Book Recommendation – The Book of Cold Cases

A friend of ours is always good about sharing books that she enjoyed with my wife and I. My wife actually read this one first, and I was able to read it this week. I went into this book only knowing the title and that it had a “true crime” aspect to it. The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James did not disappoint.

I’ve always loved shows that talked about cold cases. Back in the day it was Robert Stack talking about them on Unsolved Mysteries. There was also a series that aired from 2003-2010 called simply Cold Case. The most famous show was A&E’s Cold Case Files which has aired sporadically (1999-2002, 2005-2006, 2017, 2021-2022, 2024-2025). True crime is fascinating to me and many people, and I started reading this with those shows sort of on my mind.

Let’s look at the Goodreads synopsis:

A true crime blogger gets more than she bargained for while interviewing the woman acquitted of two cold case slayings in this chilling new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Sun Down Motel.

In 1977, Claire Lake, Oregon, was shaken by the Lady Killer Murders: Two men, seemingly randomly, were murdered with the same gun, with strange notes left behind. Beth Greer was the perfect suspect–a rich, eccentric twenty-three-year-old woman, seen fleeing one of the crimes. But she was acquitted, and she retreated to the isolation of her mansion.

Oregon, 2017. Shea Collins is a receptionist, but by night, she runs a true crime website, the Book of Cold Cases–a passion fueled by the attempted abduction she escaped as a child. When she meets Beth by chance, Shea asks her for an interview. To Shea’s surprise, Beth says yes.

They meet regularly at Beth’s mansion, though Shea is never comfortable there. Items move when she’s not looking, and she could swear she’s seen a girl outside the window. The allure of learning the truth about the case from the smart, charming Beth is too much to resist, but even as they grow closer, Shea senses something isn’t right. Is she making friends with a manipulative murderer, or are there other dangers lurking in the darkness of the Greer house?

This book was very good and kept me asking questions and on the edge of my seat at times. There were elements of the story I had not expected and at first I wasn’t sure about how to take them. In the end, however, those elements were what added the extra “suspense” for me.

As the summary states, the story bounces from the past to the present. There was no trouble keeping the characters straight. There were surprises and twists, too. I’m not sure I would categorize this as a mystery (which is what I thought it was), but I’d definitely call it a thriller. I found myself hating to have to stop reading at times. I wanted to know what happened next.

4.5 out of 5 stars

Book Recommendation – The Radio Ghost

I was between books recently and the ones I was waiting for were still unavailable. So I searched for something quick to tide me over until my next read. As a radio guy, you know that the cover of this one made me stop and check it out.

I’m not sure how many pages the book is, as I listened to the audio book. It was about and hour or an hour and a half audio book. I had never heard of the author – Otis Adelbert Kline – but apparently he’s written quite a few books and short stories.

Here is the short Goodreads synopsis:

A mysterious inheritance. A haunted mansion. To claim her late uncle’s fortune, Greta Van Loan must survive a year in his eerie Highland Park estate. Skeptical of the supernatural, she turns to two psychic investigators when strange and terrifying events threaten to change everything she believes. Can Greta uncover the truth—or will the house’s secrets claim her first?

To me, this worked like an old radio show. It wasn’t anything that I had to think too hard about. It played out like an episode of Sam Spade or Johnny Dollar. I could see this also working as something on Suspense or Lights Out.

There were simple, likable characters and the mystery of a haunted mansion. For whatever reason, I just pictured Scooby-Doo. Yeah, it could be a Scooby-Doo mystery.

It was a good “pass the time” book that you could probably read in one setting. Was it amazing? No, but as a short story that requires not too much thinking, it was good.

3 out of 5 stars.

A Golden Age of Radio Classic

I’m a firm believer in using your imagination. In today’s society, we can plop down in front of the TV and watch shows and not really have to think about what’s going on. Everything is right there on the screen. However, back in the days before television, there was radio.

Radio was a medium that brought the listener’s imagination to life! You and I could listen to the same show, but each see our own version because we’d picture things differently. There is a reason that so many folks used the phrase “theater of the mind” when talking about old time radio.

One of the best radio dramas was a show simply called Suspense. If I had to describe it, I’d say it was the radio version of the Twilight Zone. I say that because there was often a twist at the end of each show. If you really want to hear REAL acting, Suspense featured it every week! Actors and actresses only had the use of their voice to display the wide range of human emotions – and they did it flawlessly!

Suspense was a half-hour drama series that aired on the CBS radio network from 1940 to 1962 (for the first half of 1948, episodes lasted for 60 minutes). That multi-year run made it one of network radio’s longer lasting dramatic series with nearly 950 episodes produced.

At its height, the radio series featured a cross-section of well known Hollywood actors and actresses (it was aired from Los Angeles from 1943 through into the 1950s) who were attracted by the quality of the scripts and show’s production values. For years, the host was simply “The Man in Black” who would almost whisper the opening line “. . . And now, another tale well-calculated to keep you in . . . Suspense.”

