MERRY CHRISTMAS!

MAY ALL OF YOU HAVE A GREAT CHRISTMAS!

BEST WISHES

MIKE

A very special gift from Mike

Click on the link.......http://www.elfyourself.com/?userid=031a29c6ebdc026f8ccf19fG06122006

Now go to therapy to erase the thought!

Steven does great at his piano recitial!

Seated next to Steven is his piano teacher Ms. Larson. Today Steven played a very nice version of "What child is this?" He is so fun to watch, mostly because he seems to love playing. He tells me that he doesnt get nervous at all, ahh he must have some of the old mans performing blood in em! :-)

*UPDATE* received this email this AM, from his teacher. Makes a parent proud

"Just wanted to again say that Steven played so well yesterday. One minor little glitch, but who cares! I was so impressed that he was able to play such a hard piece, but then again, he is Steven! I hope you noticed the difficulty of his piece and the others his age. He is playing well over his age level and I am proud of him."

Ok....enough bragging for now. :-)

Photo Mania!!!!

The top photo is in memory of my inflatable Santa with Reindeer and sleigh. It lasted all of one night in my front yard. It met its untimely demise because of a freak thunderstorm/overnight freeze....that fried its blower motor and created a 8 inch gash in the sleigh. But for the lucky few that witnessed this inflatable spectacle....it will be a night they wont forget soon! :-)

The Bottom photo is of Steven and I. We are sporting our fashionable WHO tee shirts. Yep. we look so ready for pg 15 of the Wal-Mart flyer! :-)

News from bloggerville!

I received a email from my good ol pal Jeff informing me that he has decided to dip his toe into the world of blogging!

I feel like Yoda. He cites me as his inspiration to try this goofy thing called blogging.

Here is the link to his new blog! http://jefybal.blogspot.com/

I have also provided a nifty link to the right (SEE!)

Also, if you long time readers (YES THAT IS YOU, MAGGIE!) notice a change in the format on this blog...its because we have had a update!!! Yes, more creativity!

Who is illin?

I had a great time Friday night ( 12/8) in St.Paul, seeing The Who! To be at the feet ( literally) of my rock hero Pete Townshend was truly a "am I really here" moment. To add to this, having my son next to me and dancing and singing right along with me...made it a night I wont forget.

The show started off with The Pretenders. As they walked out..Chrissie Hynde looked me right in the eye and smiled at Steven and I. I gave her the thumbs up and she shot it right back at me. Wow! I couldnt believe it....later on she commented to the crowd...."its great to see dads here with their sons'! Talk about personalizing the experience!

The Who show was something to remember. Roger Daltrey was sick with bronchitis and sounded pretty rough. He was coughing and spitting up between songs and looked weak. Pete also was blowing his nose between songs. They still put on a solid show, but cut it short by about 30 minutes. Pete came out without Roger for the encore and led the crowd in a rousing and unique version of My Generation and a very rarely played Naked Eye.

I was able to listen to the replay of the show on my Sirius radio the next evening. ( on the WHO channel #10). It still was a powerfull and unique show. To add to it.....I was right in front of the audience mics....and you can hear me yelling between songs!!!!!!

"Mr. Spotlight" received the ultimate spotlight! :-)

1. I Can't Explain
2. The Seeker
3. Anyway, Anywhere, Anyhow
4. Fragments
5. Who Are You
6. Behind Blue Eyes
7. Sound Round
8. Pick Up The Peace
9. Endless Wire
10. We Got A Hit
11. They Made My Dreams Come True
12. Mirror Door
13. Baba O' Riley
14. Eminence Front
15. Man In The Purple Dress Black Widows Eyes
16. Mike Post Theme
17. You Better You Bet
18. Won't Get Fooled Again
    Encore: (no Roger)My Generation / Cry If You WantNaked Eye

Gov't Mule

12/06/06 O'SHAUGHNESSY AUDITORIUM

I settled my head on my pillow at a late 2 am this morning. It was a late night, but not a long night. It was a great concert, full of music that kept me on my feet and electric feeling that only powerful music brings.

