One of my favorite TV shows of all time was and remains, “Mad Men.” So well written, great characters and a totally authentic look and feel of big city advertising in the 1960’s and beyond. For all his faults, Don Draper was a dynamic and never take your eyes off him character. The rest of the cast was equally superb.
From time to time, I go on You Tube and click into past scenes from “Mad Men.” One clip in particular rings so familiar to me that it’s spooky. It’s this following scene where the ambitious executive Pete Campbell rats out a cold hard truth about Don Draper to their ad company boss Bert Cooper. After you watch the clip, I’ll share my take and personal reflection of a similar situation.
Many years ago, I was put in a situation similar to what Bert Cooper experienced. The only difference being the story from years ago was shared by the person who experienced it firsthand. This person who I knew well was forced to share something by a third party. The choice from this third party was “Tell Mick about your past or I will.” So, then the secret was told to me. It wasn’t anything like a bank robbery or an unsolved murder but it was shocking. It was about a life choice made many years before the current time. It took me about 10 seconds to react the exact same way Bert Cooper did in the “Mad Men” scene. “Who cares?”
I believed every word that was told. For years before, off and on, there had been hints or inferences about this person’s past but I was clueless until the whole story was revealed. It didn’t matter. The confessing person was so far removed in time and experience from that dark history that nothing about this situation was valid and hadn’t been for a long, long time. The confessor was grateful for my reaction but I didn’t do it just to make them feel good. My simple reflex truthfully was as it remains today, “Who cares?”
The individual who forced this story to be revealed had it blow up in their face. The intention to hurt the confessor was nullified and quickly forgotten.
I think of my Facebook friend and formerly the best part of the BoDeans, Sammy Llanas. He wrote and sang the fine song “Naked” with the words, “I’ve been around the block and have done some things that I ain’t so very proud of.”
We all have things from our past that we’re not proud of. A few years ago, I owned up and blogged about mis-treating with cold carelessness a young love who was way into me when I was seventeen. Despite my honest and heartfelt regret, I sometimes wonder if I’m still paying for that cruelty.
But that was in the distant past. And as Bert Cooper said to Pete Campbell, “Who cares?”
Retired NY Giants quarterback Eli Manning belongs in the NFL Hall of Fame. He didn’t make it in his first year of eligibility which is wrong. The guy was a two- time Super Bowl MVP and well relied upon QB in the NFL for years. I know Eli will eventually be voted in but missing the first time didn’t seem right to me.
Staying in the NFL for a second. I predict that after a few weeks of reflection, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce will return for another season. He’ll probably be more of a role player as opposed to being a main part of the Chiefs’ offense. The team will work on featuring other players to add diversity to their game scoring.
I haven’t watched an NBA game in years. Nobody plays defense anymore. Often final scores of games are 132 to 128. That’s ridiculous. Today’s players are all offense oriented and everyone is trying to get on Sportscenter with some crazy moves or drive to the hoop. People forget the Chicago Bulls’ first three NBA titled were predicated on defense. The “Doberman Defense” they called it.
Side story on the Bulls and Michael Jordan that I love. In 1991 they lost game 1 of the 1991 NBA Finals to the Lakers at the Chicago Stadium 93-91. Jordan missed a late in the game shot that almost went in but rimmed out. After the game, one of the Bulls’ P.R. guys saw Michael walking towards the locker room and commented to MJ how close they were to winning that game. So close! Michael smiled broadly and said, “That’s O.K. I’ve seen enough. We won’t lose to them again!” He then went skipping into the locker room without a care in the world. Number 23 was right. The Bulls went on to sweep the next four games over Magic Johnson and the much lauded Lakers. How’s that for confidence?
MICHAEL JORDAN DOING HIS BEST TO BEAT THE LAKERS IN GAME 1 OF THE 1991 NBA FINALS.
For the first time ever, Bad Company is up for election into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. With hits like “Feel Like Making Love”, “Can’t Get Enough”, “Are You Ready for Love”, “Shooting Star”, “Bad Company”, “Silver, Blue & Gold” and “Rock n Roll Fantasy” these guys should’ve been voted in years ago. They’re still a touring force as well. Lead singer Paul Rodgers should be in for fronting Bad Company, before them he sang lead in “Free” (with the hit “Alright Now”), and in the mid-80’s he fronted The Firm where he paired up with Jimmy Page. Plus, Rodgers also sang lead for Queen on several tours after Freddie Mercury died.