82 years ago today, Suspense aired one of its classic episodes. It is an episode that will often come up when anyone speaks of the Golden Age of Radio. It starred a young Agnes Moorehead (who would go on to play Endora on TV’s Bewitched). I am talking about the classic “Sorry, Wrong Number.

“Sorry, Wrong Number,” a classic suspense radio drama, explores the chilling scenario of a woman accidentally eavesdropping on a murder plot. The episode, broadcast on May 25, 1943, tells the story of Mrs. Stevenson, a woman who listens to a phone call between two men planning a murder. She realizes the crime is set to happen that night, and she desperately tries to alert authorities. Sadly she finds her efforts blocked by indifference and bureaucracy, leading to a terrifying climax where she realizes she might be the intended victim.

In an essay by Christopher H. Sterling, he says,

In a modern era of digital cellphones, the impact of this period program is sometimes difficult to understand. But when it was originally broadcast in the midst of World War II, in an analog era of operator-assisted telephone calls and shared “party” lines, radio listeners could readily identify with the situations they heard.

Sorry, Wrong Number was initially broadcast live twice on May 25, 1943 (once for East Coast listeners–with a minor flub in one line—and then repeated for the West Coast). It was rebroadcast other eight times (on August 21, 1943; February 24, 1944; September 6, 1945; November 18, 1948; September 15, 1952; October 20, 1957; and February 14, 1960).

In 1948, the play was made into a movie starring Barbara Stanwyck and Burt Lancaster. The film is excellent, but nothing compares to the amazing performance of Agnes Moorehead on the radio version.

Do yourself a favor, pull up a chair and give it a listen. Let your imagination go wild! Listen to what she is able to convey simply with her voice. Let’s go back 82 years and enjoy a masterpiece!

Source: Christopher H. Sterling Essay

Book Recommendation – Famous Last Words

A couple years ago, I stumbled on a really good mystery/time travel story – Wrong Place, Wrong Time. It was written by an unfamiliar artist to me named Gillian McAllister. I wrote about the book here.

I was excited to hear that a new book from her would hit the shelves in 2025. As soon as I saw it hit my library app, I put it on hold. I was the 18th person waiting for it, so it was going to be a few weeks before I got my hands on it. Last week, it arrived – Famous Last Words.

If I had to classify the book, I might call it a mystery, but it really is more of a suspenseful story. I’m not sure I’d call it a thriller, either (they do), but it kept my attention all the way through. Here is the Goodreads synopsis:

From the author of Reese’s Book Club Pick and New York Times bestseller Wrong Place Wrong Time comes an addictive thriller about a new mother’s world upended when her husband commits a terrifying crime. How well does she truly know the man she loves? And what danger does she face if her entire life has been built on a lie?

It is June 21st, the longest day of the year, and new mother Camilla’s life is about to change forever. After months of maternity leave, she will drop her infant daughter off at daycare for the first time and return to her job as a literary agent. Finally. But, when she wakes, her husband Luke isn’t there, and in his place is a cryptic note.

Then it starts. Breaking news: there’s a hostage situation developing in London. The police arrive, and tell her Luke is involved. But he isn’t a hostage. Her husband—doting father, eternal optimist—is the gunman.

What she does next is crucial. Because only she knows what the note he left behind that morning says…

Famous Last Words is the story of a crime, a marriage, and more secrets than Camilla ever could have imagined. This novel cements Gillian McAllister’s reputation as “the best at putting her characters in impossible situations and making her readers not only contemplate but feel what it would be like to find themselves in those situations.”

The story really takes off right from the get go. It is written in 3 parts. It starts with the hostage situation, then you pick up 7 years later, and finally 7 years after another key event. So the story spans about 15 years or so.

As I have always promised, no spoilers. I will say that it took me a minute or two to see how everything pieced together, and that there was a twist that I should have seen coming and didn’t.

I don’t think this was as good as Wrong Place, Wrong Time, but it is close. I will give it 4 stars out of 5.

Angela Lansbury – Please Murder Me

The very talented Angela Lansbury has passed away just days shy of her 97th birthday. She will forever be remembered for her role as Jessica Fletcher in Murder, She Wrote. She was also in Bedknobs and Broomsticks, Blue Hawaii, Gaslight, Death on the Nile, Beauty and the Beast, and so many other roles.

I stumbled on one of her earlier performances on accident. I was doing a search for Film Noir films and found one that starred Raymond Burr (Perry Mason). Angela Lansbury starred opposite of him in a film that has become a favorite – Please Murder Me from 1956.

IMDB describes it this way:

A lawyer (Raymond Burr) suffers a guilt complex after getting a murder acquittal for his client (Agela Lansbury), and then finding out she did commit the crime.

