Friday, September 30, 2016

Wrestling Returned to Wilmington (N.C.) and Wrightsville Beach Has No Drownings in 1956

From the September 5, 2016, Wilmington (NC) Star-News "Looking Back" by Scott Nunn.

September 2, 1956--  Wrestling returned to the area for the first time since the beginning of the war.  Three hundred attended the "All Gal" card at Carolina Beach Town hall.  In January there was a night of wrestling in Thalian Hall in Wilmington.

**  September 9, 1956--  Wrightsville Beach got through the official summer season with no drownings.  They had 14 life guards on the beach.

--Cooter

Thursday, September 29, 2016

Greatest White Sox Team of All-Time, Right Field-- Part 6: Hooper, Ordonez and Rivera

HARRY HOOPER--  The Hall of Famer played five seasons in Chicago, compiling a .302 average and reaching double digits in home runs three times.

Hooper hit .327 in 1921, his first season with the Sox and .328 in 1924.  He led AL right fielders in fielding percentage three times during his stint with the Sox.

MAGGLIO ORDONEZ--  A four-time All-Star with the Sox, Ordonez had four straight seasons from 1999-2002 with at least 30 home runs, 100 RBIs and a .300 average.

He just missed a fifth straight 20-100-.300 season in 2003, when he hit .317 with 29 homers and 99 RBIs.  In eight seasons on the South Side, Ordonez had 187 home runs, fifth most in team history, and batted .307.

JIM RIVERA--  A member of the 1959 AL champions, "Jungle Jim" played ten seasons on the South Side.  Known more for his defense and baserunning ability, Rivera reached double digits in home runs in five consecutive seasons from 1953-1957.

He stole 20 or more bases four times, including a major-league-leading 25 in 1955.

I was a big "Mags" fan as well, but definitely pick Harold Baines as best-ever right fielder.  Not only that, but he is also my All-Time favorite White Sox player at any position.

--DaBaineser

Thursday, September 22, 2016

Greatest White Sox Team of All-Time-- Right Field, Part 5: Baines and Dye

From the August 14, 2016, Chicago Tribune.

HAROLD BAINES--  A 22-year big leaguer, Baines played 14 seasons with the White Sox and was twice reacquired by the team after being traded in 1989.

A four-time All-Star with the Sox, Baines hit 20 or more home runs seven times.  His 221 home runs in a Sox uniform are third-most in franchise history.

He is my all-time favorite White Sox player, so I know who I am going to pick for favorite right fielder.

JERMAINE DYE--  The MVP of the 2005 World Series, Dye had seven hits -- including a home run -- in the four-game sweep of the Astros.

In his five seasons with the Sox, Dye never hit fewer than 27 home runs.  In 2006, he earned an AL All-Star slot, batting .315 with 44 home runs and 120 RBIs.  His 165 homers with the Sox rank seventh in team history.

--DaSoxer

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

White Sox in New York City on 9-11-- Part 4: Took the Bus Home

White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf was sure the Grand Hyatt was "a potential target" so he told the Sox people to get the players out of the hotel.

Two buses took the White Sox from New York City to Chicago early Wednesday morning.

On September 18, baseball returned when the Yankees visited Comiskey Park where the Bronx Bombers got a royal welcome.

And, that is considering how much White Sox fans don't like the Yankees.


Tuesday, September 20, 2016

White Sox In New York City on 9-11-- Part 3: "Literally a Ghost Town"

White Sox head athletic trainer Herm Schneider went for a walk that afternoon "in a dusty New York atmosphere with a haze in the air.  All of a sudden, nightfall came and New York looked like a ghost town-- literally a ghost town.  There were no people.  We all went out to dinner.  There happened to be a restaurant that was open.

"You could walk right down the middle of 42nd Street and there was not a car in sight.  It was very, very strange.  It was scary."

Saturday, September 17, 2016

White Sox in New York City on 9-11-- Part 2: What to Do?

Mark Buehrle in 2001, was just completing his first full-season in the Majors.  He and Paul Konerko are the only two Sox players currently with the team

The three games with the Yankees were canceled and replayed October 1-3.