BAD COMPANY BELONGS IN THE ROCK N ROLL HALL OF FAME.
A good friend of mine recently witnessed seeing an Eagles concert at the Sphere in Las Vegas. I’m so jealous. I’ve seen the band live before but the Sphere is a whole different sensory experience. As Don Henley has told fans in that venue, “We hope you packed your Dramamine.” I looked up ticket prices for the Eagles and yes, I can afford to see them and could take in a quick flight and hotel stay with little trouble. The question being, when can I be free up from school to get out there and see the band? Hopefully one day.
THE EAGLES AT THE SPHERE IS SAID TO BE A WILD SENSORY EXPERIENCE.
While she had a big hit last year with “Flowers” and other known songs like “Wrecking Ball” in the past, Miley Cyrus is an amazing cover song artist. Every cover track I’ve heard her do is so on target and well done. Miley reminds me of how singers like Linda Ronstadt and Johnny Rivers took others’ tracks and made them their own with fine interpretations. Don’t believe me? Go on YouTube and check out Ms. Cyrus singing the country classic “Jolene”, Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” & “Comfortably Numb”, Blondie’s “Heart of Glass,” the Eagles “Take it to the Limit” and my personal favorite, her doing Tom Petty’s “Wildflowers.” For years, I was caught up in and turned off by Miley’s antics like twerking, having her tongue constantly sticking out, partying heavily and getting inked up with unflattering tattoos. Nowadays I simply appreciate her amazing singing talent.
MILEY CYRUS DOING THIS TOM PETTY SONG THE RIGHT WAY ON HOWARD STERN’S SHOW.
Next Blog: Remembering a long kept secret shared to me.
CAREFUL THERE DUDE, YOUR WOMAN DOESN’T APPRECIATE YOUR WANDERING EYE AND ANY OTHER BODY PART.
Valentine’s Day is this Friday. Cynics can say it’s a Hallmark holiday designed to sell greeting cards, fancy chocolates and overpriced dinners. But I’m fine with people expressing love for their special ones at any time, including February 14th.
For me, I have no Valentine this year but to quote a great Bruce Hornsby song, “I know she’s out there somewhere, on the western skyline.” I often joke that I’ve had my share of women. It’s just that my share has been so little. (Rim shot)
Of course, on the other side of sweet love and devotion there is heartbreak and yes, cheating that sometimes happens. This year, I’m posting a few of my favorite cheating songs. All but one of these tunes falls in the country music genre because the best cheating songs seem to come out of Nashville. Also, country songs were the first tunes I heard as a toddler. My parents were way into Hank Williams Sr. and they passed his works on to me, and for that I am forever grateful.
Pocket Full of Gold- Vince Gill. Plenty of married guys out there have stashed their wedding rings into their pockets while trying to hook up with someone who wasn’t their wife. This track is and the video are pure gold, pun intended.
What’ll Keep Me Out of Heaven- Brandy Clark. From her superb “12 Stories” album, Brandy evokes the mixed feelings of passion and shame a person can have when considering straying from their marriage. This ambivalence is cleverly expressed by one of Nashville’s best songwriters. Pure genius work!
I Let Her Lie- Daryl Singeltary. Daryl left this world way too soon but not before singing this tale about a husband who tolerates his wife’s infidelities. He does so, up to a point.
White Liar- Mirada Lambert. This track from the Texan spitfire brings us a little ‘tit for tat’ in the way of cheating. Well done video too.
“Misery”—Written by Sammy Llanas, formerly of the BoDeans, the very best part of that group & a FB friend of mine. This song is about a guy calling out his woman for her straying ways.
And let’s close out this blog with some positivity from Lone Justice.
At age 64 (and feeling fine, thank-you) I’ve done a few things. Achieved career goals in radio and education, met some of my heroes, been on TV a few times, flown in helicopters, delivered three eulogies, stood up at some weddings, had a few surgeries, been a jury foreman, prevented someone from dying of alcohol poisoning and other things both big and small.
However, there’s a decent sized list of things I’ve never done. Here’s just a few of those.
I have never:
Used an ATM.
Defaulted on a loan, paid a bill late or bounced a check.
