Back To Normal?

Things are looking better on the Mississippi River.

Maybe.

Give it a couple of more days to be sure, and stay tuned because this could be a very long and hot couple of months.

Tookie went dry on the levee. Mush, goes his brain ...

Burton Gaar was really good during Blues In The District last night. Had to work and only caught a little bit, but they were smoking.

Two weeks and The Blue Healers play in the park.

Rocky Cola and his bride are preparing for Rockypolooza, featuring the Blue Funions. It will be a blast!

Once again there's information out there that The Funions are playing after a Gems game this week, but that's not going to happen. Still seeing if we can get in there after a game this summer.

Three cheers for Emily Powers. And a tip of the hat to Josh Rabe. Maybe we'll see him at the Pepsi Arena this winter during QU games at the table.

Thinking about a trip to Quincy Raceways, always fun to go at least once a summer.

My daughter's cell phone went dead. Congrats, dad — the one-year warranty just expired and it's only a couple of bills to replace. Bills with two zeros behind them. Yeesh.

Dodging The Drops

So the past few days every time I looked at the Internet weather map all I saw was green and orange blasting its way toward us.

After Tuesday/Wednesday a.m. showers, it became apparent the Fabius River and other areas were in no shape to take more rain.

So this stuff comes at us and it makes you wonder how long these battered levees will hold and how much these people can take.

Somehow it missed us. We have a cell coming right at us right now and it's getting dark, but it's not that big and hopefully will blow through.

We played softball last night despite the nasty green mass heading right at us. Felt one or two drops of rain on the West Quincy levee at 3 a.m. despite the nasty green mass heading right at us. Thought I'd get wet crossing the bridge home at 5 a.m.

Fat raindrops are pelting the windows now. Rain here in Quincy is OK, but not good for the folks downstream.

Seems we are dodging the raindrops, the bullets.

Meanwhile, the latest You Can't Make It Up saga hits the front pages ....

New Blogger, Same Old Weather

Let's welcome Keith Franx to the wonderful world of blogging!

http://keithfranxuniverse.blogspot.com/

Yesterday got better as it went along. Tons more rain looms. The guys were completely wiped out coming off the levy yesterday from the humidity, and it's back today. Tons more flood news at www.whig.com.

Soaked

No sleep overnight, too much rain and nasty weather. This can't be good for our levees.

I am afraid of what we'll find when dawn finally comes. It rained all freaking night.

I am pretty sure the north section of the West Quincy levee will be fine. Just how much rain dumped into the Fabius River and Durgen's Creek remains to be scene.

Fingers crossed ....

Levee Adventures

For Monday's adventures in flood fighting, click here.

It's hammering down rain in Q-town at noon today. Pray, and I mean pray hard, the Fabius levee holds. Pray all the work done the past two weeks doesn't wash away.

Fighting The Flood

This is how I spent my day today, and yes, that's me by the tractor. And those are my boots on the right.

Much more in The Whig tomorrow and on the Whig blog.

Healed by the blues

The Blue Healers have quickly become Quincy's best band.

Argue that point if you want. You can't argue they are The Funions favorite band.

Friday night at Turner Hall, before a small crowd, The Healers tore it up, down sideways and everywhere-ways. Nobody plays guitar like Ryan McSpadden. NOBODY. He is the best guitar player in Quincy and it's not even close. Everybody else is tied for last.

Well ... Keith Franx is a close second.

Helps to have a great bass player and singer in Bill Collins and Stan Jansen pounding the skins back there, too. Amazing musicians, great songs.

"Tied To The Whipping Post" and "Sweet Melissa" about made me cry ....

Do not miss these guys playing at Blues In The District July 11 and at the Bluesfest the week after.

I could say some things about the small crowd but that would be bitching and counterproductive. Many times there are good shows in Quincy and I don't go because of other commitments or stuff going on, so I understand.

But the next time a person comes up to me and complains about the local music scene, I'll ask where they were on Friday night, June 20, 2008, when The Blue Healers put on one of the best shows I have ever - EVER - seen.

They didn't care there were only 25 people left by the end of the night. They didn't care they got paid $10 a piece. They didn't care about anything except pouring their hearts out and leaving it all on the stage. And I do mean every last ounce.

I would like to thank everybody for coming out. It means a lot to us that you spent your Friday night at Turner Hall watching local music. Midnight Legend was really good in its debut as a band, and St. Amy's rocked it out in its unique and fun way.

I liked the energy The Funions had. If we did this every weekend we'd start getting there and I'd put my guys up against anybody.

Well. Except the Healers. After hearing Ryan tear through "Texas Flood" I'm embarrassed to even hold a guitar.

This is it for a while for The Funions, we'll be back in August or September. With six guys in the band and summer here, it's hard to find dates, but we'll crank it up again.

Also - Tookie dragged his tired and bug-bitten butt to Turner Hall after being on the levees all week and I don't forget people who make an effort to support local music.

Also - a huge thanks to Mark and Chris from Turner Hall, great guys who have a passion for keeping local music alive and well.

Real Help

Yes, Tookie was on the West Quincy levee with "Coach Guns" and his crew. Yes, Tookie left a comment on yesterday's blog that, as usual, couldn't be deciphered by the CIA's finest intelligence agents.

But he was there, and he has been there, working his butt off.

By the way, I was eating pasta but I was only doing my job, if you read today's paper you'll see what I mean. And you can't say no to Ann Knapheide.

God bless everybody who is fighting this thing. I'm wearing my new sandbagging T shirt I bought at the OLC yesterday. Things have pretty much wrapped up over there.

Keith Franx and I had a lot of fun playing for a benefit last night. Then it was off to Upper Moorman Park where YOUR Quincy Herald-Whig Demons came back from a 12-run deficit to go 12-0.

Some guy tried to run me over at second base but everything was good.

Big show tonight, this will be the last time The Funions play for a while. Midnight Legend starts at 7 p.m., followed by St. Amy's, us and The Blue Healers.

National Love

NBC News began it's national coverage last night with a story from Quincy. The Today Show did another live shot. Tons of national media in town.

I was in West Quincy today, more coming up on my Whig Blog and, of course, at www.whig.com.

Two Deadly Weapons playing tonight at a benefit, with the big show tomorrow night ready to go ....

The View

Wow.

http://qni.typepad.com/rodney_harts_blog/

And, as always ... www.whig.com for more.

Flood Flood Flood

Drove to Hannibal today and the flooding around Marblehead is just horrific. Somebody put up a sign which said — "Welcome to Lake Marblehead 2008 — No swimming or fishing."

The site of water covering hundreds and thousands of acres is ... is .... just hard to comprehend.

The levy seems to be holding on the Illinois side of the river crossing the bridge into Hannibal. Seems to be, anyway.

Bags continued to get filled in Quincy. Here's the very latest from West Quincy. Check out www.whig.com of course for more.

Good final practice last night at Vegas Music for the big Friday night show.

Dirty Water

Why on earth would anybody want to wade into the Mississippi River floodwaters?

Blech.

Life goes on as the waters rise. Latest reports are talking about Friday as the crest.

After talking to several national media outlets in recent weeks, I think the thing people who aren't from Quincy don't realize is how much we invest in protecting ourselves, and how much human emotion becomes a part of the story.

I got to see it for myself Saturday and Sunday at the OLC. Stop down there to see it for yourself, and bring a shovel, too.

Heard a rumor McCain is coming to Quincy to fill 21 sandbags. But it's a just a rumor. Still, being the good Web Warrior that I am, I'm spreading it around.

Floods, More Free Music

Keep your fingers crossed, Quincy. The next three days will tell the tale.

Some guy running for President was in town Saturday.

This is one thing you really need to be concerned about when it comes to the flooding.

Shey Fey and I will be at the O-L early this afternoon before watching the final round of the U.S. Open. We desperately need help with sandbags. If you can spare an hour or two ... please come down.

More great free music Saturday. I was a judge in the Colgate Country Showdown at Upper Moorman Park and it attracted a big crowd. Jack Inghram and Jim Phillips judged with me. Carrie Joy was the winner and clearly deserved it, this gal could make some noise in the bidness. I loved Nelsonville, two guys from NE Missouri who have a blast playing original songs. Charissa Mrowka took third but I thought both Brooke Rochelle and Caitlyn Stoeckley were better.

