Church of Buffett, Orthodox: January 1999 News

My wife and I just returned from Key West...a great time in a laid back place. It truly was our Margaritaville. Apparently Jimmy was their and played 4 or 5 songs at his place on January 22. Walking down Duval we passed his place and I thought we would catch it on the way back to our Hotel. Little did I know he was to play there about 30 minutes later!!!!!!! Aggggghhhhh!!!!!!!!! I was crushed when we stopped in a bit later and the people in the gift shop said they locked and bolted the doors and the people in the place where treated to a mini jam session....they said the word got out real quick and within five minutes you could hardly see the front of the place. His voice was a little shredded from recording and after a few songs he said he didn't want ot push it. Anyway, I thought I would pass it along...they said he left on Sunday to get Cameron back to school on Monday....

Larry in Champaign

January 28

Fingers will be headlining the St. Patrick's Day Party at Buddy Guy's Legends in Chicago on March 17. Maybe he'll be playing the greens instead of the blues (ok slap me now) ... Thanks to Bo Baber

Margaritaville has more notes on Beach House on the Moon. Alex Leist did a nice quick rundown of the new songs:

1. a cowritten song w/ Mac McAnally called "Spending Money."

2. A song Jimmy has wanted to record for 2 years. "Pacing The Cage" by Bruce Cockburn

3. A new song called "Waiting For the Explosion"

4. "I will play For Gumbo"

5. "Joggin" by John D. Loudermilk,

6. "Flesh and Bone"

7. "Mac McAnnalys Semi-True Stories"

8. Oysters and Pearls" Mac and Jimmy

Apparently Jimmy gave his pep talk to the Margaritaville employees in Orlando Tuesday, not Charleston. The M'ville Annual Meeting will be held in Charleston this weekend. Thanks to Bob Robinson

The St. Petersburg Times has another report mentioning Jimmy possibly joining in a group to buy a share of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

January 27

Beach House on the Moon is reportedly finished. Thanks to Michael Carnell

The parrot head who had his grass skirt set on fire August 1, 1998 at the Nissan Pavilion is in the news again.

Radio Margaritaville has a new clip "Love and Luck."

Jimmy gave a pep talk to approximately 225 Margaritaville employees, including the new Orlando site, yesterday in Charleston. Thanks to Michael Carnell

More news on the Orlando Margaritaville, courtesy of Palm Beach Traders:

The building is large and roomy with sort of a "neo-southern" maybe Bermuda design theme. I ain't no architect or consultant to Martha Stewart...It has four narrow white columns out front and teal aquamarine trim/facings and glass. A large sign saying "Jimmy Buffett's Margartaville" is centered above the front "veranda" facade in blue and green.

Word from those who have visited the construction site is that the new cafe is huge, including a large detailed model of a Grumman Flying boat (4 engines) with a wing span of over 20 feet (1:10 scale?) suspended from the ceiling. The interior is done in a funky island/tropical motif with earth tones and lime green. One of the large bars has a "tin roof"and a bamboo facade.

Jimmy conducted an inspection tour and signed autographs for workers on a trip in early January. According to my sources, he took time out from signing workers books and stuff to sign the bar with a "Dremel" style tool. He spent a lot of time checking all sorts of details and asking lots of questions. He even had a hand-painted colorful custom hardhat on top of his ever present khaki ballcap while touring the site according to my source who was working at the site.

Greg "Fingers" Taylor will be stormin' the stage March 6 in Onancock Va. at L J's Sports Bar to help kick of the Virginia Eastern Shore Music Festival. This is a special one night only appearance for "Fingers". For more information, contact musicfest@esva.net.

January 24

I've added seven new CoB,O Missionaries. Why aren't you one?