The show was opened by Donavon Frankenriter http://www.donavonf.com/ . I was very surprised at how much I liked this guy. His set was very bluesy and had a throwback 70's synth sound. His singing is pretty laid back and most of his songs are along that line. I will be checking out his 2 cd's that he has released in the last couple of years.

Best crowd line of the night " Nice Hat #$#%$^%!" credit goes to the drunk biker behind me that didn't like Donavon's floppy leather hat. I thought it looked cool, but it would look lame on me. :-) I didn't feel it was needed for me to argue with the fashion conscious biker lad.

A quick note on the venue. The O'shaughnessy is located on the Campus of St. Catherines. Its usually a place that has concerts like Joan Baez or poets like Mya Angelo. Who knows why the Mule was playing in such a nice place??? Not a stain on the carpets or seats.....ushers that looked like they were running security for a Don Ho concert....just seemed a bit weird.....but a great venue to see the show. Sound was tight and not a bad seat in the house. Sad to say...but they will have to clean the carpets..... ( I kept my area nice and tidy!)

At 9:15, Gov't Mule hit the stage.

I will post the setlist below and give some nifty comments!

Set 1
Thorazine Shuffle- A great song that went from a slow burn to an all out screamer.
Banks of the deep end-
32/20 blues-
Child of the earth- Off the new cd- love this song..
Gameface-Mountain Jam-Gameface- epic version of the song...with ABB middle
Unring the bell- another new song....was hoping they would play this....Funky with a capital F!
Endless Parade- The run of great songs continues....
Reggae Soulshine- They play the original alot....this version ( regagae) was a treat!

Set 2

Bad Man Walking-
About to Rage-
Brighter Days- another song I was hoping to hear......loved it
Like Flies-
The End-Drums- The End- Yep, the Beatles Abbey Road classic....10 minute middle solo!
So Weak So Strong- This song really hit me...love the lyric...have played this alot at home
Bad Little Doggie- I had the opening guitar riff in my head for a couple days before the concert
Mr. High and Mighty
Brand New Angel- Another great song with a very emotional solo in the middle/end

Encore:
All Along The Watchtower- with Donavon Frankenreiter and Eric Brigmond

After almost 3 hours of music and the clock nearing 12:30 am....this late nite Jazz/Blues verson of the Bob Dylan/Jimi Hendrix classic...was the perfect way to cap off a great night. It lasted about 12 minutes and seemed to go by waaaaaay to fast.

Words on a page really never capture the whole feeling of a concert. Trust me....this was a keeper!

Off to the WHO on Friday!

Thanksgiving

Ok....so I like Pumpkin Pie.... so I went a little nutty with the pic!

I love Thanksgiving. Its the one holiday that you don't have to go out and buy a gift and yet you feel close to your family. The smells of the food and the sounds of talking and laughter are what I remember about past Thanksgivings.

Of course, its a day to remember. To be thankful of what is in your life. To reflect on what has preceded and to what might be ahead.

Remember, its not what you buy or wear that makes you a success...its the people that you touch and show love that will make you a winner in this life.

Enjoy the day!
Mike

First new WHO cd in 24 years *UPDATED REVIEW*

http://www.endlesswire.co.uk

I was 18 the last time a WHO cd came out. In fact, the last time a who recording came out it was purchased in vinyl format! 24 years is a long time to wait for something and not be a little let down by expectations. After a few listens, I have not been letdown.

This is not "Who's Next" type who music. Yes, there are hints of the classic sound of The WHO ( Its not enough, Mike Post Theme), this is a much more understated affair. Only 2 of the original lineup is left , Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey. For 2 men in their 60's, they show a surprising amount of energy and yes, vitality.

The first 9 tracks of this CD are original Townshend songs. The last 10 comprise a Mini Opera called Wire and Glass. On first listen, this Cd seemed to be a unorganized mess. The "mini opera" really does not hold together in any real linear narrative . The "story" is about 3 young kids from different social and religious backgrounds that form a band......the story gets more convoluted from there. But as in a lot of Who songs....its the music that saves the day...and the lyrics are subject to interpretation. Highlights from the opera are

Sound round- full of energy...are these guys really 60? cant wait to hear this in concert

Mirror Door- great song about departed rockstars.....even better music....

