Ah yes! The Super Bowl is upon us. Who are you lookin for? Brady, Moss, Eli, Wes Welker,
Amani Toomer, Maroney? Not me! I'll probably know after about a quarter which team is ready to capture the prize. While the Patriots are 12-13 point favorites and should win, watch the men who really determine a game's results up front. I'm talkin about the OFFENSIVE LINE.
Its no secret the second mosthighly payed player in NFL football is the offensive left tackle! They make big bucks as do their fellow o linemen and rightfully so! The names I'm most interested in are:Matt Light, Logan Mankins and Dan Koppen along with Kareem McKenzie, Chris Snee and Shaun O'Hara. Seek out one or two of these dudes and watch em closely!
No doubt about it, while so called sport's authorities in the news media regail you with the exloits of pencil neck backs and splinter like receivers, its those massive hunks up front, in the caseof this year's Super Bowlers, not quite as big, but so quick and alert mentally.
Harvardites, Yalees, Cal Polies, and Stanforites in the news media like to make fun of the would be less than educated stout men who give the big push up front, but to play offensive line and be
successful you have to use your noodle and with the offensive lineman unable to use his hands, must be able to control your entire system to gain leveridge on your opponent who may be playing you head up, in the inside or outside gap and you must be able to memorize and execute your specific play. Being an offensive lineman demands total concentration to the snap count of the center, who usually calls the defense to the rest of the line and of course snaps the ball to the QB either from the traditional T formation, under center exchange, which takes hours and hours of work (Your author feels not enough time is devoted to this technique in the NFL) or in some cases from
the "shotgun" where the QB stands some distance behind the center and receives the ball on the
fly. The offensive lineman must be ready to thrust forward or in some cases pull behind the line and move to a designated area to block or trap your opponent. You bet they have to be talented, strong, and smart!
So Sunday, when your watching the Patriots defeat the NY Giants quietly mention to the person next to you. "Did you see that Nick Kaczur (right tackle of the Patriots) pancake (put him flat on his ass) that defensive end playing him head up? Watch the expression on your partner's face, especially if you are a woman and he is Bud guzzling male! He probably will be watching the ball and not the major battles taking place between the two lines. Then really wow him by saying: "Look at those white arms on those guys up front!" "Say what?" Or, look at Steve Neal (guard). " He really sealed off that Giant linebacker to give us the corner."
Yep, the OFFENSIVE LINE is where it takes place in any football game! When I want to put together a good team, I'll always strive to have the very best and brightest on our offensive line.
So says the Bear, preparing for the big game on Sunday which will be won by the Patriots by 17!
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
TIME TO GET OFF THE POT!
Tuesday's huge primary elections in 22 states is upon us and many questions will be answered about the various Demos and Repubs in this year's race for the President.
Events of yesterday and today indicate two major figures in both parties will drop out of the race:
Senator John Edwards Demo of North Carolina has a press conference today and the former mayor of NY city Rudy Giuliani is expected to throw his support to John McCain.
As a strong Hillary Clinton supporter, the Bear has watched this brilliant former first lady and two time elected US Senator from NY fashion a first rate race in her bid for the top prize. For that and many other reasons, the Bear salutes Sentor Hillary Clinton.
Barack Obama has thrilled all Americans with his prose, his charisma, his life story and as a first term effective Senator. He was a leader as a State Senator in the great state of Illinois for several years. He has picked up some impressive endorsements, most recently from one of my favorite US Senators, Ted Kennedy. OprahWinfrey's foray into South Carolina to campaign for and with Barack was stimulating and earthshaking! She's for real and gave the Senator a great boost when he really needed it.
I am going to cast my MO presidential primary vote for Barack Obama, a voice for the future of this country and a leader for all seasons. While his resume may not be as great as some of the other candidates, he brings a fresh and engaging personality to the political scene which is badly needed in this country. His all out opposition to the original resolution of the Congress to give your President the power to go into Iraq has weighed heavily on my opinion to support him. His ability to bring thousands of supporters to the table has strengthened the Democratic Party and its candidates up and down the ladder as we shall see in November and huge turnouts have been the result. His election would put an end to the disdain so many of the countries of the world, both pro and con America, have felt due to the "my way or the highway" attitude of the "evil one."
