archie bell-Mick Sway-flickr

Tighten Up was recorded by Archie Bell and the Drells, released, and by the time it hit #1 on this date in 1968, Archie was in a U.S. Army hospital recovering from being shot in the leg in Vietnam. As he recovered, he did his best to convince people that the song they heard on the radio was his!

Jimmy Webb (primarywavemusic.com)

Here is my favorite Jimmy Webb song.

Zombie Doll maker, Richard Smithhart (Richard Smithhart)

At the Smithhart house, teenage guys can be found rounding up salvaged dolls….But wait…teenager guys playing with dolls? Well, they’re not playing with them, they’re modifying them.  Specifically, modifying the dolls into Zombie Dolls! Richard Smithhart, single Dad of seven youngsters,  spearheads the Zombie Doll making operation at his house, south of Okland City, Indiana.  The teenaged boys help out their Dad on occasion when there is an event or opportunity for the Zombie Dolls to be on display or sold.  Saturday, May 19th Richard and sons will take the Zombie Dolls to “Zombie Day at Old Union Church.” The event will feature firing ranges and mock-ups of home invasions, according to  The Reverend Baret Fawbush.  “We will be shooting zombies (paper targets)… all day long” says Fawbush.  The event starts at 10 am Saturday, at Old Union Christian Church, 10017 South State Rd. 165, Poseyville IN 47633

stevie-flckr

Saturday, May 19 Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari will host the JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes again this year.  The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the world’s largest worldwide organization dedicated to finding a cure for diabetes,  is helping to accelerate diabetes research and getting closer to a cure every day.  Can you help?  Click the link above to donate or to support a walker.  Payton’s Pirates is one local team you can sponsor.

Paramount Pictures / Universal Pictures / Lionsgate

This weekend, you’ll have your choice between a goofy comedy, watching things blow up, and a tale about the joys and perils of new parenthood.

In ‘The Dictator,’ Sacha Baron Cohen stars as the title character who risked his life to ensure that democracy would never come to the country he so lovingly oppressed.

Based on the classic board game, ‘Battleship’ is an epic action-adventure that unfolds across the seas, in the skies and over land as our planet fights for survival against a superior force.

And ‘What to Expect When You’re Expecting,’ inspired by the self-help book of the same name, tells the story of a group of expectant parents dealing with the surprise demands of pregnancy.

Here’s a sneak peek.

‘The Dictator’

Directed by: Larry Charles
Starring: Sacha Baron Cohen, Anna Faris, Ben Kingsley, Jason Mantzoukas
Get Tickets & Showtimes

‘Battleship’

Directed by: Peter Berg
Starring: Taylor Kitsch, Alexander Skarsgård, Rihanna, Brooklyn Decker, Tadanobu Asano, Hamish Linklater, Liam Neeson
Get Tickets & Showtimes

‘What to Expect When You’re Expecting’

Directed by: Kirk Jones
Starring: Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Elizabeth Banks, Chace Crawford, Brooklyn Decker, Ben Falcone, Anna Kendrick, Matthew J. Morrison
Get Tickets & Showtimes

Andy Lyons, Ian Walton, Brett Deering / Getty Images

Another leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown, Europe’s biggest annual soccer event and the NBA and NHL playoffs highlight this weekend’s sports schedule:

Friday, May 18

Baltimore Orioles at Washington Nationals

Nationals Park, Washington, DC; 7:05 p.m. EDT; MASN
Despite the teams’ close geographic proximity to one another, an interleague rivalry has never developed between the Baltimore Orioles and Washington Nationals. While each team is normally near the bottom of their respective divisions, the Orioles and Nationals should both be in first place as they open a three-game series in Washington. Jake Arrieta (2-4) takes the mound for Baltimore, while Edwin Jackson (1-1) gets the start for Washington.

Boston Celtics at Philadelphia 76ers

Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA; 8 p.m. EDT; ESPN
Behind a dominant performance from veteran center Kevin Garnett, Boston beat Philadelphia, 107-91, in Game 3 of this NBA Eastern Conference semifinal series on Wednesday night. The Celtics now have a 2-1 series lead heading into Game 4 on Friday. The 76ers need guards Evan Turner and Jodie Meeks to score more often, if they are to tie this series up as it heads back to Boston next week.

