Excellent report Henry and very interesting. Glad you got so much writing done too.
Can't wait to hear about your Los Angeles visit.
Posted by sojourner (Member # 3134) on :
Wonderful report and pictures--and writing (I esp loved your coinage "wirelessless!") Can't wait to see the photos from the SW Chief!
Posted by train lady (Member # 3920) on :
does the new book in progress continue the mysteries in Michigan? I hope so. I enjoyed your discriptions of fellow travelors. That to me is part of the fun of Amtraking..meeting and seeing people of all types
Posted by a meyer (Member # 4954) on :
Great report Henry! I too look forward to the Southwest Chief report.
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
I understand you met up with Carl while you were in LA, Henry. He is a great guy----I'm sure he showed you the sights around Union Station.
I was surprised at your opinion of the Cross Country Cafe.
And you can only sleep when the train is rolling? I'm just the opposite---I love it when the train stops because I can finally fall asleep.
Re: the wireless in the Metro Lounge in Chicago. A trick I use is to run upstairs to the bar, which provides WiFI on a pay-per (minute/hour/etc) basis. I will pay for my time, get the password, then go back down to the Metro Lounge. The bar is directly above the part of the lounge where the juice machines are located (near the restroom doors). If you choose a seat over in that location, you can pick up the WiFi signal from above you.
Posted by sojourner (Member # 3134) on :
That is a great tip, Smitty. Do you know the name of the bar, by any chance?
BTW, like Henry, I generally sleep when the train rolls and wake up at stops. Sometimes I just fall back to sleep, but sometimes I wake up enough to peer out the window to try to see where we are.
Posted by RRRICH (Member # 1418) on :
I'm guessing Smitty's CUS bar is the Snuggery -- that is about the only bona fide "bar" in the 2nd level food court.
Re: sleeping on trains -- if the tracks are relatively smooth (NOT the tracks between Fla and Washington DC!!!), I can usually sleep while the train is moving, but normally not real well until the 2nd or 3rd night on the train, after I get "used to" the motion.
Posted by notelvis (Member # 3071) on :
I have difficulty sleeping on the Crescent and Silver Star......curvy tracks on the old Southern mainline, bumpy tracks on the old SAL. On these trains I usually lay awake until we make a lengthy station stop.
My best sleep is normally on the Chief, Empire Builder, and the Zephyr east of Denver.....tribute to the track conditions on BNSF I believe.
Posted by notelvis (Member # 3071) on :
Henry,
Your trip reports are fabulous.
I'm reminded of a roundtrip I did from Washington, DC to Denver during a spring break while I was in graduate school. I used the four onboard nights to write the rough draft of a 60 page seminar paper.......the old-fashioned way. I had notes on 5x8 index cards taped to the walls all around my roomette........
One question - Did your Texas Eagle also have a sightseer lounge car in the consist? I had hoped with the equipment runthrough now that both the Eagle and CONO would have a sightseer lounge....rather than neither.
Posted by Railroad Bob (Member # 3508) on :
Mark me down as another avid reader of the Reluctant Blogger...can the Blogger tell us just a little what the novel Hang Fire is about? I will probably want to buy it when it arrives at my local shop.
I can relate to your comments about the dining car companions; the ones I've had in the recent past have been quite awful; plus on my Sunset trip there was the meanest waiter I've ever had on any train. A very senior guy (whom I used to work with) boiled over with palpable fury. The whole diner (crew and passengers) were on eggshells around this guy.
The Los Angeles photos are quite fine; many people who have decided to become LA-haters have never seen how beautiful the place can sometimes be in winter, with snow capping the San Gabriels and hardly any airborne "pollution." Thanks again, Mr. K.! Soldier on!
Posted by Henry Kisor (Member # 4776) on :
Thanks for the kind words, everyone.
Smitty, I knew about the Snuggery, but I'd already had lunch. Didn't know you could get the signal below it in the lounge -- how did you find that out? When my wife and I go out on No. 5 in March, we'll lunch in the Snuggery and continue our Internet surfing in the lounge.
