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Rainy Days and Songdays – Chicago Singday City

8th June 20258th June 2025 funtime65

And as we count down to getting the band back together our update playlist Rainy Days and Songdays – Chicago Singday City.

Now we’re reliably informed by no less a figure than Frank Sinatra.

That it would never let you down… and Chicago was his kind of town after all.

And while we will celebrate The Second City all through next week in the US at the Travel Fair and after.

Sweet home Chicago

We will also mark its edgy side too.

Which The Blues Brothers immortalised in their cat-and-mouse race.

With the police, a Country band, Neo-Nazis and Carrie Fisher… all on a mission from God.

And, of course, celebrate in our annual Broadway lunch, Roxie Hart, her slick lawyer Billy Flynn and all that jazz.

Mob handed

Elvis recognised Chicago’s gritty side and its resilience.

On a cold and gray Chicago mornin’ a poor little baby child is born. In the ghetto.

While I’ll be glad to take Frank’s advice again that if I do go down to South Chicago.

And I bump into Bad, Bad Leroy Brown to call him Sir.

No peon to Chicago can ignore the most notorious of gangsters Al Capone.

And brother what a night it really was and brother what a fight it really was.

When the cops and The Mob duked it out The Night Chicago Died.

My Kinda Town

But, of course, we all know that Chicago is alive and bustling which is why…

It’s Tuggin’ my sleeve, Chicago is
The Wrigley Building, Chicago is
The Union Stockyard, Chicago is.

And one more time… My Kind of Town.

And it’s already on my Rainy Days and Songdays – Chicago Singday City playlist.

America, Countries, Food & Wine

The Grape Gatsby in Grapevine in Texas

3rd June 20253rd June 2025 funtime65

Bet you’re wondering how I knew, how I knew before you, but they’re championing The Grape Gatsby in Grapevine in Texas.

Our good old Southern compadres in the Lone Star State have borrowed a Yankee icon for this, the 39th Annual Grapefest, in September.

But anything goes in the name of wine, we say.

And we know that Texans and visitors will rise to the challenge to don DJs, Spatz and flapper dresses and coif out of goblets.

Grapevine, which runs four unforgettable days on Historic Main Street, September 11, 12, 13 and 14, is a veritable fest of fun.

Stomp of approval

Stage is set: For Grapefest in Grapevine, Texas

And we can just picture Jay, Nick, Tom, Daisy and Myrtle trampling away in the popular GrapeStomp.

Where teams of two against each other in a race against the clock to stomp about 18 pounds of grapes in a thrilling two-minute frenzy.

The stakes are high, culminating in the Grand Champion Stompoff.

Where the ultimate victors are awarded the coveted Purple Foot Award!

While for those with a steady hand and a celebratory spirit, the Champagne Cork Shoot-Off offers a unique test of skill.

Participants take aim at targets, with smaller targets yielding higher points.

All building to the Grand Shoot-Off finals on Sunday.

The best possible taste

Now the Grapevine Annual Grapefest is a showcase for Texan wine and the week when the Lone Star State challenges California’s riches.

Boasting the People’s Choice Wine Tasting Classic, the largest consumer-judged wine tasting competition in the states, exclusively featuring all Texas wines.

And you can meet Texas winemakers while sampling and judging more than a dozen varietal categories including sweet, dry and blush.

Elevate your wine knowledge with engaging pairing workshops.

Where experts will guide you in discovering the perfect harmonies between your favorite vinos and delectable cheese, chocolates and more!

All the fun of the fest

While the GrapeFest guys and gals helpfully tell us what else is on offer.

Live Music and Entertainment: Enjoy a vibrant soundtrack throughout the festival with performances across multiple stages.
Iconic Festival Food: Indulge in a diverse culinary scene with food options to complement the wine selections. And try a Texas corny dog or funnel cake!
Artisan Marketplace: Discover unique handcrafted goods and souvenirs made by Texas vendors.
Family-Friendly Fun: With activities for all ages, GrapeFest includes a KidZone, Carnival and Midway.
Historic Backdrop: Buildings on the National Register of Historic Places are repurposed as boutiques, international cafés and bistros, art galleries and winery tasting rooms.

