Michael Jackson

As a fan of Michael Jackson since I was first into music, I am saddened to hear of his passing. The toll taken on his career and the the man himself has been severe. All of the allegations and lawsuits and bizarre behavior, blurred the image of the singer I remember.

I remember the Jackson 5, how they sang songs about love and dancing. How it made me want to sing along and explore soul and r/b music. It truly took me down the long road of music appreciation. I wanted to be Michael Jackson. I thought he was the most exciting performer I had ever seen.

Then came the solo career. He then became EVERYONES favorite. Still loved him...but as the years went by..It became evident that something was wrong. I bought every piece of music he released, and yet I had the strange feeling that he had drifted a long way away from those innocent Motown days.

I often equated latter day Michael Jackson to the sad story of Elvis. Trapped by his fame and retreating into his own world. Michael was quoted as saying he never felt at peace unless he was onstage. I think all of the plastic surgery and odd behavior was a result of this. He was never comfortable in his own skin. Very sad. I know the news will end up reporting that his death will be related to pain killers. Such a shame. 50 years old.

In the end. It will be the music and the influence on music he had that will be remembered. Its undeniable. However hard he tried to mess it up, the music will remain and will be appreciated.

A Final Resting Place

Yesterday, I along with other loved ones were able to bury my fathers ashes in his hometown. I didnt feel the hurt or pain I thought I would. Yes, I cried and felt sadness and a sense of finality, but at the same time I felt a sense of happiness.

It felt very right to be able to bring him home. The place where he grew up, the place where all of his childhood memories and young adult memories were created. The town that he told my brother and I all of these great stories about his Dad and Mom and Brother. I liked that fact that he was going to be placed here, a place where we could come and pay our respects and have all of this "bruce" floating around it.

I can only speak for myself, but today I feel I can move forward and let go of Dad. Even though I know a place in my heart and a place on earth where I can find him.

From The Beatles Final Rooftop Performance

remember this????

The Homecoming

Yes, the car is home. They did a great job putting humpty dumpty back together again. As good as new. No major transmission repairs, took it for a nice long drive and got reaquainted with my little car. All is forgiven, I will treat it right and not rudely smack into larger vehicles anymore!

:-)

Update on the car

Today was supposed to be the big day. The town was shutting down to see me drive my little car down main street all pristine and shiny. However, the parade has been cancelled.

When the technician decided to actually drive it over to service for a front end allignment, the check engine light came on and the tech noticed the transmission was slipping a little. OUCH.

Guess I will be waiting.......

Memorial Day: Dad

Its been around 6 weeks since my Dad passed away. I miss him and yet it still hasnt really hit me that he is really gone. The weeks would go by sometimes when he was alive and we would not talk. Only because we were busy in our own worlds. However, I always had the knowlege that I could call him and we could catch up at any time. It sometimes feels like that, and I think the phone will ring and we will be all square. Its when I realize that it wont, that I start to feel sadness and tears.

We have made arangements to have Dad's cremains buried in his birthplace, along with his Father, Mother and Brother. I feel very glad that we will be able to "bring him home" and have a place to pay our respects as a family.

I feel when we do bury him, it will provide the closure that I need. I carry alot of things within me that are related to my father. If you look at the pics. That first one of me with the fish is something my Dad was very proud of. I was never the fisherman that my Dad was or my Brother is, but I would always go when the 3 of us could be together. I usually didnt catch much fish, but I knew and the other 2 knew...it wasnt about the fish, it was about the bonding together. This pic was shot by my Dad, he was so proud of me to catch a fish that was the big one on the boat! :-) The bottom pic is of us with our cameras. Yeah, I was a little bit younger....but certainly a chip off the old block. We both loved snapping pics and did up until the very end. I keep that love alive.

Love ya Dad....Still feel your love daily.

Mike

Fit Car. Not Go.

"Oh my, the humanity of it all!!!!!"

No, it isnt quite the tragedy on the proportion of the Hindenburgh and yet it was a sad day for my little white car.

First of all I am fine. Not a scratch on me, but as you can see ...the car took most of the damage.