Oklahoma City Thunder at Los Angeles Lakers

Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA; 10:30 p.m. EDT; ESPN
After winning the first two games of this NBA Western Conference semifinal series, Oklahoma City heads west to play the Lakers in a very busy weekend for the Staples Center (the Clippers and the NHL’s Kings will also host playoff games at the arena this weekend). The Thunder have already demonstrated that they can win both close games and blowouts in this series. If someone other than Kobe Bryant doesn’t step up for Los Angeles, the Lakers may not survive the weekend thanks to the spectacular play of Oklahoma City’s Kevin Durant. Game 4 is set for Saturday at 10:30 p.m. in Los Angeles. TNT will broadcast that contest.

Saturday, May 19

New York Rangers at New Jersey Devils

Prudential Center, Newark, NJ; 1 p.m. EDT; NBC
With a 3-2 win on the road at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday, the New Jersey Devils have stolen home ice advantage from the New York Rangers in the NHL’s Eastern Conference finals. The teams will meet in Game 3 with the Devils hoping that veteran goalie Martin Brodeur continues to stonewall the Rangers. New York goalie Henrik Lundqvist has come up with an impressive performance each time his team has needed a lift in this postseason. He will be called on to do so again.

Chelsea at Bayern Munich

Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany; 2:45 p.m. EDT; FOX
Europe’s top soccer clubs will duel in the 2012 UEFA Champions League final, an event which attracts more global viewers than the Super Bowl. Known by its royal blue color, Chelsea has won three Premier League titles, two League Cup titles and four FA Cup titles since demanding owner Roman Abramovich took over the franchise in 2003. However, Chelsea has never won the UEFA Champions League crown in its 107-year history. Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo will have to overcome the absence of captain John Terry, defender Branislav Ivanovic and midfielder Raul Meireles. Bayern Munich, Germany’s most successful club, has won 22 national titles. They’ll be the underdog on the pitch Saturday, but they could surprise given Chelsea’s injuries.

The Preakness Stakes

Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore, MD; 6:18 p.m.; NBC
Trainer Doug O’Neill will have Kentucky Derby winner I’ll Have Another ready to run the 137th Preakness Stakes on Saturday at Pimlico outside Baltimore, but it’s Derby runner-up Bodemeister that is the early favorite at 8-5 odds. Eleven horses will compete in the storied race. If I’ll Have Another can come away with another win, the horse will race for the Triple Crown at the Belmont Stakes on June 9. The last Triple Crown winner was Affirmed in 1978.

Boston Red Sox at Philadelphia Phillies

Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA; 7:15 p.m. EDT; FOX
Though both teams entered 2012 with World Series hopes and loads of baseball talent, injuries and poor play have left both the Phillies and the Red Sox in last place in their respective divisions. They’ll try to get things turned around on Fox’s national game of the week. Boston will send Jon Lester (2-3) to the mound to shut down a Phillies lineup that has had difficulty working deep into counts and scoring runs. Philadelphia counters with Joe Blanton (2-3), who will attempt to keep Boston’s bats quiet.

NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race

Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord, NC; 7 p.m. EDT; Speed
NASCAR’s version of an all-star game, the Sprint All-Star Race invites winning drivers from 2011 and 2012, plus the past 10 event winners and Cup Series champs, to square off for 90 laps in pursuit of $1 million, but no points are awarded toward a Sprint Cup title. The 28th (XXVIII) edition of the race will have five segments: four 20-lap runs and a 10-lap sprint. The leaders of each individual segment will be allowed to pit prior to the 10-lap final, giving those drivers an edge in lining up best for the last 10 laps and the million-dollar purse. Greg Biffle, the circuit’s hottest racer, is the favorite to win.

Sunday, May 20

Phoenix Coyotes at Los Angeles Kings

Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA; 3 p.m.; NBC
Already up 2-0 in the NHL’s Western Conference finals heading into Thursday’s Game 3, the Kings could be going for the sweep come Sunday. Los Angeles goalie Jonathan Quick has been nothing short of dominant, as the Kings have a 10-1 record this postseason. Phoenix may lose center Martin Hanzal to a suspension for his boarding penalty on Los Angeles captain Dustin Brown late in Game 2. Phoenix could be at an extreme disadvantage against Quick if Hanzal, who is the Coyotes’ first-line center, can’t play on Sunday.