Each act did two songs. Madd Hoss Jackson was the backing band and Jim Jenning's guys did a fantastic job - many of the 10 acts did original songs and the band was right there all night.

Then it was off the Quincy Gems games to watch The Classics play after the final out. Check out the weekend games at QU Stadium because Rob Ebbing has booked bands for most of them - The Funions are still working on that - and it's awesome.

Ted Tappe, Kevin Vandament and Gary DeClue lead an amazing band. I love Gary's bass playing and voice, even if he does look like Buster Brown ... Ted is a great guitar player and Kevin amazing behind the drums.

Grab your shovel and we'll see you this afternoon!

Blues or blues? Who cares?

Rumors abound about Barack Obama coming to Quincy today. There have been preparations made, but no official word. Stay tuned ....

Beautiful night in Washington Park Friday. Majors Junction was awesome as the first band for Blues In The District.

I heard some people bitching about the band, saying they weren't a true blues band.

Good grief. First of all, you got in free. Secondly, what is blues anyway? You are being a snob with that kind of attitude. The band was awesome, an eclectic mix of country, bluegrass, rock and blues.

Finally ... it's a beautiful night in the park. Many people just want the music as background for a great social event. Having provided entertainment for exactly that purpose many times, I say .... so be it.

I'm supposed to judge a country music showcase tonight at Upper Morman Park, depending on presidential candidates coming to town. This flood and politics stuff is messing with my pool time ....

Too Much Fun

Happy Friday the 13th ya'll. Hope the weather is OK for Blues in the District tonight.

If we have any more fun at practice with St. Amy's, we might have heart attacks. Rumor has it some of the groupies are still sleeping it off. But that's just a rumor.

So here's the big show lineup for June 20, Turner Hall, $3 at the door or $5 per couple: 7 p.m. - Midnight Legend; 8 p.m. - St. Amy's; 8:30 — The Funions; 9:45 - St. Amy's, 10:15 — Blue Healers.

The Guv comes to town this afternoon to look at floods. Always like the guys with dark suits and things stuck in the ears giving everybody blank stares.

Good lord did it storm last night. I work up at 12:50 a.m. with the TV on and thunder crashing, it shook the house it was so loud. Lucy the Border Collie cowered in her owner's tub, from what I've heard.

Another NFL Baby

So Plaxico Burress is upset with his contract.

Well. He did go to Michigan State.

Hey Plax - you caught the winning touchdown in the Super Bowl. You are rich and famous. I'm having trouble paying my rent and affording a tank of gas.

What a big baby.

Speaking of overpaid babies, the NBA Finals are in full swing. Nobody covers the NBA like ESPN's Bill Simmons, who hates Kobe Bryant and torches the L.A. fans with style and class.

So I've been going home for lunch (saving my pennies by eating hot dogs and corned beef sandwiches). I've been watching the Euro Cup soccer with the two English or Scottish or whatever they are guys doing the announcing, and it's been tremendous.

They say things like "Portugual is cherishing the ball" and "What a deft touch by the Dutch midfielder" and "That was creative genius in the midfield with the one-touch flick."

It's made my noon naps easier to take. Nothing is more soothing than an English soccer announcer.

Weekend Wishes

You know the song ....

Everybody's working for the weekend ....

Get it started off right in the Q-Town this Friday night, click here for more.

Friday might a tough day after a Funions practice and Herald-Whig Demons game the night before.

To find out my plans for Father's Day, click here.

Not Guilty

Tookie was found not guilty. I have it on good authority the jury was rigged and his rabble-rousing attorney may have paid off the judge.

Just what I've heard.

Hey. Web Warriors only report the rumors, they don't verify them.

Wet

Gus was cut short in Morris today by wet weather. It actually cleared up later in the afternoon, but I'm not complaining about leaving the steaming Chicagoland area a little early.

Much fun on the Dream Court, as always. People in Morris and the surrounding communities really get into it.

Thomas Streety is a Macker legend who has won more dunk contests and top men's championships than I flunked math tests in grade school. Thomas' son, Derek, played on the Dream Court and has his old man's mad handles. It was so much fun to see the future right in front of us!

Back to the real world tomorrow .... we'll have Funions news as our June 20 show nears. Blues in the District is this Friday night too!

Fast Summer

I hate to say this, but the first week of June is already slipping away ....

Heading north for domestic and Gus Macker duty, so the blog will be quiet for a few days, your patience is appreciated.

I have two words for Kris Bentley — Hockey and Town!

Actually the Wings losing in three overtimes Monday was a blessing. It provided another gripping finals game and proved they were the superior team. No shame from the Pens and Sid The Kid, they played their hearts out.

Easily the best blog in Quincy is this one. I don't think I've ever laughed so hard at video of a hamster in my life.

Then again, I've never seen much video of a hamster ....

Trains, roads, weather

I'm out of town overnight and come back and geesh, trains are crashing and so are rumors about planes.

Apparently it hammered down rain here too. This is my favorite Web site to track local weather.

Heartbreak for your Detroit Red Wings. At least I'll get to watch Game 6 Wednesday. Last night's first overtime was riveting hockey and fun to watch. A game like that is good for hockey in general, as ESPN's Scott Burnside so accurately reflects.

Finally broke down and turned on the air, too. How long will you hold out?

Lotsa music

Now THAT was a Friday music night.

Fun times at Turner Hall, especially with Napalm doing lights and the temps reaching 100-plus on stage. Hey ... needed to burn off a few pounds anyway, right?

The Funions played very well and I appreciated the young people who gave us a chance and listened.

Great crowd, great bands ... St. Amy's had everybody going, First of November was really cool (you just don't see two girls playing guitar in a band), Predawn Hour looks good with their new bass player and Fielder .... Geesh. What can you say about those guys? I've run out of words .... simply awesome.

Thanks Tookie, for showing up AFTER we played. He blamed the women. Oh well.

Also slid down to the Elks and caught some of Mad Hoss Jackson. Drummer Jim Jennings is always fun to hang out with.

Now we get ready for the June 20 show. It will be nice today to do nothing but recover and watch YOUR Detroit Red Wings play in the Stanley Cup finals tonight.

Sports Guys

Some interesting talk by Web Warriors this week about sports writers.

I was a sports writer for 10 years. I enjoyed a lot of it. I hated other parts of it.

People assume you have the dream cake job, watching sports for a living. You get into the games free! You watch sports and write about it. How hard can it be?

If you like working strange hours, enjoy debating mad soccer moms, get a charge out of meeting impossible deadlines and like dealing with the strangest and most passionate of people, this is your job.

Sports writers make good reporters in general because they cover fast moving live events. They pay attention to detail. Good sports writers look for different angles all the time — writing about a blowout hoops game gets old after a while unless you keep it fresh.

Sports writers learn to develop sources and figure out in a hurry who the good guys and not so good guys are. Good guys are coaches, men and women, who are accessible and know what you are after. Bad guys blow their own horns and don't return phone calls.

Sports writers can make the jump to news. But it doesn't work the other way. Covering sports makes you a good reporter, in time.

Very rarely I miss it, like on a Friday night when I'm going to a football game. Years ago in Michigan I used to bomb down rural roads and see the lights in the distance from the field and if it was a big game, I'd get that knot in my stomach.

I also miss the rush of finishing a story or meeting deadline, though that happens a lot on news side.

Our Whig sports guys do a great job.

If you are a sports writer, it's a way of life, not just a job, and those that do it should be commended.

Fins

Excellent times at Vegas Music last night. We learned the Jimmy Buffet song "Fins" but no guarantees it will be flawless Friday night. Also have a brand new Funions song to debut.

As Pat says, "We need to practice here every time." As my neighbor down the street said during a phone conversation, "No no, it's Vegas Music, it's NOT a bar!"