Will you be mine?

Now, you’ll be glad after your jet lag from Europe to know that the Texas tipplers’ town is just beside Dallas Fort Worth.

For you to roll in and roll back to the airport after all the fun.

And is home to a range of world-class hotels.

From luxe resorts, including Gaylord Texan to the boutique Hotel Vin.

And family-friendly Great Wolf Lodge, visitors will find accommodations that suit their needs and preferences.

Grapevine is also home to the Urban Wine Trail, Historic Main Street, Historic Nash Farm, Grapevine Vintage Railroad.

And hosts many annual festivals and events including GrapeFest.

Super trample: And aim for that Purple Foot trophy

And Main Street Fest – A Timeless Texas Tradition.

While if you can’t get away until later in the year Grapevine is also the Christmas Capital of Texas.

With more than 1,400 Christmas events over 40 days.

And was voted Newsweek Reader’s Choice Best Christmas Town in the US in 2024.

And all year round too, and not just the four days of GrapeFest.

We can celebrate The Grape Gatsby in Grapevine in Texas.

America, Countries, Europe, Food

The history of burgers and it’s not rocket science

30th May 202530th May 2025 funtime65

And on the back of Eddie Rocket’s four-patty Supernova (€18.95) seasonal offer, the history of burgers and it’s not rocket science.

Because for all that 100% Irish beef, American cheese, pickles, onions and smash sauce Eddie’s treat is at its heart a burger.

Now Eddie Rocket’s is something of an institution in Ireland as an American diner doppelgänger.

And in the world of burgers that can mean supersizing.

But it doesn’t have to because the humble hamburger started out as fuel food for the artisan.

All round for the Rundstuck

Whose story, that of the Rundstuck, we traced around the great German port city.

The Rundstuck, the forerunner of the hamburger, being a slice of beef or pork.

Served on ‘Hamburger Rundstücken, round wheat buns, typically then doused with hot gravy.

Which our Deutsche freunde on germanfoods.org helpully shares its recipe for our delectation.

Now the Rundstucken may not roll off the tongue, certainly not an Anglo-Saxon one, although it soaks up the flavours.

And would have stayed a Teuton treat without the great German Diaspora of the 19th century.

Who took their culinary habits with them and would break out the rolls and patties to refuel during a hard day on construction.

Oh, oh, Louis, Louis

All of which is where Louis Lassen enters our story in 1895, which you’ll have worked out is 130 years old this year.

Now as with anything worth competing for there are counter claims to being the home of the burger.

But the Library of Congress, no less, recognises Louis’ Lunch as the Birthplace of the Hamburger Sandwich.

And who are we to disagree with New Haven’s foodie fathers?

And certainly not when we’re chomping into the iconic burger, in the modest but iconic restaurant in New Haven, Connecticut.

Where Louis’ descendants keep it simple and dispense with all the trimmings and supersizing.

Louis’ burgers, they tell us, are a proprietary blend of five cuts of meat, ground fresh daily.

And we are reminded that Louis wants you ‘to experience the meat’s true flavor, so we serve it on white toast and only offer cheese, onion, and tomato as garnishes.’

All of which proves the adage that less is more.

Eat to the beat

If, though, you are a supermuncher then you are probably best sticking with Eddie Rocket’s.

And take on their €3k challenge of the Supersonic Supernova eating competition.

On July 12 in South Anne Street in Dublin.

Contestants are encouraged to apply via Eddie’s online form.

And we’re advised that four participants will be chosen to compete live on the day.

They’ll keep us all entertained, of course, with live music to keep the energy high and the crowd buzzing.

And guest judges (including food influencers, local legends, and Eddie’s own) to crown the winner.

There will be branded giveaways too and plenty of hamburger-fuelled chaos.

All adding to the history of burgers and it’s not rocket science.

America, Countries, Music

Happy Lafayette

27th May 202527th May 2025 funtime65

A long time ago before you was born dude when I was single and life was great I hung on Paul Simon’s every word… and learned about Happy Lafayette.

Now swap Paul’s ‘travelling salesman’ for selling travel and we’re just different sides of the same coin.

