Country music isn’t for everybody - Most of the time it isn’t my cup of tea. I’ve seen enough Boot Scooting and heard enough “Red Neck Woman” karaoke around town to last many lifetimes. There is, however, another form of country music far away from the polished Nashville scene that has quickly grown on me.
Growing out of the nineties from alternative bands like the David Lowry led Camper Van Beethoven or the widely respected Uncle Tupelo and Wilco comes a sound currently known as Alt-Country. Bands like these aren’t your typical Red State Country music, with lyrics typically tending towards the political disappointment of a Woody Guthrie and a sound reminiscent of the rebellion of Punk. There’s a driving sense to the Alt-Country music as well, an underlying tone of cynicism and anger that envelops the chord progressions and the aggressive drum beats.
Locally, The Blind Robins have been carrying the torch for Alt-Country. Growing out of 90s alternative band Pine Cone, bassist Bob Vodnick, drummer Dave Fleming and recent addition Mike Burns on guitar are led by lyricist, guitarist and singer Michael Whyte. The Blind Robins feature songs tackling subjects ranging from atheists (“Famous Non Believers”) to the famous creationist lawyer William Jennings Bryan to Johnny Cash (“Cash and the Carters”) with a sound that ranges from traditional bluegrass to grungy electric “cow-punk.” Their live act also occasionally includes some of the old Pine Cone classics such as “Mexico” and “Post Card” – songs that strongly resemble early 90s pop-alternative acts like the Gin Blossoms or Cracker. If you’re looking for talented guitar work, a twist on a classic sound, and substantive, thought invoking lyrics, make a point to check out this band.
The Blind Robins will be playing at Mary’s Place – 602 N Madison St. - on Saturday, February 17th.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
IceHogs Behind the Glass: Battle of the Bands
Rockford has been known to have an excellent and active live music scene. It’s a point of pride to know there are more than two-dozen venues to hit on any given weekend here in the stateline area. Many of the local acts have produced their own CDs and taken their acts on the road to Chicago, Madison, Milwaukee and further. Suffice to say, on any given weekend, you should be checking out a band if music is your calling.
Part of the reason for this music excellence is the fact that local High School bands are successful and growing. And despite typical funding setbacks for music programs, young people are learning to play music and music instructors are finding a way for kids to get the instruments into their hands. Nationally, the VH1 Save the Music foundation has helped inner city bands find the means to get an instrument into the hands of every child that wants to learn. Locally, the Rockford IceHogs and LT’s Bar and Grill, in conjunction with the UHL and the VH1 Save the Music foundation have committed to help continue this tradition of musical excellence with the help and recognition of local bands in the 2007 Battle of the Bands.
Starting on Thursday, February 22nd and again on March 1st and March 8th, the preliminary rounds for the Rockford IceHogs Battle of the Bands will be held at LT’s Bar and Grill. Local bands will compete for the opportunity to play to the home crowd of the Rockford IceHogs on March 30th and the chance to fly to New York City to play for an RCA record executive. Money raised through the voting process and through the sale of game-day jerseys will be donated to the VH1 Save the Music foundation.
If you love local music, come out to LT’s and support your favorite band. The ‘Hogs will be taking one winner from each night of competition and one overall fan favorite to play live at the March 30th game. Your favorite band will need your votes to win. If you’re in a band, you can sign up by sending a sample CD of your original music (no covers) to Scott Hulmes @ LT’s Bar and Grill - 1011 S. Alpine Rd. Rockford, IL 61108 or call (815) 394-1098 for details. The 2007 Rockford IceHogs Battle of the Bands is supported by Budweiser and 104.9 WXRX.
Part of the reason for this music excellence is the fact that local High School bands are successful and growing. And despite typical funding setbacks for music programs, young people are learning to play music and music instructors are finding a way for kids to get the instruments into their hands. Nationally, the VH1 Save the Music foundation has helped inner city bands find the means to get an instrument into the hands of every child that wants to learn. Locally, the Rockford IceHogs and LT’s Bar and Grill, in conjunction with the UHL and the VH1 Save the Music foundation have committed to help continue this tradition of musical excellence with the help and recognition of local bands in the 2007 Battle of the Bands.
Starting on Thursday, February 22nd and again on March 1st and March 8th, the preliminary rounds for the Rockford IceHogs Battle of the Bands will be held at LT’s Bar and Grill. Local bands will compete for the opportunity to play to the home crowd of the Rockford IceHogs on March 30th and the chance to fly to New York City to play for an RCA record executive. Money raised through the voting process and through the sale of game-day jerseys will be donated to the VH1 Save the Music foundation.
If you love local music, come out to LT’s and support your favorite band. The ‘Hogs will be taking one winner from each night of competition and one overall fan favorite to play live at the March 30th game. Your favorite band will need your votes to win. If you’re in a band, you can sign up by sending a sample CD of your original music (no covers) to Scott Hulmes @ LT’s Bar and Grill - 1011 S. Alpine Rd. Rockford, IL 61108 or call (815) 394-1098 for details. The 2007 Rockford IceHogs Battle of the Bands is supported by Budweiser and 104.9 WXRX.
IceHogs Behind the Glass: Battle of the Bands 2
The first two weeks of the Rockford IceHogs LT’s Battle of the Bands brought out some strong competition, especially from the younger bands.
Week 1 Highlights featured two thrash metal bands with distinctively different looks but startlingly similar sounds in Stereotype and Reign of Ruin. Their cacophony of driving beats and angry screaming vocals whipped their crowds into a frenzy. Ultimately the 1980s hair metal sounds of Shuvelhead and the 70s-hard-rock-meets-90s-grunge act of Angus Jackson battled it out for top position. In the end, the enthusiastic crowd reaction pushed Shuvelhead over the top, and Shuvelhead moves on to the final round.
Week 2 featured a strong set of bands, bringing the competition to the next level. Starting strong with the local young punk band The Broken Fall, their Green Day meets the Violent Femmes influences brought their crowd onto the floor in a big way. They were a tough act to follow, but Existent gave it a good run with a novice singer songwriter that showed promise and a sound reminiscent of late 90s alt bands like Letters to Cleo. The surprise came from the Dixon-based band Kirkland whose polished sound wowed the judges and brought around a crowd lacking energy with a great stage presence and excellent harmonies. Indicating they’ve been preparing for a South by Southwest debut this month, Kirkland wove sounds reminiscent of The Fray or The Eagles. Closing the night was a modern metal band Dogs of War who stayed to play even well beyond the final decision. In the end, Kirkland’s polished harmonies edged out The Broken Fall’s fan-powered punk, but I don’t think we’ve seen the last of The Broken Fall.
The Battle of the Bands has been so successful that LTs and the Rockford IceHogs have added a date! Come to LT’s see the final two rounds of Battle of the Bands on March 8 and March 15 starting at 8PM. And don’t miss the finals at the Rockford IceHogs game on March 30th featuring Shuvelhead, Kirkland and our two remaining finalists. For tickets to the March 30th IceHogs game and Battle of the Bands finals, call Andrew at 815-986-6465.
Week 1 Highlights featured two thrash metal bands with distinctively different looks but startlingly similar sounds in Stereotype and Reign of Ruin. Their cacophony of driving beats and angry screaming vocals whipped their crowds into a frenzy. Ultimately the 1980s hair metal sounds of Shuvelhead and the 70s-hard-rock-meets-90s-grunge act of Angus Jackson battled it out for top position. In the end, the enthusiastic crowd reaction pushed Shuvelhead over the top, and Shuvelhead moves on to the final round.
Week 2 featured a strong set of bands, bringing the competition to the next level. Starting strong with the local young punk band The Broken Fall, their Green Day meets the Violent Femmes influences brought their crowd onto the floor in a big way. They were a tough act to follow, but Existent gave it a good run with a novice singer songwriter that showed promise and a sound reminiscent of late 90s alt bands like Letters to Cleo. The surprise came from the Dixon-based band Kirkland whose polished sound wowed the judges and brought around a crowd lacking energy with a great stage presence and excellent harmonies. Indicating they’ve been preparing for a South by Southwest debut this month, Kirkland wove sounds reminiscent of The Fray or The Eagles. Closing the night was a modern metal band Dogs of War who stayed to play even well beyond the final decision. In the end, Kirkland’s polished harmonies edged out The Broken Fall’s fan-powered punk, but I don’t think we’ve seen the last of The Broken Fall.
The Battle of the Bands has been so successful that LTs and the Rockford IceHogs have added a date! Come to LT’s see the final two rounds of Battle of the Bands on March 8 and March 15 starting at 8PM. And don’t miss the finals at the Rockford IceHogs game on March 30th featuring Shuvelhead, Kirkland and our two remaining finalists. For tickets to the March 30th IceHogs game and Battle of the Bands finals, call Andrew at 815-986-6465.
