**** ( out of four stars)
I have been a Hermans Hermits fan since the 60s. I remember getting the Greatest Hits album and playing it over and over. Despite the fact that Peter Noone has always been touring since then, Saturday night was the first time I saw him and the hermits in concert.
Noone looks and sounds great for his age ( 71). The original Hermits are on tour with him, except for the drummer. They have played the unique Sellersville Theater before, and they were back there again for two sold-out shows in the same day.
They came out with "I'm Into Something Good" and "What A Wonderful World", the show upbeat most of the time. The music isn't very thought-provoking but it is fun and harmless. The crowd was there to have a good time, and that they did for the next 90 minutes.
Noone did a few covers from the British Invasion era, including "Love Potion No. 9", "All My Loving", "Jumpin' Jack Flash" and "Daydream Believer." It was refreshing to hear the covers sprinkled in with Hermits' music.
Most of all None was funny as hell, surprisingly so. I expected him to be charming and know how to work a crowd. I didn't expect the show to be so damn humorous, especially when Noone mused about his age and cognitive capacity.
The softer, almost acoustic-like tunes were special, songs like "Listen People", "Leaning On The Lamp Post", and "Mrs. Brown You've Got A Lovely Daughter." But, even at 71, Noone can still rock, as he proven on a sizzling version of "Sea Cruise."
His energy is boundless and he knows what an audience wants. He was in the middle of the crowd during parts of the sing-along "Henry The VIII", the fans not only singing but clapping to Noone's encouragement. He's having fun, which makes you want to have fun too.
The sing-along went right to the very end, as the glow-sticks came out along with the swaying to "There's A Kind Of Hush." Noone and the Hermits deservedly got a standing ovation for their set. You didn't want it to end, they were that good.
"See you next year!" Herman promised. "Ten more years!"
Opening was the local 60s-70s cover band AM Radio. They are a group of middle-aged hipsters, wearing tie dyed clothes and sixties-style attire ( hats, shoes, beads). Looking at their website, AM Radio plays local bars and events, slowly gathering a following. Last night not only didn't hurt their image, it sure helped.
They are spot-on great. They did versions of "White Rabbit", "Undun", and "Joy To The World," to name but a few songs of their 30-minute set. It's so refreshing to hear songs you know the words to, songs maybe you haven't heard for a while but instantly recall- along with a multitude of memories- when they are played. More sing-along followed.
I can see why this band is hot enough to earn a gig with a famous act like Herman's Hermits. Music lovers, especially older music lovers, long for the good ol' days when music was simple and when you could actually understand the words. With an enormous catalogue of songs to pick from, a cover band like this could last forever.
I've rarely seen an opening act get such a rousing reaction after a performance. Let's face it- people were at the Sellersville Theater last night to see Noone and his band, not the opening act. That's why it was so amazing when AM Radio left to a standing ovation, not only after the final song, but even after they gathered their equipment and marched up the side aisle and out of the venue to bursts of applause.
All in all, a really fun and entertaining, memorable night of timeless music.
Sunday, January 6, 2019
Saturday, January 5, 2019
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- EAGLES, PHILLIES, FLYERS, SIXERS
- The Eagles are in Chicago, preparing for their playoff game with the Bears on Sunday. The Vegas line was as high as 6 1/2 points, now sitting at 6 points. Why so high?
The Chicago defense is arguably the best in the league. Plus it will be 4 out of 5 weeks for the birds on the road. Unfortunately, they must stay on the road to the Super Bowl. perhaps that is the biggest difference between this season and last. In the 2018 playoffs the Eagles played two games at home, and they had a first-round bye. So, this year, it's one more game to win and all road games.
Getting ahead early, trying to take the crowd out of the game will be key. Philly fans travel well and I'm sure there will be tons of Eagle supporters in the stands at Soldier Field tomorrow.
In this way, winning the Super Bowl again as repeat champions would be an even greater task than last year's miracle season. Only 3 teams have been the No. 6 wild card seed and won the Super Bowl. Not good odds, but it can be done.
Win tomorrow and the Birds must travel to New Orleans to take on the powerful Saints. It would be revenge for a 48-7 blasting earlier in the season. Talk more about a possible matchup with New Orleans later in the week.
