A Birthday Wish & 500 Things...

Sparks Of Insanity By Vinny "Bond" Marini Friday, January 25, 2008



TIME TO DONATE SOME RICE TODAY!

Build your vocabulary, feed the hungry...
15,586,120,730 grains donated at this point...
25 correct words will earn 500 grains of rice...
2500 correct words earns 500 bowls of rice...



Before we begin...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO BROTHER RICHARD...
May you enjoy and be surrounded with love and friendship today

Want to send your wishes?
You can go HERE and leave a comment



500 is a trick-taking card game based on Euchre that is popular largely in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and French Canada.



The Fiat 500 (the "cinquecento" [chin-kweh-chen-toh] from the Italian word for "500") is a car produced by the Fiat company of Italy between 1957 and 1975 (the Fiat 500 K alone was produced until 1977) and from 2007 on. It was designed by Dante Giacosa.

Launched as the Nuova 500, it was marketed as a cheap and practical town car. Measuring only 2.97 m (9 ft 9 in) long, and originally powered by a tiny 479 cc two-cylinder, air-cooled engine, the 500 redefined the term "small car" and is considered one of the first city cars.



The Daytona 500 is a 200-lap, 500 mile (805 km) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race held annually at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. It is one of four restrictor plate races on the Cup schedule. In 2008, the race will celebrate its 50th running.

The Daytona 500 is regarded by many as the most important and prestigious race on the NASCAR calendar, carrying by far the largest purse. Championship points awarded are equal to that of any other Sprint Cup race. It is also NASCAR's first race of the year; this phenomenon is virtually unique in sports, which tend to have championships or other major events at the end of the season rather than the start.



The Indianapolis 500-Mile Race, often shortened to Indianapolis 500 or Indy 500, and historically known simply as "The 500," is an American automobile race, held annually over the Memorial Day weekend at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana. The event lends its name to the "IndyCar" class of formula, or open-wheel, race cars that have competed in it.

The event, billed as "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing", is one of the oldest and richest motorsport events, and one of the three most important motor racing events in existence, with one of the largest attendances, and radio and television audiences, of any single-day sporting event worldwide. While the official attendance is not disclosed by Speedway management, news media estimate attendance in excess of 270,000.



500 is a competitive, outdoor game for 3+ people that is typically played with a baseball, football, or flying disc. One person is designated as the thrower, and stands a good distance away from the rest of the group.

The game begins with the thrower calling out a number (typically a multiple of 100 between 100 and 500), and then throwing the baseball/football/flying disc, or hitting the baseball with a baseball bat, in the general direction of the group. The person that catches the throw gains the number of points called out.

The process is repeated until one of the players reaches or exceeds 500 points. That player then switches places with the thrower, and the game continues. Typically, all player's point totals are reset when a new thrower is instated.


The I-500 Snowmobile Race is held each year in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan. This year the race will be held on February 2nd, celebrating it's 40th Anniversary. Held on a one-mile ice oval track. The I-500 is the Biggest event both in the Upper Peninsula and in the entire snowmobile-racing world. No Hans devices. No padding. Just 100% raw courage!!!

Drivers accelerate to speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour on the straight-aways. The track was actually set on an old creek bed of gravel and clay. The site was originally developed in World War II as an ammunition dump.

It takes 3 weeks and 1,800,000 gallons of water to make the track. Water is transported from a hydrant in the pit area via the use of three 8,000 gallon tankers and many trips around the track.




The Fortune 500 is a ranking of the top 500 American public corporations as measured by gross revenue, although eligible companies are any for which revenues are publicly available (which is a larger universe than "public companies", as the term is commonly understood, meaning "companies having common stock that trades on a stock exchange"). Fortune Magazine compiles and publishes the list annually.

Here are the top 10 from 2007:
1 Wal-Mart Stores
2 Exxon Mobil
3 General Motors
4 Chevron
5 ConocoPhillips
6 General Electric
7 Ford Motor
8 Citigroup
9 Bank of America Corp.
10 American Intl. Group

You can find all 500 HERE



OH YEAH.... and the point of this post...THE COUCH has reached a milestone....




Over the course of those 500 posts, we have touched on so many subjects...We have:
  • Shared our views on important subjects like the failure of FEMA, The waste of money and abuse of our troops in Iraq, the importance of donating blood and organs, the solidarity of flying Peace Globes and the simplicity of donating Free Rice to name a few;
  • Entertained (at least tried to) with celebrity funnies, Mid-Week Musical Meme, sports and other silly stuff;
  • Shared our life and yours both the good and the bad;
  • Shared our musical knowledge with Tuneage Tutelage;
  • Shared our words with Monday Matinee On The Couch
OH, and we have played music - lots and lots of music...Including today's selection, the number stands at 500 songs posted on The Couch...that amazes us that we have hit the number on the head (YES, we have continued to keep count Anndi...hehehe)...