Yes, I will join Claire McCaskill, Teddy Kennedy, Russ Carnahan, Oprah and the great mayor of
the city of Chicago and support the next President of the United States, Barack Obama of Illinois.
Duly recorded in the war room of the Bear in St. Louis County MO.
Events of yesterday and today indicate two major figures in both parties will drop out of the race:
Senator John Edwards Demo of North Carolina has a press conference today and the former mayor of NY city Rudy Giuliani is expected to throw his support to John McCain.
As a strong Hillary Clinton supporter, the Bear has watched this brilliant former first lady and two time elected US Senator from NY fashion a first rate race in her bid for the top prize. For that and many other reasons, the Bear salutes Sentor Hillary Clinton.
Barack Obama has thrilled all Americans with his prose, his charisma, his life story and as a first term effective Senator. He was a leader as a State Senator in the great state of Illinois for several years. He has picked up some impressive endorsements, most recently from one of my favorite US Senators, Ted Kennedy. OprahWinfrey's foray into South Carolina to campaign for and with Barack was stimulating and earthshaking! She's for real and gave the Senator a great boost when he really needed it.
I am going to cast my MO presidential primary vote for Barack Obama, a voice for the future of this country and a leader for all seasons. While his resume may not be as great as some of the other candidates, he brings a fresh and engaging personality to the political scene which is badly needed in this country. His all out opposition to the original resolution of the Congress to give your President the power to go into Iraq has weighed heavily on my opinion to support him. His ability to bring thousands of supporters to the table has strengthened the Democratic Party and its candidates up and down the ladder as we shall see in November and huge turnouts have been the result. His election would put an end to the disdain so many of the countries of the world, both pro and con America, have felt due to the "my way or the highway" attitude of the "evil one."
Yes, I will join Claire McCaskill, Teddy Kennedy, Russ Carnahan, Oprah and the great mayor of
the city of Chicago and support the next President of the United States, Barack Obama of Illinois.
Duly recorded in the war room of the Bear in St. Louis County MO.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
LATE BREAKING NEWS
We have just received a communication from our good friend in California, Maxine Waters, that she is supporting Hillary. Maxine is one of the most liberal black leaders in the US House and has been a fierce opponent of this trumped up war in Iraq. An ardent civil rights leader from way back, she is a tenacious campaigner and while she is no Ted Kennedy, you know the great former first lady and present outstanding Senator from NY welcomes her support. Gutsy move by Maxine! They love Hillary and Bill in California where my former union AFTRA and of course the writer's guild are fighting for a just wage and better working conditions. Hail to Walter Reuther, Jimmy wherever he is and people like Dick Gephardt and Dick Dailey, crusaders for the right to bargain collectively.
Remember all you Repub sympathizers and we definitely send you our sympathy, the Repub Party opposed the Wagner Act of the mid 1930's which gave us the right to collectively bargain and moved the middle class of this country forward economically and many of our forefathers were able to truly become middle class and upper middle class because of this act. Oh by the way, they opposed Social Security too! Wait till some of you yung uns start getting those checks: We thank you meanwhile and remember: "Numnuts tried to do away with it while he ignoring my many friends in New Orleans!" What did he say: "Brownie's doin a great job!"
Just in and immediately brought to the "War Room": Gregory Christian (son 1) and Danny Christian (son 3) are staying with John Edwards. John has been moving slightly upward in the race in the past two weeks. That leaves only Slater Christian (named after the great Slater Martin,
former St. Louis Hawk great and Hall of Famer in the NBA) and Jimmy Christian(son 5), who could be an anarchist and may be heading for Spain to join the great Javier Barden.