Concert Review: Midwestern Death
A few weeks ago, trying desperately to get from Chubby Rain to Mary’s Place to try to catch a great night of live music featuring both the Wandering Sons and the Blind Robins, I missed the Robins’ show by about 15 minutes. My bad fortune turned to good, however, when Midwestern Death took the stage.
Midwestern Death is a gritty alt-country/folk band whose lyrics suggest disillusionment and irritation with the status quo hidden behind the seemingly good spirits of countrified drunken debauchery. In other words – they sound like a ton of fun but write with intelligence and a purpose. Songs featured on their MySpace only give a hint to the talent they show on stage or the following they command. Whether its visiting a story about a time of homelessness or an ex girlfriend separated by miles and the military, you could be bobbing your head to the rockabilly sound or biting your lip at the story being told.
Midwestern Death returns to Mary’s Place on April 6th. Make a point to find out what they’re all about.
Also, don’t forget to check out Dave Tamkin at Kryptonite on April 7th. Some of your favorite IceHogs players will be there too enjoying the acoustic guitar sounds of Tamkin and the unbelievable skills of Jason Vinulian on the electric violin.
Midwestern Death is a gritty alt-country/folk band whose lyrics suggest disillusionment and irritation with the status quo hidden behind the seemingly good spirits of countrified drunken debauchery. In other words – they sound like a ton of fun but write with intelligence and a purpose. Songs featured on their MySpace only give a hint to the talent they show on stage or the following they command. Whether its visiting a story about a time of homelessness or an ex girlfriend separated by miles and the military, you could be bobbing your head to the rockabilly sound or biting your lip at the story being told.
Midwestern Death returns to Mary’s Place on April 6th. Make a point to find out what they’re all about.
Also, don’t forget to check out Dave Tamkin at Kryptonite on April 7th. Some of your favorite IceHogs players will be there too enjoying the acoustic guitar sounds of Tamkin and the unbelievable skills of Jason Vinulian on the electric violin.
Concert Review: Kelsey Wild
Kelsey Wild looks like any other 16 year old slip of a girl. Taking some fashion cues from early Avril Lavigne, with MySpace page photos showing off a gigantic ice cream cone or playing with a tumbling swirl of wavy hair, she could be anybody’s daughter or neighbor, hanging out with her school-aged friends.
But then you start to listen to her songs, melancholy and literary beyond her years, and you ask yourself how this 16 year old can channel such influential 90’s artists as Natalie Merchant and Tori Amos in her simple piano and vocal style. Songs like Lightning and Fall Down are too good to remain secret for long. Seeing her perform live is no less impressive, with an earnest singing style and a casually friendly relation with the audience, watching Kelsey play is like seeing someone who is ready to emerge.
Kelsey Wild will be performing at the RAMI awards on Thursday, April 12 and at the CFNIL Charity Jam 2007 on April 20th. You can also catch her at Giovanni’s on April 21st or at this year’s Young At Heart festival.
But then you start to listen to her songs, melancholy and literary beyond her years, and you ask yourself how this 16 year old can channel such influential 90’s artists as Natalie Merchant and Tori Amos in her simple piano and vocal style. Songs like Lightning and Fall Down are too good to remain secret for long. Seeing her perform live is no less impressive, with an earnest singing style and a casually friendly relation with the audience, watching Kelsey play is like seeing someone who is ready to emerge.
Kelsey Wild will be performing at the RAMI awards on Thursday, April 12 and at the CFNIL Charity Jam 2007 on April 20th. You can also catch her at Giovanni’s on April 21st or at this year’s Young At Heart festival.
Webcomic Pick: XKCD
We all have those friends who are brilliant and odd but can explain a concept with a minimal number of words. The smart kids who sat in the front of the classroom with the odd sense of humor and equally odd fashion sense.
XKCD is that kid in stick-figure comic strip form.
Mixing complicated math with the oddity of every day situations doesn't sound like it would make a very good webcomic. Illustrating those concepts with stick figures sounds like an even worse idea. Yet the brilliance of XKCD is that it's wickedly odd sense of humor is not in a Dennis Miller-esque smarter-than-you smugness but rather in the warped way the strongly left-brained author Randall Munroe finds humor in interpreting daily life.
The above comic is a great example: For one character, the simple patterns on floor tiles creates a wildly vivid scenario where each step can only be placed in certain positions, so as not to mentally break the logical pattern. For the other character, though, it appears his friend is merely "walking funny."
It brings up memories of seeing kids walking carefully along tile rows at the mall, or perhaps even you can recall a time walking along to a careful pattern until you realized someone noticed that you were the one who was walking funny.
And the brilliance of the strip? It does this with stick figures in only 3 panels.
Read through the archives and you'll find more moments captured, odd observations, and tricky mathematical functions wittily addressed. Just make sure you're wikipedia is handy - some of the jokes might require a little research for the payout. But then how many comic strips have taught you something and made you laugh?
Webcomic Review: Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal
Years ago, Gary Larson offered a glimpse into a world of insanity every day with his seminal one-panel comic “The Far Side.” Even long after his retirement of the strip, page-a-day calendars and thick tomes chronicle his every oddly intelligent animal or similarly oddly stupid human doing anything from the mundane to the bizarre and surreal. It wasn’t humor that needed explanation, it was just… weird.
Some number of years later, along comes Zach Weiner in the wonderfully subversive world of the internet to introduce us to yet another glimpse of the odd and surreal in his webcomic: Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal.
Updated daily, this one-panel webcomic turns the world we know on its ear. Whether seeing a Supervillain declaring his take over of the planet Pluto and the Superhero responding with “Oh… okay” or witnessing a practical joke at a research laboratory, or even seeing how certain people deal with horrible dates or worse breakups, Weiner’s drawings are always grin-inducingly bizarre and his captions always seems to add an extra punchline to an already goofy scenario.
There is an extensive archive of almost one full year of daily comics to read. Be careful where you read them, though, because others might hear you laughing and think you’re weird.
Then again, you can always claim you’re just reading your Far Side calendar.
Some number of years later, along comes Zach Weiner in the wonderfully subversive world of the internet to introduce us to yet another glimpse of the odd and surreal in his webcomic: Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal.
Updated daily, this one-panel webcomic turns the world we know on its ear. Whether seeing a Supervillain declaring his take over of the planet Pluto and the Superhero responding with “Oh… okay” or witnessing a practical joke at a research laboratory, or even seeing how certain people deal with horrible dates or worse breakups, Weiner’s drawings are always grin-inducingly bizarre and his captions always seems to add an extra punchline to an already goofy scenario.
There is an extensive archive of almost one full year of daily comics to read. Be careful where you read them, though, because others might hear you laughing and think you’re weird.
Then again, you can always claim you’re just reading your Far Side calendar.
Webcomic Pick: Block Party
Ah, the glory of 8-bit graphics. The blocky design, the simplified colors, the use of checkerboard shading. Young video gamers may not recognize the style, but those of us who grew up through the age of Atari and spent hours on the NES playing the first Legend of Zelda know the artform well. Just the change of a pixel here or there can make a face look happy or sad, irritated or amused.
That's the beauty of the webcomic Diesel Sweeties. Written by Richard Stevens, this witty 8-bit comic strip has grown a cult following online and just this past year has found its way into syndication. Start with a girl named Maura and her robot boyfriend Clango, add in a cast of characters that range from the lame Indie Rock Pete, the cynical Lil Sis, the optimistic Metal Steve, the always angry human-crushing Red Robot, a toaster and a couple cats, and let them talk about the ridiculousness of love and youth and rebellion (both real and staged).
Stevens takes on topics ranging from illegal downloading, the cliches attached to hipsters, dating online, and the occasional plot to take over the world, and does so with wimsy in comics that pay off with a solid punchline or clever twist of words every day. With an extensive archive of comics to check out, make a point to get started reading Diesel Sweeties sooner rather than later. You just never know when Red Robot will finally get around to Crushing All Humans.
Concert Preview: Michael Penn
Few artists define underground success as well as Michael Penn. Known mostly for his famous brothers Sean and the late Chris Penn, or for his equally talented and slightly better known wife Aimee Mann, few people recognize Michael Penn for the music he's quietly produced for almost 20 years. When hard pressed, people may recognize his song "No Myth (Romeo in Black Jeans)" or his distinct pitched voice from a song they might have heard on a soundtrack, somewhere. But when you take a moment to look back at the 6 albums he's produced since 1989, you find a dozen or more gems surrounded by interesting noises or sounds. Songs with concepts that hearken back to literary references (Brave New World) or political outrage (Walter Reed), bitter songs mourning a terrible breakup (Long Way Down, Seen The Doctor) or offering words of comfort (OK).
It's been 15 years since he's produced a top 100 single, but you might have heard his instrumental work on the soundtracks to such movies as Boogie Nights or The Last Kiss, or maybe you heard Walter Reed played on an episode of House. Either way, his latest album - Mr. Hollywood Jr., 1947 is a mix of tightly written songs and interesting sounds that harken back to a specific location and time.
