The Drive Inn

I just wanted to post a quick note about the Cascade Drive Inn, located in West Chicago. If you grew up like I did, going to the drive inn well, going there is like a trip down memory lane. Plus, two movies for $8.50 can not be beaten.

In my neck of the woods, the Sheridan Drive Inn was the place as a teen you got your license for. Of course the very year I finally got my drivers license the place closed down. Still, I got in a couple of movies the last year it was opened. I still remember piling in Chris Dusza’s blue Ford Escort wagon to go see Re-Animator at the famed Sheridan.

After the Sheridan closed my posse and I found the Double Drive-Inn on Columbus Drive right around Kedzie. While this drive inn was not exactly located in the greatest neighborhood, we still visited it quite often. The Double was nice in that it had three screens and each of them would play two movies per night, hence the name the Double.

I saw a lot of movies at the Double in the years I went there. For example one night Chris, Paul, Rob and I headed over on the first weekend the Double was open in March to check out Pet Semitary. It was like 25 degrees out at night and when I went into the snack shop to get some popcorn it tasted like it was the brewed from the previous fall.

We saw a number of movies there over the years, Star Trek 5, Major League, Casualties of War, Phantom of the Mall, Total Recall, Batman, Ghostbusters II, and some other movie I can’t remember the name of, that was about a woman that worshiped trees. It was great because we could sneak in a cooler in the trunk and drink some cheap beer while watching a movie. The drive inn was in complete dis-repair and was a flat tire waiting to happen but hey we managed.

The last movie I saw there was Lethal Weapon 3. The next year it was closed. So, years went by without a trip to the drive inn. Then a couple of Summers ago, I did some research online and found the Cascade in West Chicago. Joyce and I have made the trek up there, three years in a row. I can not recommend the experience enough.

If you are a movie fan, it is a different way to experience a film and one that you should indulge in. There is something cool, about sitting in your car and watching a movie with the sound coming through your car’s stereo. Also, from the looks of things, it seems to be a pretty cool place to take your kids as every time we go, the place is littered with crotch fruit.

It is located on North Avenue in West Chicago about 5 minutes from the exit on 355. They allow you to bring food in, but they also have a snack shop that sells corn dogs and popcorn that is a tad cheaper then your local AMC Theater. Here is a link to their website. http://www.cascadedrivein.com/

Another March Summary

This was one of the most memorable marches for a number of reasons. 95th has become my favorite of the two marches we go on as I actually like most of the bars on the stretch as opposed to 79th, where I hate most of them. I had not thrown up from drinking since my bachelor party in 2003. Well, sadly that streak is now over. I blame myself, big time as I didn’t follow my own advice and eat a sensible meal beforehand. I ate too early and drank too late. Here is a rundown.

The Hilton – We started there and everything stated off as normal. I paid $5.50 for a Heineken and sat there as the only person at the bar who was not going to a wedding at the hotel. Dell and Rob arrived a few minutes after I did and we were soon on our way.

The Hot Corner – Sadly the Hot Corner did not have any Schlitz like it normally does. It did have a ton of shady characters. It looked as if all the patrons had been there all day drinking already. There was really shitty bad pseudo 80’s metal being played on the juke box. There was one table in the corner with like six guys drooling over a beach dyed blonde stripper wannabe. It was a really, really bad scene. We all ordered Old Style’s and drank them in record time. The only saving grace of the place was getting a picture of Dell drinking out of an Old Style Cub bottle.

The Wine Bar – The place is not actually called The Wine Bar, but we have nicknamed it that. I think the real name is Vino’s something or other. Not really a beer joint but, I do kind of like the place. I grabbed a Stella, which I was surprised they carried. They had a saxophone dude up front playing some smooth jazz. Wasn’t really the type of bar three dudes on the southside would normally hang out. Still the bartender was nice enough (and a Cub fan) and after the carnage we witnessed at the Hot Corner it was a welcome relief.

The Gaslight – It was kind of a sparse crowd at the Gaslight. It was my turn to buy so I ordered up a round of Pabst Blue Ribbon. Rob found a bags video game in the corner so, we gave it a whirl. After playing I think we all agreed it, kind of sucked. At the Gaslight the debate raged, on weather or not we should actually go to the VFW. We after some debate decided to give it a whirl.

The VFW – We walked in bracing for the worst when in reality it wasn’t all that bad. Sure, it was a bit outdated but all of the patrons were nice as was the bartender. I had Rob get me a Miller Genuine Draft and we found a small table off to the side. I am not sure if this is a badge of honor or not, but I have been in a lot of VFW bars in my day, and I must say, this was one of the nicest if not the nicest. Not sure if I could ever become a regular, but a clean place with cheap drinks. What is not to like.

