Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Paul McCartney at Springfield Kwik-E Mart

Paul McCartney at Springfield Kwik-E Mart

There is a test of originality when writing for television which is:

Did the Simpson's do that yet?

I'm sure many folks had this thought when they heard about Paul McCartney stopping at a Springfield convenience store...

"What...again?"

Remember, 1995...

Paul McCartney and his wife Linda visiting the Kwik-E Mart in Springfield?

Photo from that visit here:
www.rollingstone.com/photos/gallery/15669163/the_simpsons

Quotes from that episode...

Lisa: The whole world wants me to eat meat. I can't fight it anymore.

[She musters her resolve and bites into a hot dog. Yells.]
There! Is everybody happy now?
Apu: I take it from your yelling that you like my tofu dogs?
Lisa: Tofu?
Apu: Oh yes. No meat whatsoever. And only thrice the fat of a normal
hot dog. I made the switch and nobody noticed.
Lisa: But why, Apu?
Apu: Of course I am a vegetarian. Haven't you ever seen my tee-shirt?
[Holds up a tee-shirt that depicts a cow with slash over it and
the words "Don't Have A Cow, Man!"
]
Lisa: Heh heh heh, that's cute.
Apu: Here. Let me show you something Lisa. [Walks to a cooler marked
'Non-Alcoholic Beer" and opens the door. A set of stairs leading
upward is behind it.
]
Lisa: Wow, a secret staircase. But what do you do if someone wants a
non-alcoholic beer?
Apu: You know, it's never come up.

-- "Lisa the Vegetarian"

They walk to the top of the stairs, to a door. Apu opens the door,
revealing a lush rooftop oasis.

Lisa: Ohhh, Apu! It's beautiful!
Apu: Yes. This is where I come when I need some refuge from the modern
world. Or, when I want to see drive-in movies for free. [Points
out the drive-in theatre across the street.
] I know it is not
easy to be a vegetarian, Lisa.
Lisa: That's why I ran away from home.

-- The naked truth, "Lisa the Vegetarian"

Paul McCartney steps from the brush.

Paul: What? She's leaving home?

Lisa: Wow! Paul McCartney! I read about you in history class.
So where's your wife Linda?

Linda: Right here Lisa. [Appears out of a bush.] Whenever we're in
Springfield we like to hang out in Apu's garden in the shade.

Paul: We met him in India years ago, during the Maharishi days.
Apu: Back then I was known as the fifth Beatle.
Paul: [Rolling his eyes.] Sure you were, Apu.
Apu: You know what Lisa? Paul and Linda are vegetarians too. In
fact, Linda has her own line of vegetarian entrees.
Lisa: Apu, I'm sure the last thing they want to talk about is...
Linda: We weren't satisfied with the other vegetarian meals on the
market. You'd be surprised how often you find a big hunk of pork
in them.

Lisa:
Euuuwww!
-- And if you're a _Jewish_ vegetarian..., "Lisa the Vegetarian"

Paul: Linda and I both feel strongly about animal rights. In fact, if
you play "Maybe I'm Amazed" backwards, you'll hear a recipe for a
really ripping lentil soup.

Quote from The Simpsons Archive
You can read more about this episode at:
www.snpp.com/episodes/3F03.html

Search here for when this episode will re-air locally:
http://tvplanner.comcast.net

Another former Beatle has visited Springfield.
Click here for a photo...
www.rollingstone.com/photos/gallery/15669163/the_simpsons/photo/14

Okay, George Harrison really did visit Benton, IL.

Update: I was telling my family about my webpage regarding Paul McCartney's Springfield visit and mentioned Lisa Simpson and even the Tofu-dogs.

After that my brother (who hasn't visited my website in months) presented me with this card:


Which on the inside stated:

Too funny!

BTW, years ago a friend and I attended a McCartney concert in St. Louis.
One of the news stories was that even though Busch Stadium hosted a full house for the event, only 100 veggie hot dogs were sold. I wonder if the tofudogs mention had something to do with that story.

