Watched AN OX'S TALE, which is a documentary on JOHN ENTWISTLE. In my opinion the greatest rock bass player. The WHO were who they were and where they got that signature sound because of this man.
I got to see him perform with his solo project back in 1985(I believe) at The Living Room in Providence, RI. It was one of those shows that, for a lover of all things musical, come once. I even got to shake his hand as he walked through the crowd after the performance. Just to let you know, it is extremely rare to meet anyone after a performance, let alone stroll through the crowd on your way out. I think that the fans in Providence let him know just what we thought of him and he was returning the favor in his own gesture.
Some may scoff and say "Oh big deal!", a musician walked through the crowd and you got to shake his hand. Shiver me timbers!!! To those I say, it was a big deal and another memory and absolute treat for me.
And for those who still don't get it, put on QUADROPHENIA or WHO'S NEXT, crank it up and begin to understand.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Friday, September 01, 2006
Pacing the Cage
Haven't been on in a while. I heard an old familiar song last night that gave me goose bumps. It was "Pacing the Cage" by as much a musician as he is a poet BRUCE COCKBURN.
Pacing The Cage
Sunset is an angel weepingHolding out a bloody swordNo matter how I squint I cannotMake out what it's pointing towardSometimes you feel like you live too long Days drip slowly on the pageYou catch yourselfPacing the cage
I've proven who I am so many timesThe magnetic strip's worn thinAnd each time I was someone elseAnd every one was taken inPowers chatter in high placesStir up eddies in the dust of rageSet me to pacing the cage
I never knew what you all wantedSo I gave you everythingAll that I could pillageAll the spells that I could singIt's as if the thing were writtenIn the constitution of the ageSooner or later you'll wind upPacing the cage
Sometimes the best map will not guide you You can't see what's round the bendSometimes the road leads through dark places Sometimes the darkness is your friendToday these eyes scan bleached-out land For the coming of the outbound stagePacing the cage Pacing the cage.
On another musical note. I listened to New Orlean's very own DIRTY DOZEN BRASS BAND doing their take on MARVIN GAYE'S "What's Going On". Simply incredible. They take Gaye's criticism from the 70's and bring it freshness to the 21'st century. Amazing.
Pacing The Cage
Sunset is an angel weepingHolding out a bloody swordNo matter how I squint I cannotMake out what it's pointing towardSometimes you feel like you live too long Days drip slowly on the pageYou catch yourselfPacing the cage
I've proven who I am so many timesThe magnetic strip's worn thinAnd each time I was someone elseAnd every one was taken inPowers chatter in high placesStir up eddies in the dust of rageSet me to pacing the cage
I never knew what you all wantedSo I gave you everythingAll that I could pillageAll the spells that I could singIt's as if the thing were writtenIn the constitution of the ageSooner or later you'll wind upPacing the cage
Sometimes the best map will not guide you You can't see what's round the bendSometimes the road leads through dark places Sometimes the darkness is your friendToday these eyes scan bleached-out land For the coming of the outbound stagePacing the cage Pacing the cage.
On another musical note. I listened to New Orlean's very own DIRTY DOZEN BRASS BAND doing their take on MARVIN GAYE'S "What's Going On". Simply incredible. They take Gaye's criticism from the 70's and bring it freshness to the 21'st century. Amazing.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
PL & F in Asheville.
Last night show of Phil Lesh and Friends at the Asheville Civic Center was incredible. It was 2 full sets and ran from 7pm-11pm, with about a 45 minute break between sets. The opening act(The Benevento Russo Duo featuring Mike Gordon) actually closed the show because they were going to be late because of travel delays.
2 of the "friends" were an added bonus to seeing Phil and hearing the songs I love. they were Joan Osborne on vocals and the incredible John Scofield on guitar.
The second set was a lifetime listening experience. DARK STAR was a very welcome surprise. The energy in this song and EYES OF THE WORLD was dramatically important to us listeners, and fed right to us perfectly. Scofield was blistering. As a jazz guitarist some may wonder how he would be. I had no doubts. If any 2 people know about the art of improvisation, it is Phil Lesh and John Scofield.
Joan Osbornes beautiful and soulful rendition of HE'S GONE was magnificent. When she sang the line "Steal your face right off your head", the crowd went crazy. This was good to see because the crowd seemed to a lot younger than I thought. At first I was worried that this was just a filler for this crowd while Phish is off the scene. But they knew the line and followed along with it. This brought a smile to my face.
Definitely one of the highlights of my musical experiences. It is great to see music played that will never die. It may get rendered differently, but this keeps it not only fresh but everlasting.
2 of the "friends" were an added bonus to seeing Phil and hearing the songs I love. they were Joan Osborne on vocals and the incredible John Scofield on guitar.
The second set was a lifetime listening experience. DARK STAR was a very welcome surprise. The energy in this song and EYES OF THE WORLD was dramatically important to us listeners, and fed right to us perfectly. Scofield was blistering. As a jazz guitarist some may wonder how he would be. I had no doubts. If any 2 people know about the art of improvisation, it is Phil Lesh and John Scofield.
