Thursday, December 15, 2011
Monday, December 12, 2011
A Day Off? Really?
This is not a complaint, but I do not really like shopping. The whole materialistic attitude of the world is sickening. The deals you run into at the store are always encouraging you to spend more. If you spend this amount, you get this, but for $10 more, you get THAT, and THAT is much better.Yes, we ended up with THAT instead of this, which will make people I know happy.
On Friday, 12/9/11, I went with Chris and Phil to Waterloo to see Rains, Hatebreed, Sevendust, All That Remains, and Five Finger Death Punch. It was a good show. I got home at 2 AM and at 8:30 AM, I was on the road to Lynch in Mount Vernon, which was perfect because while I waited for the F-150 to have its oil changed and the tires rotated, I had about 1 hour to write my concert review. I wrote it longhand, which means that it will be edited heavily when transcribing it into the PC.That's the way I usually work. My rough draft, when handwritten, gets plenty of editing when I am typing it into the PC, which is good. I was reading where the "problem" with computers is that writers think their first draft is their final draft. I don't really have that issue. I do edit a lot. Sometimes, as recently as last week, a review started out with one paragraph as the lead-in, but it was published as the conclusion. It's strange.
Tomorrow, I return to work. My co-worker was in India since Thanksgiving Day and returned to work today, but I, my co-worker, and manager all were off work today. I am anxious to hear about the trip tomorrow.
Other than that, my weekend went way too fast.
On Friday, 12/9/11, I went with Chris and Phil to Waterloo to see Rains, Hatebreed, Sevendust, All That Remains, and Five Finger Death Punch. It was a good show. I got home at 2 AM and at 8:30 AM, I was on the road to Lynch in Mount Vernon, which was perfect because while I waited for the F-150 to have its oil changed and the tires rotated, I had about 1 hour to write my concert review. I wrote it longhand, which means that it will be edited heavily when transcribing it into the PC.That's the way I usually work. My rough draft, when handwritten, gets plenty of editing when I am typing it into the PC, which is good. I was reading where the "problem" with computers is that writers think their first draft is their final draft. I don't really have that issue. I do edit a lot. Sometimes, as recently as last week, a review started out with one paragraph as the lead-in, but it was published as the conclusion. It's strange.
Tomorrow, I return to work. My co-worker was in India since Thanksgiving Day and returned to work today, but I, my co-worker, and manager all were off work today. I am anxious to hear about the trip tomorrow.
Other than that, my weekend went way too fast.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Tax the Rich!
This video is about our national debt and what politicians say about it. It is an entertaining 6 minutes.
Editor's Note - the video in question was removed from youtube.com so it is no longer available for your viewing pleasure.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
One Year Anniversary
There used to be a WWE wrestler that was in CM Punk’s stable called
“Straight Edge Society” or SES. This was before Punk became a face and
overwhelmingly popular. There was a female in the group, real name Serena Deeb,
who joined when CM Punk brought her out of the audience and gave her a crew cut
to absolve her of her vices. The SES is long gone – it would be difficult to
find someone who remembers who was in the stable with Punk. Deeb had issues
with alcohol and partying too much. She recently posted the following:
Today I am incredibly proud, as it marks one full year I have gone without drinking alcohol. A year ago I looked myself in the mirror & reevaluated my priorities. I decided to make serious changes. I have always wanted to be a role model & help others around me because I believe that makes the world a better place. I hope this message can inspire & encourage whoever reads it.
Often times when people approach change, it can be overwhelming. One week is hard, one year is even harder and 'forever' almost sounds impossible. From my personal account, I think it's helpful to take things one day at a time & to constantly remind yourself of the bigger picture.
We all have changes that we want to implement. A new year approaching is the perfect opportunity. Don't limit yourself & the potential that you have to live a better life. Change is never easy BUT with a challenge, you build a stronger character. Self confidence & a strong will are very empowering. Take small steps & don't look back- "Be the change you wish to see in the world." :-)
I find this inspirational. I think that doing something you always said you were going to do is a powerful step in the right direction.