PS: To Paul...

Check out these photos of EMI Manufacturing in Jacksonville Illinois.
EMI was originally built to keep up with the demand for Beatles albums back in the 60's.

Related links...

Dear Paul McCartney, You're invited to come back to Springfield, IL.


WGN news report link

McCartney sighting sets off Beatlemania

Native Americans & Paul McCartney

Sun Times


80 Acre “all-abilities” park being built in Springfield.
News article

Southwind Park Info page

The North side of Southwind park starts at 2nd street and Abbey Road.


Erin’s Pavilion Groundbreaking Event at Edwin Watts Southwind Park



More Springfield photos...

Aladdin's Castle
Kicks Entertainment

North Dirksen Parkway weather photo

The SwimSpa display at the convention center

Chipotles (new burrito place outside White Oaks Mall)

Noodles and Co near White Oaks Mall

Bees ! (okay, really just one bee photographed...)

Meet the Japanese Beetles

Erin’s Pavilion Groundbreaking Event at Edwin Watts Southwind Park

Road construction in front of Lincoln Library (photos)

Rock the Dock and New restaurant at Lake Springfield

Fireworks at the Lincoln Museum

Fireworks at the Lincoln Library opening day

Photos from the Downtown Fireworks 2007

Illinois Products Expo 2008 Photos
Gateway to India Restaurant Lunch Buffet
Buckley's Garden Center
Thailand Cuisine
Habitat for Humanity Re-Store
S Sixth Street tree damages/totals truck in storm
Wild Goose Chase at Washington Park and one happy duck
Too Many Geese Photos
Oberweis Ice Cream now at Schnucks
Congradulations Graduates!
The Bee Movie at Rochester Park

Farmers Market plants store on Wabash near K's part 1
Farmers Market plants store on Wabash near K's part 2

Flower and garden shopping at Lowes
The Apple Barn in Chatham is now OPEN!
Suttill's Gardens
Uncle Chuck's Greenhouse
Humphrey's Market - the flowers are in !!!
APL Animal Protective League / Butterflies

Old Capitol Art Fair 2008 photos
The Livery
Name that restaurant...part 28

Senate vs House softball game 2008 Part 1 of 4
Senate vs House softball game 2008 Part 2
Senate vs House softball game 2008 Part 3
Senate vs House softball game 2008 Part 4

Nelson Center Pool
Weekend wheels as seen in Springfield
APL Upscale resale event photos 2008
First snake of the year...and more deer
Name that restaurant...part 27
Weekend Birds...can you name this bird?

Weekend wildlife photos, etc.
Bike trail and I-72 Recreation Drive interchange construction
Bye Bye Hazel Dell, Hello Walmart
Tea Thyme Tea Room
El Presidente Burritos and Baja Grill
Centrum Cafe on Toronto Road
Lake Pointe Grill

Weekend photos - April 2008
The Heritage House Smorgasbord...now you see it......
Photos from a drive down S. Sixth Street
Lake Springfield Deer
Vito’s Italian Pizzera, Chatham, IL
Which one of these is not like the others ?
A drive around Lake Springfield (photos)
Red Hat Society Ladies

Ginger Asian Bistro
Blueberry waffled eggs, Naked Fruit Drinks, Dr. Oz
Photos of the upcoming Walmart at S. 6th and Hazel Dell
Fried Sushi

Name that restaurant...part 26
Road Trip: dining at the Ikea store...part 1

Name that restaurant...part 25
Name that restaurant...part 24
Name that restaurant...part 23
Name that restaurant...part 22
Name that restaurant...part 21

Springfield, IL Ice Storm
The Veggie Burger at Memorial's Cafeteria
Edwin Watts Southwind Park Update Nov 8, 2007
CWLP Power Plant Construction Tour
Lake Springfield Improvements
More I-72 Recreation Drive interchange construction

