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!!!!!!! :-)