for good.

We also got to witness the strangest event this season when Philip announced that he'd had a dream visit from his late father, and dear old dad had revealed where his stolen swimming trunks were buried. Lo and behold, he walked straight to the area where the trunks were buried and in two tries... dug them up! Wow... weird.

So for the first time, next week the Ometepe tribe will finally have to vote off one of their own. Previews of next week seemed to suggest that Boston Rob's dominance in the game may be over... man I hope so. I still hope the Survivor brain trust quits bringing past competitors back to face off with new competitors... please!!

Survivor... with guns!

2011-04-27T06:28:00.000-07:00

Actually it's not Survivor at all, it's a show called "Top Shot". Basically it's the Survivor format but contestants survive by out-shooting fellow competitors. At a time when all the cable channels have jumped on the bandwagon with reality shows dealing with every possible vocation and talent challenge imaginable, Top Shot stands out as one of the best for me. And amazingly, one of the past winners of Survivor Colby Donaldson is the host (see photo) and he does a great job.

The fun part is that every type of firearm is used by the contestants... as well as some non-gun weapons like the tomahawk and compound bow. Prone, sitting, standing, hanging upside down, descending 125 feet attached to wires... well, you get the idea - contestants are asked to hit targets while in some pretty unusual positions. And a lot of what happens goes beyond shooting talent, because the contestants have to live together and get along... or face votes to put them in elimination challenges.

Last night season two came to an end with the type of challenge you'd expect for an exciting ending... a timed event where contestants race from different firearms, shooting at a variety of targets with a required number of hits at each position. The winner was Chris Reed (the photo of the guy with the mustache), an ex-marine with a long list of shooting titles with bow, rifle and shotgun.

It's a unique show, fun and challenging and I look forward to season three... after all, I'm a hunter and competitive shooter myself. I wish I was younger... I'd apply!!

Survivor Update - 4/21/11

2011-04-21T05:35:00.000-07:00

I am seriously ready to declare this as the strangest edition of Survivor of all time. The three-way duel on Redemption Island between David, Mike and Matt resulted in David's elimination and paved the way for yet another three-way duel next week. Did you notice that Boston Rob could not make eye contact with Matt at any time during that segment? I think old Rob knows that he's gone way over the line on his blind sides of Matt. Is that a bit of "coward" rearing it's ugly head Rob?

It's also very strange the way Matt has fallen into such severe depression. If it wasn't for his faith I'm not sure what would happen. I feel sorry for the kid, but...

Next topic... Phillip. I really want him voted off. The guy is crazy beyond anyone I remember ever on Survivor... he has seriously surpassed Coach, Johnny Fairplay, and even Russell. The highlight of the week was probably when Julie stole Phillip's swim trunks and buried them. The problem though is that we have to watch Phillip in his pink jockey shorts for the remainder of the show... but it was still funny. I still can't believe though that Phillip dropped the race card on Steve during the ridiculous war of the rice cans. That was bad. Seeing Phillip trying to negotiate with Steve, which amounts to threats more than logic, was perhaps the last straw for some of his tribe members... including Rob. Jeff Probst did a nice job of clearing the air at tribal council, gotta give Jeff points for that one.

The immunity challenge was won by Boston Rob, so the former Zapatera tribe members were again at the mercy of the Ometepe "cult" during the voting. Julie was voted off, sent to Redemption Island to battle Mike and Matt next week. Pretty ironic since she was the only one that knows where Phillip's swim trunks are buried. Ha!

Anyhow, I just have a feeling that Phillip is close to a meltdown. When a guy sits on a rock chanting in a non-existent language wearing a headband with feathers stuck in the front, and sits near everyone having a conversation with his late father (see picture)... well, I just think he's about ready to be turned on by his alliance. They're obviously tired of his behavior as well. I have a feeling he'll be sent to Redemption Island next week. I hope so...

Cowboys and Aliens...?

2011-04-18T05:30:00.000-07:00

Yup, a combination of my favorite movie genre- Westerns, and my 2nd favorite movie genre- science fiction, opening in a theatre near you this summer. And there's plenty of big names involved; Harrison Ford, Daniel Craig, Olivia Wilde, Steven Spielberg, Ron Howard and more. According to the buzz on the internet, the story takes place in 1873... a spaceship arrives in Arizona loaded with aliens, and their goal is to take over the earth. It seems all that stands in their way is a posse of cowboys. Sounds very cool! I'm betting I own the DVD the day it's in the stores...