All of these fine young men marched in the famous parade in the Webster area in 1972 along side their father (the Bear) when he rode in his then black Chevy convert and waved at the massive Crowd on July 4th, mostly Repubs, who gave him the finger and jeered lustily! The Bear went on to become the Democratic Committeeman of Gravois Township and won two more four year terms before retiring from the political battles in 1984. Those were the good old days but they can't compare with this year's exciting battles in both parties. I say again: LETS TAKE IT TO THE CONVENTION. I can see it now: No winner for 14 ballots and then a shout from the rafters:
"WE WANT GORE!" Demonstration, environmentalists go crazy, Floridians begin to adjust their ballot boxes, the UN calls for a holiday to celebrate, Swiss Nobelists are exstatic! Oh baby!
Its not going to happen but even next Tuesday will not determine the winner in either party, maybe in the Repubs!
So we shall see what will happen: One other note: Little Lord Faultleroy decided he would not run for Governor. The Repubs should be happy. He was a disaster! He can go back to Springfield and cry come November with his old man, the Repub whip in the US House, also inept!
So yes, their is joy in the ranks of Demo land but here's a warning: Campaign like there is no tomorrow (Don't be a Rudy or Fred and sit on your butt). Hit every nook and cranny! As Howard Dean says: "Campaign in every state, city, hamlet, igloo, county and take nothing for granted."
There will be no easy win in November but we know by the numbers turning out in the primary season that the Democratic Party of Harry Truman (we lost a great writer and singer today with the death of Margaret, one of my favorites), FDR (genuflect), JFK (thanks Teddy), Lyndon Baines Johnson (a great civil rights president), Grover Cleveland (He won, then lost, then won!) and Teddy Roosevelt (He ran as a Repub but they never accepted him. He was really a closet Demo) and finally our founder, rough and tough Old Hickory, who opened the White House to the masses,
Andrew "he fought some great duals, one with our MO Senator Thomas Hart Benton" Jackson!
What a list of greats: Of course we must give deference to the elephant leaders: Warren G. Harding, US Grant, Silent Cal Coolidge, Richard Nixon and of course "the evil one!"
Tonight its Florida and tomorrow I will most likely head for Maplewood to cast my absentee ballot:
Many think I'm absent minded! Then the family, the neighborhood, friends, enemies and politicos will know: The Bear has spoken!
Remember all you Repub sympathizers and we definitely send you our sympathy, the Repub Party opposed the Wagner Act of the mid 1930's which gave us the right to collectively bargain and moved the middle class of this country forward economically and many of our forefathers were able to truly become middle class and upper middle class because of this act. Oh by the way, they opposed Social Security too! Wait till some of you yung uns start getting those checks: We thank you meanwhile and remember: "Numnuts tried to do away with it while he ignoring my many friends in New Orleans!" What did he say: "Brownie's doin a great job!"
Just in and immediately brought to the "War Room": Gregory Christian (son 1) and Danny Christian (son 3) are staying with John Edwards. John has been moving slightly upward in the race in the past two weeks. That leaves only Slater Christian (named after the great Slater Martin,
former St. Louis Hawk great and Hall of Famer in the NBA) and Jimmy Christian(son 5), who could be an anarchist and may be heading for Spain to join the great Javier Barden.
All of these fine young men marched in the famous parade in the Webster area in 1972 along side their father (the Bear) when he rode in his then black Chevy convert and waved at the massive Crowd on July 4th, mostly Repubs, who gave him the finger and jeered lustily! The Bear went on to become the Democratic Committeeman of Gravois Township and won two more four year terms before retiring from the political battles in 1984. Those were the good old days but they can't compare with this year's exciting battles in both parties. I say again: LETS TAKE IT TO THE CONVENTION. I can see it now: No winner for 14 ballots and then a shout from the rafters:
"WE WANT GORE!" Demonstration, environmentalists go crazy, Floridians begin to adjust their ballot boxes, the UN calls for a holiday to celebrate, Swiss Nobelists are exstatic! Oh baby!
Its not going to happen but even next Tuesday will not determine the winner in either party, maybe in the Repubs!