Gotten a DUI.
Lied under oath. (One time at a deposition I had to tell the truth about someone who had a drinking problem)
Been convicted of a crime. (except a few driving violations, but very few)
Played golf.
Gone skiing.
Gotten a tattoo or a body piercing.
Been in a love triangle. (Though years ago, I was dating 3 different women as I coped with the loss of 2 dear friends. I juggled this for a couple of months then cooled it off. I am NOT a Warren Beatty or Leonardo Di Caprio)
Not tipped a parking valet, food server or food delivery person.
USING AN ATM HAS NEVER BEEN ON MY ‘TO DO’ LIST. I JUST NEVER NEEDED TO ACCESS CASH THAT WAY.
I have never:
Looked into anyone’s medicine cabinet at their home. (How creepy is that?)
Stood in a line waiting to get into a bar or night club.
Punched, slapped or physically harmed a woman. (Though I have thrown down on a couple of guys who did that to women)
Caught a foul ball or home run at a baseball game. (I‘ve come close but not yet)
Had a manicure or pedicure. (I think you all know the pedicure will NEVER happen with me)
Been to Europe, Canada or Hawaii. (maybe someday)
Run for elected office. (But I did serve as an election judge which everyone should do once, to appreciate the voting process)
Gone deep sea fishing.
Sky dived.
Had any part of my body waxed.
CHECKING OUT SOMEONE ELSE’S MEDICINE CABINET IS A NO-GO FOR ME. HOW CREEPY IS THAT?
I’m sure there are other things I’ve never done and when I come up with another list, I’ll share it.
Wow! What an end of the year and start of a new year it’s been for me. Three days before our winter break, I was diagnosed with a detached retina in my right eye and a few days later underwent surgery to fix it. I cannot say enough good things about the folks at Retina Associates at Elmhurst Hospital. Dr. Aaron Weinberg and his staff was beyond top notch in care and total professionalism. Put it this way, when I sign up for Medicare later this year, I’m making sure my plan lets me continue getting eye care from Dr. Weinberg.
RIGHTAFTER MY SURGERY, HERE WAS MY SELFIE.
Thanks to this procedure and the needed time for healing, I’ve missed about four weeks of school via FMLA and some short term disability payments are coming to me. Originally it looked like I’d be out of commission until the end of February but I healed fast. My right eye is still a bit blurry but over the next eight weeks Dr. Weinberg said things will get clearer. Then I’ll be re-tested and get my prescription lenses adjusted accordingly. I know my contact lens in my right lamp will also change.
Everyone says you have everything when you have your health, and being laid up and limited the way I was sure proved that. Also, the labyrinth of forms, O.K.s and other paperwork you have to go through for FMLA and disability pay is pretty mind blowing stuff.
Being stuck at home while recovering, I re-watched every episode of the Sopranos. This was fitting because I felt like Uncle Junior Soprano who was on house arrest thanks to a federal investigation. The good news is I didn’t lose my mind and shoot nephew Tony Soprano.
HOUSE-BOUND FOR THE MOST PART, I FELT LIKE UNCLE JUNIOR SOPRANO WHEN HE WAS UNDER HOUSE ARREST FOR ALLEGED CRIMES.
There was another lesson I learned while dealing with this stuff. I have been blessed with the most incredible group of friends who supported me through the surgery and aftercare. Getting needed car rides from Irene and Paula and Bill was just the start of things. I had so many pals, co-workers and other acquaintances check in with me online, on the phone and in person. They asked for updates and hoped the best for my news. I’m as the Jewish folks would say, “Verklempt.”
There’s an old Who song titled “How Many Friends” where Roger Daltrey cynicallly sings “How many friends have I really got? Can count em on hand.” Well, there’s no way to count all the friends I have. I only hope that I’m as good to all of them as they are to me. Any chance to step up to help those in need, I damn sure will do it!
MY RIGHT EYE LOOKS A LITTLE SQUINTY BUT I’M DOING FINE AND MY VISION IN IT IS IMPROVING.
So while my eye adventure is still progressing, the most challenging parts are done. Whew! Here’s to fewer health issues and better days in 2025.
Considering all the care and attention I got from family and friends, I can’t think of a better song to close out this blog than this one from Elton and Bernie.