Michael Penn will be playing at Schuba's in Chicago on Wed. May 9th. Tickets are $20. You can hear him on MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/michaelpenn
It's been 15 years since he's produced a top 100 single, but you might have heard his instrumental work on the soundtracks to such movies as Boogie Nights or The Last Kiss, or maybe you heard Walter Reed played on an episode of House. Either way, his latest album - Mr. Hollywood Jr., 1947 is a mix of tightly written songs and interesting sounds that harken back to a specific location and time.
Michael Penn will be playing at Schuba's in Chicago on Wed. May 9th. Tickets are $20. You can hear him on MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/michaelpenn
Webcomic Pick: A Little Girl named Minus
There are a few people who can still recall the golden age of Sunday Comics. Bright, colorful pages filled with full-page multi-panel comics drawn by talented artists. Story arcs took weeks to unfold, characters developed distinct personalities and backgrounds were as detailed as a landscape painting. Not too long ago, Bill Waterson brought a return of fantastic detailed landscapes back to the funny pages with Calvin and Hobbes' many sojurns into the world of Dinosaurs or far off spacescapes, but since Watterson disappeared years ago, the world of vivid Sunday Comics seems to have gone into hiding.
Fortunately, some true comic artists have started to emerge on the web. One of the most talented comic artists can be found drawing the story of a little girl with mysterious and whimsical powers in the webcomic Minus. Drawn by artist Ryan Armand, Minus is a small child with magical powers she uses as an impulse moves her. Whether she’s using it by capturing bullies by entwining them in spontaneously growing trees, having a snowball fight with an angel statue, or jumping from one painting to another, there is a childhood innocence to Minus’ travels. Captured in beautiful watercolor with painstaking detail, Armand’s panels each look like a painting in and of itself. Armand handles sophisticated high concepts like greed and selflessness with a blend of mischief and sweetness. It’s a very sophisticated comic that leaps from the screen, in a form that can only be presented on the web in its full size and full color glory.
With 66 comics in the archive, you might be able to scan through the entire archive quickly, but the images are so iconic that you will certainly find yourself visiting those archived comics often.
Minus is updated every Thursday.
Webcomic Pick: That Rascally Queen
With the recent visit of Queen Elizabeth II to Colonial Williamsburg, to visit with the President and to watch the Run for the Roses, there has been a bundle of coverage of the grande dame and her travels. With a good sense of humor and impeccable style, watching the graceful Queen of England visit our shores seems to be a popular pasttime for those caught up in both fame and politics.
Webcomic readers, however, have been following the exploits of another of England's famous Queens since February of 2006. You see, it was in February when Pab Sungenis introduced the world to The New Adventures of Queen Victoria. With an entirely different kind of wit and a cast of oddball familial characters, TNAoQV introduces this anachronistic lady (Born in 1819, died in 1901) to the modern world of pop culture. With her son Edward, her best friend Liz and her new friend Mary in tow, she bravely fights against impropriety, the French and any of a number of bizarre situations with typically catastrophic outcomes. Funny from one strip to the next, be sure to start at the beginning of the archives as odd patterns and running jokes begin to emerge.
There's very little pomp but all kinds of circumstance in each panel of TNAoQV, so be sure to enjoy every screwball minute of it. You will certainly be amused.
Webcomic Pick: Cute Gone Bad
With the ongoing popularity of the It’s Happy Bunny mugs and t-shirts and other assorted trinkets and doodads, “Cute Gone Bad” is a trend that doesn’t seem to be going away.
Thankfully, we have innovators like Meghan Murphy taking this trend in new directions.
Kawaii Not is a relentlessly cute webcomic featuring mundane items like fruits, blank paper, and little clouds saying and doing amusingly naughty things. Whether it’s the burlesque orange peeling off its skin or the blank page taunting you about your deadline, something I’ve come to know quite well of late, you can’t really feel angry or upset by the intensely cute little drawings. With a couple of simple dots for eyes and a thin smile, Murphy’s anthropomorphic things take on a life of their own. Each panel is self-contained and ready for a trinket or a t-shirt of its own.
Kawaii Not is updated twice weekly and with a small archive, it should be a quick and amusing afternoon’s read.
Behind the Glass: Holy Cow what a Finish!
Working for the Rockford IceHogs this season has been a dizzying experience. Never so much, though, as it was on Thursday Night.
It all came down to Game Seven at home – over 6,200 screaming fans chanting and singing along to Mony Mony as the Rockford IceHogs winger Kevin Ulanski got an early score. The Kalamazoo Wings, however, came roaring back quickly to tie it up at one goal apiece, which held until the end of the first period. In the second, the battle on the ice went back and forth with plenty of scoring chances denied by both goalies on the top of their games. With every shot on goal, every gasp was amplified and the crowd stood up and sat down as if the seats were electrified, when Jason Noterman notched a surprise goal, picking up the puck and dumping it into the net after his first shot had been knocked away.
2-1 isn't a safe score in a Game Seven, and the crowd grumbled and muttered nervously as the third period clock ticked down to 15 minutes... 10 minutes... 5 minutes... Chris at the PA called on the crowd to chant louder and louder still while down in the tunnel, the office staff looked on, nervous about the close score and, at the same time, amazed at how every fan filled the MetroCentre to the rafters. It looked like every one of them were shouting at full volume "Let's Go Hogs!"
Then, with 1:18 remaining on the clock, The IceHogs scored again!
By now you know the story. The wrister scored by Nicolas Corbeil turned the anxious crowd gasps and mutters into an aircraft-engine roar, drowning out all the clanging cowbells. Even Corbeil had to yell to celebrate with his teammates a mere foot away from him. Down in the tunnel, we didn't have a word to say - the smiles said it all as we looked up at the crowd going wild.
And just like that, in Game Seven, the IceHogs earned our first Colonial Cup in eight seasons in the last game of this era.
As you know we're changing leagues next year. The IceHogs are leaving the UHL - the league we've played in since our inception - to join the elite member clubs of the AHL, becoming the Chicago Blackhawks top minor league affiliate. Most of this year's players will either retire or move on to play for other teams around the country. Some will try out for an AHL team next season, others will leave for Europe.
But for one deafening moment, every one of us in that building knew what it felt like to be a champion.
It all came down to Game Seven at home – over 6,200 screaming fans chanting and singing along to Mony Mony as the Rockford IceHogs winger Kevin Ulanski got an early score. The Kalamazoo Wings, however, came roaring back quickly to tie it up at one goal apiece, which held until the end of the first period. In the second, the battle on the ice went back and forth with plenty of scoring chances denied by both goalies on the top of their games. With every shot on goal, every gasp was amplified and the crowd stood up and sat down as if the seats were electrified, when Jason Noterman notched a surprise goal, picking up the puck and dumping it into the net after his first shot had been knocked away.
2-1 isn't a safe score in a Game Seven, and the crowd grumbled and muttered nervously as the third period clock ticked down to 15 minutes... 10 minutes... 5 minutes... Chris at the PA called on the crowd to chant louder and louder still while down in the tunnel, the office staff looked on, nervous about the close score and, at the same time, amazed at how every fan filled the MetroCentre to the rafters. It looked like every one of them were shouting at full volume "Let's Go Hogs!"
Then, with 1:18 remaining on the clock, The IceHogs scored again!
By now you know the story. The wrister scored by Nicolas Corbeil turned the anxious crowd gasps and mutters into an aircraft-engine roar, drowning out all the clanging cowbells. Even Corbeil had to yell to celebrate with his teammates a mere foot away from him. Down in the tunnel, we didn't have a word to say - the smiles said it all as we looked up at the crowd going wild.
And just like that, in Game Seven, the IceHogs earned our first Colonial Cup in eight seasons in the last game of this era.
As you know we're changing leagues next year. The IceHogs are leaving the UHL - the league we've played in since our inception - to join the elite member clubs of the AHL, becoming the Chicago Blackhawks top minor league affiliate. Most of this year's players will either retire or move on to play for other teams around the country. Some will try out for an AHL team next season, others will leave for Europe.
But for one deafening moment, every one of us in that building knew what it felt like to be a champion.
Webcomic Pick: Pirate and Alien
What happens when you put a Pirate, an Alien and a Coffee Barista in an apartment? I’m not entirely sure. Fortunately for me, though, Pirate and Alien is there to answer the question.
Billed as “The Oddest Couple in the Universe,” this apartment adventure begins as the time traveling Alien “Interstellar Zoologist” got lost looking for Czarist Russia and instead comes upon a mutinied pirate captain, “Filthy Jerome,” afloat in the ocean with his parrot Bartholomew. In their attempt to escape the cannon fire of Jerome’s former vessel, they flash randomly through time and crash land in the 20th century. Each character offers his own odd point of view on modern times as they are rescued and given shelter by a coffee shop worker named Seth. Predictable difficult roommate scenarios occur when Pirate and Alien see TV for the first time, learn how to clean Seth’s apartment, take a Driver’s exam, discover the internet and learn how to blog.
