TV Fun

While I am on break at home, I wanted to share a little on my thoughts regarding some of the TV shows out:

Lost - last season I was wondering if they jumped the shark. This season, I don't know about you, but I think it is the best! Great story line! And, to think that their flashbacks aren't flashbacks but flashforwards to after they were rescued - or were they? Anyway, it is going great so far.

Survivor/All Stars vs Fans - Ok, here is another were I thought that the shark was being jumped. But, I am kind of liking how this one is going. I mean, half the characters we already know so getting to know the other half isn't so hard. I like some of the storylines that are being watched. It is also an interesting dynamic to see how one tribe who knows how it all works goes against a tribe who doesn't know but might be more hungry.

Sarah Connor Chronicles - I was always a fan of the Terminator movies. I wasn't sure about this one but I have really been into it. The pilot was awesome. I think it slowed down a little but for the last two episodes it has really picked up. I like how in one scene with the psycologist character from the second movie he was referring to Arnold and how it was like the hand of God reaching out to the fallen human "come with me if you want to live!". Hope they continue it into next season.

American Idol - I actually watched another episode last week with the guys singing. I don't know...I feel...so...dirty.

BBC Network shows - There are some great ones here worth watching. Coupling, which I understand was where Friends came from, is (or was) hilarious. I have also been into Torchwood, a spin-off of Doctor Who. Torchwood is a bit racier with some of its content but does have some good story lines. Of course there is Doctor Who (I am a geek but love it!).

24 - not until next year?!?! Booooo!

and still, the Turntable Fun continues

When there are times that you are down (like I am today), God can steer you to some interesting things to make you smile. Many times it is His Word. Sometimes, it is something as goofy as an old record. This one just uplifts my spirits big time. If you can ever grab it on iTunes or find a CD and are cool with blues/rock, check it out:

Foghat/Stone Blue

Man, I forgot how GREAT this album was. I remember learning almost every song on guitar. I still remember some of them to this day. This record was a follow up to their classic Live album that I talked about earlier. I now realize how much they influenced my playing. Funny story I remember: my mom never commented much on the music I listened to. However, I remember she was horrified one day when I played a song from Queen's "News of the World" (called Get Down Make Love - guess what it was about). Then a few days later I played this Foghat record and she came in the room saying how much she liked it. So now I am cranking out loud at home (no one is home today) while taking care of some minor chores and projects. They have a great version of "Sweet Home Chicago" (yeah, how many times have we heard that one. But this one is the best. In fact, I used to think it was their song; so when the Blues Brothers came out with it a couple years later I was initially thinking "hey they are playing that Foghat song!" - I was so naive then). My favorite was the last song on the record "Stay With Me" - I still warm up a lot to the solo from that song; one of the first I learned.

Saga/Worlds Apart

Great early 80's prog rock album. These guys never got the accolades like they should have. On The Loose has a great solo on it - yep, I know it! They are still cranking out music. I might check some of their later stuff out (go on their website).

Turntable Fun - continued

Records dusted off today:

Yes/Relayer
Probably one of their more obscure records but very interesting. It only has three songs. Gates of Delirium is one entire side (18 min.). The other two split side 2 at around 9 min each. Oh, those were the days. One memorable thing about this one is that I had a chip on the record for as long as I can remember. I don't know how it ever got there but I never knew the first minute of each side! Gotta love vinyl!

Queen's Greatest Hits
Yeah, we have it on CD but I like the sound on vinyl too.

Foghat Live
Anyone who was alive and alert in 1977 would definitely remember this one! A classic and one of the best live albums. That was the era when a lot of live albums got released and became very popular (Frampton Comes Alive, Kiss Alive, Deep Purple in Tokyo, Cheap Trick Live at Budokhan). One of the songs from this Foghat album did make it to Guitar Hero: Slow Ride (although I think it is the studio version - the live one is WAY better).

Oscar Night

I typically shun award shows. Sorry, not a fan. I usually find them boring and silly. Except one, I do watch the Oscars. I have no idea why, they can get rather boring and long. Ah, but I don't think I have missed one for over 30 years. So, if it is ok with you, here was my quick-take on it:

• Did you see how many foreign winners there were? I think all of the acting catagories were from overseas. Including an actress that I really never heard of for a movie I really never heard of. I think it has subtitles, too bad. Movies with subtitles are not my favortites. After all the winners, do you really think that eventually they will do away with "Best Forieign Film"? It is becoming global.


