Welcome To Case's Column
Let me say a big welcome to all of you for joining me here. I'm going to call these blog meetings Case's Column. I wanted to use "Corner", but that was already taken.
Since 2008, it's been a real privilege to come on here and share some of my life with you, and it's a big world where we live.
In these blogs, I'll just speak whatever is on my mind, but we will be playing within the rules here. I may pick a particular topic, point out an event, or shoot the breeze. I'm a little bit of an essayist at times, so I'll just speak what's on my mind, and I might tell a story or two. Or, I might spew out an opinion or three. There will be some serious moments, some tender, some poignant, but there will also be those moments that you'll just bust out laughing. But, hopefully, everything will be in good fun here. And, of course, there's a place below for your comments and thoughts as we go along here. So feel free to join me for the ride -- I sure as heck hope I'm doing this right and not making any mistakes.
Thanks for taking your time in reading Case's Column. Hopefully, you'll enjoy being entertained by it as much as I've enjoyed putting these writings together. And thanks for the time you spend in City-Data.com, where it's great to be alive!
Regards,
case44
Let me say a big welcome to all of you for joining me here. I'm going to call these blog meetings Case's Column. I wanted to use "Corner", but that was already taken.
Since 2008, it's been a real privilege to come on here and share some of my life with you, and it's a big world where we live.In these blogs, I'll just speak whatever is on my mind, but we will be playing within the rules here. I may pick a particular topic, point out an event, or shoot the breeze. I'm a little bit of an essayist at times, so I'll just speak what's on my mind, and I might tell a story or two. Or, I might spew out an opinion or three. There will be some serious moments, some tender, some poignant, but there will also be those moments that you'll just bust out laughing. But, hopefully, everything will be in good fun here. And, of course, there's a place below for your comments and thoughts as we go along here. So feel free to join me for the ride -- I sure as heck hope I'm doing this right and not making any mistakes.
Thanks for taking your time in reading Case's Column. Hopefully, you'll enjoy being entertained by it as much as I've enjoyed putting these writings together. And thanks for the time you spend in City-Data.com, where it's great to be alive!
Regards,
case44
More Scattershooting / My New Obsession With The Flirtations
It's time for more Scattershooting, right here and only right here on Case's Column because you have to know what's happening in your world. Things change, others stay the same, and others just aren't sure which way to go. And then, you readers just want more chocolate chip cookies for Christmas, don't you? I'll see what I can do.
********
For an R&B group that should have achieved more success than it has, and that's should have, The Flirtations are picking up more popularity among YouTube users than ever. Their biggest (and, really, only) hit that they've had here in the U.S. was "Nothing But A Heartache", written by Wayne Bickerton and Tony Waddington, who had a hand in many songs sung by this exciting trio of ladies. Now, they didn't begin as a trio, but that's just how things worked out for Ernestine Pearce, Shirley Pearce, and Viola Billups. Those ladies together produce a great sound, with Ernestine providing the strongest (and frequently fronted) vocal of the group. During the group's run, Viola left for a while to do her solo act and had recorded mostly upbeat disco-based tunes under the name of Pearly Gates, but my impression of her is, she still didn't really want to forsake The Flirtations.
What's peculiar is how this group has stayed in relative obscurity for so long in America. Until recently, there hadn't been much from The Flirtations anywhere on YouTube or other sources, even though things recorded through the years have always been out there on the landscape.
In recent days, I've listened to more of their music, and they've had some newer releases in the last twenty to thirty years. I've also taken a liking to Vie Billups (Pearly Gates) on one particular release, "Fading Into The Night". Can you imagine how much success those ladies could have had were there not as many girl groups back in the 1960s? Hard to say. Then again, "Nothing But A Heartache" should have achieved better in 1969, even against very formidable competition. Your writer can safely say he has a new favorite for R&B. Reportedly, The Flirtations are still together and still active, but age will ultimately catch up to them.
If I have to have an obsession, then that's the three-in-one worth having.
********
So, the Houston Astros were graded as A- in their recent showing at Baseball's Winter Meetings by one publication. It's okay. People speculated far and wide with different players who were free agents, thinking one or another would sign with the Astros, only to eventually sign with another club. Or, in the case of others, to re-up with the franchise they had already been with. Houston did get Uncle Mike back, as Michael Brantley got him a new one-year deal, and Jose Abreu joins in at first base for the upcoming season.
We shall keep a close eye on potential trades which could still happen between now and Spring Training, but the way it looks now, the Astros are an overwhelming heavy favorite by some circles to win another World Series in 2023.