The Goal Post – It was karaoke night, need I say more? Actually it wasn’t that bad. I knew I had to get a Budweiser out of the way, so I had Dell grab me one and it really sucked. We sat down at a table and the waitress asked if we would like some chips and salsa. We said, sure. That would be a mistake for Nick as that was what came back up at 6 in the morning. But I digress. Tony would eventually meet us there and would add one to our marching pack.

Deja Brew – Deja has a very good beer garden. But, after sticking our heads out there, we saw it was pretty crowded. So, we just grabbed a table. Running out of beer brands I went with a Miller Genuine 64 which is kind of like a Michelob Ultra. In case you were wondering, it sucked. The bar inside was pretty dead so, we finished up our drinks rather quickly and headed out.

St. James Place – I swear I don’t know how this bar stays in business. There was no one there. I wanted a Rolling Rock but they were out so, instead Tony grabbed me a Miller High Life. I went up to the juke box and being drunk, for all I know I put in a ten because it seemed like I had endless credits. I played a bunch of tunes that were still playing as we left. We stayed there awhile and bullshitted before finally heading out.

George’s – On the way to George’s we were met by Wally, Johna, Chris, Alicia, Mike and Shannon who were nice enough to serenade me Happy Birthday on the corner. We all piled into George’s where Rob got me a Corona. Wally then ordered a dozen shots of Sambuka (would have been cheaper to just ask for the bottle) and I proceeded to drink three of the shots. I bullshitted with the new members of the march and we had a good old time as I tried not to rub it in too much about the Cub victory earlier that day.

BJ McMahon’s – At long last we had reached the last bar on the march. I was already pretty bombed by this point. We sat in the beer garden and a waitress came up to us. She told us they had Point so we were pretty happy. I went into the bar to take a leak. The waitress stopped me to inform me they were out of Point but did have Point Pale Ale. I told her that would fine. That would be another huge mistake. The only way I can describe the beer is that it tasted like Christmas. It was awful. We all choked it down as best we could. It was pure gasoline and to end a march it was a really bad choice.

After leaving BJ’s Tony gave me a ride and I got home and went right to bed. Then at 6 AM the feeling hit me and anyone that has ever over-indulged knows that feeling. I am so pissed at myself. I should have known better and maybe at 39 my wife slightly hinted that maybe I am getting a little to old for marching. I perish the thought.

Here are some pictures of the carnage. http://www.flickr.com/photos/43299774@N00/sets/72157605810614926/

Goodnight George

"The whole problem with this idea of obscenity and indecency, and all of these things — bad language and whatever — it's all caused by one basic thing, and that is: religious superstition," Carlin told the AP in a 2004 interview. "There's an idea that the human body is somehow evil and bad and there are parts of it that are especially evil and bad, and we should be ashamed. Fear, guilt and shame are built into the attitude toward sex and the body. ... It's reflected in these prohibitions and these taboos that we have."

Could not have said it better myself.

March On

It is that time of the year again where Dell, Rob and I head out to do a 95th street march. I am looking forward to this as usual and the same rules apply. One beer at each bar and at each it needs to be a different brand. Also shots start at possibly the Gas Light, but if the Hot Corner has the mystery shot in the bag for a buck that is a mandatory one.

We are starting at the Hilton at 7:30 sharp. From there we head to in the Hot Corner, the Wine Bar, The Gas Light, The Goal Post, Deja Brew, St. James Place, George’s and then end at B.J. McMahon’s. We would hit the TGI Friday’s but usually by the time we get there it is closed.

All are welcome to join us at any point along the way. Some tips for novice marchers. First off start with the heavy beers early. Get you Heineken out of the way early and leave the Miller High Life’s and Rolling Rocks until the end. Trust me there is noting worse when you gut is full of beer then trying to force a heavy ass beer down your throat. Also remember slow and steady wins the race. It is imperative that you don’t start shot-gunning beers or you will never make it.

Also, it is very important that you eat a sensible meal before hand. Bread and pasta are good ideas. Nothing greasy or food that is hard to digest. When we were younger, it didn’t matter. We could eat anything and be fine. At our advancing ages however, you need to take precautions if you want to make it until the end.

I will post back early next week with pictures and a summary of how it went.

Nick's All Star Rosters

Every year around this time I put out my All Star rosters as I would devise them if I was the all ruling lord of Baseball. Here are my 30 man rosters for each squad. Rememebrgin that each team must be represented.

American League

1B Kevin Youklis Bos.
2B Ian Kinsler Tex.
SS Michael Young Tex.
3B Alex Rodriguez NY
OF Josh Hamilton Tex.
OF Milton Bradley Tex.
OF Manny Ramirez Bos.
C Joe Mauer Min.
DH Hidecki Matsui
SP Cliff Lee Clev.

