Celebrations of Sound; Turtle, Clooney & Accordian!

Blessing or curse? Take a stand!

A patent was granted today in 1829 in Vienna to Cyrill Demian for an accordion. If you had been there (and no, I was not) would you have applauded and danced a celebratory polka (or five or six), or would have filed an immediate legal objection?

Kentucky’s songbird,

Rosemary Clooney was born today in 1928. I’m such a fan I’m gonna just hush up and listen.

Because I know you were wondering;

-          …where the word “mesmerizing” came from. Well, Franz Joseph Mesmer was a German physician who developed a theory of energy flowing between animate and inanimate objects. He believed that by enhancing and channeling this “animal magnetism” he could affect amazing cures. His techniques involved passing his hands around and over the subject and encouraging a trance-like state, sometime for hours at a time. I better stop there…I’m getting sleepy. Mr. Mesmer was born today in 1734. If I start clucking like a chicken somebody pinch me!

-          …where “sideburns” came from.  General Ambrose Burnside of the Union Army in the Civil War is remembered for being the most incompetent general in the war and for his remarkable facial hair. General Burnside was born today in 1824.

Drink 4cast 4 2day

Today is World Turtle Day!

This celebration has been sponsored since 2000 by American Tortoise Rescue. Its purpose is to bring attention to, and increase knowledge of and respect for, turtles and tortoises.

You can celebrate the day by dressing up as a turtle, or wearing green, or simply pop the cap of a;

 Sheltowee Hop-a-lot IPA.

Repeat after me;

“For, lo, the winter is past,

The rain is over and gone;

The flowers appear on the earth;

The time of the singing of birds is come,

And the voice of the turtle is heard in our land;”

Cheers!

Roger

5/23/2013.

“Don’t Squeeze It in the Middle!”

Things curious and wondrous today;

-          Dr. Washington invented the toothpaste tube today in 1892. Ya just don’t think of things like that being invented.

-          Today in 1980, Namco released “Pac-Man”. My elbow has never fully recovered.

-          John Mackay reported the first sighting of the Loch Ness Monster today in 1933. I understand it’s been seen since. O-o-o-o-h yeah.

-          “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” made its debut today in 1967. Sing! “It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood…”

-          Canned rattlesnake meat went on sale for the first time today in 1931 in Florida.

-          The #1 spot on the rock charts was held by Ernie K. Doe’s rendition of “Mother-in-Law”. Sing! “Sent from down below…”

Three birthdays of interest

-          University of Kentucky’s world-famous helden-tenor James King was born today in 1925. Mr. King was considered to be the world’s finest helden-tenor in the post-WWII era.

-          Some people will do anything to be famous. Major League pitcher Tommy John had a surgical operation named after him! Mr. John was the first Major League pitcher to undergo the procedure and come back for a successful career. Mr. John was born today in 1943.

-          Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was born today in 1859. Sir Doyle gave us the world’s greatest consulting detective, Sherlock Holmes.

Drink 4cast 4 2day

Slap on your deerstalker and let’s have a;

Sherlock Holmes Cocktail

1 ½ oz. Scotch

2 oz. chilled brewed Lapsang Souchong Tea

1 oz. Honey Syrup

¾ oz. Fresh Lemon Juice

Stir all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.

Double strain into a chilled coupe.

The game’s afoot!

Cheers!

Roger

5/22/2013.

Pre-Airport Security Hi-Jinks!

-          Today in 1927, Charles Lindbergh landed at Le Bourget Field in Paris, completing the world’s first solo non-stop flight across the Atlantic Ocean. Security was ju-u-u-st a bit looser then.

-          Five years later to the day in 1932, Bad weather forced Amelia Earhart to land in a pasture in Derry, Northern Ireland. She thereby became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic. The security was very loose in the pasture, but I understand there were some other organic hazards to negotiate. Thus, Ms. Earhart was not asked to remove her shoes.

All you have to do is whistle.

It was wedding bells today in 1945 for Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart. Go ahead and say it – you know you’re dying to; “You know how to whistle don’t you? You just put your lips together…”

We have interesting birthdays today.

-          One of my favorite writers is Manly Wade Wellman. Mr. Wellman had about 100 books published during his lifetime and shortly thereafter. No exaggeration! He wrote histories, biographies, Appalachian supernatural tales, books for teens, and criminous tales. One of his mystery short stories won the first Ellery Queen Mystery Contest (William Faulkner came in second). Mr. Wellman wrote for Weird Tales and other pulp magazines, “Boys Life”, and Captain Marvel comic books. I visited with Mr. Wellman and his wife Frances one afternoon in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. When he learned I was from Lexington, all he wanted to do was talk basketball and Dean Smith. Yes, it was a bit of a buzz kill, but a most gracious one. Mr. Wellman was born today in 1903.