Joan Osbornes beautiful and soulful rendition of HE'S GONE was magnificent. When she sang the line "Steal your face right off your head", the crowd went crazy. This was good to see because the crowd seemed to a lot younger than I thought. At first I was worried that this was just a filler for this crowd while Phish is off the scene. But they knew the line and followed along with it. This brought a smile to my face.
Definitely one of the highlights of my musical experiences. It is great to see music played that will never die. It may get rendered differently, but this keeps it not only fresh but everlasting.
Sunday, June 18, 2006
UNCLE HENRY
Everyone has one. Their most memorable relative. For me it is my Uncle Henry. He seems to pop up in my memory all the time in all kinds of situations. Steph and I call these "Uncle Henry moments". Steph, who got to know Uncle Henry for a short while before his passing, really dug him and gets the jist of these moments.
Whenever I eat pringles I think of him(that was his favorite and forbidden snack).
Whenever I go for "seconds" at a dinner, I think of him. It seems whenever we were at family functions and UH was there, we would both go for seconds at the same time, and if I was behind, he would ask me what my hold-up was.
The other day I got a wicked sunburn when I took Liam and his friend to the pool. Steph accused me of "bikini-watching" and it served me right. All I could think of was UH's ham-radio card he passed around with this written at the bottom"Hobbies:Fishing and Girl-Watching". This is my favorite of UH's. The way I look at it is, I can't help it-it's just my hobby. Way to go Uncle Henry.
My all time favorite memories growing up was listening to my Dad,UH and my Uncle Joe argue about current events in that small apartment my Great-grandmother had above UH's. There would always be a bucket of Kentucky-Fried-Chicken, "Gansett" tall-boys, and a cloud of smoke. Some would turn their heads at this "unhealthy" situation. For me it is a memory, and a wonderful one at that. I was always amazed at how well UH could argue. It used to drive everyone crazy because they all felt he was stubborn. He LOVED to argue about current topics, or just anything that was on his mind. There was always someone willing to debate. You just had to realize you're entering the coliseum with a true gladiator. You see, I always agreed with UH. Sure he was stubborn, but he had good intentions and could back it up. Steph always tells me I am pulling an "Uncle Henry" when I seem to be very stubborn when arguing. I don't get upset about this. I feel sort of proud to be referred to the true master.
Then there is the "Joanie, lets bolt out of here" head wave. Whenever he wanted to leave a function, he would look for his daughter Joanie and give her the head nod toward the door. This may seem like something that anyone does or has done. Not in this case. If you ever saw how UH did it, you would understand. And if you ever wanted to leave somewhere and let your partner know, all you had to do was the "Uncle Henry". That's it-no words. You could be across the room and get the message across.
There are lots more moments. All I hope is that he sees me from "up-there", and smiles knowing that he is behind the emotions in these moments. And I hope he realizes that he was a very cool and hip uncle.
Whenever I eat pringles I think of him(that was his favorite and forbidden snack).
Whenever I go for "seconds" at a dinner, I think of him. It seems whenever we were at family functions and UH was there, we would both go for seconds at the same time, and if I was behind, he would ask me what my hold-up was.
The other day I got a wicked sunburn when I took Liam and his friend to the pool. Steph accused me of "bikini-watching" and it served me right. All I could think of was UH's ham-radio card he passed around with this written at the bottom"Hobbies:Fishing and Girl-Watching". This is my favorite of UH's. The way I look at it is, I can't help it-it's just my hobby. Way to go Uncle Henry.
My all time favorite memories growing up was listening to my Dad,UH and my Uncle Joe argue about current events in that small apartment my Great-grandmother had above UH's. There would always be a bucket of Kentucky-Fried-Chicken, "Gansett" tall-boys, and a cloud of smoke. Some would turn their heads at this "unhealthy" situation. For me it is a memory, and a wonderful one at that. I was always amazed at how well UH could argue. It used to drive everyone crazy because they all felt he was stubborn. He LOVED to argue about current topics, or just anything that was on his mind. There was always someone willing to debate. You just had to realize you're entering the coliseum with a true gladiator. You see, I always agreed with UH. Sure he was stubborn, but he had good intentions and could back it up. Steph always tells me I am pulling an "Uncle Henry" when I seem to be very stubborn when arguing. I don't get upset about this. I feel sort of proud to be referred to the true master.
Then there is the "Joanie, lets bolt out of here" head wave. Whenever he wanted to leave a function, he would look for his daughter Joanie and give her the head nod toward the door. This may seem like something that anyone does or has done. Not in this case. If you ever saw how UH did it, you would understand. And if you ever wanted to leave somewhere and let your partner know, all you had to do was the "Uncle Henry". That's it-no words. You could be across the room and get the message across.
There are lots more moments. All I hope is that he sees me from "up-there", and smiles knowing that he is behind the emotions in these moments. And I hope he realizes that he was a very cool and hip uncle.
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Recent Prog Purchases
I've made a few music purchases lately. I've been delving back to the prog-rock circuit for inspiration. Here are 3 noteworthy...