As for the Cross Country Cafe, maybe I'm just too easily pleased. The layout seemed fine to me, but there IS a Sightseer Lounge on the Texas Eagle, and maybe that made the difference in serving efficiency. I thought the CCC cushions and backrests better (have a bum back) than those in the conventional diners. Maybe that's because they're newer and not quite so rump-sprung.
Regarding the food, it was OK, only OK, but that is the price we pay for long distance trains these days. We sure do not take trains for the culinary experience anymore. (The food seemed to be the same that was being served in the Sunset's conventional diner. Maybe not as many choices.)
I may have run into that waiter-from-hell once. He was nasty toward ignorant diners who tried to be helpful and hand him their empty plates. Let's hope he's no longer employed by Amtrak.
"Hang Fire" is the fourth novel in a mystery series about a Lakota-born sheriff in the western Upper Peninsula of Michigan. This one involves serial murder by muzzle-loader. I had to buy a flintlock pistol replica for research. Had great fun learning how to shoot it -- when it didn't result in a hang fire. Made a glorious bang.
As for sleeping on the rocking train, I guess those 16 trips in 18 months I took for "Zephyr" did the trick. My dad told me how he got used to sleeping at his battle station in a heaving sea during World War II and had to learn how to sleep in a landbound bed all over again.
By the way, the second installment (shooting pictures with Carl Morrison) is up.
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
Sorry about the delay in answering......Yup, the Snuggery is the bar I'm referencing. I found out about it in a roundabout way. I was down in the Metro Lounge with my laptop, and I saw that I was picking up a locked WiFi signal that I didn't recognize. A while later, I went to the food court to grab some grub and I saw the sign in the bar for WiFi access. I walked in and asked them about it, and I purchased some time. When he handed me the receipt that had the system name and password on it, that's when I said to myself, "Self, this is the signal I was picking up downstairs!".
I went downstairs to use it since it was more comfy and not as crowded as upstairs, but I couldn't pick up the signal on the couch over by the TV. So I picked up my bags (and laptop) and moved back over towards the juice machines where I originally was seated. Voila---connected! I've used it a few times since then, and it works out great.
Posted by palmland (Member # 4344) on :
I certainly enjoyed taking the trip vicariously with Henry. Always nice to read a well written report by someone who obviously enjoys his train rides. While any Amtrak trip is certainly more about the journey than the destination, it seems to me that it makes it even more enjoyable if there is also something to look forward at the destination.
I do agree with Henry on the CCC. They were certainly OK on our trip on the Capitol. A good crew and light passenger load may have made it better than others have experienced. But, it is certainly a waste that the nice lounge area is not used. Well, I guess they'll be used as intended if some of the new corridor trains ever materialize.
I was especially intrigued with the photos and information on LA and Olvera street. We've always tried to get through the city as quickly as possible, but it appears we need to spend some more time exploring.
As to internet connection, it was good to hear about the bar, just because enjoying a beer might be more fun than coffee in the Metro lounge (won't it be great when the lounge moves to the Great Hall). On trips, I depend on our little AT&T gismo that plugs into the computer for connection. I'm certainly not high tech, but we have to use it at home too as it is our best means for internet access since we live in the boonies with no cable. It is great to enjoy being on line anytime, except in really remote areas. But then, looking out the window and meeting people in the diner/lounge is more fun than doing computer stuff.
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
quote:Originally posted by palmland: (won't it be great when the lounge moves to the Great Hall).
Is it moving??
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Met Lounge is reportedly moving to the Gold Lion (SW Corner - colonnades right hand side in the back).
Posted by notelvis (Member # 3071) on :
Put me down as enjoying the Cross-Country Diner too.....
but with this caveat - It works as a diner on trains where a separate lounge car is operated. It does not work as a diner/lounge, an observation lounge, or some hybrid offering snacks and light meals all day.
I like them because the 'tables for three' offer more space for me, a southpaw, to manipulate my fork. The standard diner tables call for some strange contortion unless my left arm faces the aisle and can take it's chances with the passing waitstaff.
Posted by Henry Kisor (Member # 4776) on :
Installment 3 is now up. Now I am going to close the cover on the typewriter (to use an old-fashioned metaphor) and shut up for a while.