Rotten Tomatoes gives a little bit more of the plot for you:

A lovesick attorney (Raymond Burr) tries to trap a murder client (Angela Lansbury) he got acquitted by arranging for her to kill him.

The movie starts with lawyer Craig Carlson buying a pistol at a pawn shop and putting it in his office desk drawer with a file folder. He dictates a message into a tape recorder for the local district attorney revealing that he expects to be murdered within an hour, and he begins to tell his story in extended flashbacks.

I believe that the film is now in the public domain and can be viewed completely on YouTube. It is worth the watch. Great film noir and great acting from Burr and Lansbury. The film reminds me of something you would hear on an old radio show like Suspense or The Whistler. Great ending!

Check it out in honor of Dame Angela Lansbury.

The Scary Classic You’ve Never Heard

Now that it is October, many bloggers (and folks on social media) are posting their favorite scary books or favorite scary movies as a tie in to Halloween. I thought I would offer up something better.

Think about books versus movies for just a second. To me, the book is always going to be scarier than the movie. The reason for this is that the book requires you to use your imagination. You and I can read the same description of a monster or alien an each have a very different picture of them in our minds. Now, with that in mind, I offer you up one of the greatest and scariest things I have ever heard …

Old time radio was full of great shows with wonderful stories. Those shows included The Mysterious Traveler, Lights Out, Inner Sanctum, and Suspense. On December 5, 1946 Suspense aired an episode that is consistently referred to as one of the most terrifying programs broadcast during the “golden age” of radio. The program was entitled “The House in Cypress Canyon.”

The episode was written by Robert L. Richards and produced by William Spear. Wikipedia offers the entire story, but for this blog I will only offer up a tease as to not give it away. I will also present a link so that you can listen to the show in its entirety.

From Wikipedia: The plot is presented as a story within a story framed by a meeting between detective Sam (played by Howard Duff) and a friend who has discovered the manuscript regarding the mysterious house. After a brief introduction, the narrative shifts to the story presented in the manuscript.

The story begins a few days before Christmas. James (Robert Taylor) and Ellen (Cathy Lewis), married seven years and having recently relocated to California for the husband’s engineering job, move into a hastily finished rental house in a development that was started before the war. Dusty furniture and creaky hinges seem to be the only problems with the place at first glance. But the very night they move in, the two hear inhuman cries in the night, and find blood oozing out from under a closet door they can’t open.

My dad introduced us to old radio shows. He would buy them on cassette or rent them from the public library. Before they started airing them on a local radio station at night, we’d grab our cassette layer and listen to them. I remember my dad, my brother and I sitting on the floor with pillows and blankets when we first heard The House in Cypress Canyon. Thankfully, we listened to it one afternoon during a weekend. Of course, the show played over and over in my mind that night at bedtime! It creeped me out!

To this day, it remains the ONE radio show that freaked me out and still does. Set aside a half hour. Grab your headphones, turn down the lights, and enjoy the episode that only aired once, but was enough to rank as one of the scariest shows to ever air on radio.

Here is The House in Cypress Canyon:

Let me know what you thought of the show?

Prompt: Nighttime Rituals

A few of the blogs I follow posted this yesterday. I guess there is a Throwback Thursday prompt each week by a couple sites I cannot remember off the top of my head. I thought this was a very neat set of questions to think back on and answer. After I publish this, I will go back and try to find the names of the original poster of these.

(UPDATED) The authors of the original post is Maggie, at From Cave Walls, and Lauren, at LSS Attitude of Gratitude. The idea of the prompt is for them to give us a topic and for us to write a post in which we share our own memories or experiences about the given topic. This week, Maggie asks us about our nighttime rituals growing up.

This week’s prompt is: Nighttime Rituals

You can either free write using these questions as inspiration or answer the questions as they are.

Did you share a room with a sibling, or did you have a room of your own?

I recall doing both. There were times that my brother and I shared a room and times where we had separate rooms. I remember when we first moved to separate rooms being a bit scared of the dark (and probably being alone). I used to get up and turn the hall light on all the time. Then there were times that I’d call to my brother and have him come in my room, or vice versa.

There were plenty of times were we’d be up screwing around and laughing, which would ultimately cause my dad to have to get up from the living room and yell at us to stay in bed. I don’t know that my dad ever really had the chance to watch a show at night when we were in separate rooms. It seems like he was always coming in to yell at us.

Did you resist going to bed or did you go willingly?

My dad may disagree with me, but I think I went to bed willingly most nights. I think the issue was staying in bed. I’m sure that there were times I resisted, but I don’t recall many times where I fought to stay up.

Did someone put you to bed, tuck you in, or read you a bedtime story?

I am sure as a toddler my mom or dad read me bedtime stories. I remember many of them and have read those to my own kids at bed time. I remember my dad reading us Babar the elephant stories for some reason.

