Monthly Archives: October 2021

Around the World or: 2550+7

25 Monday Oct 2021

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Salutations™!!

On Saturday, The BCPF and I made an international trip without leaving the state.

We headed to Greensboro where we visited a business I have been VERY excited for, Scottish Gourmet USA. I don’t have to explain how much I love all things Scottish. We purchased haggis, black pudding, and back bacon. We also got some clementine and malt whisky marmalade, Laphroaig Handmade Fudge, Walker’s Shortbread Scottie Dogs, and a glass thistle ornament for The BCPF. The owners were a fantastic older couple where he’s from Scotland and she’s from the US. We loved it there. We will go back.

Missing the sausages, the thistle ornament, the coffee, the mustard, but this is a lot of the booty we got on Saturday!!

Next, we went to Euro Deli Mart where we tried almost everything in the deli case, including headcheese that I have never had before. Of course, it’s not cheese at all. It’s made from various parts of the head but usually does not include the brain, eyes, or ears of the animal. Tongues, feet, or hearts can be used, though. We bought some “no junk” Polish sausage (that’s how owner Gosia described it) and dried kabanos-style sausages which remind me of fresher Slim Jims. We also got authentic German mustard, Caponata eggplant salad, gingerbread knots, and coffee. We loved talking with Gosia and loved this store. We will go back. It’s also just about three minutes from where The BCPF works so she can stop in if we need her to.

Next, we took our first trip to Super G Mart. Super Global Mart is a humongous international grocery store. This thing, that is more than just groceries – with bodega-type stores with accessories, cell phones, and such; a few international restaurants; a used appliance store – is like a Super Walmart with all this stuff. Mostly, it’s Asian, Latin food items with a live tilapia tank and live blue crabs, fresh fish market, and so on. We purchased a single-serving espresso-making pot, an 8″ bamboo steamer, Turkish Delight, falafel mix, Crystal hot sauce, and Cholula Chipotle (both of which we could get anywhere), and some chestnuts. I have to say that while it was cool seeing all of that, it was very overwhelming and a lot to take in. We are glad that we know where it is so when we get back to the Country Spinner.

We then met up with the Joneses at Finnigan’s Wake to get one more night with The BCPF and me (where we met if you read my blog post last Monday), get a picture with Opie, and relive some of our history.

So, we hit Scotland, Eastern Europe, Asia, South/Central/Latin America, and Ireland. It was a great international day. It was like traveling without really traveling. I love my time with The BCPF and when we do things like that (and traveling for real) I love my time even more. I recommend Scottish Gourmet and Euro Deli Mart for sure, Super G for an experience, and Finnigan’s Wake before this Saturday when they close forever.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Our family-owned grocery store specializes in Eastern European imports that bring the taste of home and beyond to the Triad.” – Euro Deli Mart

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 10/23/21 (2549+8)

24 Sunday Oct 2021

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Salutations™!!

Yesterday, The BCPF and I went around the world! Well, we went to some international stores and pubs. I’ll talk about that tomorrow. We also went to Underdog Records and got some goodies. Here’s the haul:

©Propeller Sound Recordings

Death Cab For Cutie – Plans — I asked Jonathan about this a few weeks back and he said it has been backordered and no delivery in sight. This was in the used bin and The BCPF found it. 2×LP, 180- Gram, Gatefold. The track “Talking Like Turnstiles” (Track D1) is a bonus track released exclusively on vinyl. Sounds awesome. EX.

The dB’s – I Thought You Wanted To Know 1978-1981 — The dB’s first came to prominence in the early 1980s. Their name is big around here because Peter Holsapple, Chris Stamey, Will Rigby, and Gene Holder are all from WSNC. I have shared the stage with Chris Stamey and have had conversations with Pete Holsapple. While they are from here, they formed the band in NYC. The dB’s, Let’s Active and others of that time should have been bigger, much bigger. Great stuff. 2×LP, Compilation, Limited Edition, Translucent Green. New.

The Connells – Steadman’s Wake — Another NC-based/formed band. We were supposed to see them pre-pandemic and they had to postpone it due to an illness in the band and then we missed the reschedule. Released this week, Gatefold, Color Insert included. New.

