knightfan26917

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I was cleared to drive ~1.5 weeks after the pacemaker-leads swap, but I did not even FEEL like driving until a MONTH later. I finally drove 02.24.2025 via a short late night drive in my 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis LS. My 1981 MC SC is at a friend's home in SE IL, but I may be able to get it to NE IL (where I am) sometime this spring-summer.

This past Saturday (Beware The Ides Of March) was my original best friend's birthdate (he died 12.27.1987) & 2 major death anniversaries, my closest-ever friend in 2022 & a heart buddy in 2024. In what I believe was the 1st 60+ degree day of the year here, I went for a walk around a couple blocks 03.10.2025, noticing how much has changed & stayed the same in just the last year. I found myself thinking of those 3 characters in my life, as well as so many others. Thought of them again when I reversed that path in 76-degree weather 03.14.2025. Difficult to believe I am still here while they are not.

Finally, while I continue looking for a new radio home, I am also considering a podcast, with a friend offering to help with start-up costs. Meantime, you can STILL see-hear me here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QmpWWB0d-k

PEACE | Cort, pig and cow valves with pacemaker
2003 MGM LS + 1981 cmc SC; need 1975 Chrysler Cordoba
"You have to try again" | Janie Fricke | 'You Don't Know Love'

On 2/14/2025 at 9:43 AM, G. David Felt said:

Please do respond, we promise to embrace you even if you do not agree with our viewpoint on the craziness of North America.

This is what is called freedom of speech, you will not be censored, we just ask that you avoid profanity and be respectful to agree to disagree.

Ohhhhh ... definitely agree about the craziness of it all. Just not sure we'd agree on how we got to where we are. In my opinion, letting the "little things" slide has landed us here.

PEACE | Cort, pig and cow valves with pacemaker
2003 MGM LS + 1981 cmc SC; need 1975 Chrysler Cordoba
"Don't look now, things just got worse" | Dog's Eye View | 'Everything Falls Apart'

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Recovering from my 01.24.2025 pacemaker-leads replacement has been slower than anticipated. Admittedly, I am still a bit bitter I had to endure this since the leads (installed in 2007) were at the end of their lifespan when the pacemaker was replaced July 2022. Luckily, I am finally feeling better, tho I have yet to want to drive or visit social media; I hope to be back to normal (whatever that is, ha) when the remaining post-procedure restrictions expire.

The radio station ending my radio show did not help. I am saddened because hosting my radio show on my hometown radio station was a passion keeping me active and going the last few months. Frustratingly, the station has given conflicting reasons for their decision; I have been told by others the station has made it seem like I decided to leave.

Surprisingly, my 01.18.2025 broadcast is still on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QmpWWB0d-k

Related 2025 show page on my website:
https://www.cdshowcase.com/2025-cd-showcase/

Those 2 links illustrate the enthusiasm and experience I offer. Will you please share them? I would love to get back on the airwaves or even launch a non-profit radio station!

FYI: 02.13.2025 was Radio Day; 02.14.2025 is Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day.

PEACE | Cort, pig and cow valves with pacemaker
2003 MGM LS + 1981 cmc SC; need 1975 Chrysler Cordoba
"Crank up the music" | Steven Curtis Chapman | 'Live Out Loud'

*sighs*

1 of these days, I'm actually going to "catch up" in this thread. I get email notifications ... and the amount of emails I have saved to 'someday' comment or reply ... is staggering.

*rolls eyes*

Translation ... I probably never will get caught up, which is fine, I guess, since some of my replies may not be popular.

*shrugs*

PEACE | Cort, pig and cow valves with pacemaker
2003 MGM LS + 1981 cmc SC; need 1975 Chrysler Cordoba
"There's things goin' on make me mad down to the core" | Charlie Daniels | 'Simple Man'

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Life keeps getting in the way. Hope the holiday season was good for you. Visiting quickly today because...

