The 5 Man Acoustical Jam was in town tonight. What an awesome show! Those guys are so musical. They weren't completely unplugged. Frank and Tommy each had an electric handy and Tommy used my favorite, a Les Paul. They even did my favorite tune Edison's Medicine. It was great to see how tight these guys are. They were goofing off and riffed into Sympathy For The Devil for a verse and the crowd went nuts singing along. Frank also sang some Led Zep for us. His voice is fantastic! They also performed Signs and Truckin', to round out the cover tunes. They did some newer tunes like opening with Into The Now and had fun performing all the hits. Jeff had so much fun tonight even though he seemed to struggle a little bit. He hit all the notes with passion and just had a great time with the Des Moines crowd.
Tesla has always set themselves apart musically. They don't write your typical song structures and they don't use just one or two influences. You can hear Frank's Spanish guitar influences come out in his playing. You can hear the intricate rhythms of Troy and Brian. Tommy's playing is as passionate as it ever was. Jeff's singing has always been melodic and easy to understand. Everything they do they make their own.
A friend of mine from work went with me to the show and his guitar teacher played the last two songs with Tesla, Signs and Little Suzi. That was a treat for him to see.
Go see this show and catch them opening for Def Leppard this summer.
Thursday, April 28, 2005
Saturday, April 23, 2005
Do You Root For Winners?
I'm sure you've noticed this, but there are many people who tend to tear down winners. Bill Gates started in his garage and became wealthy, but people tend to tear him down. The New York Yankees have a winning tradition, but people love to hate them. Donald Trump is rich beyond belief, but people want to make fun of his hair. What is it with people that just want to make winners seem like losers? Envy and jealousy?
When we were all young, we were taught to admire those that made something of themselves. We were taught in games that we needed to be winners. We enjoy movies where the guy gets the girl and the good guy beats the bad guy. We even cheer on underdogs because we want them to be winners, too.
I think we need to get back to cheering for winners. We all want to be winners and we should congratulate winners without begrudging them their victory.
We also need to make sure that our winners are truly the best of the best. We send our best to the Olympics. We try to teach our children to be the best they can be. So why do we have wild card teams in baseball and football? Why do we let losers have a second chance when we already have clear winners? Are we penalizing winners for their success? Does it sound like I'm bitter about the Red Sox beating the Yankees?
With taxes, why do the rich pay a higher percentage of taxes for their income than I do? Shouldn't we all pay something like 10%? Wouldn't that truly be fair? Why do we punish winners with our tax code instead of making taxes a flat percentage of what we earn? Why are we being told that the more money we make, the bigger slice of it government wants?
In politics we have a clear majority in the House, Senate, and Executive Branch. Why are we letting losers slow things down and keep the winners from accomplishing what the public voted them in to do? In this case, maybe the winners need to act like winners and remind the losers that they lost.
I'm not sure what it will take, but I know that I'm doing my best to raise my children to dream of and aim for excellence. My girls know they have an opportunity in life to be the best. There isn't anything holding them back. I want my children to be winners and look to winners for advice and ideas.
Try making friends with people who are better off than you. Try making friends who don't have the same problems in your weakest areas. Put yourself around people who you admire for reaching their goals in life. Surround yourself with positive, uplifting people who make you feel great about yourself. Dump the losers and surround yourself with winners. You may be surprised at how they pull you up when you may have lived a life where you let losers pull you down.
When we were all young, we were taught to admire those that made something of themselves. We were taught in games that we needed to be winners. We enjoy movies where the guy gets the girl and the good guy beats the bad guy. We even cheer on underdogs because we want them to be winners, too.
I think we need to get back to cheering for winners. We all want to be winners and we should congratulate winners without begrudging them their victory.
We also need to make sure that our winners are truly the best of the best. We send our best to the Olympics. We try to teach our children to be the best they can be. So why do we have wild card teams in baseball and football? Why do we let losers have a second chance when we already have clear winners? Are we penalizing winners for their success? Does it sound like I'm bitter about the Red Sox beating the Yankees?
With taxes, why do the rich pay a higher percentage of taxes for their income than I do? Shouldn't we all pay something like 10%? Wouldn't that truly be fair? Why do we punish winners with our tax code instead of making taxes a flat percentage of what we earn? Why are we being told that the more money we make, the bigger slice of it government wants?
In politics we have a clear majority in the House, Senate, and Executive Branch. Why are we letting losers slow things down and keep the winners from accomplishing what the public voted them in to do? In this case, maybe the winners need to act like winners and remind the losers that they lost.
I'm not sure what it will take, but I know that I'm doing my best to raise my children to dream of and aim for excellence. My girls know they have an opportunity in life to be the best. There isn't anything holding them back. I want my children to be winners and look to winners for advice and ideas.
Try making friends with people who are better off than you. Try making friends who don't have the same problems in your weakest areas. Put yourself around people who you admire for reaching their goals in life. Surround yourself with positive, uplifting people who make you feel great about yourself. Dump the losers and surround yourself with winners. You may be surprised at how they pull you up when you may have lived a life where you let losers pull you down.
Thursday, April 21, 2005
Ken Whisler
My page was graced with a comment from my favorite guitar player! His name is Ken Whisler and you can check out his site at http://www.geocities.com/kmaaj@swbell.net/ for information on what he does.
You will see pictures of Ken in the photo gallery under Brett And The Hitmen and Rat Race. He started The Hitmen and recruited me to sing, thanks to his wonderful wife Mary. Hitmen turned into Rat Race and it is the most professional band I ever had the pleasure of singing for.
Ken started out playing with a Strat and a Les Paul. He eventually went with two Les Pauls, one tuned down and one tuned normal. He would play that Les Paul through a Marshall stack and cost me 20% of my hearing on my left side. :) That is my favorite sound in the world! With Ken being classically trained, it really took a great guitar player or a big change in our set list to have anyone else play in the band. This guy just plain rocks!
Ken has told me that he sold off the Les Pauls. I know that Mary almost cried and I just about did, too, when I heard this news. Ken has really focused in on his classical playing and handcrafting guitars. He has been able to meet classical guitar making luminaries and keep in touch with them via e-mail. I did receive an e-mail the other day stating that he and one of KC's finest drummers are planning some prog-rock trio music, so I'm anxious to hear what they come up with.
Ken's wife Mary was extremely supportive of Rat Race. She even hired me as a donut maker in her shop when I had no experience whatsoever. She would work the weekends that the band played. She supported us financially with the purchase of a van and trailer and she and Ken owned a large portion of the gear. They even set up their garage as a rehearsal room after the living room got too crammed. She helped Ken get one of his Les Pauls, I believe, as a gift. She would video tape some shows and take plenty of pictures, too. She was our 5th member. Maybe later I will tell you about her first gig back after the birth of their son. :) I'm sure Mary has tried forgetting that night!
I'm also not-so-secretly hoping for a Rat Race reunion gig some day. Rat Race was a very tight band and we had some great shows together. I am certainly thankful to Ken and Mary for inviting me to audition for the band and for the years we played together. Check out Ken's site and pass it along!
You will see pictures of Ken in the photo gallery under Brett And The Hitmen and Rat Race. He started The Hitmen and recruited me to sing, thanks to his wonderful wife Mary. Hitmen turned into Rat Race and it is the most professional band I ever had the pleasure of singing for.
Ken started out playing with a Strat and a Les Paul. He eventually went with two Les Pauls, one tuned down and one tuned normal. He would play that Les Paul through a Marshall stack and cost me 20% of my hearing on my left side. :) That is my favorite sound in the world! With Ken being classically trained, it really took a great guitar player or a big change in our set list to have anyone else play in the band. This guy just plain rocks!
Ken has told me that he sold off the Les Pauls. I know that Mary almost cried and I just about did, too, when I heard this news. Ken has really focused in on his classical playing and handcrafting guitars. He has been able to meet classical guitar making luminaries and keep in touch with them via e-mail. I did receive an e-mail the other day stating that he and one of KC's finest drummers are planning some prog-rock trio music, so I'm anxious to hear what they come up with.
Ken's wife Mary was extremely supportive of Rat Race. She even hired me as a donut maker in her shop when I had no experience whatsoever. She would work the weekends that the band played. She supported us financially with the purchase of a van and trailer and she and Ken owned a large portion of the gear. They even set up their garage as a rehearsal room after the living room got too crammed. She helped Ken get one of his Les Pauls, I believe, as a gift. She would video tape some shows and take plenty of pictures, too. She was our 5th member. Maybe later I will tell you about her first gig back after the birth of their son. :) I'm sure Mary has tried forgetting that night!
I'm also not-so-secretly hoping for a Rat Race reunion gig some day. Rat Race was a very tight band and we had some great shows together. I am certainly thankful to Ken and Mary for inviting me to audition for the band and for the years we played together. Check out Ken's site and pass it along!