Said Buehrle:  "Once I turned  the TV on and realized what was going on, all I remember is getting dressed and going down to the lobby.  Five or six guys were down there and we were trying to figure out if we were playing tonight, leaving, flying out or busing.  Shall we stay in our rooms?  We didn't know what to do."



Friday, September 16, 2016

White Sox in New York City on 9-11-- Part 1: Arrived in Wee Hours of the Morning

From the September 7, 2016, White Sox.com  "White Sox recall road trip to New York 9/11" by Scott Merkin, MLB.com.

Ken Williams, the White Sox general manager, was with the Sox that day: "I can still smell the burning buildings.  If I close my eyes, i can still see the people jumping out of the World Trade Center that you saw more on local television than you did on national television.  I can still feel the emotions of that day."

The White Sox had arrived in New York City early that Tuesday morning after completing a four-game series against Cleveland the night before.

They were staying at the Grand Central Hyatt.

I Had Forgotten That My Sox Were In Town To Play the Yankees That Day.

Greatest White Sox Team of All Time-- Part 4: Center Field-- Landis, Lemon & Mostil

The last three nominated White Sox Center Fielders:

JIM LANDIS--  Landis won five consecutive Gold Gloves from 1960-1964.  In 1963, he led AL center fielders with a .993 fielding percentage.  He reached double digits in home runs five times, including a career-best 22 in 1962, when he was named an AL All-Star.

CHET LEMON--  In his six full seasons with the Sox, Lemon hit .300 or better three times.  In 1979, he led the AL in doubles with 44 and was named an All-Star for the second year in a row.

He led AL outfielders with 512 putouts in 1977.
'
JOHNNY MOSTIL--  Mostil played more games in center field (972) than any other player in franchise history.  In his ten seasons with the Sox, he batted .300 or better four times.

Mostil led the AL in stolen bases in successive seasons, swiping 43 in 1925 and 35 in 1926, when he batted .328 and finished second in the AL MVP voting.

I would vote for Johnny Mostil, although I remember Lance Johnson and Chet Lemon playing for the Sox.

--CootLemon

Thursday, September 15, 2016

Greatest White Sox Team of All Time-- Part 3: Center Field: Felsch and Johnson

The five nominated for best White Sox center fielder:

HAPPY FELSCH--  A member of the 1917 White Sox World Series Champions and the 1919 American league Champs, Felsch batted .293 in his six seasons with the Sox.  In 1917, he batted .308, drove in 102 runs and stole 26 bases.

In 1920, his final season,  he reached career highs with a .338 average, 14 homers and 115 RBIs.  Felsch also led AL center fielders in assists three times.

LANCE JOHNSON--  The left-handed-hitting leadoff man led the AL in triples for four seasons in a row from 1991-1994.  In his eight seasons with the Sox, Johnson batted .286 and stole 30 or more bases four times.

In 1995, he batted .306, led the AL with 186 hits and set a career high with ten home runs.

--CenterCoot

Oops, Missed Some of the All Time Greats

Sadly, I somehow missed the Tribune articles on the Cubs and White Sox all-time greats at the second base, third base, shortstop and left field positions.

--DaCoot

Greatest White Sox Team of All-Time-- Part 2: First base-- Konerko, Thomas and Thome

PAUL KONERKO--  The leader of the 2005 World Series Champions, Konerko played 16 seasons for the Sox.  He hit 30 or more home runs seven times and finished his career with 432 in Sox uniform.

Konerko had six seasons with 100 or more RBIs.  In nineteen career postseason games, Konerko slugged seven homers, including a grand slam to win a game in the 2005 World Series.

Everybody loved "Paulie."

FRANK THOMAS--  "The Big Hurt" hit 448 home runs in Sox uniform.  He drove in 100 or more runs ten times, including a team high 143 in 2000.

Thomas batted .320 or better five times, leading the league at .347 in 1997.  He also won back-to-back MVP awards 1993-94 and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014.

JIM THOME--  Thome hit 134 of his 612 career home runs in his four seasons with the Sox.  His best season with the Sox was his first, 2006, when he hit 42 home runs and drove in 109 runs.  His most memorable moment came in 2008, during the "Blackout Game" when his solo homer gave the Sox a 1-0 victory in a one-game playoff with the Twins.