Pound Dog Rescue Benefit
Open Dome in Riverton, IL
Humphrey's Pizzeria is now open!
What kind of bird is this? (From Lake Springfield)

Springfield and the Simpsons
When the Rain comes down..downtown
Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce Party Photos
Goodwill Store...now organized by clothing size!
Wood sculptures on Dirksen Parkway
APL Animal Protective League / Butterflies
Cross country bicyclist pedals to Springfield and beyond

Friends of Lincoln Library Book sale / TV 20 news
Lincoln Library ready for book sale
Wood docks at Lake Springfield Marina
Chasing Rainbows / Lake Springfield sunset
I-72 Recreation Drive interchange construction
East Lake Drive bicycle and walking path

Leo's Italian Pizzeria

Old Capitol Art Fair 2007 photos
Uncle Chuck's Greenhouse
Edwin Watts Southwind Park Update May 20, 2007

Fire at former Branch Facility on Recreation Drive...
Westbound I-72 traffic / construction zone
Another alternative energy car !
Name that Springfield location...part 2
Suttill's Gardens
Habitat for Humanity store

Name that farm equipment
Monical's Pizza near Meijers
Sugar Angel
Baskin Robbins 31 cent scoop night!
Future home of the Holy Land Diner ?
2003 Cingular High Dive Show at Illinois State Fair...
Humphrey's Market - the flowers are in !!!

Sushi Beautiful Sushi
The dog water fountains at Washington Park
Springfield Clinic Building Project tree removal
The Apple Barn is OPEN !!!!
Lincoln Library renovations
Cute puppies
Name that restaurant...part 15
Pizza Machine

Scenes from various local parks this weekend...
Greater Springfield Home and Builders Show
Super Home Expo Building and Remodeling show photo...
llinois Products Expo photos
As the deer...
Old Capitol Plaza
Wendy's Chicken Chainsaw Toddy

Smoker's lungs
Lincoln Land catcher signed by Seattle Mariners
The Cub's Ryan O'Malley and Ron Santo visit
Ryan O'Malley with the Chicago Cubs
Former Cardinal and Cubs pitcher Lee Smith
Chatham's cow chip throwing contest 2006
Happy Birthday Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library

Dinner at Little Saigon
Springfield Dog Park
EMI Manufacturing Jacksonville Illinois
Illinois State Fair photos
Powerlight Fest photos
My first Illinois State Fair Parade (see photos!)
My trip to Decatur

Fireworks at the Lincoln Museum
Fireworks at the Lincoln Library opening day

Springfield, Illinois email list
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/springfieldillinois

Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Chick-fil-A and White Oaks Mall


Chick-fil-A and White Oaks Mall


Looks like the food court is courting Chick-Fil-A.



Photos of the food at Chick-Fil-A

Discussions regarding Chick-Fil-A on the Springfield email list.

www.chick-fil-a.com


More Springfield photos linked below.

Aladdin's Castle

Kicks Entertainment

North Dirksen Parkway weather photo

The SwimSpa display at the convention center

Chipotles (new burrito place outside White Oaks Mall)

Noodles and Co near White Oaks Mall

Bees ! (okay, really just one bee photographed...)

Meet the Japanese Beetles

Erin’s Pavilion Groundbreaking Event at Edwin Watts Southwind Park

Road construction in front of Lincoln Library (photos)

Rock the Dock and New restaurant at Lake Springfield

Fireworks at the Lincoln Museum

Fireworks at the Lincoln Library opening day

Photos from the Downtown Fireworks 2007

Illinois Products Expo 2008 Photos
Gateway to India Restaurant Lunch Buffet
Buckley's Garden Center
Thailand Cuisine
Habitat for Humanity Re-Store
S Sixth Street tree damages/totals truck in storm
Wild Goose Chase at Washington Park and one happy duck
Too Many Geese Photos
Oberweis Ice Cream now at Schnucks
Congradulations Graduates!
The Bee Movie at Rochester Park

