8/17/2011

Boots Bell - Video Killed The Radio Star

And now we meet in an abandoned studio.
We hear the playback and it seems so long ago.
And you remember how the jingles used to go.
Video killed the radio star.

The Buggles had the pleasure of being the first rock band with the very first MTV music video airing August 1st, 1981. (30 years ago today) With that video, it ushered in a new culture of music, a new British invasion, and FM radio was on it’s last legs. Today, in 2011, just try to view a music video on MTV. They don’t show them anymore. The technology and viewing pattern has again changed. MTV has become reality TV. Sad, very sad.

Nowadays, with the CD player, MP3 player, On-board MyGig systems, Jump drives, streaming audio and video, and Youtube, is it any wonder that the FM radio disc jockey is almost extinct. Does anyone really listen to the radio anymore? To Kasy Kassems weekly top 40 hits? Does anyone out there know what I'm talking about?

In the 1960′s and 70′s, in my home town of Boardman, Ohio, the cool music was played on W.H.O.T. 1330 AM radio and later switched to FM in the 1970′s. Boots Bell was one of the highest profile disc jockeys in the area. He was one of the "Good Guys" on the air at W.H.O.T. The rest of the good guys were, George Barry, Smoochie Causey, Johnny Kay, Dick Thompson, and Jerry Starr.

Each DJ, (Disc jockey) had their own style and tag lines and we would tune in to not only listen to the records they would spin, but also the one liners and jargon from the DJ's. One of Boots Bells tag lines were, "Yes indeedy doody daddy."

Every week at the record store, Yes, back then people would actually go to a record store and buy their favorite 45's and albums. At the check out counter would be the W.H.O.T. Fabulous 50 Tunedex hits of the week. The only complete, accurate, and official music survey in the Youngstown, Ohio area. The list on the left is for the week of July 26th, 1965.

As only befitting, thirty years ago today, video killed the radio star. Five years ago, Youtube and Reality TV killed the video star.
You can click on the picture on the left to enlarge so you can read the top 50 tunes, or just keep reading below if your browser doesn't re-size or if you are to numbed from watching all the Teen Mom and Jersey Shore reality programs.

Top 50 From July 26, 1965
1. I’m Henry The 8th I Am – Herman’s Hermits
2. What’s New Pussycat – Tom Jones
3. Hold Me Thrill Me – Mel Carter
4. I Like It Like That – Dave Clark Five
5. Marie – The Bachelors
6. Satisfaction – Rolling Stones
7. Cara Mia – Jay & The Americans
8. Easy Question – Elvis Presley
9. All I Want To Do – The Byrds/Cher
10. Theme From A “Summer Place” – Lettermen
11. Sunshine Lollipops & Rainbows – Leslie Gore
12. Around The Corner – The Duprees
13. Seventh Son – Johnny Rivers
14. Don’t Just Stand There – Patty Duke
15. Save Your Heart For Me – Gary Lewis
16. Baby I’m Yours – Barbara Lewis
17. World Needs Love – Jackie De Shannon
18. I Want Candy – The Strangeloves
19. Sittin’ In The Park – Billy Stewart
20. You Turn Me On – Ian Whitcomb
21. Down In The Boondocks – Billy Joe Royal
22. Take Me Back – Little Anthony
23. Yes I’m Ready – Barbara Mason
24. Too Many Rivers – Brenda Lee
25. Unchained Melody – Righteous Brothers
26. Ride Your Pony – Lee Dorsey
27. Pretty Little Baby – Marvin Gaye
28. One Dyin’/It Happened That Way – Roger Miller
29. To Know You Is To Love You – Peter & Gordon
30. Moon Over Naples – Bert Kaempfert
31. Poppa’s Got A Brand New Bag – James Brown
32. You’re My Girl – Roy Orbison
33. You Better Come Home – Petula Clark
34. I’ll Always Love You – The Spinners
35. California Girls – Beach Boys
36. The Tracker – Sir Douglas Quintet
37. Same Old Song – Four Tops
38. You Tell Me Why – Beau Brummels
39. Gonna Take A Miracle – Royalettes
40. He’s Got No Love – The Searchers
41. Tracks Of My Tears – The Miracles
42. I’m A Fool – Dino, Desi & Billy
43. I Got You Babe – Sonny & Cher
44. The Loser – The Skyliners
45. Here I Am – Dionne Warwick
46. A Little You – Freddie & Dreamers
47. Ju Ju Hand – Sam The Sham
48. You’re My Baby – The Vacels
49. A Little Lovin’ – Dwain Story
50. Thru The Eyes Of Love – Gene Pitney


LURKING ON THE GRASSY KNOLL

7/24/2011

Bob Evans Bacon Cheeseburger

Bob Evans Take Out Cheeseburger
Bob Evans Take Out Cheeseburger
Just the other day I was at Steamers restaurant and had one of the best tasting cheeseburgers I have ever had. Tempting my luck, I ordered the same at Bob Evans restaurant in Youngstown yesterday.

