Louise and the Liverpool Legends

We had a treat in the studio on Friday, as Louise Harrison, the sister of George Harrison, appeared on the show. She was here to promote the Liverpool Legends, a Beatles tribute band that she formed. Along with her was Marty Scott, who takes on the role of George in the band.
Our on-air interview was a lengthy one, clocking in at just over nine minutes (it can be found on the website), but I could have talked about music with them for hours. Louise had several great stories about the early days of the band, some of which she shared on the show and a few she told me off camera. She came to America ahead of the Beatles and tried, with little luck, to get their music played on the radio. Oddly enough, one of the stations that turned her down would later have her provide Beatles Reports several times a week. Another story involved George coming to America before they found fame here. Ringo was supposedly going to join him. So Louise booked an appearance on a local television show. Ringo's response: if he had to work, he wasn't coming.
I also talked with Marty about assuming the role of George and he recently took it to the next level by adding sitar to the performance. He said it wasn't easy as instructor wouldn't teach him any Beatles songs. The instructor knew the songs, he just wouldn't share the knowledge.
Unfortunately I haven't had the opportunity to see the Liverpool Legends yet. I hope to get the chance sometime this summer. But a big thanks to Louise and Marty for appearing on the show.

Plenty of Chili

There is something interesting about going to a chili competition with someone who doesn't like beans, and yet Shannon and myself took part in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church Chili Contest. We've judged at this contest over the last couple years and it's always a challenge. Not just for myself, but for Shannon, the person who hates beans. How does she judge? She normally has a designated taster while she concentrates on aroma and color. Unfortunately, no taster this year, so it was all based on the other senses.
The competition has definitely grown because this year, there were 21 different chili recipes to sample. Some had a kick, some were bland and one had the distinct smell of beer (the other judges were trying to figure out the brand). I even think one chili had tofu in it. But after all the tasting, with 10 different judges, there was still a tie. Back to the conference room for another round. However, my favorite did not win.
A big thanks to everyone at Sacred Heart. My stomach also thanks you, especially those at the dessert table.

Lovely Weather. Wish You Were Here.

Wow, what a week. I think most people would agree that this was one of the worst winter storms they have ever seen. I grew up in Northern Illinois, and I'm sick of the snow (my mother said the snow was so deep back home, that the snowplow guy couldn't plow it with his truck). What makes it seem crazier to me is that we set a record high of 73 degrees on Saturday, only to be followed by 1 1/2 feet of snow and temperatures dropping to -11 Thursday morning.
I left the house Tuesday morning as the sleet was ending and the snow was starting. That was the last time my vehicle saw the inside of my garage. In fact, until late Wednesday afternoon, the only tracks down our lane were my footprints from the house leading to the road. I'm sure most people found themselves walking through a snow drift at some point during the storm. It would be nice to have a day when I'm not cold and wet. Love the frozen pant legs.
However, the show must go on as I found myself living at the station Tuesday night. Tiffany Alaniz also turned the station into a temporary home, and thankfully filled in for Shannon, who got stranded at home. I took over the sports office, she got the lobby.
KODE/KSN had several departments working together, as anyone with a snow-worthy vehicle played taxi service for employees. And yet, I don't think a single person avoided getting stuck, regardless of the vehicle. I believe my number was four.
So now the weekend is here. I've got a path shoveled from my driveway to the front door and most of the driveway is cleared. Still can't get into the garage, so my weekend project is obvious. And yet, more snow in the forecast this week. Who said weather in the Four States is boring?