Always one of my favorite Sox players.  I was so excited when they got him after winning the World series in 2005, figuring we'll be back.

I really liked the last three players nominated for best Sox first baseman, but will have to go with "The Big Hurt." He hit all those home runs in the era of Sammy Sosa but didn't use any power enhancing drugs.

--CootHurt

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Greatest Cubs Team Ever-- Part 12: Manager

The all-time greatest Cubs manager as voted on by Chicago Tribune readers:

FRANK CHANCE

Known as "The Peerless Leader," Chance had a winning percentage of .664, best in team history.  he won two World Series and four National League pennants as a player/manager, doubling as the team's first baseman for eight seasons.  In 1906, Chance's Cubs won a franchise-record 116 games.

--DaCoot

Greatest White Sox Team of All-Time-- Part 1: First Base-- Allen and Bonura

From the July 3, 2016, Chicago Tribune "Greatest Baseball Team Of all Time.  The Tribune ran a position each day and had five players nominated for best at each.  this was for both the Sox and Cubs.  Readers would then pick one at each team.  I did the Cubs first since they are doing so well.  The Cubs are my second favorite MLB team after the White Sox.  I pull for the Cubs, unless, of course, they play my Sox.

WHITE SOX FIRST BASE:

DICK ALLEN--  In 1972, his first season with the Sox, Allen won the AL MVP by batting .308, leading the league with 37 home runs, 113 RBIs, 99 walks and a .420 OBP.  He played in just 72 games in 1973, but hit .316 with 16 home runs.  In 1974 he again led the AL in homers with 32.  He was an All-Star in each of his three seasons in Chicago.

ZEKE BONURA--  A career .307 hitter, Bonura batted .300 or better in three of his four seasons with the Sox.  he also drove in 100+ runs three times, including a career-high 138 in 1936.  As a rookie in 1934, he slugged 27 home runs and drove in 138 runs.  he closed out his seven-year big-league career in 1940, playing 49 games with the Cubs and batting .264.

I, however, tend to go more with players with longer careers with the Sox.  I will have the other three first basemen nominated in the next post.

Go You White Sox!!  --Andy the Clown

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Greatest Cubs Team Ever-- Part 11: Catcher and Pitchers

CATCHER

GABBY HARTNETT--  Hartnett played 19 seasons on the North Side, appearing in four World Series and batting .297 with 236 home runs and 1,179 RBIs.  His best season was 1930, when he hit .339 with 37 home runs and 122 RBIs

The Hall of Famer was a six-time All-Star and won the NL MVP in 1935.

His "Homer in the Gloamin'" won a key game against the Pirates in 1938.


STARTING PITCHER

FERGIE JENKINS--  In 1967, his first full season as a starter, Jenkins began a string of six straight seasons with 20 or more victories.  He also completed 20 or more of his starts in each of those six seasons, including a career-best and major league-leading 30 in 1972.

Jenkins won the NL Cy Young Award in 1971, when he went 24-13.

RELIEF PITCHER

BRUCE SUTTER--  In his five years on the North Side, Sutter saved 27 or more games four times.  The Hall of Famer reliever won the NL Cy Young Award in 1979 when he posted a 2.22 ERA and a major-league-leading 37 saves.

He was named to four NL All-Star teams as a Cub.

Go Cubbies.  --DaCubster

Greatest Cub Team Ever-- Part 10: Outfield

RIGHT FIELD

ANDRE DAWSON--  After signing as a free agent in 1987, Dawson had the best season of his career, leading the majors in home runs with 49 and RBIs with 137, earning him NL MVP honors.  The Hall of Famer hit 20 or more homers in each of his six seasons with the Cubs and drove in 100 or more runs three times.

CENTER FIELD

HACK WILSON--  Wilson led the NL in home runs four times in his six seasons as a Cub.  he also drove in 100 or more runs five times.  In 1930, he drove in 191 runs, a single-season record that still stands, and slugged a career-best 56 homers.

In his only World Series appearance as a Cub in 1929, the Hall of Famer batted .471 with an OPS of 1.160.

