Archive for category: blog

Norwood HS Alumni Association. 200 people (all ages) playing Teamwork Trivia, again this year! The “Last Hurrah” closed the old building and the new building is up and running. Spectacular.
Ready? One day the Red Sox will retire uniform number 47 (who gets the honor?). James Beard Awards are given to outstanding achievement in “what field”? What celebrity hawks “Wonderstruck” perfume? What athlete represents “Driven” cologne? Who is the most famous Puerto Rican golfer? Norwood Elks, Thanks, as usual, to Ms. Paula Pelaggi. 1-27-12

See the fun: Facebook

Etta James : Born in Los Angeles CA. [b.Jan.1938 d.Jan.2011] age 73
“At Last” by Etta James :
-Peak Top 40 Billboard Chart Position: # 47 in 1961
-Peak Billboard R+B Position: # 2 in 1961

-Etta James. 4-time Grammy winner.
-Inducted into 3 Halls Of Fame; Blues (Foundation), Grammy & Rock ‘n’ Roll.
-“CADILLAC RECORDS” (2008), the Etta James bio-pic, starring Beyonce Knowles.
-The hit song “Good Feeling” by Flo Rida brilliantly uses the beginning of Etta James’ “Something’s Got A Hold On Me” (1962). “Sometimes, I get a good feeling… that i never never never….
Her gospel “call and response” introduction is a R&B classic.
Flo Rida’s real name is Tramar Dillard from Florida (see his stage name spells…)
Here is the original record. This soul singer’s style pre-dates Aretha Franklin’s style, it is before Tina Turner, too. It is before Motown (1964 “My Guy, Mary Wells) and Stax Records (1960 “Gee Whiz” by Carla Thomas was more of a doo-wop style, than gritty R+B style, like this Etta James record)

“SOMETHING’S GOT A HOLD ON ME” by Etta James YouTube video slideshow.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmexOmLyuVU&feature=fvsr

‘GOOD FEELING” by Flo Rida. Official video YouTube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OnnDqH6Wj8

See more Etta James and “At Last”(1961) info in categories column to the left.

E.E. Little School, North Reading. This fifth year anniversary of the Little School’s Teamwork Trivia Night was a great fundraising event. There were about 225 people at the 25 tables and all were focused on winning those gold medals, bragging rights and a “little” cash. Previous winners wore the medals from previous victories – very intimidating.

The silent auction and raffles really pumped up the school’s total bank. The two largest islands in the Mediterranean Sea was a defining question. The parents and teachers brought a slideshow of school activities while figuring out ‘who sang ‘Aint That A Shame’, Julie Robert’s brief marriage to a singer and how many planets are left , since Pluto got the boot!

The committee had a prize for the most ‘dressed-up- table. ‘Occupy Boston’s’ clothes line was great but, ‘E=Mc2’ was tops in the Dress Code!
11-5-11

Matt Meinholz, a Wisconsin 17-year old son and brother to six fun siblings. A football player, a St.Louis Rams’s fan, a senior at Middleton HS. A cancer fighter. By just finishing 30 proton-beam treatments in 30 days, there was not leave a lot of time to see the October sights around Boston but the Meinholz family did their best, as usual. In a brief visit, I found a fun teenager, head held high, and supportive and grateful family at his side.

The family could see the Head of the Charles Regatta from their hotel window. Matt got to see the USS Constitution in the Boston Harbor, not just his textbook. Matt’s dad pointed out that the whole family got a real-life history lesson here in the Bay State. The walking tour thru Boston’s Italian North End was part of Matt’s recovery. Putting on a positive 10 pounds by this month’s end is a step in the right direction for this teenager.

Although, I did my best, Matt is a Rams fan. Not even his father could get him to rout for Green Bay, so the Patriots were out of the question (maybe Red Sox, in the AL because his Brewers are in the NL). This ESPN-savvy teenager knows his sports inside and out. Bret Farve, Desmond Howard, ’96 Super Bowl GB vs Pats, that 6th round Michigan alum – Tom Brady, ’01 Super Bowl (his) STL Rams vs Pats and ’11 Brewers play-offs. Matt is versed in all these areas. Tail-gating and grilling brauts at Wisconsin Badgers games were missed this year, due to this Boston trip. Matt is, however, going back to Wisconsin with a Boston accent, an unexpected gift.

The extraordinary Mass. General Hospital is the only place that offered this modern therapy, extraordinary everyday at the Mass General. The “big” assist from Double Tree Guest Suites that welcomed this big Wisconsin family when they needed it most, is a big part of their story. Thanks to big-hearted Theresa Johnson for stepping up for this family in need.

Matt and his family are going back to Wisconsin Friday. Matt has more chemo-therapy in 2012 already scheduled in Wisconsin. Matt has high hopes for the Rams, Brewers and Badgers next year and a positive attitude looking ahead. Everyone (Boston and Wisconsin) has the same for Matt.