The Bears are very good, going from worst to first in NFC North. Sure they benefited from an easier schedule, as will Philadelphia in 2019. They have a first-year coach and a second-year quarterback who has never been in a post-season game. They are home but will that advantage be an advantage if the pressure of the spotlight weigh on the young, inexperienced Bears?
I like the Eagles, 23-20.
- The Phillies are preparing for yet another big week, one which may potentially change their franchise.
This week was another good, solid free agent signing in Yankees reliever David Robertson. The rightie can be an effective set-up guy or closer. He greatly improves their bullpen. With more and more starting pitchers barely going six innings or even less, a strong bullpen is essential to success.
Despite a nice off-season with signings of McCutchen, Segura and Robertson, they still haven't reeled in the big fish- named Machado or Harper.
Signing one of the big two would be a game-changer for the Phillies. The rest ofthe NL East has improved. A Machado or Harper could put the Phils in the playoffs this summer.
Machado should be making a decision soon. It's reportedly down to the Phillies, Yanks and White Sox. Interestingly, New York signed former great shortstop Troy Tulowitzki this week, and promptly named him their starting shortstop. at least until Didi Gregorious gets well later this season. What does that say to Machado, who would rather play short than third base?
Philadelphia is scheduled to visit Harper this week in Las Vegas. Their main competition for Harper may be the dodgers. Machado's heart rests at Yankee Stadium, as he has a lifelong dream to play in New York.Harper has no such allegiance, although it's rumored that Washington may be back in the mix to re-sign him.
The other kicker is length of contract. Would Harper and Machado seek an 8-10 year mega deal, worth over $ 300 million? Or would they take a four-year deal for less money, with the shot of being a free agent again at the still-young age of 30?
My preference is Harper. I get it- Machado would upgrade the team both on offense and defense. Harper is an OK outfielder. I love Harper's power bat, especially in Citizens Bank Park. He draws walks and gets on base. He is the left-handed complement to Rhys Hoskins in the middle of the lineup.
The Phils could still use another starter. I don't feel good with Valasquez and Pivetta both in the rotation. They blew it last summer when they failed to trade for Cole Hamels. He would've helped them last season during the stretch run and this season. Plus he was a fan-favorite and a lefty starter they need.
After making the "spend stupid money" comment, the organization can't disappoint now. They need to go all-in and overpay if they must to hook the big fish still in the water.
- The Flyers play this afternoon at home against Calgary. the Orange and Black, one of the worst teams in the NHL, have a new coach but remain languishing. Needless to say they need an overhaul during the off-season, with veterans such as Gerioux, Vorachek and.or Simmonds on the trade block.
- Lastly, the Sixers concluded the home doubleheader tonight, playing the Mavericks. Now there are reports that newly-acquired guard jimmy butler is having problems with coach Brett brown. No surprise. Butler carries this baggage around form stays in Chicago and Minnesota.
If it's a case of Butler or Brown, the franchise should take Butler. They need to sign him to a long-term deal and have him stay as your shooting guard of the future.
I've never been a huge brown fan. He has been a good soldier for years, during the Trust the Process years. Now that the 76ers have a good team they deserve a better coach who will take them into the playoffs and beyond.
The Chicago defense is arguably the best in the league. Plus it will be 4 out of 5 weeks for the birds on the road. Unfortunately, they must stay on the road to the Super Bowl. perhaps that is the biggest difference between this season and last. In the 2018 playoffs the Eagles played two games at home, and they had a first-round bye. So, this year, it's one more game to win and all road games.
Getting ahead early, trying to take the crowd out of the game will be key. Philly fans travel well and I'm sure there will be tons of Eagle supporters in the stands at Soldier Field tomorrow.
In this way, winning the Super Bowl again as repeat champions would be an even greater task than last year's miracle season. Only 3 teams have been the No. 6 wild card seed and won the Super Bowl. Not good odds, but it can be done.
Win tomorrow and the Birds must travel to New Orleans to take on the powerful Saints. It would be revenge for a 48-7 blasting earlier in the season. Talk more about a possible matchup with New Orleans later in the week.
