Wednesday May 6th, 2009 - Little Rock, AR/Lake Villa, IL
Paybacks don’t always have to be a bitch. Today I was able to do a favor for someone in my life who has done countless favors for me. We’re not even close to being even but I’m at least making an effort so that feels good. Any time I can help someone out I try to do it.
Bert Haas has been beyond great to me for almost twenty years now. He books all three Zanies clubs in the Chicago area and I’ve become one of their main acts. If it wasn’t for a strong relationship with Zanies I would be a lot worse off than I am now and I don’t know if I could have hung in there and done comedy this long. Zanies has paid a lot of my bills.
Sometimes things just work out and this situation has been one of the best opportunities I’ve ever had in my professional experience. It’s gone way past a professional relationship and has become down right family. Actually my Zanies connection is closer than family.
I’ve become close friends with all the Zanies staff over the years at all the clubs. I’m on a different level than just another comedian and I’ve always appreciated it. Bert Haas has invited me to come over on Christmas and Thanksgiving and Easter and I’ve watched his three wonderful kids grow up since they were born. Bert has become more than a booker.
I consider Bert a friend first and a booker second. I love working for Zanies but I’d still be his friend even if I didn’t. I know there has been some jealousy in the past between the other comics in town who don’t work for Zanies and me but that’s just how it goes. I can think of other comedians in other towns that have a similar bond. It’s just how it works.
No comedian works for every club. It just doesn’t happen like that. Is it fair? No, but is anything in this life fair? Do some children get favored treatment over others by parents? Yup. That’s not fair either but that’s how it goes. I am one of Zanies’ favorite children.
I don’t take it for granted and no matter what anyone thinks I don’t abuse it. I try to be a nice guy whenever I can and I’ve suggested countless people to Bert for bookings and it’s been very productive at times. At other times I don’t always agree with his choices but he does what he does and I respect his right to do it. He’s very fair and has a heart inside.
Many comedians speak ill of Bert or any booker who doesn’t book that particular act. It goes with the territory. Comedy is subjective and bookers are going to use who they want and often times it’s not just who the funniest performers are. There are politics as well.
All politics were aside today as I got on a plane with Bert at 8am headed for Little Rock to pick up his father’s car. His father is 85 and has some health issues and had to come up to Chicago so he could be closer to the kids and make it easier for them to care for him.
Bert needed to get the car to Chicago and asked if I’d mind helping drive it back. Mind? Of course I don’t mind. I owe him a ton of favors and this was easy. If there’s one thing I know how to do it’s drive a car on a long trip. He couldn’t have asked for a better choice.
We got down to Little Rock at 10am and it was pouring rain. Bert said he was just there the day before to fly his dad home and it was sunny and perfect. Of course it was. Then he said “Oh yeah, I forgot. I’m traveling with Mr. Lucky.” We laughed and went to a shuttle location to get ourselves to Hot Springs where the car was. That was about an hour away.
Our shuttle driver was Nigerian and actually a very nice guy. He’s been here twenty-two years and runs his own business and was very pleasant at first but when we started talking about Nigeria he started to raise his voice and get angry and go off on how Europeans had corrupted and ruined everything. He was really going at it and I thought he might flip out.
We were on a two lane road in a pounding rain in the middle of Arkansas with an out of control Nigerian who could have taken out his revenge on us ‘Eu-ROPE-ans’ as he would pronounce it. There were about ten minutes of rage and we let him go but then after that it was back to normal and he was very pleasant again. He was very entertaining to listen to.
He dropped us off at the storage place where the car was and Bert paid the bill and then we loaded up the back with as much stuff as would fit and we headed to a barbecue place called ‘Stubby’s’. Bert told me about it and actually used it as bait to get me to drive with him. He knows I love barbecue but he also knows I would have helped him out anyway.
But since this extra perk was included why complain? We got out of the car and I stood there and sniffed in the fumes for two minutes. I think I got a buzz from it. Wow, was that some kick ass pig meat. Outstanding! We had the combo platter which should have come with a coupon for ten bucks off an angioplasty. It was piled high with nothing but meat.
Then we got two sides and I took beans and potato salad. Good barbecue joints have the whole package. The meat is king but the sides make the total experience. This place had it all. The potato salad was fresh and the meat was absolutely killer but the beef brisket was especially awesome. I think it was right up there with one of the best meals I’ve ever had.
The owner was a guy around my age and he said his family bought the business back in the ‘70s but it had been going since 1952. I can see why. That meal alone made the drive worth it but it was a lot more than that. Bert needed a favor and he’s always been there for me so I wanted to be able to do something to pay him back. I wanted to be a good friend.
