Scott Davidson and Alex Zander 

Scott gave me my first show on radio here in Chicago back in 1999 before we got syndicated, 

A REALLY REALLY REALLY GOOD PODCAST

Scott Ty and Alex

I was exhausted and in bed at 730P last night. I was up at 4A the morning of the show. However the end result was just as about as professional as it gets as far as my performance. Scott was a great guest and had something of great importance as far as Chicago radio history is concerned. Hard to believe 20 years ago I was on his station with the radio version of MK ULTRASOUND. That’s a long time ago, and another lifetime back when the LOUD Radio guys called me “the most decadent man in radio.” I’m very pleased with yesterdays show. 

I’m looking forward to the show and visit to Kankakee Kounty  this weekend. Should be another milestone for the podcast. 

I slept well last night BTW. The AC being on I’m sure helped. 

Monday after work eats. Soaked for 60 in Franks Red Hot and Apple Cider vinegar. 

Blackened

Yesterday I was in my home office, the actual room where I write, for the first time in two weeks to update the news on this site. The room was a mess and it took a lot of cleaning the night before in order for me to sit here in the July heat and sew together stories of relevance and interest. I cannot create among dust and disorder. I had guests here for 5 days the week before and though they were very accommodating as far as keeping the kitchen in order, other things including my health went by the wayside. Last week my heart had me in a scare as never before. I went 2 days with no sleep or food and still managed to work by Thursday I felt “Almost Human.” Friday I was well enough to bike 10 miles to the office. So here I am again to catch up on this section which is long long overdue I know.

It’s Sunday morning as I write this. I’ve been up since around 4AM. By 430 I decided to just get the fuck out of bed so here I am. I began at 633AM playing Too Darks “Devils Twang” in my kitchen with the doors and windows up till this afternoon and then it 3 days of AC and curtains shut.

Yesterday I learned Cassie’s father is in the hospital having heart surgery. There might be complications so she may not be able to make the show. Family First. My thoughts are with her and if I prayed her family would be in my prayers. But I don’t.

Thursday night as I was watching “Bohemian Rhapsody” Nichole Bodie called. As you may or may not know she is scheduled to perform next Saturday at our first and maybe only remote ever which we’re doing in Bradley IL at the Looney Bin. After trading pleasantries she informed me she would be having cancer surgery on the 17^th just 3 days prior to our show. Her main concern seemed to be insurance coverage and the deductible. She assured me that she and Damon would still be doing the show and then we had some laughs and she vented about some things and I told her it’d be GREAT fodder for the show.

Friday coming home in the heat on my bike I got sidetracked by and caught up in north side rush hour traffic. It was a fucking nightmare. As I was hopping off of my bike at just shy of 6P of course my phone was ringing. I cussed out loud as I do and locked my bike up and took my sweaty ass up into my steaming hot as fuck flat and peeled off some clothes and checked my phone to see it was Dale who I hadn’t spoken to in 2 weeks but he had messaged me earlier in the day to confirm his room was booked for the 20^th in the same hotel and I’m staying in for the remote and to also celebrate his birthday. He’ll be fifty fucking seven! When I last saw him on my visit to Iowa to make our annual trek to see CHEAP TRICK he hadn’t been feeling well at all. He still managed to do the show, meet up with Michael X and Jessica to go to a state park and hike the next day and even tote me around the “future birthplace of Captain James T. Kirk” Monday before my long bus ride home. He did have some doctor ordered tests scheduled for the following Monday. When I got home things got so busy and I had guests for a week that we hadn’t had time to speak. So when I returned his call he had some rather unpleasant news for me. He has Bells Palsy Syndrome. Bell’s palsy causes sudden, temporary weakness in your facial muscles. This makes half of your face appear to droop. Your smile is one-sided, and your eye on that side resists closing.

Bell’s palsy, also known as facial palsy, can occur at any age. The exact cause is unknown. It’s believed to be the result of swelling and inflammation of the nerve that controls the muscles on one side of your face. Or it might be a reaction that occurs after a viral infection.