Posted by Railroad Bob (Member # 3508) on :
quote:Originally posted by Henry Kisor: We sure do not take trains for the culinary experience anymore. (The food seemed to be the same that was being served in the Sunset's conventional diner. Maybe not as many choices.)
*BOB SAYS* Old rail "heads" who knew the score told me that sometimes Angelenos, for an offbeat dining experience in the 50s- would take one of the ATSF "name trains" from LAUPT to San Bernardino, just to have dinner in those dining cars...then would return to LA on a late night WB local...!
I may have run into that waiter-from-hell once. He was nasty toward ignorant diners who tried to be helpful and hand him their empty plates. Let's hope he's no longer employed by Amtrak.
*BOB SAYS*Fer as I know, he's still there- keeps turning up like a bad penny- too young to retire and you know how hard it is to fire someone for "surliness."
"Hang Fire" is the fourth novel in a mystery series about a Lakota-born sheriff in the western Upper Peninsula of Michigan. This one involves serial murder by muzzle-loader. I had to buy a flintlock pistol replica for research. Had great fun learning how to shoot it -- when it didn't result in a hang fire. Made a glorious bang.
*BOB SAYS*I knew the phrase- being a lifelong member of the shooting sports. Hangfires can happen with centerfire ammo, too- in case of a slow-burning primer. Very rare, but not unheard of. Can happen in old ammo that's sat around for years...
As for sleeping on the rocking train, I guess those 16 trips in 18 months I took for "Zephyr" did the trick. My dad told me how he got used to sleeping at his battle station in a heaving sea during World War II and had to learn how to sleep in a landbound bed all over again.
*BOB SAYS*I learned how to sleep on the moving trains up in the transdorm cars. Actually the conductors radio kept me awake more than the motion of the train. If we stopped for longer than a standard station stop, I would instantly wake up, too.
Posted by train lady (Member # 3920) on :
Henry I hope #4 is finished and out soon. I enjoyed the first 3.\ I join with those who sleep when the train is moving. A soon as it stops I am up trying to figure out where we are and why we stopped. We start up and I am asleep
Posted by RR4me (Member # 6052) on :
I add my kudos for a fine trip report - got to read the three parts in order, and enjoyed them all. A couple years ago I felt like RRRich, needing that second or third night to be tired enough to sleep. But last October on my trip back from Denver, I slept like the proverbial log the one night. Maybe it was just a perfect set of circumstances - just enough motion, quiet and tired-ness.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
quote:Originally posted by Railroad Bob: Old rail "heads" who knew the score told me that sometimes Angelenos, for an offbeat dining experience in the 50s- would take one of the ATSF "name trains" from LAUPT to San Bernardino, just to have dinner in those dining cars...then would return to LA on a late night WB local...!
Such pastime was quite common amongst Chicago area railfans in the years leading to A-Day.
As I posted "elsewhere" almost ten years ago courtesy of www.archive.org
Pre Amtrak Dinner in the Diner Posted by Gilbert B Norman on Sun, Feb 20, 00 at 10:01
I still remember fondly the array of "Dinner in the Diner" trips that could be taken from Chicago during pre-Amtrak and also early Amtrak "Pioneer Days". Such a trip involved a dinner hour departure, a ride "down" or "out" the line and then a same evening return to Chicago on the last train.
Some of the rides I can recall were to Champaign on the Panama Ltd, return on the City of New Orleans. This of course was First-Class Parlor (pre 1967 downgrade), but the surcharge for riding such was absurdly low. The Panama's Twin-Unit Diner was a sight to behold, and I can still well remember the steak. As for the "City", the song is very descriptive.
Another trip was the MILW (UP) "City" train to Savanna, IL, then return on the BN "Afternoon Zephyr". Although this trip was possible right up to A-day (in fact it was my April,30 A-day eve trip), it was downgraded over the years. The "City of Everywhere" lost the Dome Diner during 1969-or'70 and the massive size of the train made for a crowded dining scene, but still it was the UP with the color photo menu's printed for each trip, and even their own UP stock red wine. The return on the Zephyr was also downgraded over time; the dome cars were scattered through the system, and food service (not that you needed any after that lovely UP dinner) was pretty spartan.