• I really want to see "No Country for Old Men". I have always been a fan of the Coen films. My favorite being "Raising Arizona" with "Fargo" not far behind. Fargo was so good that Mary hated it. Because many of the characters were so not-nice (particularly Steve Buschemi's character). Ah, but I digress. We do like to make it a point to see all the nominated best movies. Tomorrow morning I am watching "Michael Clayton" - that looks like a good one.


• What was up with all the "Best Songs"? I mean, 3 nominations for "Enchanted"?? Mary made a great comment about their 3 songs. It almost felt like those songs were written so that they could get nominated for an Oscar. Nothing interesting about them (I do want to see the movie, though). I really loved the song with the choir (I can't remember the name - my bad). however, I was totally thrilled that "Falling Slowly" won. First, it wasn't an "Enchanted" song (bet the songwriters from that movie are bummed); second, it is a good song; third, we are playing that song at church next month. Now, I will have a question for CCC people: are there any other Oscar winning songs that we have played in our history? Just wondering...


• I was actually thrilled for the Best Screenplay winner. Usually that is one that I yawn over. However, the girl that won, Diablo Cody, is a local girl (I think from Joliet). There was a story about her in the Star Herald today. Check it out. Juno looks like another good one to see.


• John Stewart: not the best host, not the worst. Some good jokes, some fell flat. I did actually when they brought back out the girl who co-wrote "Falling Slowly". That was a classy move. The producers can tend to get a little trigger happy; although, overall, they did keep it tight. I remember when this show would go well over 4 hours.

Other Turntable Fun

Haven't played the turntable today. But, yesterday's albums to play were:

Kansas/Leftoverture

I think we all know about this album to some degree. I remember some of the first times I played it: I would come home from school, put it on, and sit down and read the Lord of the Rings trilogy for the first time. I don't know, the music somehow always fit. Now whenever I hear any of those songs, I remember the story. And this was WAY before the movies! I am sure we all have some songs/albums/CD's that automatically trigger a memory of a story.

Triumph/Just a Game

Anyone who might hear me just messing around on an acoustic will have no doubt heard me jamming one of the songs from this album. It's just that you probably had no idea what song it was (or maybe I made it up?). Particularly a great classical guitar solo called 'Fantasy Serenade' and a great jazz/blues number called 'Suitcase Blues'. A great classic rock guitar album. What was really great about these guys is that they would occasionally venture into some of those different styles of music.

AC/DC/If You Want Blood You Got It

Probably one of the more gross album covers ever. But a lot of great live stuff from their Bon Scott days in the late 70's). Especially one of my favorites by them: Whole Lotta Rosie. Alec and his friends are really into AC/DC so he got a kick out of it!

I almost forgot some of the old Queen albums I had. I think some of those will go on later!

Retro Fun

I am SOOO STOKED! We got our turntable yesterday. I have been playing some LP's that have not been heard for maybe 20 years at least. What is also cool is that it is a USB type. That means I can convert them over to mp3's. It can be a somewhat cumbersome process but there are a handful I want to record. I am using the free Audacity program and it does a real good job of cleaning it up a bit and quickly exporting to mp3 (or WAV) formats. I'm sure the process will go quicker as I get more familiar with it. I even cleaned up a 100 year old 78 LP. It was kind of scratchy (what do you expect from 1904?) but after cleaning it up and converting to mp3, I can hear what they played now!

Honestly though, most of these will just be played through either my receiver or our pc. There's just something different about how it sounds played just from the record. Mary is happy because she can convert to mp3 most of her Beatles records (yes, the originals from the years they came out). She really doesn't want the records played much (the kids have been WARNED!). But, putting them to mp3 would be awesome.

So, although I am more of a listener of what is out now, for a while at least, I am going to listen to some of this old stuff. So will my kids. Both of them think it is really cool to be able to play some of these. To be honest, it was their encouragement that got me to order the turntable.

Here is what I have been playing so far:

There and Back (Jeff Beck) - not a hugely popular album (although the single El Becko was played a lot on rock radio back in 1980) but one of my all time favorites. It is all instrumental and maybe a little dated but I literally wore this one out! Audacity really cleaned it up. It's now on my iPod. Jeff Beck is defintely my favorite guitar player out of the 60's (yes, I put him over Clapton, Hendrix, and Page).

Cat Scratch Fever (Ted Nugent) - All I want to know is when will Terrible Ted get some songs on Guitar Hero? I can't believe he isn't on it yet. You want some great classic rock guitarists, he was definitely up there. A big influence on my early playing and learning.

Songs From the Big Chair (Tears for Fears) - Yes, a little dated but I think that the songs were great.