-          Raymond Burr was born today in 1917. Most people will remember Mr. Burr primarily for his decades-long portrayal of Perry Mason. However, given my fondness for most things Godzilla, it should come as no shock that my favorite Raymond Burr performance is his perfectly awkward turn as the American reporter in the United States release of the original “Godzilla”. Did I mention it was perfectly awkward?

-          Gunga Din was born today in 1901. The actor’s real name was Sam Jaffe, but he’ll always be the brave, brave Gunga Din to me.

Drink 4cast 4 2day

The musical “Gypsy” starring Ethel Merman opened on Broadway today in 1959. It’s an easy call to the bartender;

Gypsy Cocktail

2 oz. Grays Peak Vodka

1 oz. Benedictine Liqueur

1 dash Angostura Bitters

Stir well with crushed ice.

Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Everything will soon come up roses!

Cheers!

Roger

5/21/2013.

Whirlybirds & the Write Stuff!

Today is mostly about inventors and inventions.

-          Today in 1926 Thomas Edison said Americans preferred silent movies over talkies. Immediately after making that statement, Mr. Edison got in his horse and buggy and drove home, where the light bulbs were shining bright. You hit some and you miss some.

-          Igor Sikorsky unveiled his newest invention today in 1940; a helicopter. Thomas Edison stated later in the day that Americans preferred zeppelins.

-          The fountain pen was patented today in 1830 by D. Hyde. Mr. Edison was heard muttering in the background; “Americans prefer quills.”

-          Today in 1892 George Sampson patented his clothes dryer. We can only imagine what Thomas Edison was thinking as he hung his laundry out to dry in the backyard.

Less useful but nonetheless interesting

-          Today in 1992 a rap singer rapped 597 syllables in under 60 seconds. He went on to have a stellar career reading disclaimer notices on television commercials.

-          Wrestler Jerry Lawler sued the WWF and Harley Race today in 1987 for the trademark name “King”. It reminds me that Groucho Marx of the Marx Brothers once threatened to sue Warner Bros. Studios for encroaching on their use of the word “brothers”. Groucho was kidding. One can only hope Mr. Lawler was as well. I’m not getting close enough to find out.

-          Today in 1920 policemen raided the Cubs’ bleachers and arrested 24 fans for gambling. I’m hearing Capt. Renaud from Casablanca; “I’m shocked! Shocked to learn that gambling is going on here!!”

-          The US Communist Party dissolved today in 1944. I guess they got wet.

“Hey, hey Paula… I wanna marry you.”

That’s how the completely sappy rock love duet went in the early 60’s. It was recorded by Paul and Paula only that wasn’t Paula’s real moniker. Her real name was Jill Jackson and she was born today in 1942. “Hey hey Jill” doesn’t carry quite the same poetic gravitas: it distracts from the profound social message of the ditty.

Drink 4cast 4 2day

Today is also the day of birth for actor James Stewart (1908).

Where do you begin to detail the amazing film work of Mr. Stewart? A few favorites of mine are; “Rear Window”, “It’s a Wonderful Life”, “Anatomy of a Murder”, “Harvey”, “Rope”, “The Philadelphia Story”, “Destry Rides Again”, “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington”, and on and on.

Another of my favorite Jimmy Stewart films will inspire today’s refreshment. “Vertigo” rivals “Rear Window” as perhaps Alfred Hitchcock’s finest films. What a coincidence! Mr. Stewart stars in both.

Vertigo Cocktail

1 oz. Limoncelllo

1 oz. Cognac

1 oz. Crème de Menthe White

½ oz. Triple Sec

Shake all ingredients in a shaker.

Serve in a chilled cocktail glass.

Stay away from heights!

Cheers!

Roger

5/20/2013.

I Used to Love Air Travel

These days, not so much.

Today in 1992. Englishman Dave Gauder, 224 lbs., pulled a 196 ton Jumbo Jet three inches. Dave…think about it…three inches will not solve the problem. Just chill, check yer bags, and get on board.

Birthday doin’s today;

-          Today in 1962, Marilyn Monroe sang “Happy Birthday” to President John F. Kennedy. Hoo boy!

-          Harold Pinter’s bleak play “The Birthday Party” opened in London, this day in 1958. Did I mention it was bleak?

Drink 4cast 4 today

Didja ever wonder where “melba toast” came from? Well, probably not.

Dame Nellie Melba was born today in 1861. Dame Melba was an operatic soprano from Australia. She built a remarkable singing career on three continents. The French chef Auguste Escoffier created Melba Toast and Peach Melba in her honor.

Today we shall have a;

Brandy Melba Cocktail

2 oz. Brandy

½ oz. Peach Brandy

½ oz. Raspberry Liqueur

½ oz. Lemon Juice

4 dashes Angostura Bitters

Mix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker.