We got a hit- pure pop...pure WHO

Of the 9 other tracks.....Easily my favorite is

Its Not Enough- This has been getting some radio play and really is the strongest song of the set. Great snarling guitar ( man, I have missed a great Pete Townshend snarling for a long time!) and angry vocal from Roger. The lyric is all about trying to please a woman and never feeling like "its enough". Like my favorite Who songs...its a song about release, self doubt and self knowledge. Great stuff.

Black Widows Eyes- This is a weird and yet beautiful song. Its about love at first sight with a woman in a train station. Eyes meet from across the station and its love. Only problem is......the woman is a terrorist, who blows up people at the station. Yes,,,, its not a song Sinatra or Celine would pull off, but a compelling listen!

This is a strong CD. My hope is that they at least take this as a great beginning for a couple of other recording projects. These guys are still on top of their game..and it would be shame to stop now.

7 out of 10 stars.

Click on the link to hear song samples

Upcoming music heaven

Music plays a big role in my life. Most people that know me for a small amount of time, pick up on this part of my personality. Its one of the few things that I can honestly say picks me up and grabs me in whatever mood I am in.

Of course its easy to see what kind of frame of mind I am in by what kind of music I am listening to. I have always been a lyrics type of person, and am prone to liking a song that reflects what I am feeling. However, "Mr. Chemical Free" will often venture into music that is very drug influenced and really enjoy that for some reason. I guess its the closest I will ever get to being "messed up" so its ok if its done "by proxy"! I also will listen to music that was recorded many years before my birth and really feel connected to that. Nothing is always logical when it comes to music. I may like a song for what I was doing when I first heard it, or it might remind me of a person or it might just be a release for something that is bugging me....or it just might be fun and stupid!

So what has these last 2 paragraphs have to do with the title of this blog entry? Two of my favorite bands are coming to town in December, in fact they are going to be here within 2 days of each other.

Gov't Mule - December 6th http://www.mule.net

This is a band that is really on my radar this year. They began as a offshoot of the Allman Brothers. Warren Haynes is the lead guitarist, vocalist, and primary songwriter. He is extremely talented and very underrated as a singer. If you love soul music ( 1960's-70's), blues, jazz that wont put you asleep, and straight ahead rock, mixed into blender for a unpredictable 3 hour show.....these guys will grab you. I have always been a fan of guitar music and Mr. Haynes is one of the best. You will never see him in a list of the 10 most handsome men in the world. But, his lyrics and ability makes this guy one of the best. Most of his songs reflect broken love, triumph over adversity, and determination in something you believe in. I have 7th row seats for this show. I am very excited to see this concert. They are showing up at a time where I am totally into them, and ready to see them live! Plus.....they record all of their concerts and you can buy a copy online ! NICE!

The Who w/The Pretenders - December 8th - http://www.petetownshend.co.uk

The Who have long been my favorite band. The perfect combination of lyric and aggression. Seeing them brings out a lot of emotion. You cannot go to a Who concert and just sit there. I have seen them two times previous. 1982 ( row 2 left side) and 2002(row 12 left side). Both were in my top 10 of concerts I have attended.

This show will probably be my fave of all time. I can say this because.... I have 1st row seats!!! In front of my all time favorite guitarist, Pete Townshend!!!! To top this off, I will have my son Steven standing by my side! It will be his first real rock concert! Boy has he started off on the "top of the mountain'!!!! I am so excited to share this experience with him!

Counting the days!!!!!

My Dads 25th Birthday

This past weekend my Dad celebrated his 25th AA "Birthday". Since 1982 he has daily battled and succeeded in defeating his addiction of alcohol. As anyone that has a addiction knows, even if you have succeeded for many years in your battle...you are always a addict.

What I am most proud of my Fathers "journey" is the fact he has not only stopped drinking, but has also gone through a deep amount of self "discovery". He has found out what makes him tick and why he decided he needed to drink. His AA group, his program, his belief in a higher power, and this knowledge of self, is what saved his life.