I guess both parents kind of alternated in putting us to bed. I recall my dad always putting us to bed after birthdays and Christmas. He always asked if we got what we wanted and if we had a good day.

Was there a religious component, like prayers, to your nighttime routine?

I remember saying prayers at night. As a kid it was usually the “Now I lay me down to sleep” prayer. At some point that began to freak me out. The line “If I shall die before I awake” began to scare me a bit.

As I got older and realized that prayers didn’t have to be repetitive and such, I actually began to pray and have a conversation with God. Those times meant more than the ones I said just to say them.

Did you go to sleep immediately, or lie awake?

I fooled around a lot. I almost never went right to sleep. I remember having a flashlight next to my bed or under my pillow. I would sometimes grab a book and read it with the flashlight on. I also had a small hand held radio with one of those white ear buds that only went in one ear.

I would plug it in and fall asleep listening to the radio – maybe a Tigers game or just music. Later, I had a portable cassette player and I would listen to Old Radio Shows like Fibber McGee and Molly, Dragnet, Jack Benny or Suspense.

Did you ever sleepwalk?

Not to my knowledge.

Did you remember having dreams? If you dreamed, did you ever have bad dreams? Do you remember any dreams specifically?

I do remember dreaming. I recall many times I would have bad dreams and end up crawling into bed with my folks, or my brother. The one dream I have had for years is the “tornado dream” which I blogged about before. You can read it here:

Recurring Dreams

Were you afraid of the dark? Did you sleep with a nightlight or sneak into your sibling’s or parent’s room at night because you were afraid?

Yes. I’m not sure why, but I was very afraid of the dark. I always had a nightlight. I remember when my brother and I had to spend the night at my grandma’s house, they slept in complete darkness and I remember being scared to death. I was always used to hearing my folks up watching TV or talking on the phone. My grandparents would go to be when we went to bed. Complete darkness and eerie quiet. I heard all kinds of noises.

I often snuck into my brothers room or vice versa. Going into my parent’s room was not unheard of either.

Did you have or attend sleepovers or slumber parties?

I remember having sleepovers with a few friends as a young kid. Sometimes I went to their house and sometimes they came to mine. I remember having friends over to watch movies and such. As a teen, I remember one sleepover where a bunch of friends came over and we all slept in a tent in the back yard. My dad wound up cooking a HUGE breakfast for all of us.

How about you? What are your answers to the questions? I’d love to hear them.

Library Memories

Yesterday’s blog about taking Ella to the library led to various conversations that brought back many of my own library memories.

My first trip to the library was of course during grade school. We always had a day during the week where we could go and check out a book. There were some occasions where we got to go to the library and listen to audio cassettes or record albums. I remember they had the worst headphones for listening to things in the library!

The above picture is close to what those headphones looked like, but I think the ones at school had very little cushion to them. They were either so tight that they left your ears red, or so loose that the never stayed on. It was rare to every find a pair that were “comfortable.”

On a trip to the library last year with my sons, my oldest wanted to play on the computers and asked for headphones. You guessed it – the headphones they gave him were almost identical to the ones we had in elementary school. Maybe they want them to be uncomfortable, so you won’t be on the computer too long?

My buddy Max reminded me that before the days of computers, you would take the book to the desk and they would stamp it with the due date. This was very similar to the way books were checked out in school, but in school, your name and the date showed up on the card.

Note the card had the date loaned, your name, and your classroom number … just in case they needed to hunt you down!

This one is a bit different in that it has the due date, homeroom and your name.

Today, you go into the library and do a search on the computer for a book. Back in the day, you had to use the card catalog!

With the card catalog, you could look up a topic, a title, or an author. As I recall, the cards were hand typed and in alphabetical order. You would then be able to find the section where the book was located using the Dewey Decimal System. You’d get the number, find the section, find the numbers, and hopefully the book was on the shelf. Each book had those white stickers with that info on the binder.

When I think about the library, two great childhood memories come to me immediately. Growing up, they used to play old radio shows on the radio. I was familiar with them because we used to check them out of the library on cassette tape! I was introduced to Jack Benny, Amos and Andy, Fibber McGee and Molly, Suspense, Dragnet, and so many other shows because of trips to the library. I loved checking them out and listening to them at night.

I also remember looking forward to the nights my dad rented the 16 mm projector from the library.

It was always fun to have dad set up movies and us watch them on the wall. He always checked out old Laurel and Hardy films, Three Stooges shorts, the Little Rascals and Smokey & the Bandit. This was in the days before any of these were out on video. It was awesome to be able to see these at home! I remember those nights very well. I was probably introduced to so many classics this way.