LEFT FIELD

BILLY WILLIAMS--  The NL Rookie of the Year in 1961, Williams went on to hit 20 or more home runs in 13 straight seasons.  The Hall of Famer's best year was 1970, when he led the league in runs and hits, batting .322 with 42 homers and 129 RBIs.

His 1,117 straight games established an NL ironman record.  He ranks third in team history in hits and homers.

Mighty Great Players Here.  --Cootfield

Monday, September 12, 2016

Greatest Cubs Team Ever-- Part 9: Infield

From the September 11, 2016, Chicago Tribune "Greatest Baseball Team of All Time."

Fans voted for Frank Chance as Cubs All-Time Manager.

Like I said in today's earlier post, the Tribune did this for both the White Sox (my favorite team) and the Cubs (my second favorite team).  They then wanted readers to vote position by position for favorites at each position.  Voting, sadly, began and ended yesterday.  Results will be posted in the Sunday, September 25th, Tribune.

Here are the All-Time Chicago Cubs Infield:

1B    MARK GRACE--  Batted .308 and drove in 1,004 runs as a Cub  Four career Gold Gloves  Known for his good eye, had 946 walks as opposed to 561 strike outs for Cubs.

2B--  RYNE SANDBERG--  NL MVP for division-winning 1984 Cubs, batting .314, 19 HRs, 84 RBIs and major-league-best 19 triples.  Ten-time All Star, Nine-time Gold Glove and Hall of Fame Inductee.  Led NL in HRs with 40 in 1990 and had back-to-back seasons with exactly 100 RBIs in 1990 and 1991.

SS--  ERNIE BANKS--  Eleven-time All Star, "Mr. Cub," won back-to-back MVP awards in 1958 and 1959.  Hit at least 40 homers five times including four straight seasons 1957-1960.  Hall of Famer had at least 100 RBIs eight times, including 1969 when he was 38.  His 512 home runs are second in team history.

3B--  RON SANTO--  Fourteen seasons with Cubs, nine-time All Star, five straight Gold Gloves (1964-68)  Four seasons with 100 or more RBIs and hit 30 or more homers in four straight seasons (1964-67).  Had 337 home runs in career and 1,290 RBIs as Cub.  Played his last season with the White Sox.  Wasn't happy about it either.

I Agree With All These Choices.  --DaCubber

Greatest Cubs Team Ever-- Part 8: Managers

Again, the Chicago tribune has prepared a list of "Greatest Cubs" at each position and allowing readers to vote.  These lists include players, and now managers, from all decades.

They also did it for the White Sox, which I will get to later this week.

CUBS MANAGERS:

CAP ANSON--  Anson won five National League pennants as a player/manager for Chicago's National league club between 1879-1897.  His 1,182 victories are the most in franchise history.

FRANK CHANCE--  Known as the "Peerless Leader," had best winning percentage of .664 in team history.  Won two World Series and four NL pennants.  Player/manager, doubling as team's first basemen for eight seasons.  In 1906, his Cubs won a franchise-record 116 games.

LEO DUROCHER--  "Leo the Lip" won 535 games, 4th-most in team history.  Only losing season was 1966, his first with Cubs.  Won at least 83 games in each of next five seasons.  And then, there was that 1969 season.

CHARLIE GRIMM--  Grimm's 946 victories as Cubs manager are second only to Anson in team history.  Took over as player/manager in 1932 and led Cubs to three World Series appearances, including their most-sadly-recent one in 1945.

JOE McCARTHY--  Five seasons with Cubs.  Never had a losing season (how many Cub managers can say that?).  Best year in 1929 when won 98 games and took NL pennant.  Later went on to win seven World Series with the Yankees.

It is sad to see all these managers being from a real-long time ago, and some might say even Durocher is now real-ling time ago.

I would pick either Cap Anson or Frank Chance.

Let's Hope the New Guy Will SOON Be Joining This Illustrious List.  --CootCubs

Sunday, September 11, 2016

A Solemn Anniversary

The September 11, 2016, Chicago Tribune has a lot of articles on the 15th anniversary.