Jimmy was mentioned briefly during VH1's "Where are they now?" show on Kim Carnes. Evidently Kim bought Jimmy's former house in Nashville in 1994 and they showed a brief clip of Jimmy (literally about 2 seconds). Thanks to Barrett Roby

January 23

Margaritaville reports the new album is now titled Beach House on the Moon and four tracks have been recorded: "Spending The Money" co-written with Mac McAnally, "Pacing The Cage" by Bruce Cockburn, " "Joggin" by John D. Loudermilk, " and "Waitin' For the Next Explosion." Thanks to Marty Farrell

Since "Pacing The Cage" seems to be slated for the new album, I thought I'd bring back an old clip From The Vault, courtesy of Dave Pittman, "Pacing The Cage."

I'm not sure on the accuracy of this report (courtesy of Vince Settles), as Jimmy was supposed to be in Key West on the 21st, but I figured what the heck:

On 1/21/99 a friend of mine happened to be at a club located in the Muscle Shoals Holiday Inn called "Fizz." This club is very small and is known as a jukebox bar. Apparently, Jimmy showed up and enjoyed a few drinks and later took the stage and proceeded to play a few tunes. My source is NOT a JB fan so he was unable to recall the songs played but did state the place was hopping and he ended up having a great time. Word got out of his appearance at Fizz and generated a large crowd the next night.

I was asked to pass this along:

My name is Dave Hayslip. I am the promoter/event coordinator for 2 shows in Columbus Ohio for Peter Mayer. I was hoping that you might help me out by posting this info on any sites that might help the boys get some exposure! The dates are Feb. 11, and 12th. The Feb 12 show is already sold out, but we are taking reservations for the 11th.
Uncle Dan's Tavern
150 Howard St.
Mt. Vernon, Ohio 43050
740-392-6886

or email me at dave@ecr.net
Call the tavern/hotel direct to charge tickets.
The website for the Tavern and hotel is www.danemmetthouse.com

January 22

Margaritaville is planning to release some Radio Margaritaville CDs in the future. Thanks to Rick Garner

CD Now is offering advance ordering on Jimmy Buffett's American Storyteller for $4.99. It is to be released on February 2. I do not know what is on this yet.. Thanks to Stu Schwartz

According to the Tampa Tribune, Jimmy is part of a group attempting to buy Tampa Bay's major league team the Devil Rays. Thanks to Adam Weinstein

The latest issue of CyberConch has the article "Postcards from Paradise" which is sort of about Jimmy influencing the lifestyles of a few people:

Lettuce and Tomato

In the spring of 1978 my Conch boyfriend and I drove from Key West to Maryland, to party with friends there. It was one of those madcap adventures best executed by young, carefree lovers, capable of going without sleep for days at a time and blasting off in a moment's notice in pursuit of fresh thrills.

"Spring has sprung in Silver Spring!" Joe enthused over the phone. "Come on up and have yourselves some springtime!"

On the same day we hit the road, Jimmy Buffett's song "Cheeseburger in Paradise" hit the airwaves. We heard it over and over again on the car radio, and each time we did, we practiced the words to the chorus:

I like mine with lettuce and tomato
Heinz 57 and french fried potatoes
A big slice of onion and a cold glass 'o beer,
God almighty which way do I steer for my
Cheeseburger in Paradise.

Of course the moment ultimately arrived during that interminable road trip when a waitress in a North Carolina diner asked us how we wanted our burgers. Slapping rhythm on the table, we sang out the chorus to "Cheeseburger in Paradise," which by then, we knew by heart.

That crazy trip marked the beginning and the end of my brief romance with Jimmy Buffett music. I never did become a Parrot Head.

Nonetheless, I'm a fan. Buffett is a great American success story. He's about having fun, and slapping out rhythms on the table. I can certainly relate to that! And you've got to love a guy who, according to legend, found the launching pad for his stellar career right here in Paradise.

I have a nephew up north who is a giant Buffett fan. He does not have the resources to be a Parrot Head. No regular address to get the newsletter. No money to buy concert tickets or even a Hawaiian shirt. He spends his money, when he has it, on booze.