It’s been many years since I got my first library card. In that time the media used at the library had changed drastically. Instead of records and cassettes, today you can check out DVD, Blue Ray, and CDs. There are computers readily available for folks who have no internet. And, of course, there are millions of stories sitting upon the shelves in books. When I hear people say there is no need for the local library, it makes me sad, because it remains one of my favorite places to go.

My Mind Overflows With Random Thought

random-thoughts

Life used to have a routine. I could plan my day. Phrases like: Business as usual, status quo, day to day affairs, normal activities, daily grind, staying the course, standard practice, and as per usual – don’t mean anything anymore. Nothing is normal anymore. As a midnight shift worker, it’s hard to know what day it is, but when the routine is thrown off, it becomes more difficult.

Give Me Just A Little More Time

I have been seriously trying to make time to sort through thoughts. Believe it or not, it’s been a little easier to do since I have been at home a bit more. Last week I only worked about half of my 40 hours because of low census and the eventual closing down of our lab. I was able to get some hours helping out in the Labor Pool at the hospital.

Our techs were reassigned. Some had jobs in the hospital, but I was reassigned on Wednesday night to go to the hospital to help direct traffic. We were given one of those orange vests and we were sent out to the main parking lot. Our job was to make sure the cars that were lined up to be screened for the Covid-19 virus had first been checked in at the ER.

Basically, a check in at the ER determined whether or not your situation or symptoms warranted actually getting the test. You probably know that there are a limited amount of tests, so the ones who would benefit from a self quarantine were sent home, while others drove to where I was and got in line to be screened. Screenings were done in their cars.

I reported to work at 6:45 pm. Seeing the line of cars made this whole thing much more of a reality for me. There were plenty of cars in line. Some of them had not been screened at ER, so we had to instruct them to go there first. As you can imagine, there was a lot of stress, worry, and anger going on. I saw a road rage incident while we were out there. Apparently, a car in front of another was not pulling up far enough and the rear car kept beeping at him to move forward. A few beeps and the driver was out yelling at the other. Security had to be called. It was nuts!

480x480

As the evening progressed, the line became shorter. Testing ended at about 2 am, and that was when we left. I had to go inside to use the restroom at one point and I can tell you that the doctors, nurses, and staff in the hospital were busy! They were frazzled, but it was a picture of controlled chaos. Kudos to these men and women, who are doing everything they can to help stop this thing!

My Anniversary

I was standing in the parking lot directing traffic at midnight yesterday. I set an alarm so I would not forget to wish my wife Happy Anniversary. I posted this on my Facebook page:

“Two years ago today, I married my best friend. Two years ago today, I married my one true love. Two years ago today, I married the woman who completes me, brings me joy, companionship, encouragement, support, and love. I swore two years ago that I could never love another female like I loved her … then she gave birth to our daughter. I am blessed beyond measure having these two in my life!

Happy anniversary, Sam, I cannot wait for the years ahead.

Thank you for two amazing years – our adventure continues….”

a7a3d3e8-b173-435c-90e8-d2679700860d

People Unite

Covid-19 is a worldwide issue! It is everywhere and it is effecting everyone. In my many years on the radio, I have had the chance to meet and become friends with some musical artists. Working in country radio, I can tell you that the country artists are just amazing. I could sit and chat with them about songwriting, their tour, their families, etc… I always enjoyed having the chance to interview them on the radio.

With all of the social distancing and people being told to stay home, the musical artists are taking a hit. You may be upset that the concert you planned to attend has been postponed, but I can tell you that the artists are just as upset. Going out on tour, talking to radio stations, meeting fans, and performing for you is what they love to do! Covid-19 has forced them to stay home, too!

You probably read where Garth Brooks is going to do a live concert on the internet this week. There are many other artists who are doing the same! Brad Paisley did an acoustic session on Facebook, so did Jewel.

My buddy, James Otto, was the first one I heard mention that he was going to do it. I was at work when it was live, but I did catch it afterward on Facebook. It was great! It was so simple and awesome. It reminded me of the time he had come through town before his hit Just Got Started Lovin’ You hit the air. He came in, we interviewed him on the air, and then he did a little acoustic set for the staff in the conference room. God, do I miss those! My apologies to James for this incredibly terrible screen shot of his live stream.

Screenshot_20200320-082137_2

He sounded great! Thanks for the much needed “pick me up”!

It’s also been great to see video messages from Simon Pegg, Matthew McConaughey, Michael Buble’ and other celebrities! These messages have brought music, hope, laughs, and entertainment to folks cooped up in the homes. I have read about celebrities offering dance instruction, comedians doing comedy sets, celebrities reading books to kids, chefs doing cooking lessons, and more! It’s great to see so much good amidst the craziness in the world.

