The premise behind the novel is 'what if J.F.K. had not died on that fateful day.
Showing posts with label Great Weekend. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Great Weekend. Show all posts
The premise behind the novel is 'what if J.F.K. had not died on that fateful day.
Well it sure FEELS like Christmas of old outside today! brrrrrrr hovered at 30-32 degrees all day with a constant call for a freezing rain...
You know what that means...right kiddies.....MILK & BREAD RUN ... and school closings...at 1:00pm for a storm that - as of 6:32pm - has stayed on the JAY'S from "Cynical Ba**ard" side of the Mississippi...That would be the west side for those geographically challenged...(I looked at a map, trust me!)
You know what that means...right kiddies.....MILK & BREAD RUN ... and school closings...at 1:00pm for a storm that - as of 6:32pm - has stayed on the JAY'S from "Cynical Ba**ard" side of the Mississippi...That would be the west side for those geographically challenged...(I looked at a map, trust me!)
The weekend was really a lot of fun and we packed a great deal into the three days...
Beginning Friday night when I finally completed the hopefully one-time only "Rehanging O' The Lights!"
With the tree lit and decorated by Nancy & The Boys, I took the last photos...(all enlarge with a click)
Beginning Friday night when I finally completed the hopefully one-time only "Rehanging O' The Lights!"
With the tree lit and decorated by Nancy & The Boys, I took the last photos...(all enlarge with a click)
The Final Product
Close-up Of The Front Door With Tree
Then a little fun...
right out of the camera
Close-up Of The Front Door With Tree
Then a little fun...
right out of the camera
Saturday morning came quickly and we were on a 9:00am flight. Non-stop Memphis to Greensboro. We traveled with the basketball team from ...Wright State...We were in a small jet and these poor guys had their knees in their chins!
When we land, there is no gate for us, so we sat on the tarmac for a half hour! At one point the pilot announced "for the guys over 6'5", we are turning off the seat belt light to let you stretch"...funny thing is not one of them stood. Nancy said they were too afraid they would not be able to get back into the seats!
And of course from behind me one of the players says to his buddy "John, you are only 6'4" you can't get up!"
Nancy had told a co-worker we would wait for them since we were renting a car, so we grabbed the car and drove around a bit before meeting Al at the Marriott Hotel on the airport property and off to the Grandover Resort.
When we land, there is no gate for us, so we sat on the tarmac for a half hour! At one point the pilot announced "for the guys over 6'5", we are turning off the seat belt light to let you stretch"...funny thing is not one of them stood. Nancy said they were too afraid they would not be able to get back into the seats!
And of course from behind me one of the players says to his buddy "John, you are only 6'4" you can't get up!"
Nancy had told a co-worker we would wait for them since we were renting a car, so we grabbed the car and drove around a bit before meeting Al at the Marriott Hotel on the airport property and off to the Grandover Resort.
Man I hate those GPS things squawking in your ear! Especially when it is a new highway and the dang thing does not recognize it and keeps chirping "Recalculating"..."Recalculating"..."Recalculating"...
Anywho...we got to the resort and Nancy checked in while I parked the car. We go up to the room and it is not the room reserved. So Nancy calls down and I hear this end of the conversation "Yes, it was not the room....Well there are two double beds...sharing the room?...who?...Hazel?....let us come down there and we can get it straight, thank you"
HUH? What kind of company is this? They are putting three in a room? Hummm...what does Hazel look like - this last got me a shot in the arm...LOL
We go downstairs and the woman says, yes you are sharing with a Mr. Vince Marini...OH WELL that is a horse of a different color!
image found at Journeys
Back to the room for some rest and then off to the party. The cocktail hour and a half began at 6:30...I was talking with the bartender Zoltan - no I did not try and feed him quarters and find out my fortune - and he said he went through 6 bottles of vodka, three of Black Label, two of Jose 1800 and 2 of Jack...beside the numerous bottles of wine and beer!
Last year this company had 25 employees. This year 79...most brought a guest...they flew in those who worked remotely and many drove (The company office is in the Durham area - we were in Greensboro)...but the owner said "If you drink, you stay" so he had a minimum of 70 rooms at the hotel!
Then there was dinner, which after I had begun to eat, I realized there were not two types of potatoes on the plate - I know...but what can I tell you! - one of them was crab cakes...When the waitress came back all that was left was a veggie plate, which was not bad, but those two tenderloin steaks looked so dang good...-for those who do not know I have a fatal allergy to crab, lobster and shrimp -
Then the awards were handed out and as this was going on the DJ next door was heard every time a staff member went through the connecting door.
As there was no plans for dancing at this party, people drifted next door when all was done.