Back in February I attended the beautiful memorial service for my longtime friend Tom Hassler. Tommy passed a couple months earlier at the way too young age of 67. Looking at the large collages of photos at the church, Tom did a lot of living and raised a large and great family in that time. I cannot stress enough the influence Tom Hassler had on me from the time I was 5 until I was 18. We were good friends until the end and I’ll always be grateful for that.
My longtime friend Tom Hassler is gone but will never be forgotten.
Two other passings of note were my swim buddy Paul Piaskowy and an old college classmate, Jeff Copland. I hadn’t seen Jeff in person in years but we stayed in touch often on Facebook. I always enjoyed his posts and his feedback on my posts. Paul was full of fun stories and we lit each other up with laughs and fun at East End Pool
Al Flash and I worked up more parody songs and videos played on the WGN Morning News. This year’s most popular covered what a terrible season the White Sox had. This ditty garnered great reactions online and thousands of views.
It was another great swim season at East End Pool. During my 6 week summer vacation, I only missed 2 days due to bad weather. My ‘Summer Family” there grew and every day was a lot of fun and laughs.
Another great summer was spent at East End Pool.
Over the summer I took delivery of a brand new bed, my first in almost 20 years, My old bed was worn down to the thickness of a matzo and it was a mess. My new larger rack from Big Fig is a dream.
My new bed is way comfortable. Love it!
The York Class of 1979 45th reunion was a stone groove. Both nights filled with laughs, memories and gratitude that many of us are still here and in decent health. The 50th reunion is already being planned and it will be here before we know it. (I hope we are too!)
My Lincoln grade school classmates and I gathered for a group photo at York’s Class of 1979 45th reunion.
At school it was a rough semester for my classroom. Easily the hardest I ever experienced. Due to repeated disciplinary issues several of my original students were transferred to other schools. This was done for the betterment of their educations. I had to attend many more meetings than ever before and there are more challenges to face in the 2nd semester. I hope things go a bit smoother.
If only my students this year were as entertaining as Jeff Spicoli.
Yes, my media memoir “Raised on the Radio” went through its final, final edit. If I tried to make it any better, it would get worse. (I stole that line from Bruce Springsteen as he talked about the work done to get his 1982 ‘Nebraska’ album finished) Now I’m putting together the frame work for photos, promotion and sample excerpts. Had my school semester not been so rough, I would be further along on all these tasks.
A rough semester with my students hampered further progress on my completed book.
In early December I had my second career colonoscopy and just like back in 2013, my pipes were clean as a whistle. I’ve been working on better eating habits and more exercise and being in the medical procedure environment just reiterated the importance of both.
2025- As far as the New Year goes, some of the plans I have are in their infancy and as time goes on, you’ll know what I’m up to.
This is my last blog for 2024, so I wish you all the happiest, safest and warmest of holidays and a wonderful new year too!
Peace and Love,
Mick
MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY HANUKKAH, HAPPY FESTIVUS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Here are some new shows and films to look out for.
MAN ON THE INSIDE – On Netflix. This eight episode series stars Ted Danson who’s headlined a few sitcoms since “Cheers” so, I was a little leery about whether this show would be worth seeing. IT IS! Ted plays a retired widower who is hired to go undercover and investigate a theft at a senior living facility. Smart writing, funny and poignant at the right times and the elderly folks are shown in a sweet and dignified way. I was totally charmed by this show.
I hope we get a 2nd season of “Man on the Inside.”
THE ORDER- This tense drama about a scary racist faction….
Looking forward to checking out this drama which sadly reflects what is going on in some parts of our country.
“NO GOOD DEED” Interesting series with a varied and known cast. Looks to be a real estate drama and will start on Netflix on December 12th.
This series is loaded with stars and looks like a ‘must see’ one.
“CARRY ON”- Another offering from Netflix, this movie covers a TSA worker put into a dangerous situation. It is available on December 13th, and I’m in line ready to check my bag.
Another intense appearing movie, I hope it’s as good as the trailer.
Don’t laugh at this one. “The Last Showgirl” stars Pamela Anderson and there is real early Oscar buzz for her! This one opens on the coasts on December 13th and will be in Chicago theaters in early January. A quick take on Ms. Anderson. In my radio days I knew of a couple people who worked with Pamela on different projects and they said she is a total pro. No diva attitude and always on time and on the mark. I’ll definitely see this one!