********
And should anyone be wondering, nobody won Friday night's Mega Millions jackpot. Oh, well. At any rate, the Tuesday drawing (at this writing) will be at $565 million.
********
The late, great Betty White's former house will no longer stand. New ownership wants something else with that property. White, you'll recall, had passed away just short of her 100th birthday nearly one year ago, and here it is today and, well, now the new owners are making people scratch their heads. Why mess with a piece of history?
https://www.foxbusiness.com/entertai...ar-after-death
********
Washing ashore in recent days are pieces of the past that are still a mystery. They are believed to have been part of a shipwreck which occurred off of North Carolina's coast more than 130 years ago. More evidence is apparently coming in, if not the entire ship.
https://www.foxnews.com/us/shipwreck...l-media-debate
********
No official word yet from Lubbock, but Lubbock in the Loop is implying that the city's new Convention Center hotel project (to be anchored by Marriott) appears to be back on. It's still slated to go in on the north side of downtown, but nothing yet on a possible design change. Or, for that matter, if the initial plans might actually stay the same.
When something does arise, we'll also check out that timetable in regards to the pace of the new development.
********
Being that it's Christmas, your writer has still never watched the classic movie, "It's A Wonderful Life", in its entirety. Still haven't.
********
New road construction abounds every day in Dallas. You usually would hear about new projects in the northern suburbs or in Fort Worth, but probably have let the following go under the radar. This one's in the south, folks. The Texas Department of Transportation is rebuilding FM Road 664 from the north side of Waxahachie through Ovilla and Red Oak, and then extending all the way to Ferris, where a new bypass will be built to the south of town, and will then form a new interchange with Interstate 45. And, yes, the flythrough exists on YouTube, and that's how I actually found out about it.
Now, if the powers that be could just do something with FM 660 southeast of Ferris and bring a new alignment to tie in to the 664 junction with 45 from the east. Totally irresistible.
It should also be noted that the interchange at I-35 in Red Oak will feature what's called a Single Point Urban Interchange, where the ramps to and from will converge at one point on top of the bridge. You can see one of those already built in Plano at U.S. Highway 75 and Parker Road. That's what the folks in Red Oak are about to get.
Also, watch for new construction on State Loop 9, the southern extension of the George Bush Turnpike; however, it will be disjointed as that new work will actually be near Red Oak between I-35 and I-45. In its initial phase, it will be a two-lane highway with multiple, alternative passing lanes which one day will become one of the feeder roads to the six-lane expressway. Not sure yet if it will be tolled.
********
Did the Seattle Seahawks lose their minds? They certainly chose to lose their shirts as they wanted to intimidate their opponents, the Kansas City Chiefs, by warming up topless at the latter's Arrowhead Stadium during pre-game reps................in a wind chill of -10 degrees!
Take a look: https://www.foxnews.com/sports/seaha...ero-wind-chill
And, of course, it didn't work. Kansas City still won the game, 24-10. Look, it's one thing to prove your manhood, but come on....
********
Speaking of shirtless, country music star Shania Twain is finally deciding to pose nekkid. Well, almost, sports fans. Actually, this topless bit is for a new album cover to go along with her latest release, entitled, "Waking Up Dreaming".
https://www.foxnews.com/entertainmen...90221a62bba745
Nothing wrong with a little confidence. At least, she succeeded where the Seahawks didn't.
********
That recent cold spell over much of America did not put out the electricity in this writer's abode or neighborhood. Coldest temps in Dallas since Valentine's week of 2021, as Lewisville went down to 10 degrees this past Thursday night into Friday.
And the week to come? Back to 70 degrees when we get to this coming Thursday. Gotta love that Texas weather.
********
On this day back in 1941, Bing Crosby made his first-ever performance of "White Christmas" in a day where NBC's "Kraft Music Hall" was still on that magical, mystical thing called radio.
https://www.foxnews.com/lifestyle/th...mas-first-time
********
Say it ain't so, Cheryl? The Case's Column newsroom has just found out that Cheryl Burke is leaving ABC-TV's "Dancing With The Stars" after a whopping twenty-six years on the program. Reportedly, she'll be on her way to another TV project.
https://www.foxnews.com/entertainmen...mors-future-tv
********
Another thing that's riding off into the sunset is the Kia Stinger. Seems rear-wheel drives are going out of style these days, as front-wheel drives are still more popular.
https://www.foxnews.com/auto/type-car-going-extinct
********
Miracle in Nashville? The Houston Texans snapped (finally) their nine-game losing streak against the AFC South-leading Tennessee Titans. That division, by the way, is so bad this year. The Texans win on the road, 19-14.
https://www.foxnews.com/sports/texan...et-titans-road
I've still never been hip on the NFL's insistence on having four-team divisions instead of, say, five. Problems have abounded with this in the past with losing records leading a division, and teams with such records don't deserve to be in the playoffs. Playoffs?? Playoffs???!!! My two cents.