4/15/66 - Buffalo Springfield

2011-04-15T05:18:00.000-07:00

San Bernadino, California - The Buffalo Springfield played their first concert on this date in '66, opening for the Byrds. The audience was stunned and wowed by these virtual unknowns, and the band was off and running for a wild and crazy 25 months. Though they only placed one song in the Top 40 in their short career, For What It's Worth, they were elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.
The band produced some of the most influential musicians in the history of North American rock and roll. Neil Young and Steven Stills who went on to huge successes as solo artists and members of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young were members. Richie Furay who founded Poco and the Souther, Hillman, Furay band was a member. Jim Messina who joined the band in early '68 also played with Poco and later teamed with Kenny Loggins as the duo Loggins & Messina, was also the band's producer.
Last year the band returned to the headlines when they announced a 2011 reunion tour. From June 1 through June 11, 2011 the band will re-unite for seven concerts, all in California. Original members Steven Stills, Neil Young and Richie Furay will be joined by Joe Vitale on drums to replace the late Dewey Martin who died in 2009, and Rick Rosas on bass for Bruce Palmer who died in 2004.
I wish I could be there!!

Survivor Update - 4/14/11

2011-04-14T05:09:00.000-07:00

Weird show last night. If I were to give the show a name it would be "Pass the Kool Aid". The reason for the title is that Boston Rob is controlling his former Ometepe tribe as though they're a brain-washed cult, with unquestioning loyalty to Jim Jones... er, Boston Rob. He even adopts a "Buddy System" so none of them ever goes anywhere alone. Rob is paranoid about former members of Zapatera cornering one of his minions alone. At one time I kind of liked Boston Rob... that's no longer true, he's just another scumbag whose power has gone to his head big time. I warned you Probst... keep the former competitors out of the game. It's getting ridiculous and I'm betting you know it, but you don't know what to do about it.
The episode had two immunity challenges and two tribal councils. Both immunities were won by ex Ometepe members and two more former Zapatera members were voted off; Mike and David. Steve, Julie and Ralph are all that's left to battle Rob's army of six.
A few additional observations from last night:
I cannot believe that Rob's tribe didn't eat any of the fish that Ralph caught... I was actually disturbed at the cult-like atmosphere and a little sick to my stomach.
Philip wore a feather to tribal council, announced it had materialized out of thin air, and proclaimed it was a symbol of his tribe's prowess. Seriously, this guy is off his meds and has gone past comical to a point approaching looney.
Once again last night I was shaking my head at a challenge, the "hang from a horizontal pole until there's one person left". This is another of those challenges that strongly favors lighter contestants, I mean really between a 190 pound man and a 110 pound woman who stands a better chance of hanging upside down with your knees draped over a pole for a longer time? The weight cancels strength, the ability to endure pain is paramount, and younger joints excel. In other words, this challenge will always be won by a young, skinny girl. Who were the last three hanging? The three young, skinny girls. This challenge favors them completely... I rest my case.
Finally, both of the competitors voted off last night were sent to Redemption Island, without a competition taking place. The show ends as Matt realizes that he has to defeat two challengers, not one. But the way this show is going even that isn't unfair enough to Matt... I'm betting the plan is to wait until a few more are voted off and then have one big challenge.
Wonderful. Not.

4/13/64 - A Hard Day's Night

2011-04-13T05:24:00.000-07:00

Today in rock history, the Beatles announced the title of their upcoming movie "A Hard Day's Night". To be honest, the world hardly took notice. Back then, putting a rock star in a movie invariably meant a "B" movie, a low budget quickie with little plot and a quick run through the theater circuit. Even the Beatles themselves were skeptical (we're not actors!) and almost turned the project down. And the budget was modest as well, 200,000 pounds British.
It's entirely possible, that if United Artists hadn't hired Richard Lester to direct the movie, the Fab Four might have turned the whole idea down. But the boys were huge fans of Lester, admiring his library of movie credits as well as his work on a British TV series called "The Goons". Coupled with a screenplay depicting one frantic/normal day in the lives of the Beatles, the project forged ahead. After the boys recorded six new songs specifically done for the film, the movie was placed on a tight, 8 week shooting schedule, and the rest is history.
A year later, on 4/13/65, the Beatles won two grammy awards. One award was for Best New Artist... the other was for Best Performance By A Vocal Group for the song "A Hard Day's Night".
Over time, the movie has come to be recognized as the most important and accomplished pop musical in history. And interestingly, the movie accurately depicted what the group put up with during the height of "Beatlemania". And though the Beatles went on to do four more movies; Help, Magical Mystery Tour, Yellow Submarine and Let It Be, Beatle fans still prefer A Hard Day's Night nearly two-to-one as their best big-screen endeavor.

Survivor Update... disappointment!

2011-04-08T06:36:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I'm disappointed. Finally, after six consecutive wins on Redemption Island Matt was allowed to return to the tribe. And his last victory was a hard one, one of those deals that women usually win where they have to stand on tiny steps for long gruelling minutes. But, he defeated Sarita, Probst announced they were merged, they redubbed the new tribe Murlonio, and everybody went to work building another shelter. Just another day in paradise.
But the show has reached a point that truly annoys me, because as soon as Matt is once again honest with Boston Rob (see picture) Rob decides that he is in total control and quicker than you can blink an eye he betrays and blindsides Matt again and you guessed it... Matt goes back to Redemption Island. Sheesh.
I'm going to say it again... Probst, stop bringing back these previous contestants! They're ruining the show! The game becomes focused on them and it prevents the tribes from developing their own story, and I don't like it. I'm glad I don't work for CBS either, I'm tired of reading other blogs that say the whole thing is fun... it's not.
I just hope that Matt snaps out of it and can continue his string of victories and eventually wins this thing. He's the only player that deserves it.