The great lyricist was sharing happy vibes about Cajun and Creole culture, zydeco music and the Louisianan locale.

And all that, long before it was named Happiest City in the USA by the Wall Street Journal’s Market.com.

Paul Simon’s jazzy paean to the Louisiana jewel popped back into this mush of a mind of mine.

Ahead of World Wellness Day on June 16.

On the back of our Louisiana pals flagging up the best places to chill.

On the trail of Simon’s Lafayette

Now, in the best traditions of American songsmiths Rhymin’ Simon gives us a mailman’s route through his hits.

You see he was standing on the corner of Lafayette after all, State of Louisiana.

Across the street from The Public/Heading down to the Lone Star Cafe.

Now through this great travelling community of ours I sought out Mr Jumbo’s advice for the aforementioned hot spots.

Only to find that our salesman was either trippin’ or being transported through the music.

From Lafayette Street, in Simon’s native New York, where these iconic venues buzz, to the Lafayette in Cajun country.

Louisiana jazz has that effect on you, it trumpets you to the heart of the Deep South.

Marching in

So for Paul Simon’s Clifton Chenier, the King of the Bayou, I’ve been drinking in the sounds of Louisiana and the Sazerac.

On annual trips to the American Travel fair which will be hotfooting its way back to The Big Easy in the coming years.

Until then I’ll let myself be transported by the Louisiana delegation and their famous IPW breakfasts.

Their jambalaya, Sazeracs and the New Orleans Preservation Hall Jazz Band marching us into the conference hall.

To run us through why you’ll come away feeling all kinds of wellness.

And those Sazeracs too will likely make you feel like you’re in Happy Lafayette.

America, Countries

The original Supermen in their Ohio home town

23rd May 202523rd May 2025 funtime65

Is it a bird, is it a plane, no it’s the original Supermen in their Ohio home town.

It’s apt that the pride of Ohio should be chosen to represent Metropolis in the new Superman film which will be out in our cinemas in July.

David Corenswet will be the latest to pull on the Clark Kent specs and skintight blue and red cossie.

Following in the footsteps of Bud Collyer, Christopher Reeve, Nicolas Cage and Henry Cavill among the dozens to have channeled their Man of Steel.

Few though, outwith Superman Superfans will know of the original Supermen, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster.

Two Cleveland teenagers with a passion for science fiction and comics, who created the first superhero in 1932.

Get in on the Action

Fans can, of course, can visit the site of their family homes.

‘This is the house where Superman was born,’ reads a sign hanging on the fence in front of 10622 Kimberly Ave, where in 1932 18-year-old Jerry Siegel invented the Man of Steel.

The apartment house where Joe Shuster, who illustrated Superman, lived is now a vacant lot, but the fence around it has been hung with 2×3-foot metal panels.

They reproduce the cover and first 13 pages of Action Comics #1, the first Superman story, which was published on April 18, 1938.

Rightly, you get a handle that Cleveland is the home of Superman from the moment you touch down at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.

With a display of memorabilia, while there’s another display at the Cleveland Public Library, where Siegel and Shuster both drew inspiration.

And you can also visit the observation deck at the Terminal Tower.

On a pedestal

Snippets of Superman: In the origin city

The Siegel and Shuster Society, a nonprofit dedicated to celebrating Superman’s creation in Cleveland, is spearheading the planning of Siegel and Shuster Tribute Plaza outside the Huntington Convention Centre of Cleveland.

The project will feature a Superman statue designed by a local artist; statues of Siegel, his wife Joanne (upon whom Lois Lane was modelled) and Shuster.

The original Supermen in their Ohio home town.

And a phone booth famous for the hero’s quick costume changes.

So there’s already a lot of Superman for the Superfan already in Cleveland .

And super flights out from Ireland’s national airline carrier.

Out to the Metropolis of the Oo Es of Eh with Aer Lingus.

But with this summer’s anticipated Superman blockbuster the Ohio metropolis is readying itself for even more spotlight.

