Archive for February, 2009

Some guys just look good in hats

Saturday, February 28th, 2009



Thanks to Cherie for these pictures she took at Carl’s Corner, Willie’s Place/Night Life Theater

Willie Nelson at Waterloo Records (2/26/09)

Saturday, February 28th, 2009

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 natalie and scott posted this picture, at the flickr account

John Kunz looks happy; he had a good day at his store.

Saturday, February 28th, 2009

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Thanks to Cherie for this picture
she took at Carl’s Corner, Willie’s Place /Nightlife Theater

Willie Nelson to play at Hollywood Charity Horse Show Benefit (2/25/09)

Saturday, February 28th, 2009

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http://www.horseshow.org

Willie Nelson will play this year’s William Shatner’s 19th Annual Hollywood Charity Horse Show a benefit for Ahead With Horses and Camp Max Strauss.

The annual horse show, a tribute to the great work of a charity for disabled children, Ahead With Horses, has been host to musical acts the likes of Brad Paisley, Ben Folds Five, Lyle Lovett and Randy Travis, and guests Ben Stiller and Sylvester Stallone.

Chef Fabio Vivani of TV’s Top Chef New York and Cafe Firenze will also prepare a culinary feast for guests at the event.

William Shatner’s 19th Annual Hollywood Charity Horse Show

For the past nineteen years, William Shatner has spearheaded the HCHS to raise money for a worthy children’s charity.

It was back in the late 1980s that Shatner first watched an exhibition by children who were so severely handicapped that some of them could not hold their head up, yet there they were going through intricate exercises on the back of a horse. The program was sponsored by Ahead With Horses, a therapeutic riding group for handicapped children. When the exhibition was over, Shatner sat, deeply affected by what he had seen. “You can’t watch these kids without knowing you have to help, somehow.” And so, in March of 1990 came the birth of the first Hollywood Charity Horse Show. Soon, other charities in need of help were added, small, grass root charities doing big time jobs.

Today, the Hollywood Charity Horse Show is an ongoing event that garners national press coverage.  On one special Springtime Saturday afternoon each year, HCHS brings together world-class reining horses and riders in breathtaking slides and spins as they compete for top honors in their respective classes. 

Then, as the sunsets, the much anticipated auction and music show put on by headline groups such as Brad Paisley, The Ben Folds Five, Lyle Lovett and last year, Randy Travis, kicked off right after an amazing array of food & fun.  Come join us this April 25, 2009 for an uplifting and worthy event to support an important cause.

Carl’s Corner Grand Opening

Saturday, February 28th, 2009

Photo of Willie Nelson performing at Carl’s Corner, Willie’s Place Nightlife Theater on 2/25/09, by Janis Tillerson, from Texas

In what has been billed as the ultimate Texas truck stop, Carl’s Corner near Hillsboro this week opened a trio of additions to Willie’s Place, the 13-lane fueling station and convenience store featuring Texas icon Willie Nelson’s own brand of biodiesel and all things Willie.

The Blue Skies Cafe, The Whiskey River Saloon and the Night Life Theater — all named for Nelson songs — now complement the truck stop with food, drinks and entertainment.

They opened officially with a two-day series of events this week featuring Nelson and the Austin Western swing band Asleep at the Wheel that drew hundreds of people each night from as far away as Louisiana and Alaska.

What’s there

Blue Skies has all the traditional trucker comfort food: steaks, barbeque, burgers, chicken-fried steak, sandwiches and breakfasts that General Manager Tom Drinnen says will keep them coming back. Plans are to have the cafe open 24 hours soon.

Whiskey River offers the ambience of an Old West bar. The entrance features the popular Dancing Frogs that once sat atop the old truck stop that was torn down to make way for Willie’s Place. The frogs, by artist Bob Wade, danced above the Dallas nightspot Tango in the early 1980s but moved to Carl’s after a dispute over signage grounded them.

Night Life can hold 500 patrons and provides an intimate setting for performers. Night Life plans to announce an extensive lineup of shows. The theater also includes a studio that was used to broadcast Nelson’s opening-night concert live.