A while back this aimless fellow was arrested for driving under the influence. Since he'd never been in trouble before, the judge sentenced him to community service. But the boy chose to do jail time.

Why? Because he's lazy and broke. In jail, he figured, he'd eat and have a roof over his head.

"He wants to party all the time and be a bum like his idol Jimmy Buffett," his broken-hearted father said.

I was wildly offended on behalf of the creator of Margaritaville.

"Buffett's no bum," I said. "He writes songs. He writes books. He creates jobs and raises money for charities. You don't create an empire like his partying all the time."

Wasting away in Margaritaville is about a season, not a lifestyle. And Parrot Heads aren't bums either. That's evident from the crowds who frequently flock here in Margaritaville to celebrate their adoration of Buffett - the man and his music. They drove sleek cars and filled the island's nicest hotels and restaurants.

So I'm sending my nephew Buffett's new autobiography. I'm thinking he's a captive audience. I'm hoping he knows how to read.

Former CRB member Tim Krekel's new website is finished. Thanks to Chris Jarrell

Bob Vila's This Old House's show on Key West (previously mentioned in the archives) is due to be finished by February 6th. On-air date is still up in the air-March or April? Thanks to Russ Roberts

The Peter Mayer Fan Club asked me to post this:

Hi everyone!

PETER (ROMEO'S GARAGE) IS GOING TO BE ON THE RADIO!!!!! I'm shouting at ya because I am so excited to pass on this information from an anonymous source!

Below is an e-mail from the NPR Producer of Car Talk!!! You MUST tune in to this show!! It airs all over the country, usually on Saturday mornings. It is an extremely funny show with off the wall humor and twisted car advice. I have included the web address and a link for AOL users. PLEASE tune in after you find the station in your town that hosts NPR! The web site is very easy to use to find stations in your listening area. We NEED to call in about Peter's song!!!! This could very well be the break Peter needs!! The NPR folks need to know he has a huge fan base that will listen to them! Please tell everyone you know!!!! Please post to the listserve or email me and let me know that you heard it, and on what station and city. BOMBARD THESE STATIONS WITH PHONE CALLS!!! NPR is one of the last frontiers for independent artists who are not involved in the major label machine. Free speech at its best!

We're using Peter Mayer's CD, Romeo's Garage, on this weekend's Car Talk program 9904 1/23/99. If you've got any more car related music, please send it our way.
Thanks again,
Catherine Ray
Assistant Producer, Car Talk
Box 3500 Harvard Square
Cambridge, MA 02238
catherine@cartalk.com

Find your station at
http://www.npr.org/members/stations.list.html

January 21

Margaritaville has a new album page with info that I've already presented here.

Rick Garner sent this in regarding the rumored Arkansas show:

Well, it doesn't sound like a done deal yet, but the entertainment editor that I mentioned had lunch yesterday with a local promoter who's attempting to bring it about. And it seems that he's now saying Hot Spring, so the problems mentioned with the War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock have probably eliminated it from the list. Hot Springs is about an hour from Little Rock.

Scott French found a travel brochure with Jimmy's face for Universal Studios CityWalk:

Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville

Close your eyes. Lean back. Sip the ultimate margarita. Now you're in Margaritaville - where every corner brings to life a different Jimmy Buffett classic, as island music carries you away and you savor your cheeseburger in a Parrothead Paradise.

Guy Brierre sent this in from Cigar Afficionado:

Berlin's Cigar & Cocktail Bar
Key West, Florida

On a windy day in Key West, it's possible to catch a faint whiff of the sweet tobacco growing 90 miles away in Cuba's Vuelta Abajo--or so the legend goes. In reality, that's probably just the smoke wafting out of Berlin's Cigar & Cocktail Bar. Easygoing yet elegant, Berlin's is a calm oasis in a raucous town. Nights on Duval Street (Key West's main strip of bars, restaurants and souvenir shops) get loud. Though the town hosts far fewer smugglers, treasure hunters and wayward sailors than it did 100 years ago, pleasure-seeking tourists and wanderlusting vagabonds seem more than willing to carry on the town's tradition of debauchery. The music at Berlin's--Frank Sinatra's "That's Life," for example--contrasts sharply with that of Duval Street's other cantinas, where a more common jukebox selection is Jimmy Buffet's "Why Don't We Get Drunk and Screw."