Some of them:

CHILDREN OF THE VICTIMS--  The attacks killed 2.997 people (hopefully not counting the Muslim murderers).  That left 3.051 children under the age of 18 at the time.

IN PENNSYLVANIA--  Residents of Shanksville make sure others remember Flight 93.

STILL TAKING A TOLL--  Toxic fumes have left many of the searchers and workers at the ruins of the World Trade Center either sick or dead.


Saturday, September 10, 2016

USS Maine's Bathtub-- Part 4: Does Urbana Still Have It's 10-Inch Shell From the Maine?

At the close of the earlier post today, i wondered if Urbana, Ohio, still have that 10-inch shell from the USS Maine?  At least my early search did not reveal that they still had it.

From the Spanish-American War Centennial  "USS Maine: Her Many Last Resting Places."

There is a really long list of artifacts from the ship, but no mention of a 10-inch shell from the Maine in Urbana, Ohio.  There are, however, 10-inch shells in Scranton, Pennsylvania and Port Chester, New York.  The site does mention that it would like readers to submit other parts of the Maine that they may come across in their travels.

--DaNo10-Incher

USS Maine's Bathtub-- Part 3: Urbana Gets Its Big Ten Inch, Findlay Stiffs Urbana

With the 1911 raising of the famous ship from the bottom of Havana Harbor, every Congressman wanted a piece of it.  Frank Willis, of Ohio, got Captain Sigsbee's enameled steel bathtub and planned to give it to his hometown of Urbana, but they refused it.  They said they would use it as a horse trough before they would ever display it.  Instead, they wanted one of the USS Maine's 10-inch shells from its main armament.

The neighboring town of Findlay said they wanted it.  So did Boston, Massachusetts which was Sigsbee's home town.  The Cincinnati Enquirer suggested that Findlay could sink the tub in the Ohio River.  Findlay persisted in its efforts to get the tub, which in the meantime was sitting in Urbana's mayor's chicken house, essentially held ransom until someone gave him that 10-inch shell the town wanted.

Findlay finally was able to get Frank Willis to get the Navy Department to give him that 10-inch shell.  When it arrived, Findlay got its tub, but stiffed Urbana on the freight charge.

Wonder If urbana Still Has Its 10-Inch Shell?  --CootTub

Friday, September 9, 2016

The USS Maine's Bathtub-- Part 2: A Poem, Sort Of

From Roadside America

100 Years of Democracy and Cleanliness
1898 Bathtub from the Battleship Maine
Rude Treachery As the Captain Scrubbed
A Sudsy Vessel, Blown Asunder
Cradled in God's Hand, A Gift To Faithful Findlay
Your Pluck Is Our Pride, Brave Citizens of Ohio
Our Flag Will Yet Wave O'er the Cuban Lagoon
Mothers Hoist Your Washcloths High
For Here Stands Liberty, Enameled

--CootTub

The Bathtub from the USS Maine-- Part 1: Everyone Wants a Piece of the Ship

From Factbites.

Yes, that USS Maine cited as a reason for the Spanish-American War when it blew up in Cuba's Havana Harbor.

It is located in the Hancock Historical Museum in Findlay, Hancock County, Ohio.

**  When the USS Maine was raised in 1911, every Congressman wanted a piece of it.

**  The courthouse janitor eventually typed a "U.S.S. Maine Bathtub" sign and attached it to the case because he got tired of explaining it to visitors.

**  Most of its enamel is gone, but it doesn't detract from the fact that it is from that famous ship.

--CootBath

Thursday, September 8, 2016

Looking Back to 1966: NIU Gets New Buildings

From the February 3, 2016, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back.

1966, 50 Years Ago:  "Facilities for two Northern Illinois University departments, mathematics and psychology, now located in temporary quarters, will be housed in a new structure on East Campus.

"Another proposed building is the four-story Charles E. Montgomery Hall to be constructed on the East Campus."

--HuskieCoot

Looking Back in 1941: Keeping Those Sleds Off the Streets

From the January 27, 2016, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back."

1941, 75 Years Ago:  "Police today urged parents to prevail upon their youngsters against sliding on their sleds in the streets of this city.

"Several motorists have reported mishaps and near mishaps as a result of youngsters on sleds in the streets."