Pamela Anderson is getting rave comments for her role in this new movie.
Movie Releases Due out December 25th–Red hot heartthrob Timothee Chalamet stars in a Bob Dylan biopic titled “A Complete Unknown.” The trailer looks impressive. That’ll be my film to see on Christmas Day.
Timothee Chalamet does his own singing in this biopic and from what I’ve heard, it’s impressive work.
Then there’s Nicole Kidman in “Babygirl” which is a psycho-sexual movie that’s best not seen on Christmas day. Advanced reviews and buzz are strong but hope it’s more erotic than the time Nicole starred with then husband Tom Cruise in the dull and stupid “Eyes Wide Shut.”
I’ll probably check out this sexual/psycho film but NOT on Christmas Day!
Also, out on Christmas Day is “Nosferatu” and it looks very scary. However, this evil vampire offering is not exactly the film to see on the same day that we celebrate the birth of Jesus. (I remember feeling very uncomfortable seeing the drug and sex filled “Wolf of Wall Street” one Christmas Day) Anyway, this dark film is still on my ‘must see’ list.
Eerie and creepy, this vampire movie’s trailer is pretty terrorizing.
One more film to cover. “Waltzing With Brando” comes out later in 2025 and “Titanic” co-star Billy Zane portrays Marlon Brando in a biopic. Strange casting? Maybe not. Just check out this side by side comparison of the real Marlon Brando in “The Godfather” and Billy Zane portraying the late great actor.
The real Brando on the left and Billy Zane as Brando on the right.
First off congratulations to the York Dukes varsity football team for a fantastic season. For the first time in their history, the Dukes made it to the final game for the state championship down at Illinois State University. Unfortunately, the Dukes lost to Loyola Academy but what a great year it was for that gridiron gang!
Driving by York’s beautiful stadium on Friday nights and seeing the stands packed guts to butts is way cool. I opt for watching their games live on You Tube. York’s sophomore team had a great season and those second yearers will move up to the big squad in 2025. Look for more great things from these hard working young players.
The Dukes of York had a great season and expect to do as well or better next year.
We all know what a nightmare this Bears season has been. As usual, me and parody pal Al Flash put together a song for the ‘Midgets of the Midway. WGN Ch. 9 Morning News aired about half the video then had to cut to commercials. Here’s the whole tune.
The Bears poor season earned this parody song from me and Al Flash. And yes, with head coach Matt Eberflus just getting fired, we have another tune in the works.
I’ve mentioned before how much I enjoy dreams about my departed parents and sister Maryanne. I wake from them never frustrated but grateful they came for a ‘visit.’ My most recent dream had me driving my mom to a hospital appointment but she wasn’t sick. We get to the lobby and mom buys me a book written by comedian Jim Gaffigan and he signed it. Mom also was hiding a birthday card for me that would be given later after she stuffed lottery scratch-off tickets in it. How this dream came about is anyone’s guess but before falling asleep that night I watched Jim Gaffigan do a guest shot on the Jimmy Kimmel show.
Comic Jim Gaffigan’s recent visit with Jimmy Kimmel played into a dream I had about my dear departed mother.
Over the past couple of years, I realized I am the KING OF PARKING. It seems anytime I need to park my humble Chevy Cavalier, I always find the closest and best parking space, almost instantly. One example is when I go to the York Theater in downtown Elmhurst, every time I locate the perfect space either right next to or across the street from that movie palace. Same goes for when I arrive at East End Pool for my summer swims or when I do my grocery shopping at Jewel. I bragged about this parking skill on Facebook and Dan White, a former classmate of mine, claimed to be better than me when it comes to finding the best rest spots for his car. Maybe Dan and I should have a play-off or call it a park-off.
The parking gods love me as it seems like an open spot in a choice location is always waiting for me.
One thing that brings huge smiles to me is when I’m on Facebook and click into quick video clips of dogs being adopted out of Animal shelters. Seeing those wagging tails and how excited the shelter workers are that another pooch has been rescued is a huge mood lifter. I wish there were more cat rescue videos to see but most felines are so mellow and low-key that their reactions aren’t as electric.
Seeing pics and video clips of dogs being rescued from shelters is an automatic mood lifter.
