Column for November 11, 2004
I hear some big time magazine editor said my column lacked focus. Which truly is a good observation. As the creation process I use involves taking everything that is on my desk and stuffing it into this one page. The bigger question might be, what is a big time magazine editor doing reading this column. So this week I will try to limit my rants, raves and observations to a couple of topics. OK, maybe four.
Topic one-Never miss an opportunity to be nice: The people on my street really let me down when it came to participating in Halloween. Maybe three houses out of 30 were handing out candy and being part of the this American tradition we call Halloween. Worst yet a couple of house who had Halloween decorations up were not giving out candy. I feel bad for anyone who is so old they can't remember how much fun Halloween was. One of the few chance you get to say hi to your neighbors. Next year I am going to pass out soap and encourage the kids to write trick or teat on every house.
Topic two-The best of the best: I received several e mails about the best of column I wrote. People like that best of stuff so here is a couple more. Best fancy spot: The Lark, in West Bloomfield. Best Chicken dinner: Al-Ameer, in Farmington Hills. Best Chain Restaurant: Noodles & Company, in Farmington Hills.
Topic three-New bands: Rob Roy, The Killer Flamingos, Bridge, Ray Street Park seem to be getting a lot of local press. I heard from a band called Chain Reaction who are promoting a new CD called "Electric Playground." The band is throwing a party Saturday, November 13 at Scalici's on Allen Road in Allen Park. You can see chainreactionband.com for more information. The G1NBC.com web site recently gave web awards to Steve Grant Wood, the Mango Pie and Benny and the Jets band.
Topic four-Old bands: Regular readers know I like to mention all the old area bands. Salem Witchcraft, Sunday Funnies, Teegarden and Vanwinkel, Question Mark and the Mysterians. I was said to hear Terry Knight who managed the Grand Funk Railroad band was stabbed to death at his daughters home in Temple Texas. He was 61. Knight was a native of Flint and his band Terry Knight and the Pack, went on to become the Grand Funk after he left the band in 1968 to become their manager.
To contact Ben E. to find where his band is performing call (313) 730-1627 via e-mail benejets@aol.com and see the web sites Bennyandthejets.com and reverendguitars.com.