1) I just have a sick feeling about this. When you say "I love you twice and only get a "Good night" back...
2) MM and MP hooking up. I can't say I'm shocked, especially after what I saw at karaoke Thursday night. I guess it goes back a month when I heard about these sushi nights they were having. So I guess I've learned the key to hooking up with a knockout...Remain unemployed for a year and live at home.
3) Gene and Georgetti was a really good steakhouse. I ordered a bone in strip and it was incredibly juicy with a nice char on the outside. And hey, free cottage fries! Not bad! Wasn't thrilled with the creamed spinach, it tasted too light. But the asparagus we replaced it with was much better, along with the Hollandaise sauce. I would say the surprise of the evening was our appetizer, the mussels marinara. $19, but my gosh. I have never seen mussels this big before. These mussels had to be on steroids! And the marinara they came with was beautifully seasoned with onions, garlic, and crushed pepper.
4) And I'm glad I got to see Steve Harvey on his "final" standup tour. The porcupine joke from Family Feud was one of the funniest lines I have ever heard in my life. And I think I saw maybe 15 other white people in the audience.
5) Another softball loss, this time 14-6 to St. Peter's. We're officially out of the playoffs. Only batted 1-for-3, though I scored twice. But I got a workout in left field. I think I made 9 or 10 catches. Of course, there was one low liner I couldn't handle. Somehow, the ball managed to jam my left thumb back and knock me in my....junk.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Friday, July 27, 2012
2012 NFL Predictions
AFC
East
z-New England 13-3x-NY Jets 10-6
Buffalo 9-7
Miami 5-11
North
y-Baltimore 11-5x-Pittsburgh 10-6
Cincinnati 7-9
Cleveland 3-13
b-Houston 12-4
Tennessee 9-7
Indianapolis 5-11
Jacksonville 2-14
West
y-Denver 10-6
Oakland 9-7
San Diego 8-8
Kansas City 5-11
NFC
East b-NY Giants 11-5
x-Philadelphia 10-6
Dallas 9-7
Washington 6-10
North
z-Green Bay 12-4x-Chicago 10-6
Detroit 8-8
Minnesota 3-13
South
y-Carolina 10-6
Atlanta 9-7
New Orleans 8-8
West
y-San Francisco 11-5
Seattle 7-9
Arizona 5-11
St. Louis 4-12
AFC
NY Jets over Denver
Baltimore over Pittsburgh
New England over NY Jets
Houston over BaltimoreSan Francisco over Chicago
Philadelphia over Carolina
Philadelphia over NY Giants
Super Bowl
Green Bay over HoustonMonday, July 23, 2012
Not exactly humming along...
Well, the softball team is now 1-7; I guess that's what happens when we get promoted to the competitive league. And in many of these games, we've been getting beat by ten runs. But this game against New Covenant, that was a loss I could at least swallow.
First of all, we were missing our shortstop, left center fielder, and our top two pitchers. So we called on several replacements, some of whom had not played in a single game all season. Alex was there, we had Brian who I used to play with to patrol LCF. Pink 'n tan George showed up and gave us a hand at catcher. Grant returned as well, which instantly depleted our right field defense. Good speaker, good guy, pretty good hitter, but the guy can't catch a cold in the North Pole.
But two things doomed us. Again, we played with three outfielders while our opponents had four. We held up ok, but they knocked two or three shots in between Brian and Grant that led to triples or home runs. The same thing cost us in a 7-3 loss to Redeemer Fellowship last week. But the biggest problem was pitching. With Darren and Eric out, Ken tried his hand at pitching. He walked one guy after another and when that's going on, you're not gonna have a lot of efficient innings, even if you have the best defense in the world behind you. Ken pitched six innings and allowed at least two runs in all but one inning.
