Monday, March 18, 2024

Coffee shop returns to 503 Maine

 GLAD TO HEAR the news about a business using 503 Maine again, almost six years to the day Electric Fountain Brewing opened at the location.

We owned the former historic Dodd Building at Fifth and Maine and had Second String Music on the main floor, and renovated the old bank vault space and leased it out to several businesses. When we heard Ryan Christian was closing his original EFB location on Sixth Street (later the home to the Tap Room, now vacant), we asked him to take a look at 503 Maine.

It was the first-floor bank vault for Mercantile Bank and had some of the original features, though much had been altered over the years. The plumbing and electrical systems got updated and EFB  did well in the space until Covid hit four years ago. 

I loved the strong coffee smells and noises that came from the space. We even had Frank Haxel put in a door so people could walk right from the coffee shop to the music store. 

Later we leased 503 out to the Adams County Democratic party. The basement vault was also leased out, and the second floor was occupied. In the winter it was always a joy to see lights coming out of the first two floors of the old building.

We sold the building to Andrew Mays and Brian Hendrian, and closed Second String Music nearly two years ago. The Democrats left 503 Maine, and Isaac Smith closed his recording studio in the corner space of the second floor about a year ago. The other part of the second floor is still being used.

I drive past the building every afternoon about 4:30 returning from my lab run to Blessing Health Hannibal. Usually it's a smile or a good memory that comes back, and the recent warm weather brought back a lot of memories of store parties and Friday afternoons on the sidewalk.

Good luck to the new business at 503 Maine. It's a great spot and has lots of positive vibes. I'll stop in for a coffee some Saturday morning and think about the great times we had at Fifth and Maine. Here's to many more!


Friday, March 15, 2024

Picture yourself on a bag of chips

 I'M DONE. FINISHED. There is nothing left in the field of frivolous entertainment. I've reached the height, the summit, the very top. Coco and I are retiring to a Lake Michigan beach that time forgot and contemplating just how quickly the ascent took place.

That's right. My picture is on a bag of Rap Snacks. 

It started yesterday with an inane blog about Rap Snacks, which uses rappers to promote chips, popcorn and noodles. Yes. Noodles. As usual, what I thought was just a throw-away went viral. My phone blew up and everybody at work wanted to know more about Rap Snacks.

Allison Huber put a comment on my Facebook post. Then she posted the picture. Who knew it was that easy? Apparently you can go to Rap Snacks page and click on a bag, upload your photo, and boom. You are a rap star and on a bag of snacks. What else is there in life?

We could have Cheeseburger chips, HartLess Salsa, Whatevers Whisps, Prospect Road Dip, Travis and Rodney Gut-Wrench Colon Cleanse Tacos. The possibilities! 

Wait. Somebody actually went to the time and effort to put my picture on a bag of chips? I'm okay with it, if somewhat bemused. The photo is from a legendary Second String Music store party some years ago, which explains the dazed look on my face and the fact I remember none of it. In other words, perfect for Rap Snacks.

This Rap Snacks thing keeps getting better and better. Here's a company that openly encourages you to pirate their copyrighted product by putting your picture on it. It's marketing genius, really. 

So it's all that and a bag of chips. I'm not sure I can cope with the fame. Coco will keep me grounded. 

This doesn't mean I actually have to eat Rap Snacks, does it?



Thursday, March 14, 2024

Rap Snacks is a thing

 THE OTHER DAY at the 48th Street lab, a Blessing employee who shall remain nameless (her initials are Kasie) was eating a bag of chips made by Rap Snacks. The bag had a rapper on it called Lil Baby. Apparently Lil is huge in the rap world.

I'm not up on my hip hop artists. To get educated I should call my former Herald-Whig compadre Don O'Brien, who was a bottomless pit of rap knowledge. I'm pretty sure Don eats Rap Snacks.

Anyway, Rap Snacks is a thing. They make all kinds of snacks and put all kinds of famous rappers on the bags. They are only $1.93 an ounce if you order them from Amazon. The chips Kasie had were salt and vinegar flavored, and she graciously offered me one. It wasn't bad! Actually, it was overloaded with seasoning, which is a huge selling point in greasy and bad-for-you snacks. "I think I need to drink a gallon of water now," Kasie said, after handing off the half-full bag.

The chips were purchased by another lab person, Jody. "I bought them at a gas station halfway between here and Kansas City," she said. Intrigued, I did some research, and it turns out you can get snacks endorsed by such legendary artists as Snoop Dogg, Notorious BIG, and my favorite, Moneybagg Mo's dill pickle jalapeno chips.