What’s Carl’s

Carl’s founder Carl Cornelius and partner Steve Gilcrease joined Nelson and others to turn their vision of a Texas destination into reality.

Cornelius opened the original Carl’s Corner Truck Stop, about 50 miles southeast of Fort Worth on Interstate 35E just north of Hillsboro, in 1986 with not much more than a house trailer and some diesel pumps. He incorporated the land into its own township the same year so he could sell liquor.

Cornelius says that after he talked up Carl’s on the CB radio, it soon became a regular stop for truckers rolling on I-35. After several incarnations and rebuilding after a major fire in 1990, Carl’s became the definitive truck stop between the Metroplex and points south.

When his old pal Nelson started a biodiesel company in 2004, Carl’s was viewed as the perfect place to get it up and running. A partnership with Earth Biofuels allowed expansion of the distribution of the so-called BioWillie, and in summer 2006, demolition of the old Carl’s began.

Willie’s Place opened in July with modern truck-stop amenities, including 13 lanes for fueling and hot showers. Nelson’s BioWillie brand, a premium blend diesel and biodiesel fuel, is sold, as are ethanol and conventional diesel for truckers. Gasoline is available for cars at separate lanes.

What’s ahead

Gilcrease and Cornelius may not be finished with Willie’s Place, but for now they are content to see the business take shape. Gilcrease has a half-dozen relatives on the staff, and Cornelius’ wife, Linda, has been working with Blue Skies. No immediate plans are in the works, however.

Willie Nelson and Mickey Raphael, in Albany, NY (2/15/09)

Friday, February 27th, 2009

Thanks to Carol Sidoran, of NY, for this picture she took at the Albany, NY Willie and the Wheel tour.

Willie Nelson at Waterloo Records, ‘I can’t say it enough; it was simply amazing!”

Friday, February 27th, 2009

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http://soundslikeaustin.com posts about getting to see Willie Nelson at his surprise appearance at Waterloo Records yesterday:

“If you were at this show, count yourself as one of the lucky few (please,  excuse me for being a little over the top throughout this post, i still can’t believe it happened).    This secret/surprise Willie Nelson appearance with Asleep at the Wheel was, hands down, one of the greatest concert experiences of my lifetime.  To see a legend in such an intimate setting is simply impossible, yet, it happened.  

Yesterday i knew Asleep at the Wheel would be doing an in store performance to promote their new album, Willie and the Wheel.  I was thinking about attending the show anyway, but as the chatter on twitter started to indicate that Willie Nelson would be appearing, i knew i had to act quickly.  Those that bought the record that day got priority entrance, so i picked up the album and one of the last remaining wristbands.  

Most thought the show would be at capacity from those who bought the album, but everyone ended up getting in.  Asleep at the Wheel played an immaculate show and Willie and Ray looked like they were having more fun than the audience.

 Willie even stuck around after the show and signed autographs for everyone who wanted one.  I can’t say it enough, it was simply amazing.”

There are more pictures to enjoy at the site:
http://soundslikeaustin.com/2009/02/27/willie-nelson-asleep-at-the-wheel-at-waterloo-2-26-09/

Willie Nelson, in the Studio at Willie’s Place Sirius/XM Radio (2/25/09)

Friday, February 27th, 2009

Thanks to Jeremy Tepper, Program Director for the Willie’s Place Channel, on Sirius/XM Radio, for sending this picture he took of Willie Nelson in the studio at Willie’s Place last Wednesday, on Willie Wednesday, on the Bill Mack show.  Willie’s Place can be found on Channel 13 on XM Radio, and on Sirius Channel 64.   There’s lots of reasons to sign up for Sirius/XM Radio, Willie’s Place is the best one, in my opinion.  

Willie Wednesdays are always good, when Willie calls in from wherever he is on tour and talks with Bill, Cindy and fans who call in to the show.  But last Wednesday’s show will go down in history as extra special, when Willie was live in the studio at Carl’s Corner, Texas, and talked with Bill and Cindy, and special guest Ray Price, who drove in for the show.