OK, Johnny, Keep Your Sled Off the Street Or Get a Spanking.  --Cooter

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Looking Back to 1916: The Anti-Saloon League Battling "Demon Drink"

From the January 27, 2016, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back."

1916, 100 Years Ago:  "With the exception of a very few churches in which Anti-Saloon meetings have been held of late, there were stirring local option sermons given in all churches of this county yesterday, at either the morning or evening services.

"The day was a field day for the Anti-Saloon League and some hard raps were taken at the Demon Drink, who was castigated to beat the bands.

"The county is dry now and the aim of the league is to keep it so and also to secure an even closer degree of law observance than has obtained in the past."

The Anti-Saloon League operated from 1893 to 1933 with the motto "The Saloon Must Go."

No Drinking, In Other Words.  --CootDry

Looking Back: 1916: Sycamore Needs a New High School

From the January 27, 2016, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back"

1916, 100 Years Ago:  "An interesting and important election was held Saturday in the county seat (Sycamore).  The proposition submitted to the voters was whether Sycamore should erect a new high school.

"It has been apparent for some time that a new school had to be built.  The present structure was erected in 1905 to accommodate 125 people.  The enrollment has increased until today it is over 180.

Later that week it was reported:  "Sycamore will begin this spring the erection of a thoroughly modern completely appointed city high school building.  The building will be located on the Haley site of over three acres on the East State Street.

And, there is a newer high school now, south of town on Sycamore Road Il-23.

--Cooter

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Fiftieth Anniversary of "Star Trek"-- Part 4: My Memories of the Show

I never watched it during its original airing, however.

I started watching it while a freshman at Northern Illinois University living in Lincoln Hall 1969-1970.   My roommate, Chuck, had one of the two small (about 12-inches, black-and-white TVs) on the dorm floor, 3A

Every night, after supper, we would go back to the room and watch reruns of "Star Trek" on that little TV.  We would eventually have about ten other guys crammed into that little room watching that little TV.

It was pretty much the standard thing to do.  After that, we often would crack out the cards and play Hearts until the wee hours of the morning.

Ahh.  College Life Back Then.  --DaTrekkies

Fiftieth Anniversary of Star Trek-- Part 3: The Nostalgic Factor and Quirky Cast

Continuing with William Shatner's look back at the TV series that made him famous.

NOSTALGIA FACTOR

Another reason I believe we love "Star Trek -- and it's a reason I love -- is people come up to me and say, "I watched your show with my parents."  There is a wonderful element of nostalgia attached to it.

THE QUIRKY CAST OF CHARACTERS

Of course, we also love the unusual mix and dynamic of the Enterprise's characters and crew:  Kirk, Spock, Bones, Scotty, Uhuru, Sulu, Chekov.

The captain was written as a hero dealing with people or a situation and coming out on top.

It was heroic writing, leading-man writing.  I was delighted to be given the opportunity as the captain to be in some situations where the character had to deal with unusual things and had unusual cast members who were his friends to aid him.

I'm a "Star Trek" Fan.  --CootTrek

Monday, September 5, 2016

Fiftieth Anniversary of "Star Trek"-- Part 2: "The Trouble With Tribbles"

These are the words of William Shatner (Captain Kirk)   This show really launched his career.

"Star Trek" was driven by Science Fiction.  It wasn't "Buck Rogers."  At its best, it was complex.  Many great science fiction writers suggested story ideas for the television series.  Creator Gene Roddenberry had the vision to hire the right people to tell and dramatize those stories and viewers were captivated.

For example, one of the most memorable life-forms in the series was the Tribbles: small, cute, furry creatures.  Without the rules and regulations of nature, these Tribbles multiplied beyond belief and consumed exponentially more food, indicating the potential of annihilation because of overwhelming reproduction, which is what we are seeing in overpopulation right now.

At its best, "Star Trek" tackled global issues and clumped them into Science Fiction.

Another favorite one of mine was when the Enterprise got caught up in a kill zone for a planet which had cleaned up war so it wasn't so terrible. People deemed to be in kill zones had to report to kill sites and go into chambers to die.  The war had been going on for ages and only ended when Kirk forced their hand into a real war.