For most people, Bell’s palsy is temporary. Symptoms usually start to improve within a few weeks, with complete recovery in about six months. A small number of people continue to have some Bell’s palsy symptoms for life. Rarely, Bell’s palsy can recur.

He told me that not only can he not taste food but that it tastes terrible AND the texture is uncomfortable. Still he’s going to make the trek from Iowa to Chicago and then to Bradley to attend the MKULTRASOUND PodCast remote.

Now THAT’s a friend and a dedicated one at that.

That echo’s back to my 50^th birthday party which was held in New Glarus WI December of 2014. The week prior he was driving his car BIG 666 to work when it slid off the road and into a pole totaling the vehicle and brusing some ribs etc. He still somehow pulled it together to drive another car to New Glarus to spend the weekend with us in WI to celebrate.

So that’s the tale of two troopers. Two remarkable people. Two remarkable friends.

 This is the song that was playing as I end this writ:

Hear the trumpets hear the pipers
One hundred million angels singin’
Multitudes are marchin’ to the big kettledrum
Voices callin’, voices cryin’
Some are born and some are dyin’
It’s alpha and omega’s kingdom come
And the whirlwind is in the thorn tree
The virgins are all trimming their wicks
The whirlwind is in the thorn trees
It’s hard for thee to kick against the prick
In measured hundredweight and penny pound
When the man comes around

Ginkgo Organic Gardens

Ginkgo Organic Gardens was founded in 1994 by Sarah Steedman and Jill Swan as a way to provide organic food to food banks in Uptown. With the help of the City of Chicago, Jill and Sarah converted an empty double lot into a garden with fencing, raised beds, a tool shed, and fruit trees.

In 1998, Ginkgo joined the NeighborSpace network of Chicago community gardens.

Ginkgo initially donated the produce from its garden to a variety of service organizations, but eventually established a relationship with the Northside location of Vital Bridges, a multi-service center that helps people with HIV/AIDS in metropolitan Chicago.

The first Argyle Night Market of the 2019 season!  Which runs 5pm to 9pm every Thursday until the end of August.   

I love summer in my neighborhood

The second Thai Food Festival, to be held on Irving Park Road on Saturday, August 17th (11am – 10pm) and Sunday, August 18th (11am – 9pm).  

It’s been a very weird couple of weeks. Updates tomorrow night.

This is where two weeks kicked off with my old friend Deep Eddy. The first bottle the day of the eve of teh Pride Parade was with Cassie. Then we took it to Tac Quick where it was quickly decided I’d be buying KK (Surussawadee Sailop  แค่ไหนแค่นั้น – เบสท์ ทิฏฐินันท์ which translate to “goft” or “present”) a new rock n roll t shirt. At first Cassie and I searched for a vintage KISS t but then I decided on the same T I bought for Brad and Dawns daughter Miranda for her graduation, a very sexy Motely Crue shirt. Anyway, Cassie went to see Snoop Dog, returned late that night and we woke up early to get ready for the PrideCast with I LOVE RICH.

The following Wednesday as I awaited Dawn and Brads arrival I had another bottle of Deep Eddy. 

Cassie with no make up and a margarita at Tac Quick

With Brad at Tac Quick and margaritas

Black Metal at Walgreens

KK’s new t shirt

I LOVE THAT LAST GUYS COMMENT FROM THE WEST COAST!

CONFIRMED THE LINE UP: 

It’s going to be a great Saturday afternoon 7/20/19 at my favorite live rock n roll watering hole, performing at the afternoon matinee event before, between and after the MKUKTRASOUND PodCasts: Lisa Lightning, Rich Experience, Torianna Nichole Bodie and Damon Christopher and an acoustic tribute to garbage Stupid Girl Samantha Marie

Wednesday June 26:

It was the warmest day of the year and for the first time I was able to bike to work two days in a row. When I got home the blue skies and sunshine did not last long. It did make for another good night of sleep. 

