A Dog's Ten Commandments.

This was emailed to me from my Dad this morning. I get so much of my love of dogs from him and that will go on for the rest of my life. Thanks Dad!


1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don’t be angry with me for long and don’t lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don’t understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something is bothering me. Perhaps I’m not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart is getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.

10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say that you can’t bear to watch. Don’t make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so.

I Get Published!

This was in the Sunday paper this morning. Yes, they edited me....but I still got a little taste of the music critic limelight. The first 3 observations are from Startribune critic Jon Bream and the second 3 are from yours truly.
http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/music/36410569.html?elr=KArksUUUU


Pick Six: A half-dozen cool things in music
December 21, 2008

A half-dozen cool things in music, from two points of view:

Kanye West, "Saturday Night Live." No, he's not a great R&B singer, but he is a passionate, nonpareil performer who poured deep-seated emotion into both of his songs.

Axl Rose posts on GNR message boards. He hasn't done any interviews to hype "Chinese Democracy," but the Guns N' Roses frontman posted comments on mygnr.com and other fan sites. A lot of questions remain, but at least fans know that Axl is alive and functioning.

"The Complete Lyrics of Oscar Hammerstein II," edited by Amy Asch. This oversized coffee-table book has all the lyrics for "Oklahoma," "Sound of Music" and his other classics as well as more obscure pieces, including alternative lyrics, never-published tunes and commentaries. A show-music fan's delight.
JON BREAM, STAR TRIBUNE

Black Crowes, First Avenue. Great show with a lively and unruly crowd. Guitarist Luther Dickinson added a spark and worked very well with Rich Robinson. This wasn't as jammed-out as the State Fair show, just a little more focused on songs and not solos. Chris Robinson was in fine voice and good spirits.

Gov't Mule, Pantages Theatre. The band has been re-energized by new bassist Jorgen Carlsson, who brings back a harder edge. Both nights were close to three-hour performances of totally fresh music. No repeats and a true music lovers' treat.

Tom Jones, "24 Hours" video. This is not the Tom Jones that many fans are familiar with. Dark, brooding and with a real sense of mortality, this video is reminiscent of Johnny Cash's "Hurt." Well worth a view.
MIKE YOUNG - Guest Contributor

Mr. Rock Critic

Today in my trusty Yahoo inbox , I found a interesting email. It was from a local music critic that read one of my online reviews of a show I attended and invited me to write a small section in the local ( minnesota star-tribune) paper.

This is something I have always wanted to do. Its a one shot thing, but I will gladly share with all of you if I get "published'!.

Black Crowes Show

Had a great time last night. Complete with the typical First Ave. weirdness. Fights, drunk people, etc...all part of a concert going experience. Does this happen at Celine concerts??? I guess I will never know! :-)




10 December 2008 - First Avenue - Minneapolis, MN [ USA ]
S E T L I S T »
MOVIN' ON DOWN THE LINE
WISER TIME
A CONSPIRACY
WALK BELIEVER WALK
EVIL EYE
DARLING OF THE UNDERGROUND PRESS
GIRL FROM A PAWNSHOP
LONG BLACK VEIL
YOU AIN'T GOING NOWHERE
MY MORNING SONG
SHARE THE RIDE
BY YOUR SIDE
OH JOSEPHINE
JEALOUS AGAIN
WOUNDED BIRD
- encore -
SOMETIMES SALVATION


LONG BLACK VEIL & YOU AIN'T GOING NOWHERE w/Gary Louris and Vetiver"

Planes, Awards, and Music.

No its not another horrible remake of a somewhat decent movie. Its a semi creative title for a long overdue blog update.

Lets start with awards, because its the thing I am most proud of. My son this past weekend won a acting award. He had a nice part in a one act play called "middle class" where he was able to show off some of the comedy skills that I have been watching around the house for years. There were 5 other schools involved with event and after all 5 schools finished thier respective plays, awards were handed out to "top performers". Being a ex jock, and having a son that really isnt into sports as much, I found myself cheering for him like he had just hit a homerun in the bottom of the 9th to win the game. Very,Very proud of my young lad. I did notice that he had a smile from ear to ear as he strode quickly up to the stage to accept his award. I gave him a tip that he needs to slow the stride down the next time he gets one. The Academy likes its stars to show some cool :-)

I am going to be boarding a plane in January to visit my Dad. The road in his cancer treatment has taken a different turn and I feel its important that I come back and spend some time with him. He is still in good spirits and we all are still keeping in the positive. The reality is that his tumors have returned and are larger than before the intial treatments. He has now begun new treatments and is responding to those well. Please keep him in your prayers as well as my Mom who is also battling some health issues. Thanks

Music-

Even though the above items are much more important in my life, I still have music to help me through the good and bad. This week 12/10, I am heading over to First Ave. ( the place where prince did purple rain) to see a show by the Black Crowes. Should be a great night and a great venue. I am not expecting to have it be a good as the Mule shows from last month, but....that is the great thing. No expectations......usually makes for a good evening!