The Midnight Ramble: Led Zeppelin, 'Reacher' love, and being a good (better) egg

Tacos are always good, humans need constant improvement.

We can do better.

I really believe that statement. It’s a simple idea, really. When you break it down, the result is two things: patience and adaptation. The truth is we are what we are upon landing, but that doesn’t mean we can’t evolve here and there. Take a tip and listen more. Taken from a guy who can’t shut up for too long, but is working on it.

We just passed midnight here in south city St. Louis, as the temperature just fell to the freezing point. The wind is howling, so let’s just unleash the unfiltered winter ale and see what tales we find worth digging into.

~Thank you, Mark Gram. If any St. Louis Cardinals fan has graced Facebook’s presence, you’ll see frequent posts from his Ultimate St. Louis Cardinals Fans Facebook group. Along with Paddy Houlihan, he’s been my biggest supporter since the first time I shared anything on social media. Last night, he dropped a good question at my feet:

“Pick one song that tells how you want to live your life. Take your time, no hurry, I’m interested. Thanks for always being interested, Mark. Here’s my answer. “Going to California,” by Led Zeppelin. A band that bookends my life up to this point have this underrated and whether short song. It’s about going to see about a girl in California. My wife was born in California, so it fits. I would go see her if she lived out there. When you’re in love, there are no rules. Those lyrics just float to me, every time Robert Plant sinks his teeth into the easygoing charm of the words. Something about it seems free yet intended all at once. Thanks, Mark.

~Reacher is the kind of show worth seeking out. Eight episodes, each of them tight as a drum and led confidently by Alan Ritchson. I have a feeling he’s a LOT closer to what Lee Child envisioned with the character. A brains/brawn hybrid who is unstoppable and detailed, yet reckless with his violence. Ritchson, who has made a couple appearances in notable projects but nowhere near the lead, owns the screen. It has a great cast, a sense of humor, bluesy music, and a good pace.

~I wrote a post on Facebook about being a good egg that caught some attention. The idea is that people see that and try to say something only positive on the thread, but possibly on their own page and to someone in person. I listed ten things I try to do at all times in order to get better. Open a door, show some patience to the common soul, and lift up the damn microwave so your mom can wipe off that dust. It doesn’t cost much to be good. Just a little courage.

~Dear street racer in Princeton Heights, currently burning rubber through across January. I am sorry your mom burnt the pizza rolls. Look, shit happens when your son is still living in your basement listening to Nirvana and re-watching Natural Born Killers. I sympathize with the creator of this unusual dipshit who feels the need to loudly stroll through the neighborhood. You blew it all on that Fast and Furious reject car, and now all you have are a few puffs.

Look, on second thought, have some fun. Let it roar, Katy Perry. Show that car who is boss. (You see, I’m working on it.)

~Major League Baseball owners and the MLBPA need to get this shit going, because February is going to be halfway shut here in a couple days. What Cardinals fans should think about is how this affects the Adam Wainwright-Yadier Molina finale. Those older bodies need the spring training. Being around the same age as those gent minus two-thirds of my life spent playing a sport, and I bet they need the time. Get a deal done.

~Maybe we should turn Jordan Binnington off, and then turn him on again. He doesn’t look right at all. Just in case, the Blues should hold onto Ville Husso.

~Hi-Pointe Drive-In has such a tasty burger. I don’t mess with the mighty Taco Burger or Cowboy Burger. I just get a double cheeseburger (gouda) with the works (lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion) and fries. Classic, nothing extra. Save the bacon and special sauce. Let’s dip the sides in that and dice up the bacon over the fries. The burger doesn’t need too many friends. It’s not a Tarantino film; more like a Schwarzenegger party. The Kirkwood location is excellent. Watching people park is entertaining while the food cooks.

SPEED ROUND

-Fuck Wordle.

-Panda Express is NOT that good, folks.

-PANDA Chinese Restaurant in Kirkwood certainly IS that good. Go there.

-I would welcome a Joe Kelly reunion. It would anger a lot less people than Albert Pujols coming home.

-The MLS stadium downtown looks better each time I drive past it. The structure, small STL touches, and overall presence is going to bolster this town.

-Beef and barley soup with grilled focaccia bread carrying ricotta cheese spread is one divine dinner idea. Trust me.

-Hang out with your parents more.

-I miss wanting the Chicago Cubs to lose horribly.

Goodnight.