Heart Talk

I was watching Gene Simmons Family Jewels last nite and it struck me how one can learn something regardless of age or race or anything.  Here was a 61 year old man finally getting that his girlfriend was the love of his life and made his world go around.  It is never too late to learn something.  In fact, I believe the minute you stop learning you probably die.  Your mind and your heart should be working always.  They should almost always be at odds with each other.  One should always be saying follow me, while the other one should be saying no don't do that do it this way.  That push and pull is what makes the good stuff rise to the top.  I believe that be so true cause I have seen it happen in my life so many times.  My heart after all that it had been through with my ex still kept telling me to give Karen a try and maybe love her.  My head kept screaming, "you fool don't do it".  But because of that push and pull I took things slowly but still took a chance.  And you know what happened...I found my soul mate and married her.  It just goes to show you that you can have both things happening at the same time and the results can be real good.

Fathers Day

I just want to tell you how great Father's Day was/is for me. First, I have a great father and I have always known that. This year like the last couple of years I have had the awesome pleasure of having a Father's Day all of my own. At times it has been a struggle to understand all of the nuances of being a dad much less a step dad. I stayed the course because I have a great partner and best friend in my wife Karen and because I have children that I believe in so much and I love them so very much. I can't tell you how much it made me feel today to have the kids sit at the table with me this morning and give me gifts. Some they bought, some they made. Either way in that moment I was transported to some place else. I don't know if it was Heaven but if it wasn't it felt pretty darn good in it's place. I have a lot of time, quiet time, on my hands now because I have started my job in Cleveland recently and I work up there 3 days a week and of course I am without my wife and kids. There isn't a day or minute that goes by that I don't miss them or wonder if I made the right decision to take the transfer. I struggle with that a lot but I speak to my beautiful wife and she keeps pushing me forward even though I know she is under a tremendous amount of pressure because she has to handle everything when I am gone. I hear the strain in your voice honey and my heart hurts but I am so proud that you have stepped in and become the driving force of our family. Without you I don't know if we could make this work. Today, I came downstairs and the oldest daughter gave me a hug and wished me a Happy Father's Day. I felt special because I know the strain that they have been put under trying to get used to our different family structure. I consider myself a complicated person emotionally but a simple person when it comes to finding happiness. Yesterday, I got to take Karen, Katie, Lyssie, and a friend to the Taylor Swift concert. The traffic was horrible but I wanted to take them and see them off and make sure they were safe. Someone later said to me that I was crazy to drive them in with all of the traffic and that they should have just taken the T into the city. I said I love them very much and wanted to make sure they were okay. I was told I don't love anyone that much. I guess I do. It is very satisfying to know that I can be counted on to do the right thing and do what I think is necessary to make their lives easier. I was looking thru some of older stuff as I was cleaning up my work area and found a letter from Lyssie that said it all:

Dear Brian:

Thanks for being my dad and taking care of me. I love you.

Lyssie

I don't have to say anything else. Life is good. Have Father's Day.

Tough Days

So here we are almost a month after the decision to close down our branch of the bank. Looking back I took this news really well but now the reality is really starting to set in. I am scared, angry, depressed, and shaken with the fate that has befallen us. I never really wanted to leave and still don't. It is like being asked to leave a real cool bar before last call has come about. I thought that we and including me had found a place to retire and live happily ever after. I was wrong. Even though I have been down this road before with layoffs happening to me, I still feel like I took a shot in the gut. 3 years ago I wasn't married and didn't have a family to support so I felt like I had a good chance to survive. Now the pressure is on to make sure I do the right thing and take care of my family. I believe in God and believe that things have a way of working themselves out. I have to believe that more than ever and have to believe it when things are going bad and not just when things are going well. I will continue to post and let people know how things work out. I want everyone to know that their prayers and support mean so much. Thanks...and Holla if you hear me!

A feeling of Distrust

I just found out Friday that I will beginning the process of having my job phased out over the next year. What a letdown of course but I realize that this might be a good opportunity for me and the family. What is so upsetting is that why we are losing our jobs. We believed in a system that we all believed was fair. What we learned is that nothing that is perceived as the truth actually is when politics are involved. The truth is determined by the mouth that it is coming out of. I say this not to be bitter but to teach a lesson to everyone to be honest in your daily lives. Be honest to the ones you love, be honest to those that you don't. Treat yourself with dignity and self respect and treat others the way you need to be treated. Once, you head down a path of deceit and lies it can only bring you down. We I learned is that the truth can be manipulated by people that have no interest in it to begin with. I am not sad or bitter just trying to preach a life lesson that I think we all can learn and if we do learn it it will something that can help us be much happier people. Much love...Holla....

A quick update

Lately, I have been running around like crazy. I have been traveling a lot to Cleveland on business. I have been working on some big projects at work and at home. We are preparing for Katie's graduation party on the 8th of August. It is gonna be busy but she has earned the party. Right after that is my birthday and then Paul Mccartney at the new Consol Center. A real life Beatle and a time where I don't have to travel a long distance to see him. Right after that it will be time for vacation and heading to the beach again. I am so excited about going back to Emerald Isle again. Toes in the water ass in the sand, not a worry in the world, cold beer in my hand....Thanks Zac Brown. Married life has been great. It is very neat to be married to my best friend. We are cruising close to our 1 year anniversary. Time really does fly. I think that pretty much covers everything. Oh yea, I went to see Kiss the other nite for the 11th time. I am not quite sure why I like them anymore but I just do....somethings you can't quite explain but you know it just makes you feel good when you do it. I have been a fan since 1977 and still am today. That is staying power. Holla....

A Recap of Blessings

I have spent a lot of time in this last year being so busy that I haven't had any time to really sit back and review some of the great things that have been happening and happened to me. So here we go. First, I got married...that's right I got married. I would have never thought that I could want to be married but then again I never thought I would meet Karen. I always believed that there is a perfect person for everyone out there but in my heart I really started to doubt that that was the case for me. I had some real poor relationships that were not very healthy for me and I began to think that I was the sole cause of this. Then I met Karen. My perspective changed very quickly. I found the perfect match for my heart and my soul. She made me feel alive and at peace. She also brought with her an even better gift. Kids! I always wanted to be a dad and I didn't care if it was stepdad or not, I could have an impact on a child's life. I finally had a family of my own. It was like I found the piece of my life that was missing.

I had my brother as my best man in my wedding. I was honored he said yes. He gave a speech that left everyone talking and it is something I will never forget. I had my best friend John a groomsmen for me as well. To have him there and be a part of my wedding was something I know I never will regret. It was the perfect choice.

We as a family really reconnected. All of my cousins and Aunt's and everyone have spent so much time together this year that it is overwhelming how great it has been. They have accepted Karen and the kids and I so much and made us a part of the family that we look forward to every time we get together.

I am working at a job that I absolutely love. I sit next to a man that I am honored to call my mentor but most importantly my friend. I have a boss and peers that really appreciate my work and work hard to keep us a strong work unit.

Overall, I think I have a great life now and I don't want for much. Holla!

Some new titles

Periodically, I like to write about some new music that I have been listening to. I really am into real good melodic rock music lately. Like Journey but harder. Here are some of my new choices. Note, most of these groups are from overseas, where it seems music is more wide open and melodic rock is much more accepted...

1. W.E.T.--A new group featuring vocalist Jeff Scott Soto. Soto was the temporary singer for Journey about two years ago before Arnel Pineda was brought on board. This album reminds me of all the things I love about music. Great songs, great hooks and great vocals. Not a bad song on the record.

2. Praying Mantis--The new album from this group is also a stunner in terms of production and song content. The shame of alot of this is that these records are only overseas so you can't really get them to often.

3. Saint Deamon--A new album from these prog rock newcomers. These guys remind me of Dream Theater. Very melodic and very talented.

4. Sonic Boom--This new album from Kiss is one of the best albums I believe they have made in at least a decade. Finally, an attempt to be Kiss and Kiss only.

5. Ace Frehley--A solo album 2o years in the making. I really enjoy this record. It really shows some serious growth by an artist who I thought was way passed his prime.


On another note, I wanted to send along my condolences to the Jeckavitch's, the Pitzarella's and the Noonan's. Each of these families have suffered deaths in their immediate families. I have been to the funeral home for each of you and my heart goes out to each of you. I have known loss and I am there for whatever each of you needs.

Lastly, Anna Sothergill, a young 39 old, with whom I worked with passed away recently to breast cancer. It was a long and valiant fight by Anna. My heart hurt when she went but I was very thankful that her suffering had ended. See you later on up the road my friend.