As for me, I played my best game. I batted 4-for-5 with two runs scored and two RBI. Two weeks prior, I dropped from a 28-ounce bat to a 26-ounce bat and today I really started to see the results. I roped one line drive after another. I also made three catches in the field and my throws sailed straight on course. But maybe my signature play came on a shallow pop behind third base. I made a face first dive and the ball popped out of my glove and I rolled right on my head. But I knew the ball had gone to my left, so I popped back up, grabbed the ball, and fired it to Alex at second base just in time to nab the runner who was going for a double. I can still feel the tightness in my neck when I look straight up!
At the end, we lost 15-9, and I think we would have won it if Darren was on the mound. We left the bases loaded twice including in the seventh inning. Even worse, was the three called third strikes against us, which to me there is simply not an excuse for. I'm all for plate discipline and trying to work out a walk. But at least try to swing the bat.
I don't know what's going to happen from here. We do have three more games and I just hope we get a shot in the playoffs. I think we can win some games, if we have our full lineup and optimum defensive team (Waldrop at short, Ken at catcher, Tom out of the outfield, etc.). But through the heat, the leg aches, and the errors, I'm gonna keep going as hard as I can. I know no other way to play.
First of all, we were missing our shortstop, left center fielder, and our top two pitchers. So we called on several replacements, some of whom had not played in a single game all season. Alex was there, we had Brian who I used to play with to patrol LCF. Pink 'n tan George showed up and gave us a hand at catcher. Grant returned as well, which instantly depleted our right field defense. Good speaker, good guy, pretty good hitter, but the guy can't catch a cold in the North Pole.
But two things doomed us. Again, we played with three outfielders while our opponents had four. We held up ok, but they knocked two or three shots in between Brian and Grant that led to triples or home runs. The same thing cost us in a 7-3 loss to Redeemer Fellowship last week. But the biggest problem was pitching. With Darren and Eric out, Ken tried his hand at pitching. He walked one guy after another and when that's going on, you're not gonna have a lot of efficient innings, even if you have the best defense in the world behind you. Ken pitched six innings and allowed at least two runs in all but one inning.
As for me, I played my best game. I batted 4-for-5 with two runs scored and two RBI. Two weeks prior, I dropped from a 28-ounce bat to a 26-ounce bat and today I really started to see the results. I roped one line drive after another. I also made three catches in the field and my throws sailed straight on course. But maybe my signature play came on a shallow pop behind third base. I made a face first dive and the ball popped out of my glove and I rolled right on my head. But I knew the ball had gone to my left, so I popped back up, grabbed the ball, and fired it to Alex at second base just in time to nab the runner who was going for a double. I can still feel the tightness in my neck when I look straight up!
At the end, we lost 15-9, and I think we would have won it if Darren was on the mound. We left the bases loaded twice including in the seventh inning. Even worse, was the three called third strikes against us, which to me there is simply not an excuse for. I'm all for plate discipline and trying to work out a walk. But at least try to swing the bat.
I don't know what's going to happen from here. We do have three more games and I just hope we get a shot in the playoffs. I think we can win some games, if we have our full lineup and optimum defensive team (Waldrop at short, Ken at catcher, Tom out of the outfield, etc.). But through the heat, the leg aches, and the errors, I'm gonna keep going as hard as I can. I know no other way to play.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Heading into the weekend
1) A few comments on the tragedy that took place in Aurora, CO at the Dark Knight Rises premiere. First of all, all my prayers to the victims and their families. I really do wonder if we'll be going through metal detectors at theaters now. But one other note. It took ABC News two hours to link James Holmes to the Tea party. Is that what this is really all about? Great job by our over-liberal media to continue kissing the President's backside. I rarely get into politics here, so enjoy it. Maybe I'll make another political comment in say, six months.
2) Lineup for Friday night: Bike ride with JN, dinner somewhere, Batman Begins DVD.
3) Lineup for Saturday: Gym, TBA, Teresa's birthday party, AAW wrestling show in exotic Marionnette Park. Davey Richards vs. Finlay!
4) Lineup for Sunday: Church, softball (likely minus our pitcher), Lucky Monk, Dark Knight Rises, possible late stop at Aberdeen Court...