2 weeks ago, I was taking a nice little drive , just enjoying the scenery in a town I had never been in ( yes, I like to explore the unknown) and just taking in the fresh air and sites. As I drove down the main street of this town, traffic came to a screeching halt. I slammed on my brakes and slid into a big truck. I was paying attention and not tailgating. But.....I ended up getting a ticket for "innattentive driving". Will have to make a court appearance. Geez, first ticket and car accident I have had in close to 25 years. Hopefully the judge will take that into consideration.

Pretty interesting that all this damage was caused going about 15 mph. Of course sliding into a stationary truck right into his trailer hitch ( ummmm I am a little low to the ground!) will do that to a car that has a large amount of plastic. The grand total of damage came to $8200. Ouch.... Thank you insurance!

Gov't Mule

Coming to town on the 13th of July ( Yes I am going!) and releasing a CD on my 29th birthday! ( true about the CD and the date...the other thing....hmmmmm) Here is a nice clip of one of my faves from the mule. Great lyric and of course great guitar work!

Jeff Buckley- Hallelujah

His most well known song. Beautiful and sad in many ways. Take the time and give it a listen.

Jeff Buckley-Hallelujah.flv
by Rock-90s

war pigs

Sabbath. In its prime. When Ozzy was scary :-)

Black Sabbath - War Pigs Live_in_Paris_1970
by thegonedu69

Led Zep

As are most rock fans. I love me some Led Zep. This clip comes the remastered DVD " The Song Remains The Same" ( highly recommended...a very nice upgrade from the horrible VHS and early DVD version). Since I've been loving you shows "Pagey" at his best..and well the rest is just pure ZEP.

Enjoy!

Jeff Buckley- Forget Her

I am currently into a Jeff Buckley phase. Wonderful singer with a muli-octive range. The guy could sing anything. Son of the late Tim Buckley, who had similar vocal range. Both died at young ages, Jeff of drowning at age 31 and Tim at age 25 of a herion overdose.

The song that I am posting is a B-side from Jeffs Grace CD. Love the lyric and of course the vocal.

Black Crowes. Only A Fool

Love this clip. The last gasp of Mr. Robinson beardless! Always liked this song, has the feel of a old soul song, and the lyric is in that tradition, full of pleading and emotion.

The Video is pure late 90's and the music is a different mix from the CD. Enjoy.

ok...you asked for it.

Well errrr, maybe you didnt...but here it is...bloated Gene hawking chemical flavored cherry soda!

Ace Commercial

I actually laugh at the P&L statement part! Arent you people happy that you visit this treasure trove of weird! :-)

These guys will sell anything!

As you have seen by his Ace Frehley getup. My son likes KISS. I have no doubt that you have seen the new Gene Simmons Dr. Pepper Cherry cola commercial. KISS is the king of selling its name on anything or everything. Of course I Neeeeeever Eveeeeeerrrr give my son a hard time about that ;-)

Here is another shameless shill attempt by our heroes!

A guitar and its player.

I love the song Little Wing by Hendrix, lyricly and musically it just climbs the scale for me emotionally. Passages of quiet beauty that blend into moments of pure aggression. Love the range of feelings it provides.

This is Stevie Ray Vaughans version. Even without the lyric...it delivers. SRV loved Jimi...you can feel it in this performance. It captures the feel of the original and yet always lets you know its SRV and not a tribute act.

The video is a nice look at some of the past greats and some that are still around. See how many you can spot.

Dad loved this.

Dad loved this version of the song, "I'll Remember You". At the 1:40 mark of the song, Elvis looks back with this satisfied smile that looks like " See I can still do it". It always made Dad laugh and of course he watched it at least 7 billion times! :-) The man loved what he loved!

So here is another chance to watch it....for the old man! :-)

Music for my Dad

I take comfort in music. This is for Dad.

Bruce Young 7/4/1937- 4/15/2009

This morning I received the news that my Dad passed away. I hesitate to write such personal news on a blog, but I know there are people in my life that read my usual junk here and do care about this.

My Dad and I had a great and yet hard earned relationship. For most of my life, we have been separated by many miles or by choices that he made. Those choices and those miles played a large part in how I grew up emotionally. My Mother gets all the credit for being my parent, because she was my parent. But, even though my Dad did very little parenting with me, he was my Dad. We spent hours and hours talking about music, movies and most importantly, the anger and hurt over the choices he made with drinking and other relationships. It was through these talks that we developed a bond that I know he held very special in his heart. He died with the knowlege that we didnt have a unspoken word left between us. That I loved him, forgave him, and carry his spirit inside me.