Holla

Update City

Well here it is September 13th and I am excited that fantasy football has started. Also, it is a very big time because Penn State is 2-0 to start the season. They have been inconsistent but they have been good and that is all that matters. I am almost 40 days away from getting married. I honestly can't believe it. I am truly excited but I am very nervous too now. I wasn't nervous at all for the longest time but I have to admit I am getting nervous now. Not because I think I am doing the wrong thing but because I know I am doing the absolute right thing. I just hope I can always be the man that Karen wants and needs. I will give it my best. We have gotten a lot of responses and a good amount of people are coming to celebrate with us.

I am like 99% recovered from my shoulder surgery. I feel really good and the achy pain has finally gone away. I really noticed it when I went to the beach. Yes folks, I went to the beach this year with the family. We went to Emerald Isle, NC. I used to go when I was a kid. It was better than I remember it. We had unbelievable weather and the kids had never seen the beach before so it was a special time for all of us. I spent so much time in the water that I got swimmers ear. That was a bummer but I have no complaints. I have some video of the event that I can share with everyone in due time.

Last week, we will able to throw my mother a surprise birthday party for her 60th birthday. It was great. She had no idea. It was an emotional time for all of us...I loved it...I hope to keep updated a little more. If you don't read this here you can see it on my facebook page...Holla!

Hot Leg - Cocktails

Periodically, I post when I think there is new music out there that is worth taking a listen to. This new band is one of those bands if you like 70's rock and 80's glam rock. Formerly, the lead singer of The Darkness Justin Hawkins went on to form Hot Leg. This band has a lot of the things that I think made The Darkness so enjoyable. Do I think they will be super or even moderately successful? I doubt it because radio doesn't support this type of music anymore and there really isn't a record industry anymore. But if you want to have a good time kicking back and just listening to music then check these guys out....

Another Update

Here we are in April and believe it or not it is snowing up here today...What a frickin joke!!! It is spring for goodness sake. On the upside, major league baseball started up today and the Pirates won a game. They won't win many more so I had to be happy with what I got.....The recovery from the shoulder surgery is going slow but we made a major jump today in that I finally was able to add some resistance to my exercises. It may seem small but it is a large step in my recovery. Of course just when I was feeling real good I tripped walking up the stairs to the house and landed directly on my shoulder. I am such a turd...Only I could be so graceful that I could trip going up the stairs. Sometimes I wonder how I haven't hurt myself worse. Softball looks like it is going to be a bust for me this year. The recovery is just taking so long that I don't know if I am going to be able to regain strength in time to make any sort of contribution. Maybe this is a sign. 3 of the last 4 years I have not been able to participate or finish a season. I just can't seem to let it all go. Over the weekend, Karen and I and my parents took the 4 youngest kids to the circus. It was the first time for them and it was exciting to see their faces. I have some great pictures and when I get a chance I will post them. Easter is right around the corner so it is close to putting on the easter bunny outfit for the year...Each holiday is a new experience for me, Karen and the kids. I love it. The wedding is close to six months away and right now I feel great about it. No nerves yet. I am sure they are going to come. I am too high strung for them not to. But I have never been so sure about anything in my life. Most days are fantastic..Sometimes we have disagreements but most times we are of like minds. That makes for a strong team I think. I am going to wrap up now and I hope to post again soon. I am back in the rhythm of posting on this damn thing so holla if you heard that!!!!

A New Update

I am sitting here in my daddy chair in a ton of pain because about 12 days ago I had my left shoulder operated on. I guess I had a lot of years of damage built up in that baby....I think it is safe to say that I will not be playing softball this year. I was hoping that I would be getting some games in but I just don't know if I am going to be able to build up enough strength to play and not undo what I just had fixed. I have to be smart and careful. Karen and I have been doing a lot of prep work for the wedding. We have been truly blessed because my mom and dad have been so awesome in doing a lot of the leg work for the wedding. Because of their help, we have locked up a hall, a pastor, a caterer, a dj, the wedding cake, the flowers, etc. We have decided to go to the Bahamas on a cruise for our honeymoon. We are going to go on November 1st thru the 8th. We are really looking forward to it. In between that we have a trip in late August planned to Emerald Isle. We got a house on the beach and will be there for a week. So you can see why I had the surgery now. I can't and won't be messed up for our wedding. I love Karen way too much to be messed up. Can you believe I am actually getting married? I can't!!!! After all of those years of believing that I would never want to get married or be in a position to get married I am so thrilled that I found my true soul mate and am settling down.

On a lighter note, if you get a chance to get to the movies take the time and see the movie "Taken". Fantastic story, fantastic action and fantastic acting. If you have a chance to go to the movies please don't waste your time and see the Friday the 13th remake. I was very disappointed. As an out of the closet horror fan, people know I love horror movies and was a tremendous Jason fan. That is why I am so disappointed in what I saw. No imagination and no groundbreaking stuff there. The kills were very predictable. They had some interesting things with how Jason got the mask and the fact that he actually runs was new but other than that they should have saved the film. Well anyhoo, I have said enough. I will try and be more active in keeping up with this baby and as we get closer to the wedding I will definitely keep the updates flowing. Holla if you hear me!!!!

So many things have changed

I wanted to take some time to update my blog and realized that I haven't done it since November....Holy crap that is a long time. So to recap...Had a busy and plentiful thanksgiving...Christmas was holy cow busy at work and at home but Karen and I came thru it relatively unscathed. New Years was a memorable time for me and Karen. I proposed to her right at Midnite and thankfully she accepted without too much hesitation...lol...The weird thing is I never really thought about what was going to happen next after she said yes...I never figured that I had to set a date or anything like that...what a dummy....But we worked thru my ignorance and we set a date of October 24th of this year. I am really excited about this day coming up but very nervous at the same time. We picked out a wedding cake last nite so that was very cool....I am going to have a lot of friends coming from different parts of the country to visit this spectacle. I think that is way cool....As we get closer to the date I will post more and keep people up to date. I can't wait for the bachelor parties....!!!!!

Some Really Bad News

I just received a call from an old friend stating that another old friend was found dead this morning. Needless to say I am a little bit upset at the news. His name was Mario Deiuliis and we started at AT&T Wireless together. He was a good man a young man. He was the type of guy that could really get under your skin because he was the type that really threw himself into his work and any other project he worked on. Because of that he could come across as a real know it all. But underneath that surface was the heart of a great great young man. He was a real sweetheart of a man and was very giving. I worked thru all of his BS and he worked thru all of mine and we became quite good friends. I fell out of contact with him on a daily basis a couple of years ago but we would periodically catch up with each other. I missed him and I miss now even more that we fell out of touch with each other. It really sucks any way you slice it. He was a young man and now he is gone. Makes the cold I have seem pretty lame right now. I hope to have some more information in a little bit so I can go and pay my final respects to my friend. Rest in Peace my friend......

The Lay of The Land

So, the weekend has passed and what a weekend it was. Penn State finally got the proverbial monkey off of their back and beat Ohio State at Ohio State. I have to say it was well worth the wait. I hate Ohio State very very much. That is no secret. The fact that we were able to beat them in a year that we weren't expected to do anything at all in the national picture makes it all the more sweet. I was over to watch the game over at Karen's and I think the kids got their first real taste of my love of Penn State. I don't think they were quite sure what to make of it. It can be real overwhelming. We did make a couple of pizzas and that was a real cool experience. I make a mean pizza that is for sure. Tonite, we made some pasta and that was pretty cool. I spiced up some of the sauce with my special mixture and as usual it was pretty damn good. Work is at an interesting point right now. There is a lot of uncertainty with the FRB right now and with the economy as a whole so I wonder what the future may hold for me. Next week the election is finally here. Regardless of who you are voting for we are at a real historic time in our country. I am looking foward to being a part of something historic. Okay well time to wrap up and close these big eyes for the nite and get tomorrow started.

What I have been up to???

Lately, things have been picking up and I have been involved with some cool stuff. First, Penn State is now 6-0 with a big game coming up against Wisconsin this weekend. I am nervous about this. Of course, I will miss this game because our annual trip to Charlotte to see the Sprint Cup Race is here. I blinked and the trip is here again. I get to go with my brother, my friend Mike, and we will meet one of my best friends Paul Ruppel down there again for a second straight year. It is a great but tiring trip. A lot to do in a few short days. Last Friday I went to see the thrash band Testament in concert. I love these guys and always thought they were better than Metallica ever was but they never got the popularity that Metallica did. Outside of feeling like a terribly old man that was out of place there mosh pitting, it was one of the best shows I have ever seen. The original band that just completely blew the roof off of the dump. Awesome.....Fall is finally kicked in and the leaves are changing and the nites are getting colder. I think this year I might venture out to a few haunted houses with Karen just so I can make sure she needs someone to grab on to...I am slick!!!! Yea right....I don't know if I will be able to post anymore until after the trip. If not holla if you hear me....!!!!!