The Grammy Awards nominations came out recently and I was happy to see Sarah Jarosz land two nods. Sarah is a much respected singer-songwriter in the style reminiscent of Mary Chapin Carpenter. Her most recent album is titled “Polaroid Lovers” and it includes good tunes like “Jealous Moon” (love that title) and “Runaway Train.” Sarah’s work is big with those who are into the Americana category of music.
Sarah Jarosz’s music is finally getting the recognition it deserves.
As much as I love country music, I’ve never really warmed to Jason Aldean’s songs. However, his thoughtful tribute to Toby Keith at last month’s CMA awards was damn good.
Jason Aldean’s tribute to the late Toby Keith was heartfelt and top notch.
Another fun music find is on You Tube. The Middle Aged Dad Jam Band is a group of musicians who cover well known pop hits. One jem is their playing the Kenny Rogers/Dolly Parton hit “Islands in the Stream” with guest singer Kristen Bell. BTW, “Islands in the Stream” is just another song that was written by the lone living Bee Gee, Barry Gibb.
Actress Kristen Bell guest sings with the Middle Aged Dad Jam Band. Well done!
One more music note- HBO has a new documentary on Yacht Rock. It’s a deeply researched feature on a type of music we all know but never had a real label for it. Interesting stories are shared by the musicians who created this music.
I learned lots about the musicians who created the songs I’ve been listening to for decades. Yacht Rock is the label and the stories behind it are fun to hear.
I remember fifty years ago when I thought that the coolest thing in the world would be when I matured enough to start shaving. Whiskers kicked in at age 16 for me and by the time I graduated high school I was shaving 3 times a week. Then my face got hairier. Throughout college and into my first few post grad years, I grew beards, mustaches, goatees, etc. However, by the time I hit 30, I realized shaving was a gigantic drag.
Shaving was something I looked forward to when I was much younger. Today, not so much.
Do you know a phrase I hope goes away? It’s when someone is about to make a statement and their first words are “I ain’t gonna lie…” I hear this from my high school students all the time, but now more folks of all ages are saying the same phrase. Enough, please. And I ain’t gonna lie, knock it off!”
“My family and friends are the best things I’ve known, through the eye of a needle I’d carry them home.” – (‘Minutes to Memories’- John Mellencamp)
**Amazing parents, sister and grandparents who were the best guiding lights I could’ve ever asked for. Despite them being long gone, their influence remains with me to this day.
**My niece Dei, Nephew Mike and their wonderful families. Their father Jack Nagy was so good to my sister Maryanne throughout her life.
**Loving family dogs and kitties who brought so much fun to my life. Coach, Prissy, Squeaks, Bambi, Molly, Minnie, Bugger, Sonny Boy, Daisy, Dudley and Trouble.
**Dear friends who are family to me. Bobbo and I have been brothers from other mothers for fifty-one years. Marko, with whom we’ve shared more music and sports moments than either of us can count. My pals Phil and Todd who’ve been yearslong constants as well. And my song parody Al Flash. With Al, how many people can say they bonded with someone when both of us were in our fifties and we’ll be like this until our last day?
**Growing up with the Swain-Mitchell boys. Staying in close touch with them for so many years means the world to me. And Tommy Hassler & Jerry Dhamer, you two are missed by all.
**The departed Lee Swanson, my friend and mentor whose guidance brought me to working with Larry Lujack and my radio career from there continued. And what a fun radio career it was! My close friendship with Uncle Lar until his last day was another blessing.
**Others from my days in radio who continue to be friends. Jim Turano, Big John Howell, Trish Biondo, Ramblin’ Ray Stevens, Mitch Michaels, Robert Murphy, Phil Doc Duncan, Cindy Raymond and memories of the late Tom Teuber.
**The fact that I found a second career after radio that I love as much. Teaching kids with behavior issues is often a challenge but worth it. Who knows? I might even have a ‘third act’ in my life.
**My summer family at East End Pool; too many names to mention but I consider myself lucky to be swimming in their slipstream!
**As far as women go, yes there’ve been romances. Relationships that taught me as much about myself as I’ve learned about the fairer sex. There’s also been some fine platonic friendships with other women that remain important to me.