Pirate and Alien are good for a laugh and their archive is brief enough that you can get caught up with the story in no time. It'll be just the cure for those of you who can't wait till they make another Pirate movie.
Webcomic Pick: Multiplex
Oh we've seen movies about comic books before. Rise of the Silver Surfer, Spider Man 3, Batman, Superman... Movies about Comics are nothing new.
Why, then, did it take this long to discover a comic strip about Movies?
Multiplex, written by Gordon McAlpin. is just such a comic. Set in a movie theatre, the characters deal with typical workplace issues: making minimum wage, dealing with strange coworkers and cultural tensions, handling aggrivating customers and finding ways to fill down time. What sets Multiplex apart is the the ability to talk in a timely fashion about movies - what's good, what's terrible and what changes would have made the terrible something great. Every part of the movie theatre experience is lampooned, often irreverantly. Funny in every strip but with characters that come to matter as you read through the archives.
Updated on Mondays, Multiplex is one comic that should absolutely be added to every movie lover's weekly webcomic round up.
Why, then, did it take this long to discover a comic strip about Movies?
Multiplex, written by Gordon McAlpin. is just such a comic. Set in a movie theatre, the characters deal with typical workplace issues: making minimum wage, dealing with strange coworkers and cultural tensions, handling aggrivating customers and finding ways to fill down time. What sets Multiplex apart is the the ability to talk in a timely fashion about movies - what's good, what's terrible and what changes would have made the terrible something great. Every part of the movie theatre experience is lampooned, often irreverantly. Funny in every strip but with characters that come to matter as you read through the archives.
Updated on Mondays, Multiplex is one comic that should absolutely be added to every movie lover's weekly webcomic round up.
Where are you going this weekend?
There are people (frequently young people) who claim "There's nothing to do in this town." Clearly they're not aware how wrong they are.
It's time to do something about that. For the next few weeks, consider me a guide for places you should have on your list of things to do around the stateline. To get us started, let's get some things out of the way that you should already be doing.
If you haven't already headed down to the MetroCentre to see some Rock River Raptors football or taken a trip out to see the Riverhawks play, put it on your list of things to do right now. There are only 2 weeks of regular season football left (one if you're reading this in print) but the Raptors are making a push for playoff paydirt. The Riverhawks also put on a good show, with a new stadium and plenty of seats available. Not far from the Riverhawk's stadium is the ISC where you can join volleyball leagues, watch some Roller Derby, or just hit up the Skybox for a tasty pizza and sports on a big screen.
Getting in towards the center of town, if you haven't joined the YMCA yet - what's keeping you? So many programs for kids and people of all ages - it's the best known "secret", and one of the best resources for summertime activities anywhere in the stateline area.
Festivals, festivals, festivals - you could book every weekend in your summer with a local festival. If you're not seeing a show in Davis park this weekend, you could be travelling to one of a hundred small town festivals and parades within an hour and a half and find a good show, rides and those elephant ear things that look odd but taste so good.
Living in Rockford in the summer, there is one guaranteed activity to consume your weekends with something new every week: Golf. If you haven't learned how to play golf yet, visit the Park District and find out how you can get private instruction or join group classes. Then hit the new golf.rrstar.com to plot out your summer calendar. With 87 courses within easy driving distance, you could play 2 different courses every week for two whole summers.
Finally, just 'cause the kids love to do it doesn't mean you shouldn't be out there doing kids stuff too. Go swimming at the Alpine or Sand Park Pools or make a real splash at Magic Waters or Coco Key water parks. Read a comic book from Tomorrow is Yesterday in Loves Park, get into a game of Laser Tag at Laser Quest or play some mini golf out at Volcano Falls, or for a quick round the Penguin Mini Golf at Sand Park in Loves Park.
Clearly, there are plenty of things to do. So many that I'll come back next week and talk with you about some shops you'll need a day or two to take in all by themselves!
It's time to do something about that. For the next few weeks, consider me a guide for places you should have on your list of things to do around the stateline. To get us started, let's get some things out of the way that you should already be doing.
If you haven't already headed down to the MetroCentre to see some Rock River Raptors football or taken a trip out to see the Riverhawks play, put it on your list of things to do right now. There are only 2 weeks of regular season football left (one if you're reading this in print) but the Raptors are making a push for playoff paydirt. The Riverhawks also put on a good show, with a new stadium and plenty of seats available. Not far from the Riverhawk's stadium is the ISC where you can join volleyball leagues, watch some Roller Derby, or just hit up the Skybox for a tasty pizza and sports on a big screen.
Getting in towards the center of town, if you haven't joined the YMCA yet - what's keeping you? So many programs for kids and people of all ages - it's the best known "secret", and one of the best resources for summertime activities anywhere in the stateline area.
Festivals, festivals, festivals - you could book every weekend in your summer with a local festival. If you're not seeing a show in Davis park this weekend, you could be travelling to one of a hundred small town festivals and parades within an hour and a half and find a good show, rides and those elephant ear things that look odd but taste so good.
Living in Rockford in the summer, there is one guaranteed activity to consume your weekends with something new every week: Golf. If you haven't learned how to play golf yet, visit the Park District and find out how you can get private instruction or join group classes. Then hit the new golf.rrstar.com to plot out your summer calendar. With 87 courses within easy driving distance, you could play 2 different courses every week for two whole summers.
Finally, just 'cause the kids love to do it doesn't mean you shouldn't be out there doing kids stuff too. Go swimming at the Alpine or Sand Park Pools or make a real splash at Magic Waters or Coco Key water parks. Read a comic book from Tomorrow is Yesterday in Loves Park, get into a game of Laser Tag at Laser Quest or play some mini golf out at Volcano Falls, or for a quick round the Penguin Mini Golf at Sand Park in Loves Park.
Clearly, there are plenty of things to do. So many that I'll come back next week and talk with you about some shops you'll need a day or two to take in all by themselves!
Treasure Hunting at Toad Hall
Shopping in Rockford can be so boring. Sure, you can go out to the mall, maybe hit East State Street, then get something nice and neatly tagged and head home happy.
But there's no mystery in it.
The same T-Shirts with the same ironic or kinda funny phrases. The same electronics. The same top 100 CDs featured at the front counter. The same bright lights and neatly ordered aisles.
All the same. Bo-ring.
...
Toad Hall is not boring.
This store on Broadway just east of the Viaduct has been running for years now. There for a while after the death of the funny and smart former owners, the store sat silent. Many still don't realize that Toad Hall has reopened, but driving by today, you'll spot the Open flag flying on the door that opens onto Broadway.
Walking inside, a novice might be overwhelmed by the piles of books and records that Pat and her family are trying to sort, organize, reorder and consolidate.
Some might be intimidated by three floors of dusty relics, rare history books, first editions of popular authors, a huge selection of random movie posters, vintage comic books and trade paperbacks, but the treasure hunter will be right in their element.
And then there are the Records.
New records from artists like Green Day and Fall Out Boy take up a tiny bin alongside classics from rockers from the 50s to the 80s. On the walls are 45s and memorabilia from bands both nationally known and local. Looking for Jazz? Country? Classical? Fusion? It's all there at Toad Hall somewhere. Amid common pressings you'll find rarities and one-of-a-kind records by artists only a very select few might know. Recordings by opera stars of the 30s, Big Band orchestras of the 40s - literally something from every era.
Stop by Toad Hall today for a shop that is unique to Rockford. Then, plan to dust off your old record player and spin that old Beatles record you wanted but never got when you were a kid, or that classic REM record you wanted to add to your collection. You won't know what you're shopping for when you walk into Toad Hall, but it's entirely likely you'll walk out with a tresure.
But there's no mystery in it.
The same T-Shirts with the same ironic or kinda funny phrases. The same electronics. The same top 100 CDs featured at the front counter. The same bright lights and neatly ordered aisles.
All the same. Bo-ring.
...
Toad Hall is not boring.
This store on Broadway just east of the Viaduct has been running for years now. There for a while after the death of the funny and smart former owners, the store sat silent. Many still don't realize that Toad Hall has reopened, but driving by today, you'll spot the Open flag flying on the door that opens onto Broadway.
Walking inside, a novice might be overwhelmed by the piles of books and records that Pat and her family are trying to sort, organize, reorder and consolidate.
Some might be intimidated by three floors of dusty relics, rare history books, first editions of popular authors, a huge selection of random movie posters, vintage comic books and trade paperbacks, but the treasure hunter will be right in their element.
And then there are the Records.