Farmers Market plants store on Wabash near K's part 1
Farmers Market plants store on Wabash near K's part 2

Flower and garden shopping at Lowes
The Apple Barn in Chatham is now OPEN!
Suttill's Gardens
Uncle Chuck's Greenhouse
Humphrey's Market - the flowers are in !!!
APL Animal Protective League / Butterflies

Old Capitol Art Fair 2008 photos
The Livery
Name that restaurant...part 28

Senate vs House softball game 2008 Part 1 of 4
Senate vs House softball game 2008 Part 2
Senate vs House softball game 2008 Part 3
Senate vs House softball game 2008 Part 4

Nelson Center Pool
Weekend wheels as seen in Springfield
APL Upscale resale event photos 2008
First snake of the year...and more deer
Name that restaurant...part 27
Weekend Birds...can you name this bird?

Weekend wildlife photos, etc.
Bike trail and I-72 Recreation Drive interchange construction
Bye Bye Hazel Dell, Hello Walmart
Tea Thyme Tea Room
El Presidente Burritos and Baja Grill
Centrum Cafe on Toronto Road
Lake Pointe Grill

Weekend photos - April 2008
The Heritage House Smorgasbord...now you see it......
Photos from a drive down S. Sixth Street
Lake Springfield Deer
Vito’s Italian Pizzera, Chatham, IL
Which one of these is not like the others ?
A drive around Lake Springfield (photos)
Red Hat Society Ladies

Ginger Asian Bistro
Blueberry waffled eggs, Naked Fruit Drinks, Dr. Oz
Photos of the upcoming Walmart at S. 6th and Hazel Dell
Fried Sushi

Name that restaurant...part 26
Road Trip: dining at the Ikea store...part 1

Name that restaurant...part 25
Name that restaurant...part 24
Name that restaurant...part 23
Name that restaurant...part 22
Name that restaurant...part 21

Springfield, IL Ice Storm
The Veggie Burger at Memorial's Cafeteria
Edwin Watts Southwind Park Update Nov 8, 2007
CWLP Power Plant Construction Tour
Lake Springfield Improvements
More I-72 Recreation Drive interchange construction

Pound Dog Rescue Benefit
Open Dome in Riverton, IL
Humphrey's Pizzeria is now open!
What kind of bird is this? (From Lake Springfield)

Springfield and the Simpsons
When the Rain comes down..downtown
Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce Party Photos
Goodwill Store...now organized by clothing size!
Wood sculptures on Dirksen Parkway
APL Animal Protective League / Butterflies
Cross country bicyclist pedals to Springfield and beyond

Friends of Lincoln Library Book sale / TV 20 news
Lincoln Library ready for book sale
Wood docks at Lake Springfield Marina
Chasing Rainbows / Lake Springfield sunset
I-72 Recreation Drive interchange construction
East Lake Drive bicycle and walking path

Leo's Italian Pizzeria

Old Capitol Art Fair 2007 photos
Uncle Chuck's Greenhouse
Edwin Watts Southwind Park Update May 20, 2007

Fire at former Branch Facility on Recreation Drive...
Westbound I-72 traffic / construction zone
Another alternative energy car !
Name that Springfield location...part 2
Suttill's Gardens
Habitat for Humanity store

Name that farm equipment
Monical's Pizza near Meijers
Sugar Angel
Baskin Robbins 31 cent scoop night!
Future home of the Holy Land Diner ?
2003 Cingular High Dive Show at Illinois State Fair...
Humphrey's Market - the flowers are in !!!