Nancy's company took over the party and at the end - for the last dance - it was only people from her company left!
Then we went to the bar and closed that down with about 40 people.
We finally made it upstairs and got settled around 3:30am...
Sunday came fast, we arranged a 1:00pm check out and had some breakfast in bed and then napped ... We had made arrangements to hook up with good friends Steve and Cindy who live in Kernersville.
We headed over to their house and then out to a local sports bar for lunch.
They had been at a party in their neighborhood the night before, so when Steve said, you want a beer, while at his house, I just laughed and he said "yeah, me neither"
We had a great 2 hours with them and then headed to the airport and home. I slept for a while, Nancy tried, but those little jets are just so cramped.
We drove to Nancy's home, I got my car and that was the end of a gloriously fun, special weekend...
We were close to another blogger, but unfortunately did not have time for a visit...but if we are in the area again...we will give them a call...
Ah...pictures
The infamous dress...Nancy looked great
Then we were told "have fun"...and...
Then we were told "have fun"...and...
Coming up this week on DR. BLOGSTEIN’S RADIO HAPPY HOUR:
(Live on Tuesday December 16 at 9PM ET and forever archived at BlogTalkRadio.)
Its a very Merry Blogstein as we celebrate the holidays on our last live show of 2008.
This year is the 25th anniversary of the best holiday movie of all time, A Christmas Story, and joining Dr. Blogstein, Dangerous Lee and Vinny Bond to commemorate the milestone is Brian Jones, founder and owner of A Christmas Story House & Museum.
When Jones heard that the house used in the film was up for sale on eBay, he bought it sight unseen and restored it back to its original movie appearance. The house which opened November 2006 has been visited by more than 60,000 people.
Jones also started and owns RedRiderLegLamps.com, a largely online venture that sells replica leg lamps.
Also this week:
Join us live every Tuesday night at 9PM ET. The Radio Happy Hour Lounge-a live, interactive chat room during show time! It’s the show within the show!
This year is the 25th anniversary of the best holiday movie of all time, A Christmas Story, and joining Dr. Blogstein, Dangerous Lee and Vinny Bond to commemorate the milestone is Brian Jones, founder and owner of A Christmas Story House & Museum.
When Jones heard that the house used in the film was up for sale on eBay, he bought it sight unseen and restored it back to its original movie appearance. The house which opened November 2006 has been visited by more than 60,000 people.
Jones also started and owns RedRiderLegLamps.com, a largely online venture that sells replica leg lamps.
Also this week:
- Bob Eckstein, author of The History of the Snowman will tell us all we didn’t know about Frosty and his ancestors.
- Award-winning singer, songwriter and producer Jd Webb joins us to discuss the controversial end to his former group Raze and to showcase his new single “Everything I Need this Christmas”
- Gina Beltrami, writer of the smelliest Christmas Carol “I Farted on Santa’s Lap (Now Christmas is Gonna Stink for Me)”
Join us live every Tuesday night at 9PM ET. The Radio Happy Hour Lounge-a live, interactive chat room during show time! It’s the show within the show!
What a weekend!
8:15pm...Just got to the apartment after dropping Nancy off at home. This is the stuff I hate. Spending a great 3 days together and then having to leave each other...
Anyway...let me just say I am totally exhausted...Saturday night did not end until about 3:00-3:30am...checked out of the hotel, visited with two good friends and then the flight home...
Will have the pictures and story - or minutia as Doctor Blogstein would call it - for ya'll tomorrow.
I am laughing at the "heck-a-doodles" being bandied about...
Busy week with Mom Joan & Dad Vince arriving on Thursday as they make their way to San Antonio and Brother Rich's family for Christmas...and ummm...there is this thing called shopping that has not even begun.
Going to lay down on the bed, watch my NY Giants play Dallas and open the Christmas cards I received yesterday while we were away.
Have a very cool Monday all...
And in that spirit...Mr. Fats Domino..."Jingle Bells"
ENJOY....
8:15pm...Just got to the apartment after dropping Nancy off at home. This is the stuff I hate. Spending a great 3 days together and then having to leave each other...
Anyway...let me just say I am totally exhausted...Saturday night did not end until about 3:00-3:30am...checked out of the hotel, visited with two good friends and then the flight home...
Will have the pictures and story - or minutia as Doctor Blogstein would call it - for ya'll tomorrow.
I am laughing at the "heck-a-doodles" being bandied about...
Busy week with Mom Joan & Dad Vince arriving on Thursday as they make their way to San Antonio and Brother Rich's family for Christmas...and ummm...there is this thing called shopping that has not even begun.