New records from artists like Green Day and Fall Out Boy take up a tiny bin alongside classics from rockers from the 50s to the 80s. On the walls are 45s and memorabilia from bands both nationally known and local. Looking for Jazz? Country? Classical? Fusion? It's all there at Toad Hall somewhere. Amid common pressings you'll find rarities and one-of-a-kind records by artists only a very select few might know. Recordings by opera stars of the 30s, Big Band orchestras of the 40s - literally something from every era.
Stop by Toad Hall today for a shop that is unique to Rockford. Then, plan to dust off your old record player and spin that old Beatles record you wanted but never got when you were a kid, or that classic REM record you wanted to add to your collection. You won't know what you're shopping for when you walk into Toad Hall, but it's entirely likely you'll walk out with a tresure.
Shock Local
Wandering through the mall you see many of the same stores you've come to expect. Driving down East State you'll find stores and restaraunts you'd see in any town. You already know where you can find linens and t-shirts at low, low prices, but do you really want to look like everybody else?
The folks who shop at Culture Shock surely don't.
When Skyler Davis bought Culture Shock in May 2006, he had a very specific vision of what he wanted the alternative clothing store to become. Seeking out specialty clothing from lines such as Lucky 13 and Felon, this store was going to cater directly to Rockford's young underground crowd.
Stepping into Culture Shock, you hear a variety of alternative and metal from underground bands and usually see about a half dozen local teens looking for just the right outfit to match their piercings or their tatoos. This cool counter-culture shop on Charles St. carries clothing that is practically impossible to find anywhere else in town. T-Shirts bearing the names of underground and popular metal bands, favorite horror movie logos and classic movies like The Goonies. One wall bears belts that make you stand out in the crowd, and plenty of great women's accessories and clothes that were likely selected by Lauren Vanags, Culture Shock's Promotion and Sales director.
On the other wall lives one of my favorite weekend wardrobe staples - button-up style bowling shirts with outrageous designs. There are pinup designs and panel shirts with great prints and interesting textures, all with prices that easily beat similar shops in Chicago and other larger cities hands down. Culture Shock is clearly the place to go if you're looking for something different to add to your wardrobe, maybe for that trip to Chicago for a concert or a Roller Derby bout here in town.
The folks who shop at Culture Shock surely don't.
When Skyler Davis bought Culture Shock in May 2006, he had a very specific vision of what he wanted the alternative clothing store to become. Seeking out specialty clothing from lines such as Lucky 13 and Felon, this store was going to cater directly to Rockford's young underground crowd.
Stepping into Culture Shock, you hear a variety of alternative and metal from underground bands and usually see about a half dozen local teens looking for just the right outfit to match their piercings or their tatoos. This cool counter-culture shop on Charles St. carries clothing that is practically impossible to find anywhere else in town. T-Shirts bearing the names of underground and popular metal bands, favorite horror movie logos and classic movies like The Goonies. One wall bears belts that make you stand out in the crowd, and plenty of great women's accessories and clothes that were likely selected by Lauren Vanags, Culture Shock's Promotion and Sales director.
On the other wall lives one of my favorite weekend wardrobe staples - button-up style bowling shirts with outrageous designs. There are pinup designs and panel shirts with great prints and interesting textures, all with prices that easily beat similar shops in Chicago and other larger cities hands down. Culture Shock is clearly the place to go if you're looking for something different to add to your wardrobe, maybe for that trip to Chicago for a concert or a Roller Derby bout here in town.
Webcomic Pick: The Book of Biff
We all have that friend who makes terrible decisions. Who manages to have horribly awful things happen to them over and over again. Who can't seem to escape disaster at any turn. There was a time once when I myself was "that guy." It wasn't too long ago, either, though thankfully I've had the good fortune to not be "that guy" for some time now.
"That guy," has a new name: Biff.
Chris Hallbeck, the author of the webcomic The Book of Biff has put out 300 single panel examples of what not to do, starring his bald Biff whose wild mustache and wilder eyebrows convey all the expression necessary to state clearly how Biff feels about his latest calamity.
Each strip is set up the same way - there's some horrible injury that is about to happen or has recently occurred to our hero, Biff. The scene clues you into a few possible reasons for this injury, but the caption is both the explanation and the punchline.
There's a whimsy and absurdity to Biff's peril in each of the strips that create the humor. For example, in his 300th strip, poor Biff has managed to awaken the evil inside his Sleeping Bag, whose angry zipper teeth have already managed to devour his lower torso. In one strip, Biff is kneeling on a lawn with a carrot, which doesn't seem terribly fraught with peril until the caption explains "As his car keys hopped away, Biff's rabbit's foot keychain didn't seem very lucky."
Hallbeck will be releasing his first book of Biff comics shortly, but for you the time is right to learn many a valuable lesson from the hapless Biff. Get started reading before you do something ridiculous - like using sausages as a chain substitute, or take a nap in a construction site.
"That guy," has a new name: Biff.
Chris Hallbeck, the author of the webcomic The Book of Biff has put out 300 single panel examples of what not to do, starring his bald Biff whose wild mustache and wilder eyebrows convey all the expression necessary to state clearly how Biff feels about his latest calamity.
Each strip is set up the same way - there's some horrible injury that is about to happen or has recently occurred to our hero, Biff. The scene clues you into a few possible reasons for this injury, but the caption is both the explanation and the punchline.
There's a whimsy and absurdity to Biff's peril in each of the strips that create the humor. For example, in his 300th strip, poor Biff has managed to awaken the evil inside his Sleeping Bag, whose angry zipper teeth have already managed to devour his lower torso. In one strip, Biff is kneeling on a lawn with a carrot, which doesn't seem terribly fraught with peril until the caption explains "As his car keys hopped away, Biff's rabbit's foot keychain didn't seem very lucky."
Hallbeck will be releasing his first book of Biff comics shortly, but for you the time is right to learn many a valuable lesson from the hapless Biff. Get started reading before you do something ridiculous - like using sausages as a chain substitute, or take a nap in a construction site.
Lolla Atcha
In the staggering heat and giant crowds, we were still Rockin in the Free World!
This Sunday, my sister, her friends, my girlfriend and I were at Lollapalooza. It was muggy and 90+ even on the edge of the Lake, but the crowds were still amazingly polite, the food was delicious and the bands... well - many of them were very good.
As we got into Grant Park, we were amazed at just how large the festival grounds were. We wandered from one end of the festival to the other, knowing that we were going to get cooked if we stayed in the sunlight too long, but found great locations of refuge among the art scene, picnic tables in the food alleys, and the excellent Kids-a-Palooza stage.
Early show highlights included: Ben Harper playing two acoustic songs at the Kids stage and Amy Winehouse on one of the two main stages looking disaffected by the heat as she belted out her songs with that distinctive voice of hers. The Chicago-based School of Rock All Stars played the Kids stage too. Though none of these School of Rock performers appeared in the Jack Black movie, many of them have developed amazing talents, particularly two guitarists and a violinist who were all girls under the age of 19. There, they performed with Perry Farrel and a few other featured guest performers for a crowd greatful for the shade and the bleachers.
Disappointing us were Iggy Pop and the Stooges, whose patter was more than lightly seasoned with unnecessary obscenities, whose stage was swarmed by frat kiddies shouting out on the mic as though they were on TRL, and whose music struck us as flat and uninteresting.
After that performance, we passed up a fairly tranquil crowd at the Yo La Tengo stage, a cloud of blue smoke hovering over the crowd jamming along with The Wailers and stumbled upon the best surprise of the day - a band called !!! (pronounced chk chk chk). This mostly acoustic ambient-techno band was fronted by Nic Offer, a whirling dervish in a powder blue polo and 80s era gym shorts. The crowd was transfixed, dancing and clapping along as though they knew every song. It was an insanely fun set.
We enjoyed the My Morning Jacket set featuring the Chicago Youth Symphony and watched the crowds stream in to the sounds of TV on the Radio as the excitement for Pearl Jam built steadily among the onlookers.
Pearl Jam's set included two encores, including one song performed as an acoustic duet with Eddie Vedder and Ben Harper titled "No More War" for a disabled Iraqi veteran who was protesting the ongoing war. Vedder also worked his political muscle playing a protest song about the BP Amoco-Lake Michigan pollution debacle that brought the crowd to an angry chant. Mostly, though, the set was filled with crowd pleasers that induced singalongs with songs like "Elderly Woman..." and "Betterman". Rarities like "State of Love and Trust", "Crazy Mary" and new songs from the album like "World Wide Suicide" whipped the throngs into a frenzy, but as the set ended with the Neil Young classic "Rockin in the Free World," surprise guests playing tamborines gathered on the stage and as the final chords hung in the air, Eddie Vedder was hoisted high on the shoulders of Bulls legend Dennis Rodman in triumph.
Despite the heat, despite the humidity, the sore feet and the sunburns, Lollapalooza was an amazing show. I'll definitely seek out !!! again and can't wait for the chance to see Pearl Jam play live in our area sometime soon.