I was able to see him about 2 weeks ago. I knew he was ready to go. They had a very nice ceremony celebrating his life. Many nice things were said about him. He touched many lives through his career as a educator, and as a sponsor in AA. Those were things he was proud of. He accepted the praise in a way he always did, with grace. He knew he wasnt a angel, but he was a man that tried to do his best. That is what I take from him and try to live. One of the last things we laughed about in my final days with him was a comment he heard that he thought was a little over the top, I mentioned it to him after his celebration and he winked at me and said " I know they meant well, but you and your brother are my greatest joy and I will be with you forever". Its easy to feel emotions that can take away from all of the good, but at this moment, I feel peace. Peace for him, and peace for me.

I love you Dad. I am glad you felt it from me for my 44 years as your son.

Elvis- Before the Bloat and Jumpsuit era

I love this vintage of Elvis. When my Dad and I would talk about Elvis, we would always give the sneer to each other and say " If your lookin for trouble....you came to the right place!" :-)

SNL -

Love this clip. Norm Mcdonalds "Turd Ferguson" and Darrel Hammonds Sean Connery are hilarious!

For Dad

Stevie On The Street!

I remember watching this as a wee lad! For some reason this grabbed me a lot more than watching Mr. Hooper talk about produce!

Check out the guy playing guitar behind Stevie. That is a young Ray Parker Jr. pre Ghostbusters!

Steven / Ace Frehley

Today was Decade Day at Stevens school. Of course it was a perfect opportunity for him to dress up as a member of KISS!!!!

Marvin and Tammi- Aint No Mountain High Enough

More Tributes to Marvin!


I have always loved this song. I have posted this one before, but I just felt like slapping it up. The lyric is so positive and you can see the chemistry between them.

More Marvin

Funny how something written in 1970 can be relevant today. From my favorite Marvin ( and in my top 10 for all time favorite albums in general) album "Whats Goin On"

Inner City Blues ( directed by the Hughes Brothers)

In Memory of Marvin

We are approaching 25 years since Marvin Gaye was killed by his father. Killed on April Fools day in 1984, I will always remember the fact that I thought it was a lame joke that a coworker pulled on me.

I always and have continued to love Marvins music. He was able to channel his dispair and turbulent life into something beautiful and full of meaning. It sometimes bothers me that when you bring up Marvin to most people, they just think of " Lets Get It On and Sexual Healing". Good songs, but there is so much more depth out there if you dig for it.

This video shows the various stages of his career along with a song called. " If I should die tonight" that has a lyric that always hit me. Having the love of someone that fills you so fully that even if you were to die too young or before you were ready, you would feel blessed to just have experienced that love.

U2- No line on the horizon- 2009

I am one of those U2 fans that has most of the catalog but dont find myself really listening alot to U2 on a regular basis. I admit they are a great band and have some songs that move me. However, I do not grab for a song from U2 in a moment of sadness or happiness. That to me usually defines if a band is a favorite or not to me.

The exception in U2's catalog is the mid 80's CD "The Unforgettable Fire". I listen to that CD because its moody and atmosperic and hits a note with me when I am in one of those kinds of moods. There have been several U2 cds to follow since "fire", with different producers and sonic textures. It looks like they have finally decided to step back into my "zone" so to speak.

The new CD ( $3.99 on amazon!) is mostly midtempo rock . The exception is the single "sexy boots" which on the surface sounds kind of weak on the radio, but in this collection of songs , really clears the deck and a nice change of pace. As I mentioned above, I enjoy a more moody sound from this band. It delivers on this tone about 75% of the time. I especially like the song "Moment Of Surrender" and the line " Its not that I believe in love..it believes in me". It just grabs me from beginning to end. Many of the lyrics are simplistic like this, but in the context of the song are powerfull and emotional. The Edge's guitar work is unique as always. A+ in my book, a CD I will find myself playing often.

Standout tracks.

Magnificent

Moment of Surrender

White as snow

Cedars Of Lebanon

Cheestastic 80's!

Ahhh yes, bad mustaches and leather pants. Welcome to the world we know as Hall and Oates.

Back Door Slam RIP.