--CootKirk

Saturday, September 3, 2016

Fiftieth Anniversary of "Star Trek"-- Part 1: As In "T"

From the August 28, 2016, Parade magazine "Why We Love Star Trek" by William Shatner.

"Star Trek" was first aired on September 8, 1966 with its mission to "boldly go where no man has gone before."  It did not do so well in the ratings back then but has since captured the love of multiple generations of families.

It is one of the most iconic sci-fi entertainment franchises along with, of course, "Star Wars."  It has spun off TV shows, blockbuster movies, games, books and other merchandise.

"Star Trek" has endured for 50 years, despite that shaky start.

According to actor William Shatner, who played Capt. James T. (Do you know what the T. stands for? Answer below) Kirk, 85, commander of the Starship Enterprise in the original TV  series and several movies:  I think 'Star Trek,' like science fiction in general, is mythology.  It offers a look into the future that's written by imaginative, creative artists whose vision may or may not be true, but we don't know until the future arrives.  It's not unlike religion--  we don't know for sure, but we take it on board."

Am I a Trekkie?  You Betcha.  --DaTrekker

The "T" Stands for "Tiberius."

Original Chicago Names-- Part 6: The Palmolive Building, State of Illinois Center and Billy Goat

13.  THE LANDMARK PALMOLIVE BUILDING ON NORTH MICHIGAN AVENUE, WHICH HAS BEEN HOME TO SUCH LUMINARIES AS ACTOR VINCE VAUGHN, WAS PREVIOUSLY KNOWN AS:

A.  The Playboy Building
B.  The Palmolive Building
C.  Sears Tower

14.  THE STATE OF ILLINOIS CENTER IS THE ORIGINAL NAME FOR THE BUILDING NOW CALLED:

A.  James R. Thompson Center
B.  The Daley Center
C.  Everett Dirksen Center

15.  THE ORIGINAL BILLY GOAT TAVERN WAS CALLED:

A.  The Lincoln Tavern
B.  Belushi's Fancy Burgers
C.  The Cheezborger Factory

Answers:

13.  A and B.   When it was built in 1929, it was called the Palmolive Building and was the tallest structure in Chicago.  Playboy changed the name when they moved in and now it has reverted to the original name.

14.  A   Thompson was the governor of Illinois and the last former one who didn't go to jail, so the honor belongs to him.

15.  Well, A.  But Belushi and Cheezborger are forever linked to it thanks to the SNL sketch.

I only missed part o one question, but having lived so long near Chicago, I had an unfair advantage.

--CootBorger

Friday, September 2, 2016

Original Chicago Names-- Part 5: Marshall Field's, Willis Tower and Tronc

Test your knowledge of former names of Chicago-related items.  Answers below.

10..  THE LEGENDARY CHICAGO DEPARTMENT STORE MARSHALL FIELD'S IS NOW:

A.  Target
B.  Macy's
C.  Wal-Mart

11.  BEFORE THE WILLIS TOWER WAS CALLED THE WILLIS, WHAT WAS ITS NAME?

A.  John Hancock Building
B.  Sears
C.  Billy Goat Tavern

12.  THE LEGENDARY CHICAGO COMPANY CALLED TRONC WAS PREVIOUSLY CALLED:

A.  Playboy Enterprises
B.  Tribune Publishing
C.  Sears


Answers:

10.  Macy's   At least they kept it the same.

11.  Sears Tower  Never will be that new name in my book.

12.  Tribune Publishing   I read my copy of today's Chicago Tronc.

--DaTronc

Original Chicago Names-- Part 4: Michigan Avenue and Chicago White Stockings

Test your 'Caga knowledge.  Answers below.