Thursday June 27:

I attempted to get some sun. There are 3 videos on the MK Instagram and 3 on my personal Facebook page. The beach at Montrose was completely flooded. There was a gigantic stagnant pool of bacterial/e-coli filled pool/pond of still water. It seriously smelled like a sewer.  There were approx a hundred younger children before me and following me as I tried to scout out a spot to catch some rays for an hour or so. The stench was overwhelming as I attempted to brave it. Then a millennial couple decided to park next to me and loudly play dance club music, hip hop and bad pop the likes of Green Day and post punk radio friendly Red Hot Chili Peppers. After nearly an hour I had all I could take and bailed. I never play music at the beach mainly because I don’t want to draw attention to myself and my friends. (we like to drink there) The flooded beach made for lack of privacy. Tomorrow I’m going back very early. 

I was hoping that the heat through the weekend would dry this mess up some but tonight as the sun set we experienced another huge thunderstorm. I was thinking as I was walk to and from the laundromat in the 90 degree heat (2 miles round trip) and I also walked to Target which should have added about another mile, the city could take a bulldozer down there and clear it out in no time. I suppose it’d have to go 2 days without raining which doesn’t look likely before my guests get here next week. Dawn and Brad from Indianapolis are staying for 5-days. They arrive Wednesday evening and we’re gonna do a lot of BBQing and beaching. 

First though is this weAkends MKULTRASOUND PrideCast, and Boy Howdy have things ever changed from a year ago, even though I don’t think I’ll be enjoying the same kinda sexy company. 3 days to go so one never knows. I’ve been working really hard on material and this one should be hysterical. I sent Mark ideas for him to work up in his studio in Baton Rouge. Nonetheless it’ll be a pretty gay episode. 

Friday June 28

Woke up at 530AM and started scripting this next show.It should go very well as log as everyone is on time. Cassie is coming in tomorrow afternoon to help set up and she’s staying because there will be no parking at all since so many streets will be blocked off.

Rich, Drew and I have a lot of history so we should have a killer and very personal show. 

Rained again around noon. So sick of it. At least I have a lot to do inside and I really want to squeeze in the Runaways movie in a bit.

Cassie put up the new YouTube episode the one where I was sick and obviously very bloated from all the buffet eating with Dale in Iowa. Funny I didn’t drink much at all that weekend and still looked it. Trying to do the best I can but know will fall short when Brad and Dawn are here next week. The company will be nice though. 

God fucking gawd I got soooo sick during the show last Sunday. I couldn’t have carried it hadn’t Cassie and Ty stepped up. More on that later.

Cory MacRae in Memphis writes:

Totally love the YouTube you need to make that a regular thing. And I also love what Mark is doing with music spotlight. Keep it up brother this is awesome.

AZ: I was sick but the YouTube will be up tonight. Cassie has to do her editing magick.

CM: Yeah video always takes longer. I dig it though man. Right format right people just all of it is spot on.

Joe in Missoula MT wrote:

Weakest show yet.

Alex replied : I was sick.

Josef continues: Get a few Mark shows in the can and you’ve got a sick day backup plan. Get enough Ultrasounds in the can and you can fall back on a “best of” compilation.

Ed Kowalski in Ohio: Listened to the latest episode, I thought it was actually your best yet! Hope you’re feeling better! – Fizz Ed

Alex Zander: Thanks brother. Josef in Montana called it the weakest. Said I shouldn’t have done it. Guests are also important and a big part of the show.

Ed Kowalski: Alex Zander I don’t think a guest every week is as important as some think…I really enjoyed the banter between you and your co-hosts, stories and anecdotes are always entertaining

Glenn Stefano of DSN Music in Sedona AZ on our YouTube Channel/PodCast

GS: Great editing…that’s your pad?