Sushi Beautiful Sushi
The dog water fountains at Washington Park
Springfield Clinic Building Project tree removal
The Apple Barn is OPEN !!!!
Lincoln Library renovations
Cute puppies
Name that restaurant...part 15
Pizza Machine

Scenes from various local parks this weekend...
Greater Springfield Home and Builders Show
Super Home Expo Building and Remodeling show photo...
llinois Products Expo photos
As the deer...
Old Capitol Plaza
Wendy's Chicken Chainsaw Toddy

Smoker's lungs
Lincoln Land catcher signed by Seattle Mariners
The Cub's Ryan O'Malley and Ron Santo visit
Ryan O'Malley with the Chicago Cubs
Former Cardinal and Cubs pitcher Lee Smith
Chatham's cow chip throwing contest 2006
Happy Birthday Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library

Dinner at Little Saigon
Springfield Dog Park
EMI Manufacturing Jacksonville Illinois
Illinois State Fair photos
Powerlight Fest photos
My first Illinois State Fair Parade (see photos!)
My trip to Decatur

Fireworks at the Lincoln Museum
Fireworks at the Lincoln Library opening day

Springfield, Illinois email list
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/springfieldillinois

Aladdin's Castle


Farewell Aladdin's Castle


I'm told that today (August 6, 2008) is the last day of business for the
Aladdin's Castle at White Oaks Mall in Springfield, IL.


This is their "In the Groove 2" machine, sort of a Dance Dance Revolution thing.
When it was placed right above the Ruby Tuesday restaurant on the first floor diners would hear what sounded like thunder from a storm...but it was just the kids playing this game.


Sadly, they didn't offer much in the way of pinball machines.
I would've been there more often if they just had a Doctor Who pinball machine!

You can click on a photo for a larger view.


The Grand Prize Game!
Say, did Bozo's Circus on WGN air in Springfield, IL.?
I've noticed that I get blank stares from locals here when I mention the names of kids shows I grew up with like The Banana Splits, BJ and Dirty Dragon show, etc.


Skeeball for little girls. Could it be any more pink and purple?


One of the better prizes you could get with your coupons earned from playing the games.
I wanted to buy it since I didn't have coupons, but they didn't have that option. :(

More about Namco Cybertainment, owner of Aladdin's Castles.

www.namcoarcade.com

More Springfield photos linked below.

Kicks Entertainment

North Dirksen Parkway weather photo

The SwimSpa display at the convention center

Chipotles (new burrito place outside White Oaks Mall)

Noodles and Co near White Oaks Mall

Bees ! (okay, really just one bee photographed...)

Meet the Japanese Beetles

Erin’s Pavilion Groundbreaking Event at Edwin Watts Southwind Park

Road construction in front of Lincoln Library (photos)

Rock the Dock and New restaurant at Lake Springfield

Fireworks at the Lincoln Museum

Fireworks at the Lincoln Library opening day

Photos from the Downtown Fireworks 2007

Illinois Products Expo 2008 Photos
Gateway to India Restaurant Lunch Buffet
Buckley's Garden Center
Thailand Cuisine
Habitat for Humanity Re-Store
S Sixth Street tree damages/totals truck in storm
Wild Goose Chase at Washington Park and one happy duck
Too Many Geese Photos
Oberweis Ice Cream now at Schnucks
Congradulations Graduates!
The Bee Movie at Rochester Park

Farmers Market plants store on Wabash near K's part 1
Farmers Market plants store on Wabash near K's part 2

Flower and garden shopping at Lowes
The Apple Barn in Chatham is now OPEN!
Suttill's Gardens
Uncle Chuck's Greenhouse
Humphrey's Market - the flowers are in !!!
APL Animal Protective League / Butterflies

Old Capitol Art Fair 2008 photos
The Livery
Name that restaurant...part 28

Senate vs House softball game 2008 Part 1 of 4
Senate vs House softball game 2008 Part 2
Senate vs House softball game 2008 Part 3
Senate vs House softball game 2008 Part 4

Nelson Center Pool
Weekend wheels as seen in Springfield
APL Upscale resale event photos 2008
First snake of the year...and more deer
Name that restaurant...part 27
Weekend Birds...can you name this bird?

