Rock On, Jack

A few weeks ago my sister received a call from an ex-Cooper’s co-worker who informed her Geoff had passed away.  We were both bummed, despite his quirks he was a good guy… And I can only speak for myself, but I had many fun afternoons rummaging through the bins of his store looking for rare imports from The Cure or out-of-print Sisters Of Mercy records, catching a little conversation with Geoff as he smoked a cigarette in front of the store.

A couple days ago I went for a walk and happened to walk by Geoff’s house and they were having a garage sale.  Bins from the old store dragged out of the garage and sitting in the driveway for the bidding, tables set in the garage with his stuff spread on them and sign on the tree that read “more items inside.”  I know you can’t take it with you, but it really bummed me out to see his life reduced to a garage sale and I know no disrespect was meant (it’s really something we don’t think about much, what will happen to all our “stuff” when we go)…  but it bummed me out none the less.

So I thought I’d give him a little space here on this blog , I found this really nice obituary:

Alum’s Roto Rooter Good Time Christmas Band recorded Dr Demento novelty song “Pico and Sepulveda”

TFT alumnus Geoffrey P. Cooper ’69 passed away on November 28 at his home in Burbank, after a brief illness. Cooper was a Hollywood sound engineer and avid record collector who from 1992 to 2004 owned DB Cooper’s Wholesale Music Exchange in Burbank, “Burbank’s Most Necessary Record Shop.”

Born on October 19, 1946, in Los Angeles, Cooper was a proud member of the UCLA marching band while a student at TFT in the late 1960s. Known as “Engineer Geoff,” he was the head cheerleader at UCLA during the 1968-69 season.

After several years in New York City working as a recording engineer, Cooper returned to Southern California and with several former UCLA bandmates formed the Roto Rooter Good Time Christmas Band, in which he performed under the stage name Dr. Mabuse.

The band specialized in bouncy satiric novelty songs with titles such as “The Martian March,” “Martha My Deer” and “The Buick LaSabre Dance.” The band became a fixture on the radio show of personality and DJ Dr Demento, who was a customer at the Burbank store.

After Cooper arranged an introduction for Demento with singer Napoleon XIV (Jerry Samuels), creator of the all-time novelty hit “They’re Coming To Take Me Away, Ha-haaa!,” the DJ began playing Roto Rooter numbers on his show, beginning in 1973 with what he calls their “brilliant rendition of ‘March of the Cuckoos,’ the Laurel & Hardy theme.”

The RRGTCB recorded an album for Vanguard Records in 1974 that included their version of the 1947 novelty song “Pico and Sepulveda,” the recording that became Dr. Demento’s theme song. At the peak of its popularity the band shared the stage at the Hollywood Palladium with Danny Elfman’s Mystic Knights of the Oingo Boingo.

Cooper worked a day job for NBC in the sound effects department for 13 years, ringing the buzzers and bells on the great game shows. He amassed a huge collection of vinyl LPs, CDs and videos, which he loved sharing with his friends and family. Cooper was an avid fan of reggae music and all things Jamaican and attended the Sunsplash Music Festival seven years in a row in the 1980′s.

Geoffrey Cooper is survived by his sisters Virginia Cooper Latham of Culver City (class of ’73) and Susan Cooper Clobucker of Reno (class of ’76).

The Cooper family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Theater Department Scholarship Fund. Gifts can be made online at https://giving.ucla.edu/Standard/NetDonate.aspx?SiteNum=20 (choose Theater Scholarship Fund) or by sending a check made out to UCLA Foundation, with “In memory of Geoffrey Cooper” in the memo section, to:

Office of Development and Industry Relations
UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television
Box 951622
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1622

Rest In L.P. Geoff.

First, Jamie (White) is returning to the airwaves! She will be joining BJ and Howie on ALICE in Denver, CO.  This is doubly exciting for me, one because I’m glad to see Jamie working again and two because it’s good to actually see a radio station adding staff and not firing or down-sizing.  KALC will be airing the new line-up with Jamie starting Monday January 9th.

