Eye Black - Why Do Athletes Wear It - Eyeblack Reasons

Eye black, or eyeblack, is pretty cool looking, if you ask me. My question, though, is why athletes - football players, baseball, etc. - even wear it. Is the threat of glare so great that they need it? Or is it really just a cool thing to put on ... a little like a ritual getting ready for a contest.

Eye black - Paul Hornung wore it, and it looked cool.

I read that a friend of mine had to wash several towels because her daughter, who is in fifth grade, got eye black all over them. She's a catcher and a helluva ballplayer. Anyway, when I was a kid, the backs on our little league football team got to wear eye black, but us linemen were denied.

Now, of course, they have stickers instead of the actual eye black, and the stickers of course have logos and other things on them.

Eye black stickers - Reggie Bush's said "619"

According to ESPN's Paul Lucas, Washington fullback Andy Farkas started wearing eye black in 1942. Lucas also cited some studies saying it doesn't work, or work that well ...

Eye black pioneer Andy Farkas

Hot Doug's has No. 3 hot dog in U.S. ... but No. 2 in Chicago!!

Hot Doug's Foie Gras and Sauternes Duck Sausage was ranked the No. 3 "hot dog" in the country by "The Daily Meal" website. No. 1? 1: Fat Johnnie’s Famous Red Hots, Chicago: Mighty Dog. Doug will not be happy to hear this! Which sorta delights me, in a perverse way. Especially since we ALL know the No. 1 sausage on the Hot Doug's menu is the bratwurst. ...

For the Fat Johnnies, they say "some Chicagoans might even do a double-take at" ... no kiddin'. Fat Johnnies is at 7232 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60686.

Superdawg (No. 6), Gene and Jude's (No. 18), and Wiener’s Circle (No. 27) made the list. Also, Blue Ash Chili in Cincinnati made the list at 21. Never been there. They mentioned Skyline Chili in the blog. I will say, I adore Skyline coneys, but ... I think the Skyline hot dog in the Coney doesn't have enough hot dog flavor. ... If they would make that better, I'd be in. But I may have to try Blue Ash.

Hot Doug's and blues bars don't have anything to do with each other. ... This just made me laugh.

Here's the list:

#35: Gray’s Papaya, New York City: New York-Style
#34: Bob's Drive Inn, Le Mars, Iowa: Bob Dog
#33: Good Dog, Houston: Ol’ Zapata Dog
#32: Memphis Taproom Beer Garden, Philadelphia: The Polser
#31: Gus's, Birmingham, Ala.: Greek Dog
#30: Simone’s Hot Dog Stand, Lewiston, Maine: Red Snapper
#29: Coney I-Lander, Tulsa, Okla.: Coney
#28: Nathan’s Famous, Coney Island, N.Y.: Mustard and Sauerkraut
#27: Wiener’s Circle, Chicago: Double Chardog
#26: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles: Dodger Dog with Mustard, Ketchup, Onions, and Relish
#25: Martinsville Speedway, Ridgeway, Va.: Chili Dog
#24: Coney Island Lunch, Scranton, Pa.: Texas Wiener
#23: Clare & Carl's, Plattsburgh, N.Y.: Michigan Hot Dog
#22: Boston Super Dog, Roxbury, Mass.: Loaded
#21: Blue Ash Chili, Cincinnati: Cheese Coney
#20: Shake Shack, Multiple Locations: Shack-cago Dog
#19: El Guero Canelo, Tucson, Ariz.: Sonoran Dog
#18: Gene and Jude’s, Chicago: Hot Dog with Fries
#17: Bark Hot Dogs, Brooklyn, N.Y.: Bacon Cheddar Dog
#16: Pink’s, Los Angeles: Three Dog Night
#15: Walter's, Mamaroneck, N.Y.: With Homemade Mustard
#14: J. S. Pulliam Barbecue, Winston-Salem, N.C.: Chili Slaw Dog
#13: Senate Restaurant, Cincinnati: Croque Madame
#12: Ben’s Chili Bowl, Washington, D.C.: The Half-Smoke
#11: Lafayette Coney Island, Detroit: Coney
#10: Dew Drop Inn, Mobile, Ala.: Dew Drop Dog
#9: Flo's, Camp Neddick, Maine: Hot Dog with Mayo, Celery Salt, Relish
#8: Katz’s Deli, New York City: Mustard and Sauerkraut
#7: Rawley’s Drive-In, Fairfield, Conn.: "The Works"
#6: Superdawg, Chicago: Superdawg
#5: Olneyville N.Y. System, North Providence, R.I.: NY System Dog
#4: Schaller’s Drive-In, Rochester, N.Y.: Meat Sauce, Mustard, Onions
#3: Hot Doug’s, Chicago: Foie Gras and Sauternes Duck Sausage
#2: Rutt’s Hut, Clifton, N.J.: The Ripper with Relish
#1: Fat Johnnie’s Famous Red Hots, Chicago: Mighty Dog

Johnny Cash has been everywhere - with Lynn Anderson

Lynn Anderson did a great job with the Aussie song "I've Been Everywhere." Johnny had Lynn on the "Johnny Cash Show" and they had a nice duet. Love this song ... ASN!!