5) I'm ready to get a new phone. This stupid think has automatically restarted five times on me in the last 36 hours. And each time it does that, it drains literally half the power out of a full phone.
6) I love the cranberry orange bread from Breadsmith, but it tastes much better with the walnuts baked in.
7) Good job by Mom to help get the AT&T U-Verse bill lowered by about $75 a month.
8) Since this is point #8, this seems like the right place to put this. Eight days till I see Steve Harvey perform live at the Civic Opera Theater!
9) Zac Brown Band tickets go on sale tomorrow morning, the show is September 30. I can get one for as little as $40, including fees. The show is at the vastly expansive First Bank Amphitheatre in Tinley Park. This is basically the venue where all the big artists play. Now here's the funny comparison. Kenny Rogers is coming to the Arcada Theater in two weeks. That is a very intimate theater in little old St. Charles in the west suburbs. The cheapest ticket costs $69 and that's without the ordering and processing fees! With the fees added on, I'm sure it would cost upwards of $75. Hellooooooo? Something does not add up here.
10) August concert lineup: Mindy Smith on the 2nd and Charlie Daniels on the 18th! Stellar!
Song pick: "Cure For Love" Mindy Smith
2) Lineup for Friday night: Bike ride with JN, dinner somewhere, Batman Begins DVD.
3) Lineup for Saturday: Gym, TBA, Teresa's birthday party, AAW wrestling show in exotic Marionnette Park. Davey Richards vs. Finlay!
4) Lineup for Sunday: Church, softball (likely minus our pitcher), Lucky Monk, Dark Knight Rises, possible late stop at Aberdeen Court...
5) I'm ready to get a new phone. This stupid think has automatically restarted five times on me in the last 36 hours. And each time it does that, it drains literally half the power out of a full phone.
6) I love the cranberry orange bread from Breadsmith, but it tastes much better with the walnuts baked in.
7) Good job by Mom to help get the AT&T U-Verse bill lowered by about $75 a month.
8) Since this is point #8, this seems like the right place to put this. Eight days till I see Steve Harvey perform live at the Civic Opera Theater!
9) Zac Brown Band tickets go on sale tomorrow morning, the show is September 30. I can get one for as little as $40, including fees. The show is at the vastly expansive First Bank Amphitheatre in Tinley Park. This is basically the venue where all the big artists play. Now here's the funny comparison. Kenny Rogers is coming to the Arcada Theater in two weeks. That is a very intimate theater in little old St. Charles in the west suburbs. The cheapest ticket costs $69 and that's without the ordering and processing fees! With the fees added on, I'm sure it would cost upwards of $75. Hellooooooo? Something does not add up here.
10) August concert lineup: Mindy Smith on the 2nd and Charlie Daniels on the 18th! Stellar!
Song pick: "Cure For Love" Mindy Smith
Thursday, July 19, 2012
A few off topic thoughts
This post I will keep sports-free.
1) Really enjoying Ted DiBiase's autobiography. Everybody has a price for the Million Dollar Man. After I finish that, I'll read a new Donald Miller book.
2) 12 days alone in the house. It’s been nice to be able to refresh myself. The house has been much quieter, and that’s been a good thing. It will be nice to see Mom tonight though.
3) So a girl who is basically dating five guys at the same time thinks she has the right to tell me what’s appropriate and isn’t appropriate for me to do in my personal life? She needs to take a look in the mirror.
4) I enjoy these 100 degree days! We only get so many in suburban Chicago, so that's why I appreciate them that much more. Come February, I'll miss them.
5) I've only played four rounds of disc golf all summer. Maybe it's because I've just gotten so into working out or maybe it's because I've wound up going to a lot more social events than I'm used to. But I still enjoy playing.
1) Really enjoying Ted DiBiase's autobiography. Everybody has a price for the Million Dollar Man. After I finish that, I'll read a new Donald Miller book.