We didn’t overstuff ourselves because we were driving and we got to go boxes and left at about 2:30. After an oil change and a quick stop at the bank we were on the road home by right around 3 o’clock. I took the first turn behind the wheel and we started driving.
We’ve known each other for many years so we had a lot of things to talk about. It was a very pleasant drive and we didn’t get negative or down or anything but just talk about life and all that goes with it. Miles kept piling up and before long we were back in Chicago.
I drove the whole way but that wasn’t the plan. It just worked out that way. The trip was easy and Bert was grateful but I’m the one who should thank him. It felt good to help out.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Charity Chump
Tuesday May 5th, 2009 - Lake Villa, IL
I’m in a pissy mood today big time. Several reasons for it but the main one is the charity gig I was asked to do this evening was a complete waste of time and effort. I try very hard to give of myself whenever I can and all I ask in return is for people to respect my effort.
There are all kinds of worthy causes and I’ve done whatever I could through the years to contribute as much as possible to as many causes as possible. I’ve hosted shows and lined up other performers of all kinds to put shows together. I’ve also opened for bands and had to host raffles and dinners and silent auctions and game shows. I even sat in a dunk tank.
Unfortunately more often than not charity gigs are a completely mangled evening of out and out torture, humiliation and disorganization. There’s usually an imbecile in charge of everything that is not only clueless about entertainment but also has been drinking all the top shelf hooch he or she can hold since about 11am the day of the event. It’s hellacious.
I’m not going to mention any names or even the cause because I don’t want to make any enemies I don’t need right now. They weren’t necessarily bad people but they didn’t have a clue as to how to run any kind of show much less a comedy show and after all this time in the business that’s just not my fault. What is my fault is that I volunteered to show up.
There was supposed to be some bands playing and they wanted a comedian to do a few minutes to open the show. I said I would do it because a friend of a friend recommended me to the guy in charge and I really like and respect the guy who did it. I wouldn’t turn it down if I was off and I was so I figured I’d do it as a favor to that guy. What a mistake.
My friend wasn’t even there. It was his friend’s son who played in a band and wanted a chance to show off in front of his friends. That’s fine but there was no need for a comic at all. So what did they do? They booked TWO comics. At least I got to go first. There were barely any people on a big dance floor of a nice venue out in the suburbs. It was half ass.
To make it worse the guy who brought me up was telling old corny street jokes and just as I got on a mariachi band started up right outside the doorway of the room we were in. I just laughed because it’s all I could do. Nobody was listening and the louder I tried to talk the louder the band played. Finally I just decided to stand up there and talk to the walls.
I was asked to do twenty minutes and I did. I got off stage and walked right out the door to my car and thought about driving it into Lake Michigan and drowning myself. Why did I need to be involved in this tonight? I still don’t know. I didn’t really have a chance to be of help to anyone and had I stayed home nobody would have cared. This was a bad call.
But if I’d said no I’m sure I’d probably have people say I’m too good to help others and that’s totally not true. I really did intend to donate my time tonight so people could raise a nice big total for the cause and have everyone win. I donated my time tonight but I really don’t think I needed to be here. I feel like a total chump right now. Oh well, it’s all over.
I’m in a pissy mood today big time. Several reasons for it but the main one is the charity gig I was asked to do this evening was a complete waste of time and effort. I try very hard to give of myself whenever I can and all I ask in return is for people to respect my effort.
There are all kinds of worthy causes and I’ve done whatever I could through the years to contribute as much as possible to as many causes as possible. I’ve hosted shows and lined up other performers of all kinds to put shows together. I’ve also opened for bands and had to host raffles and dinners and silent auctions and game shows. I even sat in a dunk tank.
Unfortunately more often than not charity gigs are a completely mangled evening of out and out torture, humiliation and disorganization. There’s usually an imbecile in charge of everything that is not only clueless about entertainment but also has been drinking all the top shelf hooch he or she can hold since about 11am the day of the event. It’s hellacious.
I’m not going to mention any names or even the cause because I don’t want to make any enemies I don’t need right now. They weren’t necessarily bad people but they didn’t have a clue as to how to run any kind of show much less a comedy show and after all this time in the business that’s just not my fault. What is my fault is that I volunteered to show up.
There was supposed to be some bands playing and they wanted a comedian to do a few minutes to open the show. I said I would do it because a friend of a friend recommended me to the guy in charge and I really like and respect the guy who did it. I wouldn’t turn it down if I was off and I was so I figured I’d do it as a favor to that guy. What a mistake.