1)NEAL MORSE-"?"...You can't go wrong with Neal's work. He has taken a christian path with his works now. That's okay. The music is still 100% powerful, epic and incredibly arranged and produced. The former leader of SPOCKS BEARD had us worried for a while back there. When he left the band because he had decided to change his life and follow the teachings of Jesus, we got worried. We thought all he would release was hymn and praise worship(which he does now). But he put our minds at ease with his first "Testimony" and now "?". He gets his message through, and he still rocks!
2)FLOWER KINGS-"Paradox Hotel"...Double album from the Swedish proggers. This band is still in fine form, led by Roine Stolt, and never lets us down with anything they put out. The first disc is okay, but the second disc is phenomenal. I find myself just playing disc 2, but this makes it all the worth the purchase.
3)TRANSATLANTIC-"Building the bridge & Live in America"...This DVD is amazing. First of all Transatlantic is a prog-rock supergroup consisting of Neal Morse(Spocks Beard), Roine Stolt(Flower Kings),Pete Trewavas(Marillion) and Mike Portnoy(Dream Theater). Building the Bridge is a 2-hour documentary on the recording of "Bridge Across Forever" album. If anyone has ever heard this, you would understand why a documentary narrated and told by only the members is so crucial. From the lay downs at Neals home studio, to the recording in Nashville, back to Neals house for overdubs--this is why I love this music. Perfect for the fan.
1)NEAL MORSE-"?"...You can't go wrong with Neal's work. He has taken a christian path with his works now. That's okay. The music is still 100% powerful, epic and incredibly arranged and produced. The former leader of SPOCKS BEARD had us worried for a while back there. When he left the band because he had decided to change his life and follow the teachings of Jesus, we got worried. We thought all he would release was hymn and praise worship(which he does now). But he put our minds at ease with his first "Testimony" and now "?". He gets his message through, and he still rocks!
2)FLOWER KINGS-"Paradox Hotel"...Double album from the Swedish proggers. This band is still in fine form, led by Roine Stolt, and never lets us down with anything they put out. The first disc is okay, but the second disc is phenomenal. I find myself just playing disc 2, but this makes it all the worth the purchase.
3)TRANSATLANTIC-"Building the bridge & Live in America"...This DVD is amazing. First of all Transatlantic is a prog-rock supergroup consisting of Neal Morse(Spocks Beard), Roine Stolt(Flower Kings),Pete Trewavas(Marillion) and Mike Portnoy(Dream Theater). Building the Bridge is a 2-hour documentary on the recording of "Bridge Across Forever" album. If anyone has ever heard this, you would understand why a documentary narrated and told by only the members is so crucial. From the lay downs at Neals home studio, to the recording in Nashville, back to Neals house for overdubs--this is why I love this music. Perfect for the fan.
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
What a week.
A lot of sad news this week. First Vince Welnik died on Saturday. He was the Keyboard player for The Dead in their last run in the 90's as well as the Tubes. He played with them after the death of Brent Mydland, and toured along with Bruce Hornsby, which gave The Dead a great sound with the 2 keyboardists.
Then came the news yesterday of the death of Billy Preston. Another great keyboard player who played with everyone from the Beatles to the Stones and just about every gap in between. If you don't know who this is, just listen to his performance of "That's the way God planned it" on THE CONCERT FOR BANGLADESH. There is always the talk of how great this concert was because it was George Harrison's first appearance since the Beatle breakup, or getting Dylan and Clapton back on the concert stages. etc. etc....For me it was Billy Prestons performance of this song. It raises the hairs on my neck everytime I see this or listen to this.
Finally today for some reason I was thinking about Dan Folgelberg. I decided to visit his web page and there was a note from him saying that he has advanced prostate cancer with no hopes of writing or performing in the near future. It sounds bad and it makes me sad.
Case in point-Only the good die young.
Then came the news yesterday of the death of Billy Preston. Another great keyboard player who played with everyone from the Beatles to the Stones and just about every gap in between. If you don't know who this is, just listen to his performance of "That's the way God planned it" on THE CONCERT FOR BANGLADESH. There is always the talk of how great this concert was because it was George Harrison's first appearance since the Beatle breakup, or getting Dylan and Clapton back on the concert stages. etc. etc....For me it was Billy Prestons performance of this song. It raises the hairs on my neck everytime I see this or listen to this.
Finally today for some reason I was thinking about Dan Folgelberg. I decided to visit his web page and there was a note from him saying that he has advanced prostate cancer with no hopes of writing or performing in the near future. It sounds bad and it makes me sad.
Case in point-Only the good die young.
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Mariah and Jack.OH MY GAWWD!!
I am out of my mind this morning. I just received news that Mariah Carey will be soon out on tour. If this wasn't just the greatest thing in the world, as an added bonus she will be taking her dog Jack on tour with her and...and...and(drumroll please)...the dog will be even making impromptu appearances during the show.
I cannot control my excitement. I've already ran around my front yard three times. I just cannot sit still. My family is trying to speak to me but I cannot speak a fluent sentence. It's as if I've just had a visit from "Q" on the starship enterprise, and he has taken my voice away.