Second, Stench’s son has his first MMA fight on January 14th!  He will be fighting at the Normandie Casino on the 14th and tickets are $50 (click link for details.)  Also, we are very close to being able to hear the radio show Stench produces on L.A. Radio… They will be on mornings soon, I’ll post when they officially announce.

As for me… Not much going on, but I am so happy for my friends!

The kids and I had a very nice holiday season, spending Christmas in Burbank and ringing in the New Year in San Diego…  Now it’s back to reality.  There is a depression that sets in after the holidays, all the hype and expectation and then it’s just over and everything returns to the way it was.  I’m hoping the job market gets better for me and many of my friends who are out of work (And I think we’ll see a little bit of improvement… It’s an election year, even if falsely, they will try to make things look better).

Look for a book review early next week (I took a break from reading over the holidays) and more of my usual posts.

Happy New Year and Rock On, Jack

I figured the best way to work this was to go through each track:

1. Party Rock Anthem -

Lucy: I like how it sounds with kids singing instead of an adult.

Bing: (Bing started singing along instantly… And shortly after was dancing)  I like it because their are girls are singing and the voices change.  Everybody is shuffling.

2. Moves Like Jagger

Lucy:  It sounds like the same people (She means Maroon 5… then I asked “What are moves like Jagger?”)  I don’t know, is it a move?

Bing:  I liked it, I just did.

3. The Edge of Glory

Lucy:  I like how it sounds with kids, I just like the way it sounds.

Bing:  I like that in the back it says “en-en-en-en” (??? – he’s 5)

4. You Make Me Feel

Lucy:  I like the girls robot voice.

Bing: That’s boy and girls… I like that.

5. Good Life

Lucy:  I like how they all sing together on the “Good Life” part.

Bing:  I like that they say “it’s going to be a good night.”

6. Stereo Hearts

Lucy:  At the start their were three people and they all had their own parts, I liked that.  I like this song.

Bing:  I like the “ohh ohh” part.

7. Without You

Lucy:  Don’t know this song, but I like it so far.

Bing:  I like it.  (This is the first song they weren’t already familiar with.)

8. Fly

Lucy:  I don’t know this song… I’d like to fly.  The rapping part is good.

Bing:  I like it it… It says “to flyyyyyyyyyyyy.”

9. Hello

Lucy:  I know this song and I like it.

Bing:  I liked it .
OK, at this point they are running around and dancing, so we’ll get an overall review at the end of the remaining tracks.

10. We Found Love

11. It Will Rain

12. The One That Got Away

13. Good Feeling

14. Mr. Saxobeat

15. It Girl

16. Someone Like You.

Lucy: I like how the kids sing better than the adults.  I would tell my friends at school to get this CD.  I know all the songs expect 2 or 3 of them.

Bing: I just liked it all.

Dad’s turn, As I watched the kids I could tell they were really enjoying these versions of the Top 40 songs they already enjoy.  As a parent I like that I know these versions are safe for them to listen too… We’ve all had to quickly turn off a song because of content.  Most importantly, it’s not totally annoying to listen to for adults… It is not the nerve trying, stuck in your head til it hurts Wiggles song or Barney ballad.
Kidz Bop 21 gets three thumbs up from the Heine’s.

Rock on, Jack

Just wanted to share! Rock on, Jack

I wish I had some good news, but things are about the same here… Still out of  work, still no real prospects.  I know economic indicators suggest things are getting a little better… But I have yet to see it.

Angela, Ethan, the Kids and I had the chance to go to San Diego last weekend which was really nice.   San Diego is such a great city, perfect for the young and single and the old and boring with kids (Like me!) alike.  The kids actually ran around in the shallow tide looking for seashells…. something you couldn’t do in much of the rest of the country in December.

Speaking of Angela and Ethan, Ethan’s one-man band, State Shirt, just released a new album… if you get a chance check it out.

We’ve been kind of busy so we haven’t had a chance to catch many of the family films released recently.  The kids want to see Arthur Christmas and Hugo.  We did see the Muppet Movie…  The kids enjoyed it, I thought some of the musical numbers seemed forced and the story stalled a little in places, but it wasn’t horrible.  The film the kids are really pumped for is the Lorax which comes out next year.