DOORS SHOW CANCELLED
From the DATEBOOK 4/21/05
"The Doors Of The 21st Century concert scheduled for Aug. 28 at the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines has been canceled. Ticketholders can receive refunds at the point of purchase. But Friday's show at the Orpheum Theatre in Sioux City is still on..."
What this basically means is that Des Moines can't support an act like this coming to town so the Doors decided to cancel. I'm not sure why an artist would cancel a gig just because ticket sales aren't what they hoped. The band still gets money. The promoter, on the other hand doesn't, and they are probably the ones that cancelled. What a shame. Word of mouth is what brings people out to more shows. Keep a show like this on the schedule and future shows will only grow in number. Occasionally you have to take a loss early on to make future shows possible. What a crock and what a disappointment. At least I still have Tesla next week!
"The Doors Of The 21st Century concert scheduled for Aug. 28 at the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines has been canceled. Ticketholders can receive refunds at the point of purchase. But Friday's show at the Orpheum Theatre in Sioux City is still on..."
What this basically means is that Des Moines can't support an act like this coming to town so the Doors decided to cancel. I'm not sure why an artist would cancel a gig just because ticket sales aren't what they hoped. The band still gets money. The promoter, on the other hand doesn't, and they are probably the ones that cancelled. What a shame. Word of mouth is what brings people out to more shows. Keep a show like this on the schedule and future shows will only grow in number. Occasionally you have to take a loss early on to make future shows possible. What a crock and what a disappointment. At least I still have Tesla next week!
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
New Music By Established Artists
Did you see Bret Michaels on Nashville Star last night? He performed Nothin' But A Good Time to open the show and was joined by the 4 remaining performers. At the end of the show he performed a song off of his forthcoming country CD Freedom Of Sound called Open Road. Good song. His voice was a tad weak, but it was a solid performance.
Bret's a good songwriter. I still play Songs Of Life quite often and I enjoy the songs he performed live, All I Ever Needed and New Breed Of American Cowboy. They are just good songs with some country flavor. I'm not a fan of country, but I like good songs.
I talked to the program director at Lazer 103.3 the other day. I asked him about Waterstock and what they would be playing to promote the show, specifically for Bret Michaels and Skid Row as they have newer CD's out. The director said he hadn't decided on any Skid Row material and would only be playing Poison as the materials he received for Bret were too country for their station. I asked if he had heard Songs Of Life and he hadn't. I also suggested a few Skid tunes that I know they were doing in their set (All New Generation, Thick Skin, and Ghost).
Seeing as Lazer is really going to go about promoting this as a nostalgia show, at least it seems that way, I thought it would be a good idea to e-mail Skid Row and Bret and have them contact the station with some ideas. I suggested Bret get them a copy of Songs Of Life and specifically mentioned Menace To Society and It's My Party. I suggested to Skid Row to encourage their new material as well.
I'm so tired of radio stations and other media outlets treating bands as temporary. Poison still tours and even recorded Hollyweird. LA Guns did one of their best CD's ever with Waking The Dead. Tesla, Skid Row, Jack Russell, Bret Michaels, Jani Lane, Firehouse, Quiet Riot, Enuff Z'Nuff, and tons of others have done CD's in the last couple of years. Why can't radio play new songs by artists that have been around a while? They do it with the mellow guys like Sting and Clapton.
I have found one outlet that does play the new material. XM Satellite Radio. The Boneyard. They were playing new Rough Cutt last time I had mine on. I haven't had XM in over a year, but plan on getting it again this summer.
The other plan is to bombard local radio stations and talk directly to program directors. There needs to be an outlet for this music. I've had young friends really enjoy Bret's music, Jani's song Better Than You, Tesla's Into The Now, and the new Firehouse. I know that this music has an audience and would capture a larger one with promotion. How often have we all grumbled about what radio and MTV play? How many of us are doing something about it? Well, I'm getting my friends hooked and calling radio stations. That has to be a start.
Let me know if you have other ideas. I'm willing to help!
Bret's a good songwriter. I still play Songs Of Life quite often and I enjoy the songs he performed live, All I Ever Needed and New Breed Of American Cowboy. They are just good songs with some country flavor. I'm not a fan of country, but I like good songs.
I talked to the program director at Lazer 103.3 the other day. I asked him about Waterstock and what they would be playing to promote the show, specifically for Bret Michaels and Skid Row as they have newer CD's out. The director said he hadn't decided on any Skid Row material and would only be playing Poison as the materials he received for Bret were too country for their station. I asked if he had heard Songs Of Life and he hadn't. I also suggested a few Skid tunes that I know they were doing in their set (All New Generation, Thick Skin, and Ghost).
Seeing as Lazer is really going to go about promoting this as a nostalgia show, at least it seems that way, I thought it would be a good idea to e-mail Skid Row and Bret and have them contact the station with some ideas. I suggested Bret get them a copy of Songs Of Life and specifically mentioned Menace To Society and It's My Party. I suggested to Skid Row to encourage their new material as well.
I'm so tired of radio stations and other media outlets treating bands as temporary. Poison still tours and even recorded Hollyweird. LA Guns did one of their best CD's ever with Waking The Dead. Tesla, Skid Row, Jack Russell, Bret Michaels, Jani Lane, Firehouse, Quiet Riot, Enuff Z'Nuff, and tons of others have done CD's in the last couple of years. Why can't radio play new songs by artists that have been around a while? They do it with the mellow guys like Sting and Clapton.
I have found one outlet that does play the new material. XM Satellite Radio. The Boneyard. They were playing new Rough Cutt last time I had mine on. I haven't had XM in over a year, but plan on getting it again this summer.
The other plan is to bombard local radio stations and talk directly to program directors. There needs to be an outlet for this music. I've had young friends really enjoy Bret's music, Jani's song Better Than You, Tesla's Into The Now, and the new Firehouse. I know that this music has an audience and would capture a larger one with promotion. How often have we all grumbled about what radio and MTV play? How many of us are doing something about it? Well, I'm getting my friends hooked and calling radio stations. That has to be a start.
Let me know if you have other ideas. I'm willing to help!
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Photo Gallery
I put up a few more photo galleries. There are three with old bands. You can laugh all you like at the pictures of my old bands. There have been other bands, but these are the pictures I had ready. I will get around to labeling them later.
Brett and the Hitmen turned into Rat Race so you will see 3 of the same faces in those galleries. Zombie Zoo was my second gigging band. I was in one called The Boom in Jopin, MO, that gigged twice. Zombie Zoo did a very busy year, so that was my first real band experience.
In order, I sang for The Boom, Zombie Zoo, Third Degree, Stiff Kitti, XentriX, Brett And The Hitmen, Rat Race, and part time for Weatherhead. There was one other band in KC, but I can't remember the name and it was only one gig.
Most of the tunes were covers, but I did have several originals played in most of those bands. I played a lot of stages in Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, and Nebraska. I miss it and it was always a blast.
If you're not sure which one is me, look for the face half covered in hair.
Brett and the Hitmen turned into Rat Race so you will see 3 of the same faces in those galleries. Zombie Zoo was my second gigging band. I was in one called The Boom in Jopin, MO, that gigged twice. Zombie Zoo did a very busy year, so that was my first real band experience.
In order, I sang for The Boom, Zombie Zoo, Third Degree, Stiff Kitti, XentriX, Brett And The Hitmen, Rat Race, and part time for Weatherhead. There was one other band in KC, but I can't remember the name and it was only one gig.
Most of the tunes were covers, but I did have several originals played in most of those bands. I played a lot of stages in Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, and Nebraska. I miss it and it was always a blast.
If you're not sure which one is me, look for the face half covered in hair.
Customer Service
Whatever happened to "the customer is always right"? Whatever happened to taking care of your long term customers? Whatever happened to good old fashioned customer service? I miss it!
I've been a customer of the local phone company for about 5 years. I have always had their cheap phone service, but their best DSL. I love DSL for the security, the stability of the speed, and the upload speed. I have a roommate that loves to play games and when I am downloading, he needs good frame rates to enjoy his games. This is where the upload is so vital. Cable tops out at 256K for their competing price even though they have a 4MB download speed. With DSL I currently get a 1MB upload and a 1.5MB download, which will soon be increased to 3MB. I've always asked for and received their best speeds.
Billing has been another issue entirely! I was overbilled for 11 months in a row for my DSL. When they pull up my account it reads like a book with all the overbilling, cuts in service, and their own mistakes. I will admit that I have paid my bill behind a month many times, but they always get their money and more when they overbill. It used to be that if I was a few days behind they would turn off my phone, but leave the DSL alone. I could call from work, make a payment during lunch, and have my phone turned back on when I got home. All this without interrupting my DSL. Now they turn off the DSL instead of the phone. Getting DSL turned back on takes 5 business days.