Stir and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Add crushed ice.

Warble away!

Cheers!

Roger

5/19/2013.

Take a Walk on the Wild Side!

Wildside Winery that is.

We spent a delightful Friday evening at this jewel of a winery just outside Versailles. Local music, good friends, funky food, smooth hard cider, and a fine Cabernet Franc (estate-grown no less!). Thank you, Neil Vasilakes!

Happy birthday Brooks Robinson.

Mr. Robinson was the greatest defensive third baseman I ever saw play. He was referred to as a “human vacuum cleaner”. He played twenty-three years…all at third base…all for the Baltimore Orioles.

Umpire Ed Hurley said of Mr. Robinson; “That kid plays third base like he came down from a higher league.”

Mr. Robinson was born today in 1937.

We have another sports birthday

Kentucky Wildcat Ron Mercer was born today in 1976.

A grim beginning…

A public reading of Bram Stoker’s new novel; DRACULA: OR, THE UNDEAD, was staged in London today in 1897. I didn’t get the role…then.

Drink 4cast 4 2day

Today in 1152 wedding bells were ringing for Henry II of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine. It was not, how shall we say this… It was not… a tranquil union. The brilliant James Goldman play, “The Lion in Winter” became possible soon after. We’ll celebrate all the bliss with a;

White Lion Cocktail

1 ½ oz. Ron Diaz Light Rum

Juice of ½ Lemon

½ tsp. Grenadine

1 tsp. Powdered Sugar

2 dashes Angostura Bitters

Shake all ingredients with ice.

Strain unto a chilled cocktail glass.

Roar!

Cheers!

Roger

5/18/2013.

Be-Bop Becomes Possible!

Antoine Joseph Sax patented his new musical instrument today. He was pretty proud – he called it a saxophone.

Today’s big-time sports news!

-          Today in 1875, Aristides won the first Kentucky Derby. He did not, however, fly to the Preakness the next day.

-          Today in 1996, Habib and Whitaker make 320 for 5^th Cricket wkt, Leics vs. Worcs. Is any of that English besides the word “cricket”?

-          Today in 1980 Kumar Anandan balanced on one foot for 33 hours! Well, it’s sort of athletic… I can’t do it!

Sing; “Day by day. Day by day. Oh, dear Lord…”

“Godspell” premiered today in 1971 off-Broadway.

The longest cab ride ever…

… Happened today in 1989. 14,000 miles and it cost $16,000. Well, it might’ve been the most expensive cab ride ever, but it certainly wasn’t the longest! The longest would’ve been a 15 day cab ride from JFK airport to the Algonquin Hotel one afternoon in 1975. I was in the backseat and can verify the ordeal.

It’s Navy Day in Argentina

Which is apropos of nothing around here unless Lake Cumberland’s water level has risen more than we planned.

Three film birthdays of interest;

-          Maureen O’Sullivan was born today in 1911. Ms. O’Sullivan played Jane in many Tarzan films. This “Jane” name is an important totem in our household, so homage must be paid. As Jane, Ms. O’Sullivan’s beauty tamed the beasts and the savage heart of Tarzan, Lord of the Jungle. I like to think the same mechanism is in place in our home.

-          Another “Beauty” was needed to tame the beast in Jean Cocteau’s captivating film; “Beauty and the Beast”. This Beast was played by the always impressive Jean Gabin. Mr. Gabin was born today in 1904.

-          Dennis Hopper was born today in 1936. He is probably best known for his performances in “Easy Rider” and “Blue Velvet”, but in his younger days he was in a most intriguing quasi-horror film; “Night Tide”. I recommend it.

Drink 4 cast 4 2day

The blues singer/songwriter Taj Mahal was born today in 1942. A serious listening session must ensue accompanied by a;

Taj Mahal Cocktail

1 oz. Royal James Gin

1 oz. Calvados

1 oz. Apricot Brandy

1 oz. Lemon Juice

Fill a shaker with ice cubes.

Add ingredients.

Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Kreegah! Bundolo!!

Cheers!

Roger

5/17/2013.

I Got Lunch…

… And it sounds delicious.

-          Spam was introduced today in 1891 by Hormel. Guard your email accounts!

-          Today in 1866, Charles Elmer Hires invented root beer. Nothing goes better with spam.

-          As a delicious side dish for your spam and root beer, Spaghetti-O’s were first sold today in 1965.

It was all a dream…@#*&%$!

Bobby Ewing, played by actor Patrick Duffy returned from the dead on the TV show “Dallas” today in 1986. If the show had been written today, they would’ve simply brought him back as a zombie.

Today’s hot sports news

-          Today in 1914 the American Horseshoes Pitchers Association was organized in Kansas City.