If you want the jist of this nonsense, just read an interview with her. I think that Jack will be more entertaining on this tour. But for you aficionados out there, just hold on. Tour dates will be announced soon enough.
I cannot control my excitement. I've already ran around my front yard three times. I just cannot sit still. My family is trying to speak to me but I cannot speak a fluent sentence. It's as if I've just had a visit from "Q" on the starship enterprise, and he has taken my voice away.
If you want the jist of this nonsense, just read an interview with her. I think that Jack will be more entertaining on this tour. But for you aficionados out there, just hold on. Tour dates will be announced soon enough.
Monday, May 22, 2006
Satan with a pen?
Is Dan Brown satan with a pen? I doubt it. I read the Davinci Code and thought it was okay. When I read it I read it as I always perceive fiction, as fiction. It was suspenseful, but too detailed. That's where the novel went wrong. I didn't care what code was hidden, it could have been a code for the worlds best salsa recipe. The book was too lavish with these crazy details. That's my synopsis.
I read his previous book, Angels & Demons. I found this novel fantastic. It was suspenseful and kept me glued to the final page. Much better than the Davinci Code. I feel the reason people are paying too much attention to this book is the so-called Code.
I will go see the movie, only because I love movies and I really dig Tom Hanks.
I wish the public would see this as it is- A work of fiction. It is not a Documentary. It is a creation in the mind of an author. If Dan Brown really believes this GA-GA is true, then he should win the Pulitzer for Morons. I also feel the public out there that believes this also should all be committed.
Everyone is talking about facts and history and the like. I feel the real study we all need a lesson in is fiction and non-fiction.
I read his previous book, Angels & Demons. I found this novel fantastic. It was suspenseful and kept me glued to the final page. Much better than the Davinci Code. I feel the reason people are paying too much attention to this book is the so-called Code.
I will go see the movie, only because I love movies and I really dig Tom Hanks.
I wish the public would see this as it is- A work of fiction. It is not a Documentary. It is a creation in the mind of an author. If Dan Brown really believes this GA-GA is true, then he should win the Pulitzer for Morons. I also feel the public out there that believes this also should all be committed.
Everyone is talking about facts and history and the like. I feel the real study we all need a lesson in is fiction and non-fiction.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Elvis at the Fox
Last nights performance by Elvis Costello at the incredibly beautiful Fox Theatre in Atlanta was worth every penny spent on tickets, fees and petroleum.
The first set of the show was the performance of his IL SOGNO(a ballet he wrote for Shakespeares "AMidsummer's Night Dream"). Elvis first came out and introduced the piece, then the ASO performed it. It was incredible to hear the music while looking all around the fabulous theatre.
After the piece, Elvis came out and pefrormed solo on acoustic guitar a song from his new record with ALLEN TOUSSAINT. He performed "River in Reverse". I was completely blown away by his vocals in this. I knew he could sing, but man, can he sing. He then performed a couple more backed by the ASO and his longtime keyboardist STEVE NIEVE. It was cool how when anyone was soloing the spotlight would be on them. It was funny, even the Tuba player got a solo. When Elvis introduced him after the song, he proudly lifted the Tuba up with one arm. Everyone got a kick out of that.
Then there was intermission and the second set. Highlights were "God Give Me Strength" and "Hora Decubitis".
What topped it all off was him coming back from a second Encore with the lights on to sing a number with no microphone. Like I said before, "Man can this guy sing!".
The first set of the show was the performance of his IL SOGNO(a ballet he wrote for Shakespeares "AMidsummer's Night Dream"). Elvis first came out and introduced the piece, then the ASO performed it. It was incredible to hear the music while looking all around the fabulous theatre.
After the piece, Elvis came out and pefrormed solo on acoustic guitar a song from his new record with ALLEN TOUSSAINT. He performed "River in Reverse". I was completely blown away by his vocals in this. I knew he could sing, but man, can he sing. He then performed a couple more backed by the ASO and his longtime keyboardist STEVE NIEVE. It was cool how when anyone was soloing the spotlight would be on them. It was funny, even the Tuba player got a solo. When Elvis introduced him after the song, he proudly lifted the Tuba up with one arm. Everyone got a kick out of that.
Then there was intermission and the second set. Highlights were "God Give Me Strength" and "Hora Decubitis".
What topped it all off was him coming back from a second Encore with the lights on to sing a number with no microphone. Like I said before, "Man can this guy sing!".
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Concertgoing
My friend Phil and I are off this weekend to see Elvis Costello -w- the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra at the Fabulous Fox Theatre in Atlanta. Should be an interesting show.
I just bought my tickets for Phil Lesh & Friends at the Asheville Civic Center. This one I am real excited about. Going to see the bass player for my favorite band is a no-brainer.
I'll post reviews of both shows in case anyone's interested. If not it will be fun just to do this for my own review.
I just bought my tickets for Phil Lesh & Friends at the Asheville Civic Center. This one I am real excited about. Going to see the bass player for my favorite band is a no-brainer.