Earlier this month I had made a payment and let a manager know that I would get caught up on the 15th when I got paid. I made my payment early that morning and while doing so on the phone realized I had no DSL. The manager had either put my payment date in the comments and they didn't get saved or he didn't enter it at all. When I had talked to him I was assured that paying on the 15th would not be a problem and would not cause an interrupt in my service. I was told it would be Friday before my service was back up. I did talk to a manager last night who was going to expedite this. I don't know what they did, but I'm back up at full speed tonight, even though earlier tonight a manager told me he would have it back up Thursday instead of Friday. I just happened to notice it was up while playing cards and Norton performed an update. Weird, but I will take it!
Since my service is back up early for some unexplained reason, why am I still griping? As a loyal customer in spite of all the problems they have brought on, do I get decent treatment? Well, it depends on who I'm talking to, how ticked I may be, and what mood they are in. Why should that matter at all? Shouldn't they be so kind as to call and ask if there is a problem with the service if I'm more behind than usual? And shouldn't they do this before messing with my account? Wouldn't it be nice if they asked me what they should turn off to get my attention? This way I could choose the phone so that I'm back up and running within hours instead of days.
I'm just tired of having so many problems with this one company after all this time and after all their mistakes. You would think that they would go out of their way to provide great customer service when they have gotten my money for several years without fail. I have never had so many problems with this one company that I wish I could start up competition.
I have trained customer service representatives. I know how customers want and should be treated. I've trained computer technicians how to treat customers. I've trained perfume/cologne sales people on how to take care of their customers. It's really a no brainer. You treat others like you would like to be treated. I know we all get caught up in our jobs and think that what we are doing is so much more important than taking care of the people who pay our paychecks (at least in retail and service), but anyone who thinks that is totally wrong. Customers first. Treat them great at all times. Even if they want to be mean and call you names, smile, be nice, and treat them great. It's simple, isn't it?
I've been a customer of the local phone company for about 5 years. I have always had their cheap phone service, but their best DSL. I love DSL for the security, the stability of the speed, and the upload speed. I have a roommate that loves to play games and when I am downloading, he needs good frame rates to enjoy his games. This is where the upload is so vital. Cable tops out at 256K for their competing price even though they have a 4MB download speed. With DSL I currently get a 1MB upload and a 1.5MB download, which will soon be increased to 3MB. I've always asked for and received their best speeds.
Billing has been another issue entirely! I was overbilled for 11 months in a row for my DSL. When they pull up my account it reads like a book with all the overbilling, cuts in service, and their own mistakes. I will admit that I have paid my bill behind a month many times, but they always get their money and more when they overbill. It used to be that if I was a few days behind they would turn off my phone, but leave the DSL alone. I could call from work, make a payment during lunch, and have my phone turned back on when I got home. All this without interrupting my DSL. Now they turn off the DSL instead of the phone. Getting DSL turned back on takes 5 business days.
Earlier this month I had made a payment and let a manager know that I would get caught up on the 15th when I got paid. I made my payment early that morning and while doing so on the phone realized I had no DSL. The manager had either put my payment date in the comments and they didn't get saved or he didn't enter it at all. When I had talked to him I was assured that paying on the 15th would not be a problem and would not cause an interrupt in my service. I was told it would be Friday before my service was back up. I did talk to a manager last night who was going to expedite this. I don't know what they did, but I'm back up at full speed tonight, even though earlier tonight a manager told me he would have it back up Thursday instead of Friday. I just happened to notice it was up while playing cards and Norton performed an update. Weird, but I will take it!
Since my service is back up early for some unexplained reason, why am I still griping? As a loyal customer in spite of all the problems they have brought on, do I get decent treatment? Well, it depends on who I'm talking to, how ticked I may be, and what mood they are in. Why should that matter at all? Shouldn't they be so kind as to call and ask if there is a problem with the service if I'm more behind than usual? And shouldn't they do this before messing with my account? Wouldn't it be nice if they asked me what they should turn off to get my attention? This way I could choose the phone so that I'm back up and running within hours instead of days.
I'm just tired of having so many problems with this one company after all this time and after all their mistakes. You would think that they would go out of their way to provide great customer service when they have gotten my money for several years without fail. I have never had so many problems with this one company that I wish I could start up competition.
I have trained customer service representatives. I know how customers want and should be treated. I've trained computer technicians how to treat customers. I've trained perfume/cologne sales people on how to take care of their customers. It's really a no brainer. You treat others like you would like to be treated. I know we all get caught up in our jobs and think that what we are doing is so much more important than taking care of the people who pay our paychecks (at least in retail and service), but anyone who thinks that is totally wrong. Customers first. Treat them great at all times. Even if they want to be mean and call you names, smile, be nice, and treat them great. It's simple, isn't it?
Monday, April 18, 2005
I HATE CARS! Part 3 and SOFTBALL SEASON
Well, I got my car back again last Thursday and you will never believe what happened! (Can you feel the sarcasm already?) Now something else is wrong. When I turn right or left the thing squeals. How about that? I don't even have the car for a day and something new is wrong.
I left a message with the mechanic to let him know. Of course, I haven't heard anything, yet, and it's now the end of the day Monday. They tend to wait until I call, but I am going to wait them out this time. I have a feeling that it was towed incorrectly this last time. They towed it without my permission, even though I probably would have granted it, but I also wasn't told what the cost would be. I have a regular tow guy (well, by now I need one) and since this was just a few blocks from the mechanic, they went ahead and pulled it down the street.
I had been told the ignition switch would have taken about an hour when he replaced that last week, which means it should have been done last Monday, but apparently it took quite a bit longer. Now I wonder what he is going to charge for that!
I did drive the car to work today. I'm curious if the towing did something to my brakes. I've always driven this car slow in town, but with the noise it is making, I'm just curious as to how safe I am now. I hope to hear something tonight or tomorrow about getting this repaired.
I had my daughters with me this weekend. We had a great time. I know they were a little bored on Saturday as I had a job for 5 hours that day. They were good sports about it as the office I had to work in was wide open and they had a TV to watch. They played Hide N Seek and had races and pretended to be dentists. It was funny, but I had to work. I thought it would take about 3 hours, but it went a lot longer. They were so well behaved so I treated them to Culver's and DQ, since those are their favorites.
I hate working when they are here. With all the recent car problems, I didn't have a choice. I have to make some money to pay for this stuff. They did get to play outside on Sunday and even went to the park. I also let Brittany make a German Chocolate Pie, which was FANTASTIC! She really had to twist my arm, though. NOT! The recipe was one that was in her hometown cookbook and very easy to make. She and Paige were given recipes to submit by her mother or grandmother. It was cook to see the cookbook with their names in it.
I've been attending the Fort Des Moines Church of Christ since August, but made my membership official yesterday. Membership really doesn't mean anything except that you can vote with the congregation on things, attend and speak up during congregational meetings, and play church softball! Now I didn't make it official for softball. It was just time to make it official. I've been attending for 8 months so it may have been past due. I am playing softball, though.
We had our first softball practice yesterday and I am sore! My thighs hurt from catching a bit and my left side hurts from swinging a bat. The practice was at the same park I always take the girls to. Brittany did some catching and chasing balls that went past the backstop and Paige just went to play with some other kids on the playground equipment. They had fun, but I'm sure that Brittany would have loved to take a few swings. She won't be on the team due to age and we had to let those that are playing do the practicing. She was glad to help out.
I really did pretty good! I hit several line drives off of the young lady that was pitching. She was pitching flat, which is great for hitters, but illegal in slow pitch. I traded places after catching and did a pretty decent job pitching. I have never pitched slow pitch before, but I understand the dynamics and surprised myself at how well I did. I surprised the team, too, as they don't know me well. Most of them attend the newer style second service and I'm there for the traditional one at 8:30AM. If you were to see us all, you'd think it was the other way around.
I'm a pretty good hitter. I can put the ball pretty much where I want it. I'd be good batting first or 6th or 7th in the order. I'm not great at advancing people unless they are on second or third, but I'm good at getting on base with singles through the infield. I'm also a good third baseman and could play second. I don't have the reach of a first baseman or the range of a shortstop. I'm also not good at judging pop flies, but have played Left Center on numerous occasions and do pretty well there.
I will play where they need me. It sounded like I could do some pitching, too. I just enjoy the sport. Baseball is my favorite, but softball suffices in my advanced age. I mean, really, I don't have the bulk or energy to keep running as football and basketball would require! I would love to play some hoops, though, but I need to get in shape for that. I hope to find a walking partner soon.
Who knows? Maybe this summer will be the one where I finally get in shape! Ah, but I say that every year...
I left a message with the mechanic to let him know. Of course, I haven't heard anything, yet, and it's now the end of the day Monday. They tend to wait until I call, but I am going to wait them out this time. I have a feeling that it was towed incorrectly this last time. They towed it without my permission, even though I probably would have granted it, but I also wasn't told what the cost would be. I have a regular tow guy (well, by now I need one) and since this was just a few blocks from the mechanic, they went ahead and pulled it down the street.
I had been told the ignition switch would have taken about an hour when he replaced that last week, which means it should have been done last Monday, but apparently it took quite a bit longer. Now I wonder what he is going to charge for that!