In my life, I have an example. On 12/2, I had 2 separate conversations with 3 different co-workers. The consensus was that all four of us wanted to walk to be healthier, but we each had separate reasons for not doing so. On 12/5, the first day of my 42nd year, we began the slow process of being healthier. If you walk from where we sit to the other end of the building, I think it is a ½ mile. Therefore, I walked 1 mile on Monday (I had a Monday PM meeting) and 2 miles today (Tuesday). Baby steps.
I also drank fewer calories of pop. More on that vice another day.
Today I am incredibly proud, as it marks one full year I have gone without drinking alcohol. A year ago I looked myself in the mirror & reevaluated my priorities. I decided to make serious changes. I have always wanted to be a role model & help others around me because I believe that makes the world a better place. I hope this message can inspire & encourage whoever reads it.
Often times when people approach change, it can be overwhelming. One week is hard, one year is even harder and 'forever' almost sounds impossible. From my personal account, I think it's helpful to take things one day at a time & to constantly remind yourself of the bigger picture.
We all have changes that we want to implement. A new year approaching is the perfect opportunity. Don't limit yourself & the potential that you have to live a better life. Change is never easy BUT with a challenge, you build a stronger character. Self confidence & a strong will are very empowering. Take small steps & don't look back- "Be the change you wish to see in the world." :-)
I find this inspirational. I think that doing something you always said you were going to do is a powerful step in the right direction.
In my life, I have an example. On 12/2, I had 2 separate conversations with 3 different co-workers. The consensus was that all four of us wanted to walk to be healthier, but we each had separate reasons for not doing so. On 12/5, the first day of my 42nd year, we began the slow process of being healthier. If you walk from where we sit to the other end of the building, I think it is a ½ mile. Therefore, I walked 1 mile on Monday (I had a Monday PM meeting) and 2 miles today (Tuesday). Baby steps.
I also drank fewer calories of pop. More on that vice another day.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
I would Love this... Had I seen it years ago... :<(
My brother-in-law Mark and I went to Guitar Center on Wednesday night (11/23) and drove by Slumberland. We are in the market for a corner entertainment center and there has been one advertised @ Slumberland for $199. I wanted to check it out. I found what I would love to have, if I had $500 laying around (rest assured, I do, but it's not for what I found).
How beautiful is that! I would love to actually have two of them. I might be able to fit all my CDs into them. However, I do not think it is really worth purchasing because I am converting from CD to MP3s on my external hard drive.
How beautiful is that! I would love to actually have two of them. I might be able to fit all my CDs into them. However, I do not think it is really worth purchasing because I am converting from CD to MP3s on my external hard drive.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Digging up the Past - SRV
I was thinking about one of my friends Ken. It is kind of weird to call him "friend" because he moved from the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City area years ago. The last I knew, he lived in Dubuque. He was a guitarist - we spent many hours in my parent's basement. We went through a metal phase, in the summer of 1989, then a blues phase, in the summer of 1990, and by the summer of 1991, we managed to get through "Enter Sandman" by Metallica. The legend goes that we cranked that out in the basement, then talked to our friend James, who had also gone through the metal and blues phases with us. He had been jamming with two others: John and Stoff. John sang while Stoff played guitar. The idea was hatched for the five of us to play "Enter Sandman" at my college's talent show. We also put together an original that John and Stoff had written called "Bullfrog Blues," a song I still adore.
The talent show was two nights. The first night was not as good as the second night. I remember watching the video of the first night immediately after we played. During Ken's solo during "Enter Sandman," John paced in front of Ken. I told him not to do that the second night so he ran down the center aisle during Ken's solo the second night. My drum solo the first night was pathetic. The second night was a lot better. I also looked like a geek the first night and had 'cooler' clothes the second night. My roommate Brian Rock ran the lights and on the second night, he made it not as dark on stage. Overall, I don't like watching the first night.