My friend wasn’t even there. It was his friend’s son who played in a band and wanted a chance to show off in front of his friends. That’s fine but there was no need for a comic at all. So what did they do? They booked TWO comics. At least I got to go first. There were barely any people on a big dance floor of a nice venue out in the suburbs. It was half ass.
To make it worse the guy who brought me up was telling old corny street jokes and just as I got on a mariachi band started up right outside the doorway of the room we were in. I just laughed because it’s all I could do. Nobody was listening and the louder I tried to talk the louder the band played. Finally I just decided to stand up there and talk to the walls.
I was asked to do twenty minutes and I did. I got off stage and walked right out the door to my car and thought about driving it into Lake Michigan and drowning myself. Why did I need to be involved in this tonight? I still don’t know. I didn’t really have a chance to be of help to anyone and had I stayed home nobody would have cared. This was a bad call.
But if I’d said no I’m sure I’d probably have people say I’m too good to help others and that’s totally not true. I really did intend to donate my time tonight so people could raise a nice big total for the cause and have everyone win. I donated my time tonight but I really don’t think I needed to be here. I feel like a total chump right now. Oh well, it’s all over.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Exercising A Demon
Monday May 4th, 2009 - Lake Villa, IL
Anyone who knows me knows how much my grandfather meant to me growing up. His wisdom lives on in me every day and if it weren’t for him I really don’t think I’d be alive to enjoy a day like I had today. He invested a lot of time in me which is now paying off.
He told me the one true secret of success in life boiled down to a single word - balance. It’s one of the most difficult things to achieve in life because if one aspect is getting all of the attention another one is lying dormant. Then that one gets attention and still another is being neglected. Having a life in perfect balance is very rare and takes a maximum effort.
I doubt if anyone ever achieves it all the way through a life but in my opinion it’s better to end strong than to start strong and fizzle out. Maybe I’m saying that because my path is shaped that way but I see how difficult it is to just survive much less live a balanced life.
I’m having a hard enough time trying to live one balanced DAY. That in itself is a giant challenge but today was very good. This is a great time of year weather wise and I wanted to get out and enjoy the sunshine a little. I’ve been trying to get healthy lately but I didn’t feel like doing it today. I tried to make every excuse imaginable to avoid taking my walk.
I thought of all kinds of good ones too but eventually I hauled my lazy lard ass down to the mall and took my lap like a man. If I do it right I’m soaked with sweat when I’m done and I forced myself to stay in there until I did it even though it was the last thing I wanted to do. I focused on my life and health and future and whatever I had to do to keep going.
My heart was pumping and thumping and I could feel the blood pounding through all of my body and after I finished I felt really proud of myself for not blowing it off. Had I had the big grabber and died right there I’d have been proud of myself for not wimping out.
It’s damn hard to do something that’s not pleasant in the short run but is the right thing to do in the long run. I not only felt great physically for doing it I was in a strong mindset as well. I went right home and started emailing my avails to bookers which I’ve been very much needing to do for a long time now. With every email I sent I felt myself feel better.
I sent out 14 personal emails to bookers I know and at least got the ball rolling. I read a little while and that put me in a good mood because I know I have been lacking in taking time to do that. I’ve got a stack of books I really do want to read but are collecting dust.
It wasn’t a perfect day but I felt like I did a lot of little things that really made me feel as if I was in control and not just sliding down a mud pit and letting things run amok. I felt a major feeling of accomplishment with all I did even though it really wasn’t all that much.
What ends up making it a lot is having days like this consistently where I get a little bit done on a lot of projects. Today was the right mix for whatever reason and I feel balanced because I made progress on several different things. Let’s see how far I can stretch it out.
Anyone who knows me knows how much my grandfather meant to me growing up. His wisdom lives on in me every day and if it weren’t for him I really don’t think I’d be alive to enjoy a day like I had today. He invested a lot of time in me which is now paying off.
He told me the one true secret of success in life boiled down to a single word - balance. It’s one of the most difficult things to achieve in life because if one aspect is getting all of the attention another one is lying dormant. Then that one gets attention and still another is being neglected. Having a life in perfect balance is very rare and takes a maximum effort.
I doubt if anyone ever achieves it all the way through a life but in my opinion it’s better to end strong than to start strong and fizzle out. Maybe I’m saying that because my path is shaped that way but I see how difficult it is to just survive much less live a balanced life.
