New Purchase....

The CD to the right is my latest addition to my small little collection of music!

Derek Trucks is a young guitarist that is currently playing with the Allman Brothers Band. His uncle Butch is a founding member of that band and one of its 2 drummer attack. This is Dereks 3rd solo release...21 years old and talent to burn.

If you love gritty slide guitar...the kind that makes the paint peel off your walls...love smooth Wes Montgomery type jazz cording....or love world music. Check this young man out. This release is more along the line of a jazz CD. But not the kind of jazz that you listen to and think "I better say this thing is cool because it makes me sound sophisticated" kind of jazz. This hybrid of jazz and blues/rock is very easy to swallow!

I found it for $4.95! Another hidden treasure dug up by your music guru!!!!

Bowling Update

Behold the game face pic.....had the youngsters psyched out!!!!!



Then the 192 score!!!!! :-)


We had a great time!!!! I did give the lads some pointers!!! Wasnt in total destruction mode!

Geeez 2 posts in a day!

Ok.....I have rebounded.

Whats with all the pics and the arty black and white stuff????

Anywaaaay....tomorrow I am planning on taking Reggie ( the somewhat less hairy dog) to his first agility competition.

Its a pretty low key thing ( at least that is what they say!) but should be fun for him! He just gets nutty excited to be able to run around the course.....I get a kick out of it too! It truly is a team "sport"....and fun to bond with the 4 legged beast! :-)

I am being reminded that its time to leave for the birthday party....results of the bowling will follow!!! :-) Yeah maybe some black and white photos also!

ITS STEVENS BIRTHDAY PARTY!!!!

Today is Stevens big day! (Monday is the actual day...but...its a paaaaartaaay day!)

Ahhh to be 11 and in love with the rock group KISS! Hey....I only had a little to do with getting him into a group that was around at least 25 years before he was born!!! :-)

The look on his face when he picked up his cake with the KISS image on it was all worth it! How cool is it to have your favorite rock group on a cake!!! Geez....when I was a kid....blah blah old guy grumble about to occur!

Its off to the bowling alley to celebrate. 6 of Stevens good buddies will be there! Cherols job is to organize...mine???? To keep the lads entertained and to destroy them with scary high scores!!!! I will keep the fist pumping and finger pointing under control!! :-)

HAPPY B-DAY STEVEN!!!!

New material.....

Yes, yes.....

The blog has been neglected. I haven't really had the urge to write much. I have really been focusing on my health....and true to my form.....have substituted one interest for another.

I have lost almost 14 lbs and have been working out 5-6 times a week. My eating has gone back to the old healthy way.....havent been to McDonald's for over a month. When I go to a fast food place...I have been eating salads and other "healthy" things. I let myself eat the things I like....but in much smaller portions.

January was a very rough month on me. I was very depressed through much of it. I found that getting back into the gym and taking care of myself and doing positive things made my outlook much more optimistic. Some of the things that depressed me still exist...they still have the power to bring me down. But.....having a outlet that releases the anger,anxiety, and stress is something that I truly look forward to every day.

I purchased a cheap MP3 player and loaded it with music that I knew would move me.....and it works well with me. Nothing like a great blasting version of "wont get fooled again" with the cathartic scream at the end to make you feel like you are throwing a metaphorical rock off of your back.

I go to bed every night feeling good that I am not sneaking down to the fridge for something to eat before I rest my head. I even look forward to getting on the scale and seeing results.

Here is to a new beginning!

Sly Stone

Those of you that hung in there for the Grammys saw a real live trainwreck.

Sylvester Stewart aka Sly Stone. Legendary leader of one of my fave funk n roll groups, Sly and the Family Stone. Made his first public appearance in close to 20 years. Joss Stone...Maroon five ( geez is there NOT a tribute these people do not play) and others butchered a medley of songs...before a decent Steven Tyler/Joe Perry performance led to the announcement of Sly to sing "Wanna take you higher"

Sly...as you can see...decided a mohawk and a gnarly looking cast on his hand would be a good look for the evening. As he walked out...my mouth was in agape mode. Where did his neck disappear to ???? He has the old man above the equator pants and belt cookin. Its so sad to see your idols age....and this badly.

I still held out hope that maybe he could perform. Well it was not meant to be. He lasted about 3 verses of him mumbling "waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannnnna take yaaaaaa higher" and he left the stage. The assembled cast was forced to finish without him.

Reportedly. He left the building and nobody knows where he went. Will it be the last we see of Mr. Stewart? Lets hope it was just a bad bad night.

olympics

Tonight I watched the opening ceremonies for the 20th winter olympics in Torino Italy.

It was the usual mix of dancing trees and skaters with flames roaring from thier helmets. Very colorful and interesting. Its very cool to see all of the different cultures come together...even if it is for a sporting event.

I dont think I will glued to the action like I used to be as a wee lad. Way back before cable....( Mikes rocking chair squeeks) there wasnt much else to watch.....SO YOU WATCHED IT ALL!!!