St. Amy's practiced after us and I was blown away by Nathan Cornwell, David Brink and Eric Strubinger. Three young guys, acoustic guitars, great songs from Garth Brooks to Meredith Brooks. They seemed to be having a good time. Hope we didn't get in the way, bad Police renditions included .... they play between bands Friday night.

And yes ... Tookie was there. He's not the first person to have a man-crush on our sax player. Ask the Macker guy from last week.

Vegas Practice

Funions practice tonight in preparation for the Friday night show at Turner Hall. We'll be making a racket again at Vegas Music. Broadway has been warned ....

Fielder, Predawn Hour, First of November, St. Amy’s, The Funions
Turner Hall, 926 Hampshire
Doors open at 6:30, music starts at 7
All ages, $4 cover

St. Amy's is three young guys who just formed, they are playing acoustic music between sets.

Shopping Done Right

So I go to Springfield Monday for a father-daughter shopping expedition.

I was sort of dreading it but it actually turned out very well. We instituted the Fleetwood Mac rule, you know, "Go Your Own Way," when getting to the mall.

On the way back, I nearly cried when she plugged in her iPod and we blasted Boston, U2, Kansas, Toto, Asia and other classic rock over the Old Fogey Car stereo.

Geesh. Might not be so bad to get her another $50 for iTunes ....

By the way — YOUR Detroit Red Wings are up 2-0. Just thought you should know.

Goodbye Gus, July 5 update

Always sad when Gus heads home Sunday night. All in all, Gus was good again in Q-town, one or two knuckleheads as usual. The Dream Court was huge, highlighted by DOB and Tyler T from WGEM doing the final game today. They watched the Rocky Cola-coached team dominate, as usual!

I jumped the gun on the July 5 Gems announcement, a couple of the Funions have other commitments that day so we'll try to figure out another Gems show.

Have a good Memorial Day and remember our men and women in the Armed Forces who gave and still give so much for us.

Rain Again?

It seems the Herald-Whig Demons softball team, YOUR defending Quincy Park District Division V champions, may be rained out again tonight. In the first four weeks of the season, we've had two rainouts and a bye. Teams and Mother Nature fear us.

Another massive jam at Vegas Music last night as The Funions get ready for the May 30 show. We play at 7 p.m. There will be a huge crowd at Turner Hall as the night goes on, hopefully we'll get a few people out to see us.

Don't forget, Friday, June 20, Turner Hall with the Blue Healers and Midnight Legend. Also working on another major show, info coming soon.

Rich Meyers is here from Belding, Mich., and Gus Macker headquarters. He endured a Funions practice last night with the usual groupies and is taking everybody to see the Demons play tonight, if it doesn't rain. Gus himself will be here tonight too. Rich is still getting therapy from rooming with me in Macomb last year but that's another story for a more adult blog.

If it does rain, hopefully that clears it out for the weekend ....

Dog Named Blue

The best thing ESPN has done in years is get Don Cherry to do commentary after Stanley Cup playoff games.

You can get a taste here of Cherry's colorful style.

During my one disaster of a year at Calvin College I played on an intramural hockey team called "Dog Named Blue" in honor of Cherry's canine. As I recall, we lost in the championship game in overtime, shades of Cherry's Boston Bruins falling to my beloved Montreal Canadiens in the 79 semifinals.

Anyway, check Cherry out on SportCenter. And ... he's donating his ESPN pay to the Humane Society, God love him.

Never thought I'd ever say that about a Bruins coach.

Canning Jams, Blue Healers

The Blue Healers (www.myspace.com/thebluehealers) might be the best rock/blues band in Quincy. They were fantastic Sunday at Turner Hall's Can Jam.

The Healers are playing Blues in District Friday, July 11, and they are playing at the Bluesfest the following weekend.

This just in ... we are planning a show Friday night, June 20 at Turner Hall with The Blue Healers. We've asked a new band, Midnight Legend, to open at 7 p.m. Cover will be $3, The Funions play at 8:30 and the Healers at 10.

The May 30 show at Turner is also generating lots of buzz. I know it's QHS graduation night but we are still expecting a big crowd later. Fielder played yesterday too and did a great job with Tyler Dickens filling in for Chris Cornwell on drums and Alex Tappe doing a great job on the congas.

So ... lotsa music coming up in the Q-town!

Click Here

To find out what's happening on a busy weekend, click here.

A year ago today, good family friend Sid Jansma lost his wife, and he reflects here on making peace and saying farewell. Sid is the real deal, and God be with him and his family.

I'm loving this story about a double amputee qualifying for the Olympics.

Kelly Wilson had a nice blog item about the local theater presentation of MASH. Click here to vote for your favorite character from the TV show.

Learning New Songs

Tremendous practice and great fun hooting and hollering with The Funions last night.

We hung out at Pat's store since Mark's basement is still in the process of being demolished/renovated/fixed for human habitation. With Jack and Rock A Bye gone on bidness, the four of us jammed for more than 2 1/2 hours.

I asked each band member to list their favorite Funions songs, and we sketched out a tentative set list for the May 30 show. By the way, it's now evolved to a full-blown five-band rock and roll blowout, but more info coming in future posts.

I threw four new songs at the guys last night and nobody blinked. Granted, they are simple in structure but it never ceases to amaze me how the band immediately puts a distinctive stamp on a cover song.

We learned a Funions original and then Pat got us going on a Jimmy Buffet song that rocks, not the usual stuff you hear from him. Somebody get me a Landshark!

There's something cool about running around a music store after hours and listening to the ghost stories, then actually hearing some strange stuff in the 102-year-old house, too, but that's for another post.

May 30 will be fun! We play at Turner Hall at 7 p.m. with four other bands to follow, including Fielder and Predawn Hour.

Some Guy Named Zach

So some guy named Zach was in Quincy Monday and posed for this photo with a Quincy girl.

Apparently this guy is into musicals or something. I have no idea, never heard of him or seen him.

He wanted The Funions to do the soundtrack for what he is calling his "third movie." What were the first two called?

He seemed handsome enough but I don't think he's nearly good enough for the girl in the photo. He seemed more interested in talking about Hollywood and famous people.

He just seemed ... fake.

Who is this guy, anyway?

Mothers Day, Links

And a very happy Mother's Day!

Especially thinking about Susan White today. Her son, Devon, bass player of doom, was confirmed this morning at Trinity UCC. I'm sure Susan beams with pride when watching both her boys.

I'm sure Susan runs into Virginia Hart, who is gossiping with Wilma Collins, and they probably pee themselves with laughter over the stupid stuff their kids are doing right now.

To read about my surrogate mother's son, click here.

To read about the latest Crazy Calftown Girl's exploits, click here.

To read about the Dallas Stars resorting to thuggery against YOUR Detroit Red Wings, click here.

The Motels - Only the Lonely

Every now and then I'll find something on Youtube that takes me back, like this fantastic song and video featuring Martha Davis. Good grief, is she SMOKING hot.

Saw The Motels open for Super Tramp about a million years ago and I was just entranced by her voice and stage presence. Love the sax solo, too.

Great music for a melancholy Saturday morning.

It's almost enough to make me forget picturing Tookie wearing a pink sweater vest at a local establishment.

Almost.

Gas Price Woes

Gas prices have really made me think twice about some stuff. I'd love to get away for a weekend, but it costs too much.

I make two or three trips to Michigan a year but this year, with these prices, I'm just going once, and only because I'll hopefully have free lodging on a Lake Michigan beach.

Apparently more and more people are thinking this way too. Shouldn't using less gas mean supplies go back up and prices down?

I'm ignorant about gas prices. I just know it's a ripoff and somebody is laughing all the way to the bank at our expense.

New Funions CD?

One of the things this incarnation of The Funions seriously has to think about is recording a CD.

It could be a lot of fun with this group of guys, but it takes an enormous amount of planning and directing before we can even remotely dream about doing new songs.

First of all, where do we go to record? Alan Lawless has been so good to us and we have a blast in his dungeon of doom Copper Mine studio.

But we happen to have a sax player who owns his own studio. Jack has Pillar Productions and has indicated we can use the studio for a CD project, and we could save ourselves a lot of money that way.