I’m having a hard enough time trying to live one balanced DAY. That in itself is a giant challenge but today was very good. This is a great time of year weather wise and I wanted to get out and enjoy the sunshine a little. I’ve been trying to get healthy lately but I didn’t feel like doing it today. I tried to make every excuse imaginable to avoid taking my walk.
I thought of all kinds of good ones too but eventually I hauled my lazy lard ass down to the mall and took my lap like a man. If I do it right I’m soaked with sweat when I’m done and I forced myself to stay in there until I did it even though it was the last thing I wanted to do. I focused on my life and health and future and whatever I had to do to keep going.
My heart was pumping and thumping and I could feel the blood pounding through all of my body and after I finished I felt really proud of myself for not blowing it off. Had I had the big grabber and died right there I’d have been proud of myself for not wimping out.
It’s damn hard to do something that’s not pleasant in the short run but is the right thing to do in the long run. I not only felt great physically for doing it I was in a strong mindset as well. I went right home and started emailing my avails to bookers which I’ve been very much needing to do for a long time now. With every email I sent I felt myself feel better.
I sent out 14 personal emails to bookers I know and at least got the ball rolling. I read a little while and that put me in a good mood because I know I have been lacking in taking time to do that. I’ve got a stack of books I really do want to read but are collecting dust.
It wasn’t a perfect day but I felt like I did a lot of little things that really made me feel as if I was in control and not just sliding down a mud pit and letting things run amok. I felt a major feeling of accomplishment with all I did even though it really wasn’t all that much.
What ends up making it a lot is having days like this consistently where I get a little bit done on a lot of projects. Today was the right mix for whatever reason and I feel balanced because I made progress on several different things. Let’s see how far I can stretch it out.
A Smart Investment
Sunday May 3rd, 2009 - Long Grove, IL
A few weeks ago I joined the Lake County, IL Convention and Visitors Bureau because I thought it was a good way to get my name in front of people who normally wouldn’t see it. I was told it was a stupid investment and a waste of money by several people I like and trust but I still did it anyway. It seemed like the correct fit for me so I made my decision.
Today it paid off even faster than I thought it would. I am scheduled to attend a meeting on May 14th and be introduced as a new member but I received a call this week to work as an emcee for ‘Chocolate Fest’ in Long Grove, IL. It’s an annual event and they have a fun contest where people build houses out of graham crackers, frosting, marshmallows, etc.
They had a last minute opening apparently and they asked if I’d do it. I’m a very strong emcee and I can do those things in my sleep so I said yes. It’s a huge event and the place was packed. I had to get a special VIP parking pass and everything. I felt like a celebrity.
The whole thing wasn’t more than an hour and the mayor of Long Grove was one of the judges. She was very nice as were all the other people I met and I knew I made the correct decision to join the group. I made some of my money back for an easy gig and I will meet a lot of people over the course of this next year. I passed out cards and shook some hands.
A huge lesson I’m learning over and over is that it doesn’t matter if I’m the best one for the job. I have to be the first one someone thinks about when the job comes up. There’s a BIG difference and I’m learning how to differentiate myself. This was a perfect example.
A whole lot of people could have handled the gig today. It was pretty easy and nobody’s career was on the line. It was a few bucks for having fun but I was the one who got asked to do it. THAT is what I need to keep finding a way to do. That’s the true key to success.
Investing in joining the bureau was a good move. I’m sure others can be a waste of time and money but these guys seem to have their act together and it feels right. I will prove to be easy to deal with and do a great job and when these things come up again I will be the ONLY one they think of and it will be mine to turn down. I’ll win in this numbers game.
This is exactly what being on WGN radio will do for Jerry’s Kidders. That’s not usually a station that showcases comedians and especially not locals so getting our name out will be a chance to pick up all kinds of things like this. It‘s a chance to get some awareness.
This is where all those years of experience can pay off. I’ve been put in every situation imaginable and nothing fazes me at this point. I can host a chocolate festival one hour and do a full comedy set the next. Chicago is a huge city and there’s a lot of work to be had.
This is the business part of show business that I’m finally starting to grasp. It’s not work at a comedy club but the money spends the same and it’s not difficult to do. This is how a person survives as an entertainer and I’ve been able to do it a lot longer than most others.
A few weeks ago I joined the Lake County, IL Convention and Visitors Bureau because I thought it was a good way to get my name in front of people who normally wouldn’t see it. I was told it was a stupid investment and a waste of money by several people I like and trust but I still did it anyway. It seemed like the correct fit for me so I made my decision.
