Autobiography of a Schnook

Just barely missed the July deadline, but here’s a new chapter! In today’s episode:

• Sean does another Facebook bullet-pointed list
• Chicago myth-busting
• “Dear Ruby,” a tribute to the writings of Italo Calvino and to a source of frustration for some people in Sean’s line of work

Bibliography:

• It’s a Podcast, Charlie Brown
• Forward March by Carey Anne Farrell
• In the St. Nick of Time by William Pepper
• The Straight Dope column on the “Windy City” nickname
• “From the Windy City,” Cleveland Gazette, September 19, 1885
• “CHICAGO’S RECORD. Crimes of a Day in the Windy City,” Cincinnati Enquirer, September 11, 1882
• The Straight DopeWhy is there no ketchup on a properly made hot dog? – “” – August 30, 1991

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Coming to you live (well…okay, recorded) from the Schnook Nook, a new chapter!

In this episode:

• My SENIOR Year in High School – answering a frequently-posted social media survey
• The Mysterious Phantom Pac-Man Game – For years Sean has insisted that a sequel in the Pac-Man franchise existed, yet nobody believed him.
• The Doors Without Jim – What’s the point? Well…

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Believe it or not, this schnook isn’t just all about Chicago. This episode’s segments:

• My Secret (?) Happy Place
• Sean Goes to Prison
• My Wife, the Enabler

PROFANITY ALERT: There are a few uncensored profanities in the preamble. I felt it would be cheap and just plain not right to censor them in the context of what I was saying.

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In this episode:

• Remembering “Boomer” on his birthday – Too much to say about a popular teacher to fit in one episode, unfortunately.
• Dick Dale, The Beach Boys, and the “Sloop John B” Myth – Gone at 81, yet gone too young still. And is it true what they say about why California’s harmony band recorded their 1966 hit?

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The wake of St. Patrick’s Day brings the world a new chapter in this as-read-by-the-author book in podcast form. In this episode:

• Death of The Mad Russian – Six years to the day of his death, we must wonder: why WAS he so angry?
• Music for Schnooks: The Cliché-Free Love Segment – Sorry, no puns based on the name of the Elektra Records band, but…well, just listen!

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February is a short month, but not so short that a new chapter isn’t published! In this episode:

• Growing Up Catholic: Catholic School – Sean talks about his wacky adventures in education under the rule of the Vatican
• Long Title — Music For Schnooks — Don’t Meet Your Heroes: Talented Dummy Edition – In honor of a recently departed musical hero

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

• Micky Dolenz singing “I’m a Believer” with Julie Driscoll
• Peter Tork playing “Solfeggieto” (courtesy of a Hohner Clavinet) on 33 1/3 Revolutions Per Monkee

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So far 2019 has proven very busy for this schnook. In this chapter, we go a little bit past my 90-minute threshold, but not by far. Here’s what I have in store for you:

• “Good afternoon, this is Sean.” Ever wonder what went on when you called tech support? This might give some insight.
• The Beach Boys: In Defense of 15 Big Ones: I’m joined by a special guest to discuss what was supposed to be Brian Wilson’s comeback album with The Beach Boys. Was it really as bad as many fans think?

Bibliography:

• Tales From the Techs – a classic collection of tech support horror stories, that may or may not include an anonymous story from a certain podcast host!
• Full-length discussion on 15 Big Ones
• The Atari 2600 Game By Game Podcast
• Please Stand By
• IntAriVisions!
• The Beach Boys perform “That Same Song” at the Alexander Hamilton Double Rock Baptist Church
• Sail On: The Beach Boys Podcast

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Happy 2019! I hope it’s a good one for all schnooks the world over!

In this episode:

• You Can’t Spell “January” Without “Jury”
• Music For Schnooks: I have two ears – don’t tell me to listen to The Beatles in mono!

Bibliography:

• WGN Channel 9 – Season’s Greetings – “Happy Holidays” (1979)
• You, The Juror – Cook County jurors’ orientation video

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After a relatively negative chapter, Sean wanted to end 2018 with some positivity. Please enjoy this holiday-themed peek into the life of a schnook!

Bibliography:
∙ Photos of the abandoned Dixie Square Mall
∙ Holiday Special Podcast

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It’s the Christmas shopping season. As such, this episode’s focus has…sort of a shopping bend to it.

• Sean recalls his Golden Age of Malls
• Who is that Masked Man, anyway?
• Music For Schnooks: Chicago Folkies Edition

Bibliography:

• Schnook Schwag! Support this podcast by shopping for Autobiography of a Schnook goodies at Red Bubble!
• Enchanted World of Rankin Bass blog – Clayton Moore at Lincoln Mall
• Old Town School of Folk Music

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