(COUCH NOTE: that does include duplicated songs)

Throughout the 500 posts over 22 months with almost 32,000 visitors, The Couch, has lasted because of you, our incredible guests, who have made it possible to sustain...

We thank you so very much for your friendship, your encouragement, your words of support and love, and your comments, which sometimes are even more fun than the posts themselves...

In the end, we go back to our original 'description' which still has a place on our sidebar:

Life is a journey.
Sometimes it is filled with wonderment and joy,
at other times heartache and sorrow.

I have always tried to see the lighter side,
though I have not always been successful.

This space is where I will share my insights on:
 The World...My Friends... Interesting Stories and Places...
The Sublime and the Surreal...

Take A Seat And Please Join In with your Suggestions
and make room for others!



Thank you...and here's to another 500 posts...



Over 24 nights between 1990 and 1991, Eric Clapton took over Royal Albert Hall in Westminster, London, England.

First he appears with a 4-piece band, then a nine-piece band, then with a collection of blues giants and finally with The National Philharmonic Orchestra...

This is from one of the nights he played with 8 other musicians...A song written for Patti Boyd-Harrison-Clapton. It first appeared on the album Slowhand in 1977.

While generally regarded as a romantic song, "Wonderful Tonight"'s genesis was less than starry-eyed lyricism. Clapton's inspiration came as he grew impatient for Boyd to finish dressing for a party. In that regard, the lyric "You look wonderful tonight" could be interpreted less as a heartfelt compliment and more as a prod to be finished getting dressed. Nevertheless, the subsequent lyrics grow more patient and loving.

The song is a narrative, dealing with a party the pair attended. Each of the three verses is a scene from a part of the night: preparing for the party, going to the party, and coming home from the party. In each scene, he mentions how wonderful she is: how beautiful she looks while preparing for the party, how happy he is to be at the party with her, and how grateful he is that she puts up with him after he drinks a bit too much.

This is dedicated to my darlin' Nancy, who always looks wonderful to me...



Eric Clapton - Vocals & Guitar
Phil Palmer - Guitar
Greg Phillinganes - Keyboards & Vocals
Chuck Leavell - Keyboards
Nathan East - Bass Guitar & Vocals
Steve Ferrone - Drums
Ray Cooper - Percussion
Katie Kissoon - Backing Vocals
Tessa Niles - Backing Vocals



We have always gone crazy with 'labels', trying to fit as many as we could onto each post to illustrate the subject matter of each post...In the beginning we ended up using different labels for the same subjects. At one point we tried to go back and redo the labels until we realized we were making our guests who use 'readers' crazy as we re-published each post; so we stopped.

We have gotten better trying to reuse labels, but we still have a ton of them...If you are interested...here are the labels used over our first 500 posts...

ummm the comments section is below them...enjoy the scroll...heheheheheheheheheheheheeeee

Did someone say Type-A Personality????


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33 Of Your Sparks

  1. TopChamp Says:
    Posted on Fri Jan 25, 02:29:00 AM CST

  2. Ah, you softie you. Cheesy music - but Nancy is a pretty lady!

    Your blog post labels looked COOL flashing past as I scrolled to the comments section. A band of words - they expand and contract. It tickled me.

    Congratulations on the big milestone. You can give yourself a BIG pat on the back as you avoid the 'can't think of anything'-style posts and are always worth a read.

    Happy Birthday Rich.

     
  3. Coco Says:
    Posted on Fri Jan 25, 07:12:00 AM CST

  4. Congrats on making 500, Vinny. That's a huge milestone.

    *giggles* I did the same thing as TC and scrolled past your labels, thinking they made an interesting pattern as they whizzed by ... wonder if it's a musician thing?

    That is a great version of Wonderful Tonight. Worthy of your dear lady.

    Thank you for all you've done, my friend. Bless you.

    and ... Happy Birthday to Rich! This is the second time I've been privileged to write that. Starting to feel like I should know him! LOL

     
  5. Vinny "Bond" Marini Says:
    Posted on Fri Jan 25, 07:41:00 AM CST

  6. TOPCHAMP: Cheesy??? ah we disagree...I do not find that song cheesy at all...TY on the congrats....maybe I should have put the labels below the comments area..wondering how many people will not leave a comment now...

    COCO: SMOOCH TY dear...maybe it is a musician thing and maybe I should have also centered them...the pattern would have been cooler
    I have done nothing but to be a friend...wish I could do more...Bless YOU

     
  7. Desert Songbird Says:
    Posted on Fri Jan 25, 07:50:00 AM CST

  8. This song always makes my think of my wedding to my hubby. We danced to this at our wedding (and we don't usually dance, but it was OUR wedding, you know?), and it was the culmination of 18 months of planning. We so looked forward to the rest of our lives together, after a rocky two year start.