Superchunk – Here’s To Shutting Up — Reissue of the band’s 2001 release. Deluxe Edition, Limited Edition, Reissue, Orange Swirl Vinyl. New.

Bob Dylan – The Times They Are A-Changin’ — I hate spending money on Bob Dylan albums. Really because I can’t stand listening to him. But, also, I don’t like not having something in the canon of an artist we have many of or who are (of the albums are) important. That’s what happens here. This is a 1975 reissue. Sleeve variation – stereo disc housed in textured rear paster-over sleeve with circled 8905 but NO ‘Stereo’ with arrows, this has a patch over it on the sleeve print location, yet the sleeve has a different number for the Mono-CL 2105. KCS 8905 catalogue number on rear. ‘A’ on sleeve bottom right corner rear. Contains an insert on textured paper that continues the liner notes entitled “11 Outlined Epitaphs” from the back cover. Red and orange Columbia labels. EX.

Mood Rings – VPI Harmony — I don’t have a clue what this is. The BCPF doesn’t have a clue what this is. She thought she may want it and then put it back. I pulled it back out of the the bin and we will see what it is. Wikipedia says it is shoegazing post-punk. So, she should like it. NM.

Bob Dylan – Shot Of Love — You see what I wrote above on Dylan? I especially hate spending money on Dylan Christian albums. VG+.

Level 42 – World Machine — This is Level 42’s sixth album but it is their breakthrough album. Mainstream audiences didn’t know about Level 42 until this album and its hit single “Something About You.” I love that song. Still in shrink wrap with hype sticker, but that will come off when I listen to the album. I keep the hype stickers but cut them off the wrap and put them in the sleeve. EX.

Various – A Look At Yesterday — The marquee name is Stan Getz. That’s why I bought it. VG.

Jonathan was adorned in his Atlanta Braves attire in anticipation of the (eventual) win of his team. We shot the breeze about sports and whatever before we headed out. Watch the social media for Underdog Records to see what J-man got in this week and putting out to purchase, whether it’s new, used or equipment. You can purchase new vinyl day, night, 24/7/365 by visiting the website. Use Discogs to track your music collection, even CDs.

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“If ever our love was concealed, no one can say that we didn’t feel a million things and a perfect dream of life. Gone, fragile but free. We remain tender together. If not so in love, it’s not so wrong. We’re only human after all. These changing years, they add to your confusion. Oh and you need to hear the time that told the truth.” – “Something About You” (Badarou/Gould/King/Lindup/Gould)

Sounds Like Saturday or: 2548+9

23 Saturday Oct 2021

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Salutations™!!

Yesterday was the 47th anniversary of KISS’ second album, Hotter Than Hell. It is #6 on my KISS list. I love the album, regardless of whether it sounds like it was recorded in a tiled bathroom or not. I decided instead of a cover, I’d go to the source, but this was from earlier this month in soundcheck. Paul’s voice isn’t what it used to be but he sounds good here. A couple of cracks, but whatever. Enjoy!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“I asked her why she couldn’t make up her mind. She said, ‘You don’t understand. I’d love to cover, there’s something you should know.’ She showed me her wedding band.” – “Hotter Than Hell” (Stanley)

Mental Health Day or: 2547 + 10

22 Friday Oct 2021

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©helpguide.com

Salutations™!!

A friend of mine contacted me today to say that he was longer involved with the company that he loved and put a lot of sweat behind. He left on his own but had gone through some trying time internally with himself. I had thought he was awfully quiet, but also know that with the industry he was in that he probably didn’t need to be disturbed. I should have fought through the “I don’t want to bother him.”

I should have been there for my friend. Yes, I was there for him if he had needed to call me. But, people don’t always reach out when they need help. I get so drowned in my work that I don’t take the time to reach out to others and that’s not a good friend, which I always try to be. In that regard, I failed. I think he’ll be okay. But, I should have been there.