Which leads me to Ken. Ken married Carrie in the summer of 1990. I got really drunk and had a good time. Fast forward to 1994 and Ken and Carrie were getting divorced. He was going to move to Dubuque to be closer to his family, who lived in Sherrill. Ken was working at the Spring House as a cook, but his passion, at the time, was guitar and art. He was a big SRV fan. I found the following cover song of a band. Youtube is amazing in that they are called Schroeder's Ghost. The video is from a live gig on 5/29/10 at JD's Place in Farmingdale, NY. The band members are Joe Sanfillippo (guitar), Frank Bisceglia (bass), Keith Taylor (keys), Tommy von Stiegler (drums) and Pam Dixon (vox and other miscellaneous items). I wish they'd come to eastern Iowa!
The talent show was two nights. The first night was not as good as the second night. I remember watching the video of the first night immediately after we played. During Ken's solo during "Enter Sandman," John paced in front of Ken. I told him not to do that the second night so he ran down the center aisle during Ken's solo the second night. My drum solo the first night was pathetic. The second night was a lot better. I also looked like a geek the first night and had 'cooler' clothes the second night. My roommate Brian Rock ran the lights and on the second night, he made it not as dark on stage. Overall, I don't like watching the first night.
Which leads me to Ken. Ken married Carrie in the summer of 1990. I got really drunk and had a good time. Fast forward to 1994 and Ken and Carrie were getting divorced. He was going to move to Dubuque to be closer to his family, who lived in Sherrill. Ken was working at the Spring House as a cook, but his passion, at the time, was guitar and art. He was a big SRV fan. I found the following cover song of a band. Youtube is amazing in that they are called Schroeder's Ghost. The video is from a live gig on 5/29/10 at JD's Place in Farmingdale, NY. The band members are Joe Sanfillippo (guitar), Frank Bisceglia (bass), Keith Taylor (keys), Tommy von Stiegler (drums) and Pam Dixon (vox and other miscellaneous items). I wish they'd come to eastern Iowa!
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Hello World!
Lots going on. One of the things is that Metallica and Lou Reed released "Lulu" and I reviewed it on Dailyvault.com. I gave it an F. I hated it. I don't think I will ever listen to that horrible release ever again. It reminded me of Gene Simmons' "Asshole" release, which was also simply awful. Still, the two entities are trying their best to ignore that the release only sold 13,000 copies the first week. "Lulu" is a commercial flop.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
23
The magic number, it would appear, is 23. That is the number of songs that Jim (guitar), Keith (bass), Len (guitar), and I (drums) ran through last night in my basement. These are also the musicians that I regularly play with at 5:15 Mass. Last night, we played at Mass a nearly perfect warmup including "On Eagle's Wings" and "Sing of the Lord's Goodness" (that awesome 5/4 tune that sounds a lot like Dave Brubeck's "Take Five"). After Mass, we set up our instruments in my basement. I am not going to say each of the following 23 songs sounded perfect - they did not, a fact no one would dispute that listened to us playing. So these are the songs we went through with varying degrees of success.
- All My Lovin'
- Let It Be
- Norwegian Wood
- Can't You See She's Mine
- Patience
- Mighty Mississippi
- Summer of 69
- Field of Gold
- Hey Jude
- Love Me Tender
- Nowhere Man
- Stand by Me
- Every Breath You Take
- Dust in the Wind
- Maggie May
- Imagine
- I Get Around
- Walk Don't Run
- It was a Very Good Year
- Sweeter than Wine
- Lay Down Sally
- Runnin' Down a Dream
- Wake Up Little Susie
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
Lots of Updates
This band is claiming that Poison ripped off their song "Talk Dirty to Me." This is CC Deville, Poison's guitarist, playing with a band called "Screamin' Mimis"
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Busy!