-          In cricket, Bradman scored 278 Australia vs. MCC, 349 minutes, 35 fours 1 six. It sounds great and I think I’m happy for Bradman but what does it all mean?

-          The Cincinnati Reds played their first game today in 1869. They won 41-7. Obviously, Aroldis Chapman was not pitching that day.

Oscar took his first bow!

The first Academy Awards were handed out in Hollywood today in 1929. I was snubbed.

We have birthday winners!

-          While Pierce Brosnan is not my favorite James Bond, I like him in the role just fine. He is serious, suave, and sporadically cerebral in Bond films exploding in rampant technology that presumably came from somewhere and is heading to somewhere, though for the life of me I cannot fathom where or why.  Still, it’s “Bond, James Bond” and Mr. Brosnan plays him well. Mr. Brosnan was born today in 1953.

-          Betty Carter was born today in 1930. Ms. Carter’s vocal interpretations are invariably interesting and arresting. I especially like the duet work she did with Ray Charles. Sing! “Get over that hold out. Oh, but it’s cold outside.”

-          Debra Winger had me when she turned to John Travolta in the film “Urban Cowboy” and asked; “Are you a for real cowboy?”  She had me again in “Cannery Row” when she complained about herself; “I’ve got the manners of a duck!” I’m a fan. Ms. Winger was born today in 1955.

Drink 4cast 4 2day

I know I always cry at weddings, but this one?

Today in 1770, Marie Antoinette (age 14) married the future King Louis XVI of France (age 15). I understand they ate cake. Certainly they were much too young to have a;

Marie Antoinette Cocktail

1 oz. Raspberry Vodka

½ oz. Chambord

1 splash Champagne

1 splash Grand Marnier

1 ½ oz. Pineapple Juice

Raspberries for garnish

Pour all ingredients except champagne into a mixing glass filled with ice and stir.

Strain into a chilled martini glass and top with champagne.

Bonne chance!

Cheers!

Roger

5/16/2013.

CCC & KET Spells; “A Good Time”!

Our good friend Jim Ross (that’s Sir James of Rosstica to you) of CCC Trail Winery recently got some attention from KET.

http://www.ket.org/cgi-bin/cheetah/watch_video.pl?nola=kkyli+001818&altdir&template#.UZFKaVRs8h0.facebook

Jim is doing wonderful work and having a real good time on a mountain over Morehead. I would urge you to visit for some wine, a chat, and some wisdom.  You will be a happier and bigger person if you do. I was.

Roger

5/15/2013.

Adam & Eve & the World’s Largest Burrito!

Today is an unusual day. Brace yourself.

First of all; it’s World Naked Gardening Day (WNGD)

I kid you not.

We are assured by the founders of this holiday, the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR), that the holiday is exactly what it sounds like and that it is “lighthearted” and devoid of politics. It is also devoid of clothes, it seems.

So… get out there and work on your garlic without garments and eat your salads today sans dressing. Some of you may send pictures, others shouldn’t, and everyone should be careful around pruning shears and thorns.

Just to keep things weird in the world of big-time sports…

-          Today in 1929, Wilfred Rhodes took his 4000^th first-class wicket during a performance of 9 for 39 at Leyton. He is the only player in history to have reached that plateau. Given my encyclopedic (not!) knowledge of anything remotely cricket, I would suspect that Mr. Rhodes may be the only person who comprehends what that plateau might even mean. I have no information whether Mr. Rhodes accomplished this milestone with or without clothes.

-          Also, today in 1870 the first game of rugby in New Zealand was played in Nelson between Nelson College and the Nelson Rugby Club. I assume the national anthem was sung by Ricky Nelson and that, as my rugby playing friends assure me happens every game, they ate their dead. And you wonder why I don’t play.

More weirdness in the world of food.

-          Today in 1991 the world’s largest burrito was created at 1,126 pounds. That is definitely bigger than my head, no matter what my friends think.

-          The “We Want Beer” parade was held today in New York City in 1932. I don’t know what prompted it, but I am so there.

Happiest of birthday wishes!

-          Irish tenor and part-time Kentuckian Ronan Tynan was born today in 1960.

-          One of my favorite members of the Big Red Machine, Tony Perez was born today in 1942.

-          Jazz clarinetist extraordinaire Sidney Bechet was born today in 1897.

-          Mack the Knife’s best friend, Bobby Darin was born today in 1936. Go on, sing it; “O the shark bites…”

Drink 4cast 4 2day

I can’t let it go…

Bridget in the Buff Cocktail

2 oz. Grays Peak Vodka

1 ½ oz. Chambord

1 dash Sour Mix

4 oz. Lemon Lime Soda

Over ice add vodka, sour mix, and Chambord.

Fill with soda.

Add a twist of lemon.

Sing! “Tiptoe through the tulips…”

Cheers!

Roger

5/14/2013.