It’s never a bad idea to count your blessings…
Some other things to be thankful for:
**My health at 63 (2 months shy of 64) It’s pretty good and getting better.
**Excellent care from a team of medical professionals ranging from my general practice doctor to a fine dentist.
**Living in a warm and safe house, the one I grew up in and how good it feels to come home every day.
**The honest and conscientious mechanics at JMS Auto in Elmhurst who take care of my aging but still reliable car.
**Local Handyman Bill who has been a go-to guy for me for years. I’m not the most fix-it savvy guy in the world.
**My Sport Clips stylist Brittany who’s been shaping my hair for over ten years. Well done, my dear.
!! Finally, I’m thankful for a sharp memory that recalls in detail a ridiculously deep well of great times had in this life. Add to that, a curious and active mind that has much more to write about and more to enjoy in this life.
“Return of the King: The Fall & Rise of Elvis Presley.” This new Netflix documentary covers all that set up Elvis’ legendary 1968 comeback TV Special. Great remembrances from Springsteen, Robbie Robertson, Billy Corgan, Conan O’Brien and others frame this story. Elvis’ ex-wife Priscilla also offers insight too but looks absolutely plastic with all the facial reconstructs she’s had. Still, the best part of this special is the footage from that ’68 special. Also, this documentary was created and produced by the great but unheralded singer-songwriter John Eddie who is pals with Priscilla and also knew her daughter, the late Lisa Marie.
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band’s recent visit to the Howard Stern Show was excellent. Search on You Tube and catch great talks about Bruce’s songs along with some fine in-studio jams. My favorite being their take on “Glory Days.”
Bruce and the E Street Band tear it up with Howard Stern.
Movies to see-
“Heretic”-One of the most intelligent films I saw this year. Great script and Hugh Grant is beyond creepy as a spiritual seeker as he welcomes two young Mormon women into his house to share their message of religious hope. Speaking of Grant’s home, it is so creepy it makes Buffalo Bill’s place in “Silence of the Lambs” look like “Romper Room.” And you’ll never listen to the Hollies’ “The Air That I Breathe” the same way again!
“Heretic” is tense and a fun ride through a smart spiritual and psychological plot.
I gave a solid ‘B’ to the tense Vatican offering “Conclave.” Great cast, script and plot changes that are totally unexpected. Look for Ralph Fiennes to get an Oscar nomination and the film itself should get a nomination too.
“Conclave” is Oscar worthy with an incredible ending.
On Netflix, “Woman of the Hour” was skin crawling crazy in a fun way. Anna Kendrick directed and stars in this story about the real life “Dating Game Killer.” I’ve watched this one twice!
Based on a true story of the so called ‘Dating Game Killer’, this one is more than worth your time.
Also on Netflix, I stumbled upon the new documentary on Martha Stewart. I never gave the famed home making maven much thought but her story is really fascinating. From her childhood to her rise, fall and return to the stratosphere, Martha has lived quite a life and she ain’t done yet.
Everything you didn’t know about Martha Stewart is shown in this documentary.
On Demand, I graded the brand new “Cellar Door” movie a “B+” for its intriguing story about a couple who moves into a dream house with one strange caveat that brings about conflict and mystery.
This trailer sets up what happens in The Cellar Door” and it’s a strange romp in a dream house.
New on HBO is the series “It’s Florida, Man” which shows us crazy true stories from that nutty state. These tales are re-enacted but you do meet the real life men and women involved in stories about losing limbs by humans & animals. There’s also a weird tale about mermaids and witches and a weird way to burn down a mobile home.
Ever hear of ‘Floridiots’? You’ll find some in this limited HBO series.
Another offering on HBO is the tense docuseries “Breath of Fire” which centers on a Yoga cult and the lives of its followers influenced by a dynamic and nefarious leader.
A woman with no direction in her life joins a Yoga cult and eventually takes things over. A true story that almost seems like make believe.
Come this weekend there are two big films opening in theaters, “Wicked” and “Gladiator 2” but I have no interest in either. I never saw the “Wicked” play and I’m doubting director Ridley Scott can equal what he did with Russell Crowe in the original “Gladiator.”
Finally, a couple weeks ago WGN Morning News co-host Robin Baumgarten celebrated a birthday and yes, Al Flash and I worked up a song to mark the occasion. Channel 9 didn’t air this one (they had other Robin bits to show) so we’ll pocket this one until next year.