The service was great, the waitress kind, fast, and courteous and my cheeseburger was brought out right on time. Did I mention it was take out?

So I get home and unwrap my bacon cheeseburger with fries. The burger was hot, there was bacon, and cheese, and the burger was a half pound of beef. Then I picked it up.

The bun was soggy. Not a little, but if it were a sponge, you could wring it out. Inspecting the bacon, there were two slices, and it was half cooked at best. The cheese was melted and the burger well cooked. However, upon first bite, my expectations were quashed.

I wouldn't say the taste was horrendous, but it wasn't good at all. If you ever held a hockey puck, this had the same texture, hard, round, and tasteless. Even adding fries to the top of the burger couldn't help mask the taste. Perhaps the fries would assist in this meal.
Bob Evans Fries
Bob Evans Fries
As you can see, there were not a lot of french fries with the order. For 10 dollars, I was expecting more fries. Also note the one piece of bacon hanging on the left side. The fries were hot, not soggy, not crisp, but just OK. The taste was adequate as fries go. Nothing bad, just OK. 

The take out order was packed in a white xardboard box and the burger was inside and wrapped in a foil wrapper. The fries was strewn on the bottom.

The Grassy Knoll Institute scores 2 out of 5 shots and does not recommend Bob Evans cheeseburger for dinner.


LURKING ON THE GRASSY KNOLL

7/17/2011

NFL Lockout Attributed To Alien Influence

NFL Labor Dispute Ego - Or Thought Screen Helmet
Grassy Knoll Institute operative declare Thought Screen Helmet aliens have infiltrated the NFL and caused the lockout.

As the NFL lockout stretches into the middle of July evidence it is evident that thought screen aliens have influenced both the players association and the owners for their own ulterior motives.

With no training camp, preseason games, or regular season games in 2011, football fans will look for alternative activities to fill their daily lives. Thought screen aliens believe the NFL football fan will be more easily manipulated with plenty of idle time and will telepathically push them toward other interests that the aliens need to conquer humankind.

God, please don't let the aliens be NASCAR fans.




LURKING ON THE GRASSY KNOLL

7/13/2011

Mila Kunis - Sci Fi Sexy Siren

Mila-kunis-sci-fi-sexy-siren
Mila Kunis Sexy In The 1970's
Mila Kunis, sexy star from That 70′s Show television series has grown up. Not only has she starred in Forgetting Sarah Marshal where she debuted her sexy body, but also starred in the critically acclaimed movie, Black Swan where she got dirty with Natalie Portman. Mila also oozes sexiness in her most recent film due out Friday, Friends With Benefits as she hooks up with co-star Justine Timberlake.
However, Mila lands on the Sci- Fi Sexy Sirens page for her portrayal of Solara in the post apocalyptic movie The Book Of Eli. And let us not forget her role of Mona Sax in Max Payne. Mila, I hope you reconsider your answer to the U.S. Marine to attend the ball in November.
Sci-Fi Sexy Sirens brought to you by the Grassy Knoll Institute marketing team to boost readership and placement on search engines.
Back To Sci-Fi Sexy Sirens


Lurking On The Grassy Knoll

7/09/2011

Perhaps The Worlds Best Cheeseburger

Steamers Stonewall Tavern Menu
Steamers Stonewall Tavern Menu
Patty and I visit Steamers Stone Wall Tavern often. I usually opt for the Filet or the Chicken Parm as both are excellent choices. However, tonight I felt like something different.
Steamers Rolls
Although it was semi crowded, we were seated immediately and our drink order was taken. Fresh home made rolls with plenty of butter were brought to our table. The rolls were hot, fresh, and home made. They were delicious. The rolls were a new recipe as previous dinners had standard fare rolls.
Steamers Tavern Loaded Potato Skins
Steamers Loaded Potato Skins
As an appetizer, I ordered the loaded potato wedges. Four wedges of baked potato loaded with melted cheese and bacon bits. As potato wedges go, these were standard fare. Plenty of cheese, enough bacon, and they were baked just right. i hate when they are burnt and become brittle.
Perhaps The Best Cheeseburger
Perhaps The Best Cheeseburger
This is perhaps the best cheeseburger I have tasted. And believe me, I have had a cheeseburger or two hundred. Steamers began with a half pound premium Angus beef. I selected mine well done, and it was cooked perfectly. I added American cheese and bacon as additions. The bun was big, fresh, and like the rolls, home made. I ordered french fries as a side but also as a secret topping.