A popular dinner trip was the GM&O to Bloomington on the "Abe Lincoln" (or Pontiac if you were tense about the return connection). This trip was available into Amtrak and in fact was even an "upgrade" by Amtrak in that ex-CBQ stainless Parlor and Diner were on the pre-Amfleet/Horizion consist. I always thought the GM&O full service Diner was good, but I don't think I would have wanted to look too closely around the kitchen (might be a few multipeeded deadheads aboard!).
And now for the best; "Super Chief" to Joliet, return on Rock Island commuter. That's right!, you could ride the Super Chicago-Joliet (pre-Amtrak), but I think even with first class rail, seat in roomette, and extra fare, it was only about $10 during the 60's. It was best to get seated right away, and let the crew know your intentions. Chgo-Joliet on the ATSF was not exactly a racetrack, and the dinner was not really that rushed.
Northward, there were not too many opportunities. C&NW intercity trains had largely become coach only, and on the MILW, once the "Afternoon" came off, no further opportunities there.
However, if all you wanted was dinner in the Diner (as in "hold the train ride"), the Rock Island could take care of you. At La Salle St Station from shorly before and well into the Amtrak years, they had a stationary dining and lounge car. The operation was called Track One and used railroad-employed chefs, waiters, and stewards (I would rather guess those people were covered by labor protection agreements that were prevalent during the 60's & 70's). Menus were as offered aboard Rock Island diners.
In closing, there was also a "dinner in the diner" opportunity in the Washington area, that was well used by local fans. This was Washington-Alexandria on the Southern Crescent post Amtrak circa 1976). During that time Southern did not join but agreed to cooperate with Amtrak. Their diner originated in Washington along with sevaral coaches and sleepers. You could board and be seated in the diner as soon as the equipment was spotted in the station. You usually were finished with dinner about the time you were crossing over the Potomac River.
Posted by George Harris (Member # 2077) on :
quote:Originally posted by Gilbert B Norman: A popular dinner trip was the GM&O to Bloomington on the "Abe Lincoln" (or Pontiac if you were tense about the return connection). This trip was available into Amtrak and in fact was even an "upgrade" by Amtrak in that ex-CBQ stainless Parlor and Diner were on the pre-Amfleet/Horizion consist. I always thought the GM&O full service Diner was good, but I don't think I would have wanted to look too closely around the kitchen (might be a few multipeeded deadheads aboard!). [/QB]
With my mother's family all being around Jackson, Tennessee, much was heard of the GM&O. Ike Tigrett was mentioned with respect, if not awe. The Alton was the last of the GM&N's takeovers of much older near bankrupts. If anybody knew how to squeeze a dollar's worth of work out of a dime it was the GM&O. Outside the ex-Alton tracks there was probably less than 100 miles under signals and most of the rail was 90 lb or less. Their main line passed through the poorest part of the poorest state of the Union, yet they made it through the Depression without bankruptcy. It would be a surprise if the Alton's dining cars were not well up in years, and equally a surprise if they were not well up to the tasks they were required to perform.
Posted by palmland (Member # 4344) on :
I too have good memories of the GM&O. I made a trip returning to grad school out west from Tennessee. In the late 60's, the best way to accomplish that was to fly Ozark BNA-STL (the Georgian will always be there!) then GM&O's Midnight Special to Chicago to catch UP's City of ...
The Special's sleeper may well have been called Samuel King Tigrett (related to 'Ike' that George mentions?). It was a unique 1950 ACF 8rmte-4sec-1cpt-2dbr Pullman. What a great, if short, trip in my lower berth. I thought their paint scheme was excellent, too. It looked good with their older cars as well something of a modern flair.
Sorry for the hijacking, Henry.