AZ: Used to be my dining room, yes. Going to rearrange some things to center the background better. Thanks

GS: clutter look is cool, laid back, and real
Like the rock stuff around the house as well…

AZ: The whole haus is like that. A rock n roll museum

GS: I dig it!
A touch of the southwest as well I see…lol
Don’t forget to set up your Monetization feature on YouTube account!

AZ: THANKS I sent that to Cassie. Gonna bury the wires and I HATE CLUTTER. Will switch out the album covers every week. Keeps me on my toes.

GS: PS… you are WAY more mellow, than you sounded on mic 20 years ago…your like a AOR jock now…lol

AZ: Cool. 20 yrs and hip replacement will do that

GS: Yikes!
Good convo though! I like the fact that your talking about PC crap! It’s gotta b discussed

AZ: Its the first segment every week. I made the format months ago. Nobody is really doing that and the rest of us NEED a voice

GS: YES! PS, looks great on our LG smart TV

Posted on August 4, 2014

http://mkblog.mk-magazine.com/diary-wordpress/?p=5656

Today marks 2 years since I got the horrible new in my hotel suite the Sunday morning of EXXXOTICA 2017 and I miss her more and more especially when it comes to my rock n roll alter ego lifestyle. The card above I see every time I get into my refrigerator. Her mother posted the message below as part of a tribute to her daughter. Thanks Beverly. 

I finally met Alex Maggie. Such a great guy. We spent Memorial Day with him but I’m sure you knew that in that moment. He really adored you and it showed…he was a good friend and we don’t have many of those in this lifetime. I have to try to be productive now and grocery shop for our Birthday Barbecue ( which was a last minute decision) I know it was the right one. 

Happy Birthday Beautiful- Mom ️

Foodie/Food Eater
El Mariachi Chicago
Peking Buffet Iowa City
Riverside Casino Buffet Riverside IA
El Hacienda Anamos IA

Future Birthplace of James T. Kirk 51 W First St, Riverside, Iowa

James T. Kirk, captain of the Starship Enterprise, will be born in Riverside, Iowa, on March 22, 2228.

Riverside is the official Future Birthplace of James T. Kirk, captain of the Starship Enterprise — a native son born in the 23rd century.

Star Trek Voyage Home Museum Riverside, Iowa

Perhaps the absolute WORST margarita I’ve ever had and the bartender at Riverside Casino knew it.

Some of the best dessert I’ve ever had

Palisades-Kepler State Park with Michael X. Christian and Dale Patrick Bennett

..Cabins rent for $50 per night for $300 for a week

La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant

I honestly can’t recall exactly how many times I’ve seen them but it’s dozens and tonight CHEAP TRICK delivered the very best fucking set I’ve ever seen them play.

Cheap Trick Setlist JUNE 15 2019 at Riverside Casino, Riverside, IA, USA

Hello There

Just Got Back

You Got It Going On

Big Eyes

California Man

Elo Kiddies

She’s Tight

Ain’t That a Shame

Need Your Love

The House Is Rockin’ (With Domestic Problems)

I Know What I Want

I’m Waiting for the Man

Heaven Tonight

I Want You to Want Me

Dream Police

Surrender

Auf Wiedersehen

Goodnight

The night before the PodCast Emily sent me this image at 1:03A of her and Samantha

Look who I met … lead singer of a Garbage tribute band. She’s sassy af. You’ll love her.

Its a lot of fucking hours to get a single show prepared and for last weeks show it took even more work. On my end its a lot more than just showing up and talking into a mic.  So I went into Friday morning not knowing who we’d have on and then once that was decided and confirmed, I spent many hours working up material and passing notes to Ty via Messenger. The result would be hands down the best one since the last best one, and the one with Rich was pretty close to what I am aiming to establish. All in all we had 100 plays of the episode by Monday evening and another 100 plays by Tuesday and that put us over the 1000 plays mark. 