So we shall see what will happen: One other note: Little Lord Faultleroy decided he would not run for Governor. The Repubs should be happy. He was a disaster! He can go back to Springfield and cry come November with his old man, the Repub whip in the US House, also inept!
So yes, their is joy in the ranks of Demo land but here's a warning: Campaign like there is no tomorrow (Don't be a Rudy or Fred and sit on your butt). Hit every nook and cranny! As Howard Dean says: "Campaign in every state, city, hamlet, igloo, county and take nothing for granted."
There will be no easy win in November but we know by the numbers turning out in the primary season that the Democratic Party of Harry Truman (we lost a great writer and singer today with the death of Margaret, one of my favorites), FDR (genuflect), JFK (thanks Teddy), Lyndon Baines Johnson (a great civil rights president), Grover Cleveland (He won, then lost, then won!) and Teddy Roosevelt (He ran as a Repub but they never accepted him. He was really a closet Demo) and finally our founder, rough and tough Old Hickory, who opened the White House to the masses,
Andrew "he fought some great duals, one with our MO Senator Thomas Hart Benton" Jackson!
What a list of greats: Of course we must give deference to the elephant leaders: Warren G. Harding, US Grant, Silent Cal Coolidge, Richard Nixon and of course "the evil one!"
Tonight its Florida and tomorrow I will most likely head for Maplewood to cast my absentee ballot:
Many think I'm absent minded! Then the family, the neighborhood, friends, enemies and politicos will know: The Bear has spoken!
Monday, January 28, 2008
REVOLUTION IN THE CHRISTIAN CLAN
The Bear only recently blogged that a decision would be made this week concerning his endorsement of the Democratic candidate for President of these United States.
A comment made during this blog indicated that Barbara Christian was supporting Hillary Clinton.
We learned today that Ms Christian has changed her view on this race and inspired by Senator Barack Obama's recent speeches and buoyed by the backing of Senator Ted Kennedy and his family, announced she would come out for Barack Obama. Ms Christian indicated she was not happy with the tenor of the campaigning of the former President Bill Clinton in South Carolina.
More was to come. Last night while watching the SAG Awards show. (Great job Javier Bardem and the cast of No Country For Old Men), Mr. Timothy Christian (son four) called to make an announcement he was leaving the Edwards camp and will support Barack Obama, stating that the South Carolina speech,following his victory was sensational. It was. Whatever is happening with this campaign, there is no doubt the Obama charisma is affecting thousands of Democrats and Independents from coast to coast. We will learn more in next week.
The Bear welcomes this excitement. He was quoted as saying just today: "Hell, I hope it goes to the Convention before we get a candidate." Just like the old days. Who besides the press, trying to influence the "now generation" likes these early victories by the candidates. Wasn't it great when the candidates were chosen by their faithful with compromises, deals, promises and trades being made in the so called "evil smoke filled rooms" That was drama!
Ok, so you say the Bear is playing the waiting game! "You are 100% right. We must in the Democratic Party come up with a candidate who will inspire the masses and lead us to a major victory in November, which will bring a stronger Democratic Congress so important legislation can be fashioned with the support of our President.
That being the case, the announcement of my candidate will be coming most probably Wednesday or Thursday of this week and if the Fenton news gets upset or the Riverfront Times calls me a "pussy" so be it.
How about the Bear family making these major changes. Something is in the wind! Now you may ask: Why no discussion of the GOP? Easily explained: "This is a Democratic Family and any son who might support the fine Republicans, who are competing to replace "the evil one", would be drummed out of the family and disinherited immediately. While we believe in "free speech, free assembly, free choice of candidates" in this household the party of my beloved FDR (genuflect) reigns supreme. So says the Bear!
A comment made during this blog indicated that Barbara Christian was supporting Hillary Clinton.
We learned today that Ms Christian has changed her view on this race and inspired by Senator Barack Obama's recent speeches and buoyed by the backing of Senator Ted Kennedy and his family, announced she would come out for Barack Obama. Ms Christian indicated she was not happy with the tenor of the campaigning of the former President Bill Clinton in South Carolina.