Staying Connected

The WiFi is working at my house, and I use it not only to surf the internet, check e-mail, and to write this blog, I also use it to make video calls. I have an Android phone and just can’t convince myself to switch to an iPhone. My wife tried to get me to switch so we could use FaceTime. Well, I found Google Duo does the same thing. So I am able to video chat with her and see the baby while at work at night. I can also video chat with my dad and my brother so they can see the baby, too!

google_duo_logo_icon

My buddy Johnny Molson (more on him in a minute) has been taking part in Zoom meetings. Basically group chats with friends, so they can all keep in touch. Restaurants, bars, and places to gather have been closed, so these video group chats can allow folks to gather while social distancing themselves from others.

My new doctor has tele-medicine available. We can video chat with her if we need to. My therapist is actually going to be doing my session via video today. It should be interesting. I will keep the phone above the waist….I am wearing my Minion pajama bottoms! LOL

Already bored with TV

I don’t have a whole lot of stuff I watch on TV. Lately, it’s been The First 48, Forensic Files, Live PD, and a few others. Some of these cable channels are doing these all day marathons, and I wish they wouldn’t. I love a good rerun, but I I don’t think I like them with these types of shows. Maybe I am just picky. Hell, I will watch reruns of old shows like Sanford and Son, Columbo, Perry Mason, and Mission: Impossible all day – it doesn’t bug me at all. I just can’t sit and watch these over and over.

This is where the internet is helpful again. Does your imagination need a workout? Books can help, but if you want to “watch a show”, may I recommend Old Time Radio Shows? They are like watching TV shows, only without the video. Families would gather in front of the radio at night and listen to their favorites – remember the scene in A Christmas Story when Ralphie is listening to Little Orphan Annie?

radio

I have Sirius XM in my car, and I love the Old Radio Show Channel. I’m not sure if the copyright on some shows are a factor or what, but I have heard the channel host say that “certain shows are no longer available” for them to play. I end up hearing a lot of shows that I was never really interested in.

I realize that these shows are dated, but they are still very entertaining. Many are available on YouTube. If you like crime shows – check out Dragnet, Broadway is My Beat, Sherlock Holmes, or Gangbusters. If you like mystery and suspense – try The Mysterious Traveler, Suspense, The Whistler, or Nightbeat. For Movie adaptations – try Lux Radio Theater, Screen Directors PlayHouse, or CBS Radio Mystery Theater. If you want to laugh – try The Jack Benny Program, Fibber McGee and Molly, Amos and Andy, Our Miss Brooks, The Fred Allen Show, Burns and Allen, The Life of Riley, or Abbott and Costello. Sometimes I do a google search for an actor and find shows they were on (“Edward G. Robinson on radio” will bring up a few). Let your imagination get a workout while stuck at home!

New Sleep Habit

As a sleep technologist, we tell patients all the time of the importance of having a bedtime routine. That can really help assure that you fall asleep and keep you in a regular sleep pattern. With a 6 week old baby, you can imagine how the bedtime routine has changed! Sam has a routine with the baby ever night. When I am home – I basically throw that routine off.

The baby has a sound machine that plays music. The bassinet has a button that makes it vibrate. Then she has a stuffed animal that lights up and puts lights on the ceiling.

71d1zbqIN1L._AC_SX466_

Hers is an elephant, but the dog above shows how it works. At any rate, all of these things are on as Ella goes to bed. It’s been a routine now for 6 weeks.

I noticed this week after coming home after my shift and trying to sleep during the day, that I was having an issue falling asleep. You know what it is? I have found that I actually find it hard to fall asleep now without that silly music on! I thought it was crazy, until Sam told me that she felt like she had to turn the stars on so she could see them on the ceiling to fall asleep. If you are a parent, has something like this happened to you?

“Buy me a coffee”

I noticed this recently on some of the blogs I follow. At the end of their blog, there is an icon that says “Buy Me a Coffee.”

bmc

So, is this like a “tip?” “Hey, buddy. Nice blog – have a coffee.” I hadn’t noticed this before, but I am seeing it more and more. Don’t get my wrong – I LOVE coffee, but I am not going to beg my readers for one. I’m all for getting together and having coffee together, I would love that! I just think it’s odd. I mean, if you really want to buy me something, I’m not going to turn away diapers or formula! LOL

Parting thoughts ( that I wish I had written )

I mentioned Johnny Molson, above. He wrote a very cool piece that I shared on Facebook and I wanted to share it here as well. I could have copied and pasted it, but I didn’t want to be accused of plagiarism. So surf over here and check out this piece that really speaks to our current situation.

I’m Proud of You (Us)

Take care of yourself!

Guest Blogger: My Baby Brother

Introduction:

A week or so ago, I posted a blog stating that I was toying with the idea of inviting someone to be a guest blogger. Without hesitation, my younger brother Christopher said he would love to write one. Let me say that he is WAY more qualified to write than I am. He has published a book and has been writing short stories and other things for as long as I can remember.