Posted by Ocala Mike (Member # 4657) on :
Gil's posting of pre-A day rail trips reminds me of one I took over his own Milwaukee Road back in October, 1968 when my digs were in Cedar Rapids, IA. It was possible and convenient then to take a day trip into Chicago on the "City of Everywhere", leaving Marion, IA (Cedar Rapids) around 7:00 am and getting into Chicago (227 miles later) around 11:00 am. Return leaving Chicago around 6:45 pm and arriving Marion 10:25 pm.
Can't say that I availed myself of the dining car experience, but a nice trip nevertheless. I think I spent the day at either Sportsman's Park or Hawthorne Racetrack playing the ponies (there was no racing in Iowa back then, lots of gambling there now).
Posted by Railroad Bob (Member # 3508) on :
quote:Originally posted by Gilbert B Norman: And now for the best; "Super Chief" to Joliet, return on Rock Island commuter. That's right!, you could ride the Super Chicago-Joliet (pre-Amtrak), but I think even with first class rail, seat in roomette, and extra fare, it was only about $10 during the 60's. It was best to get seated right away, and let the crew know your intentions. Chgo-Joliet on the ATSF was not exactly a racetrack, and the dinner was not really that rushed.
Great nostalgic list, Gil--it's interesting that the Super was used for a "dinner train" on both ends of the approx. 2200 mile route. And after that Joliet stop, it was "Katy bar the doors" as the marquee pasenger trains headed west on the Chillicothe Sub! I think in those pre ATK days, the Santa Fe ran many of those miles at 90 or 90+. Some of my best childhood memories are flying through the Illinois cornfields with my parents, having dinner on the 'Cap. Good memories! Sorry for a little hijack of Mr. Kisor's thread, but he might not begrudge us a little reminiscing! Being the good guy that he is... Posted by Henry Kisor (Member # 4776) on :
This hijack did make me nostalgic, but at my age everything makes me nostalgic.
Posted by RRRICH (Member # 1418) on :
My primary pre-AMTRAK "nostalgic trip" (the only significant one I remember!) was in 1969, riding from Chicago to Livingston, Montana on the NP/CB&Q "North Coast Limited" (in a roomette even!) when I worked at Yellowstone Park for the summer (back in the "pre-Xantera days," when I was in college and Yellowstone was still managed by Yellowstone Park Company), then the return trip from Livingston back to Chicago (Union Station) on the same train, also in a roomette.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Unfortunately, by 1969, the North Coast Limited had been noticeably downgraded for Pullman passengers. During 1967, the Obs-Lounge ("open only to Standard sleeping car passengers, "i.e. Slumbercoach keep out) was withdrawn. The Pullman lounge became a Dome Sleeper from which the individual seats were removed and were replaced with tables and bench seats. And as I noted on a Butte-Livingston 'joyride' during Jan 1969 (itinerary: SLC-Butte on Butte Special, North Coast Butte-Livingston, Greyhound Livingston Bozeman, Northwest Airlines Bozeman-SLC), the Slumbercoach was on the rear with the Sleepers, so I guess the stern warning earlier noted was gone.
Even if I hold that Lou Menk was simply "the Housemother who clicked the lights before all the Brothers were drunk or ---", Chicago area railfans had a "nicer" epithet for him - "Menk the Fink" - when he started to dismantle the "Q's" strong passenger franchise.
Posted by sojourner (Member # 3134) on :
Thanks for the third installment. Sorry you caught cold.
I LOVE the shot of the Las Vegas NM hotel, I always think it's such a tragedy it's not being refurbished!
Posted by Railroad Bob (Member # 3508) on :
quote:Originally posted by sojourner: I LOVE the shot of the Las Vegas NM hotel, I always think it's such a tragedy it's not being refurbished!
The Casteneda- yes, it would be great if some entity would arise and "get it going" again in some form. But Las Vegas, NM is a pretty economically depressed town even before our current "downturn." They probably are more worried about their infrastructure there and basic human services. Fixing up the Casteneda would really cost a lot and might not give much of a return for the investors. On the bright side, the "Casa Del Desierto" (ex-Harvey House) in Barstow, CA is beautifully renovated -- even features a RR museum called the "WARM." Western America RR Museum. Pretty apt name, since it can hit 117 F. or so there in the summer.