The new Supermen

With the city’s filming locations including:

Public Square, including the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument and surrounding buildings, was transformed into Metropolis’ bustling centre.
The Leader Building stood in as the exterior of the Daily Planet.
Key Tower became the headquarters for the fictional Stagg Enterprises.
The Cleveland Arcade where Superman and Lois Lane kiss beneath the historic glass ceiling.
Progressive Field, home of the Cleveland Guardians baseball team, hosted an explosive action sequence.
Cleveland City Hall transformed into Metropolis’ City Hall.
Detroit–Superior Bridge is featured in a high-intensity confrontation.
Ontario Street and the former Cleveland Greyhound Station were part of fast-paced street scenes.
PNC Plaza offered dynamic urban visuals.
Terminal Tower appeared in sweeping skyline shots of Metropolis.
Superior Avenue, temporarily renamed “Concord Street,” was reimagined as a major city thoroughfare.
Headlands Beach State Park in Mentor, about a 30-minute drive east from downtown, was used to depict a vintage U.S. Army base.

America, Canada, Countries

Living again with dinosaurs

22nd May 202522nd May 2025 funtime65

They came, they saw, they brontosaurus then up and left… but now they’re back and we’re living again with dinosaurs.

It doesn’t take the release of Walking With Dinosaurs on Sunday, May 25 (BBC, 6.25pm) to release our inner Ross Geller… but it helps.

Ross, of course, plies his palaeontology out of the world-renowned American Museum of Natural History.

And devouring everything prehistoric (but not Ross’s sandwich) should be on your itinerary in New York.

Particularly when you need to occupy your overactive kids on a rainy (or sweltering) day in the Big Apple.

When you don’t even have to go overland, just hop out at the Subway Station and the doors are wide open for you.

A day and night at the museum

The Museum of Natural History (yes, that one out of Night At The Museum) is pay-what-you-want and you’ll want to big.

Now America’s rich prehistoric past is a counter to Yankaphobes who love falsely to point to the continent’s lack of history.

Despite dinosaur fans being able to walk in their footsteps coast to coast and everywhere in between.

Yale to Universal

We got a behind-the-scenes look at the free Yale Peabody Museum in New Haven, Connecticut.

Which dinosaur fans know was where the velociraptor from Michael Crichton’s Jurassic Park was born.

And where they are brought back to life through the wizardry of Universal in Orlando and Hollywood.

And you can get up close and personal to Dino.

A Dino’s graveyard

Feeding time: Universal Studios Hollywood

Of course, here on this British island of ours we pride ourselves on our BBC being free too, apart from the £174.50 licence fee.

And while you’re waiting to get out to Dinoworld you can travel to the four corners of the earth while not leaving your sofa.

Such as Pipestone Creek in Alberta, Canada, featured on the prog.

Nicknamed the ‘River of Death’, Pipestone Creek is home to a mass grave.

Thousands of Pachyrhinosaurus, each the size of an elephant, were buried here, killed in one day.

The Calgary is here

See the discoveries first hand at Philip J Currie Dinosaur Museum in Grande Prairie, where the bones are cleaned and analysed.

Tickets for adults (18+) cost from $15 CAD / £8.

Return flights (London to Calgary) cost from £570 pp with Delta.

Canadian Affair offers tailor-made trips to Grande Prairie and the rest of Alberta.
Alberta.

And a Dublin Zoorasic Party

While nearer to home our pals at Dublin Zoo are planning a Zoorasic Party takeover.

Hosted by Jurassic Park science advisor Dino Don Lessem.

The exclusive Zoorasic Trail Takeover ticketed events runs from June 26-29, on sale from tomorrow, May 23.

Central America, Countries, Deals, Flying

Now we Cancun fly Aer Lingus from Dublin

21st May 202521st May 2025 funtime65

I’ve done the Guadalaharry ole, hung with The Three Caballeros and sung Mariachi so I reckon I’m Mex-ready now we Cancun fly Aer Lingus from Dublin.

Guadalaharry’s was my first introduction to American working life.

If you discount being pressganged into moving dumpsters at the back of my aunt’s business The Irish Cottage in Queens.

A Mexican restaurant in Quincy Market in Boston back in the Eighties, I was employed as a bus boy .

And I was rewarded with a pittance and a cut of the waiters and waitresses’ tips.

And as well as clearing up the dishes and washing them I had to join the staff in celebrating customers’ birthdays.