Timer just beeped, gotta check my brownies! Enjoy the Lorax trailer while I check on them:

And they are perfect… and the whole apartment smells like yummy brownies!

The Podcast continues on… we may be small, but we’re persistent.   We’re 5 years in… which means it’s been 5 years since we were all on the radio together.  That reminds me, Happy Belated Birthday Jamie…  Here B-Day was yesterday!   Those were good times on Star 98.7!

Here’s a couple holiday deals on Amazon today:

Air Swimmer Shark is $27 with free shipping
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever is $7
V-Tech Kidzoom Lightning McQueen Digital Camera is $25 (OK, it’s 24.99… if you spend a penny more you get free shipping!)

The brownies should be cool enough to sample by now!

Rock On (and Happy Holidays!!!) Jack

I have yet to hear of a hot toy this year… I can usually gauge by what the kids want but this year they both asked for generic things (Books, puzzles, golf stuff, etc.)  I am glad they’re still young and like fun stuff (I like playing with their toys too!)… I just read an article on what teens want this year and cash, cloths and iPads topped the list.  I like to get the kids stuff that inspires imagination and creativity (because if they had their way they would play on the computer and ipod all day!)  Bing loves to play with “toy food” ( like Melissa & Doug Wooden Sandwich-Making Set ) …. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard “Daddy eat this… but don’t really eat it” as he hands me something he has “cooked.”  Both kids are really into making art and they love having their own supplies ( like Darice – ArtyFacts – Portable Art Studio. Deluxe Art Set. 131 Pieces w/Wood case. )…  The link goes to Amazon, but check your paper for Michael’s coupons, they have a huge selection and you can almost always get 50% off.  Lucy is currently really into Junie B. Jones books ( Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus (Junie B. Jones, No. 1) (Book & CD) ) … It’s great to see her enjoy reading (Especially since I’ve never been a big reader!)  They also both love to put on “shows” and make videos, so I’m thinking puppets ( like Melissa & Doug Chef Puppet )  might be a good idea.  Just some ideas to help you start thinking about what the kids in your life might enjoy.

On the podcast front we have submitted the pod to the Guinness Book of World Records for most recorded hours… We currently have 1155 hours of podcasts in our archives, so we’ll see what happens?  It takes them 4-6 weeks to process and decide.

And I know I’ve mentioned it before, but I post interesting/funny/disturbing news stories daily on my facebook “fan” page … So if you get a chance like me!

Rock on, Jack

I thought I’d give you some Jack Friday updates (OK, I know it’s Black Friday and it’s actually Wednesday today, but I thought I’d try and steal some of their thunder!) that have been send to me this last week via press release:

- Dog Cruise!!!

WINNETKA, CA: Dog Lovers will make tracks for Alaska next year for the most fun doggie event of the decade: a Dog Lovers Cruise – September 8-15, 2012. World famous dog trainer Uncle Matty, aka Matthew Margolis, will be on board to teach you everything you ever wanted to know about dogs but were afraid to ask. Find out why dogs do what they do and learn how you can build and nurture your loving relationship with them.

The Dog Lovers Events will include: Swapping Doggie Tales – a chance to brag about your dog to an audience who actually wants to hear about him or her; Owner/Doggie Look-alike Contest – if you’ve ever been told you look like your dog, this could be a very good thing because you might have a shot at winning Best in Show; “Dogtail” Party – for everyone from young pups to old hounds mix it up with others who love their dogs as much as you do; Film Festival – showing classic doggie flicks (tissues provided); Vendors Room – buy something extra special to bring back to your little darlings who you’ve left behind to go on the cruise it just might help you get out of the doghouse when you get home.

Holland America’s classically beautiful Westerdam sails from Seattle, Washington and will visit Juneau, Glacier Bay, Sitka, Ketchikan and Victoria. Dog Lovers can take an optional journey inland to visit the Alaskan Sled Dogs in their natural habitat. Afterwards, we’ll be heading to the Red Dog Saloon to lap up Alaska’s finest brews and howl along with the honky-tonk piano.