Going to lay down on the bed, watch my NY Giants play Dallas and open the Christmas cards I received yesterday while we were away.
Have a very cool Monday all...
And in that spirit...Mr. Fats Domino..."Jingle Bells"
ENJOY....
There were some pictures that just did not come out from the Audubon Center on Nancy's camera and I need to get the roll in my camera finished off and then developed to see what is there, but I do have some photos to share with all y'all today. As always, click to enlarge.
First up is in honor of Ruby Tuesday...Now Mary/The Teach says it does not matter how much red is in the photo so that is a good thing.
First up is in honor of Ruby Tuesday...Now Mary/The Teach says it does not matter how much red is in the photo so that is a good thing.
Click on the logo above to head over to The Teach's blog to see all the entries this week.
Only male hummingbirds have red on their neck and only adult males have red...SEE! I did learn something...
Each hummingbird was measured for weight, size of their beak and a few other measurements. While they waited their turn the hummingbirds are kept in little net bags. Funny, the ids that were gathered around - and there were many of them - kept asking "Are they dead?", since the birds did not flutter a wing...then the tiniest of bands were placed around their 'ankles' (Yeah I know birds don't have ankles, but you know what I mean), before being released.
Only male hummingbirds have red on their neck and only adult males have red...SEE! I did learn something...
Each hummingbird was measured for weight, size of their beak and a few other measurements. While they waited their turn the hummingbirds are kept in little net bags. Funny, the ids that were gathered around - and there were many of them - kept asking "Are they dead?", since the birds did not flutter a wing...then the tiniest of bands were placed around their 'ankles' (Yeah I know birds don't have ankles, but you know what I mean), before being released.
These were taken at Nancy's on Saturday as we were preparing dinner...I had splashed some water on myself and did not notice that I still had some spots on my shirt...OH WELL!
Oh and Fred...Mom and Dad say HI!
Coming up this week on DR. BLOGSTEIN’S RADIO HAPPY HOUR:
(Live on Tuesday September 9 at 9PM ET and forever archived at BlogTalkRadio.)
(Live on Tuesday September 9 at 9PM ET and forever archived at BlogTalkRadio.)
Tariq Alexander is the newly named president of Ruff Ryder Film Division. He and 2 time Grammy Award winning producer/songwriter Bryce Wilson will join Dr. B and Dangeous Lee to discuss their latest projects and collaborations.
We’ll find out what a company known for hip hop knows about the movie business, whether DMX will stay out of trouble long enough to participate and we’ll also see if we can get Dangerous Lee cast in an upcoming film.
We’ll find out what a company known for hip hop knows about the movie business, whether DMX will stay out of trouble long enough to participate and we’ll also see if we can get Dangerous Lee cast in an upcoming film.
Then, you know an artist is good when she only goes by one name. Joséphine left the romantic streets of Paris at the age of 17 to pursue a career in music. That career has taken her to Montreal, New York City and now the Radio Happy Hour. We’ll listen to some tunes and her undoubtedly sexy French accent.
All that, plus Vinny Bond drags his Big Leather Couch into the Radio Happy Hour Lounge to chat live with the listeners, Justin the Weatherman and we’ll take your calls at 646-652-4804.
Join us live every Tuesday night at 9PM ET. The Radio Happy Hour Lounge-a live, interactive chat room during show time-is a whole new reason to make sure you listen live! It’s the show within the show!
All that, plus Vinny Bond drags his Big Leather Couch into the Radio Happy Hour Lounge to chat live with the listeners, Justin the Weatherman and we’ll take your calls at 646-652-4804.
Join us live every Tuesday night at 9PM ET. The Radio Happy Hour Lounge-a live, interactive chat room during show time-is a whole new reason to make sure you listen live! It’s the show within the show!
This is one of the songs from Joséphine. It is entitled "I Sing"...hope you enjoy...
Hey y'all..hope you had a great weekend...mine certainly was.
Mom and dad arrived mid-afternoon on Thursday and we had a wonderful visit that evening along with pasta and wine. This pot of gravy really turned out well...and the meatballs were outstanding.
Friday morning after I got back from the gym, we hopped in the car and after a stop at COSCO for two beautiful london broils, we headed for Nancy's. Introductions were made and After I got the london broil's into a marinade and some small talk exchanged we got back in the car and headed for the The Strawberry Plains Audubon Center, a wonderful facility where, in addition to other things, they band hummingbirds that come their way while making their migration to Central America and Mexico.
We watched as they measured, recorded and banded the birds and listened to the volunteers discuss the birds and their migration patterns. It really was interesting and I got a few pictures which I will be sharing over the next few days.