Grand Illusion (Styx) - Definitely the best Styx album. This was back when they were good and relevant and still knew how to rock. I guess at this point, Dennis DeYoung wasn't annoying yet! :) A lot of the old cool rock bands really did take downturns in the early 80's: Journey, Styx, REO Speedwagon, etc. Oh well, I still like this record.

Boston (the 1st album) - The first rock record I ever bought with my own money (along with Kansas Leftoverture and Steve Miller's Fly Like an Eagle). Who can argue about how good this one was? I still think many of these songs hold up today. For its day, it was definitely a groundbreaking album. Every song was a hit at some level. You don't really see that nowadays.

More to come....

What? The Cubs?

The Cubs will win the world series. Yes, you heard it here folks, they will indeed win the world series. Of course I didn't say "when"! This year? Who knows? Being a fan for the last 30 years or so I can say one thing about them in the last, oh 10 years or so, there does seem to be more of a committment to winning than just filling the seats at Wrigley. Oh, filling the seats is a big deal, don't get me wrong. However, imagine the revenue if they actually won this thing. They have as good a chance this year to at least make the world series as many of the other National League contenders (Mets, Padres, Diamondbacks, and the Brewers (my wild card pick)). Well, now that the bad century is up, here is my unofficial, non-technical, total fan-opinioned take on what to look for this season:

Pitching: as always in baseball, it really does ultimately come down to pitching. How good and how healthy can you be? Health, well, that is something that you can't predict, unless someone has a history of it, like Kerry Wood. It can always be the ultimate equalizer in any season. Look for a big year from Zambrano and an even bigger year from Hill - that kid just has stuff too good to not see a breakout season from. This should be the one. Lilly is the big question. I am not sure if he will have as good a year this time around - hopefully I am wrong but his stats in past years indicate that he will fall closer to normal. Also, I know I am totally nuts for thinking this, but I can't help thinking that Dempster is going to have a good year in the starter role. I have nothing to back it up other than going on a hunch. Lieber will probably get the last starter role, but Marquis could get it too. I think one of these guys is going to be included in a trade somewhere. We'll see. Marmol will be lights out this year and, although not initially, will come out as a star closer this season. If not closer, then at least a star set up man. Overall, the bullpen will be a major strength with the likes of Howry, Wood (also a closer this year), and others. Look for that kid Kevin Hart to make a splash later this year. He will most likely start the season in the minors but a call up will prove beneficial. Some of the remaining kids I think will be in some trade that is still forthcoming.

Fielding and hitting: This should be fascinating. I think we know what Lee and Ramirez will do, barring any injury. They will be their usual great selves. If that Roberts deal goes through, look for Soriano batting 6th. I wish they wouldn't lead him off, regardless. I heard on the radio the other day an interesting comparison: the guy the Cubs want, Roberts and Theriot have a lot of similar stats that you would want from a lead-off guy. Theriot should lead off. But, I am not Lou. However, he will probably bat second, I think, regardless. I liked what he did at shortstop last year. Hopefully he can grow from that. Look for a good year from him. I think that a major piece to the puzzle is how Soto does as catcher and as a hitter - probably 6th or 7th. He was really outstanding last year: in the majors and minors. Heck, he was the only hitter that did anything in the playoffs against the Diamondbacks last year! Here is a kid that I look for a breakout year from as well. Or, a bust? We will see. DeRosa defined what a Super-Utility man was last year. Without his contributions when all those injuries happened during the season, I say they never would have made the playoffs. I look for the same thing this year but not as spectacular. All I know about Fukodome is that he is one great player. As a fan, I need to wait and see what he does to form any kind of opinion. Baseball in the USA is different than in Japan. However, knowing how to play is consistent no matter what league. Even if he doesn't crank out the home runs, look for a lot of RBI's from him batting fifth. I have no clue on the CF position. Pie has to start living up to his potential this year. Otherwise, put him in with all the other busts the Cubs have had from the minors and ship him out. Three backups to note: Ward is a great pinch hitter, he does well in that role and will continue this year. Blanco as a backup catcher will mean more to Soto that anything else. Fuld, the brief times we saw him play last year, well, I would like to see if he stays consistent. He might be another kid to watch.

Manager: Lou is the biggest "x-factor" this year. Now that he knows his team, and it is a good one, his track record indicates that he will guide them to a nice, winning season. I like his style. He is a proven winner - especially when you give him good players (unlike his times in Tampa).

