by Jonathan's Jabberings,posted Apr 16 2013 9:05AM
I often get annoyed with Facebook posts because there are no editors. Not every thought we have is brilliant or even should be shared. However, there was quite an inspirational piece written by comedian Patton Oswalt yesterday on his Facebook page. I've always been a big fan of comedian Patton Oswalt. Some of his stand-up material is a little crude, but he's quite clever. Here's what he had to say about the events yesterday in Boston:
Boston. Fucking horrible.
I remember, when 9/11 went down, my reaction was, "Well, I've had it with humanity."
But I was wrong. I don't know what's going to be revealed to be behind all of this mayhem. One human insect or a poisonous mass of broken sociopaths.
But here's what I DO know. If it's one person or a HUNDRED people, that number is not even a fraction of a fraction of a fraction of a percent of the population on this planet. You watch the videos of the carnage and there are people running TOWARDS the destruction to help out. (Thanks FAKE Gallery founder and owner Paul Kozlowski for pointing this out to me). This is a giant planet and we're lucky to live on it but there are prices and penalties incurred for the daily miracle of existence. One of them is, every once in awhile, the wiring of a tiny sliver of the species gets snarled and they're pointed towards darkness.
But the vast majority stands against that darkness and, like white blood cells attacking a virus, they dilute and weaken and eventually wash away the evil doers and, more importantly, the damage they wreak. This is beyond religion or creed or nation. We would not be here if humanity were inherently evil. We'd have eaten ourselves alive long ago.
So when you spot violence, or bigotry, or intolerance or fear or just garden-variety misogyny, hatred or ignorance, just look it in the eye and think, "The good outnumber you, and we always will."
It seems like once every few months Kitty casually mentions something that I can't believe is real. Today she talked about tinikling in gym class as a kid. Tinikling? I thought she was joking, but apparently it's some sort of dance using bamboo poles. It started in the Phillipines and some how made it all the way to Stevens Point.
As usual, I thought she was making it up or just plain crazy. However, several listeners called to back Kitty up as they tinikled as well.
I only remember playing dodgeball and trying to complete the Presidential Fitness Program (I never could do more than one or two pull-ups) in gym class.
I wonder if my son Joshua will have to tinikle one day as well.
Even though I don’t live in Chicago anymore, I have this sense of pride when it comes to anything connected to that city. I marvel at how the “City of Broad Shoulders” has a huge influence on the world when it comes to architecture, music, politics and most importantly people.
I love that when Mick Jagger was just a kid his goal was to gather up enough money to travel from England to Chicago so he could record at Chess Studios. More importantly, I love the number of people from Chicago who have made a huge imprint on the world. One of them is Roger Ebert.
As a kid, I remember watching Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert on PBS. The movie review show eventually went national and Ebert is the first person you think of when it comes to movie reviews.
Kitty and I had a chance to interview him a few years ago when he came to Madison. It was a quick phone interview, but he was sure to ask us our names and address us as Jonathan and Kitty throughout the interview. That may not sound like a big deal, but it makes a huge difference to the listener. Ebert made it sound like we were old friends.
One of the things I respect most about Ebert was his will to live and create. When he was diagnosed with cancer, he had to have his jaw removed and could no longer eat or speak. A lot of people would have called it quites at the point. Not Ebert. In fact, it gave him more material. Ebert continued to review movies, but also wrote about his medical challenges. Just a few days ago Ebert wrote about taking a break, but said he would be back with even more material. It appears Ebert was not afraid of death. He once said, “I was perfectly content before I was born, and I think of death as the same state…I am grateful for the gifts of intelligence, love, wonder and laughter. You can’t say it wasn’t interesting.”
Maybe he really knew he was on his way out. Ebert titled his last column “A leave of presence”. That’s such a graceful way of describing it. Ebert may no longer be physically present anymore, but he’ll always be here.
On a random side note, the cab driver in this show opening used to work at my father's pharmacy.
The Rolling Stones are setting out on a mini-tour this spring. Make fun of these guys all you want, I think they’re still amazing after 50 years together. One thing that makes this band so special is how seriously they take their work.
In a recent interview with Chicago Tribune Rock Critic Greg Kot, Mick Jagger talked about how the band still practices! Here’s what he said:
Everyone had a really good time in the five shows before Christmas. We wanted to see how the band was playing, how people were reacting. We didn’t get much moaning or complaining. What was quite good is that we set a small goal. We rehearsed for a long time, as if we were doing 100 gigs.
The Stones practiced and practiced as if they were doing 100 gigs! They’re the Stones. They probably could just go up on stage and wing it. The fact they practiced is just one of many reasons they are a great model not only for musicians, but for all of us when it comes to giving our best performance.
Click here to read Greg Kot’s entire interview with Mick.
There are some traditions that get better year by year and then some that get a little more ridiculous each year. I think my tradition of taking a picture with the Chicago White Sox mascot, Southpaw probably falls under the latter.
Every April I make it to the South Side of Chicago for the very first game of the year. I meet the same group of guys and we always talk about our concerns for the upcoming season.