Jeremy said that the Willie and the Wheel concert at Willie’s Place Nightlife Theater last Tuesday will be re-broadcast tomorrow, Saturday, at 3 p.m. Eastern Time (that’s 1 for us Colorado folks)  immediately followed by the last hour of the Bill Mack Willie Wednesday show with Willie Nelson and Ray Price.  Additionally, the show with Willie Nelson and Ray Price will replay this Sunday, March 1, at 1 p.m. Eastern.   Don’t miss this chance to hear these legends talk, and share stories and laughs.

He also sent this picture he took on Wednesday of Dallas Wayne (far left), Carl Cornelius of Carl’s Corner fame, Bill Mack, Willie Nelson and Ray Price, in the studio.

Willie Nelson at Waterloo Records

Friday, February 27th, 2009

Kelly from Austin was at the in-store appearance, and wrote this:

“After completing his tour with Asleep at the Wheel, Willie didn’t have to show up like that, but what a guy.  He played for at least an hour and then signed autographs for about an hour.  He  just finished playing so much at Carl’s Corner that you would think he was ready for a rest.  And then he has a show here (but a very different kind of show) at the Paramount on Sunday. 

He was so kind and so gracious with all that wanted pictures and autographs last night.  The advertising had been for Asleep at the Wheel, but then it was a little known  fact that Willie would come.  And in his bus, he did!  Asleep at the Wheel did three numbers on their own and then Willie walked into the record store and played for an hour.  I was so close to the stage that he actually looked and me and we sang together for a few numbers.  Really fun.  My camera was on my phone and so not
the best way to show how close and how wonderful he was.

There were only 250 people allowed in the store and you had to buy a CD to get a  wrist band.  We waited outside after finding out the wrist bands were sold out.  But then the guy that worked at the store remembered my face and came out to find me.  He had located another 10 wrist bands!  I bought 2 cds for me and a friend and then we waited in the wrist band line to get into the store for about  an hour.  So worth the wait!”

Nice little fundraiser for the record store, and what a treat for the fans.  Thanks, Kelly, for sharing your story and your pictures.  Great pictures for a cell phone, by the way.  Waterloo Records had sent out a message on Twitter earlier in the day, that Willie would be coming, so it pays to sign up for those social networking sites and keeping in touch.

Willie Nelson Surprises Fans at Waterloo Records (2/26/09)

Thursday, February 26th, 2009

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Kelly, of Austin, sent these pictures she took of Willie Nelson’s surprise appearance at Waterloo Records today.  She went there expecting to see Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel, but ever hopeful, like fans tend to be, she took a book, hoping she would get lucky and Willie Nelson would show up.  And he did!  

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www.statesman.com reported:

About 200 people got an unexpected treat Thursday evening when Willie Nelson made an appearance with Asleep at the Wheel during an in-store performance at Waterloo Records.

Asleep at the Wheel gave the concert at the record shop on West Sixth Street in support of “Willie and the Wheel,” a collection of Western Swing classics that was recently released.

About three songs into the set, Nelson joined the band and performed about a dozen songs.

Afterward, Nelson was busy signing autographs for fans on everything from CD covers to fans themselves.

“We’ve been touring for a couple of weeks and talking about what we can do to promote the record, and this seemed like a great idea,” Nelson said.

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Willie Nelson, at Carl’s Corner (2/25/09)

Thursday, February 26th, 2009

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Thanks to Cherie for this picture she took last night at Carl’s Corner.

Willie Nelson, on the Radio

Thursday, February 26th, 2009

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Thanks to Cherie for sharing this picture she took at Carl’s Corner, when Willie Nelson was live on Willie Wednesday, on the Bill Mack Show.  Willie’s Place, on Sirius/XM Radio broadcasts live from a studio at Carl’s Corner, and Willie and Ray Price spent two hours talking with Bill and Cindy, telling stories and talking about music.

Joke of the Day

Thursday, February 26th, 2009

A man and his wife walked into a dentist’s office.   The man said to the dentist, ‘Doc, I’m in one hell of a hurry. I have two buddies sitting out in my car waiting for us to go play golf.  So, forget about the anesthetic and just pull the tooth and be done with it.