I have four or five songs that might be ready, but with these guys, I think it would be fun to come up with stuff in rehearsal and just messing around, because they are such good players. Plus Pat Cornwell has a good voice and we'd be foolish not to take advantage of it.

I listened to Just Pretending the other day for the first time in maybe a year and I realized how much Larry Flavell put his stamp on those sessions, and it really came out well.

Now with a slide player and sax, it gives us a bit more of a jam and blues feel.

With every band you have to have the Alpha guy, the person who does all the stuff and pushes the buttons and often is the jerk who massages ideas in certain directions. That's balanced with every individual in the band. They all have contributions and the key is to mesh everything.

So .... the process begins. Can't say when it will result in a new CD. But. It begins!

Paul's Big Night, season golf debut

Paul Gilmartin brought his A game to Q-town last night in a hysterical comedy performance at Backwaters.

Paul was a little nervous about doing his Ohio Rep. Richard Martin character, but it got laughs from the start under the expert guidance of his cousin and Slide Guitar Player Of Doom, Rock A. Bye.

There was a big crowd and laughter was the rule, a beautiful thing!

Played golf for the first time today with Chuck Otte, Mike Hancox, Bill Gay and Rollie Thomas at Westview. Glorious afternoon, to say the least, even if the golf on my part was atrocious.

Hope you got out to enjoy the day too!

Anniversary, Parades, Paul

Here's to remembering Virginia Hart, mother, grandmother and friend, who passed away three years ago today.

I think of my mom a lot.

Good times on the Trinity float today at the Dogwood parade. Cold, misty rain at the beginning, AWOL drummer, etc .... but we got through it and the crowds were still huge on Maine Street.

Paul Gilmartin is in Quincy tonight at Backwaters, I believe tickets are still available at the door ($15), it will be a very funny evening!

May 30 Show

Just when we decry the lack of Funions shows ...

Friday, May 30
Turner Hall
The Funions, Fielder, other bands TBA
Time and cost also TBA.

More info to follow.

Lack of shows

For the first time in a quite a while, The Funions have nothing officially lined up.

We're working on it, and hope to have something to report soon.

A year ago yesterday we played at the Frank Calkins benefit, which brings back a lot of good memories.

The Trinity UCC folks are putting together a float again for Dogwood and we'll have a blast as usual. The only difference this year is that we have to play without a keyboard for a while, which means I'll have to learn and actually know the songs, which could be a huge adventure.

Pray for good weather!

U2 Rocks

An amazing experience last night at Union United Methodist's U2charist service.

People started showing up an hour before it started. That's a new one for some of us "alternative service" people.

Sherri Renner asked us twice if we were going to pray before it started. Then she accidently proposed marriage to Jack Inghram. Ahhh, pre-performance jitters, beautiful things!

Bob Morwell started the service with the "Peace On Earth" video, and one by one we went on to see a nearly full church, expectant of great things.

Well. Not sure how we sounded, which of course is besides the point. But Sunday's service is proof that if God decides, it's gonna rock!

From the opening "Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" to the last crazy and adrenaline fueled "When Love Comes To Town," Union United rocked. It is so cool to sing songs that people know, or can at least follow. U2's music has audience call-backs in just about every song, and it took no prodding to get people to respond. None!

So. Thank you to Young Devon White on bass, who now has his own groupies to deal with and was trailed by a gaggle of junior high girls all night. Chicks dig bass players, Dee-Von. Now that you are a rock star, you better start dealing with it ....

Thanks to Craig Sparks, a fantastic drummer. I goofed up the intro to one song (Pride, maybe?) and it was no big deal, he just kept us going the whole time. Craig was especially good during the communion instrumental of "Forty".

Thanks to Rev. Wally Carlson, a very good acoustic guitar player with the right attitude. It was very reassuring to have him back there and not worry about screwing up my parts. Far more importantly, I have made a new friend.

Thanks to Sherri Renner on keyboards, the spiritual driving force behind everything we did. She has the voice of an angel too and I hope she continues to play music.

Thanks to Jack Inghram on sax. It doesn't matter what kind of music you play, if you have a good sax player, everybody responds. Sheryl sat in the back and took the whole thing in and said a bunch of "more experienced" women were asking about Jack. Maybe the sax guy might have to start dealing with the groupie thing, too ....

Thanks to Bob Morwell, who had the idea with Wally and put it into motion. They also trusted the burned-out newspaper guy to put the band and music together, not an easy thing to do.

Wally said he knew it was going to be good from the opening chord in the first practice. I knew it would be good, too. But last night was beyond my wildest expectations.

We also raised a bunch of money for the nets for Africa campaign, which provides malaria-carrying mosquito protection. U2 lets churches use their music free of charge as long as it's a worship service and it takes up an offering for the project.

We're talking about other projects and maybe taking this thing to other churches, so stay tuned!

Provine's Stadium

Mike Provine, easy Quincy's best blogger, has a fascinating photoshopped rendition of what a new baseball stadium in Quincy could look like. His blog is linked, or you can go to http://provine.blogspot.com/ and look at his Saturday entry, or the actually photo is https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfx97spCfnt_SasfMqCJ93W5AImwZze8U2U-fH0ryerwDv338EJf-15CBcKacMaU62349Sxkda07LpeTd8qixzhV1XeZ6CT0i_8brrKHg2LTJ2bFzj7eUxrbNCjYvHFIiRrmHYTA/s1600-h/qballpark.jpg

Sorry about my lack of hyperlink ability.

Before you laugh off this idea, which has a lot of potential but pitfall, think of what a gleaming new stadium could mean for Quincy.

First of all, we'd have to land a team. Provine Park, as depicted, is huge. Does this mean we're going to get a Triple A team in Quincy?

Second - where does everybody park? You are taking lots of land from the river to about Third or Fourth Streets, I'm sure the foks at the Elks just south of the new bridge wouldn't be happy about people parking in their lot across the street.

Third - road access. No easy way in or out if you have thousands at a ball game, and really, just one road in all four directions. You'd have to get law enforcement directing traffic before and after a game.

Lastly - we'd have to get rid of that ugly blight on the river, across the street from the Pier and other places. That's progress. We'd be knocking down a lot of ugly buildings, but Quincy doesn't like buildings being demolished.

Huge dream, huge expense to build, huge logistics to overcome.

But I like it!

Different Service

We had another U2-charist practice last Sunday and it went well. Special thanks to Megan, who filled in on drums. Craig will be back Friday night for practice, and the service is Sunday at 7.

We've had some spirited and healthy discussions about U2's lyrics. We are doing "When Love Comes To Town," and this is not necessarily a praise and worship song.

Good. This is not a Maranatha sappy worship service. The them is "What if ..." and I'm looking forward to Bob Morwell expounding on the topic.

I am trusting Wally Carlson and Bob to make this worship-driven. But I do not apologize for the lyrics of these songs.

"When Love Comes To Town" is about a man who has made huge mistakes in his life and realizes why.

I used to make love under a red sunset
I was making promises I would soon forget
She was pale as the lace of her wedding gown
But I left her standing before love came to town

That's powerful stuff.

The last verse:

I was there when they crucified my Lord
I held the scabbard when the soldier drew his sword
I threw the dice when they pierced his side
But I've seen love conquer the great divide

I am so tired of people whining about being uncomfortable at church. God doesn't care if you build a mansion with marble columns and velvet pews. He doesn't care if the sound system isn't state of the art, or if the service lasts 85 minutes.

I believe God wants you to think. Even if you are like me, and Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For.

So ... come to this service with an open mind. We have some great songs, whether that translates into a great sound and performance, I don't know. And in the end, it's irrelevant.

Basketball

I ran into Dave Fauble the other day at the tennis courts by QND. He told me about a bunch of guys that get together once a week and play ball at a nearby gym.

So last week I went out for the first time in at least four years .... when Mike Foster left QU, that was the end of the NBA (Noon Basketball Association) and I stopped playing.

It felt great to run again, rusty as I was. Not being able to walk the next two days was a small price to pay, really.

Went back tonight and had a great time with a great bunch of guys, mostly more experienced like myself. I'm still bricking 3-footers, still standing still instead of rebounding, still panting to get up and down the floor .... and I love every minute of it.