More was to come. Last night while watching the SAG Awards show. (Great job Javier Bardem and the cast of No Country For Old Men), Mr. Timothy Christian (son four) called to make an announcement he was leaving the Edwards camp and will support Barack Obama, stating that the South Carolina speech,following his victory was sensational. It was. Whatever is happening with this campaign, there is no doubt the Obama charisma is affecting thousands of Democrats and Independents from coast to coast. We will learn more in next week.
The Bear welcomes this excitement. He was quoted as saying just today: "Hell, I hope it goes to the Convention before we get a candidate." Just like the old days. Who besides the press, trying to influence the "now generation" likes these early victories by the candidates. Wasn't it great when the candidates were chosen by their faithful with compromises, deals, promises and trades being made in the so called "evil smoke filled rooms" That was drama!
Ok, so you say the Bear is playing the waiting game! "You are 100% right. We must in the Democratic Party come up with a candidate who will inspire the masses and lead us to a major victory in November, which will bring a stronger Democratic Congress so important legislation can be fashioned with the support of our President.
That being the case, the announcement of my candidate will be coming most probably Wednesday or Thursday of this week and if the Fenton news gets upset or the Riverfront Times calls me a "pussy" so be it.
How about the Bear family making these major changes. Something is in the wind! Now you may ask: Why no discussion of the GOP? Easily explained: "This is a Democratic Family and any son who might support the fine Republicans, who are competing to replace "the evil one", would be drummed out of the family and disinherited immediately. While we believe in "free speech, free assembly, free choice of candidates" in this household the party of my beloved FDR (genuflect) reigns supreme. So says the Bear!
Sunday, January 27, 2008
IN THE BEDROOM
The Bear still cannot understand why Bill Richardson, the talented Governor of the state of New Mexico, former UN Ambassador, former US Representative and negotiator par excellence, did not even make a dent in the race for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States.
The Bear felt he was the most talented of those being considered.
With this in mind and with the Missouri Presidential Primary scheduled for super Tuesday, February 5, mindful that three fine Demos are working their cans off to win this nomination, a decision of the utmost importance will be made this week.
There will be no press conference! This announcement will probably take place in the solitary confines of my bedroom, either before seeking some shuteye or more probably when waking, which is always an exciting moment these days.
Various members of the Christian clan have already made up their minds. Barbara Christian will support Hillary Clinton. Timothy and Gregory Christian are leaning strongly to John Edwards.
Others, like me are undecided.
Whoever is endorsed and voted for, it appears a Democratic year is on the horizon. I have no qualms in stating I will vote for whoever is nominated proudly. Both parties candidates have worked long and hard in the various early states to secure a strategic position and with Florida, an important Republican primary (Demos are not competing because of a numnuts decision by the Democratic National Committee to punish them for moving their primary up to February), the first Tuesday in February will have 22 states holding their primary, all with huge amounts of delegates and it should be a very interesting evening.
The following have received the unofficial and totally subjective standings based only on their qualifications for this office and their political brilliance:
1. Hillary Clinton 2. Ron Paul 3. Mitt Romney 4. Barack Obama 5. John McCain 6. Mike Huckabee (Should the great mayor of the city of New York, Mike Bloomberg throw his hat in the ring,ratings would change drastically. These ratings are in no way endorsements by the old Bear, just subjective thoughts. One candidate, who has not been mentioned because of his very low low ranking is also a resident of NY! He has been campaigning in Florida for many months, bypassing the earlier primaries and already has some votes as Floridians are able to vote early.
The Bear's announcement could come as early as Wednesday this week as he is losing too much sleep, worrying about making the right choice. (WE ALL LOVE FRONT RUNNERS!)
One question, which has plagued my choice is the continual comments made by friends, both Demo and Repub, concerning the former first lady. These people don't like her but can't tell me why other than you know what! There have been many books and articles written about Hillary over the years and none can deny her brilliance all through an interesting life. But, when close to 50% of the people find her unlikable, thats an issue!