Posted by palmland (Member # 4344) on :
Those of us who love the old Harvey House hotels, like the Casteneda and the restored LaPosada in Winslow should be delighted when LaPosada's owner finishes restoration on this one in Needles, CA
Posted by notelvis (Member # 3071) on :
quote:Originally posted by Railroad Bob:
quote:Originally posted by sojourner: I LOVE the shot of the Las Vegas NM hotel, I always think it's such a tragedy it's not being refurbished!
The Casteneda- yes, it would be great if some entity would arise and "get it going" again in some form. But Las Vegas, NM is a pretty economically depressed town even before our current "downturn." They probably are more worried about their infrastructure there and basic human services. Fixing up the Casteneda would really cost a lot and might not give much of a return for the investors. On the bright side, the "Casa Del Desierto" (ex-Harvey House) in Barstow, CA is beautifully renovated -- even features a RR museum called the "WARM." Western America RR Museum. Pretty apt name, since it can hit 117 F. or so there in the summer.
Were I to win the lottery the Casteneda would be a project worthy of my consideration....
Sadly, not being able to count on any railroad traffic beyond #3 and #4, it would not have the appeal to railfans that other getaways such as Essex, MT and Winslow, AZ have.
Posted by Railroad Bob (Member # 3508) on :
quote:Originally posted by palmland: Those of us who love the old Harvey House hotels, like the Casteneda and the restored LaPosada in Winslow should be delighted when LaPosada's owner finishes restoration on this one in Needles, CA
Palmland- thanks for the link to the El Garces project! That place has always had an almost magical allure for me-- I used to peer out the windows of various trains over 40+ years of travel through Needles and look at the place, hulking and looming there in the unforgiving Desert. There must be some RR ghosts that live in that place. Even the history of who "El Garces" was is a very cool story-- easily searchable on the Net.
Posted by Henry Kisor (Member # 4776) on :
When I mentioned La Posada last night, my wife said her ballet teacher (whose son lives in Winslow) sang the praises of La Posada and now it's time for us to go there.
Sounds good to me -- any excuse for a train trip -- but what's there to do in and around Winslow, in case we stay there for a few days? Time for some researching, but any suggestions?
Posted by palmland (Member # 4344) on :
There is little of merit in Winslow, other than the LaPosada, except a very small museum in town. So, if you take the train there, just enjoy the R&R and great food at LaPosada for a couple days. On the outskirts of town the airfield slumbers on, far removed from its glory years when it was a stop on the new transcontinental rail/air route.
Otherwise, you will need a car. For that take the train to Flagstaff (Hertz in the station). Lots to see in that town (of course the Grand Canyon an hour or so away). The drive over to Winslow is painless, esp. @75 mph, about 90 miles. With a car, many attractions within a pleasant one day outing (the LaPosada makes excellent picnic lunches to go): Hubbell Trading Post, Painted Desert/Petrified Forest N.P., 2nd Mesa Hopi reservation, Meteor Crater, and a bit farther, Canyon de Chelly N.M.
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
Wow, that sleeper attendant on the return trip was really something. Hot towels? Now that's a first--I've never heard of that before. Very nice.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Here are a few guys that don't think Winslow is all that bad a place:
I've given a lot of thought to your question about what to do in Winslow, Henry. Therefore I advise you to:
Stand on a corner in Winslow, Arizona. You'll be such a fine sight to see. Then a girl my lord, will come by in a flat bed Ford. She'll slow down and take a look at you. Then you'll need to take it easy, take it easy and don't let the sound of your own wheels drive you crazy.*
Well, that my advice for you...watch out for any witch-y women there in Winslow! If I was in WLO, I'd just get a good book, sit on the station bench all day, and watch the parade of BNSF trains. I wouldn't require much more than that, plus three hots and a cot at La Posada...
*<<Gotta thank an old band called the Eagles for this silliness>> (Only oldsters here will even know what I'm talking about.)---- Bob Click GBN's link above to see it sung.
Posted by Henry Kisor (Member # 4776) on :
My wife listened to that song and now she's eager to get going. There is a Dollar Rent-a-Car in Winslow and thus no need to go all the way to Flag for wheels. (There are also two U-Haul shops in Winslow, but my wife probably would not appreciate tooling around in a "$19.99 a Day" panel limo.)