...this past Saturday's CD SHOWCASE (01/18/2025) was also streamed live on WRMN's YouTube channel! However, I do not know how long it will be available. If you are interested, check it out soon:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QmpWWB0d-k

Website page for the 2025 shows:
https://www.cdshowcase.com/2025-cd-showcase/

PEACE | Cort, pig and cow valves with pacemaker
2003 MGM LS + 1981 cmc SC; need 1975 Chrysler Cordoba
"Count your blessings now 'fore they're long gone" | Pink | 'Who Knew'

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Popping in here quickly to invite y'all to join me for HOLIDAY editions of CD SHOWCASE! The fun starts with a special Thanksgiving Day (11/28/2024) broadcast, 4p-6p US central, and continues the next 5 Saturdays (11/30, 12/07, 12/14, 12/21 & 12/28), 7p-9p US central. Check out details (including how to listen & playlists) here:
https://www.cdshowcase.com/2024-cd-showcase-holiday/

Also in the link are quotes about the show, including from...
...Michael H, NM: "I love what you play.... I’m always puzzled why most stations play 1 or 2 songs of a particular artist over & over, when they have so many good songs that are skipped over?”
...Brian R, GA: "If radio was always like this, I’d be listening to the radio all the time."

One of these days, I may finally be able to visit regularly like I did back in the day....

PEACE | Cort, pig and cow valves with pacemaker
2003 MGM LS + 1981 cmc SC; need 1975 Chrysler Cordoba
"My world is changing" | Faith Hill | 'Where Are You Christmas?'

Hey Drew!

Thank you. Hope you are well.

Meanwhile ... 

I promised myself I'd check in here regularly again [even have some email notifications saved to circle back to reply at some point......], but life keeps getting in the way. So much happening! Where does the time go?

Reminder:
I broadcast LIVE every Saturday night, 7p-9p US central.

Check out the website:
https://www.cdshowcase.com/2024-cd-showcase/

Featured:
* playlists
* quotes about the show
* how to listen
* ways to contact me
* quick links (including EVENTS pages)
* partial list of artists yet to be played

During the broadcasts, I've also mentioned some events in the upcoming week. If you have an event you'd like mentioned, let me know.

CD SHOWCASE website events page:
https://www.cdshowcase.com/events/

PEACE | Cort, pig and cow valves with pacemaker
2003 MGM LS + 1981 cmc SC; need 1975 Chrysler Cordoba
"Years & miles are flying by" | Bon Jovi | 'Lost Highway'

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Anyone remember me!? Been almost 2 years since I visited and posted. Life is short and unpredictable; treasure every moment.

I logged into social media Saturday afternoon (09.14.2024) for the 1st time in over a year and quickly discovered a few more friends had died. One in particular from my "heart circles", Lorraine, was 1 of the 1st to meet up with me after Dan's death because she knew we'd be laughing hysterically as usual from our conversational topics; laughter was surely needed. Another, Rich, from my automotive and Route 66 circles, had shown me his 1973 Monte Carlo he bought brand new when I visited him the 1st time during my 2009 Route 66 road trip (15 years ago now); at the time, it was in his barn and covered in dust, but he'd recently gotten it out and I never had a chance to see it in person.

NEW LAW
Read about a new piece of legislation I sparked with inquiries about processes following a death:
https://patch.com/illinois/elgin/rep-moeller-sen-edly-allen-work-save-lives-fentanyl-law-nodx

BACK ON WRMN
I am sssoooo excited to announce I have returned to the airwaves, LIVE every Saturday night, 7p-9p US central, on my hometown radio station, Elgin's 1410 AM. You can hear me ANYWHERE online or via mobile app. Check out the details, along with the playlist from the 1st broadcast last Saturday, 09.14.2024:
https://www.cdshowcase.com/2024-cd-showcase/

PEACE | Cort, pig and cow valves with pacemaker
2003 MGM LS + 1981 cmc SC; need 1975 Chrysler Cordoba
"I ain't ready for the junkyard yet" | George Jones | 'I Don't Need Your Rocking Chair'

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Each time I visit, I INTEND to visit regularly to not have so much catching up to do, but life gets in the way. A good thing, for the most part. May was the last time I visited, so some FYI updates, with links for pics and more info, if you are interested.