Bench
Infield – Giambi NY, Pedroia Bos, Betencourt Sea, Crede Chi.

Outfield – Quentin Chi, Ordonez Det, Damon NY, Drew Bos.

Catcher – Navarro TB

Pitchers – Kazmir TB, Marcum Tor, Saunders LA, Durecherer Oak, Haladay Tor, Mussina NY, Santana, LA, Sherill Balt, Soria KC, Rodriguez LA, Rivera NY

National League
1B Berkman Hou.
2B Utley Phi.
SS Ramirez Fla.
3B Jones Atl.
OF McClouth Pitt.
OF Nady Pitt.
OF Ludwick Stl.
C Soto Chi.
SP Volquez Cin.

Bench
Infield – Gonzalez SD, Uggla Fla, Tejada Hou, Reyes NY, Wright NY.

Outfield – Braun Mil, Holiday Col, Burrell Phi.

Catcher – Martin LA, McCann Atl.

Pitchers – Webb Ari, Lincecum SF, Zambrano Chi, Dempster Chi, Hamels Phi, Sheets Mil, Wellmeyer Stl, Rauch Wash, Wood Chi, Marmol Chi, Lidge Phi.

A Cub Fans Plea

The Cubs and Sox renew their “rivalry” this weekend. I hate, hate hate, hate this series and interleague play as a whole. I have never liked it and really dislike the Cubs-Sox series as it has always brought out the worst in people on both sides of town. I vowed long ago to never attend one of these games ever again.

With that said, I hope beyond hope we can all just get along. Both teams are in first and both sides of town should be happy. Still, the losers on both sides of town of course will ratchet up the stupidity. In the overall scheme of things it is six games out of one hundred and sixty two. This series is now ten years old and it is all knotted up with both teams having won and lost the exact amount of games. That just shows to me, that really despite a year or two of superiority on one side of town in the long run things tend to even out.

Regular season games are just that, regular. There are so many variables that occur during a 162 game season that to put so much emphasis, on games in June really makes no sense. No matter what happens between the teams it really has no bearing on much other then bragging rights for a couple of weeks. By mid-July most people have forgotten and are wrapped up in the teams current games. I mean the Cubs won 5 of 6 last year and I can’t recall taking any more satisfaction in those games then any other.

Also, after ten years of this series, I just don’t have the passion I once had for it. When it was a novelty and new, it was something different. Now, it just seems old and unoriginal. I know this would never happen but really there is no need for six games between the teams. The White Sox can guarantee a sell out and Bud “Moron” Selig somehow has convinced himself this series is good for the game. Still I ask why not just play three a year with home field being alternated every year. Or, how about they only play each other every three years? That would make the games a little more interesting as bragging rights would last for awhile.

So, I am asking for peace this weekend. I don’t hate the White Sox. If I did then I would be saying I hate some members of my family and a lot of my friends. No matter what happens this weekend, my only real hope is that the Cubs are either more games ahead of St. Louis or at least leave the series no worse then when they started. Sox fans should be hoping for pretty much the same thing with their lead.

I know there are people on both sides of town, (I know I am extremely biased but, the bile seems to be much worse on the south side.) that take this series much more serious then I do and consider it life or death. To them, all I can say is that it is just a game. It does not directly affect your life. Please try to remember that, as I walk around the south side in my Cub hat on this weekend.

June, 16th Nick on the Radio

I will be on 9FM on Monday June 16^th at 7 PM Central time. Please give it a listen so you can hear my top 9 songs. For those not in the Chicagoland area you can listen online at weplayanything.com

Nick on the Radio

I will be on 99.9 FM here in Chicago sometime next week. (I don’t have the exact day yet, I already taped my piece and they will email me exactly which day it will air. I will try to post an exact date when I get one from 9FM.) For those not in Chicago you can go to weplayanything.com and listen to the live stream.

For those who do not know, 9FM has this thing they run every night at 7, where they play people top’s 9 songs. You can go on their website and sign up for it. I did so about a month ago and then forgot about it. Then out of the clear blue sky I got an email, telling me that I had been picked and I would be on the radio.

The only thing that sucked was I had forgotten which nine songs I had picked. Then when they called me to record the intros for all my songs they had vetoed half of them. (I still don’t get how a station that claims to play anything can veto any song but, whatever.) So, with no warning I had to pick songs that were actually on their playlist off the top of my head.

For example, I had So Lonely, by the Police on my original list, but that was vetoed. So, I had to think of a replacement while I had the 9FM guy on the phone. I had to include a Police song, (I mean how could I not) and the only one that jumped in my head was Walking on the Moon, which I like but would not even make my personal top 10 of Police tunes.

But, whatever I will still be on the radio so, it is cool. Again, when I hear more and know an exact date I will pass it on. I think it will be sometime next week according to what the Dude told me on the phone.