COUCH NOTE: On Saturday I left my camera and Nancy's at her house and we did not get together Sunday, so I am going tonight to pick them up.
We skipped the snake and bat exhibits. We were going to take a ride through the facility on the wagons they have but the skies were dark and foreboding and we were all getting hungry, so we got back in the car and Nancy called Uncle Lou's and pre-ordered a whole chicken for us.
Unfortunately, pictures of that visit are not available. I had forgotten a second roll of film and Nancy's digital camera had run out of juice (YES, I know we have to plan better next time!).
When we arrived we were greeted and ordered up our sides - fried okra, french fries, onion rings and corn niblets (similar to corn fritters, but little nugget bites). As I was paying the lady said "Oh yeah, I recognize the pretty lady you are with from when you were here last time." My response "What, you don't remember me too?!?!" LOL
Our food came and we dug in. There was silence for while due to our enjoying the meal. We checked their map on the wall and saw there was already a push-pin showing visitors from Boynton Beach (where Mom and Dad live) had visited, so it was not necessary to add another.
When we were done, we all knew we would not be eating any dinner later that evening...we were totally satisfied and there was nary a bite left of the food.
We then headed back to my apartment where Nancy got to view the video my sister, brother and I put together for Mom and Dad's 50th Anniversary four years ago and also the video from my brother and SIL's 25th Anniversary. She really enjoyed it - seeing all the family members and hearing stories of them all.
Nancy's youngest son is the manager for the varsity football team (and back-up quarterback for the freshman team) and her oldest plays French Horn in the band. There was a game that night and we talked about going, but Mom and Dad opted out. I drove Nancy back to her place and she sent me back to be with mom and dad.
On Saturday afternoon Mom, Dad and I drove down to Nancy's where Mom and Dad got to meet both of the boys.
We sat outside and had some cocktails as it was a glorious day. Ole Miss was on the TV and dad began to root for them along with Nancy's boys and was truly disappointed when they lost on a last second field goal. The younger son Peter was funny when dad asked why he did not seem so disappointed and he responded "I am used to it after the last three years."
I cranked up the grill and put the steaks on along with roasting bags loaded with sliced potatoes with fresh rosemary out of Nancy's garden.
When all was ready we sat down to a great meal that also included corn on the cob, baby portobello mushrooms with garlic and a coating of bread crumbs (one of Mom's specialties) and roasted garlic artisan bread. The talk never lingered and mom and dad truly enjoyed the company of both boys.
Dessert was banana pudding and strawberry shortcakes that we had bought at Lou's the day before. When we were done we did a cleanup and then Mom, Dad and I headed out arriving home sometime around 8:00pm, just as I received a test message from the wonderful Turnbaby" asking if I was home. I dialed her number and she and Brad were just leaving the Kentucky game and were looking for an update on the Florida State game! LOL..
Then it was time for some sleep. Yesterday morning at about 6:45am, Mom and Dad pulled away from Casa Marini - Memphis for the last two days on the road, heading home. We had watched the track of Ike all weekend and had made plans for them to stay if he had headed up the coast of Florida.
Once they left I fell back to sleep for a while and then began doing the sheets and towels and other laundry that had accumulated over the weekend. With ym mini washer and dryer it took most of the day!
I also spent yesterday watching some football and tracking my three fantasy teams. All three are still up for grabs as I write this, but two of my three teams in my Survivor Pool made it through which is great - Denver is the third team for this week, so hoping they also make it through.
It was an incredibly wonderful visit with Mom and Dad, but way too short. In the end, they now know why Nancy has won my heart and is such an important part of my life and it was wonderful to watch them hug and kiss as we left Nancy's on Saturday.
Mom and dad arrived mid-afternoon on Thursday and we had a wonderful visit that evening along with pasta and wine. This pot of gravy really turned out well...and the meatballs were outstanding.
Friday morning after I got back from the gym, we hopped in the car and after a stop at COSCO for two beautiful london broils, we headed for Nancy's. Introductions were made and After I got the london broil's into a marinade and some small talk exchanged we got back in the car and headed for the The Strawberry Plains Audubon Center, a wonderful facility where, in addition to other things, they band hummingbirds that come their way while making their migration to Central America and Mexico.
We watched as they measured, recorded and banded the birds and listened to the volunteers discuss the birds and their migration patterns. It really was interesting and I got a few pictures which I will be sharing over the next few days.
COUCH NOTE: On Saturday I left my camera and Nancy's at her house and we did not get together Sunday, so I am going tonight to pick them up.
We skipped the snake and bat exhibits. We were going to take a ride through the facility on the wagons they have but the skies were dark and foreboding and we were all getting hungry, so we got back in the car and Nancy called Uncle Lou's and pre-ordered a whole chicken for us.
