Jo Jo Kincaid on F-105 (WVBF)

Jo Jo Kincaid had to be one of the most underrated late 70s top 40 disc jockeys in Boston. I remember him best at F105, otherwise known, to this very day, at WVBF-FM, 105.7.

Possessing a classic, live-wire rapid-fire rock announcer voice, Kincaid could lead in and out of a song as good as the very best personalities. He could also expertly tell a corny joke, interact with callers (usually contests) and say "The new F105!" with such enthusiasm that it brought listeners like me over from rivals like WRKO and WMEX. His phrase "Jo Jo cookin'" truly reflected the fast-paced momentum of his show.

After F105, Kincaid spent time at Kiss 108 in Boston where the highly-rated station gave him better visibility. Well deserved! But I rememember Kincaid most prominently at F105 as I preferred top 40 radio over disco and dance-oriented tunes.

Apparently, you and I weren't the only ones recognizing Kincaid's significant top 40 radio DJ skills. Wikipedia states that "In October 2010 radio personality Howard Stern spent a full segment fawning over Kincaid's radio skills based on a 1987 video aircheck from KKLQ-FM (San Diego, Calif.) he saw on YouTube." How many of you remember Kincaide's stint of F105?

Bishop's in Lawrence, Mass.

During its heyday, Bishop's in Lawrence, Mass. served the best Middle Eastern food and French fries in New England.

That's right, Middle Eastern food and French fries. The lamb kabobs, hummus, babba ganoush, stuffed grape leaves and, yes, perfectly cooked, shoestring french fries had no rival. The atmosphere was memorable too, with, as someone described, a dining room that resembled an aircraft carrier. Bishop's always had amazing service, with many "career" waiters -- the professionalism showed. We never thought Bishop's would close, but it did, and we had to find another restaurant to call a tradition for a revered annual family birthday celebration.

Finnerty's Country Squire, Cochituate, Mass.

Finnerty's Country Squire closed in 2005, leaving behind wonderful dining memories of a large, traditional New England restaurant that pleased many for generations. Finnerty's was the type of place where one could feel good to dress in their Sunday best for a family meal or larger function and never walk away disappointed at the straightforward chicken, steak and seafood selections.

With Finnerty's closed, it brings up the retrospective question, "Why didn't we go there more?" The food was consistently solid, management ran a tight ship, and the slightly out-of-date country decor, too-long hallway, the spacious dining rooms, wall-to-wall carpeting and relaxed New England country feel brought one back to simpler times. The "business closed" sign in front of the door for many years read like an indication of "It's a Wonderful Life," where cold Pottersville had taken over charming Bailey Falls.

Although we didn't dine there much, Finnerty's will always have a place in our hearts as an integral part of New England dining.

Old-time tradition seems to slipping away from the New England dining scene, and that's sad.