Miami Heat at Indiana Pacers

Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN; 3:30 p.m. EDT; ABC
This NBA Eastern Conference semifinal series is tied at a game apiece heading into Thursday night’s game in Indianapolis. If the Pacers can defeat Miami, which is without injured center Chris Bosh, they may get Heat superstars LeBron James and Dwayne Wade into panic mode on Sunday. Indiana plays solid interior defense and uses a balanced scoring attack. Forward David West has led the Pacers in scoring in both games of the series thus far.

St. Louis Cardinals at Los Angeles Dodgers

Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA; 8:05 p.m. EDT; ESPN
In what should be a battle of two National League division leaders, the defending world champion Cardinals conclude a three-game series in Los Angeles. Kyle Lohse (5-1) gets the start for St. Louis. He’ll try to shut down a Dodgers’ lineup that is without Matt Kemp, Juan Uribe and Juan Rivera. Los Angeles starter Chad Billingsley (2-3) must be careful when pitching to hot-hitting St. Louis outfielder Carlos Beltran. He leads the National League in home runs with 13.

San Antonio Spurs at Los Angeles Clippers

Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA; 10:30 p.m. EDT; TNT
The Clippers dropped Game 1 of this NBA Western Conference semi-final series on Tuesday. With Game 2 set for Thursday and Game 3 on Saturday afternoon (3:30 p.m. EDT; ABC-TV), Los Angeles could easily be down 3-0 by Sunday night. San Antonio has won 15 games in a row and looks nearly unstoppable behind point guard Tony Parker and veteran big man Tim Duncan. Los Angeles needs superstars Chris Paul and Blake Griffin to rise to the occasion, or this could be their last game of 2012.

If you are planning to take part in this weekend’s Newburgh Wine, Art, and Jazz Festival, you are going to need to sharpen your chops. We cannot have you showing up there later babbling about how you used to drink Boones Farm and Wild Irish Rose. No sir, once you start talking that kind of nonsense that close to the river your chances of being tossed right over the edge increase exponentially.

Consider this your crash course in Indiana Wineries. Plan on seeing these five make an appearance in Newburgh this weekend. Take notes if you need to, and be sure to follow the wine tasting tips to help you fit in.

Wine Tasting Tip #1: After tasting any red wine at the festival, tell the winery representative, and anyone else that will listen, that their wine would go great with linguine and lobster, or a medium rare steak and Mediterranean salad. Also, tell them that their wine tastes like it would go great with Miles Davis’ record “Kind of Blue.” They will wet themselves!

Easley Winery Fun Facts:

• Jack and Joan Easley began as a dream in the late 1960’s.
• Jack was an attorney.
• Joan owned a market research business.
• After finding out it was illegal to make and sell wine in Indiana, they bought a small vineyard in southern Michigan.
• Jack and Joan helped organize the Indiana Wine Grower’s Guild, which would serve to change Indiana law’s.
• In 1971, the Indiana laws were changed to allow wineries.
• Easley Winery had its first grape crush in 1974.
• Easley Winery offers 20 or more wines and champagnes.

Wine Tasting Tip # 2: When tasting any white wine, do so with the air of skepticism. Do not admit to liking it, even if you do, and tell the winery representative that you would prefer to try something redder and dryer. Tell them that the only time you really drink white wine is when one of your less educated relatives brings a bottle to a family function and insists that you try it. They will know you are serious about wine.

Oliver Winery Fun Facts:

• Indiana University law professor William Oliver started this winery in the 1960’s.
• Professor Oliver was instrumental in passing legislation allowing for the creation of small wineries in Indiana.
• Professor Oliver’s son, Bill, took charge of the winery in 1983.
• Major expansion occurred in 2002 and 2007 making Oliver Winery one of the largest wineries in the eastern United States.

Wine Tasting Tip #3: Absolutely refuse to try any of the sweet wines or table wines. No self-respecting wine connoisseur drinks these…not ever! There are rumors going around that these types of wines are made for the sole purpose of separating real wine drinkers from the part-timers. Don’t drink them!