Jody warned you should check the ingredients before imbibing. "I was driving and eating the Snoop Dogg snack and suddenly I got very sleepy," she said. Ah. Snoop can do that to you.

Rap Snacks is a genius idea. Classic Rock Snacks, Country Snacks and Yacht Rock Snacks were never invented and never made a dent in the $40 million snack industry. I'm pretty much a loyal snack guy (I can demolish a can of Pringles in five minutes) but I'd try Rap Snacks if given the chance or driving to Kansas City and stopping for gas. 

Rap on, snack lovers.


Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Mayoral race shapes up

 YESTERDAY THE MAYOR of Quincy announced he was running for a second term in next year's elections. This was after he publicly stated last summer he'd make an announcement within a month. One wonders why he waited more than half a year to say he wants to be mayor again.

He faces a stiff challenge from former Quincy City Alderman Dan Brink, who formerly announced last October he was running as a Republican. The current major is also a Republican. Brink wasted no no time responding to the current mayor's announcement, and you can read it here

Brink has a lot of ammo. He can go after the current mayor for the bungling of the city insurance, the no-confidence vote from city council and the absolute botching of the police chief search and recommendation. That one worked out, despite our mayor's best intentions. 

The current mayor has ticked off much of the moderate Republican core in Quincy. But the current mayor has many staid and conservative Quincy Republicans on his side. More importantly, he has their cash. So it won't be easy to knock him off.

Former city treasurer Linda Moore is a possibility when it comes to the Democrats. She'd make a great candidate. But she's hamstrung by having the D designation. It's all about who will actually show up at the polls, and right now that's a tall task for the Ds.

I'll wait to see how it all plays out before making up my mind. It's a long road to next February's primary elections, and to the April 2025 election. I encourage all of us who are registered to pay close attention and make an informed decision.

 

 


Monday, March 11, 2024

Feeling 59

 AGE IS RELATIVE, right? People are surprised when they find out how old I really am. They think I'm much younger. Maybe it's the the fact I never grew up. Truth is, I'm chasing 60 and will get there before the end of 2024.

I visited the one and only Anne Mays last Friday on her 90th birthday. She is still spunky and sharp as ever. She said, "I feel like I'm only 70." That's the legendary Grannie Annie for you.

I see a lot of younger Blessing employees every day. There are a couple at 48th Street who are still in their teens. I joke about my socks being older than them. Of course, the reason it's humorous is because it's true. 

One of them said, "You are the same age as my dad. So I'm going to call you dad!" So she does. Every day. I'm not sure how I feel about that, but I suppose it's a compliment of sorts.

Another one who just turned 19 says her grandmother knows me. "And my grandma is a little crazy," she said. "I think you could actually be my grandfather. Wouldn't that be cool?"

We are most assuredly not family. But if she wants to think that way, if she calls me grandpa every time she sees me, should I feel old about it?

All I know is that the three-hour gigs get a little harder to do, bedtime comes earlier and the ability to do nothing for long stretches of time gets easier and easier. I'm taking vitamins and trying to be careful about what I eat and I'm walking a lot doing the job, which helps me feel better. 

So bring it on, 60. I'm not afraid. Age is just a number. And my socks look great for being that old.



Thursday, March 7, 2024

Open Mic tonight!

 SUPER EXCITED TO host the Open Mic Night at the Calftown Coffeehouse tonight. We will start around 7:15ish. I am subbing for the legendary Steve Rees, who has built the twice-monthly event into quite the happening scene.

Calftown Coffeehouse is at 832 S. 8th, right across from State Street Bank at 8th and State. Open Mic Night is all inclusive and features music, storytelling, poetry reading and anything to do with expressing yourself in the arts. My friend and musical partner Travis Hoffman will be helping me with the host duties and playing as usual.

I love it because most of the performers are getting way out of their comfort zones. Many are terrified of performing in front of people, so it's therapy and courage all in one. You do the best you can do and the crowd is very receptive, attentive and respectful.

Bill Burns and Margarita Oguilve are amazing hosts and have graciously give us their space and time for the event. It doesn't hurt to have awesome coffee, specialty drinks and food available. I just set up for tonight and Bill made me a spinach, feta cheese and mushroom quesadilla to die for. Yum!

I used to fill in for Steve when he did Open Mic Night at One Restaurant a few years ago. Many talented performers cut their teeth on that big stage and venue. We always had a blast. I have been to a few Open Mic Nights at Calftown Coffeehouse and you won't find a more interesting and engaging experience, if you come with an open mind and supportive vibe.

See you tonight!