In other news.....HAPPY VALENTINES DAY to all out there! Hope the day of love is something special!

Working out love is still strong.....encouraged by the early results!

Simple Joy

Spent today with my wife and son. We did the usual things on a Saturday. Lots of running around and looking for stuff that is needed. Some of it is fun and some of it is just plain tedius at times!

My wife is a smart woman. She knew we were in a area of town that we dont get to often. She also knew that there is a very small little record shop that I LOVE to duck into . I know that this place isnt her cup of tea. But she understands.....she sees the look in my eye as I thumb through rare old albums and imported bootleg DVDs of concerts!!!!! It was a very nice gesture.... a simple joy!

By the way....I resisted purchasing two WHO DVD's and a ALICE COOPER DVD. Man, I have grown up.....uh sorta! :-)

Renewing a old love

Even though I am a total hopeless romantic type. This isnt a tale of a lost love found. Well not in the romantic sense. But, rather my renewed love of taking care of my self through exercise. For about 2.5 years I had a great habit of going to the health club 5 days a week to work out. I loved it and really craved that time to myself. I lost almost 40 lbs and felt better than ever.

Then....I lost my love ( violins play here)

I began to love Mcdonalds. Taco bell beckoned my call and seduced me away from my healthy living. My temple of a body ( quiet...no laughing) began to look like a dirty old house. It was sad, the great foundation that was built was shaken and tossed aside. Memories of the good days were a distant memory.

But like all great true loves. The love never dies. As much as you try to block those memories...they are always there....if you choose to remember them. Yes...the health club has welcomed me back with open arms. Forgiving me for my past transgressions and trusting that I wont make the same horrible mistakes again.

I have lost 8 lbs and am finding my way back to the place that makes me feel complete! Thank you Health Club! Its good to be back in your arms! ( See how a romantic can make a trip back to a health club sound like a Oprah book of the week! not bad eh!)

Condolences

Got news from my childhood bud Jeff Smith that he lost his sister to a brain tumor. My prayers go out to his family.

Catching up !

There is a gap in time here that I didn't do much writing. I know there a still a few people that read this and kinda care. So here is a recap.

Reggie graduated from his agility class. He finished in the top 5 in his class. We are moving on to the next level ,beginning this week.

Cherol,Steven and I journeyed down to the St.Paul Riverplace to hang out at the Land o lakes dog show for an afternoon. Lots of stuff to look at if you are a dog lover. We spent a fair amount of time looking at the agility dogs. All sizes and speeds....was interesting. For me :-)

Cherol and I had the chance to go see Walk the Line. I really enjoyed it. Thought they did a good job capturing Johnny Cash. Warts and all. I give it the stamp of approval!

I have been enjoying my Sirius Radio. Stern made his appearance on the airways about a week ago, but I still am really enjoying the music. Personal fave at the moment is a station called "The Vault". Its a really nice mix of deep album ( remember those kiddies?) tracks from obscure artists and better known artists. When was the last time you heard "White Punks on Dope" by the Tubes? Well its on here. I guess the better question is....have you ever heard that track at all? If I have peaked your curiosity.....give it a listen!

That should satisfy all of your cravings for info. related to yours truly! :-)
Your fan club tee-shirt is in the mail!

A surprise find!

I think I have written about this before...but...I love to go to the library to pick up music to listen to. Its lead to many discoveries musically that I would have never explored had it not been for the free library.

I came across this gem the other day!

James Brown- Soul on Top -1969

Most people of my age think of James Brown as the guy that NOBODY can understand a word he sings or the guy that Eddie Murphy impersonated on SNL in the 80's ( Da hot tub....heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeey it toooo hot!).

I have always been a fan....and this CD proves why. This was James attempt at a Jazz album, but not in the traditional jazz form. James decided to use strings and horns to augment his R/B sound. He changed the way he phrased his singing style. The results are very exciting.

Take a listen to the way he reworks "Its a Mans,Mans,Mans world". Most James Brown fans know this song inside and out. This version is much more powerful. Clocking in at almost 7 minutes....I played it over and over...and still cant get enough of it. The rest of the CD is full of surprises . I think the casual fan will be shocked on how well James sings. He blows away all the ill informed that think he is just a screamer.

Check it out if you can get your hands on it!

back in the saddle

Been out the blogging loop for a little bit! Dont worry! I have been busy! Just havent had the itch to write,...but I am back! Please dont hurt yourself with frantic applause!

Its January 12th and guess what kind of weather we have in the northern icebox? RAIN! Very odd for this time of the year. I dont mind it. At least we had a little sun this morning!

This was lame...11 days without writing and I breakthrough with a weather report! Pathetic!

I will return with a music review.....something meaty,beaty,big and bouncy! (great WHO album reference!)

A New Years post from Pete Townshend

Below is a edit of a post from http://www.petetownshend.com
I found what he said to be very close to what I feel at this time . Yeah...he has a Adrien Brody like nose...and you know who I am talking to out there!