I hear that motor wagon gettin' ready to ride.

Bill Doggett - Honkey Tonk - Birthday on Feb. 16

Bill Doggett

Jim Brown, All American Birthday

Jim Brown was born on Feb. 17, 1936. He went on to become an above-average athlete and someone who was unwilling to let his amazing athletic career define him. Here is a shot of Jim Brown in the 1957 Cotton Bowl as a member of Syracuse Orangemen. According to OrangeHoops dot com, Brown was "A victim of racial attitudes of the times, Brown came to Syracuse in the fall of 1953 without a scholarship in hand and was the only black player on the freshman football team."

Why was he on Orange Hoops? He was a Syracuse basketball player, as well.

OK. He didn't start for the Orange. Why? From Orange Hoops:

He played basketball his sophomore and junior years at Syracuse, averaging 13.1 points per game. He was a ferocious rebounder, and the best athlete on the floor. He would scored 33 points against Sampson Air Force Base his sophomore season, in a game he did not even start. Brown would not return for his senior season however, because he was not permitted to be a starter. An unwritten rule at Syracuse prohibited the team starting three black athletes in basketball, and Syracuse had Vinnie Cohen and Manny Breland also on the team. Cohen believed Syracuse would have won the national title in basketball in 1957 if Brown had played with them; as it was, they lost in the elite eight.

He went on to have a pretty good NFL career. Here is his worse season, 1962:

Rourth in rushing attempts - 230

Jim Taylor led NFL - 272

Fourth in rushing yards - 996

Jim Taylor - 1474

third in rushing TDs - 13

Jim Taylor 19

Ninth in yards per attempt 4.3

Amos Marsh 5.6 led NFL

Jim Taylor 5.4

Fourth in yards rushing per game - 71.1

Jim Taylor - 105.3

(prorated to 16 games, Brown would gain 1137 yards)

Second in Overall TDs - 18

Taylor 19

Seventh in All-purpose yards - 1513

Timmy Brown led NFL - 2306

Taylor sixth - 1580

Valentine's Day 2013 - Hank Williams, everybody

A Hallmark holiday, indeed. Hank had it right. And, hey, the song bought him and the boys quite a few beans and biscuits. Cold Cold Heart.

Uncle pk Announces for Illinois Lieutenant Governor

Paul Kelly (Uncle pk … pau1ke11y.blogspot.com) formally announced today that he is throwing his Reds Cubs/White Sox cap into the ring to be named by Governor Pat Quinn as the newest Illinois Lt. Governor, replacing Sheila Simon. “I urge Gov. Quinn to do what’s best for me by naming me as Lt. Governor of the great state of Illinois,” Uncle pk said. “I can’t play the banjo, but I sure do like banjo music. And the salary of the Lt. Governor will help ensure that I am able to bring certainty to my budget.”

My "campaign" slogan Paul Kelly for Illinois Lt. Governor 2013 - Remember ... It Could Be Worse.

Best Bar in the World by Ebert

Roger Ebert put up a marvelous blog post about the best bar in the world - Old Town Ale House. It is mainly about Bruce Elliott, the bar's owner and gadfly, painter, bon vivant, and, now, blogger of Geriatric Genius. It's a helluva story. This photo is from the Sun Times of the bar.

I Hear that Motor Wagon Getting Ready to Ride - ASN

I Hear That Motor Wagon Gettin' Ready to Ride

Ravens Broncos Playoffs 2012-01-12 ASN

 One of my favorite songs of all time ... "Almost Saturday Night." Fogerty. ASN.

Ain't no plays like big plays ... first Trindon Holliday of the Broncos returns a punt 90 yards. Ravens answer with a Joe Flacco to Torrey Smith for a 59-yard bomb. Corey Graham 40-yard interception return for a TD. Good stuff.