But 1st:
Anyone in Chicagoland want to meet?

Also, I am formulating road trips to northwest IL, Wisconsin, Iowa, Kansas, southern IL, Tennessee, Carolinas, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Michigan, etc, so please advise if you would like me to visit! Along the way, I may attend EVENTS listed on my 3 websites:
https://www.cdshowcase.com/events/
https://www.cdconsultingservice.com/events/
https://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/ocsh-cruise-nights/

ON THE AIR
Tuesday, 11/22/2022, I joined Carol for the last few minutes of the WRMN-EAC "Chamber Chat" program; you can see and hear me starting around the 31 minute mark via Facebook live:
https://www.facebook.com/CDShowcase/posts/pfbid0co9FqtX6VkR43dQTLFhHj5DTvWbrjU6zABJ88BiizwkSbmm2PYw9Y7s4APLykUX1l

ROAD TRIPS-VISITS
* 06/2022, I drove to western IL and far eastern IA with an aunt and cousin.
https://www.facebook.com/CDConsultingService/posts/pfbid02KZ6Qiit49zDWkWhBqKtnu7ztT3YjieMpsgajimACEeLbtqxosYZfvFcMB9ivX4vPl

* 07/2022, I met a friend in Marengo IL.
https://www.facebook.com/CDShowcase/posts/pfbid0FSoJLxb5iuDZSR9WAd2Qpq7Wt4dzbMjjbuvj6tLgjxUH8jkKx3EjWQzhZRoY3i4Jl

* 08/2022, After months of planning, I finally road tripped to Springfield IL to see a friend and was treated to a ride in a cool car.
https://www.facebook.com/OldCarsStrongHearts/posts/pfbid02rXpU4FRKXj69x9KTbN88w2XsoCe5nrTULFDHWbJpH4r61mL6dmiVRwgb5hLLNiWal

* 09-10/2022, I journeyed along several mini road trips, but neglected to take pictures of my trip to northeast IN, tho I did write up the details.
https://www.facebook.com/cortOldCarsStrongHearts/posts/pfbid02VeEynckWModdwhsM7Wx8bz8At759g7A8yX3jPouqHNJW5LGft37qdcwfkovphiqUl

MY CARS MEET
My 2 cars (2003 Mercury Grand Marquis LS and 1981 Monte Carlo SC) finally met in person for the 1st time in southeast IL, 10/2022:
https://www.facebook.com/OldCarsStrongHearts/posts/pfbid0Gt8FzMp2EKYSCXpYiLfk1sCJknFc6ewFYdBgH76hyVu3MLiY61GRSsHxKF2ibZudl

During that same trip, I took several cool photos, including these 2:
https://www.facebook.com/cortOldCarsStrongHearts/posts/pfbid0o8axkDdQVCHYrmDNJPRAVKHCDrikFSDx7z5hu5peiQWkaoWtgXCPV4i2adbiV2Xel
https://www.facebook.com/cortOldCarsStrongHearts/posts/pfbid02p1UdfSSDgAU9cQhphxC6KjU5W1VbqcpDdBctPmMe48EdeVY2KBXA2tWqQjFygwTql

REMEMBERED-CELEBRATED
* Dan at 3 months:
https://www.facebook.com/cortOldCarsStrongHearts/posts/pfbid0SMtaTpnbUoch4g8mDh8EwDU9R1uzEoxFBpsdFp6c4tgzF19i3edqNd62kecqgBDml

* 07/01/2022, my pacemaker was replaced, after over a year of being told the replacement would be "within months"; funny how that works.
https://www.facebook.com/cortOldCarsStrongHearts/posts/pfbid02aerGs9jtb8nVgmV5jmHXCSveuXZWtGezpUGVf3fyNcZQDEjtB5xBkvTjQ8F57Gs4l

* Dan at 6 months:
https://www.facebook.com/cortOldCarsStrongHearts/posts/pfbid02WadQRYcGgsLDQdTrj9WbUHMhkRnGGRnPaQiSLJSNtekHrrcW2ZkAb8kiUgHnzRmHl

