Instead of the traditional yearly promise to shed some unwanted weight and get in better physical shape, my resolution for 2009, is to not give a hoot. Even Michael Jordan’s got a gut these days.

A highlight for me this Holiday was a trip to Rolling Stone Records; across the street from the HIP (Harlem/Irving Plaza) and a stones’ throw from the departed Maurice Lenell cookie factory. It’s been at least 25-years since I’ve been in there. It still smells and feels like a head shop. The only thing missing was the smell of vinyl (the plastic smell of CD jewel cases doesn’t have the same appeal). The next time I go there, I’ll have to remember to wear my Earth Shoes.

On Monday, 12 January 2009, L. Wood’s Tap and Pine Lodge celebrates 10-years of serving some of the best ribs in the Chicago area. And on Tuesday, 20 January 2009, Chicago goes to the White House when Barack Obama is sworn in as our nation’s 44th President. If you hear any noise, it’s just me and the boys celebrating the groovy.

Stan and Terry