Happy New Year to everyone who visits here. I've had a good year. I wish some of my brothers and sisters on this planet have better luck next year. Faced with the sheer magnitude of trouble on the planet, it's good to remind myself that there are now more than seven billion of us. We are mostly well behaved, kind to each other, work to help each other or provide a service of some kind. Kids all over the world smile almost every time a camera is pointed at them. We aren't doing bad. We should remember that. This not to suggest we should rest; but there is a lot of joy out there.

What I have in my life is comfort. Tidings of comfort and joy. Comfort doesn't necessarily bring joy, especially if one is constantly made to feel ashamed. Comfort without joy is not a lot of use. So let's try to make the needy out there more comfortable, even if we can't fix their problems at one stroke.

Message to the political, ecological and journalist doomsayers: if you make me feel ashamed, I start to slowly but surely kill myself. So give it up. Tell me I can help. Tell me I can change things. Tell me my vote matters. Tell me the people I put in power can be influenced and steered.

The main point is.....see the good....understand the evil....dont let the media dictate what you can and cannot do in this world.

Now go out and make 2006 the best for you and others around you!

Mike

Some favorite pics.

I was looking through my picture files and thought I would share some of my favorites that are hanging around! :-)

The top left is a photo of Reggie. This is what he does most of the day when Cherol is working at home. He watches the road ( computer room is on the 3rd floor....good view) and makes sure the traffic keeps moving. Nice job....may have to look into that! :-)

2nd photo is my favorite...Dad and his boy fishing...doesnt even matter what was caught...it was the experience and bonding!

3rd photo is what greeted me last night as I drove in the driveway. A simple work of art from my son. Makes the snow that more special.

4th is a shot of Grandma and I a few Christmas's ago. I like the look on her face. I remember that moment well.

We are celebrating New Years in a pretty low key way. We have already went off to see KING KONG ( more detailed review later) and are off to have a nice italian dinner in a hour or so. I am sure I will be the lone soul in this family that makes it till midnight ( well maybe the reg. will make it).

Happy New Year to all !
Mike

A fresh coat of white

Awoke today to a new 1/2 foot of snow. This is the time of year that I acually enjoy the snow and dont grumble about having to go out and shovel or snowblow it away.

But....once the middle of January comes around....I get tired of snow and cold. Its the inner native Californian the still bounces around inside me that makes me wonder why I live in this climate. But April comes and the snow melts away. Spring is a dramatic 'pulling open the shades' event and life seems much more full of energy.

Geez...that got a bit poetic for snow in December! Sorry. The mood struck! I will not be composing odes for ice in January!

My Christmas Gift.

Sit down. Call the neighbors. Put a cold compress on your head. Mike got something music related for Christmas! SHOCKING!

What you are looking at is the Tivoli Sirius AM/FM radio. I have been scouting this thing out for the last year or so. Its very small in size, but has a nice full sound.

Ok, so big friggin deal. Its just a radio! No, No , No it isn't. Its a Sirius radio. Satilight radio my friends! 140 channels of radio without commercials and music that you don't hear on your local boring station. A dedicated Elvis station, Blues, hard rock, soul etc..... I love it. And yeah, Howard Stern will be on Sirius in January. ( I purchased some headphones to be kind to the rest of the house that will not appreciate it ) :-)

This radio is in my bedroom because I love to listen to music at night. So far the reception is very good ( had to fish the antenna outside my window to get a strong signal) I even hooked up a CD player on it so I can enjoy my own cds. I still have a few bucks left.....may hook up a sub. and really make the house shake.

I smell family meeting! :-)

A day back in reality

This has been the longest day at work ever! At a building that usually has a couple hundred people running around it.....there are about 20 here today! As I blast some funky "Sly and the Family Stone" out of my stereo....the clock is creeping slowly!

As you can tell...I had a very good Christmas and enjoyed the time off. I wish we could have 2 weeks off for Christmas like we did when we were kids!

Oh well.....3 days until the New Year break! We are planning to have a nice dinner and then go and see the movie "King Kong". Should be a nice way to bring in the New Year. APE Destruction and good food!

Better Watch Out!

Yep. Santa Claus is coming to town!

With Christmas Eve hours away.....make sure that you take time to remember all of your blessings and special gifts that you have around you.

I love Christmas, its my favorite time of the year. Its a time to remember those around you, and also those departed. Its also first and foremost the time to remember the birth of Jesus and what a wonderfull gift of love he gave us.

From the Youngs to your computer.....

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!

Steven gets his first taste of the musical stage!

Last night was my son Steven's first band concert!

He is the one sitting behind the drum kit with the huge smile. Click on the photo for a closer look.

The young man has the performing blood running through his veins. Like father like son, he just loves to work the crowd :-) Ever since he picked up the drums 4 months ago, he has become a huge Peter Criss fan ( KISS drummer). I couldnt help but love the fact that my son had his sticks held up high and crossed, just like his current idol...when the band lurched into a rousing version of jingle bells! :-)

What the greatest thing is that he had the biggest smile on his face as he played. I know he loved it....but I loved it more. ROCK ON STEVEN! :-)