Sorry to hear that one of my favorite young bands have parted ways. I have to admit, I am not shocked. After spending 2 nights in the front row watching Davey Knowles play guitar and sing, I just knew it was a matter of time before he became a solo artist. Very talented and hopefuly wont turn into John Mayer (yuck). Please just play the blues and dont aim for top 40.

Sorry John, just my opinion.

For all 0 of you that loved My Andy Samberg Post!

Happy Birthday!

Its my "Little Mans" 14th birthday. My nickname is now stale and outdated. He still is my boy, but he truly is starting to become a young man.

I love you! You bring so much to my life buddy!

Dad.

Andy Samberg

As someone that thinks the movie HOT ROD (2007) is a underrated classic. I find Andy Samberg very funny. Here he spoofs Mark Wahlberg and some of his acting quirks. I enjoy Marky Mark...but you have to admit....there are some similarities in alot of his roles.

Walk Believer Walk!

In a time where I am searching for spiritual uplifting, my band The Black Crowes deliver for me. Well shot clip from france, captures them live and playing it dirty. Love it.

Dad

Today I received rough news. My Dad now has a large brain tumor on the right side of his brain. I spent close to 2 weeks with him in early January in California , we spent some great days together. I am struggling at the moment with the news. However, I have placed this all in Gods hands. As my earthly father and heavenly father would like it. As my Dad says, "Its thy will and not my will".

I will write more about my trip when I feel the words come to me. I dont really feel it in me at the moment.

Black Crowes- First Ave 12/10/08

Some video shot pretty close to where I was standing a few weeks ago at the show.

Wounded Bird is the name of the song

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!

Gov't Mule 11/15/2008 Pantages Theatre

Another memorable night with the Mule. I have to admit, it wasnt as solid as the first night but still a great evening and no real complaints. When you see a band 2 nights in a row and they play for 3 hours each night, there are going to be a couple of moments that dont always give you the goose bump factor. It was only the last 2 songs ( like flies and blind man in the dark) where I was a little disconnected. I like the songs...just nothing really new added to them. The first set just picked up where the previous night left off. Streamline Woman and Lola gave us the taste of Zep that How Many More Years delivered in full. From there on...look at the jukebox of nasty that got played after that. Stevie, Sly,Traffic, Pearl Jam/Soundgarden and ending it off my fave....Al Greens Take Me To The River.

Set 2 closed off with Patterson Hood from another of my faves, The Drive By Truckers sitting in for a great guitar jam with Warren on Neil Youngs "Cortez The Killer". Great way to close the show.

I loved the two nights with the Mule very much. A musical buffet that left me full and wanting more ( man is that corny...)

Dec 10th is the Black Crowes @ First Ave. Looking forward to that, but will need time to recharge!

Click on the link below for pics from last night.

Mule.net: From the Road: "11.15.2008 Pantages Theatre Minneapolis, MN


Set 1
Streamline Woman
Lola Leave Your Light On
Bad Little Doggie
How Many More Years Higher Ground Tease Far Away
Temporary Saint
Sco-Mule->
Dance To The Music->
Sco-Mule
Hunger Strike->
Dear Mr. Fantasy->
Hunger Strike
Take Me To The River with Davy Knowles

Set 2
No Celebration
Trying Not To Fall
Helter Skelter->
Sabbatage->
Have A Cigar->
Drums->
Fullt Blas->
Brighter Days
Like Flies
Blind Man In The Dark

Encore
Cortez The Killer with Patterson Hood"

11-14 Pantages Theatre

The first night of two seeing my favorite band Gov't Mule.

This is the 3rd time I have seen them and I have to say it was the best show I have seen. A couple of reasons. (1) This was a "old school" G-Mule rock show. Loud, full of long solos, bluesy and funky. I was in heaven. (2) I was 5 feet away from the band. It is surreal to have Warren Haynes make eye contact with you and smile as you yell at him your pleasure of another monster solo. Truly memorable. Click the link below for some pics of the show. Also check out the setlist. I really wish there was a way I could get all of you a copy of the recorded show! Its off to the show again tonight. I really wonder how they are gonna top this.