I'll post reviews of both shows in case anyone's interested. If not it will be fun just to do this for my own review.
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Where is MUSIC LAB?
I'm still waiting for my response from the folks at XM satellite radio. I turned my unit on the other day and went to station 51. It read:OFF THE AIR. Hummm!?!? Maybe this means they are having problems. The next day it read the same thing. I went to the on-line site and MUSIC LAB is not even listed on the stations. It's a sad day for me.
I love the selections of stations on XM. There are a few that I find myself drawn to. It is the diversity and obscurity in music in these stations that I find myself drawn to. I mean, if I want to listen to the crap that is mainstream today, I'll put on the radio.
I'm progressive at heart. My main musical influences are in heavy rotation in the Prog-Rock circles. I still have my own collection. But it was still cool to turn to channel 51 and hear the entire SUPPERS READY by Genesis and then to some Zappa followed by Porcupine Tree. To me that is a great meal.
I guess The Mariah Carey listener's and the rappers are safe. It seems that this is the garbage that is eaten up daily by the insatiable appetite of the music morons'.
I'm curious what the reason is going to be when I get my response from XM. Whatever the reason, progressive rock and the art of musical improvisation will never die. There's always the Jazz channels.
I love the selections of stations on XM. There are a few that I find myself drawn to. It is the diversity and obscurity in music in these stations that I find myself drawn to. I mean, if I want to listen to the crap that is mainstream today, I'll put on the radio.
I'm progressive at heart. My main musical influences are in heavy rotation in the Prog-Rock circles. I still have my own collection. But it was still cool to turn to channel 51 and hear the entire SUPPERS READY by Genesis and then to some Zappa followed by Porcupine Tree. To me that is a great meal.
I guess The Mariah Carey listener's and the rappers are safe. It seems that this is the garbage that is eaten up daily by the insatiable appetite of the music morons'.
I'm curious what the reason is going to be when I get my response from XM. Whatever the reason, progressive rock and the art of musical improvisation will never die. There's always the Jazz channels.
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Monday, April 03, 2006
To Watch The Storms
Thunderstorms passed through this morning along with tornado warnings. There is always the beauty of these storms along with the danger. Noone understands this better than Liam. Before he went to bed last night he asked "are they coming yet?". I told him not yet. I forgot to turn off our foundation fans before I went to bed. So I went outside and into the DARK crawlspace to turn them off. In the distance was flashes of lightning and the far off rumble of thunder. It is at these times that I wish I wasn't reading my Dean Koontz novel or watching my x-files dvd. But I am. My heart rate went up the scale about 50 bpm. I guess I should add scary along with beauty and danger.
But there is nothing better than watching the storms early in the morning with your yungin'. At each flash we both snap our necks to look at each other and wait for the boom. It is these moments that will live in my memory forever.
But there is nothing better than watching the storms early in the morning with your yungin'. At each flash we both snap our necks to look at each other and wait for the boom. It is these moments that will live in my memory forever.
Friday, March 31, 2006
The Shawshank Redemption
This incredible film is about patience through hope to finally find redemption. One of my all-time favorites. Every time I see this film, it renews my faith in the power of acting and storytelling.
I don't know what the 1995 Acadamy Awards missed, but it doesn't matter. Anyone who see this film will be blown away by Tim Robbins and especially Morgan Freeman. I mean, gheesh; these 2 will take your breath away. I don't beleive there has ever been a film where the actors nailed it. These 2 not only nailed it, but sank it for good. This film will stand the test of time and should be seen by everyone who likes a good story as well as superbly phenominal acting.
I don't know what the 1995 Acadamy Awards missed, but it doesn't matter. Anyone who see this film will be blown away by Tim Robbins and especially Morgan Freeman. I mean, gheesh; these 2 will take your breath away. I don't beleive there has ever been a film where the actors nailed it. These 2 not only nailed it, but sank it for good. This film will stand the test of time and should be seen by everyone who likes a good story as well as superbly phenominal acting.
Friday, March 24, 2006
The Aflac awards
A little background on Aflac awards. If you've ever seen the Aflac duck in those TV commercials, you'll know what I'm talking about. If you haven't, well get out from under your rock. Anyhow, I base my awards on the commercial where the duck is cleaning a windshield at a gas station and looks over at the pump and it's absurdly increasing dollar amounts. The duck then drops the squegee out of its bill and lets out a large HUHHHHHH!!????!!!!!!????!!!!!!.
To those situations where it is necessary to let out a HUHHHHHH!!????!!!!!!????!!!!!!, I present the Aflac award.
Todays award goes out to the stockboy at our local supermarket::::
Situation: Steph buys an item that is on sale for 2/$4.00.
It rings up for $2.38.
Diagnosis:After Steph informs her that it is wrong, she calls the stockboy to check price.
Award:He comes up and cashier explains problem. She makes him aware that it is advertised 2/$4.00. He agrees. Cashier says it is ringing up for $2.38. Stockboy replies "sounds about right". Steph replies that it is not about right. The hands-down winner of todays Aflac replies "What do you think it should be?".