2) 12 days alone in the house. It’s been nice to be able to refresh myself. The house has been much quieter, and that’s been a good thing. It will be nice to see Mom tonight though.
3) So a girl who is basically dating five guys at the same time thinks she has the right to tell me what’s appropriate and isn’t appropriate for me to do in my personal life? She needs to take a look in the mirror.
4) I enjoy these 100 degree days! We only get so many in suburban Chicago, so that's why I appreciate them that much more. Come February, I'll miss them.
5) I've only played four rounds of disc golf all summer. Maybe it's because I've just gotten so into working out or maybe it's because I've wound up going to a lot more social events than I'm used to. But I still enjoy playing.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Mid-season Mets report card
A+ R.A. Dickey, David Wright
A Terry Collins, Johan Santana
A- Scott Hairston, Jon Niese
B+ Mike Baxter, Dillon Gee
B Jordany Valdespin, Daniel Murphy, Ruben Tejada, Chris Young
B- Frank Francisco, Tim Byrdak, Ronny Cedeno
C+ Josh Thole, Omar Quintanilla
C Miguel Batista, Ike Davis, Lucas Duda, Kirk Nieuwenhuis
C- Jeremy Hefner, Andres Torres
D Jaosn Bay, Mike Nickeas, Ramon Ramirez, Jon Rauch
F Manny Acosta, Chris Schwinden
A Terry Collins, Johan Santana
A- Scott Hairston, Jon Niese
B+ Mike Baxter, Dillon Gee
B Jordany Valdespin, Daniel Murphy, Ruben Tejada, Chris Young
B- Frank Francisco, Tim Byrdak, Ronny Cedeno
C+ Josh Thole, Omar Quintanilla
C Miguel Batista, Ike Davis, Lucas Duda, Kirk Nieuwenhuis
C- Jeremy Hefner, Andres Torres
D Jaosn Bay, Mike Nickeas, Ramon Ramirez, Jon Rauch
F Manny Acosta, Chris Schwinden
Thursday, July 05, 2012
Fireworks on the 4th
I spent the 4th in oppressive heat in Itasca on a big grass field near the Westin hotel with the Willow Creek group. It was a long time coming, I hadn't been there in maybe 11 years when I went with my mom and ex-stepdad for David Crosby and CPR.
1) Five people in Matt's truck, me, Matt, Luke, Natalie, Melissa. One word: Entertainment.
2) The Natalie Raver GPS="OK, at the traffic light, you either turn left or right, but don't go straight." That really narrows it down...
3) Great job by Leinenkugel selling the 12 can variety pack. Three summer shanties, sunset wheats, berry weisses and honey weisses. I'm glad I saw it and had no problem buying it for the group.
4) 10 inch chargrilled Italian sausage sandwiches with peppers and onions. Stellar! I didn't realize it would lead to so many jokes about my ten inches...
5) I also had no idea my chair would be so popular. Just a maroon lawn chair with a cup holder and a footrest. At least eight different people besides me must have sat in it. Including Luke, who passed out drunk in it. He must have been in dreamland for at least two hours.
6) Let's see who was there besides the aforementioned five...Joe (shaven), Mario (and his red wine), Olga (doesn't care to dance), Manish (eventually), Heidi (very cool girl), Dave (he actually recognized me this time), Jolene (didn't have a chance to catch up with her), Kristin (back rubs, dancing, and no beer). And there were an awful lot of 40's and 50's folks I didn't know too.
7) 7th Heaven is a pretty good band, I really got into it when they busted out some cover songs. Everything from Stayin' Alive to Sir Duke to Livin' On a Prayer to American Girl.
8) The fireworks show was amazing. I never really remember fireworks long after they happen, but I'll remember sitting in a chair with a big smile on my face and clapping.