I did drive the car to work today. I'm curious if the towing did something to my brakes. I've always driven this car slow in town, but with the noise it is making, I'm just curious as to how safe I am now. I hope to hear something tonight or tomorrow about getting this repaired.
I had my daughters with me this weekend. We had a great time. I know they were a little bored on Saturday as I had a job for 5 hours that day. They were good sports about it as the office I had to work in was wide open and they had a TV to watch. They played Hide N Seek and had races and pretended to be dentists. It was funny, but I had to work. I thought it would take about 3 hours, but it went a lot longer. They were so well behaved so I treated them to Culver's and DQ, since those are their favorites.
I hate working when they are here. With all the recent car problems, I didn't have a choice. I have to make some money to pay for this stuff. They did get to play outside on Sunday and even went to the park. I also let Brittany make a German Chocolate Pie, which was FANTASTIC! She really had to twist my arm, though. NOT! The recipe was one that was in her hometown cookbook and very easy to make. She and Paige were given recipes to submit by her mother or grandmother. It was cook to see the cookbook with their names in it.
I've been attending the Fort Des Moines Church of Christ since August, but made my membership official yesterday. Membership really doesn't mean anything except that you can vote with the congregation on things, attend and speak up during congregational meetings, and play church softball! Now I didn't make it official for softball. It was just time to make it official. I've been attending for 8 months so it may have been past due. I am playing softball, though.
We had our first softball practice yesterday and I am sore! My thighs hurt from catching a bit and my left side hurts from swinging a bat. The practice was at the same park I always take the girls to. Brittany did some catching and chasing balls that went past the backstop and Paige just went to play with some other kids on the playground equipment. They had fun, but I'm sure that Brittany would have loved to take a few swings. She won't be on the team due to age and we had to let those that are playing do the practicing. She was glad to help out.
I really did pretty good! I hit several line drives off of the young lady that was pitching. She was pitching flat, which is great for hitters, but illegal in slow pitch. I traded places after catching and did a pretty decent job pitching. I have never pitched slow pitch before, but I understand the dynamics and surprised myself at how well I did. I surprised the team, too, as they don't know me well. Most of them attend the newer style second service and I'm there for the traditional one at 8:30AM. If you were to see us all, you'd think it was the other way around.
I'm a pretty good hitter. I can put the ball pretty much where I want it. I'd be good batting first or 6th or 7th in the order. I'm not great at advancing people unless they are on second or third, but I'm good at getting on base with singles through the infield. I'm also a good third baseman and could play second. I don't have the reach of a first baseman or the range of a shortstop. I'm also not good at judging pop flies, but have played Left Center on numerous occasions and do pretty well there.
I will play where they need me. It sounded like I could do some pitching, too. I just enjoy the sport. Baseball is my favorite, but softball suffices in my advanced age. I mean, really, I don't have the bulk or energy to keep running as football and basketball would require! I would love to play some hoops, though, but I need to get in shape for that. I hope to find a walking partner soon.
Who knows? Maybe this summer will be the one where I finally get in shape! Ah, but I say that every year...
Friday, April 15, 2005
Upcoming Concerts
I will update this accordingly, but here is the summer so far. I'm also hoping that the Rock Never Stops Tour will be added soon!
April
27th - Tesla at the Val-Air Ballroom in Des Moines, IA (Acoustic)
28th - The Doors Of The 21st Century at the Civic Center in Des Moines, IA (Ian Astbury of The Cult is singing for The Doors.) CANCELLED
May
4th - Billy Idol at the Uptown Theater in Kansas City, MO
6th - Audio Adrenaline, Toby Mac, Kutless, Hawk Nelson at the Val-Air Ballroom in Des Moines
20th - Kip Winger at Keysters in Des Moines, IA
25th - George Thorogood And The Destroyers at the Val-Air Ballroom in Des Moines, IA
June
10th - .38 Special at the Lakeside Casino in Osceola, IA
17th - Vixen at the House Of Bricks In Des Moines, IA
18th - Waterstock in Des Moines, IA, featuring Bret Michaels, Foreigner, Slaughter, Skid Row.
19th - Great White in Des Moines, IA.
July
28th - Colin Hay (Of Men At Work) at Simon Estes Amphitheater in Des Moines, IA
30th - Great White at Keysters in Des Moines, IA.
31st - Def Leppard and Bryan Adams at John O'Donnel Stadium in Davenport, IA
August
2nd - Def Leppard and Bryan Adams at Haymarket Park in Lincoln, NE
3rd - Def Leppard and Bryan Adams at Community America Ballpark in KC, KS
3rd - Pat Benatar, Neil Giraldo at Prairie Meadows in Altoona, IA
13th - Georgia Satellites at the Runway Lounge in Des Moines, IA
16th - 18th - Juice Newton at the Iowa State Fair.
19th - ZZ Top at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines, IA
28th - American Idols Live at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, IA
December
1st - Oak Ridge Boys at the Civic Center in Des Moines, IA
April
27th - Tesla at the Val-Air Ballroom in Des Moines, IA (Acoustic)
28th - The Doors Of The 21st Century at the Civic Center in Des Moines, IA (Ian Astbury of The Cult is singing for The Doors.) CANCELLED
May
4th - Billy Idol at the Uptown Theater in Kansas City, MO
6th - Audio Adrenaline, Toby Mac, Kutless, Hawk Nelson at the Val-Air Ballroom in Des Moines
20th - Kip Winger at Keysters in Des Moines, IA
25th - George Thorogood And The Destroyers at the Val-Air Ballroom in Des Moines, IA
June
10th - .38 Special at the Lakeside Casino in Osceola, IA
17th - Vixen at the House Of Bricks In Des Moines, IA
18th - Waterstock in Des Moines, IA, featuring Bret Michaels, Foreigner, Slaughter, Skid Row.
19th - Great White in Des Moines, IA.
July
28th - Colin Hay (Of Men At Work) at Simon Estes Amphitheater in Des Moines, IA
30th - Great White at Keysters in Des Moines, IA.
31st - Def Leppard and Bryan Adams at John O'Donnel Stadium in Davenport, IA
August
2nd - Def Leppard and Bryan Adams at Haymarket Park in Lincoln, NE
3rd - Def Leppard and Bryan Adams at Community America Ballpark in KC, KS
3rd - Pat Benatar, Neil Giraldo at Prairie Meadows in Altoona, IA
13th - Georgia Satellites at the Runway Lounge in Des Moines, IA
16th - 18th - Juice Newton at the Iowa State Fair.
19th - ZZ Top at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines, IA
28th - American Idols Live at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, IA
December
1st - Oak Ridge Boys at the Civic Center in Des Moines, IA
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Waterstock 2005
Details are as follows for this year's Waterstock at Water Works Park in Des Moines, IA:
June 18 - Poison lead singer Bret Michaels , Foreigner (led by Mick Jones, minus Lou Gramm), Slaughter , Skid Row (minus Sebastian Bach) and Hells Bells (a Florida-based AC/DC cover band). Tickets start selling April 25 through Ticketmaster for $20 each and eventually will cost $40 at the gate.
I can't wait!! Foreigner will be led by Hurricane's ex-lead singer, Kelly Hansen. I had the pleasure of seeing Hurricane back in the day opening for Stryper. That guy can sing! Get tix as soon as you can so you get them cheap. They will go up as time goes on!
June 18 - Poison lead singer Bret Michaels , Foreigner (led by Mick Jones, minus Lou Gramm), Slaughter , Skid Row (minus Sebastian Bach) and Hells Bells (a Florida-based AC/DC cover band). Tickets start selling April 25 through Ticketmaster for $20 each and eventually will cost $40 at the gate.
I can't wait!! Foreigner will be led by Hurricane's ex-lead singer, Kelly Hansen. I had the pleasure of seeing Hurricane back in the day opening for Stryper. That guy can sing! Get tix as soon as you can so you get them cheap. They will go up as time goes on!
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
Attitude
At work, I have been asking for things that we could do to reduce stress. I've been asked to come up with some ideas and run them by my supervisor. I think this is a great idea as I've had an attitude for the last few years that seems to define me now.
There isn't much in my life anymore that stresses me out. There are things that I feel stress from, such as the ongoing car problems, the occasional problems with the ex-wife, financial problems when the car is taking over, and just not seeing my children often enough. Those are things that weigh on my mind the most, but I don't act out or react badly when these problems occur. Instead, I tend to laugh about them and do my best not to show any worry.
There just isn't much in life to get worked up about. The things that are out of my control, I can't worry about. I have no control over them. Being mad, angry, upset, or treating other badly just doesn't make a problem go away. The things I can do something about, I deal with accordingly. When my car acts up, I get a friend or mechanic to fix it. While they are fixing it, what can I do? I'd rather be a problem solver than a worry wart.