Before the game, I walk into the White Sox merchandise store to see all the new designs in sweatshirts, hats, jackets and jerseys. I always think about buying a jersey, but then change my mind when I see the 3 digit price tag.
I always have a hot dog with grilled onions and usually an ice cream cone. This year it was so cold at the park, I skipped the hot dog and went boneless chicken wings instead. Not sure, why 38 degree temperatures changed my main course, but not the dessert.
The Sox won the game, which they've done the last six seasons. Hopefully that tradition will continue.
by Jonathan's Jabberings,posted Mar 20 2013 11:00AM
It’s the first day of spring (although it doesn’t feel like it with temperatures in the upper teens) but let’s talk baseball. I’ve been a Chicago White Sox fan for 32 years which means I have an unhealthy dislike for the Chicago Cubs. It seems strange, but that’s the rules. The vast majority of fans from Chicago either follow the Sox or the Cubs. Maybe I’m softening in my old age, but it no longer seems like a big deal to me if the Cubs do finally win a World Series.
When I was a kid, a World Series win for the Cubs would have been the worst thing imaginable, but now I wouldn’t mind it. Cub fans have been waiting for more than 100 years so I guess it’s about time they enjoy a championship.
However, I have one suggestion for the Cubs: TEAR DOWN WRIGLEY FIELD AND START OVER. I’m sure Cub fans will think I’m just being an annoying Sox fan trying to cause trouble, but I really think it would help the team.
The mayor of Rosemont has offered the Cubs some sweet property to build a new stadium if they can’t get a deal worked out with the City of Chicago on the proposed renovations to Wrigley. I don’t think the Cubs have to leave the city limits, but they really should start over.
I understand Cub fans love “fun at the ol’ ballpark”, but it’s not really any fun for the players. The facilities are light years behind the other parks and it puts the Cubs at real disadvantage. How would you like if everyone around you used a computer and you had to use an old typewriter?
Many Cub fans will argue Wrigley is classic and should be preserved. Honestly, what has happened at Wrigley that is so historic? Yankee Stadium was built a mere 9 years after Wrigley and PLENTY of historic things happened there. Dozens of World Series games, iconic players, even three Popes have held Mass there. However, Yankee Stadium was torn down for a new facility. You didn’t hear New Yorkers complaining about the “House that Ruth Built” being torn down. When it opened, Babe Ruth hit the very first home run. He said, “I was glad to have hit the first home run in this park. God only knows who will hit the last”. Ruth even knew at the first game that Yankee Stadium would eventually be torn down.
A new Wrigley Field doesn’t have to look ugly. A couple of years ago I went to the Pirates new stadium and it’s fantastic. It feels like an old ballpark, but still has modern amenities for the fans and more importantly the players. The White Sox old stadium, Comiskey Park was actually built before Wrigley Field and I was sorry to see it go back in 1990. However, I moved on and since the Sox built a new home, they have managed to win a World Series.
If the Cubs can figure out a real way to renovate Wrigley like Boston did with Fenway Park that’s great, but if they can’t it’s time to move forward. Everything comes to an end and maybe end of Wrigley Field can also bring an end to the 104 years losing streak for the Cubs.
by Jonathan's Jabberings,posted Mar 18 2013 10:57AM
The next time you feel like no one in your office appreciates you remember the name Mike Cisco. He’s a minor league pitcher who was a member of the Philadelphia Phillies farm system. He was recently traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers for (drum roll) nothing.
Zip. Nada. Zilch. Bupkis.
Ouch! Apparently the Phillies didn’t have any use for him. They could have released him, but instead GAVE him to the Dodgers. Players have been traded for equipment, uniforms and even beer in the past, but being traded for nothing may be a first.
I hope Cisco does make it to the major leagues someday and gets the chance to strike out a few players in Philly.
by Joanthan's Jabberings,posted Mar 7 2013 11:18AM
I fear we are going to become a society that has no attention span. I better get to the point because you’re probably already bored with this blog. Pizza Hut is looking to hire new people to work the social media arm of the company.
Pizza Hut will be interviewing people at SXSW in Austin for 140 seconds each. You only get to use 140 characters on Twitter so Pizza Hut officials think 2 minutes and 20 seconds should be enough time for someone to make an impression in an interview. Can you really make a good or bad impression in 140 seconds? Apparently, it’s enough for Pizza Hut.
On the positive side, applicants probably won’t have to answer the “where do you see yourself in 5 years” question. This process seems as silly as the classic Monty Python job interview sketch.
by Jonathan's Jabberings,posted Mar 4 2013 12:35PM
Did anyone else find Kevin Hart’s Saturday Night Live monologue offensive?
Maybe I’m become too sensitive, but Hart told a story about a homeless man who came into a restaurant and put his hand on a customer’s sandwich. Hart says the customer than gave up the sandwich to the homeless person because “ You don’t want to eat a sandwich after a homeless guy had his palm on it. You’re asking for a disease at that point.”