Emily Sifrit is with Deb Ty Coon and Cassandra D Balazic at HVAC

What. A. Day. I was offered a chance to guest host my friend Alex ‘s podcast radio show.. a show that is aimed to embrace free expression and diversity in our culture. I already respected my friend’s work but I’m in awe at what it takes to truly be someone who is accountable for delivering both sides of main issues. Random coincidence (no really) .. it also happens to be the final night of a short run of shows for Alex Grossi of Quiet Riot and Dizzy Reed of Guns & Roses .. which Nick Huffman booked.. this one happens to be around the corner from the recording of the earlier mentioned podcast.. so yeah. Ending the night alright I’d say.

Ha!! P.S. – we’re at HVAC pub for the show .. across the street from Wrigley Field and the Cubs just won.

Yours truly, Ty Coon, Danny Lee Hill, Cassie Balazic, and Emily Sifrit. 

Below Nick Huffman and Ty Coon. 

Cassie would arrive early to get set up and Danny helped me move some things around for filming. This would go on to be the perfect day and the exact kind of day I strive to put together. Sometimes it takes more than me. All I can do is put the pieces together. Its up to the pieces to play. This was a classic example. 

I didn’t tell anyone Nick was tagging along and in fact he told Emily that he didn’t want to interfere with the show He’s not the kind of guy who needs to grab attention. But I knew he’d have no problem stepping into the spotlight when the time was right So nobody knew he was coming.

Danny Lee Hill stayed the night because I needed him to share part of a trtoy to help transition my distaste of “wiggers” into my distaste for “hipsters” the lowest form  of all “sters” in my opinion. They silently annoy me. 

When Ty arrived last she sat outside and we all made introductions but it took a few minutes for her to realize that Nick was indeed Nick Huffman someone she had been dying to meet. It was so great when she finally realized that it was him 

In a similar vein Emily was in awe that she was sitting with 2 time Grammy nominee and former Ministry member as well as Al J’s ex and they connected on the show and after. When the show was over and done everyone hung out for awhile sharing drinks and trading stories before heading to HVAS for the final show of 4 regional dates for the Hookers & Blow show Nick put together.

“Hookers & Blow”: 

The now legendary project formed by long time Guns N’ Roses keyboardist Dizzy Reed and Quiet Riot guitarist Alex Grossi. Dizzy and Alex will be giving a special “Storytellers Session” telling tales from the rails from years on the road with Guns N’ Roses & Quiet Riot.

The Northside Porch Monkeys: AZ, Emily, Nick and Ty.

The Northside Porch Monkeys: Danny Lee Hill, Emily, Nick and Ty.

Cassie Pony and Emily

Cassie never lets me down when it comes to fashion and style. Even the doggie poop bags matched her attire. 

The Northside Porch Monkeys

DLH arrives

The freshly graduated Miranda Wattles sporting my graduation gift to her. 

Boy Howdy! life could not possibly be any different today than it was a year ago. My full time status as a CAEL employee was about to come to a halt but not before the worst EXXXOTICA of my life due to it being so abbreviated. Other than missing Adrian I’m loving life right now.The PodCast is quickly starting to signs of pending success and it’s a lot of work. Basically when I’m not in office I’m working on projects related to the MKULTRASOUND PodCast and this MK ULTRA Magazine website. I’m also drinking a lot less. Funny what you can accomplish when you’re not bored. At least in my case. Tying one on was just my way of filling in these great spaces of empty time. Once again I’m surrounded by creative people that actually do something to contribute to society no matter what it is It’s a lot like the conversation I had with Cassie pre show last week and the one I had on the show with Emily. Those around me seem to be of the artistic creative type. I really cannot relate to people much outside of that simply due to the simple fact that they can’t relate to me and my life. They accept what the mass mainstream media subscribes them to. The media’s programming is full of misinformation 

Off to Iowa tomorrow morning and seeing Cheap trick with Dale and his family for what has become an annual summer tradition and then it’s full steam ahead into July with a visit from Dawn and Brad and then getting the first PodCasts launched remotely from The Looney Bin.