A Short Story

Whether I want to be, or not, I am a role model to youngsters. It's part of my job. As a result, I'm always aware of my role, and always careful to be just that when Justin and Kevin are around. I have to teach them all the right things, and lead by example, of course.

Let me give you a for instance. When AC/DC came to town, I knew I just had to take the boys to go see them. Beside the obvious entertainment value, there is much to emulate in the onstage presence of this upstanding rock and roll band. Lead guitarist Angus Young has an unparalleled work ethic. He probably loses 10 pounds nightly, just to put on a good show. And he always manages to show off his best side.

Now, really, who could ignore such showmanship? Dare I say, citizenship? So, naturally, the boys and I are obligated to do our part(s), too. You can thank us later.

For those about to rock, we salute you!

About Town

Once Lisa and I got off of work for the holidays, we played a little bit. OK, a lotta bit. First, we went to see a play at Houston's Alley Theatre, called "The Santaland Diaries." It's the real-life story of David Sedaris' experience as Crumpet the Elf in department store Macy's Santaland display. The production is completely irreverent and we were quite amused to hear the tales of odd elves, Santas, and parents with kids in tow. Then, we headed on over to an upscale Italian restaurant called Birraporetti's. I had the cheese tortellini, and I can highly recommend it. Lisa liked her garlic mashed potatoes, as part of her La Dolce Vita. (See their menu, and your mouth will be watering!)

We also made a visit to Galveston's Moody Gardens last week, to see their aquarium and their Festival of Lights display. I admit it was awesome to see a giant sea turtle, several sharks and a barracuda swimming just a couple feet over my head. If you watch the goofy penguins long enough, you will laugh. We had Italian cuisine that night, too, this time at Napoli's. The bar upstairs is actually pretty cool, with a great view.

For another very special night out, we dined at Bonnie's Beef and Seafood. My Porterhouse was pretty good, but Lisa didn't care for her catfish. The salad bar is very good, though, and the place is very cozy. Lisa did get a loaded baked potato, too, so we both left full.

I figure if Lisa and I do enough of this, we could start our own service on the web as your entertainment guide for Houston. You'd all fund such a service, right?

Whole Lotta AC/DC

I want to tell you a story
About a band I know.
Ahh.. Come to Rockin',
They steal the show.

It's hard to believe it took Rolling Stone magazine over 30 years to put this band on their cover, but it finally happened in November.

Big, loud and stupid, and offering no apologies, legendary rockers AC/DC stormed into Houston's Toyota Center on Sunday, 12/14. Rock School was back in session, and I took my peeps to the show. The ""thunder from down under" lived up to that name, blasting out Hell's Deci-bels louder than I'd ever heard in an arena big enough to hold 17,000.

And it was a sold-out show, too. I had to go to a scalper on this one, with most of the seats having been sold in the pre-show to fan-club members, very early on. Not expecting the band to be around much longer, I figured this would be my last chance, and the boys' only chance, to see them live. I bit the bullet, and the four of us got very good seats, anyway.

OK, so AC/DC has been making the same album over and over since the 1970's. What's your point? Yeah, I miss original crooner Bon Scott (RIP), but AC/DC is what it is. There aren't any surprises from this veteran band, but that can be a very good thing. No big hair, no big egos, just straight-ahead, foot-stomping rock and roll. As the boys would say, it's a long way to the top, and they're still there.

When a band that's been around as long as they have pick a setlist, the question isn't so much what to play as it is what to leave out. The must-haves were there. Back in Black, Hell's Bells, You Shook Me All Night Long, Highway to Hell, and For Those About to Rock, were all played, as expected. But new songs like Big Jack, and Black Ice were well received, despite the throngs that made their bathroom run during these numbers. Justin guessed that the new Rock and Roll Train might kick off the show, and he was right.

Speaking of guitar heroes, that Angus Young might look ridiculous as a 53 year-old geezer duck-walking around a stage, but's he's as good as ever. Note-for-note, spot-on solos. Brother Malcolm solidly handled the rhythm section, and all you need to hear are his vocals on Dirty Deeds to know from where this band gets their rock 'n roll spirit. The sound was awesome, too.

Kevin and Justin bobbed and bounced in time, and in approval. Even Lisa found the show "enjoyable," and she's never been a fan.

That's all for this class, but Lisa and I have been doing our homework. Join us for our next rock and roll lesson in March, because we've got tickets for the Pretenders.

See photos of AC/DC from the Houston show here.

The Puck 'n A Club