January 19

Jimmy is rumored to play central Arkansas in May. First location choice: War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, but because of possible construction issues, he may play at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Ark. Thanks to Debbie Byrne

On March 1 Jimmy will play at Don Henley's Escape To Margaritaville for Walden Woods (in Boston) again. Here is the scoop, courtesy of Carl:

Boston Park Plaza Hotel, 64 Arlington Street, Boston; cocktail reception at 6 p.m.; dinner at 7:30 p.m.; special performance by Jimmy Buffett at 9:30 p.m. Cocktail or Parrot Head attire (prize to be awarded for best Parrot Head outfit). Individual tickets $250, $500, or $1,000 each; tables of ten $2,500, $5,000, or $10,000 each. The majority of the ticket price is a tax-deductible contribution to the Walden Woods Project, a non-profit organization. Note: Tickets are sold in advance only. There will be no ticket availability on the night of the event. No admittance without prior reservation. For more information, call (781) 259-4700 or email WWProject@walden.org.

The MOTM 98 Official Convention Video (Parrot Heads in Paradise's national convention) will be released in February. Jimmy has agreed to let the developers use a portion of his Greene St. performance. For more information contact Robin or visit their website.

Warner Reprise Home Video is scheduled to release a Brian Wilson video called Imagination (VHS $15.49 at CDNow) on today. The tape/DVD features concert segments from the former Beach Boy's recent tour in supoort of his new album, as well as interviews with various music biz luminaries, including Jimmy.

January 18

The AP has a photo of Jimmy at Alabama governor-elect Don Siegelman's inauguration... as well as these quotes from Jimmy describing "this tropical day in Montgomery" and "Most of my adolescent life I was being chased by Alabama state troopers. Today I got to ride in the car. Things have changed in Alabama."

Today's Oregonian shows a picture of Governor John Kitzhaber playing his guitar (thanks to feldesman@usa.hormelnet). The picture's caption is:

Wailing away again in...: Gov John Kitzhaber sings the Jimmy Buffett classic "Margaritaville" during his inaugural 'hoe down' Saturday night in the New Corral Saloon in Salem.

Bubba, the Salty Dog is at it again. Check out Why Don't You Get Saved and Pray posted to the Listserv.

January 17

Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports, which has won the Winston Cup drivers' championship the past four years, discusses his battle with leukemia, saying that "Jimmy Buffett and me are both going to be 50 here. I've got his book and I'm trying to be just like him."

Peter Mayer guru Drew Warren is sharing a couple of live PM performances (requires RealAudio 5.0).

Congratulations to Marti Watt, winner of the CoB,O Logo Contest. Marti receives a concert tape of his choice from the archives of the CoB,O! My sincere thanks goes out to all participants; they are fantastic artists.

From The Vault has the Evangeline song "Gulf Coast Highway" with Jimmy sitting in on vocals.

The Question of the Week has been updated.

I've gotten the Meeting of the Minds online registration system running. Now you can register for Parrot Heads in Paradise's annual convention in Key West in October.

January 16

Even more news on Man Overboard: apparently Jimmy and the CRB are recording at Mac McAnally's studio (the same one that Peter Mayer's new album was recorded at), and are scheduled to be recording at Shrimpboat Sound in Key West on the 2oth.

January 15

News on the new album. Word is spreading around the Listserv that Michael McCloud's "Just came down for the Weekend" will be on Man Overboard. Nothing definite, but some logical conclusions. Two independent sources have confirmed that Jimmy is NOT in Key West recording right now, but is instead in Alabama recording! The whole gang is working at Muscle Shoals. Jimmy was spotted in Fairhope eating a a cafe yesterday. He even had his famous backpack.