* 10/31/2022, for Halloween, we had 22 trick or treaters, including Nephew And The 2 Nieces.
https://www.facebook.com/cortOldCarsStrongHearts/posts/pfbid0sxbqh6Qefdg59wNZimCtMcEzixnQ6oeBbstQQHGKPvUT2pzF5n1zyPvBY2tmGfhfl

* 11/11/2022, 11 years since my 4th open heart surgery; celebrated a day early on the last "warm" day of the year with this photo:
https://www.facebook.com/cortOldCarsStrongHearts/posts/pfbid02M3UmxGWtLTKbeXWb8nbs89sdCEeK3UEiAGnsREZ8r2emW9io2HEy7c5jVtRqLABKl

* 11/24/2022, Thanksgiving Day, I posted a sampling of the GRATITUDE LOG I began in early May:
https://www.facebook.com/cortOldCarsStrongHearts/posts/pfbid0wvphc5dB6tbV7XVt2A289S4DHfXeAdvFqguvztu6YpLri9mKMtcQaPHvPAMT9y3Xl

Cort, pig and cow valves with pacemaker
2003 MGM LS + 1981 cmc SC; need 1975 Chrysler Cordoba
"Wonderin' what's real & wonderin' why" | Andy & Terry Murray | 'Treasures For The Road'

Just now, David said:

Good News - Welcome back @knightfan26917 you are missed

Bad News - Briefly, REALLY???????????  ?

Awe, thank you, David.

Well, look at how long it took me to get back here. May was the last time I visited. Never enough time in the day.

Cort, pig and cow valves with pacemaker
2003 MGM LS + 1981 cmc SC; need 1975 Chrysler Cordoba
"My world is changing" | Faith Hill | 'Where Are You Christmas?'

On 5/30/2022 at 7:14 PM, riviera74 said:

Whose idea was to turn an mid-90s Impala SS into a pastiche of a mid-80s El Camino?  This is SAD!

Not NEARLY as SAD as the 1985-88 Toyota Nova or the 1995-2007 Celebrity-Lumina "monte carlo" or the current "blazer" or MANY others. SMH.

Current random thought: feeling frazzled. Have so many "want to do" things that I get overwhelmed. Then I try to make time for in person visits and social media ... and visiting message boards, but the message boards are left out ... then I find myself wanting to "catch up" again, then feel horrible for not checking back regularly.

But ... life is good!

Cort, pig and cow valves with pacemaker
2003 MGM LS + 1981 cmc SC; need 1975 Chrysler Cordoba
"You have all the tender sweetness of a seasick crocodile" | Thurl Ravenscroft | 'You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch'

On 5/23/2022 at 4:03 PM, Drew Dowdell said:

Is it that far away from you that it counts as a road trip?

Sorta yes, sorta no LOL.

But, they have met now. Posting a new topic with more details shortly.

Cort, pig and cow valves with pacemaker
2003 MGM LS + 1981 cmc SC; need 1975 Chrysler Cordoba
"I shiver when I see the falling snow" | Merle Haggard | 'If We Make It Through December'

Good news: I am visiting once again.

Bad news: I'm afraid it's only going to be briefly again.

But, I am alive. FWIW.

Cort, pig and cow valves with pacemaker
2003 MGM LS + 1981 cmc SC; need 1975 Chrysler Cordoba
"It's coming on Christmas" | Robert Downey Jr | 'River'

schmo

On 5/23/2022 at 4:12 PM, 67impss said:

Good to hear from you Cort it's been a year of Sundays

Thank you, good to see you, too! Yes, it certainly has ... I like the way you put that.

Cort, pig and cow valves with pacemaker
2003 MGM LS + 1981 cmc SC; need 1975 Chrysler Cordoba
"It's a pudding made of figs ... & bacon" | Gonzo to Miss Piggy/John Denver & Muppets | 'We Wish You A Merry Christmas'

Christmas music currently.

But my tastes are eclectic: Ronnie Milsap to Linkin Park to Stephen Curtis Chapman to basically you name it.