    I can't believe it's been nearly 17 years since that day. Thanks for the memories.

    Congrats on your 500, dear. I've read each and every one of those posts. I haven't always commented, but I feel as if I've come to know you fairly well. One day, if you ever come here to the desert, I think we probably won't have difficulty making conversation.

    Here's to another 500, and another 500 after that.

     
  9. Travis Cody Says:
    Posted on Fri Jan 25, 08:37:00 AM CST

  10. Hokey schmokes Bulwinkle! Methinks you need a key or chart or something to refer to when it comes time to put the labels on your posts.

    I'm about to hit the big 5 oh oh posts too. In fact, I think I'm sitting on 499. I may have to think profound thoughts...or perhaps silly ones. I haven't decided yet.

    Congrats on the achievement!

     
  11. Angell Says:
    Posted on Fri Jan 25, 08:37:00 AM CST

  12. *clinks champagne glass*

    Congrats Vince on 500 brilliant and insightful posts!! I am proud to say that I have read each and every one (even if I haven't commented) and I shall be here, in my spot on the Couch, for the next five hundred.

    Happy Birthday to Rich.

    And I thank you for sharing your life, your knowledge and your friendship with us.

    Ready ladies??? On my mark, glomptackles, smooches, hugs, gropes and rubs (and make sure Nancy doesn't get away - SHE'S NEXT!!)

    MWAH - with lots of adoration.

     
  13. AtriaBooks Says:
    Posted on Fri Jan 25, 08:40:00 AM CST

  14. Happy 500th, Bond!

     
  15. Vinny "Bond" Marini Says:
    Posted on Fri Jan 25, 09:08:00 AM CST

  16. SONGBIRD: A beautiful song it is and a beautiful marriage and partnership you have...(why do i sound like Yoda!?!)
    TY and TY for always siting on The Couch

    TRAVIS: yeah yeah, I know...but it might be too late and i already have a chart where I keep track of the artists i play (but not the songs...OH GOD..now I am thinking about THAT!)
    You post weekends when i do not...so you have caught up to me ya stinker! LOL
    TY and looking forward to your party celebration, be it profound or silly

    ANGELL: TY Angell..oooof...HEY be careful there...who grabbed the package????

    DOC: TY Sir

     
  17. Cinnamon Girl Says:
    Posted on Fri Jan 25, 10:38:00 AM CST

  18. Congrats Vinny! I am so honored to be a label on the couch. Question...am I one that removal of constitutes a felony? I wanna be felonious!

     
  19. Julie Says:
    Posted on Fri Jan 25, 12:50:00 PM CST

  20. Woooo!! Congrats Vinny! I'll probably be nearing your age before I hit 500 posts!

    Tee hee hee!!

    *runs off veeeerrrry quickly*

     
  21. Twyla Says:
    Posted on Fri Jan 25, 01:13:00 PM CST

  22. Congrats on 500 posts! I'll be sure to have a drink in honour of you tonight. :-)

     
  23. the Book of Keira Says:
    Posted on Fri Jan 25, 01:17:00 PM CST

  24. Here's to another 500 posts... I am so thankful that you are here for me to visit every day. Smoooooch!

     
  25. OBLadyBug Says:
    Posted on Fri Jan 25, 03:04:00 PM CST

  26. Congratulations my dear Vinny on your 500th post. I took a spot on the Couch the first of October last year after one of our first email introductions and have enjoyed every post since. I'm looking forward to sitting on the couch for as long as you continue to post... Thank you darlin for such a sweet song dedication. You make me feel beautiful.

    Happy Birthday to Brother Richard.

     
  27. Vinny "Bond" Marini Says:
    Posted on Fri Jan 25, 04:32:00 PM CST

  28. STARRLIGHT: a label with TEN mentions...and I probably missed a few along the way...No matter if it is removed or not, you are always considered felonious here on The Couch


    JULIE: TY dear friend...and Hardy Har Har Har...

    TWYLA: I might have 3!!!!

    108: KRA dear...TY so very very much SMOOCH

    NANCY: As you know, the fact that you immediately took an interest in The Couch made me even more interested in you...Your place on The Couch is secure as long as you wish...You are beautiful...it is easy....

     
  29. Meribah Says:
    Posted on Fri Jan 25, 04:51:00 PM CST

  30. HAPPY 500 POSTS, VINNY! And Happy B-day to brother Rich. Hope it was a good one!
    So many tags...so few hours in the day to scroll through 'em all...and I did not scroll quickly down, not at all. The music kinda slowed me down to a more sedate speed. Nice song! Nancy is very lucky to have you. :)

     
  31. Gail Says:
    Posted on Fri Jan 25, 05:10:00 PM CST

  32. Happy 500 my dear...thank you for being such a stable part of my life. You are a very special friend, and I am blessed.