Unfortunately, pictures of that visit are not available. I had forgotten a second roll of film and Nancy's digital camera had run out of juice (YES, I know we have to plan better next time!).
When we arrived we were greeted and ordered up our sides - fried okra, french fries, onion rings and corn niblets (similar to corn fritters, but little nugget bites). As I was paying the lady said "Oh yeah, I recognize the pretty lady you are with from when you were here last time." My response "What, you don't remember me too?!?!" LOL
Our food came and we dug in. There was silence for while due to our enjoying the meal. We checked their map on the wall and saw there was already a push-pin showing visitors from Boynton Beach (where Mom and Dad live) had visited, so it was not necessary to add another.
When we were done, we all knew we would not be eating any dinner later that evening...we were totally satisfied and there was nary a bite left of the food.
We then headed back to my apartment where Nancy got to view the video my sister, brother and I put together for Mom and Dad's 50th Anniversary four years ago and also the video from my brother and SIL's 25th Anniversary. She really enjoyed it - seeing all the family members and hearing stories of them all.
Nancy's youngest son is the manager for the varsity football team (and back-up quarterback for the freshman team) and her oldest plays French Horn in the band. There was a game that night and we talked about going, but Mom and Dad opted out. I drove Nancy back to her place and she sent me back to be with mom and dad.
On Saturday afternoon Mom, Dad and I drove down to Nancy's where Mom and Dad got to meet both of the boys.
We sat outside and had some cocktails as it was a glorious day. Ole Miss was on the TV and dad began to root for them along with Nancy's boys and was truly disappointed when they lost on a last second field goal. The younger son Peter was funny when dad asked why he did not seem so disappointed and he responded "I am used to it after the last three years."
I cranked up the grill and put the steaks on along with roasting bags loaded with sliced potatoes with fresh rosemary out of Nancy's garden.
When all was ready we sat down to a great meal that also included corn on the cob, baby portobello mushrooms with garlic and a coating of bread crumbs (one of Mom's specialties) and roasted garlic artisan bread. The talk never lingered and mom and dad truly enjoyed the company of both boys.
Dessert was banana pudding and strawberry shortcakes that we had bought at Lou's the day before. When we were done we did a cleanup and then Mom, Dad and I headed out arriving home sometime around 8:00pm, just as I received a test message from the wonderful Turnbaby" asking if I was home. I dialed her number and she and Brad were just leaving the Kentucky game and were looking for an update on the Florida State game! LOL..
Then it was time for some sleep. Yesterday morning at about 6:45am, Mom and Dad pulled away from Casa Marini - Memphis for the last two days on the road, heading home. We had watched the track of Ike all weekend and had made plans for them to stay if he had headed up the coast of Florida.
Once they left I fell back to sleep for a while and then began doing the sheets and towels and other laundry that had accumulated over the weekend. With ym mini washer and dryer it took most of the day!
I also spent yesterday watching some football and tracking my three fantasy teams. All three are still up for grabs as I write this, but two of my three teams in my Survivor Pool made it through which is great - Denver is the third team for this week, so hoping they also make it through.
It was an incredibly wonderful visit with Mom and Dad, but way too short. In the end, they now know why Nancy has won my heart and is such an important part of my life and it was wonderful to watch them hug and kiss as we left Nancy's on Saturday.
Thanks again for your votes in the music poll on Friday.
I received this lovely away from Kimmie over at Pretty Amazing Grace. She is a lovely woman from Buffalo who must be very happy after her Bills won yesterday. THANK YOU KIMMIE!
Closed my eyes and picked this one out for today...New Riders Of the Purple Sage at the Fillmore East April 26, 1971 with a wonderful song originally done by The Band
Sorry, but I have some questions and I need to ask...
1) Why is it OK to slander a candidate, put false words into their mouth and lie about their record (Obama sponsored over 800 bills in the IL Senate), but when you ask another candidate questions about their position on a subject it is being salacious and undignified?
2) Explain why you now proclaim you never supported the 'bridge to nowhere', yet it is on record that you actually did support it, until the federal funds disappeared?
3) Why did you fire a decorated head of law enforcement when he refused to fire your ex brother in law because he was going through a custody battle with your sister?
4) Did you not do any investigation into the man you selected to replace the above mentioned head of the State troopers? Since he had to resign two weeks later after issues of his being accused of sexual harassment were found?
5) When you were Mayor, why did you force the police chief, librarian, public works director, and finance director to resign, and then institute a policy requiring department heads to get your approval before talking to reporters? Is this your management style?
