Hats Off!

I'm not much of a hat person. Even when it's cold.

I know some guys who always have a baseball cap on. Why have something on your head when you don't need to?

Women have always been more into hats. I was reminded of this at the Virginia Marti Millinery Show this week. They must be fashionable because they sure aren't practical!

Check out some more hat pics from the event.

Rock on Cleveland!

I have a long history with live music in this town. Nothing says Cleveland or rock and roll to me as much as a live band in a neighborhood bar that has character, not cookie-cutter predictability.

I'm a charter member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and am thrilled that the 2009 induction ceremonies are back in Cleveland. I'm also thrilled that there will be an entire week of festivities that we can all partake in.

I got excited about the week listening to Rock Hall bigwigs Terry Stewart and Joel Peresman at Landerhaven last week.

Check out the audio and pictures at GreatLakesGeek.com
But the most fun has been the reminiscing. As I was writing, I started recalling bands and clubs I used to hang out at - and some I still do. A great trip down the proverbial memory lane.

But I know my list (curse you brain cells!) is limited and I'd really like my memory to be jogged so please look at the clubs and bands I mentioned here and then tell me the bands and clubs that were your favorites (either on this blog or at the Geek article)

Rock On!

PS I just know that Joe Perry and Steven Tyler will be there to induct and jam with Run DMC!

Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue

First the February thaw. Then the Swimsuit issue. Forget about that groundhog in PA - spring is not too far.

It's no surprise that the issue David Letterman reveals tonight on Late Night at the stroke of midnight will be nearly 33% advertising pages "thinner" because of the economy. Still, Swimsuit 2009 fared better than at its 20th anniversary in 1984 and its 30th in 1994.

It was a powerful franchise then (thank you, Christie Brinkley and Elle Macpherson) and a mega-franchise now. Over the 45 years since Swimsuit's "modest" debut in 1964, it has put an estimated $1 billion into Time Inc.'s coffers.

See the SI swimsuit covers