To those situations where it is necessary to let out a HUHHHHHH!!????!!!!!!????!!!!!!, I present the Aflac award.
Todays award goes out to the stockboy at our local supermarket::::
Situation: Steph buys an item that is on sale for 2/$4.00.
It rings up for $2.38.
Diagnosis:After Steph informs her that it is wrong, she calls the stockboy to check price.
Award:He comes up and cashier explains problem. She makes him aware that it is advertised 2/$4.00. He agrees. Cashier says it is ringing up for $2.38. Stockboy replies "sounds about right". Steph replies that it is not about right. The hands-down winner of todays Aflac replies "What do you think it should be?".
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Who funds this research?
There are always these ridiculous "findings" that come up on the news every now and again. Here are just two that are worthy of an "Aflac"(HUGGGHHHH!!!!!!!).
1)During the Olympics some researcher shared his findings after a long study. I believe this was done in Austria or somewhere in Europe. Here is his finding: Helmets do protect downhill skiers in case of accident.
2)Here is one that was on the news just this week. Here some researchers shared their findings:The use of marijuana leads to memory loss. And chronic use accelerates those chances.
HUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
1)During the Olympics some researcher shared his findings after a long study. I believe this was done in Austria or somewhere in Europe. Here is his finding: Helmets do protect downhill skiers in case of accident.
2)Here is one that was on the news just this week. Here some researchers shared their findings:The use of marijuana leads to memory loss. And chronic use accelerates those chances.
HUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Miles & the big house
Haven't checked in in a while. I don't spend that much time on the computer. I basically only use it for research on music. Right now I am listening to PANGAEA by Miles Davis. It is the evening show from Osaka Festival Hall in 1975. I call it Funky Fusion Jazz. This is one that will stand the test of time.
Went to the BIG HOUSE last week. No, not the state penitentiary, but the Vanderbilt house in Biltmore Forest. Otherwise known as BILTMORE HOUSE. Incredible experience in architecture and lavishness. Next stop is the winery and gardens. Maybe after a few taste tests I may enjoy the gardens. Who knows.
All I know now is that I wish I could step back in time to 1975 and be seated in the Osaka Festival Hall.
Went to the BIG HOUSE last week. No, not the state penitentiary, but the Vanderbilt house in Biltmore Forest. Otherwise known as BILTMORE HOUSE. Incredible experience in architecture and lavishness. Next stop is the winery and gardens. Maybe after a few taste tests I may enjoy the gardens. Who knows.
All I know now is that I wish I could step back in time to 1975 and be seated in the Osaka Festival Hall.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Nothing new
It feels like spring here today. Sam did not want to come back in from outside. He just wanted to lay in the sun. What a life a dog has. I can hear Tony waking up from his nap. He'll come down and do his usual crawling laps around the house. He loves Liam's room. We put him down on the floor in his room and he takes off like a dragster down the hallway around the corner straight into his brothers room. Like clockwork.
Finally saw the movie I have been putting off for some time. I wont say the name but it was the most controversial thing a couple of years ago. I don't know why I put it off for so long. The movie was well done and broke my heart. It also made me angry. The hype was definitely there, but was downplayed by reality. A reality that hit me with a brick.
I try to remain un-controversial, so I wont dwell. It was for my personal gain and that's where it will lay.
Finally saw the movie I have been putting off for some time. I wont say the name but it was the most controversial thing a couple of years ago. I don't know why I put it off for so long. The movie was well done and broke my heart. It also made me angry. The hype was definitely there, but was downplayed by reality. A reality that hit me with a brick.
I try to remain un-controversial, so I wont dwell. It was for my personal gain and that's where it will lay.
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Queen of the "one-uppers"
Not only is my wife a fantastic mother to our children and the best thing to ever happen to me, she is also a "one-upper". Better still she is the queen of the "one-uppers".
Case in point: The other day, after walking the pooch, I was down laying on the couch with Sam. The queen came down and said that Sam looked really worn out. I said "you should have seen him five minutes before. He was so hyper, the little #@%$ jumped on my stomach and bit me in the boob". Her reply "well, when I was a little girl I got bit in the boob by an ostrich".
How do you compete with this!
Case in point: The other day, after walking the pooch, I was down laying on the couch with Sam. The queen came down and said that Sam looked really worn out. I said "you should have seen him five minutes before. He was so hyper, the little #@%$ jumped on my stomach and bit me in the boob". Her reply "well, when I was a little girl I got bit in the boob by an ostrich".
How do you compete with this!
The waiting room's.
Nobody likes going to the doctor's. I don't like going for one reason. THE WAIT! I don't care if it is medical or dental, they all have to make you wait. The establishment has developed this cruel joke to play on you as well while you're waiting. They make you sit in this public waiting room while you watch as people who come in after you go before you. That's not their little joke they play though. It is when they finally open the door, look at the chart, and call your name. You silently mutter "about time", and head in to see the doctor. But what you don't realize is that they are actually moving you to another, much smaller, waiting room. They are so courteous that they actually give your own private waiting room. In this room you wait and wait and wait...
