Maybe Sarah Palin believes it’s a pit bull’s soul that will kill off polar bears?
4 comments September 12th, 2008
Archive for September, 2008
Dolly Parton sings at ‘9 to 5′ preview involving Rockfordians
1 comment September 11th, 2008
Update on my story about Boylan Catholic High School grads involved in “9 to 5: The Musical,” which features some 20 new songs written by Dolly Parton.
At Tuesday’s opening preview in California for the soon-to-be Broadway musical, “Parton chatted up the audience and took questions. She then led them in a rousing sing-along to the show’s theme song, ‘9 to 5,’ ”according to this story in the Los Angeles Times.
Heavy-metal lovers questionnaire
3 comments September 10th, 2008
With Staind set to take the stage at Rockford’s MetroCentre Oct. 22, I’m thinking about my favorite heavy metal bands and wondering if you agree with this guy’s list of the best.
Of the bands I’ve seen in concert, my faves are Slipknot, Pantera, Slayer, Metallica and Black Sabbath. Slipknot didn’t make his list. 
Do you agree with his top 10? Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Van Halen, Jimi Hendrix Experience, Metallica, Judas Priest, Aerosmith, Motorhead, Iron Maiden.
Do you agree with Rob O'Connor's top 10 metal bands on his 25-band list.
If you don’t agree, explain yourself in the comments section of this blog, where you also can tell about your favorite experience seeing a metal band in Rockford.
KFC recipe top secret but let’s ask local restauranteurs
Add comment September 9th, 2008
Colonel Sanders’ secret recipe is scheduled to be relocated temporarily on Tuesday, so security can be revamped around the sheet of paper. It will be removed from KFC’s corporate offices for the first time in years, according to this story in the Chicago Tribune. 
“So important is the 68-year-old concoction that coats the chain’s Original Recipe chicken that only two company executives at any time have access to it. The company refuses to release their name or title, and it uses multiple suppliers who produce and blend the ingredients but know only a part of the entire contents.”
I know big chains are very protective of their recipes, but I’m wondering if local restauranteurs are so secretive.
Tell you what, if you tell me what dish you’ve had at a LOCAL restaurant that you’d like to try to recreate at home, I’ll try to get the recipe for you.
Can’t promise that I’ll get it for you, but I’ll try.
I’m going to ask for the recipe for Caffe Greco’s special salad. If I get it, I’ll share it with you.
Freddie and Fannie takeover and righteous indignation
1 comment September 8th, 2008
Whatever happened to the live-within-your-means approach to spending?
I’m not against paying taxes to help out those who are less fortunate than me to help meet basic needs.
But dang it, this Freddie and Fannie bailout rubs me raw because I will end up paying for the mistakes of borrowers who got in over their heads and the mortgage companies who encouraged them to do so by giving them loans.
If Palin’s a pit bull, is Obama a Labrador Retriever?
Add comment September 5th, 2008
Sarah Palin brilliantly delivered the question-and-answer that summed herself up: “What’s the difference between a hockey mom and a pit bull? Lipstick.”
So, if Palin’s a pit bull, known for its hostility, what’s Obama? A Labrador Retriever, known for its affable and energetic nature and dependability? Or something else?
Bristol, Trig and more: What’s up with Palin’s kids’ names?
6 comments September 4th, 2008
GOP VP nominee Sarah Palin’s kids’ names sure are unusual.
This New York Daily News story tells all about ‘em: Track, because Sarah Palin is a runner; Trig, Norse for “true” or “strength”; Bristol for Bristol Bay where the family fishes.
She hasn’t explained the Willow and Piper names, but there’s a town in Alaska called Willow and Piper brings to mind the Piper Super Cub, a bush plane popular in her state, the story says.
What do you think Palin's kids' names say about her?
‘The Shield’ creator Shawn Ryan, formerly of Rockford, writing new FX show
Add comment September 2nd, 2008
So says this story.
Ryan is a Keith School grad. 
(LA Times photo)
My Waterfront musings
Add comment September 2nd, 2008
My observations at On the Waterfront last weekend, having attended every day:
Best band: Edgar Winter
Not-what-I-was-hoping-for: Puddle of Mudd (sigh)
Best munchie: Crab Rangoon from the Lao Evangelical church
Crowds: looked thin in some areas but State Street Bridge about 9 p.m. Saturday was as crowded as I’ve ever seen it
Most fun: chatting with acquaintances I hadn’t seen in awhile