Today, my Dad helps others with his sobriety. He sponsors many new people to the program, and helps many others with his story. A once broken man is now a symbol of hope.

Life is journey. Not a destination.

Thanks for being you. Good and bad. I have learned lessons from both sides.

I love you.

Your son, Mike

pics of the trip

The Old neighborhood gang!!! man we look tough!
"cowboy mike" with pals Yvette and best bud Jeff! yeah and there is the geeky helmet!!!!
The bat that we used in the old neigborhood!
The church I attended as a child
picture of my birth home in chowchilla CA. fancy huh~~~~~!!!

California Dreamin

I am 3 days removed from a trip that I will remember forever. A trip I should have taken much sooner. A trip back to my hometown of Fresno California.

I left Fresno California in August of 1979, leaving behind friends and people I held close to my heart. At the time, I hated leaving and didn't understand it. My departure from Fresno was without fanfare. I was there one day and the next day I was gone. My Mom was getting us ( my brother and I) away from my fathers alcoholic madness, and providing us a much safer and stable place to grow up. Even though my parents had been divorced for 5 years at that time. The toll of alcoholic behavior was taking its toll on all of us. It was something that had to be done...but in the mind of a just turned 15 year old...it made no sense. I was losing my best friend Jeff, My Father, and a very small group of people that I cared a lot about.

Years passed and my best friend Jeff visited me once. My Father came back to visit a couple of times and in a answer to my prayers, quit drinking. I found friendships, none that replaced the ones I had as a child. Found a girlfriend that I dated for 2 years and had my heart broken, just like all high school kids! Had a good job, and a car. Life was back on track. I was recovering, but I had holes in my life that needed to be filled.

I spent many of my childhood and teen years playing the "family hero". Its when you act like you are a grown up and try to bring calm to situations by being the stable one. You may be acting grown up and in control, but in reality, you are really just a scared kid trying to control life. As we all learn, life is uncontrollable.

My brother and I decided to visit California in the summer of 1986. It was a great trip, we had lots of fun. But, I was more interested in connecting with my father. I made very little attempt to look up my old friends. I found out much about my father, but I didn't see any of my peer group. It would be 20 years until I would return.

About 3 months ago I received a email from my best pals wife Yvette asking if there was anyway I could come out for a surprise visit. It was Jeffs 45th birthday and it was going to be a surprise . After 20 plus years of missing my old neighborhood pals, my best friend , and also a person that I kept in close contact through phone calls and letters and emails, I jumped at the chance to come back.

In my mind, this trip would be one of healing. A chance to see people that played a role in my early life. People that saw me when I didn't have a care in the world, and embraced its simplicity. People that wondered what happened to me after all of these years. But mainly a chance to catch up with my old pal Jeff, and my longtime corresponding friend Kristy.

Its always a little scary going back home after 20 years. Things change and people change. I hoped that I would leave with a good taste in my mouth, and I was not disappointed. My time with Jeff and his wife went by like a blink. I surprised him the morning after I landed, by showing up at a house where he was going to pick up another childhood pal of mine ( Jeffrey Y.) for a Oakland A's game. I walked out..and he looked right at me and started walking by me....then he stopped and looked stunned! It was great! It took no time and we were all carrying on like we were back in the old hood! In addition to the A's game...we had a barbq at his old house with more of the old gang back together to spend time talking and laughing. I got a chance to spend some time with David A, who played a big part in my early development as a spiritual person. It felt great to be back. I felt home. After the BBQ. It was off to Big Sur. Jeff,Yvette and myself went horseback riding. Yep, something totally new for me. we rode for about 2.5 hours and I didn't even get sore! I loved the feeling of riding through rivers, giant sequoias and the beach side. Even though I wore a helmet and looked like a geek....it was something I will never forget. The next day...we drove to Jametown and Columbia. Both towns are old west mining towns. Lots of little shops...very peaceful. I felt honored to share the time with Jeff and his wife, in a spot that held a special place for them.