Turns out, though, I needed help and didn’t reach out either. It wasn’t until Friday night that it came to a head and The BCPF had to pull me down. A lot of things piling up and money’s tight, lost a client (due to budgeting, they may be back), my stomping grounds announcing that they’re closing, a lot of things.

The point is, reach out to your friends, just check in. Ask them how they are. If you are in need, don’t bottle it up. Talk to somebody. Please.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“There is no health without mental health; mental health is too important to be left to the professionals alone, and mental health is everyone’s business.” – Vikram Patel

KISS This Brutally or: 2546 + 11

21 Thursday Oct 2021

Posted by in KISS, Podcasting, The Less Desirables Network

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Salutations™!!

My Kousins and I didn’t necessarily talk about KISS tonight. Well, we did, but that wasn’t the main topic. The main topic was what we call something “KISS Adjacent.” That means that even it isn’t KISS, it’s something that had to do with KISS in some shape or form. This week, the main topic was the Alice Cooper album Brutal Planet. Alice Cooper and KISS have had some parallel moments through their careers. But, what makes this KISS Adjacent is that the drummer on this album is KISS’ very own Eric Singer. We listened through the album, gave some commentary of the album and even got in the weeds because that’s what we do. You can listen to that episode here.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“We’re spinning round on this ball of hate, there’s no parole, there’s no great escape. We’re sentenced here until the end of days and then my brother there’s a price to pay. We’re only human, we were born to die. Without the benefit of reason why. We live for pleasure – to be satisfied. And now it’s over there’s no place to hide. Why don’t you, come down to… It’s such a brutal planet.” – “Brutal Planet” (Cooper/Marlette)

Astrological Swirling or: 2545 + 12

20 Wednesday Oct 2021

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Salutations™!!

Tonight, The BCPF showed up on The Less Desirables so that our Official Astrologer, Cindi McNulty of Essential Zodiac could read and explain her natal chart. We have certainly “embraced the woo woo” on TLD. Cindi was fun and she pegged The BCPF. You can listen here.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Cynthia’s philosophy on astrology is that each person has positive and negative attributes in their chart.” – Essential Zodiac

The Next Day or: 2544 + 13

19 Tuesday Oct 2021

Posted by in Food, Music Review, Podcasting

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Salutations™!!

Since I was doing my tribute to Finnigan’s Wake yesterday, I didn’t do the “piggyback”. The Man Who Ate the Town was recorded before I knew about Finnigan’s closing. Michael was working on that story so he wasn’t with me. I talk about: Farm 2 Fourth happened and raised over $90k for helping feed children and other folks. Tim talks about the menu and flavor profiles of the event. DiLisio’s changes hours again. Bar Nola. City Bev has a tent sale. Small Batch Halloween Party. Tim and Stephanie had dinner at Davie Tavern. The Country Spinner and Burger Tour ’21 updates. “The List” is discussed as well as other food news. Listen to that episode here.

This morning, I did a special “supplement” podcast to talk about the same things I wrote on this blog yesterday. The difference is, you can actually hear my inflection, emotion and more. You can hear that here.

While I’m here, and it is Tuesday, then here’s your reminder to listen to the music history goodness that is Beeswax Vinyl Daily podcast. Listen to that here.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Somewhere, somehow, somebody must have kicked you around some. Tell me why you wanna lay there and revel in your abandon. Honey, it don’t make no difference to me, baby. Everybody’s had to fight to be free. You see, you don’t have to live like a refugee.” – “Refugee” (Petty/Campbell)

 He Occasionally Takes an Alcoholiday or: The Wake (2543 + 14)

18 Monday Oct 2021

Posted by in Beer, Blogging, Food, Life as We Know It, Podcasting, Spirits, The Less Desirables Network

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Salutations™!!

Today, I learned some very sad news. Finnigan’s Wake will be closing its doors permanently on October 30. Finnigan’s Wake is THE reason the Arts District in Downtown Winston-Salem exploded in to ’00s. Yes, there were other now-staples such as Sweet Potatoes and 6th & Vine, but none had the impact that Fins did. But, for me, the impact was even more than reinvigorating an area of town.

Practically nothing in my life right now would be like it is if it weren’t for Fins. How, you ask?