Tonight was definitely better than last week, hopefully it will keep getting better.

It better get better. The Herald-Whig Demons open up defense of our Quincy Park District Division V softball championship this Thursday at Wavering, 8 p.m.

For more: www.hwdemons.blogspot.com.

Whose ear is that, anyway?

Pray For Frank

Please pray for Frank Calkins, who collapsed in the Chicago area Saturday. He's clinging to life and on a respirator in a Chicago hospital. The family has some very difficult decisions to make. They need prayers too.

Frank is a fighter and is going to a better place. God be with him.

Can't Live Without

Some things I've recently discovered no man should be without.

1. A Border Collie named Lucy.
2. New sisters.
3. An expert poo picker for when you step in the doo doo in the backyard.
4. Toothbrush holder.
5. Frogs in the shower.
6. Soap dish.
7. A light above the kitchen sink.
8. Company for evening walks to visit Mother Wilma at Greenmount Cemetery.
9. Friends with pickup trucks. Even if they live in tough neighborhoods on the other side of 28th Street.
10. A Melrose Chapel pastor to drape his jacket over you when doing your James Brown imitation.
11. Many others, one especially two blocks up the street ....

Elks Fun

As always, a great time had by all at The Elks last night.

Not one of our better played shows, in my opinion. We work really hard on the songs and then we get up there and just hack up the endings and different parts. But ... the energy and spirt was there. Always is with these guys.

Now Warren can say he played with The Funions! And who knew Wally Carlson would literally offer the jacket off his back ala James Brown?

Like Steph says, "I like the atmosphere at The Elks. It's like you guys are a garage band."

Very true. Actually we are a torn-up basement band. Same thing, really.

The Funions are off for a bit and we're working on some summer shows, we'll keep you posted.

Next up: U2 worship service a week from Sunday.

Setting Up At The Elks

It's not every morning you wake up due to an earthquake ....

So we are ready for our show tonight at the Elks.

Many thanks to Pat Cornwell, drummer, singer and PA Guy extraordinaire. Setting up is a pain and Pat makes it a lot easier. The sound in there is good, not too loud but clear.

No Funions gigs after this one just yet, though we are working on a few things.

Dreaming Of The Beach

I have a friend who is thinking about taking a vacation and sitting on a beach far far away.

It's making me pine for my Uncle Peter's Lake Michigan beach. I'm hoping to get there in August. And that seems like a million years from now, though it will be here in the blink of an eye.

So. Here is the scenario. We need to get there, even though we can't. So let's try a little power of suggestion.

DIRK: I, state your name.
YOU: I, state your name.
DIRK: Am pretending to be on a beach.
YOU: Am pretending to be on a beach.
DIRK: And to the republic for which it stands.
YOU: And to the republic for which it stands.
DIRK: Especially when your toes are in the sand and you have a Goose Island Honkers Ale that is ice cold and you are getting sunburned and every now and then a gorgeous babe walks by your secluded little spot wearing next to nothing and your iPod Shuffle is blasting U2’s City of Blinding Lights and you are doing nothing and enjoying every single second and the world is very far away and ...
YOU: What?

New Place

So the transformation in the humble Calftown abode is almost done. Gotta move a couch and chair up here and we are good to go.

The entire place was scrubbed from head to toe. I now have a soap dish and toothbrush holder. That means I've arrived.

I walked into the kitchen last night and there was a light on above the sink that I never knew existed.

It's a whole new place and just seems so much more like .... home!

Gratitude to SB and SB for the changes.

Thrown Together

So tonight we had our first U2 worship service practice.

I believe God was smiling on us.

From the start, five people who'd never played together clicked and it was .... magic. Spiritual. Just really really REALLY good.

Sheri Renner is a joy to play with. Great ideas, voice of an angel, a keyboard player .... Geesh, where have you been all this time, Sheri?

Devon White rammed home the beat on bass, and Craig Sparks is simply one of the best drummers I've ever played with, and I've played with a bunch of good ones. He let loose and wait until you hear him drive us home with this project.

Wally Carlson was right there on acoustic guitar and vocals and a lot of fun. Bob Morwell and his Union United crew were a big help too.

Man. I haven't been this excited about a musical project in a long time, and this comes with The Funions as rock solid as they've ever been.

Again, Sunday, April 27, Union United Methodist, 11th and State, 7 p.m. This is a worship service, above and beyond, and something very different for Quincy.

We are doing Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For, 40, Pride, When Love Comes To Town and Yahweh.

Again, this won't sound like U2, but it's an honest take on their music and if tonight was an indication, the energy and spirit will be there.

Coming tomorrow: An update on the Calftown residence transformation!

Brand New Place

So these wild and crazy Collins girls are here and my place has been completely rearranged.

SB is dusting and cleaning like a mad girl right behind me and I am completely and utterly smitten with my new sister ....

More after we are done ....

More new (old) stuff

Had a great practice last night in the Kingsridge basement, then kept the hood up with cigar smoke and groupie conversation.

We are unveiling a few new songs for the Elks show a week from tonight. The Elks tends to have an older crowd, but they love to dance and have a good time, so we've stocked two long sets of songs they'll hopefully like.

Rock A. Bye and I will start with some acoustic music.

Speaking of which, Two Deadly Weapons will be joined by a third tonight at a local birthday bash. Also rumors of massiv rearrangements to living quarters in Calftown this weekend, as well.

Have a great one!

Ask a Republican - Big Oil vs Poor People

Paul Gilmartin is coming to Quincy!
Saturday, May 3, Backwaters
Benefit for QPD union
Tickets - $10 from any QPD officer
Don't miss Paul!

U2 worship service

So there's no South Park strolls or Woodland Cemetery crawls in this stuff.

Hanging out with Devon White tonight and working on the U2 stuff. Sunday, April 27, Union United Methodist Church at 11th and State. We have ...

Rev. Wally Carlson, guitar
Devon White, bass
Craig Sparks, drums
Jack Inghram, sax
Sherry Renner, keyboards
Clueless newspaper guy, guitar and vocals

It's going to be very cool!

South Side Boat Club

Much fun at the South Side Boat Club this afternoon for the 27th annual band jam. Thanks Danny Mabie and everybody for letting us be goofy for half an hour. No stage monitors but I thought we sounded OK. Pat Cornwell in particular did a great job and Jack was back to his usual wailing sax ways.

Two Deadly Weapons make an appearance Friday night at a birthday party, perhaps joined by a saxaphone touting attorney.

Sheyfey videotaped our show today and we'll post a couple of new songs in the next few days.

Now we get ready for the April 18 Elks show, which is going to be HUGE ....

Stay Strong

For Frank Calkins.

Stay Strong
Can't imagine what you've been through
Can't really feel what you feel
All I can do is reach out to you
Hold on to what I feel
Long and lonely nights
All alone you fight
The demons off they will not quit
You cannot rest you cannot hide
You only know one way

Stay strong ....

It's the long way it's the hard way
No shortcuts to the end
It's the long way
I wanna hear you say
No no I'll never quit

Stay strong

Copyright 2007 D.R. Hart

Jack Is Back

Really good practice in the under construction Kingsridge basement last night. Jack Inghram is back and sounding better than ever after neck surgery. Yesterday was the first day he said he felt really good. He's got his sax on a stand so he doesn't have to hang it around his neck, and he was on fire the whole practice.

On top of that, we had a couple of Funions groupies at practice, and they said they enjoyed watching Jack do "The Wiggle," whatever that means ....

The guys were also fascinated by the whole Youtube thing. Hopefully we can have some future shows recorded and get better audio. I ain't complaining .... the whole thing just rocks!

Working on a couple of newer songs for the April 18 Elks show .... and again, we play at 1:40 p.m. Sunday at the Southside Boat Club Band Jam.

See you there!

American Idol Is Stupid

I've accidently watched bits and pieces of American Idol lately and I don't get it.

It's dumb. The judges, especially this guy named Simon, are full of themselves. The gal who got eliminated last night was horrible. One of the guys didn't sound so bad.