I spent a fair amount of time with Kristy. We had a great time hanging out. One thing you should know about her, she likes to surprise people. She got me good this time. I thought I was going to dinner with my friend David. We were going to spend some time catching up. As I walked into the restaurant, I saw Kristy. Then I saw several friends from the past. We are talking from my elementary school past! Of course all of them commented on how I not changed a bit. ( I think they were referring to the fact I hadn't grown a inch since 6th grade!). We all laughed as we shared stories of growing up and gave little updates on what our life is now. It was a great surprise, and its one of the things that I like the most about Kristy. She knows how to get me!!!!!! :-)

I was able to spend time looking at landmarks from my childhood past. The town is much larger now. The old neighborhood is smaller, a freeway has cut away some of the memories. The houses look a little more beat up. But its my neighborhood. At one point, I was standing in my best friends garage....looked down the street and visualized my brother and I walking to school. I could see it. I looked to my left and imagined the basketball hoop that I shot baskets at. Remembering how hard I wanted to catch a girl's eye with my skill. Those memories are crystal clear. It made me feel very good.

I spent time with my Father and his Wife. Even though I didn't spend all my time with them, the time spent was important. Like the previous trip 20 years ago. This was a trip of learning. I was able to break through some barriers and extend forgiveness to my Dads wife. This was very hard for me to get to this point. But important.

Many other things occurred on this trip that were very important, but are hard to put into words. They all added up to a experience that I will never forget.

It wont be 20 years again.

Ps.....pictures to follow soon

Lassie!

Last weekend we decided to go see a old classic. It was a new film of a old classic Lassie. I am sure most of you are rolling your eyes and thinking, "how many more times do we have to watch Timmy fall down the well, and have Lassie rescue him with this innate abilty for a dog to decipher human moans!!!!" I know you ALL thought it! ( pretty long winded in your thoughts, arent you!

Well, I am glad to report that this is a very good update of the old warhorse!. Set in Pre WW2 Great Brittan and shot with a great eye to detail...this movie sucks you in early. Even if you are not a dog lover, I am willing to bet you will be blubbering by the midway point ( I know at least one family member!!! uh hem DAD!) and rooting for this dog to succeed.

Do yourself a favor and go see this. Its old fashoned movie making with old fashoned results....underdog ( no pun intended) triumphs over adversity and proves that determination and heart are traits that should never be undervalued! Also....if you are looking for another film of a non canine angle....but of same story line. See Invincable with Mark Walberg. Good football film about the true story of underdog 30 year old bartender Vince Palpali.

The balcony is now closed!

A pic of me on my Birthday....

Received this from my Dad today. Not the best pic of me.....but my eyes are open ( fastest lids in west!) and that is a feat in itself.

My first day alone ( my boss went on vacation for 2 days and I have to run the whole show solo) and I have survived very nicely. Like I should have ever doubted! :-)

Blog rises from the ashes!!!!!!

Well I am am back! Well errrrr I have been back for a while but its taken me a while to sit down and craft "the magic" that is my facinating blog ( Insert Krusty the clown laugh here)

We had a great time in DC. We were fortunate enough to be able to visit both the Capitol and WhiteHouse. Not a easy thing in post 9/11 times. We contacted our Senator and his office was able to arrange tours for us. If you ever head out there.....do this a couple of months in advance. We also visited all of the Memorials ( Lincoln,Jefferson,WW2,Vietnam..etc) they all are very stunning and impressive. Every day was a full day, between hitting the Smithsonian and the above places. We used the Metro subway system to get around ( a new experience but kinda cool) town. I felt very east coastish as herded the fam onto the train and kept my head on a swivel to protect them from thugs!!!














I used my digital camera quite a bit....I only included 3 out of the 200 I kept..( gotta conserve web space for my nice blog provider! First shot is of the very helpfull groundskeeper at Mount Vernon. He was so happy and he keeps a nice green lawn for George Washingtons house. :-)
2nd shot is at Arrlington Cemetary. Its kinda arty....but its of the area where they have funerals for the buried. 3rd is of the Lincoln Memorial. You really cant get a bad picture of that sculpture. The weather there was brutal. It was always around 99 degrees ( one day was 102) and high humidity. We made the best of it and sweated like tourists!!!!! We were able to see everything and created some great memories. I loved this trip because my Son will always remember this. Amusement parks are fun, but a mouse with overpriced souveniers cant provide what DC did. History is impressive and it gives you such a sense of what the USA is about. Great trip.

