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.

Look! Up in the Sky!

…the Great Comet of 1861!

It was discovered today in…anybody? …ANYBODY? …1861, by John Tebbutt of Windsor, New South Wales, Australia. Mr. Tebbutt just happened to glance up and there it was.

During my senior year in high school I drove a Not-So-Great Comet of 1962. It was a Mercury and a real babe dispersant. Sigh…

Hot baseball news!

Maybe I’m just pumped up by all the sunshine the last two days combined with the Cincinnati Reds’ dismantling of the Milwaukee Brewers over the weekend.

-          Today in 1952, minor-league pitcher for Bristol, Ron Necciai struck out 27 batters in nine innings. I think I have his baseball card around here somewhere.

-          DeWolf Hooper recited “Casey at the Bat” for the first time today in 1888. “It looked extremely rocky for the Mudville nine that day…”

-          I don’t know if they were playing baseball in Finland in 1848, but if they were they would have begun by singing their national anthem; “Maamme”. It was sung for the first time today in 1848.

So much became instantly possible…

…today in 1958 when the trademark “Velcro” was registered…and it sounded great!

Two of our birthdays today are wonderful singers.

-          The Queen of Motown, Mary Wells was born today in 1943. Sing! “Nuthin’ you can do cause I’m stuck like glue to…”

-          It’s also the birth date of Stevie Wonder in 1950. Talk about “wonder”-ful!

The other birthday…not so much.

-          But he is a very funny guy. Stephen Colbert was born today in 1964. Practice “truthiness” today!

Drink 4cast 4 2day

I can’t get the Great and Not-So-Great Comets out of my head. Let’s have a;

Comet Cocktail

1 ½ oz. Cognac

1 ½ tsp. Cointreau

1 ½ tsp. Drambuie

1 oz. Grapefruit Juice

1 dash Angostura Bitters

Shake ingredients well with ice.

Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Sing! “Don’t you worry ‘bout a thing!”

Cheers!

Roger

8/13/2013.

I Remember Sunlight

“Never saw the sun shining so bright!”

For about fifteen minutes around 4:30 this afternoon. Good grief! I did a little dance.

The song is “Blue Skies”, and the gentleman who wrote the song and about 1500 others was Irving Berlin. Those songs include a few you may have heard of; “White Christmas”, “There’s No Business Like Show Business”, “Easter Parade”, and a little ditty called “God Bless America”. Mr. Berlin was born today in 1888.

Today is about birthdays;

-          Eric Burdon was born today in 1941. Mr. Burdon was the lead vocalist for the British Invasion rock group; The Animals. I don’t recall them recording anything by Irving Berlin.

-          The flamboyant surrealist painter Salvador Dali was born today in 1904. Protect your watches from melting.

Drink 4cast 4 2day

We’ll stick with Irving Berlin and the fine weather at 4:30 and hope to always have near at hand a;

Blue Sky Cocktail

1 oz. Grays Peak Vodka

1 dash Blue Curacao

2 ½ oz. Lemon/Lime Soda

Pour all the ingredients into a chilled glass, stir, and serve.

Sing! “Noticin’ the days hurryin’ by…”

Cheers!

Roger

5/11/2013.

It’s Clean Up Your Room Day!

And that’s not all;

-          May is National Barbecue Month and National Hamburger Month.

-          Which makes it no surprise to learn that May is also National Blood Pressure Month.

-          But despair not! May is also National Salad Month.

Wanna get a jump on Mother’s Day?

You could if you were in Guatemala, Mexico, or El Salvadore. Today is Mother’s Day in those countries.

Start Me Up!

Today in 1963, Decca signed the Rolling Stones to a recording contract on the advice of Beatle George Harrison. I guess that advice turned out OK.

Retirement isn’t for everybody.

Today in 1959, Jim Hearn, pitcher for the Giants, surrendered two runs to the Pittsburgh Pirates before the game was suspended. Mr. Hearn was subsequently given his release and retired. The game was finished two months after his retirement and that’s when Mr. Hearn was awarded the loss.

You say po-tay-to and I say po-tah-to.

Today in 1893, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled in “Nix v. Hedden” that a tomato is a vegetable, not a fruit, under the Tariff Act of 1883. You say “tuh-may-toe” and I say asparagus.

Speaking (or singing) of “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off”

-          Singer/dancer/actor extraordinaire Fred Astaire was born today in 1899. Mr. Astaire introduced the song in the film “Shall We Dance”.

-          It’s also the day of birth of Sir Thomas Lipton in 1850. Indulge yourself with a spot of tea.

Drink 4cast 4 2day

I suppose the easy thing to do would have been to make tea today’s libation, but…

It’s also the birthday in 1946 of Donovan Leitch. Mr. Leitch performs and records under his first name only and is the person I immediately envision when I hear the phrase “flower child”. Donovan gave us “Sunshine Superman”, “Hurdy-Gurdy Man”, “Season of the Witch”, and today’s drink inspiration;

Mellow Yellow Cocktail

1 ½ oz. Southern Comfort Peach Liqueur

1 ½ oz. Galliano

Stir together in an old-fashioned glass and serve.

I hope the “sunshine comes softly through your window today”, though the forecast looks doubtful.

Cheers!

Roger

5/10/2013.

The British Are Coming!

We have British actors!

-          Glenda Jackson was born today in 1936. I think I first saw Ms. Jackson’s work in Ken Russell’s remarkable film, “Women in Love”. I was an instant fan.

-          The Brits produced a puzzling series of comedy films with titles that begin; “Carry On…” The humor is generally low (or lower), innuendo is rampant, and the acting is…well, the innuendo is rampant. These films have few redeeming qualities and I love watching them. One of the regular stars of Carry On films was the saucy Joan Sims. Ms. Sims was born today in 1930.