8.  MICHIGAN AVENUE NORTH OF THE CHICAGO RIVER WAS ONCE CALLED:

A.  Burnham Boulevard
B.  Daley Drive
C.  Pine Street

9.  THE ORIGINAL CHICAGO WHITE STOCKINGS BASEBALL TEAM IS NOW KNOWN AS:

A.  The Cubs
B.  The White Sox
C.  DaBears


Answers:

8.  Pine Street  (It was changed after completion of the Michigan Avenue bridge.

9.  The Cubs.  Bet you thought White Sox because of White Stockings.

--CootStocking

Thursday, September 1, 2016

Original Chicago Names-- Part 3: Hilton Chicago and 1 S. State Street

6.  WHEN IT WAS BUILT IN 1927, THE HOTEL NOW CALLED THE HILTON CHICAGO WAS THE WORLD'S LARGEST HOTEL.  ITS ORIGINAL NAME WAS:

A.  The WLH
B.  The Stevens
C.  The Hilton Chicago

7.  THE BIG STORE THAT OCCUPIES THE ORNATE BUILDING AT 1 S. STATE STREET IN THE LOOP IS NOW A TARGET.  BEFORE THAT, THE STORE THAT OCCUPIED THE SPACE WAS CALLED:

A.  Carson, Pirie, Scott & Co.
B.  Schlesinger & Mayer
C.  H.G. Selfridge & Co.

Hilton State.  --Cooter

ANSWERS:

6.  B  The hotel was developed by the father and grandfather of former Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens.

7.  All of them.   The store was built for Schlesinger & Mayer in the late 1800s, then occupied by Mr. Selfridge before being sold to Carson, Pirie, Scott, which is what most in Chicago called the building.  The entire building is now the Sullivan Center, named after its famous architect, Louis Sullivan.

I got #6 correct, but only guessed A for #7 as I didn't know about the other two businesses.

Original Chicago Names-- Part 2: Chicago Flexible Shaft Co. and McKinley Morganfield

4.  CHICAGO FLEXIBLE SHAFT COMPANY IS THE ORIGINAL NAME OF:

A.  Playboy Enterprises
B.  Sunbeam Products
3.  Your company's HR department

5.  McKINLEY MORGANFIELD IS THE ORIGINAL NAME OF THIS FAMOUS CHICAGO-AFFILIATED MUSICIAN:

A.  Muddy Waters
B.  Buddy Guy
3.  Chance the Rapper

Flexible McKinley.  --DaCoort

ANSWERS

4.  B   Chicago Flexible Shaft produced horse-trimming and sheep -shearing equipment bfore branching into home appliances.

5.  A   Born in Mississippi in 1913.  Came to Chicago in 1943.

I Got both right.  #4 only because answers A and C weren't too likely.  #5 because I listen to Tom Marker's Bluesbreakers on Chicago's WXRT.

Original Chicago Names-- Part 1: Jays, Pizzeria Uno and Wrigley Field

From the August 26, 2016, Chicago Tribune "Quiz guarantees to rate knowledge of original names" by Mary Schmich.

"Life, as they say, is change."

Comiskey Park is receiving that new name and now I see that Tribune Tower has been sold.  Can it be long before that name, too, is changed.

Of course, I don't change names of structures from what I grew up with.

ANSWERS ARE BELOW.

1.  JAYS POTATO CHIPS WERE ORIGINALLY CALLED:

A.  Mr. Jay's Potato Chips
B.  Mrs. Japp's Potato Chips
C.  Mama J's Yum Yums.

2.  BEFORE PIZERRIA UNO WAS PIZZERIA UNO, IT WAS CALLED:

A.  The Pizerria
B.  Pizzeria Ricardo
C.  Pizzeria Zero

3.  THE ORIGINAL NAME OF WRIGLEY FIELD, HOME OF THE CHICAGO CUBS, WAS:

A.  Northside Park
B.  Weeghman Park
C.  Goat Park

Smells Goaty to Me.  --Cootserria

ANSWERS:

1.  B.  Mrs. Japp was the wife of the company's founder.  The name was changed after Pearl Harbor because of anti-Japanese sentiment.

2.  A and B.  In the 1940s, at the corner of Wabash Avenue and Ohio Street, Ric Riccardo opened the Pizzeria.  He and his partner evolved that into Pizzeria Ricardo, which then evolved into the legend.

3.  B  Charles Weeghman made a fortune off lunch counters.  he eventually sold his stock in the Cubs to a guy named Wrigley, who made a fortune off chewing gum.

I got 1 and 3 correct and guessed A on the second question.