September Update

Well college football has gotten in to gear and Penn State is 4-0 with the biggest game of the year so far coming up on Saturday nite.  2 weeks ago I travelled to Syracuse, New York to see Penn State play and while I was there I got the opportunity to get together with my childhood best friend Matt Krempl.  Wow is all I can say.  He is my best friend and the person I have absolutely known the longest of anyone.  It was great to catch up and after going to the football game we went to a bar in town and watched some more football.  The only downer of the evening was having to leave and know that my homie was not coming to hang out some more.  There are a lot of great things happening in my life right now.  I actually don't know how to deal with all of the things that have gone on in my life.  I never thought that I would be this happy and yet here I find myself feeling just that.  Karen has been the best thing in the world for me.  She makes me feel like I am the most important man in the world.  Best yet, she is my total equal partner and my best friend.  She lets me vent when I need to and tells me when it is time to bring it down a notch.  I could never ever be happier and I can't wait until the holiday season really kicks into gear because I can really enjoy them now for really the first time.  Halloween is the first holiday to come around and so I am readying myself for that.  Holla if you heard that!!!!  Talk to you soon.....

College Football

So college football has started and Penn State is now 2-0.  I love it.  This coming weekend I am will be travelling to Syracuse, New York to see Penn State play Syracuse.  It will be great to represent my university in enemy territory.  Better yet, I will get to go to the game with my brother and my dad and I am going to meet my all time best friend Matt Krempl at the game.  I am so excited to see him and chill out with him for a bit.  Nothing else has been going on other than work stuff and of course I got a nice summer cold.  This thing just will not let up.  I have been following both the political conventions and I have to say the choices have gotten difficult.  The reality is that in a country with 300 million we should be ashamed that these 4 people are the best that we could come up with.  Other than that, I will get off of the soapbox and move on to happier things.  Have you noticed that Journey with the new lead singer are selling out 20,000 seat arenas now?  I predicted it and now it is happening.  I wish I could have translated that prediction into some real money.  Another missed opportunity.  Anyway, Holla if you hear me!!!!

Birthday Recap

So my birthday past on last Friday and thankfully it went very well. Karen and I went out to dinner with a few other couples and had a few drinks and a nice dinner. Everything was going well until I got a shot called a Flatliner. Oh my Zambucka or however you spell it, Tequila, and Tabasco Sauce. Oh shit was it hot. It burned all the way down and actually made me start sweating. It was unreal. I was taking other peoples ice water to help cool down my stomach. After a few more beers and some karaoke singing I decided to head home and sleep off the booze. Saturday was interesting in that my stomach still was on fire but overall a great nite. Karen made my birthday week so unreal. She had something for me everyday of the week. I felt like a king.

The good thing about my birthday passing is that it means college football and Penn State football is right around the corner. I can't wait. Fall will be here and college football starts. I love summer now but fall is it as far as I am concerned.

I gotta run but holla if you hear me!!!!!!

Little Leaguers Big Time Fun

I have been watching the American Regional Finals for the Little League World Series and I have to tell you it is very very enjoyable. I have always been a fan of baseball and Little League baseball but this year the games have especially been great. Almost every game has had great excitement, fantastic defense, and timely offense. If you get a chance to sit down and watch some of them you should do it. The Little League World Series begins on the 15th of August in Williamsport, Pa. Neat that it begins on my birthday. They must have known....Other than that things are moving along quite nicely. It is the middle of August and it feels like September outside. Summer seems to be here and gone already. I love fall though so that helps. October will be pretty cool because of our trip to North Carolina for the Sprint Cup race. I haven't watched much of the olympics because I just can't get behind rooting for a team that plays handball. Maybe someday but not today.

Just keeping tabs on the real world

Sorry for the lack of updates. I looked and realized that I hadn't even visited my own site in a couple of weeks. So let me see what has happened lately. Softball season is over now. We got eliminated in the playoffs pretty darn quickly. We had a problem scoring runs this season and that carried over to the playoffs and that is the reason I am writing about the season instead of playing the championship. Last nite, we did have our annual end of season softball pool party. We had such a good time. We had lots of food, lots of beer, and lots of swimming. There is some rumblings that we may have a fall ball league coming up. I am keeping my fingers crossed. Karen and I have had a lot going on since we got back from our trip. Every weekend has been packed with graduation parties, family reunions, and pool parties. I have to admit it has been great to get out and enjoy the summer with someone so special. Next weekend, we are going away for a few days to a house on a lake. Hopefully, we have some nice relaxing times ahead of us. I have been trying to follow Michael Watts and his all star team thru the local papers in virginia but if you know anything about the south you know that news travels very slowly down there. Best of luck boss or congratulations or there is always next year!!!! As for me, I am going to go out for my run right now and try to work up a sweat...yippee for me....

The way that the dew was sitting on the plants was so pretty that I got right over the plant and took some great pictures to show you how pretty it really is up there. I hope you enjoy it!!!!!

Some of the local talent. This little baby let me climb on my hands and knees and get close enough to shoot him in this picture. Thanks bud!!!!

High Upon The Mountain Top

This is the view on top of Mt. Nittany. Karen and I decided
to hike the Mountain on Saturday. It is a 6 mile hike
and boy was it fun. As you can tell it was a bit hazy at the
top but you can see the football stadium and the basketball
arena. A great view with a great day!!!!!

This is the love of my life....Ms. X is actually Karen Ferina and the best thing that has happened to me. I know I have had some friends out there who have been wondering who this mystery girl has been and now I have revealed her to all of you. I have never been with someone that makes me feel so alive and comfortable in my skin. She loves to laugh at me and with me and we have shared a lot of good times together. This weekend was easily the best!!!! She is special and makes me feel that way everyday....

The Unveiling

Well the 4th of July weekend came and went and let me tell you it was probably the best weekend I ever had. Ms X and I finally got to steal away for a weekend and go to a bed and breakfast. The great thing about this place was that it was right outside of State College, Pa., which everyone knows is where Penn State University is located. I attended there so I had a good knowledge of the surrounding areas. We had a great time. We started off by attending 4th Fest. This festival is so awesome, I can't even begin to describe it. Believe it or not State College, Pa has the 4th largest fireworks in the country. We paid for a VIP viewing pass for the fireworks. This viewing area puts you less than 50 yards away from the fireworks. It was off the hook!!!!! We went to a street dance after the fireworks and waited for the traffic to die down and then headed back for some rest. We woke up to omelettes and sausage and coffee and fruit and whatever else we wanted. Now I will show you some pictures of our trip and you can see how great it was. Holla!!!!!

First Day of Summer

We have finally reached the official start of summer and boy am I happy. Softball is going great. We are 3-5 but our record does not indicate how we have played. We haven't really hit the ball well as a team. I am in the longest slump of my life and even the softball looks like a golf ball right now. I will say that I am proud of myself though because all the hard work I put in to get in shape and lose the weight I did has paid off in spades. No matter how hot it has been or how many games we play on a given day I feel fresh and am able to recover really quick. Exercise does really help my friends. I want again to throw a shout out to Hunter and Michael Watts for another great baseball season. I just want you guys to know that I follow you from 412 miles away and am always searching for information on how your seasons are going. Kudos!!!!! Ms. X and I are doing fantastic and I have never been happier with anything I have done in my life. I hope it can continue on like this forever. I am going out tonite with a buddy of mine who is turning 30 years old. Oh my!!!!! I live for these times....I love punishing someone for all of their sins...!!!! Lol....I will give you an update as to what is going on a little later.

New Music Update

Lately, some new albums have come out and after playing them on my stereo and computer and ipod for a while now I think I can give a pretty good review of each record. So, here we go:

1. Testament--The Formation of Damnation--One of my favorite thrash bands of all time. Actually, they are my favorite. This group was I believe even better than Metallica but never got the credit or the publicity that Metallica did. After Alex Skolnick departed from the band, a big piece of the band went with them. Well after a decade Mr. Skolnick returns to the Testament camp to fill out the original lineup and proceeds to push this album and band back to great status. Key Tracks: More Than Meets the Eye and Dangers of the Faithless.