5) Why are you such a strong advocate of using my tax money to teach only abstinence in our schools when you yourself got pregnant out of wed-lock and now the same has happened to your daughter?
6) If family is "out-of-play" in this campaign, why did you use your two sons to your advantage the other evening and why would you allow your youngest daughter to appear in a video on John McCain's daughters website?
7) You specifically stated that families with special needs children would have a friend in Washington if you were elected. Is this the same friend who cut funding for special needs families and refused to fund a teenage mothers shelter while you were Governor of Alaska?
Just asking....
1) Why is it OK to slander a candidate, put false words into their mouth and lie about their record (Obama sponsored over 800 bills in the IL Senate), but when you ask another candidate questions about their position on a subject it is being salacious and undignified?
2) Explain why you now proclaim you never supported the 'bridge to nowhere', yet it is on record that you actually did support it, until the federal funds disappeared?
3) Why did you fire a decorated head of law enforcement when he refused to fire your ex brother in law because he was going through a custody battle with your sister?
4) Did you not do any investigation into the man you selected to replace the above mentioned head of the State troopers? Since he had to resign two weeks later after issues of his being accused of sexual harassment were found?
5) When you were Mayor, why did you force the police chief, librarian, public works director, and finance director to resign, and then institute a policy requiring department heads to get your approval before talking to reporters? Is this your management style?
5) Why are you such a strong advocate of using my tax money to teach only abstinence in our schools when you yourself got pregnant out of wed-lock and now the same has happened to your daughter?
6) If family is "out-of-play" in this campaign, why did you use your two sons to your advantage the other evening and why would you allow your youngest daughter to appear in a video on John McCain's daughters website?
7) You specifically stated that families with special needs children would have a friend in Washington if you were elected. Is this the same friend who cut funding for special needs families and refused to fund a teenage mothers shelter while you were Governor of Alaska?
Just asking....
Back again with some more new music to share. I also received the AC/DC DVD today. Unfortunately, they did not send a second copy to use as a give-away.
BUT WAIT! That does not mean I will not be giving this copy away after I view it. I have to see....
NOTE: If the players appear as blank boxes, refresh and they should appear. This seems to be getting more prevalent with my friends at lifelogger.
Today I am bringing you two artists who are on different sides of the music spectrum. Please take a few minutes over the weekend and give them a listen and cast your votes.
BUT WAIT! That does not mean I will not be giving this copy away after I view it. I have to see....
NOTE: If the players appear as blank boxes, refresh and they should appear. This seems to be getting more prevalent with my friends at lifelogger.
Today I am bringing you two artists who are on different sides of the music spectrum. Please take a few minutes over the weekend and give them a listen and cast your votes.
First up is Christian Brown. Hailing from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Christian counts as his influences Elton John, Thursday, Johnny Cash and Death Cab for Cutie; a wildly diverse base, his music certainly shows it.
His biography belies his lyrics. Born in Alaska, his family relocated to IA when he was 7. Christian was a loner who marveled at technology like TV and radio. He began a love affair with the music of the 90's and immersed himself in that genre.
He took up saxophone in grade school and became obsessed practicing 20 hours a week. Christian loved to jam and loved jazz improvisation. He quickly accelerated to studying college level Jazz theory by the end of junior high. Earning the high school label "band nerd," Christian spent countless hours skipping classes to hide out in practice rooms and jam on his new found favorite music maker, the piano.
In his teens he joined two friends in a band that drove audiences away because they could not enjoy Christian's vocals!
Over the years he remained in the background until he finally decided to break out and begin writing songs that anyone could understand and sing...
The first song is "A Mile Above A Small Town". An upbeat fun song about a 'losers' view of his town. Be warned there is one F-Bomb in it. The band in the back is tight and remind me of the Mighty Mighty Bosstones in a lot of ways.
The next song from Mr. Brown is "Here We Go Again Anyway". This one did not grab me as much as his other. It seems too familiar.
You decide...You can find his myspace site HERE
Next up is a band that I really like. The Charlie Wheeler Band is from Ridgway, PA and they claim as their influences Eric Clapton, Steely Dan, Rolling Stones and The Black Crowes. Now tell me kiddies, how can you go wrong there?!?!?!
The band is Charlie Wheeler on guitar and vocals, Anthony Brown on keyboards, Greek Cheronis on vocals and harp, Chuck Jaques on Bass and Darren Payne on Drums.
This is the quote that caught my attention, "What happened to the guitar solo, the piano solo, the instrumentation?" Wheeler asks, directing the question at today's popular music. "Where did it go? Isn't playing your instrument to your fullest potential one of the bedrock priciples that rock n' roll was founded upon?" Struck a chord with this imrov-band lover.