********
Well, this will wrap up (pun intended) another diversion into the world of hither and thether. Hope you all have the merriest of Christmases, wherever you may be, and stay in touch here, as I will, in case Case has more things to share.
And there you are.
I'll see what I can do.********
For an R&B group that should have achieved more success than it has, and that's should have, The Flirtations are picking up more popularity among YouTube users than ever. Their biggest (and, really, only) hit that they've had here in the U.S. was "Nothing But A Heartache", written by Wayne Bickerton and Tony Waddington, who had a hand in many songs sung by this exciting trio of ladies. Now, they didn't begin as a trio, but that's just how things worked out for Ernestine Pearce, Shirley Pearce, and Viola Billups. Those ladies together produce a great sound, with Ernestine providing the strongest (and frequently fronted) vocal of the group. During the group's run, Viola left for a while to do her solo act and had recorded mostly upbeat disco-based tunes under the name of Pearly Gates, but my impression of her is, she still didn't really want to forsake The Flirtations.
What's peculiar is how this group has stayed in relative obscurity for so long in America. Until recently, there hadn't been much from The Flirtations anywhere on YouTube or other sources, even though things recorded through the years have always been out there on the landscape.
In recent days, I've listened to more of their music, and they've had some newer releases in the last twenty to thirty years. I've also taken a liking to Vie Billups (Pearly Gates) on one particular release, "Fading Into The Night". Can you imagine how much success those ladies could have had were there not as many girl groups back in the 1960s? Hard to say. Then again, "Nothing But A Heartache" should have achieved better in 1969, even against very formidable competition. Your writer can safely say he has a new favorite for R&B. Reportedly, The Flirtations are still together and still active, but age will ultimately catch up to them.
If I have to have an obsession, then that's the three-in-one worth having.
********
So, the Houston Astros were graded as A- in their recent showing at Baseball's Winter Meetings by one publication. It's okay. People speculated far and wide with different players who were free agents, thinking one or another would sign with the Astros, only to eventually sign with another club. Or, in the case of others, to re-up with the franchise they had already been with. Houston did get Uncle Mike back, as Michael Brantley got him a new one-year deal, and Jose Abreu joins in at first base for the upcoming season.
We shall keep a close eye on potential trades which could still happen between now and Spring Training, but the way it looks now, the Astros are an overwhelming heavy favorite by some circles to win another World Series in 2023.
********
And should anyone be wondering, nobody won Friday night's Mega Millions jackpot. Oh, well. At any rate, the Tuesday drawing (at this writing) will be at $565 million.
********
The late, great Betty White's former house will no longer stand. New ownership wants something else with that property. White, you'll recall, had passed away just short of her 100th birthday nearly one year ago, and here it is today and, well, now the new owners are making people scratch their heads. Why mess with a piece of history?
https://www.foxbusiness.com/entertai...ar-after-death
********
Washing ashore in recent days are pieces of the past that are still a mystery. They are believed to have been part of a shipwreck which occurred off of North Carolina's coast more than 130 years ago. More evidence is apparently coming in, if not the entire ship.
https://www.foxnews.com/us/shipwreck...l-media-debate
********
No official word yet from Lubbock, but Lubbock in the Loop is implying that the city's new Convention Center hotel project (to be anchored by Marriott) appears to be back on. It's still slated to go in on the north side of downtown, but nothing yet on a possible design change. Or, for that matter, if the initial plans might actually stay the same.
When something does arise, we'll also check out that timetable in regards to the pace of the new development.
********
Being that it's Christmas, your writer has still never watched the classic movie, "It's A Wonderful Life", in its entirety. Still haven't.
********
New road construction abounds every day in Dallas. You usually would hear about new projects in the northern suburbs or in Fort Worth, but probably have let the following go under the radar. This one's in the south, folks. The Texas Department of Transportation is rebuilding FM Road 664 from the north side of Waxahachie through Ovilla and Red Oak, and then extending all the way to Ferris, where a new bypass will be built to the south of town, and will then form a new interchange with Interstate 45. And, yes, the flythrough exists on YouTube, and that's how I actually found out about it.
