Last night after being a fan for 20+ years, I finally got to see Leonard Cohen.  Ask 10 peple on the street, 9 will probably say, “Who?”  But that tenth will be enthusiastic and happy to share in the Cohen.  A poet before he eever became a songwriter, it’s the lyrics that stand out most in his songs, but the melodies are equally haunting.  Never heard of him?  Get some.  And don’t worry, you probably have heard a lot of his songs.  Some of your favorite artists have had huge success with Leonard Cohen penned songs, but nothing beats the original crafting his own stuff.

     It’s the October Potluck at the Italian Club tonight.  We’re all supposed to make and bring something.  I’m going with a repeat: my Feta Cheese and Cucumber salad.  Easy to make and quickly devoured and yes there is more in it than just cheese and cucumbers.   The secret?  Ha!  Like I’d tell you.  What’s the best thing you can make or cook?

     We’ve been invited to an “ALTER-EGO” Halloween party.  It’s sparked some interesting conversation.  Who is your alter-ego?

     Last night I was at the Funny Bone for another roast.  Not me this time, though I did receive my fair share of “shots.”  Last night was a Roast for a radio competitor and a friend, Daddy Wags from Q-FM.  He’s celebrating his 30th year at the station which is an amazing accomplishment.  30 year at anything consecutively is impressive, but in radio- at ONE station- is virtually unheard of.  I’ve got 15 logged in here at Sunny.  Another 15 would put me at 65 years of age.  I’m all for keeping a good thought, but that scenario is unlikely.  Nonetheless, the roast was a success as is the career of DADDY WAGS.  Congrats, buddy.

30th Annual Italian Festival is this weekend.  Save up in the  “eats” department.  There will be more good food than you can shake a pepperoni stick at.  Speaking of “sticks” one of the offerings will be the antipasto skewers from The Columbus Italian Club.  They were a hit last year, so we’ll be doin’ ‘em again!  I’ll be working the booth on Sunday with some of my fellow members, so stop bye and say hello.  What’s your favorite local festival?

Maybe it’s the hype of swine flu, but it seems like I’ve been more vigilant than usual about NOT catching the flu this year, let alone the H1N1 virus.  I feeel like I’m staying one step ahead of  a disease bounty hunter.  Anybody else taking those “extra” precautions to avoid the “bug?”

Am I really living in Columbus, Ohio?  This past summer was one of the coolest in recent memory and I loved it!  Some complained about the lack of really hot days.  Not me.  And now comes the fall and some are saying that its too cool too soon.  I face those first temps in the a.m.  before most of you, and yeah, its a bit on the chilly side.  But when it turns into a sunny 68 degree day, how do you find fault in that picture?  However, I am aware of seasonal paybacks.  Does all the good weather mean a tough winter could be in the works?  Ah, so what!  Bring it on!  Because then soon will come the spring…

I’ll be at THE TASTE OF HOME EXPO this weekend.  I’ll be sharing the stage and helping Robin Davis prepare a lovely black bean salsa.  Most everyone assumes that most men CAN’T cook.  Not true.  Now, I may not be extremely versatile, but what I make I make well and isn’t that important thing once it’s put in front of you to consume?  No complaints about my “from scratch” sauce.  And my chicken has seldom disappointed.  So…who’s the better cook in your house?  P.S.  I’ve got a cucumber/feta cheese salad that’ll knock your socks off!