The Bears are very good, going from worst to first in NFC North. Sure they benefited from an easier schedule, as will Philadelphia in 2019. They have a first-year coach and a second-year quarterback who has never been in a post-season game. They are home but will that advantage be an advantage if the pressure of the spotlight weigh on the young, inexperienced Bears?
I like the Eagles, 23-20.
- The Phillies are preparing for yet another big week, one which may potentially change their franchise.
This week was another good, solid free agent signing in Yankees reliever David Robertson. The rightie can be an effective set-up guy or closer. He greatly improves their bullpen. With more and more starting pitchers barely going six innings or even less, a strong bullpen is essential to success.
Despite a nice off-season with signings of McCutchen, Segura and Robertson, they still haven't reeled in the big fish- named Machado or Harper.
Signing one of the big two would be a game-changer for the Phillies. The rest ofthe NL East has improved. A Machado or Harper could put the Phils in the playoffs this summer.
Machado should be making a decision soon. It's reportedly down to the Phillies, Yanks and White Sox. Interestingly, New York signed former great shortstop Troy Tulowitzki this week, and promptly named him their starting shortstop. at least until Didi Gregorious gets well later this season. What does that say to Machado, who would rather play short than third base?
Philadelphia is scheduled to visit Harper this week in Las Vegas. Their main competition for Harper may be the dodgers. Machado's heart rests at Yankee Stadium, as he has a lifelong dream to play in New York.Harper has no such allegiance, although it's rumored that Washington may be back in the mix to re-sign him.
The other kicker is length of contract. Would Harper and Machado seek an 8-10 year mega deal, worth over $ 300 million? Or would they take a four-year deal for less money, with the shot of being a free agent again at the still-young age of 30?
My preference is Harper. I get it- Machado would upgrade the team both on offense and defense. Harper is an OK outfielder. I love Harper's power bat, especially in Citizens Bank Park. He draws walks and gets on base. He is the left-handed complement to Rhys Hoskins in the middle of the lineup.
The Phils could still use another starter. I don't feel good with Valasquez and Pivetta both in the rotation. They blew it last summer when they failed to trade for Cole Hamels. He would've helped them last season during the stretch run and this season. Plus he was a fan-favorite and a lefty starter they need.
After making the "spend stupid money" comment, the organization can't disappoint now. They need to go all-in and overpay if they must to hook the big fish still in the water.
- The Flyers play this afternoon at home against Calgary. the Orange and Black, one of the worst teams in the NHL, have a new coach but remain languishing. Needless to say they need an overhaul during the off-season, with veterans such as Gerioux, Vorachek and.or Simmonds on the trade block.
- Lastly, the Sixers concluded the home doubleheader tonight, playing the Mavericks. Now there are reports that newly-acquired guard jimmy butler is having problems with coach Brett brown. No surprise. Butler carries this baggage around form stays in Chicago and Minnesota.
If it's a case of Butler or Brown, the franchise should take Butler. They need to sign him to a long-term deal and have him stay as your shooting guard of the future.
I've never been a huge brown fan. He has been a good soldier for years, during the Trust the Process years. Now that the 76ers have a good team they deserve a better coach who will take them into the playoffs and beyond.
BASEBALL TRIVIA
Immortal Records
In which season did Babe Ruth out-homer the most teams?
A. 1919
B. 1920
C. 1921
D. 1927
Answer: B. His 54 homers in 1920 were more than the home run total of 14 other teams that year- out of only 16 major league teams, total. He eclipsed each of the other seven American League teams, and only the Phillies' 64 in the National League surpassed Ruth.
His 154-game record of 60 homers in 1927 surpassed 12 American League and National League teams.
Baseball Birthdays
Saturday
Ban Johnson
Charlie Hough
Earl Battey
Danny Jackson
Sunday
Early Wynn
Ralph Branca
Don Gullet
Norm Charlton
In which season did Babe Ruth out-homer the most teams?
A. 1919
B. 1920
C. 1921
D. 1927
Answer: B. His 54 homers in 1920 were more than the home run total of 14 other teams that year- out of only 16 major league teams, total. He eclipsed each of the other seven American League teams, and only the Phillies' 64 in the National League surpassed Ruth.