-          Albert Finney will perhaps be remembered in the years to come for his award-winning performances in “Tom Jones” and “Erin Brockovich”, but I also cherish his work in the searing “Shoot the Moon” and the eerie BBC production of Kingsley Amis’ novel THE GREEN MAN. Mr. Finney was born today, also in 1936.

And we have British writers!

-          Richard Adams was born today in 1920. Mr. Adams gave us the charming rabbits in WATERSHIP DOWN and the “god in the form of a great bear” fantasy; SHARDIK. I recommend them both.

-          On this day in 1860, J. M. Barrie was born. Mr. Barrie proceeded to take us all to Never Never Land in his classic; PETER PAN. You may now sing if you wish; “I won’t grow up!”

And an odd British opening night!

-          Today in 1887, Buffalo Bill Cody’s Wild West Show opened in London. I’m pretty sure it was in the West End.

The pride of Ashland, Kentucky!

-          Here’s a big happy birthday shout to Brandon Webb, born today in 1979. Mr. Webb was a mighty fine major league pitcher (Arizona Diamondbacks and Texas Rangers) who did his college pitching at the University of Kentucky. How fine a pitcher? In 2006, Mr. Webb won the Cy Young Award as the best pitcher in baseball.

Drink 4 cast 4 2day

“I know a place where dreams are born and time is never planned.” Let’s all go there and have a;

Peter Pan Cocktail

¾ oz. Dry Vermouth

¾ oz. Royal James Gin

¾ oz. Orange Juice

2 dashes Angostura Bitters

Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into a cocktail glass, and serve.

“Think of lovely things and your heart will fly on wings…”

Cheers!

Roger

5/9/2013.

We’re Gonna Need a Bigger Boat!

Writer Peter Benchley was born today in 1940. Mr. Benchley struck a nerve and struck it rich with his novel JAWS. I remember reading the opening chapter and I don’t believe I’ve taken a bath since. Rest easy, I have showered. I suppose I’ll be in real hygienic distress if I watch “Psycho” again.

You gotta be careful namin’ things!

Today in 1541, Hernando de Soto reached the Mississippi River and misnamed it Rio de Espiritu Santo. Thankfully, the name was later amended by nearby songwriters to something sensible with cadence.

Speaking of songs…

-          Mary Lou Williams was born today in 1910. Jazz pianist and arranger, Ms. Williams played and wrote with Duke Ellington, Andy Kirk, Art Blakey, Benny Goodman, and Tommy Dorsey. She mentored many of the emerging Bebop artists of the 40’s and 50’s including Thelonius Monk and Dizzy Gillespie. Ms. Williams was an American treasure.

-          Rock crooner Ricky Nelson was also born today in 1940. I challenge anyone to listen to Mr. Nelson and not sing along.

Drink 4cast 4 2day

Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water…

Jaws Cocktail

½ oz. Durango Tequila

½ oz. Triple Sec

½ oz. Denaka Vodka

1 dash Cranberry Juice

1 dash Lime Juice

8 oz. Red Bull

Combine all ingredients except Red Bull into a shaker with ice.

Shake and pour into an ice-filled highball glass and fill with Red Bull.

I can hear that creepy music right now.

Cheers!

Roger

5/8/2013.

The Octopus of Paris – A Sequel!

Yesterday’s blog mentioned a novel by Gaston Leroux; THE OCTOPUS OF PARIS. Far be it from me to suggest that reading this novel would have an uplifting effect on anyone’s life, but the mere mention of the title did elicit this response from one faithful reader.

“I’m pretty sure I remember my date for my high school prom was the Octopus of Lexington!”

I think it’s time to discreetly close the cover on that book.

It’s a big day for quarterbacks from the Bluegrass State.

University of Louisville’s Johnny Unitas (1933) and University of Kentucky’s Babe Parilli (1929) were both born today.

And a big day for the movies;

-          Gary Cooper (1901) shares this birth date with the ultimate sidekick, Gabby Hayes (1885). Mr. Hayes “consarned” and “gol-durned” his way through a gazillion cowboy flicks as the crusty and trusty sidekick to Hopalong Cassidy, Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, Wild Bill Elliott, Randolph Scott, and John Wayne. You just know that had to be a fun career.

-          Also born on this date in 1911 was director Ishiro Honda. Mr. Honda directed the Japanese Godzilla and Mothra films that inexplicably entertain me so.

And a big day for serious music;

-          Ludwig von Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony had its world premiere today in Vienna in the year 1824.

-          Both Johannes Brahms (1833) and Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840) were born today.

Drink 4cast 4 2day

Two disturbing and fascinating women were born on this date.

British writer Angela Carter (1940) has given us THE MAGIC TOYSHOP, HONEYBUZZARD, and THE COMPANY OF WOLVES. Her writing and ideas are provocative and I could not put her books down.

Argentina’s amazing Eva Peron was also born today in 1919. We know her better as Evita. We won’t cry for her. Instead, we’ll toast her day of birth with an;

Eva Peron Cocktail

1 oz. Fernet Branca

1 oz. Sweet Vermouth

1 oz. Ginger Liqueur

1 oz. Fresh Lime Juice

1 oz. Ginger Beer

Ice Cubes

Combine the Fernet Branca, vermouth, ginger liqueur and lime juice in an ice-filled shaker.

Shake well and strain into a Collins glass.

Top with ginger beer and garnish with a lime wheel.

Sing! “I kept my promise. Don’t keep your distance.”

Cheers!

Roger

5/7/2013.