I find her just the opposite and besides that she is a loyal mate to the former President.
She has been a solid US Senator, twice elected in the state of NY with good margins, great margin in 2006. Her collegues respect and like her in the Senate and she has worked both sides of the aisle to provide legislation. She has always been a leader going all the way back to her collegiate days. Whats not to like?
Well, long about 11 PM, after the SAG awards the old Bear will probably say his night prayers for guidance in upcoming endorsement and of course unlike the 1948 Boston Braves whose motto was: "Sphan and Sain and pray for rain" withtheir pitching selections, I'll be hoping for some sun tomorrow, here in the Mound City, and perhaps the golf clubs will receive their first workout of the year over at Elmwood, just northwest of Millstadt, IL. Fore!
The Bear felt he was the most talented of those being considered.
With this in mind and with the Missouri Presidential Primary scheduled for super Tuesday, February 5, mindful that three fine Demos are working their cans off to win this nomination, a decision of the utmost importance will be made this week.
There will be no press conference! This announcement will probably take place in the solitary confines of my bedroom, either before seeking some shuteye or more probably when waking, which is always an exciting moment these days.
Various members of the Christian clan have already made up their minds. Barbara Christian will support Hillary Clinton. Timothy and Gregory Christian are leaning strongly to John Edwards.
Others, like me are undecided.
Whoever is endorsed and voted for, it appears a Democratic year is on the horizon. I have no qualms in stating I will vote for whoever is nominated proudly. Both parties candidates have worked long and hard in the various early states to secure a strategic position and with Florida, an important Republican primary (Demos are not competing because of a numnuts decision by the Democratic National Committee to punish them for moving their primary up to February), the first Tuesday in February will have 22 states holding their primary, all with huge amounts of delegates and it should be a very interesting evening.
The following have received the unofficial and totally subjective standings based only on their qualifications for this office and their political brilliance:
1. Hillary Clinton 2. Ron Paul 3. Mitt Romney 4. Barack Obama 5. John McCain 6. Mike Huckabee (Should the great mayor of the city of New York, Mike Bloomberg throw his hat in the ring,ratings would change drastically. These ratings are in no way endorsements by the old Bear, just subjective thoughts. One candidate, who has not been mentioned because of his very low low ranking is also a resident of NY! He has been campaigning in Florida for many months, bypassing the earlier primaries and already has some votes as Floridians are able to vote early.
The Bear's announcement could come as early as Wednesday this week as he is losing too much sleep, worrying about making the right choice. (WE ALL LOVE FRONT RUNNERS!)
One question, which has plagued my choice is the continual comments made by friends, both Demo and Repub, concerning the former first lady. These people don't like her but can't tell me why other than you know what! There have been many books and articles written about Hillary over the years and none can deny her brilliance all through an interesting life. But, when close to 50% of the people find her unlikable, thats an issue!
I find her just the opposite and besides that she is a loyal mate to the former President.
She has been a solid US Senator, twice elected in the state of NY with good margins, great margin in 2006. Her collegues respect and like her in the Senate and she has worked both sides of the aisle to provide legislation. She has always been a leader going all the way back to her collegiate days. Whats not to like?
Well, long about 11 PM, after the SAG awards the old Bear will probably say his night prayers for guidance in upcoming endorsement and of course unlike the 1948 Boston Braves whose motto was: "Sphan and Sain and pray for rain" withtheir pitching selections, I'll be hoping for some sun tomorrow, here in the Mound City, and perhaps the golf clubs will receive their first workout of the year over at Elmwood, just northwest of Millstadt, IL. Fore!
Saturday, January 26, 2008
COLE PORTER IS DELOVELY
It's a beautiful 40 degree morning and after a rather cold and windy day yesterday, it was just plain luck to have tickets to see a young singer and his accompanist perform the works of the great Cole Porter at one of my favorite St. Louis venues, the Sheldon Music Hall. I'm talkin about a guy by the name of Tim Schall and his piano man and music director Joe Dwyer.