Which involved Mariachi music and a chorus of ‘Happy Birthday ole, Happy Birthday ole, Happy Birthday from Harry’s, Happy Birthday oleeeeeeee.

Mariachi Murty

Not surprisingly the mariachi band who entertained us in Orlando years later hit their notes rather better.

And Donald Duck and the Three Caballeros at Epcot, well they have had years of practice.

While when it comes to Tex-Mex, well the San Antonians on the River Walk bandstand no doubt learned it at their mother’s knee.

And their love of Cerveza at their father’s.

A new Mexican wave

Because after all the Lone Star state of Texas is infused with Mexican heritage.

Where the lines have been blurred over the centuries and the best compromise of all is the sobriquet Tex-Mex.

Less well known probably is that Scots and Irish, my mixed bloods, enmeshed themselves in the rows between neighbours down in this part of the world.

With a bagpiper heralding the Battle of the Alamo and Irish emigrees too fighting to the death.

Today’s Scots and Irish head to Tex-Mex territory and the motherland for Tequila and Tacos and sun, sea, sand and sangria.

But up until today’s Aer Lingus announcement of direct routes from Dublin to Cancun that has involved circuitous stop-offs.

Ireland’s national carrier will operate three times weekly on the airline’s A330-300 aircraft, operating from 6 January to 29 April.

Cancun cookin’

Of course, if you want to wander from the Caribbean beaches, the region is also home to awe-inspiring archaeological sites.

Such as El Rey, Ichkabal, Coba, Kohunlich, El Meco, Chichén Itzá, and Tulum.

All of which offer a fascinating glimpse into Mexico’s rich heritage.

And because we got a taste for the enchilada back then in Guadalaharry’s we’re keen to tuck into the local fare.

And Cancun offers a wide choice from the smoky, charred richness of grilled meats to the region’s iconic zesty ceviche.

From Lobster Pizza, Queso De Bola,crispy sweet Marquesitas or freshly made Guacamole.

Friends across the water

And all this as Ireland and Mexico mark the 50th anniversary.

Of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

So it’s Areeba, Areeba from us and now we Cancun fly Aer Lingus from Dublin we know what we’ll be doing in 2026.

Particularly with flights to Cancun available from €291 each way, including taxes, fees and carrier charges.

America, Countries

Get your kicks through Missouri

19th May 2025 funtime65

If you ever travel out west you’ll get your kicks through Missouri, which is worth spelling out in big neon letters and singing about.

And that is exactly what Missourians have been doing, lighting up the night sky in the heart of the Show-Me state.

Ahead of the 100^th anniversary of the historic Mother Road next year.

And it’ll be nearly 80 years too since one of the great standards of the American Song Book was penned.

When most of us who had never even heard of Saint Looey or Joplin first had our interests piqued.

To travel out west and find out for ourselves.

Sign of the times

Of course, the big draw of The Mother Road is the trip and meeting her offspring.

Such as the small city of Saint Robert, around 130 miles south-west of Saint Louis, in Pulaski County, Ozarks territory.

Where you’ll come across Route 66 Neon Park.

Which features nearly a dozen restored neon signs.

That once stood along the 300-plus-mile.

All of which pay tribute to the Missouri portion of Route 66 in its prime.

And the roadside stops that once lined America’s most famous highway.

The Route 66 story

All the signs have been collected and refurbished by private collectors.

Which we all know Americans do better than anyone as we discovered ourselves at Neon Vegas.

Under the guiding hand of one of Liberace’s Ladies.

Now where Vegas signs promoted the grandiose Missouri’s pointed us to homespun Middle America from St. Louis to Joplin.

Which you can learn for yourself from the storyboards which provide the signs’ backstories.

Since 1926, no other roadway in American history has evoked a sense of reverence, nostalgia, and wanderlust quite like Route 66.

Back to the start

Now as with much in my life’s travels my Route 66 journey is back to front.

Having set out from its terminus, Santa Monica pier a few years back.

And looking to complete the trip at its starting point some day in the Windy City.

That day is honing into view after a few false starts in the Windy City next month.

Where I’ll make for the starting point of the Great Road of America, Route 66.