Margaritaville Orlando-Universal Studios will have a "soft" opening on February 4th. Employee training starts January 25th. anonymous due to employee confidentiality

Drew Warren passed this along:

Former CU football coach Rick Neuheisel has vowed not to jump on stage to sing Margaritaville with pal ,Jimmy Buffett, anymore. ''I'm a huge fan of his,'' Neuheisel told the Seattle Times. ''And it was a thrill, but it was wrong. The focus was on me as a personality. I want the debate at Washington to be whether I can coach or not. I'm anxious to withdraw and put my team first.

Jimmy is compared to local musician Bob Hayes (or vice versa) in the Arkansas Times. Thanks to Rick Garner

January 14

You are now the director for Where Is Joe Merchant? Cast your vote now and decide who should play what role in the upcoming movie...

Jon Stewart on The Daily Show did a segment on the Florida 2000, about 2000 great Floridians....but they only got 200 nominations...5 governors....3 athletes, and 156 misspellings of Jimmy Buffett...and they showed a picture of Jimmy. Thanks to joeybehere2@aol.com

January 13

Mark Kennedy just passed this along. I doubt it's true but hey, it'd be a helluva show:

I just got an email from a friend on a sailboat in Bimini. She claims that JB is there on a sailboat (an old ketch?) and is going to play tonight. I know, I know, could be fishy, but if it's true I want COBO to be the first with the news...

Jimmy is mentioned in the February issue of Playboy, in the "20 Questions" with "The Motley Fools" investment advisors. Jimmy is compared to Warren Buffett in "the Motley Fool - Wall Street Court Jesters on Patience, Risk and the Difference between Warren Bufffett and Jimmy Buffett." Thanks to Mark Friedman and James Baden

E! is doing a special this weekend called Wild In Key West. They will spend the whole hour showing the party life in Key West. The show airs at 10pm, 1/16/99. Thanks to Bo Baber

Warner Reprise Home Video is scheduled to release a Brian Wilson video called Imagination (VHS $17.49 at CDNow) on Friday. The tape/DVD features concert segments from the former Beach Boy's recent tour in supoort of his new album, as well as interviews with various music biz luminaries, including Jimmy. Thanks to Dale Greer

Jimmy is mentioned in the new issue of Car & Driver on "Ironman" Ivan Stewart, the off-road racing phenom. Buffett performed at Ivan's 50th birthday party a few years ago in Baja and that he sang "Happy Birthday" to him. Thanks to Scott Edwards

Many people have written in saying how much they enjoy some of the off-the-wall Buffett-like stories, so I thought I'd continue to pass them along:

From Jerry Elya:

This in the December 20 column "Pssst" by Jim Knippenberg, Cincinnati Enquirer:

Reward Posted For Parrot-Napper

Here with a harrowing story of kidnapping, ransom, vile pictures and free beer.

Meet Mr. Parrot. He's ceramic, about a foot high, and once stood on a pedestal in the corner of the Buffalo Wings & Rings at 797 Compton Road. He was a good luck gift to owner Maj Morlan from Wing's corporate office when she opened the franchise a year ago.

Mr. Parrot presided silently over the bar until Spring, when he disappeared. Next thinh Morlan knows, she gets a ransom note. Anonymous, of course. then desperate pleas from the parrot, begging for help. No return address, though.

Then the pictures. . .

First came one of the parrot in a phone boot, placing a call. Since then, Morlan has received pictures of Mr. parrot in key West, Las Vegas, Nag's Head, and, get this, New York with the parrot surrounded by the cast of Cats and a desperate note telling her, "These cats are too close to me! Help! Help! Help!"

The kidnapper remains a mystery (but mercy, what a travel schedule), even though most of the sales staff of Heidelberg Distributing, the company that supplies Wing's beer, is looking.