April 4, 1964 - Searchers

2011-04-04T06:47:00.000-07:00

The wave of new rockers from Great Britain continued with "The Searchers" appearance on Ed Sullivan on April 4, 1964. They performed their smash hit "Needles and Pins" and further anchored the foothold of the British Invasion. Surviving members of the band still perform today. They were one of my favorites!

Survivor Recap 3/31/11

2011-03-31T06:10:00.000-07:00

Zapatera continued it's losing ways on "Survivor-Redemption Island" last night, and voted off yet another member. Lawyer David was pretty beligerent about his vote against Sarita last week, but despite his tribe's increasing lack of trust for him, they voted the weakest member off... Sarita.
Meanwhile, Matt defeated Stephanie on Redemption Island. He's won five weeks in a row, and whoever wins between Matt and Sarita next week will rejoin the tribe. And it'll just be one tribe because next week is also expected to be the merge. The merge should put a much larger target on Boston Rob's back, and answer questions regarding several contestants that appear ready to jump alliances. Number one is our old friend Phillip who seems to have developed a tremendous rapport... with the camera during his on-camera segments. You have to laugh though at the way he confides in the camera, telling us all the things he's going to do. If only he had any real power. Not the sharpest knife in the drawer!
The big question for next week - if Matt survives his 6th challenge on Redemption Island, will he and Boston Rob (see picture) clash or mend fences??

The Cover of the Rolling Stone!

2011-03-29T04:33:00.000-07:00

March 29, 1973 - Dr. Hook & The Medicine Show made it on this day as Rolling Stone Magazine put them on it's cover, hot on the heels of their hit record. Well, at least they showed up in caricature... and the title read "What's-Their-Names Make the Cover". Their irreverent treatment by the magazine was probably because the song is a parody on success in show business as in you haven't made it big until your picture is on the cover. It was writen by Shel Silverstein, and went to number six on Billboard's hot 100 in 1972. It was the follow-up to the band's first hit, Sylvia's Mother. Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show still performs today, and interestingly you'll occasionally find two versions of the band on tour, each with one of the band's two original lead singers.

Survivor Update - 3/24/2011

2011-03-24T05:37:00.000-07:00

For once on Survivor the big story was what happened on Redemption Island. Krista and Matt bonded, finding common ground in their religious beliefs (see picture). CBS and Jeff Probst went to great lengths to preview the show as the night that Matt may be eliminated but his duel with Krista really wasn't that close and he was victorious again... fourth win in a row for Matt. Then Krista gave Matt her bible as she left and that may be the armor Matt needs to make his way back to the regular game and win the remaining duels.
Meanwhile back at the ranch... Ometepe beats Zapatera in the immunity challenge, and despite lobbying from lawyer Dave and a feeble attempt to smooth things over with her tribe, Stephanie was voted off.
Some notable occurences- Phillip erupted and chewed out Natalie and Ashley for their lack of work at camp, Andrea realized that Matt (her former cuddle bunny) was actually becoming dangerous and might not have the bond with her that she thought was there, Phillip started acting like Coach used to and showed off his animal tattoos while bragging about his control of the game (he actually has zero), Rob and Mike hid an immunity idol clue from Phillip but he spotted it and called them on it, Ralph and Julie decided that team-mate Sarita has outlived her usefulness to the tribe, Sarita decided she had a cavity so she tuck a stick in her mouth and got an infection (amazingly dumb move) and finally Natalie and Ashley had a spa day that included a healthy dose of underarm hair plucking... ewwwwwwww!
Now, if I had to predict anything for next week I'd bet Matt has his hands full in his duel on redemption island with Stephanie. She's feisty and he's becoming a bit too laid back. We'll see!

Elizabeth Taylor passes away at 79

2011-03-23T06:11:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth Taylor has passed away. Surrounded by her children Michael Wilding, Christopher Wilding, Liza Todd and Maria Burton she went quietly at Cedars-Sinai hospital in California. Notorious for her seven marriages, she had recently suffered a number of health issues including congestive heart failure and has been hospitalized for the past six weeks.
Also famous for a long list of memorable movies and roles, one of the most popular and iconic actresses during Hollywood's Golden Age she gave us Butterfield 8, Cleopatra, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Raintree County, Suddenly Last Summer and her first movie; National Velvet.
Those close to her disclosed that her health issues the last several years have been a major concern and that she may have had as many as 40 surgeries during that time.

ROCK STAR ABDUCTED BY ALIENS!

2011-03-22T07:01:00.000-07:00

Sammy Hagar revealed the news in his new book, "Red. My uncensored life in rock." Admitting he may sound crazy, the former Van Halen frontman says aliens somehow tapped into his mind through a wireless connection. He thinks they uploaded something into his brain in an experiment. Sammy, at least it ought to sell a few more books!