Blue Heron Vineyard Fun Facts:

• Greg Harris is a local sculptor and Renaissance man.
• Greg carved a High Celtic Cross on the Blue Heron Vineyard property.
• Greg spent 23 months carving this piece, working 6 days a week from morning until dark.
• Their wine “Prime 23” is a tribute to the work that went into the Celtic cross. 23 months. It leans 23 degrees.

Wine Tasting Tip #4: When tasting any red wine (that’s not a sweet red) tell the winery representative that their wine has “an elegant depth”, yet not so much that you couldn’t enjoy it with a really good pizza. They will thrive off that comment the entire weekend!

French Lick Winery Fun Facts:

• Established in 1995
• Located in the former Kimball Piano Factory in West Baden, Indiana.
• Have received over 250 medals in state, national and international competitions.
• Owned by John and Kim Doty

Wine Tasting Tip #5: When asked to try a Chardonnay or Merlot, politely decline and say, “I think we can do better than that.” You will come across like an old pro!

Grateful Goat Winery Fun Facts:

• Officially opened in 2010
• Smallest winery in the state of Indiana
• In addition to wine, they carry local specialty food items such as goat milk soap, grilling sauces, and bread mixes.
• The owners, John and Lindsay also collect quartz crystals from Mt. Ida, Arkansas.

So now you have some fun facts and a few exceptional wine tasting tips to help guide you along the way this weekend. You’re going to do great. Just remember when all else fails, stick to dry red wines and make a “yuck face” when someone offers you a white. Your time has come. Go get em’ tiger!

ray stevens-Epiclectic-flickr

While you most likely can name at least one Ray Stevens song, do you remember seeing him on the Andy Williams TV show?  Maybe you remember Ray’s own TV show in the summer of 1970.  Whether or not your memory serves you well, Ray was undoubtedly the #1 novelty recording artist of the rock era.  The Streak became a #1 song on this date in 1974.  (From Songfacts.com:) Stevens was inspired to write this after reading an article about streaking, which was a fad among college students where they would run around naked in public.

LAS VEGAS, NV - OCTOBER 01: Singer Donna Summer performs during the David Foster and Friends concert at the Mandalay Bay Events Center October 1, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

A long battle with cancer has claimed the life of the Queen of Disco, Donna Summer.

Summer, was trying to keep the severity of her illness a secret.  Friends say the iconic singer and songwriter was working on an album that she hoped to finish in the coming months.

Donna Summer become an overnight superstar in the 70′s with number 1 hits like “Last Dance”, “Hot Stuff”, and “Bad Girls”.

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And, our biggest rival, the Ft. Wayne Komets, are also switching to the ECHL.

Single game prices will remain the same but with the additional home games the season tickets will cost a little more.

Julie Michaels' mowing attire (julie michaels)

Mowing can be a real pain in the… respiratory system.  Even after trying over-the-counter and prescribed allergy med’s, and inhalers, I was still having difficulty breathing while mowing.  Finally, I reluctantly decided to try a simple dust mask.  Oh, the marketing terminology for this item is “Particulate Respirator face mask.” Mine were purchased at Dollar General for cost-savings purposes.  And the results…. WOW!!!  They Work!!! No more med’s.  Now I just put on my Particulate Respirator face mask , and

• gloves for hand protection,

• hat for blocking the sun,

• long sleeved shirt and long pants for skin protection,

• sunglasses

….and Shuh-zam! I’ve transformed into a Richard Petty-Michael Jackson mowing hybrid.

Cal Campbell, Shannon Campbell, Ashley Campbell, Kim Campbell, Glen Campbell, Rep. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Harry Johns, Jane Seymour, James Keach and guest. (washingtonscene.thehill.com)

My favorite performer of all time, Glen Campbell put his guitar and golf clubs aside to take care of business on Capitol Hill. An article in “The Washington Scene” describes the event:

The television, movie, and music legend “came to Capitol Hill Tuesday along with this family wife Kim, children Ashley, Cal and Shannon and Harry Johns, CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association, to call for action to prevent and cure Alzheimer’s Disease.

Campbell was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. Rep. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), part of the Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer’s Disease, announced at the conference the HHS National Alzheimer’s Plan, which is a result of bipartisan legislation authored by Rep. Markey.

The plan includes the goal of treating the disease by 2025.

Campbell’s daughter Ashley gave an emotional speech at the conference, recalling when she used to fish with her father and how soon, he “won’t recognize who I am.”