- Monday
- Basketball practice for Alex
- Lessons for Megan
- How I Met Your Mother
- 2 Broke Girls
- 2.5 Men
- Mike and Molly
- WWE
- Tuesday
- Band concert at West High School - concert starts at 7 but I think we'll be there well before that
- Gene Simmons Family Jewels
- Wednesday
- Religious Ed class for Alex
- Survivor
- The Middle
- Modern Family
- Real World
- Thursday
- Another band concert at West High School
- Big Bang Theory
- Grey's Anatomy
- Private Practice
- Friday
- Nothing, but I'm sure something will show up.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Pork Tornados
There's a local band that I'd like to see live, especially if the songs are delivered with this beauty.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Occupy Some Other Place
I've not paid a whole lot of attention to the "Occupy Wall Street" movement. What I have seen has been unimpressive. People are protesting the 99% of the people that are rich. They protest because they want change.
Okay, first of all, if they want to effect change, you have to pass laws. Second of all, gathering in a park and chanting slogans will um, not pass laws. Third of all, when there was a request for them to move in order to clean, they thought it was wrong because they were asked to move.
Well, I came across this graphic. It summarizes my opinion.
Okay, first of all, if they want to effect change, you have to pass laws. Second of all, gathering in a park and chanting slogans will um, not pass laws. Third of all, when there was a request for them to move in order to clean, they thought it was wrong because they were asked to move.
Well, I came across this graphic. It summarizes my opinion.
Recovery
Megan had her surgery and she is recovering now. We got home from the hospital around 10 PM.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Hospital
Megan is having surgery. I'm in a waiting room on 4th floor. They've taken her back and all I can do is pass time away on a PC that has Windows XP installed. Some show called "The Chew" is on ABC and the people on the show are amazingly annoying.
I am hoping the Hawkeyes win tomorrow night but more than that, I'm hoping Megan does okay with her surgery. If you have a God and if you have time, prayers are appreciated.
I am hoping the Hawkeyes win tomorrow night but more than that, I'm hoping Megan does okay with her surgery. If you have a God and if you have time, prayers are appreciated.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Opeth
I returned from the Twin Cities on Saturday after the mediocre Opeth show on Friday. Kevin and I stayed at the Radisson Hotel that was less than 2 blocks from the First Avenue Club. It is the same club that Prince filmed "Purple Rain" within. I would happily go see a show in that venue again.
Opeth? LIke I said in the previous paragraph, they were mediocre. It was good to see them, but they were mellow for heavy metal. I know the band is experiencing a lot of backlash from their fans about their new release "Heritage" and how it's more progressive than metal.
Opeth? LIke I said in the previous paragraph, they were mediocre. It was good to see them, but they were mellow for heavy metal. I know the band is experiencing a lot of backlash from their fans about their new release "Heritage" and how it's more progressive than metal.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Sunday, October 2, 2011
50 Years
It's over. My in-laws' 50th anniversary has come and gone. It was a good time. I had a really good time. But now it's over. It's now Sunday night and I return to work tomorrow. First of all, I am still loving my job. It is kicking butt! I can't help look forward to Monday.
The rest of my week is looking busy.
Monday - kids have lessons - also How I met your mother, 2 Broke Girls, 2 1/2 Men, Mike and Molly, and WWE
Tuesday - during the day, I have a 1/2 day training class. After work, I am going to mow a yard. At night is the new "Family Jewels" episode where Shannon Tweed answers the proposal from Gene Simmons.
Wednesday - Alex has RE; also Survivor, The Middle, Modern Family, and Real World - San Diego
Thursday - not sure, but I have an all-day training session @ work. The Big Bang Theory, Grey's, Private Practice, and TNA.
Friday - Opeth concert in the Twin Cities with Kevin
Saturday - return from the Twin Cities
Sunday - not sure
And then it starts over.
The rest of my week is looking busy.
Monday - kids have lessons - also How I met your mother, 2 Broke Girls, 2 1/2 Men, Mike and Molly, and WWE
Tuesday - during the day, I have a 1/2 day training class. After work, I am going to mow a yard. At night is the new "Family Jewels" episode where Shannon Tweed answers the proposal from Gene Simmons.