Me and My Best Girl

I was able to realize what others may say is ridiculous but something I’m very proud of. I was the second-ever person to join the 90-Day Club. Not only did I do 90 days, I did 1099 days. That got me some recognition and status.

I was “Trivia Tim.” I didn’t start the pub trivia at Fins but I took it over after the first three weeks and I did it for six years after. Again, people got to know me, spend time with me, and my network was greatly and largely expanded because of that.

The Less Desirables was conceived, hatched, and born sitting at the high-top table right next to the hallway. Without that, I probably wouldn’t have started other podcasts after it. No Fan Interference. No Camel City Dispatch/Electric Camel Pod. No Tart & Tangy Triad. No The Beer Dads. No The Man Who Ate the Town. No Sipping NC: The Art of Drinking. No Apartment 5B. No Beeswax Vinyl. No Beeswax Vinyl Daily. No Asylum – Tales from the Devereaux Diaries. No Wheelers Dog. No The Less Desirables Network. No podcast clients. Heck without Fins, there may not be a podcasting community here in WSNC to speak of, at least as it is. I know two or three podcasts in town that are thriving because they were inspired by me doing The Less Desirables (or one of the others) and they’ve told me that. No podcasting would mean no “Podfather.” All that I am and do wouldn’t be if there was no Finnigan’s Wake. In fact, the first place I ever met Brian Attridge who started The Less Desirables with me, was at Finnigan’s Wake.

The revitalization of downtown, in general, may still have happened but it wouldn’t be what it is if Philip “Opie” Kirby and John Cahoon hadn’t opened THE Irish pub in October of 2006.

Me, Brian and Eug, TLD…

The first place I met Jon Lowder, one of the Beer Dads and a partner/friend that I have come to thank for many of my accomplishments was at Fins.

Several of my friends who are in relationships met at Finnigan’s Wake. Which brings me to the BIGGEST link that Fins has for me: I met my wife, The BCPF, Stephanie, at Finnigan’s Wake. If she hadn’t come with her friends to play trivia and get away from her toxic, dead-end marriage, and we hadn’t started having small talk conversations, I would never have had the opportunity to ask her, “Are you married, Steph?” That conversation and the fact that she had a birthday soon around that time and I did a special trivia category for her, led to us having our 11:10p nightly computer conversations, which led to us being great friends, which led to us being more than friends, which led to us being affianced, which led to us being life partners and husband and wife.

Me and My Eug

Finnigan’s Wake is the portal to my survival, to my life, to my being, to my loves. I so appreciate that Opie has kept the pub going for so long. The pandemic was hard for everyone. It led to changes within the business. But, he says it’s not about the pandemic. He said the restaurant was kept alive by the community and patrons. He says this is about him and wanting to start something new. Move in a new direction. Pursue new ideas and thoughts. He has been all over the world. As far as I know, he’s touched every continent. If he’s missing one, I think it’s Australia. He’s bought houses. He’s raised money for charities. He’s made himself better. He’s made the community better. I am glad for my friend that he’s okay and just starting a new chapter.

When I read that this was happening, it felt as if I had lost a friend, or at the very least, been kicked in the teeth or the crotch. The memories and recollections of the last 14 years of my life (with the exception of the last one) have relied heavily on my time in the wooden doors under the green sign with the huge Claddagh, the hallowed halls of Finnigan’s Wake. Slàinte mhath, Finnigan’s Wake. Slàinte mhath.

Until tomorrow, Erin go Bragh…
Scorp out!

—
“The most important things to do in the world are to get something to eat, something to drink and somebody to love you.” – Brendan Behan

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 10/16/21 (2542 + 15)

17 Sunday Oct 2021

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Salutations™!!