2. Journey--Revelation--Welcome to the band Mr. Pineda. A prediction I made came true and Arnel Pineda became the new lead singer of Journey and I must say I am genuinely impressed by the product that has been released. I was anticipating the new record from Journey after going thru vocalists like shit thru a goose but I think the band finally has settled on a singer that sounds enough like Steve Perry but maintains an originality to his voice that they can finally move on forward. As a whole I give this a record a very good to an excellent rating. The only dumper song is in my opinion "What I Needed". Even that is an okay tune but I believes it stands out against the rest of the tracks. The standouts are: Never Walk Away, What It Takes To Win, and Turn Down the World Tonight. As a side note, along with this release the band went in and recorded 11 of Journey's greatest hits. Some people may look down upon this but let's be honest here folks, Steve Perry is never coming back and when you hear Arnel rip into these songs you should feel very comfortable that the legacy of these songs is safe now. I defy anyone to listen to the new versions and not hear Steve Perry in them.

3. Asia--Phoenix--A great, great band from the 80's that had classic roots stretching back to the early 70's Asia disbanded at the end of the decade and although Geoff Downes kept a bastard version of the group alive in the 90's it was not the same. Finally, in '06 the original Asia regrouped for a reunion tour. Thankfully, the guys realized that being together is much better than being apart and recorded Phoenix. Like the Phoenix this band has risen from the ashes to punctuate a great musical statement started back in 1982. Top Highlights of the Record: Never Again, and An Extraordinary Life.

Each of these records are great listens and the common thread is that the bands have roots based in the past. I truly believe you can move forward by never forgetting your past. These bands have successfully done this. Holla if you hear me...Another update coming soon.

Finally, The Links

So tomorrow I finally get out and get to hit the links and smack around some golf balls. Don't get me wrong, any day that I can spend out of work and getting paid is a damn good day so I am not complaining in any way. I have been able to sleep in and enjoy being able to come and go as I please. Last nite Ms. X and I went out to our favorite restaurant last nite The Log Cabin Inn...http://www.springfields.com/lci_files/logcabininn.html That is the link for the website for any local people reading this. We had a great dinner and spent some time driving in the country and enjoying the scenery. We had a great evening bus she had to go to work today so we couldn't have the all nite great kind of time. I was able to sleep in so I caught a huge break there. So now the weather is finally supposed to break tomorrow morning and we are finally going to get back in to the 70's and low 80's...Thank goodness. These nites in the 30's in the end of May are insane. I am sure when July rolls around and I feel like it is Africa hot outside I will have something stupid to say then too. But then that is the benefit to having my own blog.

On a side note a quick shout out to Michael Watts for hitting his first out of the park home run in baseball. A grand slam no doubt either!!!!! Congrats young man. I hit my first out of the park homer when I was 27 years old playing softball and I still don't know if my feet touched the bases as I ran around them. It never gets old. Enjoy it and go for more...The second one should be easier now. Holla!!!!

Vacation????

So today is the first day of my first vacation in 2 years. Usually I would be excessively happy but the weather here is low 50's. How can this be happening in the middle of May for heavens sake. I am not complain though because any day that I am not spending at work and getting paid for it is a great day. We got rained out again for softball. We have only played like three games this season. The upside has been though that I have been able to rest up my frickin back. Finally, the pain went away this week. I thought it would never stop hurting. I am glad that I have passed that point in my life. Back injuries blow!!!!! I hope to go golfing a couple times this week. I will let you know how everything goes. Ms. X and I are going to dinner tomorrow nite to one of our favorite places. They serve a homemade Peanut Butter pie and oh my it is to die for. Holla if you hear me!!!!!

Gary Roberts Return Promo

This is the reason that the Pittsburgh Penguins are so fun to watch. This warrior is 41 years old and still a machine. I love to watch him play and love to see how he gets all of the fans riled up big time.

For Pens fans everywhere:

Our Roberts, who art in Pittsburgh
Gary be thy name.
The Playoffs come,
The cup be won, to Pittsburgh in the Arena called Mellon.
Give us this day our daily Pensblog
and forgive us our reporters as we job those who job against us
And lead us not into Philly,
But deliver us from Ottawa,
For thine is the Crosby, and the Malkin, and the Fluery for ever and ever.

AMEN!

Update, Update, Update

I am sitting here on a early Saturday morning and it is May 10th already. The one big downside to this is that it is cold and rainy here in the Burg today. I do have Ms. X in the bedroom sleeping so right now is pretty darn great right now. We had a great evening last nite. We went to the store, bought some booze and some food and then came home and cooked and settled in to watch the great Pittsburgh Penguins play in game one of the Eastern Conference Finals. Pens win 4-2...Oh yea!!!!!! This week I went to the Chiropractor to see if he could help with my back because it really hadn't gotten any better. Well strike me down he popped and cracked his little heart away and I actually do feel better. After this week I get an opportunity to finally take a weeks vacation. Yippee for me...My first vacation in like 2 years. Last year I had the surgery and let me tell you that was no vacation at all. Not being able to sit for a month is not my idea of fun for sure. Well, it looks like Ms. X and I are going to go and grab some breakfast and then spend the day doing some fun stuff. We may go to an outdoor market and stuff like that. I am looking forward to it. Holla if you hear me.....

Two Weeks, Two Injuries

Well the softball season has started and lo and behold 2 games and 2 injuries. The first was a sprained back. How you might ask could I sprain my back playing softball? Well, let me tell you...I bent over to pick up a ball that was hit to the outfield. I went down on a knee like I was taught to get the ball and when I did I felt my back strain real bad. I was able to play the whole game but afterwards I was not able to sit down, and later get out of bed. I finally relented and went to the doctor and was diagnosed with a sprained back. Ouch!!!! I missed a couple more days of work and working out and actually went for a run on Saturday. I felt pretty good. Good enuff that I thought I could make it thru the game on Sunday. I was wrong. I should have taken a week off but that is not in my nature. Now I went to run to get a ball and not only did I pull one quadriceps muscle but both of them. Plus, my back is still real bad and I realize I should have really taken that week off. We have a doubleheader this week and then a week off. I really want to play this weekend but I don't know if I can handle it. The most important thing is that we are now 1-1 on the season. My hitting is really suffering. I am now 2 for 10 on the season. Right now everything feels broke. I don't feel comfortable at all. I want to keep a level head and keep thinking that it will get better. Anyway, I will keep a running tab on the season and hopefully we can do better from week to week. Holla if you hear me....

Playoff Hockey

Usually, I talk about how much I love baseball but this is about Hockey and more specifically playoff hockey. I think that if you truly want to appreciate a great sport you should watch playoff hockey. It is the most intense experience you could witness. These guys hit each other crazy and they do it for potentially seven straight games. And the reward for all of their hard work. Another best of seven series against another opponent and so on and so forth. It is unreal to watch and you can feel the intensity just oozing out of every minute. Check it out.

It only stands to reason that the weather in Pittsburgh sucks so bad that it could spoil opening weekend for softball. We had 70 degree weather here all week and then the weekend comes around and we drop all the way back to the 40's. So of course our first game was cancelled. I couldn't believe it. I did get to spend more time with the new mystery woman and so that was a huge bonus. Until, I can get her to take a picture with me she will have to remain a mystery.

I have been working on a new list of recent records that I have been listening to and have been so thrilled to listen to. I will post soon some of the records and let you judge for yourself. Holla....

Spring Appears to Be Here

Thankfully, Spring appears to have a gotten a foot hold on winter and is taking over. I actually have my windows open to get some of the musty winter air out of the crib and get some fresh air in here. Nice. Softball is 8 days away and I feel physically better than I have in about 10 or so years. I feel strong and light and ready to fight. Baseball season finally got under way this past week and so the world feels right again. The Pennsylvania Democratic Primary is scheduled for April 22 and I have to admit it is neat to be living in the state that can perhaps shape how an election may play out. I am registered independent so I cannot vote in any primary. I was previously registered Republican but felt my party let me down and stopped speaking for me. I now look at all candidates equally. I can only remind people that they should vote when the time comes. I have never missed an election and you shouldn't either. It is a great right we have and we have the chance to make a difference every time we step in the voting booth. Work has been going well. Nothing that has been to stressful. I just passed one year since I had my surgery on April 3rd. I am thankful for my health. Thankful in a way I never have been before. I don't ever want to feel that bad again. I have met a girl and have been seeing her for the last 3 months. She is fantastic and a person that really keeps me grounded but most of all very happy. I don't know what will happen tomorrow but I certainly like how today is shaping up. Hopefully, at some point I can get her to take a picture with me and I can post it. Anyway, I think I got all caught up so I will be back soon with another high octane update. Holla if you hear me!!!