Now, if the powers that be could just do something with FM 660 southeast of Ferris and bring a new alignment to tie in to the 664 junction with 45 from the east. Totally irresistible.
It should also be noted that the interchange at I-35 in Red Oak will feature what's called a Single Point Urban Interchange, where the ramps to and from will converge at one point on top of the bridge. You can see one of those already built in Plano at U.S. Highway 75 and Parker Road. That's what the folks in Red Oak are about to get.
Also, watch for new construction on State Loop 9, the southern extension of the George Bush Turnpike; however, it will be disjointed as that new work will actually be near Red Oak between I-35 and I-45. In its initial phase, it will be a two-lane highway with multiple, alternative passing lanes which one day will become one of the feeder roads to the six-lane expressway. Not sure yet if it will be tolled.
********
Did the Seattle Seahawks lose their minds? They certainly chose to lose their shirts as they wanted to intimidate their opponents, the Kansas City Chiefs, by warming up topless at the latter's Arrowhead Stadium during pre-game reps................in a wind chill of -10 degrees!
Take a look: https://www.foxnews.com/sports/seaha...ero-wind-chill
And, of course, it didn't work. Kansas City still won the game, 24-10. Look, it's one thing to prove your manhood, but come on....
********
Speaking of shirtless, country music star Shania Twain is finally deciding to pose nekkid. Well, almost, sports fans. Actually, this topless bit is for a new album cover to go along with her latest release, entitled, "Waking Up Dreaming".
https://www.foxnews.com/entertainmen...90221a62bba745
Nothing wrong with a little confidence. At least, she succeeded where the Seahawks didn't.
********
That recent cold spell over much of America did not put out the electricity in this writer's abode or neighborhood. Coldest temps in Dallas since Valentine's week of 2021, as Lewisville went down to 10 degrees this past Thursday night into Friday.
And the week to come? Back to 70 degrees when we get to this coming Thursday. Gotta love that Texas weather.
********
On this day back in 1941, Bing Crosby made his first-ever performance of "White Christmas" in a day where NBC's "Kraft Music Hall" was still on that magical, mystical thing called radio.
https://www.foxnews.com/lifestyle/th...mas-first-time
********
Say it ain't so, Cheryl? The Case's Column newsroom has just found out that Cheryl Burke is leaving ABC-TV's "Dancing With The Stars" after a whopping twenty-six years on the program. Reportedly, she'll be on her way to another TV project.
https://www.foxnews.com/entertainmen...mors-future-tv
********
Another thing that's riding off into the sunset is the Kia Stinger. Seems rear-wheel drives are going out of style these days, as front-wheel drives are still more popular.
https://www.foxnews.com/auto/type-car-going-extinct
********
Miracle in Nashville? The Houston Texans snapped (finally) their nine-game losing streak against the AFC South-leading Tennessee Titans. That division, by the way, is so bad this year. The Texans win on the road, 19-14.
https://www.foxnews.com/sports/texan...et-titans-road
I've still never been hip on the NFL's insistence on having four-team divisions instead of, say, five. Problems have abounded with this in the past with losing records leading a division, and teams with such records don't deserve to be in the playoffs. Playoffs?? Playoffs???!!! My two cents.
********
Well, this will wrap up (pun intended) another diversion into the world of hither and thether. Hope you all have the merriest of Christmases, wherever you may be, and stay in touch here, as I will, in case Case has more things to share.
And there you are.
Total Comments 1
Comments
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Stanford (University) baseball did the opposite kind of thing against Tech in Lubbock in June in the super regionals a few years back. It was something like 108 degrees, and they wore all-black uniforms. Unfortunately for the Red Raiders, it worked, and the Cardinal won.Quote:Did the Seattle Seahawks lose their minds? They certainly chose to lose their shirts as they wanted to intimidate their opponents, the Kansas City Chiefs, by warming up topless at the latter's Arrowhead Stadium during pre-game reps................in a wind chill of -10 degrees!
Take a look: https://www.foxnews.com/sports/seaha...ero-wind-chill
And, of course, it didn't work. Kansas City still won the game, 24-10. Look, it's one thing to prove your manhood, but come on....
However, some Tech football players did what the Seahawks guys did against Iowa State in Ames, IA in late November (was something like 15 with a wind chill of 5). Tech won.
Granted, neither W probably had much to do with the display of toughness, but rather because of a combination of strategy, talent, capitalizing on strengths, etc.
Would love to see the convention hotel get off the ground.Posted 12-25-2022 at 07:14 PM by shoe01