I see people every day reacting to the dumbest things in the dumbest way. If someone cuts you off in traffic, what is your reaction? Too many people are busy cussing, flipping the bird, and even chasing down the other driver over something stupid. Is it necessary to do this? Does it resolve the problem? Does it ruin your whole day? What if someone gives you a bad review at work? Does it mean you can't perform properly for the rest of the day? What about major news events? Do you get so worked up for your side of it that your whole day is spent crusading?
Lighten up! Life is to be lived to the fullest. If someone does something stupid, can't you just laugh it off and go on? If your one little moment is ruined, does that mean the whole day is? Who is charge of your attitude? YOU ARE! Do you want to feel like crap all day? Do you want to be little Mr./Mrs./Miss Sensetive? Do you want to develop ulcers worrying over things you can't control? Can't you be happy with what you have and who you are?
Be who you want to be and be happy about it. Enjoy where you are because it could definitely be worse. Learn to laugh a lot and laugh hard. Bite your tongue when you want to say something mean and say something funny instead. Life is as great as you want it to be. Money can't buy you happiness. A change in the weather doesn't change who you are. You can't change other people. Just be you and enjoy your life.
I love life! Are there things I would love to change? Yes, and what I can control, I am trying to do to the best of my ability. AND I'M HAVING FUN ALONG THE WAY!!
There isn't much in my life anymore that stresses me out. There are things that I feel stress from, such as the ongoing car problems, the occasional problems with the ex-wife, financial problems when the car is taking over, and just not seeing my children often enough. Those are things that weigh on my mind the most, but I don't act out or react badly when these problems occur. Instead, I tend to laugh about them and do my best not to show any worry.
There just isn't much in life to get worked up about. The things that are out of my control, I can't worry about. I have no control over them. Being mad, angry, upset, or treating other badly just doesn't make a problem go away. The things I can do something about, I deal with accordingly. When my car acts up, I get a friend or mechanic to fix it. While they are fixing it, what can I do? I'd rather be a problem solver than a worry wart.
I see people every day reacting to the dumbest things in the dumbest way. If someone cuts you off in traffic, what is your reaction? Too many people are busy cussing, flipping the bird, and even chasing down the other driver over something stupid. Is it necessary to do this? Does it resolve the problem? Does it ruin your whole day? What if someone gives you a bad review at work? Does it mean you can't perform properly for the rest of the day? What about major news events? Do you get so worked up for your side of it that your whole day is spent crusading?
Lighten up! Life is to be lived to the fullest. If someone does something stupid, can't you just laugh it off and go on? If your one little moment is ruined, does that mean the whole day is? Who is charge of your attitude? YOU ARE! Do you want to feel like crap all day? Do you want to be little Mr./Mrs./Miss Sensetive? Do you want to develop ulcers worrying over things you can't control? Can't you be happy with what you have and who you are?
Be who you want to be and be happy about it. Enjoy where you are because it could definitely be worse. Learn to laugh a lot and laugh hard. Bite your tongue when you want to say something mean and say something funny instead. Life is as great as you want it to be. Money can't buy you happiness. A change in the weather doesn't change who you are. You can't change other people. Just be you and enjoy your life.
I love life! Are there things I would love to change? Yes, and what I can control, I am trying to do to the best of my ability. AND I'M HAVING FUN ALONG THE WAY!!
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Crue Review
Best show I’ve ever seen. I’ve seen Alice Cooper. I’ve seen KISS on the Hot In The Shade tour. I’ve seen Poison many times. This show beat them all. I’m a bigger Poison fan than Motley Crue. I like Dan Reed Network’s music better than Motley Crue, but this show was the best.
There was fire, fireworks, acrobats, claymation video, Tommy flying from kit to kit, motorcycles, crazy noises and intros, Tommy’s camera (which he dropped about half way through and broke), 3 video screens, a blow up crazy clown, and all the hits and rare songs and new songs you could want. Oh, and did I mention that the acrobats were great looking women? It was the original Motley Crue literally bringing the circus to town.
If you haven’t caught this show, catch it. It rocks for about 2 ½ hours!
I also have a couple of other shows coming up this month. Tesla will be at the Val-Air Ballroom on the 27th and the Doors of the 21st Century will be at the Civic Center on the 28th. I’m even thinking of catching Tim Russert on the 26th. In case you don’t know who he is, check out Meet The Press on Sunday mornings.
There was fire, fireworks, acrobats, claymation video, Tommy flying from kit to kit, motorcycles, crazy noises and intros, Tommy’s camera (which he dropped about half way through and broke), 3 video screens, a blow up crazy clown, and all the hits and rare songs and new songs you could want. Oh, and did I mention that the acrobats were great looking women? It was the original Motley Crue literally bringing the circus to town.
If you haven’t caught this show, catch it. It rocks for about 2 ½ hours!
I also have a couple of other shows coming up this month. Tesla will be at the Val-Air Ballroom on the 27th and the Doors of the 21st Century will be at the Civic Center on the 28th. I’m even thinking of catching Tim Russert on the 26th. In case you don’t know who he is, check out Meet The Press on Sunday mornings.
Monday, April 11, 2005
Motley Crue
Well, My Other Concert Buddy and I are going to be sitting 13th row at the Crue concert in Des Moines tonight. I've seen the Crue without Vince and Vince without the Crue, so this will be a treat. I've seen a DVD of the opening night and this looks like a great show. I'm pretty stoked about it.
I saw Motley Crue headline at Sandstone Amphitheater in KC back when they toured with John Corabi singing. Type O Negative really sounded horrible as the first opener and then King's X almost stole the show. Motley had a great set, but I noticed when they put the lights on for the backward Nazi symbol that people were walking out. The place got scarce FAST! I thought it was a great show, though, and really had a good time. I went with free tickets thanks to 98.9 The Rock.
I saw Vince open for Poison in KC and Omaha. He was so energetic at both shows. In Omaha, though, the power got cut twice on him. At least he was in good spirits about it. He doesn't sing every word of the songs, as everyone knows, but he was on pitch and very fun to watch. I wish that in Omaha he would have performed some of his own stuff. I really like his first solo CD and the second one has some great tunes, too.
I love hitting concerts. Live music is unbeatable. I'm not into the industrialized sound many groups use or the prefab tapes pop artists use. Just give me a Les Paul plugged into a Marshall stack, a rock steady bottom end bass, and a drummer who knows how to fire the cannons and I'm in paradise. There is nothing that beats the raw sound and power of hard rock music. You can add the occasional sax and piano for color. Make sure all the players can sing, too. This is the foundation for any good band.
I used to be in several bands in the late 80's up through about '96. My favorite and longest running band was Rat Race. We had a classically trained guitarist, a 5 string bass player, and a drummer that got kudos from Rick Derringer's drummer. As with any band, you occasionally have to hire replacements for gigs, but that was our steady lineup and we ruled. We played mostly covers so that we could gig most every weekend and a few week nights. I booked the band as often as our agent did sight unseen. It was great packing places in Columbia, MO, like Mixxers and in Hutchinson, KS, at Gambler's. We had some very steady gigs and always got a great reaction. There were the occasional nights when 10 people showed up, but that was rare and usually due to special circumstances like the blizzard in the Ozarks. We played some of the same stages as Night Ranger (JC's in Olathe, KS) and Black Oak Arkansas (some stage in Nebraska).
Rat Race was a very tight band. We were the only band I know of in KC at that time that could pull of playing Purple Rain in Knob Town at the Crossing. That was a very tough biker bar. We were one of the few bands that could play there without a fight breaking out, too.
Oh, the memories! It makes me wish that I could put another band together in Des Moines, but I think I'm just getting too old for it now. I used to be in such great shape, except my knees. I did so much running around that I would walk off stage in between sets with swollen knees, but as soon as the music kicked back in, I felt no pain.
At least I can live vicariously through seeing other live acts. Feel free to share your concert memories or share your memories of performing, too! I will be putting up more as this blog progresses.
I saw Motley Crue headline at Sandstone Amphitheater in KC back when they toured with John Corabi singing. Type O Negative really sounded horrible as the first opener and then King's X almost stole the show. Motley had a great set, but I noticed when they put the lights on for the backward Nazi symbol that people were walking out. The place got scarce FAST! I thought it was a great show, though, and really had a good time. I went with free tickets thanks to 98.9 The Rock.
I saw Vince open for Poison in KC and Omaha. He was so energetic at both shows. In Omaha, though, the power got cut twice on him. At least he was in good spirits about it. He doesn't sing every word of the songs, as everyone knows, but he was on pitch and very fun to watch. I wish that in Omaha he would have performed some of his own stuff. I really like his first solo CD and the second one has some great tunes, too.
I love hitting concerts. Live music is unbeatable. I'm not into the industrialized sound many groups use or the prefab tapes pop artists use. Just give me a Les Paul plugged into a Marshall stack, a rock steady bottom end bass, and a drummer who knows how to fire the cannons and I'm in paradise. There is nothing that beats the raw sound and power of hard rock music. You can add the occasional sax and piano for color. Make sure all the players can sing, too. This is the foundation for any good band.