Happy Easter

I have fallen so far behind Christy in posting now it is unreal. I should have never opened up my big mouth. Anyway, I just needed to send out a shout out to Michael Watts. Hang in there lil man and continue to impress us all with the strength you have been showing. It is always amazing how children lead the way and adults usually follow. We are now officially 3 weeks from softball season!!! I am so excited and to top it off we decided as a league to move to an 18 game schedule for the first time. I am really pumped. I have spent the last 7 months preparing my mind and body and believe I am ready. 63 pounds lighter and feeling like I can take on the world at 35 years old is a great feeling. Just as an aside, Easter is supposed to be a time when we are happy spring is here. Not today. Pittsburgh had snow and it is in the 30's. Believe it or not it is colder today than it was on Xmas day. I am so ready for some nice warm sun and to be able to open up the windows and get some fresh air in here and get rid of the funk, if you know what I mean. Some of the things I am looking forward to this spring and summer:

1. Softball Season
2. Motley Crue's new album in the summer, with a tour to follow. I don't know if it can ever top what George and I saw the nite of hurricane Katrina but man I would like to try and top it.
3. The original Asia's new album "Phoenix"
4. Seeing Journey with Arnel Pineda and Heart and Cheap Trick...Great bill and I hope it doesn't disappoint.
5. Going to PNC Park and watching some baseball on a great summer nite. There is nothing better than the ball park on a summer nite.
6. Finally, the Pittsburgh Penguins contending for the Stanley Cup. I love hockey and I love watching this young team play. Pittsburgh has something to be so excited about.

Happy Easter everyone...and Holla if you hear me!!!!

Recap of Things

First, let me start off by saying that I am sick of winter...!!!!! Today it was in the mid 60's and I went outside in a pair of shorts for a run...God, I cannot wait until spring finally gets here....Of course tomorrow it is supposed to rain and get real cold again. Figures....The weekend was great but lately they all have been great. I will explain at a later date. I like being coy. The Pittsburgh Penguins are doing great in hockey even with all of their players getting hurt. Talk about resiliency....Baseball season is less than 30 days away from getting started. Sadly, as a Pirate fan I know that the season is over before it begins but it still does not take away my love of the game. My guess is that softball season is less than a month away and so that has me real excited. The games, the guys, and the beer. The triple threat of fun. I am healthy than I have been in a real long time so I am excited. I am in the best shape I have been in in the last 10 years. 60 lbs. lighter and ready to do some damage. I am interested to see if I can turn back the clock one last time. I finally pulled out my Mickey Mouse stuffed animal doll that I have had boxed up for the last year and a half. I boxed him away because I was told it wasn't a grown up thing to do by someone that really could use some not so grown up in her life. But I was told that hey who we are is who we are. On a positive side note, Christy Watts has gone crazee on her blog. I couldn't get her to update it for like 7 months and now I am having a hard time keeping up with all of her updates. You go girl....I am praying for Michael and all of you. If he is as tough as his mom then he will be more than alrite. On that note, Holla if you hear me!!!!!!

Arnel Pineda and Journey - Open arms live in Chile

I promised you that this would happen and it did. Arnel Pineda is the lead singer of journey now and this was his first concert with them. This guy is unreal and now with the real thing behind him it is uncanny how much he sounds like Steve Perry. Kudos Arnel for knocking it out of the park on your first shot. Vive Journey 2008....

Just a quick followup

Today I had to wipe my hard drive and start all over so if I was supposed to contact anyone or email you, sorry because I don't see me remembering all of that. I don't really know what happened but my windows explorer decided everytime I would go to open it it would shut down before I could get to it. I really don't like windows vista and this just confirms my initial dislike of it. Just when I get a computer I like I have to start all over again. Yesterday, was the Daytona 500 and just like last year the last 50 laps were off the charts. I don't care what people say, stock car racing is indeed exciting and the drivers are tremendous athletes. Today was presidents day so I had the day off and that was nice. Back to work tomorrow. Those 4 days I took last month really helped me out big time. I think I can make it to spring time now...and then take a real vacation. Spring Training has started for baseball and so opening days is only like 8 weeks away. I love baseball even though I hate how bad the Pirates do every year. There is something to be said for being outside on a summer nite and enjoying a hot dog and a beer and enjoying a nite at the ballpark. If the Pirates could only win it would make life so much better. I don't see that happening anytime soon though. The Penguins are doing great and that is another passion of mine so I am having a great time following them. Hockey has a fanatical following and I am one of those fanatics. Soon enough fantasy football will be here and then the world will all be right again. Holla if you heard that....

Crappy Weather

Today was a really crappy day.  I looked out the window last nite and saw it snowing and I thought to myself, "Self, it is going to be a crappy day."  Lo and behold it was a crappy day.  I woke up with a killer sore throat in the middle of the nite and it was still snowing.  Not good.  Finally, I got up and proceeded to get ready for work when I realized the public transportation wasn't going to be an option because they didn't want to go down secondary roads.  Uh-Oh....That means the only way to get to work was to drive in the slop and snow.  That is the reason why I use public transportation, so I don't have to drive in all that crap.  So I waited for a bit and figured that after 9 am all the traffic would have slowed down a bit.  Wrong!!!!  I moved like a tenth of a mile in a half hour.  Thank goodness I didn't have any coffee because I might have had to pee my pants before I got to work.  Nothing makes me happier than sitting in traffic waiting to go to work.  When I finally got to work a big ol' truck drives thru a snow bank and splashes all the dirt and slush and snow he could muster all over me.  After the snow finally gave us a break, we got a secondary treat: freezing rain! Yummy!!!!!  I love sliding all over where I walk.  Looking like an idiot while I walk always makes me hot.  Finally, I mustered up the strength to leave work and venture home.  Thankfully, I made it home without further complications.  I jumped under a blanket, got a workout in, and now realize that more bad weather is called for and I might have to go thru this again tomorrow.  Not!!!!  I will go on vacation before I let that happen...Holla!!!!!

Shadows of the Night-Pat Benatar

You know alot of credit goes to women singers like Chrissy Hyne, Ann and Nancy Wilson, Dusty Springfield, etc...and rightfully so they are awesome performers. I think one of the most forgotten of these women performers is Pat Benatar. I posted this video because this is one of my all time favorite songs. If you don't think this lady could belt it out listen to the chorus. She layered all of the voices in the chorus. Check out all the ranges she uses to make it work. I think because she had her most success in the 80's that she has been discounted in some circles. I hope to change that.

Dealing with Everyday People and Everyday Things

You know lately I have been thinking about people and how I surround myself with certain types of people. I try and surround myself with people that I know are better than me. Let's be honest I have done some pretty crappy things in my life but over the last 10 years I have made a tremendous transformation. I realized other people's feelings were every bit as important as mine. The other great thing I have come to realize is that when I surround myself with people that I know are better than me, they raise me up to their level. What a keen concept...People rising to the level of expectations. Holy smokes!!! That is even something that I found I can do too....The worst and saddest part is when you meet others that are traveling on the same dark road you may have treaded on yourself at one point. There is nothing in the world that you can tell that person that will make all of their pain go away. You just have to stand tall and watch over them and make sure when they fall you don't pick them up. You have to give them encouragement and tell them you believe in them but don't pick them up because all you do is enable them to fall and not get back up on their own. I have been so fortunate in my life that I have met people that have taken the time and done this for me. There were times when I resented them for it but in the long run I see that they were there all along, they just needed me to find my own way. Because of that I find myself being able to easily justify my place in this world now. I am lucky in that regard and I try and make it a mission of mine to try and help others out of the same jam. Sometimes, it is more personal than others but the end result is the same. A new smile out of someone. Life is good and should be lived out to the fullest...or as people that really know me, know I love to say,"You only have one life and you got to ride that bitch out!!!" When I die I know I will have a lot of regrets but hopefully one will not be a life that was wasted. If you are out there and struggling know that the sun will come again and life will move forward with or without you....I promise you though it is much more fun if you go forward with it.

The New Look

Just thought I would log in for a quick sec and kind of introduce the new look site.  I think the site is more ME, wouldn't you agree?  I thought it was time for a change and I think with my posts and the pictures I have accomplished something unique for now.  I promised changes in '08 and this is just the start of them.  Holla!!!

The Mini Vacation

Thankfully, today I have the day off for MLK day.  I took the previous Friday off as well so I had a mini vacation.  Believe it or not I feel really refreshed and I think I will be able to make it to the spring before I go on a real vacation.  Other than that it was like bitter cold this weekend.  I can't believe it felt like living on a tundra.  You go out and the stuff in your nose starts to freeze.  Football season is getting close to wrapping up with the Giants and Patriots going to the Super Bowl.  Sadly, I could care less to be honest.  All I care about right now is hockey, hockey, hockey.  I have to admit '08 has been pretty boring so far.  Maybe that is a good thing.  I haven't been involved with anything that would involve me telling you how bad I screwed up something.  That usually is the case by the way.  I usually do something that causes me to look like an ass most of the time.  I think that is what I was put here to do. Lol....My life has a built in entertainment value.  All of my friends will tell you.  I have a good story for just about everything that I have been involved with...Some funny some not so funny.  Lately, things have been happening that the most cynical person wouldn't believe is happening.  Oh but I swear they have been happening.  And guess what, I am loving every second of it...I feel relevant again...Holla if you hear me!!!!