Today it paid off even faster than I thought it would. I am scheduled to attend a meeting on May 14th and be introduced as a new member but I received a call this week to work as an emcee for ‘Chocolate Fest’ in Long Grove, IL. It’s an annual event and they have a fun contest where people build houses out of graham crackers, frosting, marshmallows, etc.
They had a last minute opening apparently and they asked if I’d do it. I’m a very strong emcee and I can do those things in my sleep so I said yes. It’s a huge event and the place was packed. I had to get a special VIP parking pass and everything. I felt like a celebrity.
The whole thing wasn’t more than an hour and the mayor of Long Grove was one of the judges. She was very nice as were all the other people I met and I knew I made the correct decision to join the group. I made some of my money back for an easy gig and I will meet a lot of people over the course of this next year. I passed out cards and shook some hands.
A huge lesson I’m learning over and over is that it doesn’t matter if I’m the best one for the job. I have to be the first one someone thinks about when the job comes up. There’s a BIG difference and I’m learning how to differentiate myself. This was a perfect example.
A whole lot of people could have handled the gig today. It was pretty easy and nobody’s career was on the line. It was a few bucks for having fun but I was the one who got asked to do it. THAT is what I need to keep finding a way to do. That’s the true key to success.
Investing in joining the bureau was a good move. I’m sure others can be a waste of time and money but these guys seem to have their act together and it feels right. I will prove to be easy to deal with and do a great job and when these things come up again I will be the ONLY one they think of and it will be mine to turn down. I’ll win in this numbers game.
This is exactly what being on WGN radio will do for Jerry’s Kidders. That’s not usually a station that showcases comedians and especially not locals so getting our name out will be a chance to pick up all kinds of things like this. It‘s a chance to get some awareness.
This is where all those years of experience can pay off. I’ve been put in every situation imaginable and nothing fazes me at this point. I can host a chocolate festival one hour and do a full comedy set the next. Chicago is a huge city and there’s a lot of work to be had.
This is the business part of show business that I’m finally starting to grasp. It’s not work at a comedy club but the money spends the same and it’s not difficult to do. This is how a person survives as an entertainer and I’ve been able to do it a lot longer than most others.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Our WGN Debut
Saturday May 2nd, 2009 - Chicago, IL
Jerry’s Kidders made their debut on WGN radio this morning to little fanfare, and that’s exactly how we wanted it. We slid in the back door and it was all over with before anyone knew it. We didn’t get any complaint calls and nobody at the station yelled at us. Victory!
We didn’t embarrass ourselves but nobody expected that. We’ve been a team for over a year now and we’ve developed a nice on air chemistry between us but nobody knows it at WGN…yet. This was Jerry Agar’s first day on the air there and I was more happy for him than anyone else. This could end up being a great opportunity for him and he deserves it.
It was very flattering to have him ask us to be on his very first show. That shows a trust level as high as it gets. Had we gone in there and blown it he would have been the one the program director yelled at, not us. Jerry’s the one with his neck on the line and we wanted to justify his trust in us by not making any waves. This is a whole new situation for us all.
WLS was an ideal fit for Jerry in my opinion. He sounded great on that station and he is a perfect fit for their demographic. WGN is a whole different ballgame. Literally. They’re the flagship station of the Cubs and Blackhawks so a lot of their programming is chopped up between sports broadcasts. Jerry will be doing weekends and it will affect him as well.
The good thing is a lot of people listen to the radio on weekends. It’s on in the garage or in the car while running errands and sometimes people don’t even realize they’re listening but they totally are. Jerry will have an opportunity to reach a whole new crop of listeners.
That means The Kidders will too. We need to be on our game and know we’re reaching a much more mainstream audience than ever before. Cub fans listen from all over and I’m sure we’ll get some fans we never would have gotten at WLS. We’ll get some haters too.
Comedy is SO subjective. It’s all in the eyes and ears of the audience and since nobody can see us on the radio we’ll have to rely on our words. We need to relax and be funny in a non aggressive way. We don’t need to be wimps but we don’t need to push that line like I’ve been known to do in the past. Not here. Not now. This is a different scenario for us.
I’ve been on rock stations and country stations in my radio experience and they’re both a different animal. I’ve learned to adapt to each format and I went in knowing it would be different. I was right. This is also a different scenario, even from WLS. This is big time.
The major leagues are what every baseball player aspires to but there’s a big difference between playing for the Kansas City Royals and the Yankees. WGN is the Yankees. It’s a legendary blowtorch that has been THE ratings monster in Chicago for several decades.