A glimmer of hope arises as you hear voices outside your door. But they go to another room. Sometimes you hear your chart being taken off the door, looked at, and then for some reason put back on the door. And no one enters. It's like they say to themselves "oh his appointment was 45 minutes ago, he has at least another 15-20 minutes. He's probably enjoying his read of AARP MONTHLY or WOMENS DAY we left for him to read".
My last dentist appointment had me waiting 45 minutes in a waiting room. I was the only soul for this entire time. I finally was called and sent to the CHAIR. Here you have to wait again while being in this plastic recliner, staring in only one direction. I don't know why but there is always a picture on the wall which is right in front of the chair. You stare at this picture(which is usually has something to do with golfing) till it becomes blurry. Finally they come in and as to add insult to injury scrape your teeth while trying to hold a conversation with you.
Now don't get me wrong. I'm sure not all do things this way(it has just been my experience every single time). So I am biased and proud of it.
It burns me up because this is my time. I arrive on time. God forbid you're late. I won't even get into what happened at Tony's appointment yesterday. Would it kill the office staff to come to you and say "I'm sorry we're running behind. If you like to wait, that will be fine or we can reschedule you".
Would it kill these people to offer some courtesy. I've never received any. I spend 1 hour waiting and 10 minutes with the doctor. I should be reimbursed somehow. I don't like to wait period. I'm paying them, and believe me they are getting well paid. I'm not going to drivel on anymore. Time is of importance to me.
A glimmer of hope arises as you hear voices outside your door. But they go to another room. Sometimes you hear your chart being taken off the door, looked at, and then for some reason put back on the door. And no one enters. It's like they say to themselves "oh his appointment was 45 minutes ago, he has at least another 15-20 minutes. He's probably enjoying his read of AARP MONTHLY or WOMENS DAY we left for him to read".
My last dentist appointment had me waiting 45 minutes in a waiting room. I was the only soul for this entire time. I finally was called and sent to the CHAIR. Here you have to wait again while being in this plastic recliner, staring in only one direction. I don't know why but there is always a picture on the wall which is right in front of the chair. You stare at this picture(which is usually has something to do with golfing) till it becomes blurry. Finally they come in and as to add insult to injury scrape your teeth while trying to hold a conversation with you.
Now don't get me wrong. I'm sure not all do things this way(it has just been my experience every single time). So I am biased and proud of it.
It burns me up because this is my time. I arrive on time. God forbid you're late. I won't even get into what happened at Tony's appointment yesterday. Would it kill the office staff to come to you and say "I'm sorry we're running behind. If you like to wait, that will be fine or we can reschedule you".
Would it kill these people to offer some courtesy. I've never received any. I spend 1 hour waiting and 10 minutes with the doctor. I should be reimbursed somehow. I don't like to wait period. I'm paying them, and believe me they are getting well paid. I'm not going to drivel on anymore. Time is of importance to me.
Friday, January 27, 2006
Weapons of Messy Disaster
Not much happening lately. I did decide to tackle the moisture problem in the crawlspace. I went down the other day to asses the situation and see what I actually needed to remedy the problem. I looked around with my flashlight and I noticed that a heat pipe running along the floor joists had come undone. One end was sticking straight out in its perpendictuality, while the other connecting piece was laying face first in the dirt like a defeated opponent. On closer inspection I came to realize that this was the exhaust pipe from the dryer. Bad news!!! This was not helping my moisture problem at all. All I could figure that my cable "provider"( and I still use this term as loose as loose can go) knocked it off while he was running the cable line downstairs. The real horror to this is that this was installed about about 5-6 months ago. If this is the case then we have been dumping hot humid air into the basement all this time. This is definitely not helping. The only time I don't think about this is when I am crawling under the crawlspace. Man-eating rats are all I care about down here on my belly.
Tony and I had lunch the other day. Steph was heading to the dentist, so I take these opportunities to catch up with the day-to-day activities I usually miss. If this happens to Steph day-to-day, She has my full compassion and understanding. I heated up my boy his favorite, sweet potatoes, and sat down in front of the high chair and began our little outing together. I knew he was hungry, so I didn't put his tray on the chair. I just started shoving sweet potatoes into that sweet little mouth(now I know how birds do it with their younguns', I just don't regurgitate). 3 bites in and Tony decided to kick the jar with his boots out of my hand and all over the kitchen. It looked like a sweet potato explosion happened.
I'm trying to clean it up while dealing with the dog who has discovered that he likes sweet potatoes too. I keep trying to push him away( not that I wouldn't appreciate a little tongue sweeping over a paper towel sweeping, I just don't want this to disagree with him and have to clean it up again somewhere else;kabish!) to no avail. So I finally let him concentrate on my jeans while I used 1/2 a roll of paper towels.
The real "kicker" to this story is that after I cleaned the mess off of the tile and cabinets(I don't know if you have ever seen a sweet potato explosion, but it is massive) I noticed that the bottom rail of his chair was covered. While I was down cleaning, Little Tony out of full frustration started kicking his little feet everywhere landing a clear direct hit on my right temple. It made me see stars. I mean he could climb Mount Everest in those little Madagascar boots.