Wheeler writes songs in a variety of styles, ranging from riff based blues-rock to roadhouse-rockabilly to monster power ballads.
First up "Highway Run". Hard driving with a good mix of guitars and harp. The rhythm section lays down a pulsing beat that just grabs me.
The band is Charlie Wheeler on guitar and vocals, Anthony Brown on keyboards, Greek Cheronis on vocals and harp, Chuck Jaques on Bass and Darren Payne on Drums.
This is the quote that caught my attention, "What happened to the guitar solo, the piano solo, the instrumentation?" Wheeler asks, directing the question at today's popular music. "Where did it go? Isn't playing your instrument to your fullest potential one of the bedrock priciples that rock n' roll was founded upon?" Struck a chord with this imrov-band lover.
Wheeler writes songs in a variety of styles, ranging from riff based blues-rock to roadhouse-rockabilly to monster power ballads.
First up "Highway Run". Hard driving with a good mix of guitars and harp. The rhythm section lays down a pulsing beat that just grabs me.
The next song is "When The Lord", a true blues-rock composition.
The only dates on their calendar are Nov. 1st at Nelsons Ledges in Garrettville, OH and Nov 21st at the Library Theater in Warren, PA. Their website can be found HERE and their myspace page HERE.
HAVE A MARVELOUS WEEKEND....
Sure hope you had a wonderful weekend. Mine was as good as it gets and because of that, you get to relive it!
OH LUCKY THEM...IS HE KIDDING?
WELL HE DID HAVE A GREAT TIME AND SO DID I.
YEAH YEAH...WELL..ACTUALLY IT WAS PRETTY GOOD.
WHAT? SOMETHING POSITIVE FROM YOU?
YOU TELL A SOUL AND I WILL KICK YOUR A**
ARE YOU TWO DONE NOW?
So anyway...Friday afternoon I left work early and made a batch of Southern Fried Chicken Tenders and red potato salad with minced green peppers and red onions and a dressing of red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard and mayo. I packaged it all up put it in a cooler and headed to Peter's baseball game. His team did not do well. It was probably their worst game of the season.
After the game darlin' Nancy and I headed to the store and bought a watermelon, a cantaloupe, some grapes and some strawberries. We also picked up some Amstel Light and some Dos Equis. When we got back to her home we made a fruit salad. Then we packaged everything into the big cooler. Nancy called a friend and we borrowed her son's wagon.
Saturday morning they had a second game and they lost again. After the game Nancy and I headed downtown to the Sunset Symphony. The cooler fit perfectly into the wagon, like they were made for each other. We got a perfect parking spot one block from the entrance, strapped the two folding canvas chairs to the wagon and we get into the park and find a perfect spot, house right on a rise. We set up the chairs and left the cooler in the wagon, a perfect height for a table and placed it between us and laid out a blanket in front to sit on also.
Then we grabbed the lawn size plastic bag we had brought, folded up the chairs, put them and the blanket and the backpack we had for some extra clothes and grabbed the umbrella (grabbed at the last second by Nancy), and got ready because a storm was coming in from the Arkansas side of the river. The skies were getting blacker and you could see the rain line.
And the rains came and the wind came and it was kind of fun drinking our beers behind this big (could have been bigger) umbrella. A couple near us packed up except for one of their oversized canvas chairs and she sat in his lap with a HUGE golf umbrella as their buffer to the rain. She looked over and since I had an angled view of the storm, told me I was on funnel cloud watch.
If I had seen one there would have been no permanent structures to head for, so we rode it out for 57 minutes and then it stopped. People began to return to dry off tarps and chairs left behind. One group near us had a beach umbrella that snapped in two.
They canceled the Navy Band - HUGE bummer - and the second act of the day took the stage. The band was called Mashaa. The lead vocalist is a Memphis girl and they were good. Nothing special, both of us would have preferred to have seen the Navy Band.
By this time, the clouds were gone and the sun had returned hot as before, but with a cooling breeze coming off the river, which is to our right looking at the stage.
Next came the air show performed by the Commemorative Air Force. A number of the fliers were from the Memphis area. The highlight of the show was Skip Stewart and his souped-up Pitts S-2S, the 1,100-pound biplane he modified in his two-car garage in Cordova, a town on the outskirts of Memphis.
He is a Fed Ex pilot by day but on Saturday he had his plane making roll after roll and loop after loop and sending it straight up in the sky and making it stand still for what seemed an eternity.
I might have some pictures...I had another camera malfunction...I could not believe it.