Mule.net: From the Road:

Set 1
Mr. Man
Brand New Angel
About To Rage
Monkey Hill
Devil Likes It Slow
Painted Silver Light
No Need To Suffer
Kind Of Bird

Set 2
The Shape I'm In
Fool's Moon
Trane->
Eternity's Breath
St. Stephen Jam->
Drums->
Peter Gunn Jam->
Goin' Out West
Mule->
Superstition->
Mule
Soulshine

Encore
Have You Ever Loved A Woman with Davy Knowles
Gonna Send You Back To Georgia with Davy Knowles"

Change. At a cost

Let me state one thing. I am not a very political type person. I dont ever remember sitting around the family table as a young man listening to passionate debates about what was going on in Washington. However, I do have a deep respect on our right to choose and the ability to cast your vote on election day.

With the Election coming up on Tuesday, this country has emotions stirring on both sides. I would like to believe that these emotions are rooted in wanting a better life in the next 4 years. This morning I had that feeling shaken a little.

My wife went out to get our Sunday paper and noticed that our mailbox was bashed in. Also, the sign that showed support for presidential candidate of our households choice was gone. We live in a small town that in general has very low crime rates. But, somehow I knew that when I decided to take a yard sign for Obama , that it had a pretty good chance of being stolen. What bothers me is the message of a damaged mailbox. I know it can be replaced, and nobody was hurt, but it saddens me that people get this angry about the right to choose.

All I can say is, go vote on Tuesday. Its important. Its not about skin color, its not about party loyalty, and its not about the crap you are seeing on commercials. Its about supporting who YOU feel speaks to you. My mind is made up.

Halloween 2008

At top, Steven as Freddy Kruger. Mid, our pumpkins ( the joker , traditional , and of course Stevens favorite Wrestler The Undertaker). And the last pic. My son and some creepy dude from the neighborhood that the kids are not supposed to hang out with

Tom Jones- 24 Hours

The first single from his first US Album ( I still call them albums!) in many years ( I have all the import stuff he did in the years they didn't get released here.)

24 hours is a song that lyrically reminds me a little of his old hit "Green Green Grass Of Home" and a little bit of Johnny Cash's remake of Nine Inch Nails "Hurt". Very stark and effective. Looking forward to this new release.

Hobbies

I am a man of passions. When I get into something, I dont ever just do it halfway....I want the whole enchilada! My latest spicy interest is photography. Its always been a interest of mine, but now that I have a real "big boy" camera I have upped the ante.

I took a class on digital SLR photography and learned that my trusty cheap tripod was a embarrassment to the photography world. With head hung low....I asked what would please the shutter gods....Photo #3 is what I came up with after a long search. A Manfrotto tripod with a joystick ball head. ( easy....all of you beavis and butthead fans!) Its a great versatile tripod that really gives me tons of options to take steady shots from any angle.

Pics 1 & 2 are of my new camera bag/backpack. Its the Tamrac Expedition 5 bag. If you look it up on line...it way too much for what I would want to spend on a bag. But.....I used the patient route. Ebay. I found it for an astounding $80! Its a great bag and it even has straps to hold my tripod if I feel like getting all Ansel Adams and taking a stroll into the woods for some nature stuff! It holds all of the gear I could ever want and is very well constructed. I should have this bag for a long time.

And the final pic. My Guitar. I still am using it, it still is a work in progress. I plan on taking some more classes and making some more progress.

Its really like all hobbies. They exist so you can enjoy something that you know you probably wont make a living at, but still love doing it. I have many of these kind of things.....but at the moment, I am a geeeetar playing shutterbug!

Happy Bday yeee ol Gopman!

Notice I didn't really use the word OLD. Hope you have a great birthday! Wish I was there to help bring it in!

Metallica: Death Magnetic

Picked up the digital download ( paid...legal...as it should be!!!) of this new CD today. All I can say is WOW. Yes, its loud, fast and agressive. But isnt that what it should be???? This is by far the best Metallica in about 20 years. It rocks the little FIT CAR HARD!!!!

Here is a great video from the first single off the CD

The Day That Never Comes. ( its long...hang with it.)

My Son Stars in: Mulan

He was a stoic soldier in this version of Mulan. I asked him later why he had a role with very little speaking but lots of scowling. He said " I wanted to look mean" :-) Gotta love it!

Beware!

Bought this sign at the Minnesota State Fair. Reggie loves it!

