Barry White Performing with Luciano Pavarotti

Barry White performs "You're the First, the Last, My Everything" with Luciano Pavarotti.

While it's not the worst thing ever (it's not the Christmas version of "The Macarena") it's still... it doesn't work; it's bizarre.

Continuing The Worst Stand-Up Special

Blind Mike continues trudging through GD Fenderson's "worst stand-up special in history." Getting toward the end now but I think I'm looking for a full compilation so I can catch up on what I missed.

Chi-Chi's is Coming Back

A while back I did a deep-dive roundup on old restaurant chains. I have two updates.

Firstly, the Friendly's that was near me that was barely hanging on has since closed. As I noted then, there was nothing I could do.

Secondly, and more importantly, Chi-Chi's is coming back. From wikipedia:

On December 3, 2024, it was announced that the restaurant chain will re-launch in the United States in 2025. Michael McDermott, son of original owner, Marno McDermott, will lead and operate the new restaurants under Chi-Chi's Restaurants, LLC. Hormel Foods, the current owner of the Chi-Chi's trademark, has allowed the use of the Chi-Chi's name for the physical restaurant locations. A few months later, McDermott announced that he will convert his two Rojo Mexican Grill restaurants in St. Louis Park and Maple Grove to the revived Chi-Chi’s brand.

As far as I can tell, the St. Louis locations are the only announced locations. Stay tuned. 

Radiohead on Conan 1995

The official Conan channel posted this today. Radiohead play "Fake Plastic Trees" promoting their new album The Bends, 6/12/95.

Another data point where they seem perfectly happy to be there and are friendly to the host.

Why Are You Laughing - Harvey Pekar vs. Letterman

I posted the full Harvey Pekar/David Letterman collection a while back, but I know from firsthand experience that that's not for everyone. If you want just the highlights as well as humorous commentary, Blind Mike takes you through Harvey Pekar's appearances on Letterman.

And in case anyone's wondering, I'm fully on Letterman's side in this. The "you're a guest in my house" paradigm is 100% correct. But while I don't fully agree with the thrust of "American Splendor," it is quite a good film.

Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros - Johnny Appleseed

Aside from the fact that this is a great Summer-to-Fall transition song, I just noticed recently that one of the guys in the band is wearing a Penn State shirt. I did some research to try to figure out what the connection is between a British band member and Penn State and I found absolutely nothing.

Last known photo of this guy

Plus, at 2:44, Joe Strummer narrowly avoids getting run over.