I saw his email this morning as I was getting ready to take the boys home. I had to open it and read it. I stood in my kitchen laughing as I read it. My wife was still asleep, and I thought for sure that I was going to wake her up. My son, looked at me and asked “what’s so funny, dad?” I looked at him and said, “Just something Uncle Chris sent me…”

At this time, I’d like to introduce you to my brother, Christopher. I hope that you laugh as much as I did….

What the heck are they laughing at? By Christopher Louis

Growing up my brother and I were crazy and rambunctious kids. There is no denying that we gave our parents a run for their money. If we weren’t pushing their patience by staying up long past our bed time or begging them to buy us the newest Star Wars figure, we were beating the snot out of each other or purposely egging the other on to do something totally stupid. While we were not angels, we also weren’t devils. We just loved to have fun, laugh, and have a good time. We wanted to make each day an adventure. Sure, it got us in trouble sometimes, but it was almost always good natured.

As with any siblings there are lots of growing pains as you discover new interests, new friends, and truly come into your own and the relationship between you and your sibling changes. Sometimes for the good, and sometimes not so good. Despite our many differences, there has always been one thing that could bring us together – laughter. Laughter has helped us to remember and rebuild our bonds. When friends ask about my brother, I love to share how we can have the other laughing within seconds simply by sending a photo (usually of William Shatner), copying a movie quote (Airplane is always a good bet) or sharing an inside family joke (usually something our dear Grandpa mispronounced).

I admit there was a time when I swore I had to be adopted because I could not understand the joy that Keith, my dad, and my grandparents found in watching Sanford and Son. However, the same could be said for him in my guilty pleasure of watching Dynasty. While I am sure neither of us would relish the idea of sitting down and watching either of those shows together, there are still so many movies, TV shows, and old radio shows that provide us with so much laughter and delight. I thought I would share a few of them with you now.

Your Money or Your Life!

Mugger: Your money or your life.

(Long, awkward pause)

Mugger: Look bud, I said your money or your life.

Jack: I’m thinking it over!

The first to share is one of the greatest comedians of all time – Jack Benny. I am forever thankful for my dad introducing us to the joys of old radio shows. While we both love many others (Fibber McGee and Molly, Burns and Allen, or Suspense), The Jack Benny Program is our favorite. Whether Jack is giving sales clerk (Mel Blanc) the worst time possible by constantly exchanging show laces (he can’t decide between plastic tips or metal tips), or constantly insisting he’s 39 years old (which can’t be confirmed because there is a hole in his birth certificate from erasing it too many times) it is comedy gold. Plus, both of us can totally tell you what LSMFT means or what the six delicious flavors of Jell-O were. (For those not in the know, those are both from sponsors of the Jack Benny Program – Lucky Strike Cigarettes and Jell-O).

(Keith Note: Lucky Strike Means Fine Tobacco! Strawberry, cherry, raspberry, orange, lemon, and lime!)

“Some days, you just can’t get rid of a bomb!”

The 60’s Batman TV show is a treasure trove of comedy genius. Adam West’s portrayal of the Dark Knight is played so straight and even that it is impossible to not start laughing at the utter absurdity! Don’t get me wrong – I love it, but it is odd to think how anyone couldn’t see that Batman and Bruce Wayne were one and the same.

(Keith Note: I pointed out to my brother how he hits the nail on the head here! It really is absurd! Proof of the absurdity – and how Commissioner Gordon must be clueless – can be seen as Adam West has a conversation with himself as both Bruce and Batman in the following video clip!)

Of course, the many guest stars paraded through as villains brought much of the laughter. There was Cesar Romero as the Joker with white paint over his mustache, Frank Gorshin jumping all over the set as the Riddler, Victor Buono running around as King Tut, and Vincent Price as Egghead making more egg puns that you can imagine. Of course, part of the fun is trying to count how many times Robin says “Holy ____” in an episode. My favorite will always be “Holy Hole-in-a-Doughnut, Batman!”

(Keith Note: Oh, and I had to add the above picture because of the sub-title of this section!)

“What’s the matter, Colonel Sandurz? Chicken?”

There are truly so many wonderful Mel Brooks movies and while I am not as into Blazing Saddles as Keith is, we can’t deny the laughter that comes from watching his films. I’m choosing Spaceballs for this blog. Plus – what’s not to love about this amazing spoof of Star Wars, a movie Keith and I both loved and played and recreated more times than I could count with many, many action figures.

Some of my favorite quotes include:

No sir, I didn’t see you playing with your dolls again.
How many Assholes we got on this ship, anyhow?
Keep firing Assholes!
We ain’t found shit!
Why are you always preparing? You’re always preparing. Just go!
Smoke if you got ‘em.
So the combination is 1-2-3-4-5. That’s the stupidest combination I’ve ever heard in my life. That’s the kinda thing an idiot would have on his luggage.

(Keith Note: Love the bumper sticker – “We Brake for Nobody!”)