A dog-gone great time will be had by all!

This is a private event and must be booked through Cruises Cruises Cruises, Inc. Cruise fares start at $849 per person, based on double occupancy. Dog Lovers Event Fee is $100.

For more information contact Linda Wolf at Cruises Cruises Cruises, Inc.

Email: cruises3@pacbell.netPhone: 818.346.7003 www.TicketToCruise.com

Facebook: Dog Lovers Cruise

www.UncleMatty.com

- Upper Playgound, a cool street art/clothing site out of San Francisco is having a Black Friday Sale exclusively for fans of their Facebook page, you click here and like them for the skinny!

- Dr. Renee has picked some smart toy choices for the holidays.

Dr. Renee Clauselle, Founder and Head Psychologist of New York based Child and Family Psychology, providing mental health to adults and families regularly appears as an expert on TV and is often quoted in the media. The clear explanations, intelligence, sparkling personality and humor of “Doctor Renee” are making her the go-to expert for family and relationship issues. She says, ”There are a number of fabulous toys for kids of all ages, those that enhance learning social and emotional skills, which are also fabulous tools for promoting family communication and interaction in a fun, healthy way. Toys that delight, teach important skills, engage kids’ imaginations, and have that “wow” factor are not as difficult to find as you might think.”

Here are Doctor Renee’s picks for “Smart Toys” for children of all ages, she is available for interview and she can put together an assortment themed perfectly for your audience.

9 mos. to 2 years: “The reason I love Cloud b Twilight Constellation Night Light, Turtle
full night sky projection for ceiling and walls is because it really plays at the sensory development that is happening in babies.  Muscular development and eye tracking development are enhanced. I also love that as a stuffed toy, it can grow with kids as they get older as a cuddle friend for bed time.”

10 years to 12 years. “For middle schoolers and teen tweens it is all about reading skills and vocabulary because SAT’s are right around the corner. Konexi -Deluxe
is a word-building game of skill and chance in 3D. Great for family game nights.  It’s a game that keeps everyone stimulated and on the edge of their seats playing it, while reading and writing skills improve!”

-  Free Shipping is a great excuse to skip the malls and shop from the comfort of your own home… Free Shipping.org lists codes for a bunch of sites! Here are some sites offering free shipping deals for Black Friday:

1. Best Buy
Free shipping on all orders.

2. American Eagle
Free shipping plus 40% off with code 7242983.

3. Shoes.com
Free shipping plus 25% off Sale and Clearance items with code YAMS.

4. Coldwater Creek
Enjoy Coldwater Creek free shipping on all orders with code AFLC924.

5. Bloomingdale’s
Free shipping on all orders with code FREESHIP11.

6. Yves Saint Laurent
Free shipping plus 20% off all orders.

7. Lands’ End
Enjoy free shipping from Lands’ End plus 30% off your entire order.

8. Urban Outfitters
Free shipping on all orders.

9. Target
Free shipping plus $7 off orders of $70 or more on select items.

10. Kohl’s
Free shipping on orders of $50 or more.

OK, that’s the info I found kind of interesting from this past week!

HAVE A GREAT/SAFE THANKSGIVING!!!

Rock on, Jack

This weekend the kids and I were all in the bathroom brushing our teeth together (I have to supervise to make sure it gets done and there isn’t just a quick swipe and spit!)  and the cup we use to rinse fell and broke.  I wasn’t upset, the kids were slightly startled, I cleaned up the pieces and found another cup to use.  That cup was something from my past life, a relic from a time a little over 3 years ago that seems like a lifetime ago.  I was not saddened, in fact I was kind of relieved.  With every broken bathroom cup, shattered plate that slips out of wet hands during washing, towel ripped in the washing machine, a little bit of that life is taken away and my world becomes a little more mine again.

It happens slowly, pieces of that life crumble like glaciers eventually breaking off and floating away.

Bears