Look for a 93 win season this year and to win the Central. Yeah, I know that is more than what most experts predict (most think around 87-88). I will go on a limb, and against conventional wisdom, and predict that the Brewers will be close behind (91 wins) and grab a wild card. The Reds should be improved but not enough. Sorry, but the Cardinals and Astros look to have a down year this time. The Mets should win the East with all that they have. But, I don't know, I am still not sold on them taking it all like everyone says they will. Look for the Phillies to be right behind them, if not ahead of them. And you can never really count out the Braves. In the West? Hmmm, that is a good one. My initial reaction is the Diamondbacks again but the Padres still look like the darkhorse to win the division. As good of a finish that the Rockies had last year, I'm not sold on a repeat performance.

Yep, I see the Cubbies in the NLCS. Who against? I am betting that it is one of the teams out of the West (Padres or Diamondbacks). Although, wouldn't it be fun to see a Cubs-Brewers NLCS? Who will win? Man, I don't know. I really don't. But, you heard it here first, the NL will have the World Series winner this year. Yeah, I know, the AL is sooo much better. But as the New York Giants and St. Louis Cardinals have already proved in recent seasons, anyone can win a series if they are hot at the right time.

So, mark this post in your favorites. That way, later in the season, we can laugh at all the ridiculous things I said in this post!

2 things

Saw a bumper sticker today:

"Militant Agnostic"
"I don't know - and neither do you"

It sounds to me like this particular individual needs some education so that they can come to KNOW Jesus.

I have link here to my friend, Jeff Wilk's blog, about his journey to tithing. It is some great stuff. Check it out! It is called My Path to 10.

I HATE WINTER!! Ok, that was 3 things but it had to be screamed.

There...I feel better.

Two Turntables...

Today I put in an order for a turntable to play all of those old records that we have. I am kind of stoked about that! Some of the music I haven't heard in some time! What is also great is that it has the software to enable me to record to mp3's, etc. I'm not sure how much of it I will transfer, though. Playing records as they are has a very sweet, warm sound! However, I have to say it was not my idea to get a turntable but my kids! Katrina wanted me to take some records out and see if I can get my old turntable to work. Alec also took a bunch of them out to look through and asked the same thing! I think that this might be another aftereffect of Guitar Hero. I mean, a lot of those songs that they have are from the classic era - and I have many of them! Not to mention, there is some retro-coolness to it anyway.

The old turntable (which hasn't been used in a while), isn't working too well, despite my efforts to repair it. So we get the new one in a few weeks. I'll let you know how it turns out.

It was a cool trip down memory lane, looking at all those records I have. I even remember the first ones I bought with my own money. Yeah, I DO remember, it was a big day. There were three of them: Boston's first album, Kansas/Leftoverture, and Steve Miller/Fly Like An Eagle. Although I have many of those songs on mp3's now, I can wait to hear how they sound on LP's.

What A Day - Pt.2

I am still reeling from yesterday. Enough stuff to happen in one day that would cover several months of things. The NIU tragedy was just one thing. The senslessness of it all. I have a daughter that soon might be heading to college. What to think of this? There aren't a lot of details coming out yet about the shooter. I can't imagine the experiences that the students and professor went through. They have to carry that on for the rest of their lives.

I don't want to divulge the details as of yet, but it was also not a good day for Katrina, Mary, and I. There are some serious issues that need to be worked on that mostly concern responsibility in school and at home. Don't worry, she is physically fine; I think it might just be standard 16 year old kid issues. We love her so much and just want to get her back on track. I think she will. She is a good kid.

There was some great news in that Mary is starting a new full time job at Whole Foods next week. Yeah, the business at Beach House was not doing very good the last several months. I know that it was really affecting Mary in many ways. I hope and pray that this new start will be very uplifting. Whole Foods has been rated by several places as one of the top places to work for in the country (that includes ALL companies, not just food chains). She still will continue with the home massage business but on a limited basis.

The daughter of one of my cousins (and her husband) was recently arrested on fraud charges. Here is the story from last week before they were found:

http://www.nbc5.com/family/15252162/detail.html

I found out yesterday that both of them were caught near Rockford. Very stupid; what were they thinking? It has that side of the family very angry at them (all from my dad's sister's family). If convicted, they face up to 6 years behind bars. Very sad. They have four small kids. My fear is for them. What will happen to them? We don't know yet. I remember when Jill was born. When her and her sister were little, I remember how they used to really latch onto Mary.

By the way, Valentines Day was the 21st anniversary of when Mary and I met. Talk about an awesome God day!

Whew, as you can see, it was an amazing day. I can only hope that today can be a little better! I wanted to give my Cubs pre-spring training report. But, that will have to wait until next time.

Another Goofy Sign

I think I am on a roll with goofy marqee signs. Saw a good one today on Rt. 59 heading towards Naperville. The sign said this:

"Make Your Valentines Reservations Today"

"Call 630-(i can't remember the rest of the number)"

Considering the time of the year, no big deal, right? Except one thing. Want to know that place of romance and love?