But I just don't understand why people go crazy over this stuff. At work they come over and blab endlessly about how so and so should have done better and so and so might not last long and so and so nailed some dumb cover song.

I'm alone in the world, but I'm not watching it and don't care.

There. I feel better.

Who Hears You Tonight

From the March 15 Turner Hall Show ...

Close your eyes tight
Listen with all your might
Let go don't fight
Who hears you tonight

Think I hear you climbing up my steps ....

Love the interaction here between Rock A Bye and Chris ....

Call it a Day

Video taken by Sheryl Collins of our March 15 show at Turner Hall. It's not bad for a small video camera, thanks Sheryl! We'll post a few other songs in the next few days. This is "Call It A Day" and Rock A. Bye does a great job on slide guitar!

For more, go to youtube.com/dirkhartband

Too Early

Sleep. In the immortal words of Carl Spackler in Caddyshack .... "It's no big deal."

Getting excited about the Southside Boat Club Band Jam this Sunday. We play at 1:40 p.m. for about half an hour. Tons of great bands, no cover and cheap hamburgers. Can't go wrong!

Also will be working on the April 18 Elks show. This is an older crowd but one that definitely likes to have fun.

Jack is feeling better after neck surgery and will practice with us Thursday.

Also working on putting together a band for the April 27 U2 worship service at First Union United Methodist.

I went with all four No. 1 seeds in the Hart Family Challenge NCAA pool (done just for fun) and I have a chance. I was hoping Davidson would pull off the upset, it's great for college hoops and sports in general to have the underdog do well.

Washington Theater on hold

It appears our Washington Theater show in May will be put on hold, probably until September. Two of the gals I work with on the show have personal and other commitments right now and I don't want to do it until it's done right. So we'll wait, but we'll blow the place apart with a great day of music in September.

Rainy March

Rain in March .... blechhhh.

Gus is here from West Michigan, spreading his Macker love. I have my summer schedule and it's going to be gloriously busy, but the streets of downtown Springfield to the Hall of Fame love in Belding, Michigan. Applications will soon be available for the Quincy tournament on Memorial Day Weekend.

Good luck to the Drug Court Counselor and Bombshell Translator of dooms, who road trip north today. Be safe!

I have really enjoyed walking in the 'hood lately. It's great therapy. One block at a time, Steph ....

Lately I've been into losing sleep, holes in my teeth, driving with my daughter, cats and dogs living together, getting away, Jimmy John's lunches, Barry Manilow, 10cc and cravings for McDonalds. Not necessarily in that order.

Also had a fantastic time Tuesday night with Anne Cashman and her students at Ellington School. Writing is the best. Ellington School rocks and (Lynette) Rolls!

Flying From St. Louis

So I flew to Denver from St. Louis and back last week, and I have to say Lambert International Airport in St. Louis is very nice.

I know local officials are always pushing Quincy Regional Airport hard, and I’d like to see a small regional facility do well. Perhaps our airport is more designed for the business traveler and not the vacation guy.

But why should I fly out of Quincy?

Some say it’s cheaper. For me, on this particular trip, it was not. I paid $25 in gas, and I paid $48 in parking. That’s $73. Flying out of Quincy would have cost me up to $150 more.

I have flown out of Quincy before, and it always seems weather is an issue, or the planes are breaking down. One night I remember waiting in Chicago forever before we finally got going back to Quincy. (Walk or ride your bike
before you experience Chicago’s O’Hare Airport.)

Quincy airport proponents say time saved is a big reason to fly from here. However, the St. Louis airport is convenient and only two hours away if you hit traffic right, and I’ve never had a problem on I-70. The parking near the airport is good, the shuttle picks you up right away, and the terminals are easy to navigate. It took me 10 minutes to get through security in the St. Louis airport on a busy Sunday night.

An extra couple of hours is worth saving $150.

Steph's computer ....

has this blog bookmarked.

God bless her.

There is nothing in this world that a little badly-played REO Speedwagon won't cure.

Went to see the Blue Healers last night at the Club, which is a funky little bar at 10th and Chestnut. Good grief, did they sound good. Keith Franx in particular, with the guitar, keyboard, harp and vocals, was outstanding. The band includes guys from the late and great Mahoney Brothers and they were loose and right on all night.

Also had a packed house at Trinity this morning, always good to see.

Back to work Monday. Blech. Already miss the mountains, an entire afternoon to do nothing and nieces and nephews laughing.

Next Show, Sponge Bob

We've confirmed the next Funions show. It's part of the Sunday, April 6 band jam at the South Side Boat Club. We play at 1:40 p.m. for about 35 minutes. This is a free show with tons of great bands so come check us out!

Just got back from a tremendous Colorado vacation spent with family.

Did a lot of nothing, and it was beautiful.

The best part was late yesterday afternoon. I sat on the couch with Erin, 4, and Josh, 7, and watched the Sponge Bob Square Pants movie, and I sprained my spleen a couple of times laughing.

At one point Patrick and Sponge Bob get ready to rescue King Neptune's crown, and Sponge Bob unveils the hamburger car.

When Patrick points out Sponge Bob does not have a license, Sponge Bob pauses for dramatic effect, and says:

"You don't need a license to drive a sandwich!"

That, friends, has officially become The Funions motto of doom.

Happiness Is ...

— Turning off the cell phone. And keeping it off.

— Colorado sun.

— Giggling nieces and nephews.

— A Jack Higgins book.

— Getting ready for March Madness.

— Altitude.

— Sleeping forever and feeling good when waking up.

— A long bike ride.

— Putting a motorcycle back together.

— Hot coffee and SportsCenter.

— The iPod Shuffle, shoes, a park not far away.

— Updating the blog ... when I get back!

No skis

Dillon, Co., is beautiful. Just sitting in the sun staring at the mountains is a curative experience. You can actually feel the burnout slipping away ....

Tried to ski at Copper Mountain yesterday but they were out of rental skis, unheard of, according to my brother in law. So we spent the day sledding with cousins and doing absolutely nothing and enjoying every second of it.

Tomorrow we are going to Red Rocks, and if you are a U2 fan .... Under A Blood Red Sky.

Sad to hear about Irving School. Good people, lots of pain.

Kids and snow

I'm in Denver and watching my nephews play. I'm drinking coffee, contemplating a day of doing not much, and it strikes me that life is good!

My brother and family are here from Phoenix. His two young kids are amazed by the snow - about three inches overnight. They are thinking about waking up mom and dad to get the borrowed snow gear on and jump around. It's the simple things to get excited about that are the best.

Heading into the Rocky Mountains later today and hopefully will do some skiing tomorrow.

Slept like a log last night, which means not thinking or worrying about anything is the cure.

Do logs sleep?

After Math

Geesh. Where do we begin? It's like doing a math problem, overwhelming at the beginning, so let's delve in, shall we?

What a phenomenal night at Turner Hall. Great crowd, bands playing their hearts out, everybody having a good time.

Turner Hall co-owner Mark Mester was happy. "We should try to do this once every month to six weeks," he said.

Thanks to Chris Cornwell and the boys from Fielder, who lugged the sound system in at 2 yesterday afternoon. They were absolutely on fire during their set and left the crowd begging for more.

Thanks to Burt Shackelton for wailing away on the sax with The Funions and Fielder. Good Lord can that man play.

I'm proud of my guys, we are getting better and we know how to have fun. Pat Cornwell fought through feeling lousy and was top-notch on the drums.

Cheeks McGee debuted his new band and they were tremendous. As much as I enjoy his solo performances with the loop stuff, his band is way better. Of course having Keith, Big Mike and a super drummer helps too.

Way too much fun.

Back to reality and Palm Sunday, then heading to the Rocky Mountains. Will probably post something tomorrow or Wednesday. Peace!

Sink or Swim

Happiness is ... a clean sink!

Just remember when you are out and about tonight, whether it's at Turner Hall with us or celebrating in general - be safe.

It's a marathon, not a sprint!

I feel bad for Dennis Oliver and Jeff Dorsey for the rain, maybe it will clear by noon for the Y-101 St. Patrick's Day parade down Maine Street.