I'd spend the mornings in the Goldwater Suite writing, then we'd go see things in the afternoon. According to the Winslow Chamber of Commerce web site, there's a state park with pueblo ruins not far away.
And, of course, sitting on the platform with the Pentax capturing BNSF locomotives is a lovely idea.
(The Goldwater Suite comes particularly recommended by my wife's ballet teacher because you don't have to step up to get into the bathroom as you do most of the other rooms. Cuts down the chances of tripping in the middle of the night.)
The Posada prices are attractive -- $149 for a room with a jacuzzi, such as the Goldwater. That's inexpensive compared with Chicago and New York.
Posted by Ocala Mike (Member # 4657) on :
Railroad Bob, you don't have to be an "old-timer" to like the Eagles (although I certainly do fit the category). Just want to remind everyone on here not to stay at the Hotel California on their travels. You can check out but you can never leave!
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
If not already, The Eagles will soon be on the marquee in Vegas - alongside of Wayne Newton.
As I recall, a production of theirs was part of a recent PBS (well at least the local outlet WTTW) "begathon". This certainly means, 'they're getting there" to that Vegas marquee.
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
Good old Wayne Newton is doing his very last series of shows right now. He's playing at the Tropicana, which is not exactly one of the premier hotels on the Strip. I guess he wanted to stick with old Vegas.
Where will the Eagles be playing? I hadn't heard that yet. Knowing them, it will probably be at the Hard Rock or Caesar's Palace.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Facetious speculation on my part, Mr. Smith.
Hey, if I find The Eagles melodic, then I guess we know what demographic they appeal to; don't think I am exactly a SlipKnotMaggot (I didn't even know what that was until about a day ago until some kid over at RRNET using that as an e-mail handle PM'd me).
Finally, I think I'm going to have "words' with the owner of the Coffee House having "tables with a view'. It seems as if they have hired a twentysomething youngster (possibly a relative) to handle such during Sat AM, as the owner's daughter seems to be there for their new Soup 'n Sandwich Lunch hour. With this change, the background music has suddenly become "Lite Rock' in place of the classical. I think one can guess what I think of that change.
Posted by Henry Kisor (Member # 4776) on :
Of course I had to look up slipknotmaggot. Slipknot is a rock band. Slipknot maggots are fans of the band. They are called that because the band's drummer refers to his mates as maggots.
Sometimes it's just easier being deaf.
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
It's funny watching old farts make comments about current music. LOL!!! Sorry, just had to say it. I'll be there someday also...currently 44 and I'm already saying "youth is wasted on the young". Posted by RRRICH (Member # 1418) on :
If Jimmy Buffett can play a couple shows each year in Vegas and attract sell-out crowds, I don't see why the Eagles couldn't also........
Posted by Railroad Bob (Member # 3508) on :
quote:Originally posted by Ocala Mike: Railroad Bob, you don't have to be an "old-timer" to like the Eagles (although I certainly do fit the category). Just want to remind everyone on here not to stay at the Hotel California on their travels. You can check out but you can never leave!
Haha, yeah I knew that Mike- I was just having fun being an' ol' fart... And that song you referred to is truly their masterpiece- Hotel California. Timeless, awesome piece. I like the version of the song from the Hell Freezes Over album, with the long accoustic intro--
Posted by Ocala Mike (Member # 4657) on :
Yeah, pretty much my candidate for the numero uno rock song of all-time. I like this lyric; maybe it describes being on an Amtrak LD waiting in a siding for a signal, or maybe it describes this group:
"We are all just prisoners here of our own device".
Posted by notelvis (Member # 3071) on :
I have an old friend who earns his livlihood driving the fancy charter buses touring rock bands ride. Our nostalgia keeps him working - shortly before Christmas he came in off a tour driving REO Speedwagon.......
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And that song you referred to is truly their masterpiece- Hotel California. Timeless, awesome piece. I like the version of the song from the Hell Freezes Over album, with the long accoustic intro--