His 154-game record of 60 homers in 1927 surpassed 12 American League and National League teams.
Baseball Birthdays
Saturday
Ban Johnson
Charlie Hough
Earl Battey
Danny Jackson
Sunday
Early Wynn
Ralph Branca
Don Gullet
Norm Charlton
THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY- JANUARY 5/6
Why?
"Some people said it was whiny. 'Oh, the ice princess is whining.' Whining? I wasn't whining. I had just been hit with a metal baton by a big, strong person. If you've never been attacked, you have no idea what you would do."
- Nancy Kerrigan
On January 6, 1994, figure skater Nancy Kerrigan is attacked by an unknown assailant while preparing for U.S. Figure Skating Championships.
"Some people said it was whiny. 'Oh, the ice princess is whining.' Whining? I wasn't whining. I had just been hit with a metal baton by a big, strong person. If you've never been attacked, you have no idea what you would do."
- Nancy Kerrigan
On January 6, 1994, figure skater Nancy Kerrigan is attacked by an unknown assailant while preparing for U.S. Figure Skating Championships.
Friday, January 4, 2019
NFL WILD CARD WEEKEND PICKS
A great weekend of pro football coming up, four games to start the playoffs,the Wild Card weekend, made even better because the Eagles are involved, defending their world championship. here is my take on all four games..
Eagles at Bears-
I like the birds because they are experienced and on a roll. Chicago has a first-year coach and a quarterback who has never been in a playoff game before. Yes, the bears are home, with their frenzied fans. Yes, Eagle-killer Tony Corrente is the ref. But until someone finally knocks off St. Nick Foles, I can't pick against him.
I'm surprised that the Eagles are the biggest underdogs on the card- up to six points now. Why? Didn't Vegas learn from last season? The bears are good, going 12-4 and winning NFC North. But they also had a relatively easy schedule. One can say that Philly barely made the post-season, thanks in no small way to Chicago beating Minnesota, but the Eagles had to beat the Rams in L.A>, and the tough Texans in Philadelphia, plus defeat the Redskins in Washington, just to get to this game. The Eagles will have their fans at Soldier field as well. They won't surrender their world title without a fight.
No Fog Bowl this time, as the weather is supposed to be nice on Sunday night in the Windy City.
Eagles 23 Bears 20
Seahawks at Cowboys-
Initially I was all over Seattle in this game. plus when I heard Seahawks Coach Pete Carroll is 6-0 all-time in wild card games that made my feeling even stronger. Seattle has been a hot team whereas Dallas , although going 10-6 and winning NFC East, limped into the playoffs.
The Cowboys get the edge for playing at home. Still, their stadium has never been a real home-field advantage. Between RB Elliot and WR Cooper they do have weapons, but if QB Prescott doesn't play well it doesn't matter. I would take Seahawk QB Russell Wilson any day.
Nice to know that even before the Eagles play the Cowboys may be eliminated.
However, for some strange reason, I think Dallas wins. I hope I'm wrong, but call it a gut feeling. Of course, the cowboys will get their due against the Rams next week. But I see them making it to the second round.
Cowboys 27 Seahawks 24
Chargers at Ravens-
The other Los Angeles team has been playing great all season. Now they must again fly east and playing at 1:00 EST on Sunday ( 10:00 am. PST to the Chargers). Baltimore should have the advantage. I just don't think this Ravens team is a juggernaut. I like the quarterback match up of Phillip Rivers.
Chargers 33 Ravens 20
Colts at Texans-
Indianapolis played hard all season, including winning last Sunday night in Tennessee in a do-or-die game. Houston is an up-and-coming squad, with explosiveness on offense and the dynamic duo of Clowney and Watt on defense. Plus a Houston win means a split on the weekend- two home teams win and two road team win.
Texans 34 Colts 16
Eagles at Bears-
I like the birds because they are experienced and on a roll. Chicago has a first-year coach and a quarterback who has never been in a playoff game before. Yes, the bears are home, with their frenzied fans. Yes, Eagle-killer Tony Corrente is the ref. But until someone finally knocks off St. Nick Foles, I can't pick against him.