Rumor has it DO shrinks when he gets wet.

Getting ready for a trip to CO and a week with family, sun and snow. And maybe a lemonade.

Hopefully "The Hood" will survive ....

Early Morning Walk

Sleep is an elusive catcher. Whether by vice, choice or inability to grasp her, she drifts away and she won't come back.

So this morning I walked up Jackson Street in ethereal dark fog and it was a beautiful thing.

Walking is like many things, best when in effortless rhythm. I believe it's referred to as "The Zone," which applies to much more than just sports.

Zombie? Yes, later today. No cure foreseen, though Washington Perk will help after I get to work.

Oh .... anybody who laughs so hard they cry during the Stonehenge scene from Spinal Tap is officially a member of the The Funions Hall of Fame.

Jack Recovers

Just talked to Jack Inghram, Funions sax player of doom. He had major neck surgery Wednesday at Blessing Hospital and had two verterbrae fused. He was released from the hospital this morning and just go home and says he feels weak, but OK.

Jack had some nerve issues with his right hand along with a lot of pain. Once everything wears off and he gets back on his feet he's confident he'll be blowing that horn with us again. His goal is to play April 6 at our Southside Boat Club jam show. If he's up to it, he may come to Turner Hall Saturday to watch Burt ably fill his considerable shoes.

Also a get well soon holler to the Bombshell Translator of Doom, Ms. Rachel Rivera. We'll solider on without her, but a Funions show without Rachel won't be the same, so get better dang it!

March 15

The Funions had a tremendous practice last night and we're ready for our show Saturday night at Turner Hall.

This is the fourth week in a row we've practiced and I'm very curious to see how we play Saturday. Many times good practices lead to good shows, but sometimes they don't. The Funions are used to cobbling together a set list and hurriedly preparing, and it's been nice to actually take some time, learn a bunch of new songs and feel prepared.

8 p.m., $3 at the door or $5 a couple, and we are calling it R Ya Irish in honor of St. Patrick's Day weekend.

Cheeks McGee plays at 9:30 and Fielder at about 11.

Get out today and enjoy the sun!

Singing For Supper

Nothing wrong with singing for you supper.

Heading to Colorado one week from today for some family time and spring skiing.

Big show Friday night at Turner Hall with Mike Breckenkamp's bands. Mike has moved back to Quincy after spending some time in the California sun.

Had a blast at The Grove last night with Slick Woody. It was packed and they had 'em dancing on chairs and tables.

In a Chariots of Fire Theme Song moment, Tookie said hello to a public official he's often taken shots at in the past and they actually were civil to each other. Tookie doesn't want you to think he cares, just so you know, and this bs about him not posting anymore is rubbish. He won't be able to stay away, promise.

Burt plays with Funions

Dr. Brei and I have decided eating Funyons after a meal at the Elks is ... overrated.

Burt Schackleton, musician extraordinaire, is playing sax with us at the March 15 show. Burt sings and plays sax, keyboards and guitar in the Quincy band Cheeseburgers and was featured on the Funions song "Let's Dance" from the Is this Appropriate CD. We are lucky to have him hang out with us!

Jack's surgery involves fusing several discs in his neck area, serious stuff. Surgery is early Wednesday and hopefully he's home by Thursday and on the mend, ready to play with us when we resume the World Parking Lot Tour in April.

The Cheeseburgers are playing tonight in Mendon, and Slick Woody is paying at The Grove tonight, so lots of good local music to check out.

Have a great weekend!

Jack's Neck, Band News

Jack Inghram, sax player of doom for The Funions, is having major neck surgery March 12 and will not be able to perform with us at the huge March 15 "R Ya Irish" show at Turner Hall.

While this is a blow to the band, we are confident the show will go on and we'll sound better than ever.

We have some surprise guests lined up, including Cheeks McGee, who will be only too happy to hammer on his trumpet during Funions songs. Don't be surprised if you see another sax player and maybe even a harmonica blower, too.

So, these dates are still tentative, but our spring World Parking Lot Tour 2008 scheduled is shaping up like this ...

Saturday, March 15, 8 p.m. Turner Hall

Sunday, April 6, Southside Boat Club band jam, 2-2:30 p.m. (approx)

Friday, April 18, Elks, 7:30-10 p.m.

Saturday, May 17, Washington Theater, 6-7:30 p.m.

New Links

Added a couple of links. The first one is for East End Journal, one of the better Quincy blogs.

The second is for The Herald-Whig blog site. As I've mentioned many times, I don't discuss Whig bidness at this site, but I will say we've finally entered the real Web world of blogging and it's been grand so far.

Uh Oh ... EVH is sick

Wonder if Rocky Cola is suddenly sweating AGAIN about the St. Louis show ....

From www.van-halen.com ....

The Van Halen concerts in Dallas, Cincinnati, Raleigh, and Baltimore have been postponed. According to Eddie Van Halen's physician, he is undergoing a battery of comprehensive medical tests to determine a defined diagnosis and recommended medical procedures.

The March 3rd Dallas concert at American Airlines Center has been rescheduled for Thursday, April 24, 2008; Cincinnati's March 5th concert at U.S. Bank Arena has been rescheduled for Tuesday, April 22nd; Raleigh's March 7th concert at RBC Center has been rescheduled for Sunday, April 13th; and Baltimore's March 9th concert at 1st Mariner Arena has been rescheduled for Tuesday, April 15th.

Fans should retain their tickets as they will be honored at the rescheduled concerts or ticket refunds will be issued at the original point of purchase.

Brrrrr

OK. This weather SUCKS. Bit too cold to be out walking or riding the bike or having the dog take you for a walk.

Now that I've got that out of the system ....

I've decided that between learning how to ride a motorcycle or just being a passenger .... I could just be a passenger.

Apparently Colorado has been socked with snow in the last few days, which is a very good thing.

A very sweet little girl knocked on the door the other day selling candy bars for Berrian School. I was an easy sell ....

Thaw (for real this time)

Get outside if you can.

Much fun at the Elks last night, and a very happy 40th anniversary to Bill and Ann Durst!

Hanging out tonight with my surrogate mother, the legendary Anne Mays. And Bob and kids too! Spring Lake is lovely this time of year ....

Almost, QND

Quincy Notre Dame deserved a better fate in today's girls basketball Class3A state semifinal, but lost in overtime to Chicago Marshall.

Sophomore Karlee Gengenbacher is by far Notre Dame's best player. She carried the Raiders on her considerable shoulders and, like her team, gave a tremendous effort.

Here's to hoping they can bring back a third-place trophy to Quincy Saturday night.

The Cars - Drive

This IS the 80s.

For Jamie.

Miss Ben Orr a lot.

Trivia Questions: Which famous actor directed this video? And how do you spell Paula's last name?

Drummers

Pat Cornwell has been a great addition to The Funions.

One, he's a good drummer.

Two, he can sing.

Three, he has good ideas for arrangements and how songs should flow.

There are other things, like actually showing up for practice, having a sense of humor, working hard and not complaining when we screw up a song, and just being a good guy.

Drummers are usually unusual. This is not a bad thing at all. The Funions have had some unbelievably talented drummers and each brought unique gifts and abilities to the band.

I'm just glad Pat is hanging out with us now.

Avalon - Bryan Ferry / Roxy Music

Takes you to another place ....

By a neck ... Dr. Irvine

I do not generally give out recommendations for service providers in Quincy.

But I am not afraid to give love to chiropracter Dr. Shawn Irvine, who has saved me from dehabilitating back pain more than once.

Last week I slept wrong and messed up my neck and shoulder. Like most guys, I ignorned it and thought it would go away.

When I couldn't sit down in front the computer at work this morning, it was enough.

Shawn is very thorough and efficient. He gets the history, probes the area, puts you on the table, does the adjustment and you are good to go. His services are reasonably priced. Today I got some electrical stimulation which also felt wonderful.

I appreciate his professional manner and I appreciate Peggy, his office administrator, making me feel at ease.

On a separate note, I'd like to thank a friend who has stayed a friend through interesting experiences and times. I'm better for it.