Actress Jane Seymour and her husband James also stopped by. The two are advocates for Alzheimer’s Awareness.” — report and photographs by Kate Oczypok (washingtonscene.the hill.com)

We can help fight Alzheimer’s this Saturday with Bud’s Harley-Davidson Poker Run.  Of course, I can’t wait for Glen to be here in concert June 9th at The Centre (Evansville).

And… to get you ready for the concert, here’s a little Journey.

Way Late Play Date-Childrens Museum of Evansville

This play date is for adults and it’s happening on Saturday, May 19 at the Children’s Museum of Evansville.  Grown ups…put on your party clothes and spend some time on the “playground,” sing songs (karaoke), enjoy arts and crafts (photo booth and live performers) and fill your tummies with snacks and juice boxes (hors d’oeurves and cocktails).  Comedian Mike Armstrong will be there, as well as The All Put Together Band.  Tickets are $25 per person, or if you would like to reserve a “sandbox,” you can do that for $250 for a group of 8.  A “sandbox” includes complimentary drink tickets and reserved seating on the playground.  Get your tickets and find out more by clicking here!

GreatStrides_masthead_pic_2_Cystic_Fibrosis_Foundation

Did you know that Cystic Fibrosis is a fatal genetic disease that afflicts 30,000 adults AND children in the United States?  It causes debilitating lung infections that lead to premature death.  Here’s your chance to help…simply by walking!  The First Annual Great Strides Walk will take place this Sunday, May 20th at Garvin Park.  You can register at 12:30 p.m. with the Walk beginning at 1:30 p.m.  Get involved by clicking here!

Reports say Mary Kennedy, 52, had battled drugs and alcohol in the past. She was the second wife of Robert Kennedy, Jr. He is the son of former Senator Robert Kennedy and nephew of the late President John F Kennedy.

The couple filed for divorce in 2010 but it had not been finalized. They were said to be struggling with custody issues surrounding their four children.

Robert Kennedy, Jr., 58, has not issued a statement about his estranged wife’s death.

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Christylyn graduates Preschool! (Annie Jenkins)

There’s nothing more awe inspiring than a group of kids lined up and ready to graduate.  And when they’re just little guys, it’s down-right adorable!

Pretty as a picture ready to graduate! (Annie Jenkins)

Christylyn was all pumped up and ready for her Graduation Day to GET HERE!  So that day I rushed home from work to find her dressed up pretty as a picture itchin’ to go!

Oh yeah, we're wiggling

After a few minutes of wiggly anticipation Miss Dana said it was time to get ready.  That’s when the fun began!

The most precious part was the line up! – LOL  I thought they’d graduate high school before they got to the front of the room.

Bless ‘em baby hearts, they were so brave! And they finally made it up front in a whole line!

the whole class!

I’ll spare you the cute songs and the cake and the punch, but suffice it to say, we’re a preschool graduate now!  On to Pre-K!!!

My Graduate!

cheese!

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Tom Shaw / Leon Halip, Getty Images

NBC’s ‘Saturday Night Live’ is pulling out at all the stops for the finale of its 37th season. First it was announced that Mick Jagger would be both the host and musical guest. Then they said that Jagger would be backed by Foo Fighters and Arcade Fire. Now they’ve added another rock legend to the proceedings, guitarist Jeff Beck.

Jagger and Beck have known each other since the beginning of their careers, having come up through the London blues scene that centered around the Ealing Club, and Beck even auditioned to join the group after Mick Taylor left in 1975. However, they have not often recorded together. Beck played on Jagger’s first two solo albums, 1985′s ‘She’s the Boss’ and 1987′s ‘Primitive Cool.’ The two most recently performed together in February in front of President Obama for ‘In Performance at the White House: Red, White and Blues.’

Many people are hoping that Jagger will drop some big news about an upcoming Rolling Stones album and/or tour during his appearance on ‘SNL.’ Earlier today it was learned that Stones guitarist Ron Wood is keeping October and November free. Let’s not forget that Wood got his start as the bass player in the Jeff Beck Group in 1968. We’ve been wrong before, but we think this is now too much of a coincidence for it to not be happening.

Watch Mick Jagger and Kristen Wiig’s Promos for ‘SNL’

Source: UltimateClassicRock.com