I used to be in several bands in the late 80's up through about '96. My favorite and longest running band was Rat Race. We had a classically trained guitarist, a 5 string bass player, and a drummer that got kudos from Rick Derringer's drummer. As with any band, you occasionally have to hire replacements for gigs, but that was our steady lineup and we ruled. We played mostly covers so that we could gig most every weekend and a few week nights. I booked the band as often as our agent did sight unseen. It was great packing places in Columbia, MO, like Mixxers and in Hutchinson, KS, at Gambler's. We had some very steady gigs and always got a great reaction. There were the occasional nights when 10 people showed up, but that was rare and usually due to special circumstances like the blizzard in the Ozarks. We played some of the same stages as Night Ranger (JC's in Olathe, KS) and Black Oak Arkansas (some stage in Nebraska).
Rat Race was a very tight band. We were the only band I know of in KC at that time that could pull of playing Purple Rain in Knob Town at the Crossing. That was a very tough biker bar. We were one of the few bands that could play there without a fight breaking out, too.
Oh, the memories! It makes me wish that I could put another band together in Des Moines, but I think I'm just getting too old for it now. I used to be in such great shape, except my knees. I did so much running around that I would walk off stage in between sets with swollen knees, but as soon as the music kicked back in, I felt no pain.
At least I can live vicariously through seeing other live acts. Feel free to share your concert memories or share your memories of performing, too! I will be putting up more as this blog progresses.
Sunday, April 10, 2005
I HATE CARS! Part 2
What is it with me and cars? I just got my car back Friday. They took some of the shake out of it, but it still vibrates. I still think it's the fact that they replaced 3 motor mounts, but not all 4.
Anyway, I took my kids to church this morning and when we came out afterwards, I couldn't start the car! The key went in, but I couldn't seem to turn it far enough forward to get it to start. Then when I pulled the key back to take it out, it wouldn't come back all the way! Now my key is stuck in it! I think it is the actual key assembly, whatever that is called. It should be like replacing a door lock, I hope.
This is just nuts! Fortunately, a roommate happened to not be too far away and came to get us and bring us to the house. Now you think that would be the end of the story, but NOOO!!
My old roommate offered to take me and my kids down to their mom's. We got a way down the highway and his exhaust system came loose and started dragging under the car! He was able to tie it up after some ingenuity. We needed to make a stop for the girls and when we came back out to the car, their was antifreeze all down the side of the pavement by the car. I called my ex and they met us halfway, fortunately. I wasn't sure what would happen next!
Thankfully, that was all of the trouble, but that is more than a full day for me. At least my kids got back safely and I think I can get the car taken care of tomorrow.
One thing made most of the anger and frustration go away, though, when I got home. My roommate Derek's parents were at the house when I arrived. His mom made me a German Apple Pie! That pie is the best I have ever had! All the problems just melted away as I ate that pie. I think she won 3rd in the state with that pie.
After a day like that, isn't it amazing at the little things that make up for it all?
Anyway, I took my kids to church this morning and when we came out afterwards, I couldn't start the car! The key went in, but I couldn't seem to turn it far enough forward to get it to start. Then when I pulled the key back to take it out, it wouldn't come back all the way! Now my key is stuck in it! I think it is the actual key assembly, whatever that is called. It should be like replacing a door lock, I hope.
This is just nuts! Fortunately, a roommate happened to not be too far away and came to get us and bring us to the house. Now you think that would be the end of the story, but NOOO!!
My old roommate offered to take me and my kids down to their mom's. We got a way down the highway and his exhaust system came loose and started dragging under the car! He was able to tie it up after some ingenuity. We needed to make a stop for the girls and when we came back out to the car, their was antifreeze all down the side of the pavement by the car. I called my ex and they met us halfway, fortunately. I wasn't sure what would happen next!
Thankfully, that was all of the trouble, but that is more than a full day for me. At least my kids got back safely and I think I can get the car taken care of tomorrow.
One thing made most of the anger and frustration go away, though, when I got home. My roommate Derek's parents were at the house when I arrived. His mom made me a German Apple Pie! That pie is the best I have ever had! All the problems just melted away as I ate that pie. I think she won 3rd in the state with that pie.
After a day like that, isn't it amazing at the little things that make up for it all?
I love my kids!
I have the most wonderful daughters! Brittany is turning 10 next month and Paige turns 7 in June. They are awesome!
I have them every other weekend and they are the weekends I live for. Due to scheduling last week, I have them this weekend and next. The ex is kind enough to do the occasional trade to help out.
Today we had fun just playing outdoors. We started the day with pancakes, which I try to do for them often. They love to have peanut butter in the mix. We went outside for a while this morning just to enjoy the weather. I've been teaching Brittany and Paige how to throw a softball properly and Brittany has a glove that I purchased for her last birthday. Paige didn't want to play catch today so Brittany and I did. She is getting more and more accurate and less afraid of the ball. I think she would make a good second baseman if her mom can finally get her signed up. I know she would start a bit behind others her age, but I know she can catch up quick. After playing catch, we joined Paige in kicking a green kickball they have. We even played a yard version of soccer for a while. They are both pretty decent with their feet, but Paige just has more energy than Brittany and I combined.
I fixed a nice big lunch for them and they watched last weeks Little House On The Prairie while I was cooking. I grew up on the original TV show and have really enjoyed the realism of this mini series. We watched the third episode tonight. This afternoon I took them to a nearby park. Brittany and Paige took turns hitting the softball. I'd purchased bats for them last year and I make sure we start off our time in the park with them. They are both learning their batting stance and have a great eye. Brittany has the size to really put some zip into her contact. She tends to hit it hard up the middle. Paige just plain makes contact. It doesn't matter where you locate the ball, she finds a way to hit it. She is such a tomboy when playing outside. I hope their mom gets them signed up this summer for some softball. They both have talent and I hope they get to pursue it.
I have offered to pay for their sports and would even try to make every game. With my current job, that would be very possible. The last time I brought it up with the ex, I got this excuse about her and her husband having to take them to all the practices. Well, that is a parent's job. My parents didn't make much, but made sure that we (my two younger brothers and I) had piano lessons and played baseball during the summer. They also made sure we had swimming lessons, which my girls do get each summer. As my brothers and I got older, I went into voice and my youngest brother picked up the guitar. We also got into basketball in school. My parents just made sure we had those opportunities.
Well, it's past time to get to bed. I go to the early, more traditional, service at church. Hopefully, the weather will cooperate and we can make it outside tomorrow, too!
I have them every other weekend and they are the weekends I live for. Due to scheduling last week, I have them this weekend and next. The ex is kind enough to do the occasional trade to help out.
Today we had fun just playing outdoors. We started the day with pancakes, which I try to do for them often. They love to have peanut butter in the mix. We went outside for a while this morning just to enjoy the weather. I've been teaching Brittany and Paige how to throw a softball properly and Brittany has a glove that I purchased for her last birthday. Paige didn't want to play catch today so Brittany and I did. She is getting more and more accurate and less afraid of the ball. I think she would make a good second baseman if her mom can finally get her signed up. I know she would start a bit behind others her age, but I know she can catch up quick. After playing catch, we joined Paige in kicking a green kickball they have. We even played a yard version of soccer for a while. They are both pretty decent with their feet, but Paige just has more energy than Brittany and I combined.
I fixed a nice big lunch for them and they watched last weeks Little House On The Prairie while I was cooking. I grew up on the original TV show and have really enjoyed the realism of this mini series. We watched the third episode tonight. This afternoon I took them to a nearby park. Brittany and Paige took turns hitting the softball. I'd purchased bats for them last year and I make sure we start off our time in the park with them. They are both learning their batting stance and have a great eye. Brittany has the size to really put some zip into her contact. She tends to hit it hard up the middle. Paige just plain makes contact. It doesn't matter where you locate the ball, she finds a way to hit it. She is such a tomboy when playing outside. I hope their mom gets them signed up this summer for some softball. They both have talent and I hope they get to pursue it.
I have offered to pay for their sports and would even try to make every game. With my current job, that would be very possible. The last time I brought it up with the ex, I got this excuse about her and her husband having to take them to all the practices. Well, that is a parent's job. My parents didn't make much, but made sure that we (my two younger brothers and I) had piano lessons and played baseball during the summer. They also made sure we had swimming lessons, which my girls do get each summer. As my brothers and I got older, I went into voice and my youngest brother picked up the guitar. We also got into basketball in school. My parents just made sure we had those opportunities.
Well, it's past time to get to bed. I go to the early, more traditional, service at church. Hopefully, the weather will cooperate and we can make it outside tomorrow, too!
Saturday, April 09, 2005
Monthly Parties
A few months ago, my two roommates and I decided we should start having parties. It's getting huge!
I had lived in an apartment for 3 years with a roommate I will mention later. He and I found another roommate and decided to get a house. We got a great 3 bedroom house with a full basement. The basement has a shelf setup that looks like bar. Oh, the plans we made and are still making!