That’s pretty amazing and none of us take it lightly. This is a fantastic opportunity to be heard by a major audience that has never heard us before. It’s up to us to deliver a product THEY like, not go in there and waste air time. There’s a lot riding on this for everybody.
Jerry’s Kidders made their debut on WGN radio this morning to little fanfare, and that’s exactly how we wanted it. We slid in the back door and it was all over with before anyone knew it. We didn’t get any complaint calls and nobody at the station yelled at us. Victory!
We didn’t embarrass ourselves but nobody expected that. We’ve been a team for over a year now and we’ve developed a nice on air chemistry between us but nobody knows it at WGN…yet. This was Jerry Agar’s first day on the air there and I was more happy for him than anyone else. This could end up being a great opportunity for him and he deserves it.
It was very flattering to have him ask us to be on his very first show. That shows a trust level as high as it gets. Had we gone in there and blown it he would have been the one the program director yelled at, not us. Jerry’s the one with his neck on the line and we wanted to justify his trust in us by not making any waves. This is a whole new situation for us all.
WLS was an ideal fit for Jerry in my opinion. He sounded great on that station and he is a perfect fit for their demographic. WGN is a whole different ballgame. Literally. They’re the flagship station of the Cubs and Blackhawks so a lot of their programming is chopped up between sports broadcasts. Jerry will be doing weekends and it will affect him as well.
The good thing is a lot of people listen to the radio on weekends. It’s on in the garage or in the car while running errands and sometimes people don’t even realize they’re listening but they totally are. Jerry will have an opportunity to reach a whole new crop of listeners.
That means The Kidders will too. We need to be on our game and know we’re reaching a much more mainstream audience than ever before. Cub fans listen from all over and I’m sure we’ll get some fans we never would have gotten at WLS. We’ll get some haters too.
Comedy is SO subjective. It’s all in the eyes and ears of the audience and since nobody can see us on the radio we’ll have to rely on our words. We need to relax and be funny in a non aggressive way. We don’t need to be wimps but we don’t need to push that line like I’ve been known to do in the past. Not here. Not now. This is a different scenario for us.
I’ve been on rock stations and country stations in my radio experience and they’re both a different animal. I’ve learned to adapt to each format and I went in knowing it would be different. I was right. This is also a different scenario, even from WLS. This is big time.
The major leagues are what every baseball player aspires to but there’s a big difference between playing for the Kansas City Royals and the Yankees. WGN is the Yankees. It’s a legendary blowtorch that has been THE ratings monster in Chicago for several decades.
That’s pretty amazing and none of us take it lightly. This is a fantastic opportunity to be heard by a major audience that has never heard us before. It’s up to us to deliver a product THEY like, not go in there and waste air time. There’s a lot riding on this for everybody.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Shape Shifting
Friday May 1st, 2009 - Lake Villa, IL
May Day. A perfect time to start a healthy dose of spring cleaning in many areas of life. From my comedy to my colon to my finances to my living situation, it all needs a cleanse. Lots of things are backing up and I feel bloated and sluggish. It’s time to blow it all out.
The first order of business is my physical health. I was in a decent groove just a couple of months ago when I was in training for the big Craig Ferguson shot in L.A. I was going to the Gurnee Mills Mall and taking laps with the rest of the old fart patrol but I was very proud of myself for not only going every day but also increasing my number of mall laps.
It was only a couple of weeks but I was up to three laps and it felt great. I would be able to work up a nice sweat and I felt soreness in my legs the next day but it felt good. Today I went back and it was all I could do to put in one lap. My tongue was hanging out and my shirt was soaked with sweat and I thought I was going to keel over and croak right there.
My eating habits have been horrible lately and there’s just no excuse for any of it other than bad food just tastes so damn GOOD. I love all cheeses and red meats and milkshakes and pasta and especially soda. They call it ‘pop’ here in Illinois but it’s soda where I come from. No matter what it’s called it’s one of the worst things I can put into my aging body.
But I love it. Why? I don’t know, but I do. There’s just nothing like a tall glass of Pepsi packed with ice with those fresh fizzy bubbles popping with any meal. It’s delicious and I have no desire to give it up. That’s why it’s so difficult. I’m hooked on those bubbles and I admit it. I’m sure the caffeine helps me crave it too but it really doesn’t faze me much.
I can drink a Pepsi or a Mountain Dew or a Dr. Pepper and go right to sleep. Maybe I’m immune to it or maybe I’m addicted but I never feel there’s a bad time to have a cold soda and that’s probably why I like it so much. I need to make it a point to lay off for a while.