    Happy Birthday, Rich.

    My name is in a label! I always feel like the forgotten stranger...

    Wonderful Tonight is a beautiful song, and is another one that reminds me of innocence lost...enjoy your dance with Nancy...

     
  33. Cinnamon Girl Says:
    Posted on Fri Jan 25, 05:13:00 PM CST

  34. Right On! Time to queue up some Donna Summers...BEEP BEEP TOOT TOOT!

     
  35. Schmoop Says:
    Posted on Fri Jan 25, 05:28:00 PM CST

  36. Congrats Vinny.
    Here's to your 500th!!
    Cheers my good man.

     
  37. Desert Songbird Says:
    Posted on Fri Jan 25, 06:27:00 PM CST

  38. Wait, wait...hold de phone...You labeled Starrlight TEN TIMES, and I only got THREE?!?!

    Sheesh.

    I knew I was as distant wannabe to her. Hmpf.

     
  39. Vinny "Bond" Marini Says:
    Posted on Fri Jan 25, 06:40:00 PM CST

  40. MERI: TY puppy and Richard thanks you also...glad you enjoyed the song

    GAIL: As I am blessed to know you dear...Never forgotten Gail...never

    STARRLIGHT: BEEP BEEP TOOT TOOT...see now I could do that if the Mac had not died....sigh

    MATT-MAN: TY Sir...

    SONGBIRD: But but but..I mentioned you more than the Colts! hehehehe
    never a wannabee dear...a dear dear friend..

     
  41. Tug Says:
    Posted on Fri Jan 25, 09:32:00 PM CST

  42. Happy HAPPY 500 my friend!!

    I miss snowmobiling.

    'You Look Wonderful Tonight'...seriously one of my most FAVORITE songs E.VER.

     
  43. Vinny "Bond" Marini Says:
    Posted on Sat Jan 26, 08:28:00 AM CST

  44. TUG: TY very much....been a while since I did snowmobiling also....it is a great great song

     
  45. Bud Fisher Says:
    Posted on Sat Jan 26, 01:04:00 PM CST

  46. Vinny-

    God, it seems that we were all new at this just a couple of days ago. The best part? The friends we've made here in the blogosphere.

    So here is a toast you my friend: Happy Post 500 and here's to 5000 more!

     
  47. Mimi Lenox Says:
    Posted on Sat Jan 26, 01:55:00 PM CST

  48. Wow. Vinny...what can I say. I'm about to break out with "Memories" here. A little misty-eyed. Bud is right. The friendships are the best part.

    Happy 500th post. You totally rock in so many ways.

     
  49. Vinny "Bond" Marini Says:
    Posted on Sat Jan 26, 02:24:00 PM CST

  50. BUD: No kidding...time flies when you are having fun! LOL TY Sir, but 5,000 OMG that sounds like forever

    MIMI: I had thought of that song, but without the MAC I am limited...Friendships are GREAT!

     
  51. Jeff B Says:
    Posted on Sat Jan 26, 10:41:00 PM CST

  52. I have post envy!

    Way to go man. I wish I would have been around for more of them, but am glad to be on board now.

    May your fingers stay nimble.

     
  53. Southern (in)Sanity Says:
    Posted on Sun Jan 27, 12:40:00 PM CST

  54. What a great summary of the various "500's" out there.

    And congratulations on your 500th post.

     
  55. RW Says:
    Posted on Sun Jan 27, 12:47:00 PM CST

  56. Holy shit thats a long post lol! Congrats on your 500 Vin!!

     
  57. Vinny "Bond" Marini Says:
    Posted on Sun Jan 27, 01:00:00 PM CST

  58. JEFFB: Thanks...glad you are here now...and remember, when bored, you can always read the archives! LOL

    RWA: Thanks and glad to see you around...hate to think you were gone for good...

    ROGER: LOL..you know me...more more more....

     
  59. cathy Says:
    Posted on Sun Jan 27, 01:13:00 PM CST

  60. Congratulations.
    I love the song too, not a bit cheesy.I'm a bit soppy though so what do I know.

     
  61. Unknown Says:
    Posted on Sun Jan 27, 02:20:00 PM CST

  62. :sniffles:

    I remember the baby Big Leather Couch from way back...you've come a long way, baby!

     
  63. Unknown Says:
    Posted on Sun Jan 27, 04:58:00 PM CST

  64. Happy 500th, Vinny! Keep on rocking the Blogosphere!

    Love ya, my friend!

     
  65. Vinny "Bond" Marini Says:
    Posted on Sat Feb 02, 04:05:00 PM CST

  66. CATHY: totally agree

    DANA:ANd it was because of people like you dear

    SANNI: TYVM darlin

     

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