That winds from Chicago to LA, more than two thousand miles all the way.

Countries, Flying

Shorter queues for Brits a passport to success

18th May 202518th May 2025 funtime65

And after the shuddering shock of Eurovision some good news today with shorter queues for Brits a passport to success.

It would come as little surprise for ESC followers to see Britain languishing way behind winners Austria.

But to get nil points in the worldwide public vote has been a wake-up call on how Britain is seen globally.

Britphobia is most visible when we’re in airports which hopefully will be relaxed through current Britain-EU talks.

You’ll recognise Brits by our accents or by us drinking in bars first thing in the morning.

But also by us hived off since Brexit into our own queue like pariahs.

Ich bin ein Britainer

Brit’s all right: Sixth on passport index

And we’ll all have seen signs such as those we found in Berlin.

Advising Brits to leave an extra couple of hours to get through customs.

Of course, few would suggest us going back to a world without passports which existed before the First World War.

And the British book is still much sought after although not as in demand as the Irish document.

Sixth sense

The Brits in sixth on the Henley Passport Index and Guide Passport Index.

Behind Ireland in third equal alongside France, Germany, Italy, Denmark and Finland.

With the Asians leading the way with Singapore ahead of Japan and South Korea.

We are guilty of taking respect which has been earned over generations for granted.

Bordering on the sensible

As I discovered when I crossed paths with international traveller Merry who told me of her difficulties as a Bangladeshi.

With her document ranked 95th in the Index causing all manner of visa challenges.

Would, of course, that we had the seamless crossing of borders that we found in moving from Austria and Germany.

Over the Tyrolian Alps and passing through an unmanned gate and landing obviously taking a selfie for prosperity.

That we could soon see e-gates to improve the flow of British travellers through European customs is a start.

And provide shorter queues for Brits a passport to success.

America, Countries

Holidos and Don’ts – tipping

14th May 202514th May 2025 funtime65

And in readiness for the Oo Es of Eh and prompted by an Italian guide on such matters we bring you Holidos and Don’ts – tipping.

A tip first of all is a contract To Insure Promptness and our American friends certainly provide that.

We have all seen cab drivers hurl luggage down at a measly tip or God forbid none at all.

While even of you have just got out of the Uber in the dodgiest and wrong part of Washington DC you are expected to open your wallet.

Tipping 100%

But what percentage of your bill should you give your service provider?

Well from experience a fifth of your tariff will elicit a warm wide smile and priority the next time you seek custom.

And so as not to look foreign, or worse, mean work it out beforehand so you’re not scrabbling around for notes.

Boston a gut

The rule of thumb too is that every service provider is entitled to your extra gratuity.

Even if you are that gormless inexperienced 21-year-old waiter getting your order wrong.

At the Black Rose Irish bar in Boston.

Now every American service provider knows the drill.

And that it is tips that make the job viable.

Everybody you would think, apart that is Faceache.

The Tragic Bus (Boy)

One of our waitress bosses at the sadly departed Guadalaharry’s Mexican restaurant by Quincy Market, Boston.

When we worked as Bus Boys, the lowest rung of the hospitality sector.

The convention for clearing the tables while the waiters schmoozed was widely accepted to be 10 per cent of their overall tips.

Which of course, said Faceache, and no I can’t remember her real name, ignored.

What was free, as well as Nachos which I have hence gone off for life, were the daily putdowns.

And getting called ‘Biafra’ on account of my then svelte figure.

All of which would have been helped with a healthy cut of her tips which I had helped win.

Customer is always right

Share it out: Everybody should get their cut

Those post-university experiences and my cousins running bars and diners in New York has led me to value the American tipping culture.

And it does work too as we witnessed first hand when our table were given free drinks on the eve of Cousin Eddie’s wedding.

Because of our extended wait.

Our American friends and family, of course, expect similar courtesy when they visit foreign shores.

A Brit of a lesson

But alas, at least here on our shores it can be erratic at best.

Which is when my formidable Auntie Kathleen, daughter of Donegal turned Queen of Queens hospitality would come in.

Reminding staff on these shores of the Holidos and Don’ts – tipping.

And what she would require for herself and her party if they did not meet her standards.