9) Luke apparently needed food after his drinking escapade. So after finally getting out of Hamilton Lakes around 11, we drive around looking for any open restaurant. Popeye's, Burger King, KFC, all closed. All we found was McDonald's. So we went to the drive thru. It took 30 minutes to get through the whole line. This is between 11:15 and 11:45 on a Wednesday! My head was pounding from fatigue and I just wanted to get back in my car. We wound up getting back to Melissa's around midnight and I arrived home at 12:45 or so.
10) Jean. Met her for the first time yesterday. She was really easy to talk to, our conversation must have lasted two hours. We even shared a dance or two. Free Fallin, Don't Stop Believing, and It's Still Rock n Roll To Me; I have a new appreciation for all three of those songs now. I have a feeling I may see her again.
1) Five people in Matt's truck, me, Matt, Luke, Natalie, Melissa. One word: Entertainment.
2) The Natalie Raver GPS="OK, at the traffic light, you either turn left or right, but don't go straight." That really narrows it down...
3) Great job by Leinenkugel selling the 12 can variety pack. Three summer shanties, sunset wheats, berry weisses and honey weisses. I'm glad I saw it and had no problem buying it for the group.
4) 10 inch chargrilled Italian sausage sandwiches with peppers and onions. Stellar! I didn't realize it would lead to so many jokes about my ten inches...
5) I also had no idea my chair would be so popular. Just a maroon lawn chair with a cup holder and a footrest. At least eight different people besides me must have sat in it. Including Luke, who passed out drunk in it. He must have been in dreamland for at least two hours.
6) Let's see who was there besides the aforementioned five...Joe (shaven), Mario (and his red wine), Olga (doesn't care to dance), Manish (eventually), Heidi (very cool girl), Dave (he actually recognized me this time), Jolene (didn't have a chance to catch up with her), Kristin (back rubs, dancing, and no beer). And there were an awful lot of 40's and 50's folks I didn't know too.
7) 7th Heaven is a pretty good band, I really got into it when they busted out some cover songs. Everything from Stayin' Alive to Sir Duke to Livin' On a Prayer to American Girl.
8) The fireworks show was amazing. I never really remember fireworks long after they happen, but I'll remember sitting in a chair with a big smile on my face and clapping.
9) Luke apparently needed food after his drinking escapade. So after finally getting out of Hamilton Lakes around 11, we drive around looking for any open restaurant. Popeye's, Burger King, KFC, all closed. All we found was McDonald's. So we went to the drive thru. It took 30 minutes to get through the whole line. This is between 11:15 and 11:45 on a Wednesday! My head was pounding from fatigue and I just wanted to get back in my car. We wound up getting back to Melissa's around midnight and I arrived home at 12:45 or so.
10) Jean. Met her for the first time yesterday. She was really easy to talk to, our conversation must have lasted two hours. We even shared a dance or two. Free Fallin, Don't Stop Believing, and It's Still Rock n Roll To Me; I have a new appreciation for all three of those songs now. I have a feeling I may see her again.
Tuesday, July 03, 2012
Ribfest recap
I would first like to acknowledge weather.com for their incompetence. I checked Sunday's weather in Naperville every day for five days leading into Naperville ribfest. I saw the same hourly report every time. Plenty of sun early, ten percent chance of rain till about 2 pm, then about a 30 percent chance of an isolated thunderstorm for the entire night, and a brief period of 40 percent between 5 and 7 p.m.
So after seeing Louis Zamperini's video interview at Christ Community Church, I went outside and realized the skies from blue when I walked inside to that bright gray where you can see the sun shining form behind. I began driving south towards Naperville North high school. Halfway through my drive, the steady rain began. I thought ok, it's good if this rain gets out of here now. I arrived as the brief shower stopped, and found out from the volunteers that the park would open at 1 pm, instead of 12. Not the worst news in the world. I drove five minutes to downtown and sat out by the riverwalk. I tried to tan, but the clouds kept getting darker. I got back to Naperville North around 12:30 and by now a crowd of maybe 30 people was standing around in the parking lot. But the ominous sign to me was those bright gray clouds had turned completely black. My mom called and she told me hail the size of lemons was falling in St. Charles. That surprised me because it wasn't even raining where I was. Then I decided to drive over to the the park to see what was going on. During my drive, the rain poured down like buckets. One of those rains where even the fastest windshield wiper speed doesn't look like it's making much of a difference. Mom called again and told me our electricity was out. So finally, I decided to just head home.