Then it was time for the Symphony to take the stage and they are very good. It is my first time hearing them and except for an annoying buzz that came and went in the sound system, they were great. At one point ex-Governor, now Senator Lamar Alexander joined them on stage playing a medley of songs about Memphis or written in Memphis with a large helping of Elvis spread in. He had joked before beginning that he just hoped "he and the Symphony would end at the same time." They almost accomplished it...he ended a few bars before the Symphony.
They also have the section in front of the stage fenced off and tables of 10 set up. You also bring in food or there is an organization caterer who will supply your party with food. The tables of 10 go for $450.00.
Nancy and I agree we liked the set-up we had and are planning on doing it next year with some other people.
Finally, the stage was ready and the conductor for the Four Tops took the stage with the Memphis Symphony. The current line-up of the Four Tops took the stage in purple suits.
Original member Abdul "Duke" Fakir is now joined by Ronnie McNeir (who joined after Levi Stubbs retired following his stroke), Theo Peoples (who joined when original member Lawrence Peyton died in 1977) and Lawrence "Roquel" Payton, Jr. (who joined when founding member Renaldo "Obie" Benson died in 2005 and is the son of Lawrence Payton ).
The did all the hits, "Baby, I Need Your Lovin'," "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)", "Reach Out, I'll Be There" "Ain't No Woman" and more.
Maestro David Loebel, in his last season with the Symphony, came back out and informed us that it "has nothing to do with the War of 1812, nor does it have anything to do with America, but we are playing it anyway" as they began the "1812 Overture"
We waited for the fireworks to begin and we were really close so we had a spectacular view. The music and the fireworks continued into a second piece by the Symphony, and then they ended and left the stage as the fireworks continued. At one point they cranked up the sound system with some David Bowie and the Pink Floyd, but honestly Nancy and I thought it detracted from the fireworks. Not sure why the Symphony did not play for the entire time. The fireworks seemed to start late, but they also seemed to be in sync with the music.
Once it was over we headed home having found out that the game Peter's team was to play at 7:30 had been rescheduled, due to the rain, to Sunday morning at 8:00 AM!!!!
Monday, Nancy and I took the Ernie and Peter to the zoo for the afternoon, coming full circle in a way. For those who do not know, that was where Nancy and I had our first date last November.
We had a lot of fun, a ton of laughs and took a bunch of pictures. We will share when we get them all together.
Additionally, Matt was in Atlantic City this weekend with one of the teams he plays with for a tournament. They started slow losing their first two, but winning the last two. Matt told me he did not have a good game behind the plate on Saturday, but on Sunday came in as a reliever and got a save with three innings of one run ball.
Here is a four-minute video with highlights of the Sunset Symphony all mashed together and then....of course, some Four Tops!
ENJOY...
Oh, the mix from this weekend..."Lady Is A Tramp" Frank Sinatra, "Spinning Wheel" Blood Sweat & Tears, "Crossroads" Elmore James, "Ain't That A Kick In The Head" Dean Martin, "When The Whip Comes Down" Rolling Stones, "This Ain't No Rag, It's A Flag" Charlie Daniels Band, "Fly Like An Eagle" Steve Miller Band.
Coming up this week on DR. BLOGSTEIN’S RADIO HAPPY HOUR:
(Live on Tuesday May 27th at 9PM ET and forever archived at BlogTalkRadio.)
(Live on Tuesday May 27th at 9PM ET and forever archived at BlogTalkRadio.)
Dr. B and Dangerous Lee welcome Judge Alex E. Ferrer of TV’s Judge Alex.
Judge Alex is the only television judge with extensive police, legal and judicial experience, presiding over a wide array of cases, resolving complicated issues with his straight forward approach and cogent rulings. He’s also a Cuban refugee, fleeing Fidel Castro’s Communist regime at when he was one year old.Then, Dr. B’s buddy Frank “franQ” Anthony
Polito will stop by to discuss his new book “Band Fags“. The book, which is a semi-autobiographic coming-of-age while coming-out story, includes a chapter that takes place at a Judy Tenuta show.We’ll find out just how semi-autobiographic the book is, whether franQ has plans to get gay married in California and we’ll play a round of “Are You Gayer Than a franQ Grader“\
Also, musician Celeste Lear, known to her friends as “One-Ear Lear” because she is deaf in one ear, will stop by to play some tunes and to talk about her famous grandfather, inventor of the Lear Jet and the 8-Track.
All that, plus Vinny Bond drags his Big Leather Couch into the Radio Happy Hour Lounge to chat live with the listeners, Justin the Weatherman and we’ll take your calls at
646-652-4804
.Join us live every Tuesday night at 9PM ET. The Radio Happy Hour Lounge-a live chat room during show time-is a whole new reason to make sure you listen live! It’s the show within the show!