This Sunday, my sister, her friends, my girlfriend and I were at Lollapalooza. It was muggy and 90+ even on the edge of the Lake, but the crowds were still amazingly polite, the food was delicious and the bands... well - many of them were very good.
As we got into Grant Park, we were amazed at just how large the festival grounds were. We wandered from one end of the festival to the other, knowing that we were going to get cooked if we stayed in the sunlight too long, but found great locations of refuge among the art scene, picnic tables in the food alleys, and the excellent Kids-a-Palooza stage.
Early show highlights included: Ben Harper playing two acoustic songs at the Kids stage and Amy Winehouse on one of the two main stages looking disaffected by the heat as she belted out her songs with that distinctive voice of hers. The Chicago-based School of Rock All Stars played the Kids stage too. Though none of these School of Rock performers appeared in the Jack Black movie, many of them have developed amazing talents, particularly two guitarists and a violinist who were all girls under the age of 19. There, they performed with Perry Farrel and a few other featured guest performers for a crowd greatful for the shade and the bleachers.
Disappointing us were Iggy Pop and the Stooges, whose patter was more than lightly seasoned with unnecessary obscenities, whose stage was swarmed by frat kiddies shouting out on the mic as though they were on TRL, and whose music struck us as flat and uninteresting.
After that performance, we passed up a fairly tranquil crowd at the Yo La Tengo stage, a cloud of blue smoke hovering over the crowd jamming along with The Wailers and stumbled upon the best surprise of the day - a band called !!! (pronounced chk chk chk). This mostly acoustic ambient-techno band was fronted by Nic Offer, a whirling dervish in a powder blue polo and 80s era gym shorts. The crowd was transfixed, dancing and clapping along as though they knew every song. It was an insanely fun set.
We enjoyed the My Morning Jacket set featuring the Chicago Youth Symphony and watched the crowds stream in to the sounds of TV on the Radio as the excitement for Pearl Jam built steadily among the onlookers.
Pearl Jam's set included two encores, including one song performed as an acoustic duet with Eddie Vedder and Ben Harper titled "No More War" for a disabled Iraqi veteran who was protesting the ongoing war. Vedder also worked his political muscle playing a protest song about the BP Amoco-Lake Michigan pollution debacle that brought the crowd to an angry chant. Mostly, though, the set was filled with crowd pleasers that induced singalongs with songs like "Elderly Woman..." and "Betterman". Rarities like "State of Love and Trust", "Crazy Mary" and new songs from the album like "World Wide Suicide" whipped the throngs into a frenzy, but as the set ended with the Neil Young classic "Rockin in the Free World," surprise guests playing tamborines gathered on the stage and as the final chords hung in the air, Eddie Vedder was hoisted high on the shoulders of Bulls legend Dennis Rodman in triumph.
Despite the heat, despite the humidity, the sore feet and the sunburns, Lollapalooza was an amazing show. I'll definitely seek out !!! again and can't wait for the chance to see Pearl Jam play live in our area sometime soon.
Webcomic Pick: Something Positive
Whenever you become hooked on some sort of entertainment, you always remember the first time you discovered it. Maybe it's the first comic book that hooked you on comics (for me it was Batman: Arkham Asylum), the first appointment television show (Moonlighting), the first card game that hooked you (poker), or the first novelist that kept you enthralled through an entire series or two (Piers Anthony).
I didn't become obsessed with webcomics overnight. At some point a few years back, an old college friend introduced me to webcomics by sending me a link to the site SomethingPositive.net and the webcomic "Something Positive" by RK Milholland. This is not just another 4 panel comic strip, and it's certainly not for kids.
Something Positive is edgy, funny, and because it isn't available in print, solely on the web, it could deal with adult topics with frankness, humor and sarcasm I had never seen in comic form. Something Positive opened my eyes to what comics could be - sharp, always funny, sometimes mean, but with a weight that comes with terrible decisions that aren't quickly forgotten. SP spins stories that are meant to offend, uses coarse language to hilarious effect, and could never, ever be printed alongside Garfield or Family Circus. But then, neither Garfield nor Family Circus could make a person laugh as hard as one strip of Something Positive. And neither are as good at making you care about the characters as SP is.
As you go through 6 years of archives, you'll discover quickly that Something Positive is a comic about Davan, his gelatinous cat Choo Choo Bear, and his two best friends, PeeJee and Aubrey. They live in Boston and deal with daily difficulties of the world around them, sometimes better than others. Davan's perpetually gloomy, PeeJee is hopelessly romantic and Aubrey is practical to the point of making money off of other people's problems. They torture each other a little out of love, participate in some of the strangest plays (their latest theatrical effort: "Re-Animator: The Musical") and help each other deal with some difficult situations.
The first SP comic sets the tone for the whole series: Davan talks with PeeJee about a baby shower gift he's gotten for an ex-girlfriend who cheated on him. The gift will shock you and, if you're the sort of person who might have had a similar experience, will make you wish you thought of it yourself.
At the same time as Milholland writes these shocking gags, you come to discover that Aubrey and Davan are still haunted by the memory of a childhood friend whose suicide still lingers in their thoughts. You learn about PeeJee's obsessive crush on her gay friend Jhim. You begin to care about the relationship between Aubrey and her boyfriend Jason, and you get to see dozens of other peripheral characters emerge in their own sometimes silly story lines. There's a lot to like about this comic strip, and a huge archive to bring you up to speed. Something Positive is updated frequently throughout the week on an irregular schedule, so make a point to bookmark it and check it out each day.
Some have argued that the golden age of comics ended long ago. With the advent of webcomics and the innovation of comic artists like Milholland, we are seeing a new revival of smart, mature independant comics through the power of the web. Don't be that person who is missing out.
I didn't become obsessed with webcomics overnight. At some point a few years back, an old college friend introduced me to webcomics by sending me a link to the site SomethingPositive.net and the webcomic "Something Positive" by RK Milholland. This is not just another 4 panel comic strip, and it's certainly not for kids.
Something Positive is edgy, funny, and because it isn't available in print, solely on the web, it could deal with adult topics with frankness, humor and sarcasm I had never seen in comic form. Something Positive opened my eyes to what comics could be - sharp, always funny, sometimes mean, but with a weight that comes with terrible decisions that aren't quickly forgotten. SP spins stories that are meant to offend, uses coarse language to hilarious effect, and could never, ever be printed alongside Garfield or Family Circus. But then, neither Garfield nor Family Circus could make a person laugh as hard as one strip of Something Positive. And neither are as good at making you care about the characters as SP is.
As you go through 6 years of archives, you'll discover quickly that Something Positive is a comic about Davan, his gelatinous cat Choo Choo Bear, and his two best friends, PeeJee and Aubrey. They live in Boston and deal with daily difficulties of the world around them, sometimes better than others. Davan's perpetually gloomy, PeeJee is hopelessly romantic and Aubrey is practical to the point of making money off of other people's problems. They torture each other a little out of love, participate in some of the strangest plays (their latest theatrical effort: "Re-Animator: The Musical") and help each other deal with some difficult situations.
The first SP comic sets the tone for the whole series: Davan talks with PeeJee about a baby shower gift he's gotten for an ex-girlfriend who cheated on him. The gift will shock you and, if you're the sort of person who might have had a similar experience, will make you wish you thought of it yourself.
At the same time as Milholland writes these shocking gags, you come to discover that Aubrey and Davan are still haunted by the memory of a childhood friend whose suicide still lingers in their thoughts. You learn about PeeJee's obsessive crush on her gay friend Jhim. You begin to care about the relationship between Aubrey and her boyfriend Jason, and you get to see dozens of other peripheral characters emerge in their own sometimes silly story lines. There's a lot to like about this comic strip, and a huge archive to bring you up to speed. Something Positive is updated frequently throughout the week on an irregular schedule, so make a point to bookmark it and check it out each day.
Some have argued that the golden age of comics ended long ago. With the advent of webcomics and the innovation of comic artists like Milholland, we are seeing a new revival of smart, mature independant comics through the power of the web. Don't be that person who is missing out.
Ladies in Little Black Dresses: A Guy's Survival Guide to Shopping with Girls
Gentlemen, have you ever gone dress shopping with your girlfriend/S.O./Spouse? This past weekend I helped my girlfriend and her friend seek out little black dresses at the mall. In those 4 hours, they managed to find two dresses, one bag and a pair of shoes.
I managed to stay awake.
The most important thing when it comes to being a guy on a shopping trip with the lady in his life is that there be somewhere to sit, something to do and someplace else within the shop to browse while killing time. These rankings are based on those criteria.