Dare Duerr

The best local blog? Easy.

It's Chris Duerr, sports guru from KHQA.

http://www.khqa.com/sports/sports_story.aspx?id=99505

Josh Houchins' blog on WGEM ranks up there, too.

http://www.wgem.com/Blogs/sports_blog.php

The Quincy University basketball teams are peaking at the right time. Both men and women won yesterday in impressive fashion over Southern Indiana. The final regular season home games are Thursday and Saturday this week, and it would be nice to see big crowds at Pepsi Arena.

Bu Bu Busy

Understand a devoted blog reader is disappointed in a lack of updates. Well. It's that person's fault, partially.

Great Funions practice Wednesday night, we ploughed through eight new songs, most should be ready for the March 15 gig.

More Funions gigs in the works, as well. We are working on the Washington Theater show for May 17, hopefully we'll have something before that as well.

The great 80s rock band Asia is putting out a new album with the original lineup of Carl Palmer, John Wetton, Geoff Downes and Steve Howe. Snippets available at www.originalasia.com.

Gotta love a band whose drummer (Palmer) just had a heart stent process, and whose lead singer and bass player (Wetton) is recovering from major heart surgery. Experienced musicians forging on and doing what they love. Wish they'd come closer to Quincy this year on tour ...

Blogs, Sleep, Ca Ca Ca COLD

So Dick Tuck isn't crazy about going to a blog convention with "professional media."

Well. Dick. I'm not crazy about going to a blog convention with Anon Web Warriors. But that insinuates I'm "professional." Whatever that means. Remember, I don't mix bidness with personal blogs. And I don't hide my identity.

To those who are about to sleep for 11 hours, I salute you. And wobble slightly because the very thought boggles the mind. Careful going down them steps, dang it.

I'd give anything for a few hours of good sleep some nights.

OK, I'm Nanook Of The North, but I'm getting tired of this cold weather crap. Bring spring on!

Out & About

I've been conversing with a new friend about Dean Martin. You can Youtube.com a bunch of his clips and if you are a lounge lizard fan, you'll love his stuff.

I speak of lounge lizards because tonight Jack, Alan K. and myself reform Jack Inghram & The Congregational Hart Throbs at First Union, 12th and Maine, for the Evening Under The Stars.

Me: Do you think we should practice?

Alan: Practice?

Me: I'm sorry. Won't speak of it again.

So we'll do that voodoo that we do and that will be that.

Gotta love lazy Saturday mornings .... In a little bit I'll be playing paperboy, seeing if there's life on Aldo Blvd., staring inside my empty fridge, put off cleaning this place, and take a looooooonnnnnngggggg walk.

Record Freeze

For a record third time this winter, we've had a thaw and re-freeze.

The newest rage in pond skating is at South Park near the corner of Eighth and R.J. Peters Drive. Almost perfect shiny glass ice, covered in a quarter inch of smooth-protecting snow.

Glorious ....

Abe's birthday today. Gummermint work is good if you can git it.

I miss Orion The Hunter, "So You Ran" is on Pandora right now. The video is classic 80s schmaltz, if I can find it I'll post it later.

Funions practice tonight, staying warm in the Kingsridge basement by learning oldies but goodies.

Thinking of going out on a limb here shortly. Nothing to lose. Right?

Tookie has the plague. Stay away, Q-Town. Hoser cure has been offered on his latest post comments.

Just Like Old Times

Getting together the boys for Jack Inghram & The Congregational Hart Throbs' event this Saturday at First Union. It's for Michael Warneke's Evening Under The Stars. Jack, Alan K. and myself are all fired up about playing!

Funions continue to make plans .... Mark and I have learned several songs, including a couple of Buddy Holly classics. They stand the test of time and we can't wait to play them out.

There's also been some very preliminary discussions about a new Funions CD, more down the pipe.

Stay warm .... brrrrrr!

The Cure

A good walk cures everything .... misbehavior, a heavy heart, bouncing off the walls.

There's a a person who reads this blog who is struggling right now with some stuff and I want to them it's all right. Things work out and there is a reason for everything. Faith, especially in the darkest of hours, is something you can't let go.

So.

Hang in there!

Richard Martin (R-Ohio) Campaign Ad - I Believe

I'm voting for this guy ....

I'd take Anna

Listening to the great underrated 80s band Cock Robin.

"But I won't leave you until I turn to find you gone ..... I'm the biggest fool of all."

Gotta love lyrics that hit home ....

This band featured Peter Kingsberry and the gorgeous Anna LaCazio, who gives Patty Smyth a run for her money. I'd take Anna to my deserted St. Rachel Island in a second.

They've disabled the embedded feature on youtube.com, so you'll have to go there yourself, just about every song and video is worth listening to and watching.

"There's no path of least resistance, it's a fable you have heard ...."

March 15

Just wanted to make sure everybody knows our March 15 show at Turner Hall, themed "R Ya Irish?" is still on.

Hope you voted today.

No surprise on the school bond issue.

Billary or Obama vs. McCain. Ret O Wreck begins soon.

Dumb

I did something really dumb tonight.

I yelled at a basketball coach.

It's been a very long year for the Quincy High School girls basketball team. They never quit and battle to end of every game, and they've taken their lumps in stride. QHS won its first game of the year and has been in few games the rest of the way.

In the first half tonight against East Moline the Blue Devils hung in there, but they simply wore down against a better team.

With 30 second left and East Moline up 30, their coach decided to press.

And I screamed at him from across the gym.

One of the officials came over and told me to calm down, and he was right. I had no business doing it.

It's just been a frustrating year and I don't appreciate it getting rubbed in.

Eric Orne of Quincy Notre Dame could have rubbed it in Tuesday night, but knows what's going on and he played all his girls.

Evan Massey of Galesburg is simply one of the best high school coaches in the world. His team could have beat us by 80 if he wanted, and QHS-Galesburg is a fierce rivalry .... but he pulled the dogs off early and played everybody.

Just about every team we've played has shown sportsmanship and class.

So I apologize to the Quincy team and the fans for being jerk. It sent a poor message to our girls and other parents and fans.

I do not apologize to the East Moline coach. His girls played hard and fair. He could learn a thing or two from them.

QHS QND girls

Last night was the QHS-QND girls game at Blue Devil Gym and it unfolded according to script. Notre Dame is really really REALLY good, unbeaten and a threat to make a deep Class 3A tournament run. QHS is having a tough year, 1-19 says it all.

QND 69, QHS 37.

There was a decent crowd on a cold night. Girls basketball will never match the boys around here, and that's just the way it is. Once the game started there wasn't much energy because the outcome was never in doubt.

Still, it was nice to see people in the stands during a girls game. And if QHS was having a good season there'd be a lot more interest.

Notre Dame has it all, a powerful inside presence in Natalie Siebers and Karlee Gengenbacher, great guard play from Renita Bunting, and the last piece to the puzzle, former Blue Devil Chloe Barnes.

Coach Eric Orne has done a nice job with this crew, too. Eric could have been a jerk about this game. After all, QHS beat QND in the last two regional tournaments, broke his heart last year especially. But he knew what was going on last night. His team got a big lead and he played everybody a lot, and that's a big thrill for girls who don't get a lot of court time.

What are you going to do, tell a Notre Dame girl to not play hard in the QND-QHS game? Ridiculous.

This year and next, should they avoid the dreaded injury bug, the Raiders have chances to do something very special. They are representing Quincy and I wish them all the luck in the world. They play in an extremely tough regional (Springfield High is at QHS Saturday, 12:30 p.m. if you want to see for yourself). But with a few breaks, they could be playing for a state title.

There are two things Quincy High supporters can do. They can give up and blame the coach and get mad at the world. Or they can realize no matter how bad it gets, it's just a game. A stupid game where you try to throw a small round object through a hoop with a net.

Emily Hart said it best in The Herald-Whig earlier this week.

"It's just a game and there are other things that I do, but I love to play basketball," she said. "As long as I can remember, I've been playing basketball. ... I do have fun, a lot of fun. I love our team and the people on there.

"I love to play. So it's always fun for me."

Fitting final words to this post.