This was the steal of the year as tickets went for $10.00 and seating was "first come first served."
And they came. I'm an early arrival and in case you never heard of this place, the Sheldon features not just music, but a magnifent museum of top notch art surrounding the hall which is available for viewing before and after the show. It is located just west of the Fox Theater off Grand on Washington and its been there for a long time, a cathedral to good music. A St. Louis relic!
They started coming early about 10:15 A.M. for the eleven o'clock performance, senior citizens by the busloads (at least five busses out front). Since it was general admission you had to be there and early to get preferred seating. I took my seat about 10 rows from the small and intimate stage and watched the theater fill! Seniors, hobbling up and down the aisles, bad knees creaking, my bad right knee tingling, but ready for some stimulation, sore backs, a few coughs and amidst this group of 60 70 80 yea probably 90 year old veterans, in came a young lass with a baby attached to her and took her seat just about five rows from the stage right of center.
And then it happened, out popped Tim Schall and Joe Dwyer from the two doors, one on each side of the stage and Mr. Dwyer introduced Tim and he was off to the races with the famous repotoire of
the great Porter music book. He started with "Your the Top"and finished with It's Delovely and in between about 25 sounds from "Night and Day", "From This Moment On", "I've Got You Under My Skin", "I Love Paris" on and on and on, one better than the next and then the fine piano player Dwyer and Tim did a few duets, notably "Lets Fall In Love" with such memorable lines as:
"Birds Do It, Bees Do It, Even Educated Fleas Do It." and these seniors blistered their paws with applause.
As always when I see a show like this I want to race up to the stage and cheer but being respectful of my older breatheran, we slowly shuffled out of this landmark of great music, grinning from ear to ear. My Saturday was almost complete!
I have two song writers and lyricists who have influenced not just these inners, but have been loved by people all over the globe: Cole Porter and Richard Rodgers. What Mr. Schall pointed out about Cole Porter was that he not only wrote the music, but added the catchy smart words to his songs which have been sung and danced to by the likes of Fred Astaire, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald and so many of our greats and of course his Broadway Shows such as "Kiss Me Kate", "Anything Goes" and many others always make for a evening or in this case a morning of sheer delight!
My artistic juices totally orgasized (is this a word), I now sought comfort for my appetite. It was 12:45 when I hit one of the really neat eateries in the West End of town, the Majestic Bar and Grill on Laclede and Euclid, where I don't need to order as my favorite Greeks immediately prepare my "fruit cup" and "bacon and eggs" with hashbrowns and an order of Wheat Toast (I've never been able to figure out why I ask for Wheat Toast since I never eat Wheat Bread at home!) and some fresh and very hot coffee with a water chaser!
Since I had my "Forest Park Forever Hat" onand after a slow and precise drive thru one of the greatest parks in the world, by the St. Louis Zoo (Home of that sex fiend Rajah, my favorite animal), past the "Boat House" restaurant, around the beautiful Forest Park Golf Course and on to Highway 44 for my western trek.
However, I was fired up big time and singing along with Ethal Merman's "Everythings Coming Up Roses" from my "Gypsy" collection, I swerved into the right lane and over Lindbergh to my beloved Borders. Cole Porter had done it again! From his vast storehouse of CDs, I pulled out two nice
works, It's Delovely, the authentic Cole Porter Collection and "Fred Astaire Steppin Out", which features many of the Cole Porter songs he danced and sang to in his movies with his dancing partner extraordinaire, Ginger Rogers. "Oh Baby!" For the lady of the Premio House, in order to make her a slight part of this exciting day, I purchased "Mama Mia", a rollicking show, which she loves so much. She is of a different generation!
I am home now blogging my brains out to you, my public (bless you) and I must confess St. Michael the Archangel, who watches over me constantly and guides me, strengthens me, and sometimes
slows me down a bit, went overboard today and had to be dancing to the sounds of Tim Schall and Joe Dwyer and hopefully his wings were not damaged. To quote from the famous Dali Lama:
"Zowie!"