J C Penneys: Pretty Much as Expected
Listening to some good classic 90's alternative like Gin Blossoms made the store pleasant to be inside. Parking outside the door was convenient and there were lots of men's clothes to look at that we passed on our way to start dress shopping. My girlfriend's friend found a couple dresses she tried on but couldn't find one that she liked. I waited outside the dressing room in a creaking chair, wondering what company could possibly think making clothes for women under the name "Sag Harbor" would be a good idea. The chair was facing away from the dressing room, obviously meant for either other fellas like me or women waiting for an open room. Even still, Penney's should check to see that the chair gets repaired before the next large-ish man waits for his S.O. to finish trying on clothes. On the whole it's what you think shopping would be like.
Macy's: Also Pretty Much as Expected.
As I waited for the ladies in the changing room, I found a comfortable chair to sit in with arms and a padded back. It was within eyesight of the dressing room so the girlfriend could beckon me over when she needed an opinion, but it was far enough away that I didn't feel like some creepy leering dude. The music was inoffensive older-skewing stuff I'd mostly never heard before. The menswear is downstairs and I didn't really see anything else in the store that caught my attention, so I just sat and waited. The dress selection wasn't very large for the non-petite, but one of the ladies found something acceptable. She put it on hold and we moved on.
Bergners: Meh
We get into Bergners and the girls have plenty of dress options to try out. They're pretty excited, but the line to wait for a dressing room is inordinately long. Looking around, I also notice no seating area for waiting gentlemen, so we head to another dressing room. There, too, a long line and no seat. We head over to Juniors where we find an open waiting room and a little stool to sit on. I ask a very polite and friendly cashier for a pen and turn around to find that someone has run off with my stool! So now I'm standing in the Juniors section among the Apple Bottom jeans, waiting outside the dressing room. That's just awkward. On the upside, my girlfriend finds a great dress on sale and we head back to Women's to put it on hold. Beneath the "At Your Service" sign at checkout there's nobody actually providing service, though, and the few ladies waiting before us are getting impatient. My girlfriend takes this as the cue to go Shoe Shopping! At least there are chairs in the shoes section. I ask the nice young lady at the shoes checkout when the clerks will return to the Women's clothing service counter across the way and they call for assistance. Meanwhile, the girls are enjoying trying out shoes which is fine till my girlfriend spots Jellies. Finally, there are actually clerks at the "At Your Service" desk and we put the dress on hold, heading out into the mall for a couple more stops. In the Plus column, Bergner's at least had some men's clothes to look at in passing.
Dress Barn: Not Man Friendly
Dress Barn had quite a few dresses for the girls to check out, and our friend found a good one while we were there. The girlfriend also found a purse she liked on sale. There were folding chairs for ladies who were waiting for the dressing rooms, but there was absolutely no place for men to sit and nothing interesting to look at. The music ranged from Matchbox 20 (which is fine) to Shania Twain (*sigh*). There's really no reason for a guy to venture into Dress Barn.
The girlfriend decided on the dress she found at Bergners and we hit the food court for some much needed ice cream. Then we went searching for shoes at -
Sears: Pretty Much Man Friendly
Alright, this might be a bit of a cop-out because by this time we were only Shoe Shopping and I hadn't seen a store selling shoes that didn't have comfortable seats. That said, the very cusiony vinyl chairs at Sears did tend to make you feel as though you were going to slide off the edge of them at any time. Even still, it was nice to sit down after standing for far too long. The girlfriend found herself an excellent pair of cute and comfortable shoes on sale and, after finding a checkout line that wasn't too long, we were in and out of the store in a pretty short time. Sears has always stood out as Man Friendly, though, because of it's plentiful supply of electronics, tools and clothes to keep guys busy and distracted.
This experiment went pretty much as expected, but it reaffirms what I already thought I knew. Fellas, if you're with the ladies and they're shopping for dresses, go hang out in the men's section if you can. And if there is no men's section - go check out Game Stop. At very least, find a spot to take a nap in a chair in the Shoes department.
I managed to stay awake.
The most important thing when it comes to being a guy on a shopping trip with the lady in his life is that there be somewhere to sit, something to do and someplace else within the shop to browse while killing time. These rankings are based on those criteria.
J C Penneys: Pretty Much as Expected
Listening to some good classic 90's alternative like Gin Blossoms made the store pleasant to be inside. Parking outside the door was convenient and there were lots of men's clothes to look at that we passed on our way to start dress shopping. My girlfriend's friend found a couple dresses she tried on but couldn't find one that she liked. I waited outside the dressing room in a creaking chair, wondering what company could possibly think making clothes for women under the name "Sag Harbor" would be a good idea. The chair was facing away from the dressing room, obviously meant for either other fellas like me or women waiting for an open room. Even still, Penney's should check to see that the chair gets repaired before the next large-ish man waits for his S.O. to finish trying on clothes. On the whole it's what you think shopping would be like.
Macy's: Also Pretty Much as Expected.
As I waited for the ladies in the changing room, I found a comfortable chair to sit in with arms and a padded back. It was within eyesight of the dressing room so the girlfriend could beckon me over when she needed an opinion, but it was far enough away that I didn't feel like some creepy leering dude. The music was inoffensive older-skewing stuff I'd mostly never heard before. The menswear is downstairs and I didn't really see anything else in the store that caught my attention, so I just sat and waited. The dress selection wasn't very large for the non-petite, but one of the ladies found something acceptable. She put it on hold and we moved on.
Bergners: Meh
We get into Bergners and the girls have plenty of dress options to try out. They're pretty excited, but the line to wait for a dressing room is inordinately long. Looking around, I also notice no seating area for waiting gentlemen, so we head to another dressing room. There, too, a long line and no seat. We head over to Juniors where we find an open waiting room and a little stool to sit on. I ask a very polite and friendly cashier for a pen and turn around to find that someone has run off with my stool! So now I'm standing in the Juniors section among the Apple Bottom jeans, waiting outside the dressing room. That's just awkward. On the upside, my girlfriend finds a great dress on sale and we head back to Women's to put it on hold. Beneath the "At Your Service" sign at checkout there's nobody actually providing service, though, and the few ladies waiting before us are getting impatient. My girlfriend takes this as the cue to go Shoe Shopping! At least there are chairs in the shoes section. I ask the nice young lady at the shoes checkout when the clerks will return to the Women's clothing service counter across the way and they call for assistance. Meanwhile, the girls are enjoying trying out shoes which is fine till my girlfriend spots Jellies. Finally, there are actually clerks at the "At Your Service" desk and we put the dress on hold, heading out into the mall for a couple more stops. In the Plus column, Bergner's at least had some men's clothes to look at in passing.
Dress Barn: Not Man Friendly
Dress Barn had quite a few dresses for the girls to check out, and our friend found a good one while we were there. The girlfriend also found a purse she liked on sale. There were folding chairs for ladies who were waiting for the dressing rooms, but there was absolutely no place for men to sit and nothing interesting to look at. The music ranged from Matchbox 20 (which is fine) to Shania Twain (*sigh*). There's really no reason for a guy to venture into Dress Barn.
The girlfriend decided on the dress she found at Bergners and we hit the food court for some much needed ice cream. Then we went searching for shoes at -
Sears: Pretty Much Man Friendly
Alright, this might be a bit of a cop-out because by this time we were only Shoe Shopping and I hadn't seen a store selling shoes that didn't have comfortable seats. That said, the very cusiony vinyl chairs at Sears did tend to make you feel as though you were going to slide off the edge of them at any time. Even still, it was nice to sit down after standing for far too long. The girlfriend found herself an excellent pair of cute and comfortable shoes on sale and, after finding a checkout line that wasn't too long, we were in and out of the store in a pretty short time. Sears has always stood out as Man Friendly, though, because of it's plentiful supply of electronics, tools and clothes to keep guys busy and distracted.
This experiment went pretty much as expected, but it reaffirms what I already thought I knew. Fellas, if you're with the ladies and they're shopping for dresses, go hang out in the men's section if you can. And if there is no men's section - go check out Game Stop. At very least, find a spot to take a nap in a chair in the Shoes department.
David Lowery's Oddly Named Bands
A few years ago, a friend and I ventured into Chicago to a bar called The Abbey to see an old favorite band of mine Camper Van Beethoven. Featuring lead singer David Lowery, backed by a band that included a soulful violin played by Johnathan Segel, CVB is best known for their versions of "Take the Skinheads Bowling" and "Pictures of Matchstick Men." While I thoroughly enjoyed those two songs back in the 80s, seeing CVB perform live reintroduced me to a wider range of original songs. "Sweethearts," a song about President Reagan written during his terms in office, name checks Dixon, IL and is written from a place of fear - fear of the cold war and the American leader with his finger on the button. (One wonders how Lowery would have written the song about our current President). Songs like "Big Dipper" and "All Her Favorite Fruits" made for an introspective contrast to the boastful "When I Win the Lottery" and the crowd pleaser "Flowers." Dour, soulful, sometimes angry, sometimes funny, Camper Van Beethoven played original songs from their widely known Key Lime Pie and Telephone Free Landslide Victory records, covers of Fleetwood Mac's "Tusk," a couple newer songs, and a few songs from Lowery's other band, Cracker.