Weekend wildlife photos, etc.
Bike trail and I-72 Recreation Drive interchange construction
Bye Bye Hazel Dell, Hello Walmart
Tea Thyme Tea Room
El Presidente Burritos and Baja Grill
Centrum Cafe on Toronto Road
Lake Pointe Grill

Weekend photos - April 2008
The Heritage House Smorgasbord...now you see it......
Photos from a drive down S. Sixth Street
Lake Springfield Deer
Vito’s Italian Pizzera, Chatham, IL
Which one of these is not like the others ?
A drive around Lake Springfield (photos)
Red Hat Society Ladies

Ginger Asian Bistro
Blueberry waffled eggs, Naked Fruit Drinks, Dr. Oz
Photos of the upcoming Walmart at S. 6th and Hazel Dell
Fried Sushi

Name that restaurant...part 26
Road Trip: dining at the Ikea store...part 1

Name that restaurant...part 25
Name that restaurant...part 24
Name that restaurant...part 23
Name that restaurant...part 22
Name that restaurant...part 21

Springfield, IL Ice Storm
The Veggie Burger at Memorial's Cafeteria
Edwin Watts Southwind Park Update Nov 8, 2007
CWLP Power Plant Construction Tour
Lake Springfield Improvements
More I-72 Recreation Drive interchange construction

Pound Dog Rescue Benefit
Open Dome in Riverton, IL
Humphrey's Pizzeria is now open!
What kind of bird is this? (From Lake Springfield)

Springfield and the Simpsons
When the Rain comes down..downtown
Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce Party Photos
Goodwill Store...now organized by clothing size!
Wood sculptures on Dirksen Parkway
APL Animal Protective League / Butterflies
Cross country bicyclist pedals to Springfield and beyond

Friends of Lincoln Library Book sale / TV 20 news
Lincoln Library ready for book sale
Wood docks at Lake Springfield Marina
Chasing Rainbows / Lake Springfield sunset
I-72 Recreation Drive interchange construction
East Lake Drive bicycle and walking path

Leo's Italian Pizzeria

Old Capitol Art Fair 2007 photos
Uncle Chuck's Greenhouse
Edwin Watts Southwind Park Update May 20, 2007

Fire at former Branch Facility on Recreation Drive...
Westbound I-72 traffic / construction zone
Another alternative energy car !
Name that Springfield location...part 2
Suttill's Gardens
Habitat for Humanity store

Name that farm equipment
Monical's Pizza near Meijers
Sugar Angel
Baskin Robbins 31 cent scoop night!
Future home of the Holy Land Diner ?
2003 Cingular High Dive Show at Illinois State Fair...
Humphrey's Market - the flowers are in !!!

Sushi Beautiful Sushi
The dog water fountains at Washington Park
Springfield Clinic Building Project tree removal
The Apple Barn is OPEN !!!!
Lincoln Library renovations
Cute puppies
Name that restaurant...part 15
Pizza Machine

Scenes from various local parks this weekend...
Greater Springfield Home and Builders Show
Super Home Expo Building and Remodeling show photo...
llinois Products Expo photos
As the deer...
Old Capitol Plaza
Wendy's Chicken Chainsaw Toddy

Smoker's lungs
Lincoln Land catcher signed by Seattle Mariners
The Cub's Ryan O'Malley and Ron Santo visit
Ryan O'Malley with the Chicago Cubs
Former Cardinal and Cubs pitcher Lee Smith
Chatham's cow chip throwing contest 2006
Happy Birthday Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library

Dinner at Little Saigon
Springfield Dog Park
EMI Manufacturing Jacksonville Illinois
Illinois State Fair photos
Powerlight Fest photos
My first Illinois State Fair Parade (see photos!)
My trip to Decatur

Fireworks at the Lincoln Museum
Fireworks at the Lincoln Library opening day

Springfield, Illinois email list
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/springfieldillinois