"Maybe I'll drive so far they'll all lose track" | Dolly Parton | 'Hard Candy Christmas'
Cort, pig and cow valves with pacemaker
2003 MGM LS + 1981 cmc SC; need 1975 Chrysler Cordoba

Thank you, Drew!

Well, here are a couple photos. As for the visit, I plan to ... just need to figure out what to do with the 2003 MGM LS 1st before I can road trip. *rolls eyes*

Cort, pig and cow valves with pacemaker
2003 MGM LS + 1981 cmc SC; need 1975 Chrysler Cordoba
"You might miss what you left behind" | Dierks Bentley | 'Slow Down'

Hmmmmmmmm......long time no see.

O:) 

Cort, pig and cow valves with pacemaker
2003 MGM LS + 1981 cmc SC; need 1975 Chrysler Cordoba
"Something's wrong in the world today" | Aerosmith | 'Living On The Edge'

Hmmm ... limey

As in a green car ... the most notable one in my memory is a 1976 Monte Carlo I saw in person a few times.

Cort, pig and cow valves with pacemaker
2003 MGM LS + 1981 cmc SC; need 1975 Chrysler Cordoba
"Where's that shiny car? ...did it ever get you far?" | All-American Rejects | 'Gives You H**l'

On 3/10/2022 at 5:52 PM, Drew Dowdell said:

Post pics of your rides, but try and get them all in one frame!

Great pic of your family, Drew.

Ha ... my current 2 haven't even "met" yet.

I bought my current daily 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis LS October 2016.

My other car, my 1981 Monte Carlo SC (the surviving member of my former MC family) has been at my friends' place near Effingham IL since 2013.

Cort, pig and cow valves with pacemaker
2003 MGM LS + 1981 cmc SC; need 1975 Chrysler Cordoba
"I wanna drive" | Trace Adkins | '(Her Favorite Color Is) Chrome'

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Anyone remember me!?

For various reasons, it's been a LONG time since I've logged in & posted here. BUT, after reconnecting and chatting with Drew a bit, I figured I'd log in & post. Hope that's OK.

A lot has happened since I last was here, but I won't bore you. Instead, I'll share a couple of recent things, in case anyone is interested.

I finally detailed my car. Big deal, right? For me, this time, it kinda is!

When I had my family of MCs, I spent every "automotive season" Saturday (weather permitting) detailing a car. But, when I detailed my 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis LS (which I'd bought late 2016) a few weeks ago, I hadn't detailed a car in at least 6 years. That sparked a "Monday Mystery" social media status which then led to a full entry (including pictures!) on OC,SH.

If you'd like to read the tale, check it out here:
https://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/2021/07/21/cleaning-detail/

Meantime, 1 reason I list events in all 50 states on the OC,SH website is to encourage people to travel to meet. I did that a lot ~2002-2011 (which some of you might remember). Along those road trips, I discovered some cool connections.

Take a look at the list & see what you might want to attend yet this year. As always, you are welcome to join us in Elgin IL along Historic US 20 for Cruise Days (Sundays, 3p-6p) & Cruise Nights (Wednesdays, 6p-8p). What road trips have you planned & done around gatherings?

Cruise Days-Nights & Events:
https://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/ocsh-cruise-nights/

Cort, pig & cow valves with pacemaker
2003 MGM LS + 1981 cmc SC; need 1975 Chrysler Cordoba
"Let me slip away" | Gordon Lightfoot | 'Carefree Highway'

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Cort www.oldcarsstronghearts.com

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Cort www.oldcarsstronghearts.com

Wow.......................

Cort www.oldcarsstronghearts.com

On a more serious note, it's good to see GM admitting that they made product planning mistakes and try to rectify them.

They've a long way go to, tho.

Now we need a coupe.  Cavalier and Cobalt coupes still pepper the roadways.

AMEN to the coupe.  Never understood why the Cruze hasn't received a coupe variant, when, as others have noted, the Cavalier & Cobalt coupes are all over the place.  Still see quite a few around these parts, too.

Cort www.oldcarsstronghearts.com