We had NO agenda yesterday. The BCPF and I got up, showered, spent time with Jonathan at Underdog Records, had a fantastic breakfast at Young Cardinal Cafe, listened to records, dinner at Davie Tavern and started re-watching one of our favorite Brit Coms, ever. It was a glorious Saturday. Here’s the haul:

©Sire/Reprise

Wilco – A.M. — This is the debut album from the band from 1995. There was competition between former Uncle Tupelo members Jeff Tweedy and Jay Farrar. Tweedy started Wilco and Farrar started Son Volt. Son Volt’s debut did much better, but I think in the long run, Wilco is more memorable. I am not a fan of either band, really, but I’d go with Wilco over the two. I haven’t listened to this, yet. 2×LP, Deluxe Edition, Reissue, Remastered. Deluxe Edition including the original album plus 8 previously unissued outtakes. 2-LP set pressed on 180 gram black vinyl. Gatefold jacket and includes printed inner sleeves with photos, liner notes and credits. New.

U2 – Zooropa — The record was a continuation of the group’s experimentation with alternative rock, electronic dance music, and electronic sound effects that began with their previous album, Achtung Baby, in 1991. I don’t know that I’m a fan of it, but I haven’t listened to it in about 10 years. It’s time to revisit it. 2×LP, Reissue, Remastered, 180 gr. Includes Lemon (The Perfecto Mix), the
B-side to “Lemon”, and Numb (Gimme Some More Dignity Mix) from the “Melon” CD for Propaganda. New.

Pavement – The Secret History, Volume 1 (1990-1992) — From the hype sticker (that isn’t on here): First in a series of Pavement rarities: 25 tracks available on vinyl for the very first time! All the B-sides, unreleased session tracks, John Peel Sessions, and a 1992 live concert from the Slanted & Enchanted era, 1990-1992. 30 tracks total. Packaged in a gatefold sleeve. Each LP comes in a custom inner sleeve. 2×LP, Compilation. NM.

The Soft Pack – Strapped — The Soft Pack is an indie rock band from San Diego. I had never heard of them but the packaging looked cool and every once in a while I get in the mood for something new. This was the latest of those. We listened to it. It is some The BCPF kind of music. So, I did good. It was “used” but still sealed. We opened it right up. Limited Edition, Numbered #351 out of 2000.

Various – Good Morning, Vietnam – The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack — I loved the film and had this soundtrack on cassette when it came out, then on CD and now on LP. VG.

Daryl Hall & John Oates With David Ruffin & Eddie Kendrick – Live At The Apollo — Eddie Kendrick and David Ruffin were from The Temptations. This is a mixture of their classics and some then-current songs by Hall & Oates. VG+.

Various – The Hollywood Knights – The Original Soundtrack Album — Issued with a die-cut gatefold sleeve, with a peel-off
license plate sticker to cover the butt crack underneath. I liked the film, although I haven’t seen it in a hot minute. VG.

1970s Film Stock – Third Anthem — My friend Eddie Garcia’s one-man act released an album on vinyl and it’s not in Discogs yet. I haven’t heard it yet, but I made sure to pick it up! New.

Jonathan was hyped because his Atlanta Braves (the MLB team I hate the most) are in the NLCS. People were doing their mask thing without arguing, at least when we were there. Watch the Underdog Records social media (especially Instagram) to see what Jonathan had gotten in and is putting out for purchase. You can shop and order new vinyl day or night 24/7/365 on the Underdog Records website. And, use Discogs to track your collection or shop for hard-to-find records. You can even track your CD collection on there.

Until tomorrow, keep spinnin’…
Scorp out!

—
“Don’t move. Don’t talk out-a time. Don’t think. Don’t worry, everything’s just fine. Just fine.” – “Numb” (U2)

Sounds Like Saturday or: 2541 + 16

16 Saturday Oct 2021

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Salutations™!!

Today is the 32nd anniversary of the single release “Arms of Orion” from Prince + Sheena Easton. I love the Batman soundtrack and I love this song. It just has a feel that most ballads don’t have and I am truly disappointed it didn’t do better on the charts. This couple do a great job of it. It should start at the beginning of the song, you can back up and listen to Supermoon if you want. Enjoy!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Orion’s arms are wide enough to hold us both together. Although we’re worlds apart, I’d cross the stars for you. In the heart of a sleepless moon, I’ll be with you forever. This is my destiny ’til my life is through.” – “The Arms of Orion” (Prince)