Wednesday - Alex has RE; also Survivor, The Middle, Modern Family, and Real World - San Diego
Thursday - not sure, but I have an all-day training session @ work. The Big Bang Theory, Grey's, Private Practice, and TNA.
Friday - Opeth concert in the Twin Cities with Kevin
Saturday - return from the Twin Cities
Sunday - not sure
And then it starts over.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
New Season
It started last week and continues this week. It is the new season of TV shows.
It is what interests me.
And all of these compete with the other things going on in life, like lessons, like playing drums at a memorial service in Waterloo (tentatively), like a CEW meeting on Tuesday in Riverside, like taking Alex to drumline on Tuesday and Thursday, like Alex's RE class on Wednesday, and then, on Friday, both kids play at the halftime of the West football game. The next day is the 50th anniversary party, Sunday 10/2 is WWE's "Hell in a Cell" and "Breaking Bad." And that is before the whole thing starts over.
It is what interests me.
- Sunday
- Desparate Housewives
- Breaking Bad
- Monday
- How I Met Your Mother
- Broke Girls (new series that debuted last week and I thought it was good
- Two and a Half Men
- Mike and Molly
- WWE (of course)
- Tuesday
- NOTHING until Gene Simmons Family Jewels begins on 10/4
- Wednesday
- Modern Family
- The Middle
- Real World San Diego
- Thursday
- Survivor
- Big Bang Theory
- Grey's Anatomy
- Private Practice
And all of these compete with the other things going on in life, like lessons, like playing drums at a memorial service in Waterloo (tentatively), like a CEW meeting on Tuesday in Riverside, like taking Alex to drumline on Tuesday and Thursday, like Alex's RE class on Wednesday, and then, on Friday, both kids play at the halftime of the West football game. The next day is the 50th anniversary party, Sunday 10/2 is WWE's "Hell in a Cell" and "Breaking Bad." And that is before the whole thing starts over.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Milestone
Another milestone today - 3 months, 3 weeks - at my wonderful new job. I have found my niche, my groove, and my home away from home. I have a terrific manager who is very technical and extracts from me my best work. We had an impromptu meeting yesterday that turned from a briefing about a new project into a comprehensive 2 hour discussion about future initiatives, the way we do our job now, and other issues. It was a free-flowing conversation. It made me feel appreciated in a way I have not known for nearly a year. What I said mattered. I am very eager for the future to arrive. By this time next year, we should be doing our jobs very differently, thanks in large part to how I figure out the best way to do our job.
Dump
Sometimes, it seems like every thing I see is a candidate for an entry on this blog.
For example, I discovered the "That's Not Metal" blog.
I also read this:
"It feels like a huge burden has been lifted off your shoulders. I mean, there's not a single day that you cannot think about this policy while serving in the military. And knowing today that there's a career I have an opportunity to have where I don't have to be scared of who I am and who I love, that I can be part of the military family and I'm so excited about it. And I think every other gay person in the military feels the exact same way." -Air Force First Lieutenant Josh Seefried, founder of OutServe, on the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell
I still do not understand what someone does in the privacy of their bed has to do with anything. I don’t care what Josh Seefried does. I don’t want to know. And, frankly, while I have never been in the armed forces, my impression is that when you join the armed forces, you give up your individual identity and become part of the collective. You do not think of your own needs above the needs of your fellow soldiers. Maybe that’s too simplistic. I may never know since I do not intend to join the military.
And then I read about the Dems trying to do the same thing that the Repubs tried to do:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/21/house-democrats-government-shutdown-continuing-resolution_n_973867.html
Subject: Naming Yourself After a Rock Band
A Missouri man who changed his name to Led Zeppelin IInow says his life has improved "a thousandfold." The former George Blackburn, 64, made the changeon the day he divorced his third wife because hewanted a fresh start. "I don't want to appear to besome off-the-wall, drug-addict idiot," he said.