KISS - Hard Luck Woman Music Video

I posted this for someone I hadn't heard from in a really long time and I think they would appreciate it. One of the greatest songs from one of the greatest bands ever. To you...enjoy...you know who you are...Holla...

Here In Your Arms - Hello Goodbye

Check this video and tune out...These guys are like a tame version of Devo. A whole bunch of Weird Al's...I love the song and the video reminds of 4-H camp when I was a kid...Yes kiddies, I went to camp when I was younger....Holla...

Dance Floor Anthem

I just wanted to take tonite to post some videos of some "songs" I like. I really don't like Good Charlotte one bit but this song is really catchy and if you listen to lyrics they are pretty true to real life. Listen to the lyrics and I think you will see what I am talking about.

Where we stand Today

You know I am fortunate to have a good cast of friends surrounding me.  I had forgotten how much fun we can all have together until we got together last Friday nite.  My man Justin Cava finally got a new job and got the hell out of GNC/IKON and so we felt it would be the right thing to go out and get our celebrate on.  What started off as something that was only going to be for a one or two hours turned in to 7 hours for me.  Starting drinking at 4 pm on Friday was a real treat and prolly a big mistake too.  My tolerance just isn't what it used to be.  But anyway that isn't the point....The point was that a lot of great friends showed up and we proceeded to do what we do best.  We laughed and made a ton of fun of each other.  I haven't laughed that much in a long time.  I was happy we were all able to start the year off together laughing our asses off and reminding each other that we haven't really accomplished shit yet in life.  I have been fortunate to reconnect with some more recent friends that I haven't talked to in a short while and some people that have been out of my life for over 15 years.  Talk about covering the spectrum.  In between all of that I still have a great friendship with Matthew Krempl and Christy Watts, people I have known a lifetime.  In Matt's case 29 years in counting.  Christy 25 years and still going.  When I die and go I know the legacy I will leave behind is the one that these people carry on for me.  They know me and they have known me forever and a day.....The next thing is the most surprising of all....Could a name so far in the past reach out and surprise a jaded person like me....????  I think so...someday I shall reveal the story behind that cryptic posting...it has happened and I am still unsure about how it all came about.  In time I shall reveal myself to all....until then...Holla if you hear me!!!!!

Working the Holidays

Normally, I would start the new year with a blog about how great I feel and how positive I am about the New Year but not yet my friend.  Starting at Thanksgiving and working all the way thru New Years I have worked every frickin Holiday Eve and day after.  I have to admit I am burned right out.  See the problem is everyone takes off and then they come back and want to catch up in one day.  Well, see I have been there everyday working and getting my routine down pat.  Now you come back and want, want, want right away.  Oh heavens slow down.  My little legs can't move that fast.  I need a vacation.  I haven't had any extended time off since April.  That was the operation and the pain pills kept me comatose so I don't know if that even counts.  Besides my insides were like laying beside me on the end table so it wasn't a comfortable time for me.  Everyone was coming back saying thank God it is short week this week...For me, I thought it was Monday again. ARRRRGGGGGHHHHH Help Me I am living GroundHog day.  I may go to Florida in February again but I am afraid I won't come back.

That being said I hope everyone had a great New Years Eve and looks forward to '08...Me, I got out of that habit of thinking that I can change a lifetime of screwups in one year so I try and live by the motto..."Everyday above ground is a good day..."  I try and treat people the way I want to be treated....So my predictions for '08...Hmmm Let me see:

1.  A republican or democrat will win the presidential election...hehehehehehe...really went out on a limb there...

2.  Ryan Wanner will continue to hate me throughout '08 and beyond.....

3.  Christy Watts will eventually get around to updating her blog....It has only been since about August...

4.  I will have more than 10 people read this damned blog.

5.  I will start to reveal more personal shit about me.  More than I have up to this point.  Wait until you hear some of the stories I have to tell....They will make you laugh and laugh and cry...because of laughter...

Holla...if you hear that in '08....

Facing the New Year

Every year around this time I try and take stock of some of the things that went on and see if I actually accomplished anything.  Well after poking around here goes:

I went thru a second operation in April.  This was the second one in 4 years.  This one went far beyond the other one.  The pain and the scope of it was super intense.  I pray that I never have to go thru it again.  I have busted my tail to insure that this time.

I started to play softball again and in the process found that I actually enjoyed it this time around.  I really hadn't played in 3 years because I didn't enjoy it but this time after the operation I took some time and figured out what I enjoyed and started doing those things again.

I went to some cool Penn State games again this year.  I can't tell you how much I love my school and how much I love going and showing my team spirit.  To this day, I still say that was the greatest accomplishment of my life.

I lost some family members to cancer this last year and so that sucked big time.  The weird things was that I lost them in the same week.  My birthday week....bummer.  Their death though help me reconnect with some family members and make some new relationships that I didn't have previously.  For that I am lucky.

So...I look forward to '08 and the challenges and surprises it has in store for me.  This year is the presidential election so that will be a new thing for me.  I have switched to an independent and so that is a new position for me.  Lots of luck to everyone in '08 as well...Holla if you hear that!!!!

A Charlie Brown Heavy Metal Christmas

Everyone that is or was in my age bracket at one time knows about A Charlie Brown Christmas. This completely changes everything. This possibly could be the best interpretation of a Xmas classic I have ever seen. Please watch this and share with your friends and family and laugh loudly. Holla if you hear me.....

Can it get any better than this

I was searching thru some of the Xmas songs that I love so much and I found one that you don't really hear every year. The great Dominic the Donkey!!! I have found this song makes me smile and laugh everytime I hear it. So take a listen to Lou Monte sing about Dominic and remember that Xmas is the best time of year and should be shared with those you care about. God Bless and Have a great Xmas!!!!

The Steroid Mess

Yesterday, The Mitchell Report came out in baseball and supposedly revealed the depth of which steroids had penetrated the game. On the surface, I hoped as a life long baseball fan that this report would shake baseball back to reality and help reground the game back to it's roots. I was disappointed to say the least. This report did nothing except expose names without any real substantial evidence to back the claims made in it. Most of the claims came from first hand accounts from 2 people. In other words, this was hearsay evidence nothing more. A lot of the players named were far gone out of the game and others have no impact on the game now. What concerned me most was the fact that report specifically asks for no player to be disciplined for their part in the steroid era. My question is then, why do the report in the first place then? If there was never a follow up or meaning to do the report why spend 60 million dollars on it? Because most of the evidence is based on hearsay most of the players know that if they are suspended they will win the appeal because they cannot be convicted by baseless words and no solid evidence. In some cases, players named in the report might not have even done steroids at all. For example, Brian Roberts of the Baltimore Orioles is listed in the report even though his only connection to it is that a former teammate said he heard Brian Roberts say he might have tried steroids 1 or 2 times. Mind you, this player never saw Roberts take them but now Roberts is in the report and the fact is he will be ever tainted by the allegations. How did this report serve to make things better when there is no solution presented in it? The suggestion was that baseball enact more stringent testing. Duh!!!!! People have been clamoring for that for over 4 years now. I believe baseball tried to do what is right but got caught in their own end game. What I mean is that baseball wants to clean up the game from enhancing drugs but those drugs have helped produce record number of attendees to games and players hitting longer home runs, etc....Baseball wants to appear that is trying to do right but also stroking the golden goose and insuring that it continues to lay the golden egg. I am sorry yesterday was a sad day because a report came out that only reiterated what we already knew. Anyone could have told you that. Holla....

Van Halen Live San Diego Cox Arena Dance The Night Away

I just wanted to post this clip from the van halen tour that is coming to our town of pittsburgh in march. Van Halen with David Lee Roth was a big part of my life when I was a teenager. I remember the one summer I purchased all of their tapes at one time and played them over and over. I remember how depressed I was when Hagar replaced Roth. I never saw Van Halen before and swore I never would until Roth returned. I can't fucking wait!!!!

Random Thoughts

I realized I haven't posted any update lately but with the holidays it is tough to keep up with all that needs to be done. People know how much I love Xmas and the season so it is difficult for me take time to write down what I am thinking. Well I have some time now and here goes. Please note some of these things may only be related to Pittsburgh but I think you may enjoy them anyway.