This was the steal of the year as tickets went for $10.00 and seating was "first come first served."
And they came. I'm an early arrival and in case you never heard of this place, the Sheldon features not just music, but a magnifent museum of top notch art surrounding the hall which is available for viewing before and after the show. It is located just west of the Fox Theater off Grand on Washington and its been there for a long time, a cathedral to good music. A St. Louis relic!
They started coming early about 10:15 A.M. for the eleven o'clock performance, senior citizens by the busloads (at least five busses out front). Since it was general admission you had to be there and early to get preferred seating. I took my seat about 10 rows from the small and intimate stage and watched the theater fill! Seniors, hobbling up and down the aisles, bad knees creaking, my bad right knee tingling, but ready for some stimulation, sore backs, a few coughs and amidst this group of 60 70 80 yea probably 90 year old veterans, in came a young lass with a baby attached to her and took her seat just about five rows from the stage right of center.
And then it happened, out popped Tim Schall and Joe Dwyer from the two doors, one on each side of the stage and Mr. Dwyer introduced Tim and he was off to the races with the famous repotoire of
the great Porter music book. He started with "Your the Top"and finished with It's Delovely and in between about 25 sounds from "Night and Day", "From This Moment On", "I've Got You Under My Skin", "I Love Paris" on and on and on, one better than the next and then the fine piano player Dwyer and Tim did a few duets, notably "Lets Fall In Love" with such memorable lines as:
"Birds Do It, Bees Do It, Even Educated Fleas Do It." and these seniors blistered their paws with applause.
As always when I see a show like this I want to race up to the stage and cheer but being respectful of my older breatheran, we slowly shuffled out of this landmark of great music, grinning from ear to ear. My Saturday was almost complete!
I have two song writers and lyricists who have influenced not just these inners, but have been loved by people all over the globe: Cole Porter and Richard Rodgers. What Mr. Schall pointed out about Cole Porter was that he not only wrote the music, but added the catchy smart words to his songs which have been sung and danced to by the likes of Fred Astaire, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald and so many of our greats and of course his Broadway Shows such as "Kiss Me Kate", "Anything Goes" and many others always make for a evening or in this case a morning of sheer delight!
My artistic juices totally orgasized (is this a word), I now sought comfort for my appetite. It was 12:45 when I hit one of the really neat eateries in the West End of town, the Majestic Bar and Grill on Laclede and Euclid, where I don't need to order as my favorite Greeks immediately prepare my "fruit cup" and "bacon and eggs" with hashbrowns and an order of Wheat Toast (I've never been able to figure out why I ask for Wheat Toast since I never eat Wheat Bread at home!) and some fresh and very hot coffee with a water chaser!
Since I had my "Forest Park Forever Hat" onand after a slow and precise drive thru one of the greatest parks in the world, by the St. Louis Zoo (Home of that sex fiend Rajah, my favorite animal), past the "Boat House" restaurant, around the beautiful Forest Park Golf Course and on to Highway 44 for my western trek.
However, I was fired up big time and singing along with Ethal Merman's "Everythings Coming Up Roses" from my "Gypsy" collection, I swerved into the right lane and over Lindbergh to my beloved Borders. Cole Porter had done it again! From his vast storehouse of CDs, I pulled out two nice
works, It's Delovely, the authentic Cole Porter Collection and "Fred Astaire Steppin Out", which features many of the Cole Porter songs he danced and sang to in his movies with his dancing partner extraordinaire, Ginger Rogers. "Oh Baby!" For the lady of the Premio House, in order to make her a slight part of this exciting day, I purchased "Mama Mia", a rollicking show, which she loves so much. She is of a different generation!
I am home now blogging my brains out to you, my public (bless you) and I must confess St. Michael the Archangel, who watches over me constantly and guides me, strengthens me, and sometimes
slows me down a bit, went overboard today and had to be dancing to the sounds of Tim Schall and Joe Dwyer and hopefully his wings were not damaged. To quote from the famous Dali Lama:
"Zowie!"
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