Well, the original roommate moved out at the end of January so Derek found Pete to move in and now we have monthly parties. They started out on Saturday nights. Derek would buy several cases of Bud and Bud Light and a few bottles of of the hard stuff with plenty of Coke to mix it with. Derek and Pete later pitched in on a keg fridge and tested it plenty before having others use it.
These events started out with a dozen people and then have more than doubled each time. We then had about 25, then 60, and the last one was 135. Everyone has been great! We have had a blast! We moved the last one to a Friday and it was booming! We get music going and just let everyone mingle. The last party went through 3 and a half kegs, 3 cases of bud light, a bottle of Crown, a bottle of Fire and Ice, and a bottle of the Lady's Man drink. We even had a G-Sting contest at the last party and the girls are asking for a wet T-shirt contest combined with the G-String contest next time. WOW!
Now, see here is the rub. As you have seen in my profile, I know better. Do I choose to do better? Well, at least once a month I don't.
I don't drink often. I've never been drunk or high in my life. Yes, that is the truth. My biggest downfall is the fairer sex. I like women. I was entirely faithful in my marriage, though. I'm proud of that. I had opportunities, but I believe in the santity of marriage.
More later about that stuff, but I will probably post pics of the parties each month and share about these events. Check out the galleries now.
I had lived in an apartment for 3 years with a roommate I will mention later. He and I found another roommate and decided to get a house. We got a great 3 bedroom house with a full basement. The basement has a shelf setup that looks like bar. Oh, the plans we made and are still making!
Well, the original roommate moved out at the end of January so Derek found Pete to move in and now we have monthly parties. They started out on Saturday nights. Derek would buy several cases of Bud and Bud Light and a few bottles of of the hard stuff with plenty of Coke to mix it with. Derek and Pete later pitched in on a keg fridge and tested it plenty before having others use it.
These events started out with a dozen people and then have more than doubled each time. We then had about 25, then 60, and the last one was 135. Everyone has been great! We have had a blast! We moved the last one to a Friday and it was booming! We get music going and just let everyone mingle. The last party went through 3 and a half kegs, 3 cases of bud light, a bottle of Crown, a bottle of Fire and Ice, and a bottle of the Lady's Man drink. We even had a G-Sting contest at the last party and the girls are asking for a wet T-shirt contest combined with the G-String contest next time. WOW!
Now, see here is the rub. As you have seen in my profile, I know better. Do I choose to do better? Well, at least once a month I don't.
I don't drink often. I've never been drunk or high in my life. Yes, that is the truth. My biggest downfall is the fairer sex. I like women. I was entirely faithful in my marriage, though. I'm proud of that. I had opportunities, but I believe in the santity of marriage.
More later about that stuff, but I will probably post pics of the parties each month and share about these events. Check out the galleries now.
Friday, April 08, 2005
Music Fraud?
I love music. I love mostly rock music, although, I enjoy good songs of any style. I do have one major pet peeve, but it doesn’t keep me from listening to or buying music performed by my favorite artists.
I will use Aerosmith as an example of my pet peeve. Aerosmith consists of 5 guys and these are the known instruments that they play regularly on their recordings.
Steven Tyler – vocals, harmonica, piano and keyboards, drums, guitar
Joe Perry – guitar, other related stringed instruments
Brad Whitford – guitar, other related stringed instruments, maybe some trumpet
Tom Hamilton – bass, keyboards “a little bit”
Joey Kramer – drums
Now take a song like “Dude Looks Like A Lady”. There is an entire horn section there! I don’t see where any of these guys play brass instruments, except that Brad played trumpet 3 years in school. You can listen to an entire Aerosmith CD and hear a lot that is mixed in there, but isn’t played by them.
Yet, the CD cover says Aerosmith. It doesn’t say Aerosmith And Friends. It doesn’t say Aerosmith And Some Brass Section. It doesn’t say Aerosmith And A Small Orchestra. It simply says Aerosmith.
Now considering the immense talent of the 5 individuals that make up Aerosmith, wouldn’t it be cool to hear music just created and played by those 5 guys? Is it fraud to sell a CD as an Aerosmith CD when it’s actually a lot more than just those 5 men that played on the CD?
Just for the record, I am a big fan of Aerosmith!
I’m a guitar, bass, and drums person, but I do like the occasional horn section, sax solo, honky tonk and regular piano playing, and occasionally the Jethro Tull flute. It’s just one of those little things that bugs me, but I live with it.
I will use Aerosmith as an example of my pet peeve. Aerosmith consists of 5 guys and these are the known instruments that they play regularly on their recordings.
Steven Tyler – vocals, harmonica, piano and keyboards, drums, guitar
Joe Perry – guitar, other related stringed instruments
Brad Whitford – guitar, other related stringed instruments, maybe some trumpet
Tom Hamilton – bass, keyboards “a little bit”
Joey Kramer – drums
Now take a song like “Dude Looks Like A Lady”. There is an entire horn section there! I don’t see where any of these guys play brass instruments, except that Brad played trumpet 3 years in school. You can listen to an entire Aerosmith CD and hear a lot that is mixed in there, but isn’t played by them.
Yet, the CD cover says Aerosmith. It doesn’t say Aerosmith And Friends. It doesn’t say Aerosmith And Some Brass Section. It doesn’t say Aerosmith And A Small Orchestra. It simply says Aerosmith.
Now considering the immense talent of the 5 individuals that make up Aerosmith, wouldn’t it be cool to hear music just created and played by those 5 guys? Is it fraud to sell a CD as an Aerosmith CD when it’s actually a lot more than just those 5 men that played on the CD?
Just for the record, I am a big fan of Aerosmith!
I’m a guitar, bass, and drums person, but I do like the occasional horn section, sax solo, honky tonk and regular piano playing, and occasionally the Jethro Tull flute. It’s just one of those little things that bugs me, but I live with it.
Recent Events
Terry Shiavo
I, too, would err on the side of life. In life or death situations, make sure it's in writing. If it's not in writing, don't take anyone's word, err on the side of life. Also, if you are ordering the removal of a feeding tube, don't order that you can't feed a person manually. Frisking a person for food? That's just nuts. Ordering that you can't provide food to someone who needs it? That's insane. It's not a place for our courts to be.
Basically, there are arguments on every side of everything in that case. The husband would have been a hero a long time ago if he would have gotten a special case for divorce and let the parents take over as they offered to do. The guy pretty much moved on with another woman and has kids with her anyway. Why not look like the good guy all the way around?
I was chatting with a friend last night and ended up into some other areas of this that weren't mentioned much, either. So many times we shuffle off the care of those close to us due to it costing too much, taking up too much time, or just plain being inconvenient. It's your job to take care of your family. If you have to enlist a charity, do it. If it costs you your job and makes your life rough, too bad. Life isn't easy and people need to be encouraged to quit taking the easy way out all the time. Life is full of challenges and with our general way of life we have it pretty easy anyway. Family is precious and you better fight for them with every ounce of energy you have.
Life is precious, too. Innocent life, that is. Fight for it. Protect it. Quit worrying about the so called "quality of life" and just fight for innocent life. It's black and white. Quit trying to excuse your way out of things by coming up with more details to make your case to unload your burdens on other people.
THE POPE
I'm not Catholic, but I do mourn when I see good leaders pass away. The Pope did more good than harm and was an example for many who do believe Catholic teachings. I detest it when people try to bring up scandals in the wake of people's death. I heard little George Stephanie try to ask a Catholic minister about the altar boy scandals during this Pope's leadership. Shut up, Georgie, and be respectful.
MICHAEL JACKSON
Innocent until proven guilty. OJ ran. Michael is fighting this and it's costing him tons of money to do so. As rich as he was when this all started, couldn't he have easily gone to another country? Yea, the guy is strange. Yea, he seems like a weirdo. That doesn't mean he's a child molester. The woman who brought this case had it turned down once before and then found a sympathetic prosecutor. During the so called kidnapping, they were having a shopping spree. Witnesses will say anything in the hopes of getting a book deal or money for their tabloid story. Everyone likes to attack the rich and assume the worst of them. Assume the best and assume innocence.
Negative news sells. People revel in assuming the worst of others. I choose to live on the positive side. It's not naivette. It's life. It's assuming the best of others. It's honest.
I, too, would err on the side of life. In life or death situations, make sure it's in writing. If it's not in writing, don't take anyone's word, err on the side of life. Also, if you are ordering the removal of a feeding tube, don't order that you can't feed a person manually. Frisking a person for food? That's just nuts. Ordering that you can't provide food to someone who needs it? That's insane. It's not a place for our courts to be.
Basically, there are arguments on every side of everything in that case. The husband would have been a hero a long time ago if he would have gotten a special case for divorce and let the parents take over as they offered to do. The guy pretty much moved on with another woman and has kids with her anyway. Why not look like the good guy all the way around?