I think it was around 12:45 when I left, leaving me about a 30 minute ride, even with several traffic lights out of order.halfway through, when I was driving west on Rt 38 in West Chicago, I could spot little patches of blue sky. The rain ended just before I got home, around 1 p.m. So I picked Mom up and we headed to Outback in Bloomingdale for lunch. Used my $25 card. We went outside and the weather was back to 90 degrees, blue skies. Not a hint of gray anywhere to be seen. I was starting to feel just a little annoyed that I agreed to head out with mom. Then we went into the mall and mom ran a few errands at Carson's and Kohl's. We also spent a half hour browsing through CD's at the Half Price store. But getting home was the worst. Three or four lights on Army Trail were out, which meant a lot of 4-way stops. We finally got in around 4 pm and even though a part of me didn't want to go back, I knew I didn't want to stay home all night. And I had already brought my $20 ticket and I knew I would never be getting a refund.
So I swallowed my pride and headed back to Naperville. After taking the shuttle, which was delayed since they were changing drivers, I got to the park around 5:45. I headed straight to the rib vendors and man, the lines were as long as I can remember and I've been to this festival maybe 5 or 6 times. It took me 20 minutes to get through Howling Coyotes and 30 minutes to get through Hog Wild aka Smokin Joe's. The Coyotes sampler was ok, the meat wasn't as tender as I was hoping. I got a half slab at Hog Wild, which was really good again. I still think this is my new fave even though the awards keep going to places like Porky n Beans, Armadillo's, and Uncle Bub's. I would have like to have grabbed one more sampler from maybe Mojo's or Armadillo's, but it was just too late in the day. I also had a corn muffin, roasted ear of corn, and a lemonade. I headed back towards the main stage and grabbed a strawberry/pina colada smoothie inside a pineapple. All in all, I think I spent $39. I thought about grabbing a plate of sweet potato fries, but even that line was at least 30 people long. Even going to the bathroom, it took 20 minutes to get inside.
The opening music act was Christian Conner and Southern Gothic, the only really memorable thing was the Russian female fiddle player in a thrash/metal type band. It was a little too metal for my liking. After they were off, Navistar and Pepsi presented some very large checks to the Rotary Cub. Then the US military officers came out while two Aurora sisters sang "The Star Spangled Banner". Very moving moment. There is still something very cool about a USA chant, it does not have to be corny at all. ZZ Top started around 8:10. Here's the setlist.
So after seeing Louis Zamperini's video interview at Christ Community Church, I went outside and realized the skies from blue when I walked inside to that bright gray where you can see the sun shining form behind. I began driving south towards Naperville North high school. Halfway through my drive, the steady rain began. I thought ok, it's good if this rain gets out of here now. I arrived as the brief shower stopped, and found out from the volunteers that the park would open at 1 pm, instead of 12. Not the worst news in the world. I drove five minutes to downtown and sat out by the riverwalk. I tried to tan, but the clouds kept getting darker. I got back to Naperville North around 12:30 and by now a crowd of maybe 30 people was standing around in the parking lot. But the ominous sign to me was those bright gray clouds had turned completely black. My mom called and she told me hail the size of lemons was falling in St. Charles. That surprised me because it wasn't even raining where I was. Then I decided to drive over to the the park to see what was going on. During my drive, the rain poured down like buckets. One of those rains where even the fastest windshield wiper speed doesn't look like it's making much of a difference. Mom called again and told me our electricity was out. So finally, I decided to just head home.
