Author Archives: Steve Mays

Chuck Harding and the Colorado Cowhands with Speck Rhodes

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The photo above was probably taken sometime around 1950. No idea about the location but almost certainly one of the many promotional appearances KBOA put on in the early days. The performers are Chuck Harding and the Colorado Cowhands with a guest appearance by Speck Rhodes (checked suit). Rhodes was a country music comedian and entertainer best known for his appearances on the Porter Wagoner television show. The stage is the flat bed of some kind of truck.

I love everything about this photo (probably taken by John Reeder, a station employee): the kids crouched behind the piano; the string of lights. But the crowd is the best. Packed shoulder to shoulder, standing room only (no chairs). An event like this one is probably as close as these folks ever got to a “concert.” They would have heard Chuck and the boys from their countless live performances on KBOA and a chance to see them in person was a big deal. Few if any TVs at the time.

Riley is still out there

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When we bought Lucy 15 years ago we were so eager for new dog we failed to properly check out the breeder which turned out to be a puppy mill. A check-up at the MU Vet School revealed she would have hip dysplasia when she got older so we opted to have surgery to prevent this. It worked (she lived to be 14) but the first year was hell on her and us.

There are tests that can and should be conducted on the parents of any dog you purchase. We fucked up (again) and failed to ask for that certification for Riley’s litter until this weekend. They had it for the sire, not the dam. So we’ve decided not bring home a puppy from the litter I’ve been showcasing here. Just can’t take the risk. So we’re starting our search anew. We’re going to take our time, do lots of checking and make sure Riley is as healthy as possible. A difficult decision but the right one.

Facebook: Where friendships go to never quite die

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“(Facebook) has created an entirely new category of relationship — the vestigial friendship. It’s the one you’ve evolved out of, the one that would normally have faded out of your life, but which, thanks to Facebook, is instead still hanging around.”

“Having many Facebook friends, then, is kind of like having a big old encyclopedia. Most of the time it’s just gathering dust on a shelf but you keep it around anyway, because one day you might need it.”

— The Atlantic