Tony and I had lunch the other day. Steph was heading to the dentist, so I take these opportunities to catch up with the day-to-day activities I usually miss. If this happens to Steph day-to-day, She has my full compassion and understanding. I heated up my boy his favorite, sweet potatoes, and sat down in front of the high chair and began our little outing together. I knew he was hungry, so I didn't put his tray on the chair. I just started shoving sweet potatoes into that sweet little mouth(now I know how birds do it with their younguns', I just don't regurgitate). 3 bites in and Tony decided to kick the jar with his boots out of my hand and all over the kitchen. It looked like a sweet potato explosion happened.
I'm trying to clean it up while dealing with the dog who has discovered that he likes sweet potatoes too. I keep trying to push him away( not that I wouldn't appreciate a little tongue sweeping over a paper towel sweeping, I just don't want this to disagree with him and have to clean it up again somewhere else;kabish!) to no avail. So I finally let him concentrate on my jeans while I used 1/2 a roll of paper towels.
The real "kicker" to this story is that after I cleaned the mess off of the tile and cabinets(I don't know if you have ever seen a sweet potato explosion, but it is massive) I noticed that the bottom rail of his chair was covered. While I was down cleaning, Little Tony out of full frustration started kicking his little feet everywhere landing a clear direct hit on my right temple. It made me see stars. I mean he could climb Mount Everest in those little Madagascar boots.
Saturday, January 14, 2006
A new taste of chocolate
Our new addition to our clan has arrived. His name is Samson(Sam,of course,for short), and he is a beautiful Chocolate Lab puppy. Every boy must have a dog, so this is really for Liam. But I think the puppy and Steph have formed a bond. It's good for all.
Tony has yet to figure out what this strange creature is all about. It's about the same size as him when he is crawling about, so I guess they see each other as adversaries. Sam doesn't play with his toys, he plays with Tony's. Tony doesn't play with his, he plays with Sam's. You get the picture.
This morning they were both intent on Sam's rubber chew ring. Tony would go off crawling with it and Sam would follow and take it out of his hand. Tony wouldn't cry, he would just follow Sam, wait for his moment, and take it back. Little Tony doesn't take crap from anyone. This went on for about ten minutes. Hey for Sam that's a long time(in dog years).
Just went to check on Sam and he is asleep by the door with his chin on my boot. I think it's safe to say we've bonded as well.
Tony has yet to figure out what this strange creature is all about. It's about the same size as him when he is crawling about, so I guess they see each other as adversaries. Sam doesn't play with his toys, he plays with Tony's. Tony doesn't play with his, he plays with Sam's. You get the picture.
This morning they were both intent on Sam's rubber chew ring. Tony would go off crawling with it and Sam would follow and take it out of his hand. Tony wouldn't cry, he would just follow Sam, wait for his moment, and take it back. Little Tony doesn't take crap from anyone. This went on for about ten minutes. Hey for Sam that's a long time(in dog years).
Just went to check on Sam and he is asleep by the door with his chin on my boot. I think it's safe to say we've bonded as well.
Sunday, January 08, 2006
The left directional
Companies that are ready to go belly-up should consider getting rid of things that people never use on their products. Let's consider General Motors. I can think of something that they put in everyone of their vehicles that no-one ever uses. The directional. Why is it that nearly 99% of drivers(excluding truck drivers) refuse to use this wonderful device to let others know what they are going to do with their metal weapons. Why not just take this out of the vehicles and we can save the consumer some, and maybe help out some of these suffering car manufacturers.
But wait!!!!! We do need these devices. Next time you are getting onto the highway off an entrance ramp, watch how many people use their left blinkers. They could be weaving in and out of traffic and cutting everyone off in their own little world, but as soon as they enter the highway they let us all know what their plan is going to be. HELLO! THERE IS ONLY ONE DIRECTION TO GET ON THE HIGHWAY AND ALL US OTHER DRIVERS REALIZE THAT YOU ARE GOING TO BE ENTERING. WHERE ELSE COULD YOU POSSIBLY GO??????
This has to be the most idiotic thing I have ever seen. The only times these morons show any kind of responsibility is when they enter the highway.
At the very least, all the car manufacturers have to put in is a left directional.
But wait!!!!! We do need these devices. Next time you are getting onto the highway off an entrance ramp, watch how many people use their left blinkers. They could be weaving in and out of traffic and cutting everyone off in their own little world, but as soon as they enter the highway they let us all know what their plan is going to be. HELLO! THERE IS ONLY ONE DIRECTION TO GET ON THE HIGHWAY AND ALL US OTHER DRIVERS REALIZE THAT YOU ARE GOING TO BE ENTERING. WHERE ELSE COULD YOU POSSIBLY GO??????
This has to be the most idiotic thing I have ever seen. The only times these morons show any kind of responsibility is when they enter the highway.
At the very least, all the car manufacturers have to put in is a left directional.
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