Memories Of Pictures And Stuff

I was reminiscing the other day about pictures I've taken and just photography in general, which has been around for almost 200 years, depending on how you define it. I've always been interested in it and have at one time or another dabbled in just about everything, but I certainly don't claim to be an … Continue reading Memories Of Pictures And Stuff

You Snooze You Lose

When you get to be an old coot (coot=geezer) you sometimes remember isolated experiences from the past with more accuracy than you do your own phone number. If you're a coot who also writes a blog, chances are good that those old memories will show up there sooner or later because you're also less inhibited. … Continue reading You Snooze You Lose

Ghost Bands Could Be Scary Good

Does anyone remember when some of the famous big bands would be taken over by a relatively unknown leader when the star retired or died? An example that comes to mind is when Glenn Miller was lost over the English Channel in 1944 and saxophonist/vocalist Tex Beneke took over. It was billed as Tex Beneke … Continue reading Ghost Bands Could Be Scary Good

The Tale Of Two Cyrils

I used to work with a guy named Cyril. I didn't realize that at first because he was introduced to me by his nickname, Cy, which I heard as Si, the common shortening of Simon. And even though Cyril is pretty ordinary in the UK, that's not the case in the US. I think he's … Continue reading The Tale Of Two Cyrils

The Music Of “Dad Movies”

It seems like I'm always reading or hearing about dad jokes, dad clothes, or dad bodies, and a few other things as well. As I understand it, the description is used to poke a little fun at what the younger crowd considers corny tastes or behavior by older guys like their dads (or grandpas). Of … Continue reading The Music Of “Dad Movies”

Misadventures Of A Little League Bench-Warmer

I always enjoy watching the Little League World Series this time of the year. Sixteen teams of 10-12 year-olds from around the world gather in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, for a double elimination tournament to decide who can call themselves champions for this year. And of course I can't help but compare it to my own checkered … Continue reading Misadventures Of A Little League Bench-Warmer

Jimmy Jones Was For Real

It's no secret that entertainers often come up with stage names to simplify their real names, but that's not the case with singer Jimmy Jones, who was born in Birmingham, Alabama, as James Jones, so the "Jimmy" was just a natural nickname. We can forgive him for that. Jones was a singer and songwriter, but … Continue reading Jimmy Jones Was For Real

Smokey Is A Geezer

Smokey the Bear, the US Forest Service's lovable mascot, just turned 75. That might not surprise you because it's received a lot of publicity, but did you know Sam Elliott, the gravel-voiced actor who has been Smokey's voice for many years, also turned 75. . . .on the same day? Of course Elliott wasn't the … Continue reading Smokey Is A Geezer

Abraham Lincoln Reversed

My dad was orphaned as a pre-teen, and I'm not sure what he took away from his early years except one thing. . .his given names. His natural parents gave him the moniker Abraham Lincoln. I don't know if they were history buffs or just admirers of the 16th president, who was and is considered … Continue reading Abraham Lincoln Reversed

Earworms – Slip Out The Back, Jack

The other day my youngest grandson, Jack, was visiting and when he was leaving I said, "Slip out the back, Jack", then broke into laughter. I tried to explain that it reminded me of Paul Simon's big hit song, "50 Ways To Leave Your Lover", but he wasn't too impressed since he had never heard … Continue reading Earworms – Slip Out The Back, Jack