I was chatting with a friend last night and ended up into some other areas of this that weren't mentioned much, either. So many times we shuffle off the care of those close to us due to it costing too much, taking up too much time, or just plain being inconvenient. It's your job to take care of your family. If you have to enlist a charity, do it. If it costs you your job and makes your life rough, too bad. Life isn't easy and people need to be encouraged to quit taking the easy way out all the time. Life is full of challenges and with our general way of life we have it pretty easy anyway. Family is precious and you better fight for them with every ounce of energy you have.
Life is precious, too. Innocent life, that is. Fight for it. Protect it. Quit worrying about the so called "quality of life" and just fight for innocent life. It's black and white. Quit trying to excuse your way out of things by coming up with more details to make your case to unload your burdens on other people.
THE POPE
I'm not Catholic, but I do mourn when I see good leaders pass away. The Pope did more good than harm and was an example for many who do believe Catholic teachings. I detest it when people try to bring up scandals in the wake of people's death. I heard little George Stephanie try to ask a Catholic minister about the altar boy scandals during this Pope's leadership. Shut up, Georgie, and be respectful.
MICHAEL JACKSON
Innocent until proven guilty. OJ ran. Michael is fighting this and it's costing him tons of money to do so. As rich as he was when this all started, couldn't he have easily gone to another country? Yea, the guy is strange. Yea, he seems like a weirdo. That doesn't mean he's a child molester. The woman who brought this case had it turned down once before and then found a sympathetic prosecutor. During the so called kidnapping, they were having a shopping spree. Witnesses will say anything in the hopes of getting a book deal or money for their tabloid story. Everyone likes to attack the rich and assume the worst of them. Assume the best and assume innocence.
Negative news sells. People revel in assuming the worst of others. I choose to live on the positive side. It's not naivette. It's life. It's assuming the best of others. It's honest.
Thursday, April 07, 2005
I HATE CARS!!
I have the worst luck with cars. I've owned many used cars and the result is the same. They find some way to cost me too much money or break down in the most ridiculous situations.
I had one car that I had to let sit at my apartment complex while I left for a sales trip for a few days. When I returned, the car was gone and they wanted over $700 for me to pick it up. I let it set for no longer than two weeks total due to needing a water pump put in it. I'd just returned and planned on getting it fixed when this happened.
I've had flat tires on I-35 twice. That's in the middle of nowhere! I've had transmissions go out on 3 cars and two of them weren't even mine. I'm not hard on cars at all. I don't understand all the maintainance, of course, but I do take care of them. I do regular oil changes and stuff. I had the brakes go out of one car and I bounced it off the side of a Quik Trip building. Thankfully, the only damage done was to my car and nobody really noticed. No harm, no foul.
My current car cost me over $600 in repairs a few months ago and I was without it for 6 weeks because the moron that worked on it the first time couldn't tell the water pump was bad and caused the trouble in the first place. That means it had to be repaired twice!
Now it is getting the transmission replaced and that is costing me $1750, which includes 3 motor mounts and a 3 year parts and labor warranty.
Car repairs just cost me a ton and I don't know enough to know if I'm getting ripped off. If you have a car that runs and you want to give it away, let me know! I take charity! I also trade computer work for car work any time someone wants to. Shoot, if you want to donate to my car repairs, send cash!
I've had friends recommend certain cars, which is how I got this one. I still have problems no matter the car. If only Star Trek transporter technology were available...
I had one car that I had to let sit at my apartment complex while I left for a sales trip for a few days. When I returned, the car was gone and they wanted over $700 for me to pick it up. I let it set for no longer than two weeks total due to needing a water pump put in it. I'd just returned and planned on getting it fixed when this happened.
I've had flat tires on I-35 twice. That's in the middle of nowhere! I've had transmissions go out on 3 cars and two of them weren't even mine. I'm not hard on cars at all. I don't understand all the maintainance, of course, but I do take care of them. I do regular oil changes and stuff. I had the brakes go out of one car and I bounced it off the side of a Quik Trip building. Thankfully, the only damage done was to my car and nobody really noticed. No harm, no foul.
My current car cost me over $600 in repairs a few months ago and I was without it for 6 weeks because the moron that worked on it the first time couldn't tell the water pump was bad and caused the trouble in the first place. That means it had to be repaired twice!
Now it is getting the transmission replaced and that is costing me $1750, which includes 3 motor mounts and a 3 year parts and labor warranty.
Car repairs just cost me a ton and I don't know enough to know if I'm getting ripped off. If you have a car that runs and you want to give it away, let me know! I take charity! I also trade computer work for car work any time someone wants to. Shoot, if you want to donate to my car repairs, send cash!
I've had friends recommend certain cars, which is how I got this one. I still have problems no matter the car. If only Star Trek transporter technology were available...
TV
I watch a ton of TV. I love watching The Apprentice, Eyes, Smallville, Joey, Jake In Progress, Rodney, and tons more. I watch reruns of Three's Company, Married With Children, Drew Carey, Frasier, Brady Bunch, and my all time favorite show HAPPY DAYS!! I like mystery shows like CSI (all of them), Without A Trace, Cold Case, and Matlock. I grew up watching The Rookies, The Greatest American Hero, Perry Mason, Dukes Of Hazzard, Charlie's Angels, and very few cartoons.
Sorry, I'm just not into cartoons, whether it's The Simpsons or South Park. I did grow up on Super Friends and Battle Of The Planets. I also don't mind watching Teen Titans or Justice League with my kids. I don't mind cartoons of the super heroes I grew up with. It's just something about animation when there is so much technology to do live action. Sin City is a great example of what can be accomplished with live action. Just my humble opinion.
I grew up wanting to be the Fonz. He got all the girls, rode the motorcycle, and got what he wanted at the snap of his fingers. Oh, and Pinky Tuscadaro. Rock N Roll!
I watch TV for mere entertainment. I'm not interested in TV shows that you have to see every episode of. Miss one and you're lost. I'm not big on reality shows, but there are a few good ones like The Apprentice, Joe Schmo, and Surreal Life. I'm also not a big award show person. What's the point, except for a bunch of people to recognize their own self-importance?
Now, even though I watch a lot of TV, I do multitask. I'm typing this as I'm watching The Apprentice. I play games, I do e-mail, I read during commercials, and I do laundry. I don't believe in doing just one thing at a time when the TV is on.
TV is great! Oh, and catch the new Little House On The Prairie. I can't wait to share that show with my kids this weekend.
Sorry, I'm just not into cartoons, whether it's The Simpsons or South Park. I did grow up on Super Friends and Battle Of The Planets. I also don't mind watching Teen Titans or Justice League with my kids. I don't mind cartoons of the super heroes I grew up with. It's just something about animation when there is so much technology to do live action. Sin City is a great example of what can be accomplished with live action. Just my humble opinion.
I grew up wanting to be the Fonz. He got all the girls, rode the motorcycle, and got what he wanted at the snap of his fingers. Oh, and Pinky Tuscadaro. Rock N Roll!
I watch TV for mere entertainment. I'm not interested in TV shows that you have to see every episode of. Miss one and you're lost. I'm not big on reality shows, but there are a few good ones like The Apprentice, Joe Schmo, and Surreal Life. I'm also not a big award show person. What's the point, except for a bunch of people to recognize their own self-importance?
Now, even though I watch a lot of TV, I do multitask. I'm typing this as I'm watching The Apprentice. I play games, I do e-mail, I read during commercials, and I do laundry. I don't believe in doing just one thing at a time when the TV is on.
TV is great! Oh, and catch the new Little House On The Prairie. I can't wait to share that show with my kids this weekend.
Getting started...
Well, I just found out that this service was available today from MSN. I've been wanting to set up a blog for quite some time, but just never got around to it. Thankfully, I have free time at work!
I will be adding several things as the days go by to set up some background about myself. I'm in the process of writing an autobiography, but this may suffice instead.
You will be able to read many things about me, good and bad. I will eventually bring everything out here. I may have family members that read this that may be surprised at what I put on here. I won't put anything on here to shock anyone intentionally. I've just lived a life of paradox. I know what is right and wrong, but I've had many occasions to make the wrong choices. I believe in a black and white world, but I've excused myself trying to make things gray.
This is where it will all come out. I will add background. I will comment on current events. I will add whatever is running through my head. I may even add lyrics and poetry, depending on the copyright protections this space allows.
Thanks for visiting and please send me your feedback and questions. I will do my best to answer all.
I will be adding several things as the days go by to set up some background about myself. I'm in the process of writing an autobiography, but this may suffice instead.
You will be able to read many things about me, good and bad. I will eventually bring everything out here. I may have family members that read this that may be surprised at what I put on here. I won't put anything on here to shock anyone intentionally. I've just lived a life of paradox. I know what is right and wrong, but I've had many occasions to make the wrong choices. I believe in a black and white world, but I've excused myself trying to make things gray.
This is where it will all come out. I will add background. I will comment on current events. I will add whatever is running through my head. I may even add lyrics and poetry, depending on the copyright protections this space allows.
Thanks for visiting and please send me your feedback and questions. I will do my best to answer all.
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