Holliday demonstrated his sprinting ability in the 100-meter dash at the 2007 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, where he recorded 10.07 seconds in the final – ahead of Walter Dix and second only to Tyson Gay. We call that Uncle PK speed.

Of course, this game will be remembered as the matchup between Ray Lewis, playing in perhaps his final game, against Peyton Manning, playing in his first? as a Bronco. Here they are as high schoolers:

Peyton is the one on top.

Eddie Lacy of Alabama declared for the NFL draft. He is ranked as the No. 1 back by CBS Sports Scouts, Inc. at ESPN has him at No. 6). The No. 1 back in 2011 was Mark Ingram and in 2012 was Trent Richardson, both of Alabama. Pretty impressive to have three straight backs ranked so highly.

Pearl Harbor - Dec. 7, 1941

I found this recruiting poster for the Coast Guard from World War II. Seventy one years ago, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor.

Willie Dixon Birthday July 1 ... Most Underrated?

Willie Dixon was born on July 1, 1915. I believe there is a good case to be made that he is among the most underrated people in American music history. He wrote some of the greatest songs in the history of music: “Hoochie Coochie Man,” “I’m Ready,” “Back Door Man,” “Spoonful,” “I Ain’t Superstitious,” “Little Red Rooster,” “Wang Dang Doodle,” and “My Babe,” among many others. He was the producer for The Muddy Waters Blues Band, perhaps the greatest band of all time. He also produced Howlin' Wolf. He played bass with Chuck Berry. There are many other examples of Dixon's greatness. He is the blues.

Old Glory! Flag Day, June 14 ... Betsy Ross Did US Proud

Old Glory! Flag Day is June 14, and it is also the birthday of the U.S. Army. In celebration, I am posting this photo of Betsy Ross showing off what will come to be known as "Old Glory" to George Washington. This is from the Library of Congress. It is a painting by Percy Moran. He painted it about 1917.

Old Glory - this painting is titled "The Birth of Old Glory"

Peace Officer Memorial Day is May 15

Peace Officer Memorial Day is May 15. It is a day to remember the sacrifice police officers make each and every day keeping us safe.

In this year's proclamation, President Obama said:

We owe a profound debt to all those who have worn the badge, and to the families whose care enables them to serve with courage and pride.  When the unthinkable happens and officers give their lives or are seriously injured in the line of duty, we have an obligation to give their loved ones the support they deserve.  During Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, we recall the selflessness of our law enforcement officers and their families, and we honor all those who devote their lives to forging a stronger, safer America.  Let us reflect on their invaluable contributions as we enjoy the peace they bring to our communities, and let us vow that their service will never be taken for granted.

...

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 15, 2012, as Peace Officers Memorial Day and May 13 through May 19, 2012, as Police Week.  I call upon all Americans to observe these events with appropriate ceremonies and activities.  I also call on Governors of the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, officials of the other territories subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, and appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct that the flag be flown at half staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day.  I further encourage all Americans to display the flag at half staff from their homes and businesses on that day.

Roy Orbison born 76 years ago today

Roy Orbison ... happy birthday! I hope that you're Uptown.

Dallas Cowboys Yesterday & Today - Another Inside Spread

Here is another inside spread from Dallas Cowboys Yesterday & Today. This was one of the best books I ever was able to edit. This is the bio of Roger Staubach, better known as "Captain America." Roger was a Cincinnati boy. One of his coaches at Purcell High School was Bob Krueger, who later was the dean of discipline at LaSalle High School when I was going there. I had occasion to meet with Mr. Krueger on a few occasions. I imagine Roger's interactions with Bob went better than did mine.

Brat Stop, Here We Come

Just talked to my travelin' partner, Mr. Doug, about our annual trip up to the Brewers Park in Milwaukee. We do it every year. And, of course, along the way, we always make a stop at the Brat Stop. It just doesn't get much better. I am ready to go right now.

Dallas Cowboys Yesterday & Today - Cover

Dallas Cowboys Yesterday & Today is a book that I edited. Here is a shot of the cover of the book.

St. Patty's Day Is as Sweet as Tupelo Honey

She's an angel of the first degree.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eq3YLhtuzTQ

Chicago Tribune Front Pages Tenth Dems 10th Congress. Story

The Chicago Tribune today ran a front-page story on the 10th Congressional District Democratic primary.



Here is the online version of the story. The photo from the online version was taken at the Tenth Dems-hosted debate on Sat., Feb. 25. This was held in conjunction with WCPT radio and was broadcast live. The Tenth Dems, however, aren't mentioned at all in the Tribune story. (I wonder why?)

But the candidates did get front-page treatment.