“Kiddie Car, June Bride, Rookie, Phantom Fox, Blarney Stone, and Clunker”

AKA – The North Avenue Irregulars. We loved this movie! It was one of those great Disney gens of the 1970’s that we found and just loved as kids. I remember how excited we were watching our dad record our own copy of the movie from one VCR to the other. I also remember the exact spot where it cut out for a moment. Oh, those good old days of VHS tapes…

Anyway, who would think that kids would love a movie about a group of church ladies who work to take down an illegal gambling ring? But we did! It had so many big stars of the era; Edward Herrmann, Barbara Harris, Karen Valentine, Cloris Leachman, Michael Constantine, Ruth Buzzi, and Dena Dietrich (famous for playing Mother Nature in Chiffon Margarine commercials). Each character was different and came with their own burdens and personal issues but came together to bring down the bad guys. As with many 70s movie, it includes its own car chase / demolition derby.

One of my favorite scenes includes three of the ladies “going undercover” to place a bet and they are all wearing trench coats and sunglasses. One has a tape recorder hidden inside her coat and just as she is about to place her bet, she is advised to start recording. She accidentally presses “play” instead of “record” and the song “Roll Out the Barrel” starts blaring from her coat.

(Keith Note: My Favorite quotes: “It’s her money. Get two” and “Butt out, lady!”)

“Help! Help! The Alcalde has all my money!”

George Hamilton playing dual roles! Enough said!

Zorro the Gay Blade is one of those movies that just makes me smile and laugh. While George is hilarious as Don Diego and his twin brother Ramon (aka Bunny Wigglesworth), Brenda Vaccaro and Ron Leibman as Florinda and Esteban are so over the top and crazy you can’t wait for them to come back on the screen.

Some of my favorite lines:

You naughty, evil Alcalde! I’m going to do . . . such . . . terrible things . . . to you!
Two bits, four bits, six bits, a peso. All for Zorro, stand up and say so!
Thank goodness for small favors!
Know me? Sink me! We were once womb-mates!
There is no shame in being poor! Only in dressing poorly!

(Keith note: It’s funny that Chris mentions this movie. Look for a full write up on it from me in early September for the “Costume Drama Blogathon”!)

“Jim never has a second cup of coffee at home …”

Airplane! One of the great comedies of the 1980s. There is something about spoofs that if not done correctly are painful to watch. This is not one of them. I think Keith and I have quoted this movie since our first viewing and haven’t stopped yet. There are just so many great lines that I could do an entire post on this movie alone!

Some of my favorite lines:

It’s a big pretty white plane with red stripes, curtains in the windows, wheels. It looks like a big Tylenol.
Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit sniffing glue.
Surely you can’t be serious? I am serious, and don’t call me Shirley.
Joey, do you like movies about Gladiators?
A hospital, what is it? It’s a big building with patients in it, but that’s not important right now.
Get me someone who won’t crack under pressure. How about Mr. Rogers?
I haven’t felt this bad since I saw that Ronald Reagan movie.

There are many, many more movies and TV shows I could have included here, but I decided to focus on just a few for now, but as I near my wrap up, how can I not share the one photo that I think we’ve shared back and forth more times than I can possibly imagine? I mean, I even mentioned the person’s name at the beginning of this blog. Without further ado, I present the one image guaranteed to make both of us laugh.

You can totally hear him right now, can’t you?? The king of the dramatic pause – William Shatner. There are no more words necessary – this image is all you need.

(Keith Note: Ricardo Montalban should have won an Academy Award for his performance in this film. He is brilliant! My brother once got me a Khan figure to put on my desk for Christmas!)

Laughter. It has been a delight revisiting these few memories as they have helped spur so many more that could fill numerous more blog posts. Thank you for joining me on this guest post, I hope it brought you some laughter as well. I will end with one final image that encompasses a big part of our childhood: Keith and me playing with our Star Wars figures. The fun and adventures we created beyond the films!

(Keith Note: My brother could not have picked a more awful picture of me – ok, maybe he could have. What makes me laugh about this picture is that he has Star Wars figures, and I have that Fisher Price motorcycle dude (who we called “Ginge”)! I am also appalled that I am wearing black socks in this picture! The picture, however, is a wonderful time capsule, though. Besides the toys of the 70’s and 80’s, you will notice ugly shag carpeting, HUGE books called phone books (where we used to look up phone numbers), a stack of newspapers (where we got news before the internet), and one of the first video game systems – the Atari 2600!

It’s always fun to see what others remember and what you forgot. The North Avenue Irregulars was something I had forgot about! I am so glad he mentioned it. In speaking to my brother after reading this, he stated that writing this blog for me, brought about many other things that he “could have” wrote about. I am encouraging him to keep notes on those things and return for another “guest” spot. Thanks, Chris! I love you!)