I think it was around 12:45 when I left, leaving me about a 30 minute ride, even with several traffic lights out of order.halfway through, when I was driving west on Rt 38 in West Chicago, I could spot little patches of blue sky. The rain ended just before I got home, around 1 p.m. So I picked Mom up and we headed to Outback in Bloomingdale for lunch. Used my $25 card. We went outside and the weather was back to 90 degrees, blue skies. Not a hint of gray anywhere to be seen. I was starting to feel just a little annoyed that I agreed to head out with mom. Then we went into the mall and mom ran a few errands at Carson's and Kohl's. We also spent a half hour browsing through CD's at the Half Price store. But getting home was the worst. Three or four lights on Army Trail were out, which meant a lot of 4-way stops. We finally got in around 4 pm and even though a part of me didn't want to go back, I knew I didn't want to stay home all night. And I had already brought my $20 ticket and I knew I would never be getting a refund.
So I swallowed my pride and headed back to Naperville. After taking the shuttle, which was delayed since they were changing drivers, I got to the park around 5:45. I headed straight to the rib vendors and man, the lines were as long as I can remember and I've been to this festival maybe 5 or 6 times. It took me 20 minutes to get through Howling Coyotes and 30 minutes to get through Hog Wild aka Smokin Joe's. The Coyotes sampler was ok, the meat wasn't as tender as I was hoping. I got a half slab at Hog Wild, which was really good again. I still think this is my new fave even though the awards keep going to places like Porky n Beans, Armadillo's, and Uncle Bub's. I would have like to have grabbed one more sampler from maybe Mojo's or Armadillo's, but it was just too late in the day. I also had a corn muffin, roasted ear of corn, and a lemonade. I headed back towards the main stage and grabbed a strawberry/pina colada smoothie inside a pineapple. All in all, I think I spent $39. I thought about grabbing a plate of sweet potato fries, but even that line was at least 30 people long. Even going to the bathroom, it took 20 minutes to get inside.
The opening music act was Christian Conner and Southern Gothic, the only really memorable thing was the Russian female fiddle player in a thrash/metal type band. It was a little too metal for my liking. After they were off, Navistar and Pepsi presented some very large checks to the Rotary Cub. Then the US military officers came out while two Aurora sisters sang "The Star Spangled Banner". Very moving moment. There is still something very cool about a USA chant, it does not have to be corny at all. ZZ Top started around 8:10. Here's the setlist.
- I Thank You
- Waitin' For the Bus
- Jesus Just Left Chicago
- Pincushion
- Heard It On the X
- Gimme All Your Lovin'
- Vincent Price Blues
- Heaven, Hell, or Houston
- My Head's In Mississippi
- Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers
- Stages
- Sharp Dressed Man
- Legs
- LaGrange
- Sloppy Drunk
- Tush
A few notes: Sharp Dressed Man, Tush, and Legs got absolutely huge responses. Frank Beard drinks Tab soda; I don't if it's cool or quirky. And his bass drums had these huge skulls on them, I liked the attitude. I also like the white furry guitars Billy and Dusty play during Legs. It's amazing how good music can sound with just a guitar, bass, and drums. Even though I was surrounded by mostly sweaty, drunk men, it was just a fun show.
What wasn't as much fun was getting home. I was standing ten feet from the stage so I had to work my way past a thousand people in the dark to the north exit and to the shuttle bus. By the time I got there, the line for Naperville North was already 150 people long. Five school buses came pretty quickly. That was a good sign, I knew I would be on the next one. What I didn't know was the next bus would not arrive for another 15 minutes. I realized why ZZ Top recorded a song called "Waitin' For the Bus". Finally, we got on and I chatted with a woman from Louisiana on the way back, who spent most of her time texting with her son, trying to track down where he was. the odyssey of raising a teenage, maybe one day, I'll get to find out what that's all about. I got to my car around 10:15, pumped up the air conditioner, and got home around 10:45.
By the way, did I mention not a hint of rain or gray sky came all afternoon or all night long? Weather.com, I'm rid of you.
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