Now, we're talking a reward. Morlan is offering a case of beer and 25 wings to anyone who squeals on the culprit.

January 12

Word has it that Jimmy hasn't started recording Man Overboard yet but will start soon, as Shrimpboat Sound is being rapidly prepped. Thanks to Chris Jarrell

Radio Margaritaville has a new clip: "The Pirate."

Jimmy showed up last weekend at the Carribean Soul Booth at the Orlando Surf Expo. Thanks to Denise Irwin

You can check out a picture of Jimmy proudly displaying his 44" striper courtesy of Hewes.

The Tuscaloosa Parrot Head Club has a new web site.

January 10

Jimmy will sing "Stars Fell on Alabama" for Alabama governor-elect Don Siegelman's inauguration on Monday, January 18 a little after noon. The schedule is available at MSNBC.

January 9

According to Amusement Business, Jimmy came in 2nd in top recent concert grosses with his Tampa, Fla. Dec. 10. grossing $761,474.

Jimmy is mentioned in Catering company dishes out fine food and gossip in 'Backstage Passes' , a book about catering to musicians.

Radio Margaritaville has a new clip: "Stars on the Water."

Quite a few people have been written in asking regarding a recent Chicago Tribune article saying Jimmy was thinking about cutting back (SOS). That's just the same article that ran in the Philadelphia Inquirer last week, which was a rerun of an August article. Fore more info see January's archives. Not to worry folks!

January 7

I'm accepting nominations for actors and actresses to play the various parts in Where Is Joe Merchant? poll. The poll starts this weekend so send them in now!

More on the New Year's Eve rumor that Jimmy will be playing Foxy's in Jost Van Dyke, BVI, from UnkFrank:

I was speaking to my colleague who owns Anegada Reef Hotel in the BVI, and she heard that dinner at Jost Van Dyke, Foxy's, will be $1,000 per person for New Year's.....!

From Gaming Today (thanks to Derek Delp?):

"Buffett To Sing Pretty For Parrot Heads in Las Vegas"

I hear fans of Jimmy Buffett will have a new place to hang their hats soon when Harvey's and Colonial Capital join forces to build still yet another new hotel (Margaritaville?) off the strip on Harmon Road in Las Vegas.

It's a hush - hush secret, but at least one rosebud has been telling us about it for weeks now. She insists Buffett will a regular at the new resort.

In the meantime, the marriage between Harvey's and Colonial didn't make the December agenda for approval of Nevada gaming regulators. Look for a January/February at the latest, nuptial.

January 6

Dale Greer has added a dozen images of Buffett promo posters and publicity photos to the A1A Archives.

PageNet's CNN newsfeed featured Jimmy's benefit concert in Mobile as seen yesterday.

Thomas Ponton passed this along:

Former Buffett collaborator Will Jennings is up for two Grammys including "Song of the Year"this year for his part in writing the lyrics to the tune "My Heart Will Go On" from the movie "Titanic". The song won an Oscar for Jennings last year, his second (the first for "Up Where We Belong" from "An Officer & A Gentleman".

Jennings, referred to as "The Texas Professor" by Jimmy Buffett in the liner notes to Buffett's box set, collaborated with Buffett and Michael Utley on several songs from the albums "Riddles In The Sand" and "Last Mango In Paris" in the mid 1980's. Among those songs were "The Jolly Mon", "Ragtop Day", and "Whose The Blond Stranger?"

Jimmy is mentioned in the Palm Beach Post's Here's looking at you, Bertie, where "Key Largo" singer Bertie Higgins laughs at comparisons to Jimmy. Thanks to Paulie of the clamdiggers

Jay Ferguson passed along this amusing tidbit:

I am an avid fan of pro-wrestling and I was watching Monday Nitro, put on by World Championship Wrestling, and I heard a mention of Jimmy. Basically, Konnan was about to put his "tequila sunrise" finishing move on Scott Steiner when Bobby "the Brain" Heenan made the comment: "Look out Jimmy Buffett, its the tequila sunrise!" I just about choked on my own boat-drink when he said that, being that I am quite the Buffett fan. Anyway, I just thought I'd pass that along, now that Jimmy is invading pro-wrestling!