So all homeless people are diseased? Ha! Ha! Let’s poke fun at people who have to live on the street and don’t get to bathe on a regular basis.
He then went on to compare a homeless person to a diseased monkey. Hart said, “You don’t know what an outbreak monkey has, same as the homeless guy. You don’t know what you’ll get. It could be a subtle bump or it could be full-fledged herpes.”
Making fun of politicians and movie stars is good sport, but making fun of the homeless doesn’t really seem clever to me.
Hart said in his monologue that he auditioned for the show as a cast member, but didn’t make it. Good call, Lorne.
by Jonathan's Jabberings,posted Feb 26 2013 10:34AM
As a kid I always wanted a nickname. Jonny is sort of a nickname for Jonathan, but not the kind of nickname I’m talking about. I like people who have an origin story related to the nickname. A perfect example was a friend of mine in college. His name is Robert, but everyone called him Slider. The name came about one night when he was drunk at a bar and couldn’t lift his drink. He was sliding his beer across the bar and the name was born. Granted that’s not a glorious story, but it’s still a story.
I never had a story of something awesome or stupid I did that could be turned into a nickname. I also never gave myself a nickname because that would be poor form. However, someone forgot to send the poor form instructions to Dwayne Wade of the Miami Heat. Wade is now calling himself “WOW”.
Wow, that is bad.
He says it stands for World of Wade and is part of his new shoe deal. It sounds pretty stupid and even his teammate LeBron James doesn’t like it. I’m sure Wade is doing it so he can peddle more shoes, but he could have spent a little more time with his marketing team to come up with a better name.
This morning it seemed like just about everyone was in the mood for some Funky Cold Medina...except Kitty. This ridiculous song made it all the way to number 3 in 1989. Jonathan says any song that references advertising dogs from the 80's has got...
Madison's summer music festival season kicks off this weekend with Brat Fest at Willow Island, where there are more bands than you can shake a bratwurst at! Check out the Brat Fest website to plan your itinerary.
Next up is the Marquette...
John Fogerty is making the talk show rounds this week, stopping in to see David Letterman Tuesday and Wednesday, and the ladies of "The View" on Thursday.
He's promoting his new album, "Wrote a Song For Everyone" which comes out next Tuesday...
It's a miracle that both Jonathan and KItty wanted to hear Barry Manilow this morning. They were not alone. Plenty of Fanilow's called in to vote yes. One caller claimed to have seen Manilow in concert 25 times!
The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, it is another gorgeous Monday, fit for another great show at the Crystal Corner tonight.
Through locking ourselves in the barn on Irish Lane, tossing some ideas around, as well as a few choice beverages to...
Hey everybody, we were thrown for a loop by the twist this week, but were able to make one of our "oldie but a goldie" songs fit the mold.
We have a few songs that we have played consistently over the years, and we are very happy that we will be...
We just received word of what this weeks twist is, and...oh boy. We need to take our "signature song" and cut it to only 2:30 without going over. Amberstein does not simply play 2:30 versions of our songs...so this could be interesting.
Last...
In 1984, Rockwell rose to number 2 for 3 weeks in 1984 with "Somebody's Watching Me." The backup singer for the song was Michael Jackson. How did Rockwell get Jackson to help him? Well, Rockwell's real name is Kennedy William Gordy and he...
This morning it seemed like just about everyone was in the mood for some Funky Cold Medina...except Kitty. This ridiculous song made it all the way to number 3 in 1989. Jonathan says any song that references advertising dogs from the 80's has got...
Madison's summer music festival season kicks off this weekend with Brat Fest at Willow Island, where there are more bands than you can shake a bratwurst at! Check out the Brat Fest website to plan your itinerary.
Next up is the Marquette...
John Fogerty is making the talk show rounds this week, stopping in to see David Letterman Tuesday and Wednesday, and the ladies of "The View" on Thursday.
He's promoting his new album, "Wrote a Song For Everyone" which comes out next Tuesday...
It's a miracle that both Jonathan and KItty wanted to hear Barry Manilow this morning. They were not alone. Plenty of Fanilow's called in to vote yes. One caller claimed to have seen Manilow in concert 25 times!
The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, it is another gorgeous Monday, fit for another great show at the Crystal Corner tonight.
Through locking ourselves in the barn on Irish Lane, tossing some ideas around, as well as a few choice beverages to...
Hey everybody, we were thrown for a loop by the twist this week, but were able to make one of our "oldie but a goldie" songs fit the mold.
We have a few songs that we have played consistently over the years, and we are very happy that we will be...
We just received word of what this weeks twist is, and...oh boy. We need to take our "signature song" and cut it to only 2:30 without going over. Amberstein does not simply play 2:30 versions of our songs...so this could be interesting.
Last...
In 1984, Rockwell rose to number 2 for 3 weeks in 1984 with "Somebody's Watching Me." The backup singer for the song was Michael Jackson. How did Rockwell get Jackson to help him? Well, Rockwell's real name is Kennedy William Gordy and he...