I’ve been through all this before and I go in and out of being good and then going all the way off the wagon and I’m sick of that. I had years and years of eating and drinking every little thing I wanted to. Those years are OVER. I really do need to start changing my diet.
Vegetables suck. Let me just get that out of the way right now. I don’t want to load up a big plate with bok choy and celery sticks for lunch but if I don’t start doing something I’ll be hunched over my steering wheel in the Taco Bell parking lot with an exploded heart.
I can choose to ignore it or I can do something about it. I’ve felt especially out of shape lately and it’s time to address it. After my lame lap in the mall I went over to the Golden Corral for a semi healthy lunch. At least I was able to avoid an icy cold soda. For a day.
This is going to be an ongoing struggle for the rest of my life, which could be tomorrow if I don’t turn it around and quickly. I’ve let it get out of hand and now I need to turn it all around and start from ground zero. Today was day one and not so fun. But I am doing it.
May Day. A perfect time to start a healthy dose of spring cleaning in many areas of life. From my comedy to my colon to my finances to my living situation, it all needs a cleanse. Lots of things are backing up and I feel bloated and sluggish. It’s time to blow it all out.
The first order of business is my physical health. I was in a decent groove just a couple of months ago when I was in training for the big Craig Ferguson shot in L.A. I was going to the Gurnee Mills Mall and taking laps with the rest of the old fart patrol but I was very proud of myself for not only going every day but also increasing my number of mall laps.
It was only a couple of weeks but I was up to three laps and it felt great. I would be able to work up a nice sweat and I felt soreness in my legs the next day but it felt good. Today I went back and it was all I could do to put in one lap. My tongue was hanging out and my shirt was soaked with sweat and I thought I was going to keel over and croak right there.
My eating habits have been horrible lately and there’s just no excuse for any of it other than bad food just tastes so damn GOOD. I love all cheeses and red meats and milkshakes and pasta and especially soda. They call it ‘pop’ here in Illinois but it’s soda where I come from. No matter what it’s called it’s one of the worst things I can put into my aging body.
But I love it. Why? I don’t know, but I do. There’s just nothing like a tall glass of Pepsi packed with ice with those fresh fizzy bubbles popping with any meal. It’s delicious and I have no desire to give it up. That’s why it’s so difficult. I’m hooked on those bubbles and I admit it. I’m sure the caffeine helps me crave it too but it really doesn’t faze me much.
I can drink a Pepsi or a Mountain Dew or a Dr. Pepper and go right to sleep. Maybe I’m immune to it or maybe I’m addicted but I never feel there’s a bad time to have a cold soda and that’s probably why I like it so much. I need to make it a point to lay off for a while.
I’ve been through all this before and I go in and out of being good and then going all the way off the wagon and I’m sick of that. I had years and years of eating and drinking every little thing I wanted to. Those years are OVER. I really do need to start changing my diet.
Vegetables suck. Let me just get that out of the way right now. I don’t want to load up a big plate with bok choy and celery sticks for lunch but if I don’t start doing something I’ll be hunched over my steering wheel in the Taco Bell parking lot with an exploded heart.
I can choose to ignore it or I can do something about it. I’ve felt especially out of shape lately and it’s time to address it. After my lame lap in the mall I went over to the Golden Corral for a semi healthy lunch. At least I was able to avoid an icy cold soda. For a day.
This is going to be an ongoing struggle for the rest of my life, which could be tomorrow if I don’t turn it around and quickly. I’ve let it get out of hand and now I need to turn it all around and start from ground zero. Today was day one and not so fun. But I am doing it.
New Art And A New Start
Friday April 30th, 2009 - Frankfort, IL
There’s nothing to complain about today and I’m not complaining. Actually good news was flowing all day like flatulence at a biker bar after a beans ‘n beer party. I couldn’t get it to stop, not that I wanted it to. It was a long time coming and I let the vibes flow freely.
The first highlight was getting an email from Pedro Bell’s representative saying they’ve received my payment and promo package and Pedro will begin creating the cover art for a new CD project immediately. He will base it on one of his past works ‘Hardcore Jollies’.
His art style is very unique. It’s very colorful and cartoonish and I know 99% of people who are my fans will probably not even know who George Clinton or Funkadelic is but it means a lot to me to be able to do this so I am. Honestly, it probably won’t help sell more than a few discs to those who know who ‘Capt. Draw’ is but I don’t care. This is for me.