White Castles.

Will County Loan Sign Update #2

I think that maybe every so often I should drive through Lockport just to see what the Will County Loan Office has on their marqee sign. If you read my blog a couple weeks ago (Jan. 26), I saw that their sign wasn't too favorable towards Hillary, or women for that matter. Well, they changed that sign but put up another. I'm no businessman, but you would think that getting political can hurt you. Anyway, here is another sign they have as seen today (and this is exactly how they had it):

**********************
McCain vs. Hillary

Too Old vs. Too Cold
**********************

whoa...

2 Cold

Man, it is cold outside.

But, the Major League baseball season starts at the end of next month...

Oak Lawn Stop Sign Update

Random act of kindness

Yesterday, when I got to the office at the Yellow Box, there was an envelope in my mailbox. It was unsigned, so I did not know who it was from. Inside the envelope was $60! That was quite a shock and the precise opposite feeling of opening your wallet and seeing nothing in there! I want to thank whoever it was that did such an awesome God-thing! I may never know who it was (and I have no intention of trying to find out, although they either read this blog (thanks!) or heard me or someone else talking about it), but they did something that is creating a lot of smiles in heaven (like there aren't any already!). Although I would have been fine without the money for a while (how many times have I gone through a stretch of time with an empty wallet! Sound familiar anyone?), I appreciate the gesture. At least Katrina has her lunch money for school (she was mooching off of her friends - typical).

This motivates me even more to "pay it forward". Not what was given to be, but with what I have. I look forward to what that will be and experience even more that joy of giving.


On a totally unrelated note, I was cleaning our floors today. We now have all laminate or tile floors - all the carpet is gone. Just by what I picked up today was incredible. Thinking again what was in that carpeting we had, yuck! Another way to get yourself healthy folks - especially if you have pets.

Random-ness in content

Anyone wanting to get the $60 update, Lifetime is discounting it off of their membership fee. That was kind of cool since they couldn't find any evidence of tampering on the locker. The only other public place I was at was the Generosity Conference that morning. And in that case, someone would have had to pick my pocket, take the money, and put it back in my pocket without my knowing. That would be some kind of crook! Besides, I am 99% sure I had the $ in my pocket walking into the fitness center. Regardless, it will be awesome to go through the next couple weeks with no $ my pocket! Seriously, I am really looking forward to making this adjustment. Who needs stinkin' money anyway!

Hey, on another totally unrelated thought, last Thursday when I was grocery shopping I revisited an observation I made some time ago. As some of you know, I try to avoid the popular stores like Jewel, Dominicks, Aldi's, etc. because the majority of the food there is really not good for you (preservatives, chemicals, etc.). I will stop there to pick up something quick but that is it. Ok, so maybe I am a little like a nutrition-nazi but it is something that is important to myself and our family. So, I opt for places like Trader Joes and Whole Foods for most of our stuff. I aim for organic mostly but at least I am aware of what is in the stuff I get. You know what though, since this choice was made (along with a few others), it is amazing how much more healthy everyone is in the house (sickness is much less frequent). So shop smart people! :)

Anyway, back to my point (what? there's a point?). If anyone bothers to "people-watch" in these stores, it is interesting how one sees many more overweight/unhealthy people at the Jewels and Aldi's of the world verses Whole Foods and Trader Joes where you really do tend to see a lot of fitness geeks! I don't know entirely what that means but it could be a statement on the quality of food at Jewel, etc.

Thank you for your time. I now leave my soapbox and move on to other things. Like praying my shovel lasts this winter!

What A Day

Whew, what a day. I had all my money stolen out of my wallet today. It happened at Lifetime fitness. Someone apparently broke into the locker and took the $60 that was in my wallet. Nothing else was taken. Lifetime apparently intends to compensate me - I'll know Monday. Whatever. You would like to think that whoever took it would use it for good purposes but, unfortunately that is most likely not the case. To add to the humor of it all, when I got home later, Alec was watching a Nickolodeon show I think: "Nick's Declassified". What was the episode about? The kids needed to find a way to raise $60! Yeah, I laughed too. God has great humor! Especially since all of this followed a great morning of our Generosity Conference this morning. I guess I was indirectly generous to some robber!

The conference had a lot of planning involved and was an early morning for me (up at 5am). It was great but good to be over. I have much to reflect on.

I also saw a short film by our one and only Eric Bramlett. A job well done! I wasn't sure what to expect but it was great. Of course, it was after the premiere showing, when I was going to buy the DVD, that I had that shock of nothing in my wallet!