1. Why does John Madden when he is here in Pittsburgh to call a Steelers game have to mention that the city is based on the confluence of the Mon and Allegheny River and forms the Ohio River. Does anyone here in Pittsburgh actually not realize that we live near rivers? Why does this moron have to point that out every frickin time he is here???

2. When you are trying to catch a bus that is like 100 yards away why do you feel the need to get in the street and run right at it. That is so stupid. Do you think that by waving your puny little arms you will stop that big old bus. Doubt it...Stay on the sidewalk and you can waive your arms there or better yet get there earlier....

3. It is a shame that the death of Kevin Dubrow was the only way lately that Quiet Riot could get in the news. They were a great band that were a symbol of my teen age years. People forget all the time that they were the first metal band to ever have a number one album on the charts. It happened in 1983...long before anyone could claim they were popular. Rest in peace Kevin.

4. Does it make you somewhat sad that almost all Pittsburgh Steelers fans are alcoholics?

5. I love women...I love them alot...I can't live without them...but to a woman a man is weak if he expresses how much he loves something. Then we are torn apart if we don't admit to things because the woman thinks we don't share. Is it any wonder why prostitution is still around?

Holla if you hear that.....

One Special Nite

Last nite I was able to be a part of something very special and memorable. My Great Uncle Frank "Frankie"Sciulli was inducted in to the Pittsburgh Penguins hall of fame. Man, what an honor...and what a person he truly was. Sadly, my Uncle didn't live long enough to see his name enshrined with the immortals but his spirit was ever present and alive in his family which was all together. I was so sad that he wasn't there to see the fruits of his labor but I was so proud of his accomplishments. His life was a lesson that we all should live by. Of small things, great things come. He was small in stature and small in voice but large in love and large in the thing that matters most...Respect....I find it hard to believe that any one man could have left a lasting impression that covers decades and generations like my uncle did. He carried himself with a dignity that I could only hope to have one day. Though he wasn't there in body he did something that hasn't happened for a very long time. My Cousin Diane pointed out that the family had never been to a sporting event all together at one time. I thought about that last nite when it was all quiet and realized that only you Uncle Frank could do that. You continue to provide the guidance and strength even though you are gone. Look at what you did...you brought us all together once again. I am a young man but this nite will be one that will never fade away. The colors, the laughs, the tears, and the pride will always drive me to chase that feeling over again for the rest of my life. To my family, I love you guys so much and am so proud to be a part of your lives. Frankie and Biba, you have raised beautiful children and they reflect your class and humility. I hope someday my children are as beautiful. Greg and Diane, your boys are stunning, young men and have the whole world as their playground. I want to be them so bad!!!! Rosella, I love you so much I wish you knew. Everything that you and I have shared thru the years is something that I keep locked away inside so I know it is always there for me and I don't have to share it with anyone. In the end, it didn't matter who won and who lost last nite because we all won. I hope this thanksgiving we can all stop for a moment and recognize the gifts we have been given. The biggest one being Life...it is something that always is mystical, magical, and ever changing. Life will always go forward and we will go with it. That is the way Uncle Frank, Pop Pop, Dad would have wanted it. It is the only way I know.

Could This Be The New Singer of Journey

My guess is that Arnel Pineda is the guy that will replace Jeff Scott Soto in journey. I can't believe how much this guy sounds like Steve Perry. If you close your eyes you think you are listening to Journey again. I think this is what Neal Schon meant when he said Journey was going to try and go back to the sound of the 80's. I think they may have found their man. My sources say first performance with this guy is in February of 2008. Mark it down...Holla if you hear me....

GO WEST - WE CLOSE OUR EYES

The Best Albums You May Never Have Listened To

I know everyone has their favorite records in their home collections and so do I. Recently though I was looking thru my collection and found some real hidden gems in my collection that I thought you might like to listen to sometime. Now understand some of this music is from a period of my life when I was growing up so you might not have even have heard of any of these groups. Here is the list...

1. Go West--Go West--These guys were like the synth pop equivalent to The Pet Shop Boys but with a more rootsy feel. They had a hit in 1989 with King of Wishful Thinking but to me their first album killed and was a fantastic feat of great pop music. Only 9 songs on the record but a tremendous job was done in making 9 standout songs. I don't know if they ever recaptured this magic again. Check out the post of the video..you will see how great they really were...

2. Boston--Corporate America--After the success of the first record and Third Stage this band really had reached their creative peak. In 2003, the band regrouped and released a very strong album called Corporate America. Tom Scholz finally relinquished some of the song writing duties and what came out of it was a new fresh sound that still had the Boston sound. Sadly, this would be Brad Delp's last album before his death. When I hear him sing I Didn't Mean to Fall In Love, I hear how great he was and how much I miss him.

3. The Beatles--Revolver--I know that any album by The Beatles has been heard but I think this album because of Abbey Road and Sgt. Peppers has gotten a little lost in the mix. With tremendous songs like And Your Bird Can Sing, Good Day Sunshine, Doctor Robert and more how can you go wrong.

4. Winger--Pull--One of the kings of hair metal. Sadly, this third album by this group showed a great deal of growth in song writing and sound in a time when grunge music was taking over the scene. The song Who's The One is a great acoustic song that came out at the wrong time.

5. Europe--Out of This World--The follow up to The Final Countdown and barely noticed by any fans at all. Personally, this is the one and only record by these guys that I enjoyed. It was a great, slick, produced album. These guys could really sing and play but no one really cared. Sad....

Holla....

The Understated Few

I had the opportunity and pleasure to read my homeboy Kevin's blog and he made a valid case that Ringo Starr was one of the most underrated performers of all time and should get more respect from Beatle fans...Hear, Hear to that....His insight got me thinking of some other people that I think are underrated and understated. Here are a few:

1. Dave Pirner--Soul Asylum--This dude is a great songwriter...They had some big hits in the early 90's but since then he has really put out some great works both solo and now with Soul Asylum again. Check him out.

2. Dave Menketti--Lead singer and guitarist of metal group Y&T...blues based voice, tremendous guitar player....severely underrated band...I really dig the stuff he did in the 80's, 90's and today.....

3. Blackie Lawless--Lead singer and brains of the band W.A.S.P.--most people see the name W.A.S.P. and either don't know them or pass them off as an 80's retread. WRONG!!!! When this guy is on he has produced some great work. His concept record "The Crimson Idol" was a masterpiece that even his mentor Pete Townsend thought was a crowning achievement.

4. Oasis---A band that sold 7 million copies of 1 record can't be underrated right? Wrong....This band continued to produce great music long after their 15 minutes of fame. Noel Gallagher continues to write great pop gems and his brother keeps reminding us what LSD is....Lead Singers Disease. A truly great band that takes inspiration from the greatest band ever...The Beatles.

5. Eddie Money--Shakin with the Money Man is a great experience...He made some great tunes and Gimme Some Water got its first big break on B94 in the 70's...Go figure...I have seen this man at least 10 times and he delivers everytime. The best was the acoustic show he did at Point State Park in front of 15,000 people. Just great songs played in front of a beautiful cityscape.

I am sure I can go on and on but I think these 5 suffice for now and should stir some debate amongst yourselves. I think these choices are right on the money if you give each of them a chance. Plus, I said so....so that must count for something.

My Top Ten Favorite Concerts

After watching the awesome performance put on by Prince last nite at the Super Bowl I started to think about my favorite concerts . I have seen well over 150 shows for close to 20 years and so I had a hard time coming up with only 10. A lot of the artists on this list I have seen more than once. In some cases more than 10 or so times. Here is my list and some of my sketchy memories of these shows:

10. Stryper--In God We Trust Tour--AJ Palumbo Center--Pittsburgh, Pa.--1989--You never really forget your first and this was my first rock show. I loved these guys. They made great music with a great message and they rocked. Hurricane opened up for them and I remember when I heard that first power cord I thought my head would explode. It was awesome!!!!

9. R.E.M.--The UP Tour--AJ Palumbo Center--Pittsburgh, Pa.--2005--These guys were past the time of selling gizzillions of records but they never stopped making great albums. This show proved what true professionals do. The "One I Love" sounded so good I thought they were just playing the record. It was that good.

8. Dick Dale--The Fall Tour--The Rex Theatre--Pittsburgh, Pa.--2006--The king of surf music and one of the greatest guitar players I have ever seen. I am lucky my bud John Merriman introduced me to him. This was the first time I ever saw Mr. Dale play and I can humbly say I am proud to be a full fledged Dick Head now.