Cracker, like Camper Van Beethoven, have several CDs of original Alternative songs that draw a line between rock and country. Best known for their hits "Low" and "Teen Angst(What the World Needs Now)" Cracker's last album on their Virgin Records label in 2003 was a series of covers of Country songs from Waylon Jennings to Merle Haggard.
Currently, Cracker is touring in support of their latest release, "Greenland." You can catch them in Chicago on Saturday, August 25th at Flavor Fest in Jonquil Park 1023 W. Wrightwood Ave. While you're there, sample organic foods, see some cooking demos with area chefs, and catch another 80's favorite - Flock of Seagulls. There's a $5 donation requested at the festival.
Cracker, like Camper Van Beethoven, have several CDs of original Alternative songs that draw a line between rock and country. Best known for their hits "Low" and "Teen Angst(What the World Needs Now)" Cracker's last album on their Virgin Records label in 2003 was a series of covers of Country songs from Waylon Jennings to Merle Haggard.
Currently, Cracker is touring in support of their latest release, "Greenland." You can catch them in Chicago on Saturday, August 25th at Flavor Fest in Jonquil Park 1023 W. Wrightwood Ave. While you're there, sample organic foods, see some cooking demos with area chefs, and catch another 80's favorite - Flock of Seagulls. There's a $5 donation requested at the festival.
Brew and View at Krypto Lounge
Last Sunday night I wandered downtown to Kryptonite after hearing about the Kryptonite Brew and View. They were playing two Tim Burton classics - Big Fish and Edward Scissorhands. Many people have a fond memory of Edward Scissorhands, complete with the quirky sets, unique hairstyles, bright colors and the excellence of Johnny Depp. Fewer, however, are as familiar with the amazing tall tale of an old salesman's life as portrayed by Albert Finney and, as his younger self, Ewan McGregor in Big Fish - one of my all-time favorite films.
Heading down to Kryptonite on a Sunday, I wasn't certain what to expect. I walked in at 7pm and spotted a couple familiar faces playing the classic Chinese game "Go" who invited me to sit down and play a game or two. They tell me about a group of Go players that meet on Sundays for a series of games, occasional tournaments and discussing game strategy.
As we play our last game, the first movie begins and people slowly stream into the bar, order a drink or two, and settle into the soft seats around the plasma screen. In all, twenty or thirty kids from 25 to 30 come to see both shows. It's a good atmosphere, people generally chatty between movies, friendly but polite enough not to talk over the film.
If you're looking for something to do on a Sunday evening, check out Brew and View at Kryptonite - you can find their schedule at www.kryptonitebar.com. It's a good place to enjoy a beer and watch a movie with friends. Also, if you're going to be downtown at On The Waterfront this weekend, stop in at Kryptonite on Saturday night and check out Dave Tamkin.
Heading down to Kryptonite on a Sunday, I wasn't certain what to expect. I walked in at 7pm and spotted a couple familiar faces playing the classic Chinese game "Go" who invited me to sit down and play a game or two. They tell me about a group of Go players that meet on Sundays for a series of games, occasional tournaments and discussing game strategy.
As we play our last game, the first movie begins and people slowly stream into the bar, order a drink or two, and settle into the soft seats around the plasma screen. In all, twenty or thirty kids from 25 to 30 come to see both shows. It's a good atmosphere, people generally chatty between movies, friendly but polite enough not to talk over the film.
If you're looking for something to do on a Sunday evening, check out Brew and View at Kryptonite - you can find their schedule at www.kryptonitebar.com. It's a good place to enjoy a beer and watch a movie with friends. Also, if you're going to be downtown at On The Waterfront this weekend, stop in at Kryptonite on Saturday night and check out Dave Tamkin.
Concert Frustration
I've been fortunate this summer to see some of the biggest rock bands of the 80s and the 90s. The Police in Wrigley - I was there. Pearl Jam at Lollapalooza - I was there too. The Black Crowes at On the Waterfront - I was singing right along.
There's one glaring difference between the three big shows I've listed above, though, and that's the crowd reaction to the Black Crowes at On The Waterfront.
Reading Judy Emerson's column on September 3rd, I understand that the band opening for Daughtry named 12 Stones called out a relatively disinterested crowd on opening night of Waterfront. Chastising the crowd is a Bad Move on the part of 12 Stone, but their assessment of the crowd may have actually been correct. Their accusation might have been a sign of things to come, but there's a difference between a crowd's reaction to an opening band and the Big Show - and the crowd at the Black Crowes concert was pretty much awful. At one point, I commented to another nearby listener that "if you can hear yourself in your normal speaking voice at a rock concert, something is seriously wrong." Somehow, the people on the Great Lawn stage on Friday Night turned a hard rocking show into picnic time at the Ravinia.
It wasn't necessarily the Black Crowes fault, either. The material was polished and crisp, starting with the great road trip song "Wiser Times" featuring many excellent solos from the various band members and covering other familiar singles "Good Friday," "Jealous Again" and "Remedy." Some of the transitions were a bit weak, occasionally letting 30 seconds or more pass in silence between a few songs, but that wasn't reason enough for a crowd to lose interest. Lead singer Chris Robinson would start the above-head hand clap, but few in the crowd would follow. Friendly banter was met with indifference, and when the time came to call for the encore (with the Black Crowes' biggest hits - "She Talks to Angels" and "Hard to Handle" yet to be played) the crowd was busy looking for the exits. It's little surprise they decided to quit after playing only an obscure Fleetwood Mac cover.
If you're one of my regular readers, you're the kind of live music fans who knows that the difference between a good crowd and a bad one can be the difference between one encore and four. Live Music fans like us need to band together and teach these non-frequent concertgoers about seeing a rock show and being a good audience. The next time you bring along a reluctant friend to see a show, just give them these few bulletpoints to remember and maybe next time they'll learn what we already know about how awesome a live concert can be:
- Be Loud.
- Be Interested in the Band.
- Stay off your cell phone till after the show.
- Make plans with your friends before the show or after it, not in the middle of their set.
- When the band starts clapping, clap along with them.
- Also, be sure to clap above your head; others around you should pick up the hint.
- The show isn't over till the Crowd Lights (aka "The Ugly Lights") come on.
- Finally, the answer to every question the lead singer asks is "WOOOOOOOO!!!!!"
There's one glaring difference between the three big shows I've listed above, though, and that's the crowd reaction to the Black Crowes at On The Waterfront.
Reading Judy Emerson's column on September 3rd, I understand that the band opening for Daughtry named 12 Stones called out a relatively disinterested crowd on opening night of Waterfront. Chastising the crowd is a Bad Move on the part of 12 Stone, but their assessment of the crowd may have actually been correct. Their accusation might have been a sign of things to come, but there's a difference between a crowd's reaction to an opening band and the Big Show - and the crowd at the Black Crowes concert was pretty much awful. At one point, I commented to another nearby listener that "if you can hear yourself in your normal speaking voice at a rock concert, something is seriously wrong." Somehow, the people on the Great Lawn stage on Friday Night turned a hard rocking show into picnic time at the Ravinia.
It wasn't necessarily the Black Crowes fault, either. The material was polished and crisp, starting with the great road trip song "Wiser Times" featuring many excellent solos from the various band members and covering other familiar singles "Good Friday," "Jealous Again" and "Remedy." Some of the transitions were a bit weak, occasionally letting 30 seconds or more pass in silence between a few songs, but that wasn't reason enough for a crowd to lose interest. Lead singer Chris Robinson would start the above-head hand clap, but few in the crowd would follow. Friendly banter was met with indifference, and when the time came to call for the encore (with the Black Crowes' biggest hits - "She Talks to Angels" and "Hard to Handle" yet to be played) the crowd was busy looking for the exits. It's little surprise they decided to quit after playing only an obscure Fleetwood Mac cover.
If you're one of my regular readers, you're the kind of live music fans who knows that the difference between a good crowd and a bad one can be the difference between one encore and four. Live Music fans like us need to band together and teach these non-frequent concertgoers about seeing a rock show and being a good audience. The next time you bring along a reluctant friend to see a show, just give them these few bulletpoints to remember and maybe next time they'll learn what we already know about how awesome a live concert can be:
- Be Loud.
- Be Interested in the Band.
- Stay off your cell phone till after the show.
- Make plans with your friends before the show or after it, not in the middle of their set.
- When the band starts clapping, clap along with them.
- Also, be sure to clap above your head; others around you should pick up the hint.
- The show isn't over till the Crowd Lights (aka "The Ugly Lights") come on.
- Finally, the answer to every question the lead singer asks is "WOOOOOOOO!!!!!"
Gone Now Rockford
This blog is an archive of the Go Now articles written by Andrew Wright. These articles first appeared in the Rockford Register Star free publication Go Now.
All Rights Reserved.
All Rights Reserved.
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