Setlist

Good Show . Kinda weird atmosphere for the lads. They really are not a State Fair kind of a band ( and I say that with the utmost respect!). Lots of drunks there...avoided a fist fight with the dude in front of me that grabbed me by the shirt because I wouldn't do "knuckles" with him. I gave him a shove off me and he fell to the ground. I was the sober one....so I just ignored him after that. :-)


Here is the set list. A couple nods to local boy Robert Zimmerman ( Bob Dylan for those not as goofy as me about music!) Can you pick them out????


MOVIN' ON DOWN THE LINE
GOODBYE DAUGHTERS OF THE REVOLUTION
BLACK MOON CREEPING
WEE WHO SEE THE DEEP
THORN IN MY PRIDE
WHOA MULE
GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY
QUINN THE ESKIMO
POOR ELIJAH - TRIBUTE TO JOHNSON (MEDLEY)
WELCOME TO THE GOODTIMES
SISTER LUCK
WISER TIME
GOD’S GOT IT
HARD TO HANDLE
WOUNDED BIRD
- encore -
DON’T DO IT

( they cut Mean Town Blues..because the Fair HAS to shoot off fireworks at 11pm sharp!!!!!! ;-( )


Ok...it was Girl from the north country ( my fave bob song) and Mighty Quinn the Eskimo. A nice night out in moonlight.

Black Crowes- Govt Mule

Ever heard of these bands around here? Well here is a song they did together. One of my faves...Sometimes Salvation.

Speaking of the Crowes. I am going to see them tomorrow night at the Minnesota State Fair. Opening for them is a band from Akron Ohio called The Black Keys. Great 2 piece blues band. Check em out!!!!

Govt Mule? They are coming to town for 2 nights in November. Yes, I am going to both shows. As my dear wife asks "Why would you want to see the same band 2 nights in a row?" My answer is " Because they dont ever play the same show,its always a different set list and a different way of playing even the most familiar of their songs". Then she nods and walks away :-)

I am excited as always to have my faves back in town. Just what the Dr. Ordered!

Reggie gets spruced up!

I usually groom Reggie myself. He tolerates my crude methods and occasional mistakes. I still get plenty of complements on how groomed he looks. I know he is a good looking dog, and yet I have always wondered what he would look like if done by a professional.

He got the full treatment today. Nails trimmed, hair combed, triple washed, and smart lookin bandana. I think he looks great! Here is a pic to share!

A sign with history.

If you look at this sign, it seems pretty unremarkable. Its just a piece of wood that has my last name on it. But it has much more of a history behind it.

This sign is 35 years old. It was purchased by my Dad and Mom at the Fresno County Fair and it hung outside my house on Redlands ( yep, that is what the redlands means in the title of my blog). Its one of my prized possessions. I stained it and cleaned it up last weekend and hung it on my shed in the backyard. I look at it from time to time and remember back. Funny how a unremarkable piece of wood can do that.

It has indeed made its Redlands to Maplewood journey...Like yours truly.

A guy and his grill

I had to replace my 3 year old "grill from hell'. It was catching on fire and throwing flames out from the sides. I figured I would practice good safety and buy a webber! Ahhh, yes....look at the satisfied caveman as he smiles next to his new grilling machine!!!! UGGGGGGGG Fire goood!!!!!!! :-)

RIP Mr. Hayes.

Most of the youngsters knew him as Chef on Southpark. I knew him as the dude that did the soundtrack from Shaft. It was the first funky stuff I got into as a 8 year old. First Bernie Mac and now Isaac. A sad weekend.

Another nice shot.

I took this picture from a boat that was bobbing around in the waves. I love image stabilization! Please click the photo to enlarge. Not too shabby of a bird pic!

Along came a spider ( New Trailer)

The Cd Comes out Tuesday ( one day after my B-day-shameless plug!) and I am excited for it. Yes. It will be a gift given to myself. My wife digs Abba...not Alice.

Back From Vacation.

We took a nice trip up north. Check out the nice sights. A interesting sign...a actual phone booth ( yeah we were about 5 miles from the US-Canadian border) and a great shot of a off the beaten track river fall. More shots to come.