Flawless logic there, George.
The Top 5 Downsides of Naming Yourself After a Rock Band
5. You quickly find yourself named as defendant in Metallica v. Metallica Jones.
4. "Sorry about the extended body cavity search, but if you hurry you can still catch your flight, Mr. Anthrax."
3. Funny how often Child Protective Services checks up your daughter, Mary Alice in Chains.
2. Sure, you worship Townshend and Daltrey, but that whole Abbott & Costello routine got old REALLY fast.
And The #1 Downside of Naming Yourself After a Rock Band... 1. Ever since you took the name Strawberry Alarm Clock, people assume you're Gwyneth Paltrow's kid.
For example, I discovered the "That's Not Metal" blog.
I also read this:
"It feels like a huge burden has been lifted off your shoulders. I mean, there's not a single day that you cannot think about this policy while serving in the military. And knowing today that there's a career I have an opportunity to have where I don't have to be scared of who I am and who I love, that I can be part of the military family and I'm so excited about it. And I think every other gay person in the military feels the exact same way." -Air Force First Lieutenant Josh Seefried, founder of OutServe, on the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell
I still do not understand what someone does in the privacy of their bed has to do with anything. I don’t care what Josh Seefried does. I don’t want to know. And, frankly, while I have never been in the armed forces, my impression is that when you join the armed forces, you give up your individual identity and become part of the collective. You do not think of your own needs above the needs of your fellow soldiers. Maybe that’s too simplistic. I may never know since I do not intend to join the military.
And then I read about the Dems trying to do the same thing that the Repubs tried to do:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/21/house-democrats-government-shutdown-continuing-resolution_n_973867.html
Subject: Naming Yourself After a Rock Band
A Missouri man who changed his name to Led Zeppelin IInow says his life has improved "a thousandfold." The former George Blackburn, 64, made the changeon the day he divorced his third wife because hewanted a fresh start. "I don't want to appear to besome off-the-wall, drug-addict idiot," he said.
Flawless logic there, George.
The Top 5 Downsides of Naming Yourself After a Rock Band
5. You quickly find yourself named as defendant in Metallica v. Metallica Jones.
4. "Sorry about the extended body cavity search, but if you hurry you can still catch your flight, Mr. Anthrax."
3. Funny how often Child Protective Services checks up your daughter, Mary Alice in Chains.
2. Sure, you worship Townshend and Daltrey, but that whole Abbott & Costello routine got old REALLY fast.
And The #1 Downside of Naming Yourself After a Rock Band... 1. Ever since you took the name Strawberry Alarm Clock, people assume you're Gwyneth Paltrow's kid.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Cosby Show Gems
The sad fact is this: they don't make shows like "The Cosby Show" anymore. I have watched enough "iCarly" episodes to realize they are not in the same league. At all. The facts are simple. This show captured a lot of African-American issues throughout the series, but these two episodes are not about those issues. These episodes are about the issues that arise when children experiment with alcohol and when children lie to their parents. Without preaching, without making bold judgments about right and wrong, these two episodes deal with the issues parents must deal with when their children misbehave. I think these episodes could easily be required viewing for students in some kids. sort of class in high school, maybe junior high. Obviously, there could be outstanding discussions about how the parents interact with the kids.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Miss One, Plan One, Want One
So yes, I am planning to see Opeth in October. I finalized plans with my friend and it's a go. We'll leave on a Friday AM, get up to the Twin Cities, check into the hotel, eat, get into the venue early, get an autographed copy of the band's new CD, and listen to some excellent heavy metal.
However, I did miss The Big Four show in Yankee Stadium last night.
However, I did miss The Big Four show in Yankee Stadium last night.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Going to a Show / Gotta go gotta go
I am going to venture to the Twin Cities to see Opeth! I hope they play this!
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Sunday, September 4, 2011
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