I have now finished 1 week of training in my new job, and I love it. Very different from my Warehouse job. But that was the point wanst it!!!! I am just so happy that I found a way to get back on track to doing something that I like. I will keep my many ( thanks to the 3 that even leave responses!) readers posted on any new news regarding my job. :-)

Its a sunny day out....I better get out of the chair and enjoy it!

Till next blog!

So much stuff going on!

Its been busy busy in the Young household!

The last week or so we have had my Dad and his wife Nancy in town for a visit. The weather has been brutal hot ( yeah I know....its been hot for the rest of you also!) and we have have had very high humidity. So.....lots of movies in the AC and very quick trips outside with the dog for "potty breaks". Also... to make the heat even more fun.....my warehouse job ( yes I am counting the days to start my new job) is NOT airconditioned. Full sweat through the shirt by about 30 minutes at the job! What a nice mental image I have provided you! :-) The good news is that my new job will be airconditioned. Progress!

Tonight we are packing for our family vacation to Washington DC! Of course the heat will follow us but....we are young and tough!!!! :-) I am really looking forward to going out east for the first time in my life!

And lastly.....even though its a national holiday to some....there are a few that dont know that its my birthday. So to those poor unfortunate few!

ITS MIKES 42ND BIRTHDAY!!!!

Make sure to have your chairs out early so you get a great view at the Michael Young Birthday Parade! Ahh yes its so much fun for everyone !

:-)

eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeah!!!

I feel like like leaping like Pete Townshend!

Yep! I GOT THE JOB!!!!!

For those that have not purchased my leather bound 996 page autobiography. I have been working my last 2 jobs in a warehouse. I have learned skills that I never thought I would ever be able to do. I have learned that some people that work in those enviorments break many of the stereotypes associated with those kind of jobs and I learned that a hard days work is a reward that shouldnt be undervalued.

That said. I never really loved my job. It had its perks ( I was able to use my huge music collection daily and play DJ to my coworkers) and its frustrations. I spent 7 years doing something that never really made me feel much more than "its just a paycheck". I wanted and expected more from myself, but had a hard time finding something that I wanted to stick my neck out for. I tried a couple of times for other jobs within the company that I work for. Only to find out that 1. it paid less and 2. after hearing in total what the job was about....it wasnt for me. I truly believe that God had me experience these things for a reason. I accepted those disappointments and just kept looking for a fit. I found it .

I will be a customer service rep.

I am excited about this because. I get to use my gift of gab. I am able to use my computer skills and I am able to be in a job where I feel like a professional again.

I am proud of myself and happy to see the sun shine again. Like all of the jobs I have ever worked, I will give it my all.

Thank you to all of you that prayed for me during this period of searching and frustration. I truly felt your energy.

The job thaaaaaang

Well......as the old addage goes "no news is good news". That is the case with my pending job news. As many of you know....when you are dealing with corporate companies....progress on anything moves like a glacier.

I remain very optimistic and trying to stay patient....BUT COMEON!!!!!!!!

You all will know when I do!

4th of July!

I love the 4th of July. I have great memories of neighborhood gatherings for fireworks. Eating watermelon.....and picnics. Since I have moved out into my little corner of the world. A new tradition has grabbed the Youngs. The annual 4th of July Parade. Its full of firetrucks...candy and politicans! ( I like the first two MUCH better!).

The pics I included are of the "boat parade" on the lake at my brothers cabin.....we circled the lake in style with flags a wavin! ( thats my bro at the wheel...my mom to the back....my neph...and my son!) And the last 2 are of the fireworks we set off tonight ( july 3rd ) on the driveway....I am a BIG kid and I love to buy "a few" to set off!

I experimented with some slow shutter speeds and got some great firework shots! Did I say that I love this camera????? Yeah I did!