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.