The dentist said, “Are you sure?  It will be very painful without the anesthesia.”

“Yes, I’m sure,’ the man said.  ” We have a 10:00 AM tee time at the best golf course  in town and it’s 9:30 already. I don’t have time to wait for the anesthetic to work!’

“Well, okay,’ the dentist said, thinking to himself, “This is a brave man to get a tooth pulled without using anything to kill the pain.’

So the dentist asks him, ‘Which tooth is it, sir?

The man turned to his wife and said, ‘Open your mouth, honey and show him which tooth.’

Thursday, February 26th, 2009


Thanks to Janis, from Texas, for this picture she took at Willie’s Place Theater (or is it the Night Life Theater?) at Carl’s Corner on 2/24/09.

Family Farmers are a National Resource, article by Neil Young

Thursday, February 26th, 2009

 

http://www.boston.com
by Neil Young

When Abraham Lincoln formed the US Department of Agriculture in 1862 he referred to it as the “People’s Department” because it served the common interest of so many Americans. America’s concerns about food and the economy were addressed and investments in cutting-edge research guaranteed the nation’s food security.

More than 200 years later, we are in the midst of a historic financial crisis and part of the solution lies with the “People’s Department.” It’s time for our newest federal leaders to recognize the unmatched ability of family farmers to strengthen local economies. We can all learn from the ingenuity and innovation that family farmers demonstrate time and time again in the face of challenge.

In the 1980s, American farmers found themselves in a fight for their lives. Low prices for farm products, plummeting land values, rising interest rates, and skyrocketing production costs overloaded farmers with crashing debts that forced tens of thousands to lose their land. In response, the Credit Act of 1987 freed up credit for farmers and allowed for loan restructuring so farmers could honor their debt. Farmers were able to stay on their land and create a thriving network of local and regional food systems that provides jobs and food for their neighbors today.

Yet again farmers are faced with seemingly insurmountable financial hardship. The credit farmers need in order to pay for their seasonal start-up costs is tight, like credit is for the rest of the country. Instability in market prices and threats from weather-related disasters make it hard for banks to guarantee their investment, discouraging lending and encouraging high interest. At the same time, rising operating costs and declining prices for their products are making it nearly impossible for farmers to keep up with their debt. Many farmers have to put their homes up as security on their farm loans, which means if they fall behind on their farm loan payments they can lose their businesses and their homes.

The USDA, with help from other agencies, should restore fair credit, prices, and practices for family farmers. As Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack makes plans to implement the 2008 Farm Bill, Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner would be well served to consider lessons from the 1980s and extend loan protections under the federal bailout to family farmers, preventing home foreclosures and bankruptcy among farmers and ranchers. As a condition of receiving any federal government funds, Treasury needs to require banks providing farm credit to restructure loans when farmers are unable to make payments due to circumstances beyond their control, such as market- and weather-related disasters. Requiring no additional funding, this simple action would prevent thousands of farmers from joining the ranks of the jobless and homeless while guaranteeing a safe, secure food supply and creating local job opportunities.

Vilsack can also act quickly to get funds to farmers who need it most. Farmers who were hit hard by disasters in 2007 and 2008 still have not received the funding available in Farm Bill disaster relief programs. And the USDA needs to get the word out fast about additional funding for direct operating loans that Congress included in the stimulus bill. If farmers are having trouble accessing the credit they need for this year’s growing season, the Farm Service Agency might just be able to help. Swift implementation of already enacted legislation can mean the difference between losing more farmers and keeping those farmers on the land.

Family farmers are a national resource with the potential to help solve the challenges we currently face. The agriculture sector is projected to have contributed more than $130 billion to the US economy in 2008. The hard work of family farmers is strengthening local economies, reducing the nation’s reliance on fossil fuels, protecting natural resources, and increasing national security. The United States is re-laying the groundwork of its economic stability, and family farmers are the key to a strong foundation.

Neil Young, along with Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, and Dave Matthews, is a board member of Farm Aid (farmaid.org).

http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2009/02/26/comes_a_time_to_fight_for_farmers/