If you’ve never seen his style he’s done the art for classic Funkadelic album covers like ‘One Nation Under A Groove’, ’Cosmic Slop’, ‘The Electric Spanking Of War Babies’ and George Clinton solo projects like ‘Computer Games’, ‘You Shouldn’t Nuf Bit Fish’, ‘Some Of My Best Jokes Are Friends’ and ‘R&B Skeletons In The Closet’. Check it out.
Another positive that rocked my world in a good way was getting the confirmation from Jerry Agar that he has indeed been hired by WGN radio and starts on air this weekend. He will be bringing the Kidders with him and that means a whole new audience for all of us.
WGN is going through a reinvention just like most big AM blowtorch radio stations are but it’s still a huge deal to be on it and I was thrilled to hear the news. Jerry has needed to find some kind of work for a while now and even though this isn’t a full time gig Monday through Friday like he had on WLS it’s got the potential of leading into something good.
Jerry will be doing three separate four hour shifts - two on Saturday and one on Sunday. The Cubs and Black Hawks are on WGN so he’ll get bumped often but that’s still a lot of air time and a ton of new listeners will get to hear him…and us too. This is a nice break.
The program director at WGN is a guy Jerry worked for in Minneapolis years ago. He’s very competent and knows Jerry and that’s good for us because he’s the kind of guy that’s able to hire a talent and then let the talent do their job. I don’t think he’ll be a problem for us and in fact I’ve met him two or three times briefly in the past and I think he’s sharp.
This is a great opportunity for us to get some nice exposure. Jerry will have us on every week like he did at WLS and hopefully this time we can parlay that into some live shows in the area and put some fannies in seats. We all have fun with this so I’m glad we’re on.
Tonight I did a show way down south in Frankfort, IL at a place called ‘CD & Me’. It’s booked by Ken Sevara who’s also one of the Kidders. We had dinner at his house and got to hang out and then went to the show and kicked ass. This is how life is supposed to be.
There’s nothing to complain about today and I’m not complaining. Actually good news was flowing all day like flatulence at a biker bar after a beans ‘n beer party. I couldn’t get it to stop, not that I wanted it to. It was a long time coming and I let the vibes flow freely.
The first highlight was getting an email from Pedro Bell’s representative saying they’ve received my payment and promo package and Pedro will begin creating the cover art for a new CD project immediately. He will base it on one of his past works ‘Hardcore Jollies’.
His art style is very unique. It’s very colorful and cartoonish and I know 99% of people who are my fans will probably not even know who George Clinton or Funkadelic is but it means a lot to me to be able to do this so I am. Honestly, it probably won’t help sell more than a few discs to those who know who ‘Capt. Draw’ is but I don’t care. This is for me.
If you’ve never seen his style he’s done the art for classic Funkadelic album covers like ‘One Nation Under A Groove’, ’Cosmic Slop’, ‘The Electric Spanking Of War Babies’ and George Clinton solo projects like ‘Computer Games’, ‘You Shouldn’t Nuf Bit Fish’, ‘Some Of My Best Jokes Are Friends’ and ‘R&B Skeletons In The Closet’. Check it out.
Another positive that rocked my world in a good way was getting the confirmation from Jerry Agar that he has indeed been hired by WGN radio and starts on air this weekend. He will be bringing the Kidders with him and that means a whole new audience for all of us.
WGN is going through a reinvention just like most big AM blowtorch radio stations are but it’s still a huge deal to be on it and I was thrilled to hear the news. Jerry has needed to find some kind of work for a while now and even though this isn’t a full time gig Monday through Friday like he had on WLS it’s got the potential of leading into something good.
Jerry will be doing three separate four hour shifts - two on Saturday and one on Sunday. The Cubs and Black Hawks are on WGN so he’ll get bumped often but that’s still a lot of air time and a ton of new listeners will get to hear him…and us too. This is a nice break.
The program director at WGN is a guy Jerry worked for in Minneapolis years ago. He’s very competent and knows Jerry and that’s good for us because he’s the kind of guy that’s able to hire a talent and then let the talent do their job. I don’t think he’ll be a problem for us and in fact I’ve met him two or three times briefly in the past and I think he’s sharp.
This is a great opportunity for us to get some nice exposure. Jerry will have us on every week like he did at WLS and hopefully this time we can parlay that into some live shows in the area and put some fannies in seats. We all have fun with this so I’m glad we’re on.
Tonight I did a show way down south in Frankfort, IL at a place called ‘CD & Me’. It’s booked by Ken Sevara who’s also one of the Kidders. We had dinner at his house and got to hang out and then went to the show and kicked ass. This is how life is supposed to be.
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