Along Came A Spider - Another Tease

Love these trailers, dont you. ( hears crickets.) hahahaa

Old Love- Eric Clapton

What can I say. Love the lyric and love the solo at the 3:30 mark. Mr. Clapton hits all the right notes for me on this song.

Olympus E-510

A couple of weeks ago, I received a little money as a gift and was told to buy something nice. Since the money came from my Father, I thought I would get something that would be around for a long time. As a guy that loves to take a picture and spent some of his youth watching his Dad take pictures and develop them in a darkroom. ( yes, kiddies this was before digital). I knew a camera was the choice to make, not just any camera though..but a Digital SLR.

This camera does it all, it has the one thing in it that I HAD to have. A image stabilizer. The camera that I used for the last 3 years was and still is a good camera. It just was very prone to creating blurred and shaky photos. It drove me nuts! This camera is 10 mega pixels. my previous camera had 4. The clarity is dramatically better. Also, the ability to change lenses is something I have always wanted in a camera. This camera came with a 14-42 mm lens and a 40-150mm lens. Very versatile!

I also received 4 classes at the camera shop ( I bought from a dedicated camera shop and not one of those super mart type places) and know I will learn some new skills from them.

So its a new era of creativity for me. It makes it more cool knowing that a little bit of my dad is in the mix with this piece of equipment.

Photoshop Elements

Through the good fortune of a bunch of rebates and a software credit from the big guy named Bill G. I was able to purchase the big Kahuna of photo editing software. Adobe Photoshop Elements. Yeah, I know there is a professional version...but I aint a pro....or can afford $400 on a program!

There is so much to play with in this program, the challenge is to do something tastefull and not go overboard and make your viewers head hurt from overload!

Here is a little edit of a photo I took last year. Kind of cool, I am sure I will get better as time goes on.

Fireworks Pics

Check out the cool pictures I took of our local fireworks display. I bought a new camera....much better than the one I had before. More on that later.

Along Came A Spider

New trailer for Alice Coopers new CD. Good and creepy...just like I like him. Weird for a guy like me that wont go to a scary movie. Have always loved Alice.

Happy 4th !

Nice little video from a sorta "patriotic" song from Alice Cooper.

Thank You

I just got off the phone with my Dad. He braced me by saying "Mike, I have news that will have you walking on water". He then told me that his petscan ( a test that shows cancer growth) has come up clear and his tumors have shunk by 50%!. He is truly humbled by the support and prayers. I share in that feeling.

Thank You!

Mike

Macro Photography

I took this shot today at my Father-In -Laws house. Looks nice huh!

One more for the road

My Dad has boarded the plane and has headed for home. I grabbed one more pic to capture the moment. We had a memorable 2 weeks. Love Ya Dad.

The Old Man Still Has The Magic

Dad doing what he does the best, catching the lunkers! He had a great day with my Brother at Lake Minnetonka. ( I had to work!) Way to go "old man on the sea!"

A Special Fathers Day

Because of the distance between us, its been many years since I have spent a Fathers Day with my Dad. That in itself would make this day special. This year, just having him here makes this day even more special.

3 months ago, my Dad was diagnosed with lung cancer. They gave him 3-6 months to live. He began Chemo treatments and we all held our breath and prayed. The treatments are doing its job and he was able to make it out here. He really is a miracle. He looks great and is still the upbeat and fun guy that I have always loved.

I once again feel blessed to be able to share this day. If you look into the eyes and smiles of the others ( my brother Dave and his sons and my son) you can tell they feel the same way.

Please continue your prayers for him. I appreciate each and every one.

Mike

Reggie In The Sun

I thought I would share with you out there in Blogland...that it aint all hail and snow around here. Yes we get some sun on occasion....here are a couple of shots of "Reggie Roo" enjoying the fireball in the sky...and also looking fierce peeking through our deck .

I do a request!

As promised. Here is a song for one of my longest lasting blog buddies. Heck she has been a friend even before the good old internet! She even took the time to watch a younger and much more agile and now blog writer, frolic in the outfield during his baseball playing days!

Anyway, Maggie loved the late ( and she would say great) Dan Fogelberg. Personally,I thought he could be a dour fella and his songs a bit on the slow side. But, I have found a gem that shows his fantasy island suit wearing, playfull side busting out for the world to see!

Get ready to be rocked by Danny F!!!!!

And Enjoy it Maggie!