I'm surprised that the Eagles are the biggest underdogs on the card- up to six points now. Why? Didn't Vegas learn from last season? The bears are good, going 12-4 and winning NFC North. But they also had a relatively easy schedule. One can say that Philly barely made the post-season, thanks in no small way to Chicago beating Minnesota, but the Eagles had to beat the Rams in L.A>, and the tough Texans in Philadelphia, plus defeat the Redskins in Washington, just to get to this game. The Eagles will have their fans at Soldier field as well. They won't surrender their world title without a fight.
No Fog Bowl this time, as the weather is supposed to be nice on Sunday night in the Windy City.
Eagles 23 Bears 20
Seahawks at Cowboys-
Initially I was all over Seattle in this game. plus when I heard Seahawks Coach Pete Carroll is 6-0 all-time in wild card games that made my feeling even stronger. Seattle has been a hot team whereas Dallas , although going 10-6 and winning NFC East, limped into the playoffs.
The Cowboys get the edge for playing at home. Still, their stadium has never been a real home-field advantage. Between RB Elliot and WR Cooper they do have weapons, but if QB Prescott doesn't play well it doesn't matter. I would take Seahawk QB Russell Wilson any day.
Nice to know that even before the Eagles play the Cowboys may be eliminated.
However, for some strange reason, I think Dallas wins. I hope I'm wrong, but call it a gut feeling. Of course, the cowboys will get their due against the Rams next week. But I see them making it to the second round.
Cowboys 27 Seahawks 24
Chargers at Ravens-
The other Los Angeles team has been playing great all season. Now they must again fly east and playing at 1:00 EST on Sunday ( 10:00 am. PST to the Chargers). Baltimore should have the advantage. I just don't think this Ravens team is a juggernaut. I like the quarterback match up of Phillip Rivers.
Chargers 33 Ravens 20
Colts at Texans-
Indianapolis played hard all season, including winning last Sunday night in Tennessee in a do-or-die game. Houston is an up-and-coming squad, with explosiveness on offense and the dynamic duo of Clowney and Watt on defense. Plus a Houston win means a split on the weekend- two home teams win and two road team win.
Texans 34 Colts 16
BASEBALL TRIVIA
Team History
Match and rank the following Cubs' pitchers by their best season ratio of strikeouts per nine innings:
1. Bruce Sutter A. 12.58 in 1998
2. Nark Prior B. 11,34 in 2002
3. Rich Harden C. 10.92 in 2009
4. Kerry Wood D. 10.82 in 1977
5. Travis Wood E. 10.55 in 2015
Answers:
$-A, 2-B, 3-C, 1-D, 5-E
Baseball Birthdays-
Ted Lilly
Don mcMahon
George Selkirk
Kris Bryant
Match and rank the following Cubs' pitchers by their best season ratio of strikeouts per nine innings:
1. Bruce Sutter A. 12.58 in 1998
2. Nark Prior B. 11,34 in 2002
3. Rich Harden C. 10.92 in 2009
4. Kerry Wood D. 10.82 in 1977
5. Travis Wood E. 10.55 in 2015
Answers:
$-A, 2-B, 3-C, 1-D, 5-E
Baseball Birthdays-
Ted Lilly
Don mcMahon
George Selkirk
Kris Bryant
THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY- JANUARY 4
The Mistake by the Lake
The city of Cleveland, Ohio, was invited into the NFL in 1950 and promptly won a championship. In 1995, the Browns played their final game at Municipal Stadium- 30 years removed from their fourth ( and last?) title. In between there was "the mistake by the lake."
On January 4, 1981, Raider Mike Davis intercepted a short Brian Sipe pass in the end zone, preventing a game-winning field goal attempt in an AFC Divisional Playoff game.
Final score: Oakland 14, Cleveland 12.
The city of Cleveland, Ohio, was invited into the NFL in 1950 and promptly won a championship. In 1995, the Browns played their final game at Municipal Stadium- 30 years removed from their fourth ( and last?) title. In between there was "the mistake by the lake."
On January 4, 1981, Raider Mike Davis intercepted a short Brian Sipe pass in the end zone, preventing a game-winning field goal attempt in an AFC Divisional Playoff game.
Final score: Oakland 14, Cleveland 12.
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