January 5

I'm woefuly behind on email, it's cold, I just watched my Hoosiers get embarassed again by Michigan, and I don't feel like doing squat. I'll see what I can put up here though.

The Mobile Register covers Jimmy's benefit concert last month in $450,000 raised by Buffett as well as the Sun-Herald and E Online!

The February issue of Family Fun mentions Jimmy in a Hot vs. Cold weather vacation comparison (thanks to Mary Dailey):

Now I realize that there are people among us who don't get high on the scent of Coppertone, who can't figure out what the big deal is about Jimmy Buffett, who don't appreciate the Zen like beauty of the statement "It's just too hot to do anything." But none of those people happen to live in my family."

Alex Leist passed along this web site with pictures of Jimmy's people behind the scenes.

The CoB,O Logo Contest is over. The winner will be announced shortly. Thanks to everyone for voting and special thanks to all the artists who did excellent work! Coming this weekend, Where Is Joe Merchant? cast poll!

January 4

Jimmy is mentioned in Tennessee's The Commercial Appeal's Us vs. Them, an article stating Tennessee is superior. Among the reasons listed, they have Elvis, whereas others have Jimmy...

Both the Columbus Dispatch and the Philadelphia Inquirer are re-running an old article (August 24, 1998)by Larry Katz about Don't Stop The Carnival.

Today is the last day to vote in the CoB,O Logo Contest. If you haven't done so already please vote! Coming this weekend, you choose who plays what role in the film version of Where Is Joe Merchant?

January 3

KC Angel has given the Parrot Review Board a complete over-haul. In addition to putting a fresh face on the PRB, this revamp will hopefully provide the visitor easier site navigation and review access. The Parrot Review Board presents frank and critical reviews of Buffett's recordings written by three long-time Buffett fans and Listserv members; the listmeister Bill "BigDog" Lack, Chris "COB,O" Wilson, and Jess "I'm-a-BIG-and-proud-of-it" Williams. The PRB has reviewed thirteen original-content Buffett albums to date, with A1A the latest addition...

Well when you have too much snow you have lots of time, so I decided to offer CoBO-Grams. Send one now!

January 2

OK, who the hell ordered over a foot of snow, and now it's freezing rain? I bet Jimmy isn't having this problem right now...

I've resurrected the WCBO News Mailing List secondary to demand. I've received over 100 emails asking "Hey where is my news?!" Currently there are nearly 2000 subscribers who will once again receive weekly Buffett news summaries. If you are subscribed you should have received a Happy New Year's message from me. If you haven't subscribed yet but want free Buffett news delivered to your mailbox, subscribe now!

From today's Boston Globe comes Parrotheads hook up with their leader, a story about Olaf Nordstrom, author of the latest Buffett trivia book and The Essential Book About Boat Drinks & Assorted Frozen Concoctions. Thanks to Scialdrctr@aol.com

January 1

I'd like to wish everyone a safe and peaceful new year. How does that song go, "If I don't die by Thursday I'll be roaring Friday night!"

I'm sprucing up the Parrot Heads in Paradise web site; one of the cool new additions is a searchable database of chapters around the country. All you need to do is select a state or type in the first couple numbers of your zip code and you can find one to join!

Looking through the web server statistics for 1998 from the when the CoB,O took it's new home at CoBO.org to 1998, over one million web pages were viewed by faithful parrot heads!

From The Vault has been updated with a clip from the Upstairs Alliance, Jimmy's 2nd band.

Newsweek also mentioned the rumored Buffett concert for New Year's 1999.

Radio Margaritaville has a New Year's clip...

Jimmy is scheduled to begin recording Man Overboard at Shrimpboat Sound in Key West today.