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Monthly Archives: March 2014

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As Close As I Could Get…

31 Mar

They’re back, kind of.  I traveled to Las Vegas on the long-anticipated yet largely unplanned occasion of my 40th birthday, searching amidst the unruly masses for any remaining shreds of a bygone era.  Clearly such appealing elements weren’t to be found in a typical tourist’s wardrobe, as sadly enough no one dresses anymore.  In fact it’s perplexing and question-inducing when someone like yours truly actually does!  But this is beside the point.  (And not unique to Vegas, I know.)

“Back” to what I was saying:  I found them.  In case you’re looking for them too, they’re at Rio.  Boldly, stylishly and in true rambunctious form, as sure as you’ll cash out too late, The Rat Pack Is Back!  I imagined a Dean Martin Las Vegas dinner roast for my 40th, and thankfully I got as close as I could get.  Suffice to say, this “classic” performance did not disappoint.

"Dean" and me on my 40th

Friday, March 28, 2014

 

 
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Posted by on March 31, 2014 in And That's My Opinion, Famous People, Reviews, Travel

 

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40 Things….

27 Mar

As I mark this memorable day, the last full one of my 30s that is, suddenly I feel myself in the presence of some decent company.  Here’s to 40 things turning 40 this year.  Let’s make that 41.

40 at 40, some in better shape than others of course.

 
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Posted by on March 27, 2014 in Current Events, Daily Activities, News

 

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A Halt in My Step.

21 Mar

The sight of an impeccably restored and beautifully detailed– not to mention blindingly buffed– 1981 380 SLC proves more than enough to put a halt in the step of any true classic Mercedes-Benz aficionado.  So it is for yours truly, as I clearly halt in good company– with a well-deserved nod to the responsible party.

The 1981 Mercedes-Benz 380 SLC: A stunning one-year rarity.

 
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Posted by on March 21, 2014 in And That's My Opinion, Cars, History, Mercedes-Benz

 

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The Green Tradition Continues…

17 Mar

The Chicago River flowed green once again, as per tradition for the city’s famous annual Irish revelry. From Saturday’s celebrations through today’s “real” date, Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Courtesy: Lee Hogan/For Sun-Times Media  (Click for more photos.)

 
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Posted by on March 17, 2014 in Current Events, Daily Activities, News

 

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…But Yes, Gone.

16 Mar

The Ides of March this year came– and today is gone.  Doom averted yet again, you might say.  But then, one of my “oldest” friends did turn the big 4-0 yesterday, so perhaps I best think again?

Julius Caesar was told to “Beware the Ides of March” before being stabbed to death in 44 B.C.

 

 
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Posted by on March 16, 2014 in History

 

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Dead & (Soon) Gone.

07 Mar

What was I just recently saying?  Well, in the past few weeks since this further update, the visual confirmation has been steadily reconfirming itself.  One example:  The ELR commercial that played countless times during the Olympics– a well-cast and even better-scripted spot which I very much appreciate, by the way.

Wider, flatter, wreathless. (Photo: AP)

So be it.  Cadillac has made its decision.  The insignia’s wreath is dead and will soon be gone– via a slow fade into history like so much else of the original emblem.  And who knows, this newest look might just grow on me yet– and that’s really a maybe.  Meanwhile, I still miss those long-lost ducks.

 
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Posted by on March 7, 2014 in And That's My Opinion, Cars, Media

 

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Once More, Try Me.

01 Mar

J.R. is still dead, and– unlike his brother– unfortunately always will be.  The latest story arcs are just now beginning to bloom.  We the audience are thus braced for what you might call more of the same, within an epic franchise that never will be quite the same, after all.  Season three of the new “Dallas” is off and running.

By “more” I’m referring to yet another dose of convoluted yet shallow plots involving attractive though dim villains, complete with a brand-new one this time around to add to the long list.  By “never” I raise the question most loyal fans are surely asking:  Just how long will the revived series carry on without Larry Hagman?

The “Dallas” cast in 2014, sans the most famous of them all.

I said it already at the end of season two.  It’s time– or least it was then following the death of Hagman, the burial of J.R., and the ultimate explanation of his demise– to say goodbye for good.  However, TNT did indeed bring the show back for a third season.  So of course I’m watching, thinking:  “Alright. Once more, try me.”

It’s always a pleasure to see Patrick Duffy and Linda Gray in their 36-year-old characters.  And with rumors of the latest in a string of classic comebacks, I’ll be ready!  Still, without J.R. “Dallas” is not the same and never will be, despite the continued references to him and any unused footage we’ve yet to see.

Meanwhile, at least the new opening credits deserve honorable mention, nostalgic element they do of course convey.  Otherwise I’m continuing to feel a degree of exhaustion, sort of like a party that’s gone on too long. But then, I may be surprised yet!  As the Ewing’s biggest yet most realistic fan, I’d sure like to be.

 
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Posted by on March 1, 2014 in And That's My Opinion, Dallas, Television

 

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