Ever since I was a little kid, and we’re talking 45 years ago, I have been adding french fries to my hamburgers. (Some people know this as the Big Pittsburgh) Let it be McDonalds, Burger King, Mr. Wheelers, Burger Chef, Eddie’s Grill, Old Firehouse Winery, etc, etc. French fries complete the burger ensemble. I suggest you try this concoction on your next burger, it will be worth it. I guarantee it.

Like I was saying, this cheeseburger was the perfect storm. The taste was excellent, hot juicy, the fries doing their job combining with the bun and meat to add that extra flavor to put it over the top. The cost was $8.25 for the burger, $6.00 for the loaded potatoes, $2.00 for the side of fries, $2.00 for the diet Pepsi. $18.25 without tip.

After this entry, I must now re-evaluate the top burger choices in the near future. I will keep you posted.

The Grassy Knoll Institute scores 5 out of 5 shots and recommends the Steamers Cheeseburger for dinner.
               


LURKING ON THE GRASSY KNOLL

6/28/2011

Zeppe's Pizza - Geneva On The Lake

Zeppe's Pizza Geneva
Geneva On The Lake had a new lunch and dinner offering for the summer of 2010. Introducing Zeppe’s Pizza Parlor. Located on the main strip, Zeppe’s is a no frills style parlor. Basically, it is a pavillion with an oven and counter.
A Slice Of Geneva
Being in a pizza joint, of course I ordered a slice of their finest. At $2.50 per slice I was expecting a large piece of pizza. Instead, I received the slice pictured above. Now don’t get me wrong, the pizza was hot, fresh, and the taste was adequate for a temporary fast food joint, but there were several other pizza options on the strip to compete with with Eddie’s Grill and Capo Pizza close by.

All in all, Zeppo’s pizza was good. However, I will be shocked to see it open this Summer season.

The Grassy Knoll Diner scores 2.5 out of 5 shots and recommends Zeppo’s Pizza for lunch or dinner.


LURKING ON THE GRASSY KNOLL

6/17/2011

Deborah Ann Woll - True Blood Sexy Siren

deborah-ann-woll-sexy-teenage-vampire
Deborah Ann Woll - True Blood Sexy Teenage Vampire
Sexy 26 year old Deborah Ann Woll plays teen-aged vampire Jessica Hamby on the wildly popular HBO series, True Blood. Jessica was turned by vampire Bill Compton after a showdown with the vampire magistrate. Jessica was raised a very strict Christian, hence, a 17 year old virgin now sexually crazed vampire.
Deborah’s career has taken off since True Blood as she is in production with five other projects in 2011 alone. Enjoy the sexy vampire Jessica and watch season four of True Blood premiering June 26th, 9pm on HBO.
Sci-Fi Sexy Sirens brought to you by the Grassy Knoll Institute marketing team to boost readership and placement on search engines.

Lurking On The Grassy Knoll

6/14/2011

Uptown Pizza Chicken Wings

Uptown Pizza Chicken Wings
Uptown Pizza Chicken Wings
Uptown Pizza in Boardman, Ohio has more than just pizza. They also have wings. I ordered 6 wings cost was $4.49 but beware if you order anything else with them. I called and placed an order for pickup for a pizza and wings. The dude told me 30 minutes. Cool, no problem. I waited the 25 minutes since Uptown is only five minutes away from me. I walked in and announced my name, (Grassy Knoll) and the counter employee looked at my receipt and said just a few more minutes. 

Waiting at the counter I saw something move on the ceiling. Don't panic, it wasn't bugs or snakes, but water. It was raining outside and now it was raining inside. Not just a drop or two, but the flow would fill a bucket in a few minutes. (If there was a bucket) I carefully moved my pizza away from the rain that was dropping on the counter. Nothing worth than a wet pizza. My wings were finished and the employee rang up (Not wrung out) my pizza order and I was on my way. As stated before, the pizza was well cooked, and dry. No rain. Sauce and cheese plentiful. Still a little greasy. The wings well cooked and crunchy batter. Good tasting. A little pricey but hey what pizza shop boasts an indoor waterfall. 

 The Grassy Knoll Diner scores 3 out of 5 shots and recommends Uptown Pizza for dinner. Just bring your raincoat.


LURKING ON THE GRASSY KNOLL