7. Boston--The Corporate America Tour--Blossom Music Center--Cleveland, Ohio--2003--This is one of the greatest arena bands of all time and any time they go out on the road it is a special treat. 3 hour shows of one hit after another. This nite in Cleveland my brother and I were 5th row center with about 13,000 other people. It is safe to say the roof was blown off the dump.

6. Motley Crue--Dr. Feelgood Tour--Civic Arena--Pittsburgh, Pa.--1989--This show was special because it was the Crue's last show of the 1980's. That alone made it a kicking show. More than that though was the big sound, big stage, big lights and the drum kit that hung from the ceiling and went out over the crowd. Where are where are those types of shows now?

5. Kiss--Alive and Worldwide Tour--Mellon Arena--Pittsburgh, Pa.--1996--The reunion of my childhood idols. I was petrified they were not going to live up to the image I had in my head from when I was a kid. They didn't...They were even better!!!! It was a dream come true to see the made up heroes come to life and retake their throne as the best show in the land. I remember losing my voice 3 songs into it. I have the show on cassette and you can hear me screaming and then nothing. It is classic.

4. Bruce Springsteen--The Rising Tour--PNC Park--Pittsburgh, Pa.--2004--The Boss' first stadium tour since 1984. Wow! is the only expression you can use. 3 hours and 45 minutes of just classic tunes. I recommend everyone get a chance to see a stadium full of people dancing to "Dancing in The Dark". It was a special summer nite in a stadium that has the skyline of Pittsburgh in the background. Truly a great spectacle.

3. The Rolling Stones--The Bigger Bang Tour--PNC Park--Pittsburgh, Pa.--2005--The world's greatest rock and roll band they are. They sock so much money into their show. They give their fans their money's worth. I went to the show with my 62 year old dad and 58 year old mom. They had as much fun as I did. Need I say more?

2. Prince--The Hits 4ever tour--Mellon Arena--Pittsburgh, Pa.--2003--After last nite's performance I thought about how great the Purple one is and how lucky I was to see him. Seventh row for this magical performance. One great song after the other. Before you know it, the show is over and you are depressed because you don't want to go out of the door and admit that the journey you just took is over.

1. Paul Mccartney--The US Tour--Wachovia Center--Philadelphia, Pa.--2005--Simply put the greatest of all time. I had seen him in Cleveland 2 years earlier and thought it couldn't get any better. I was dead wrong. Almost 4 hours and 36 songs played. It is something special to say you are a witness to history. My brother and I have made a promise that wherever he comes or goes we will find a way to be there. To Ryan and Kevin, to love him and his music is one thing, to see him takes it to a whole new level. I hope and pray that when he goes out again that we all make the same pact and travel to see the greatest. I would love to share those memories with you. It changes you inside.

My Top Ten Albums of All Time

After reading my buddy Kevin's blog I thought I would sit down and come up with my top 10 albums of all time. I based my list on the criteria that if I had to go to a deserted island by myself what albums would I take. This deserted island would have an endless supply of beer by the way....Some albums may not be your favorites but that is why this is my list and not yours. I think if you listen to some of the albums on my list you will enjoy yourself a great deal:

10. Def Leppards's Hysteria--An album that had 8 singles and was the soundtrack for my teen years. My favorites on the album are two songs they didn't even release, "Don't Shoot Shotgun and Gods of War"..The album still takes me to that place even now. It is the perfect album for the perfect time.

9. Bruce Springsteen's The Rising--I really fought over this one and Born in the USA but this one held out because I think after 9/11 and the fact that I was getting older myself this album and it's message resonated with me....The message of redemption thru the greatest tragedy imaginable is a great lesson to us all.

8. Kiss' Alive 2--I know for most people that know me know that Kiss is my favorite group next to the Beatles and the group that really changed my life and taught me how to love the theater in music and that it is possible to have songs become a soundtrack to the show you are about to see. I got this album on November 27, 1977 and I was never the same. You Wanted the Best...You Got the Best...The Hottest Band in the World...KISS!!!! You're damn right.....nobody did it better and still doesn't....

7. Savage Garden's Affirmation--I am not much for modern music or the fact that I believe recent artists have no soul to them. I did not even like the first Savage Garden album. Hated it. This album though is the perfect pop album. There is not one bad song on the record. Some danceable tracks and some great ballads all add up to one great album. I am almost glad they broke up after this album because I don't know if they could top this one.

6. The Beach Boy's Pet Sounds--What else can you say about the perfect album in terms of sound and message and great songs. Brian Wilson still to this day is one of my favorites and it only stands to reason that he had mental problems because no mortal person could hear the beauty that he did in his head. The reality is that you have to listen to the whole record at one sitting to get how good it really is. It wasn't about the singles, it was about the trip you were on. I am still on it to this day.

5. Motley Crue's Shout at the Devil--While Dr. Feelgood is the best album they made, there is something about this record that represented what I wanted to become. It was raw, abrasive, in your face and all about kicking ass....if you don't believe me, listen to "Knock 'em Dead Kid" you will see. You could feel the sunset strip dripping in between the tracks. It made us metal heads dream about heading out to the Strip to see what paradise really looked like.

4. Boston's Third Stage--Most people love this band's self titled debut album. I mean how can you argue against 'More Than a Feeling" but Third Stage to me was so awesome it was beyond words. When I hear Brad Delp sing "HollyAnn" I still get teary eyed. I cried at the live show and I cry when it is on my stereo at home. That, my friend, makes a great album.

3. Reo Speedwagon's Hi-Infidelity--It was the album that I had to replace twice because I played thru the grooves. It was the tape I had to replace 3 times because I listened to it so much and the Cd I have replaced once because I ruined it listening to it so much. "Keep on Loving You", "Take it On The Run", "In Your Letter", wherever I am and those songs come on, I stop to listen and soak in how good that album makes me feel.

2. Sam Cooke's Greatest Hits--The worlds greatest singer. Period...Bar None....He used his voice like an instrument...It was sex appeal, a way to touch the hem of Jesus' Garmet, and a way to feel what it must have felt like to be on "The Chain Gang". He was and always be the greatest and will always have a place of honor in my home and life.

1. The Beatles' Abbey Road--Simply put, THE album I could not live without. The second side of Abbey Road is the greatest music ever. That isn't even taking into account how great the first side is. A band that was at the end of their journey provided all of us something that we can take forever on ours.

There you have it. It may not be perfect but man it represents everything I love about music and how it makes me feel. Feel free to add it with some of your choices. I can't wait to read it.

What A Wonderful World

Normally when I sit down to write in this blog I write about abstract things and try not to give too much away. This one is going to be different. This story is just crazee enough to be true and be believed by all. So yesterday I was heading back to my office in the middle of downtown Pittsburgh when a car comes spinning out of control from the opposite direction. This car was going out of control spinning at least 3 times all the way around. Fortunately, I had enough wits about me to notice a road off to the left of me. I yanked the steering wheel hard to the left and pulled in to this road while the other car finally gains straightens out and promptly jumps the curb and crashes into the street signs. As the car starts to slow down I notice the driver throw a woman out of the passenger side door into traffic. He then proceeds to speed off. I grabbed my cell phone and tore across traffic to assist the woman in need. I went to call 911 and I guess the "gentleman" turned around and came back. He proceeded to get out of the car and begin screaming at me asking what I was doing to his wife. Now seconds before this she tells me he was trying to kill her and now this lunatic is yelling at me saying she was trying to kill him. Now here is the kicker.....she gets up and gets back in the car with him and drives away. I am standing in traffic now wondering what the hell just happened. The lesson here.....????? The lesson is that we have fallen so far as a culture that we must second guess whether or not it is even safe to get involved in helping someone else in need. I couldn't believe all of the events that transpired in just a short period of time. That guy could have easily taken out his anger on me if he wanted to and my only fault would have been that I was trying to help. I will leave with nothing more to say and open this up for discussion amongst my friends that read this......

A kid of the 80's

I am sitting here right now listening to a heaping amount of 80's music and I can't help but think of how cool this music really is. I mean who can not think back and get all wound up thinking of Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger". Go Rocky Go!!!!! I can remember spending my Saturdays at the World of Sports Roller Skating Rink with all of my friends and hearing the familiar refrains of The J. Geils Band "Centerfold" and tearing out on the rink and feeling like the coolest kid in the world. There is one person out there right now reading this that knows exactly what I am talking about and since you don't really know any of the other people reading this I leave it to you to keep the illusion that I was cool alive. And then after we all tore around the rink, it was time for the slow skate. Thankfully, I was popular enough that I never had to worry about skating on my own. I remember the big slow skate song was Journey's "Open Arms". I wonder if Journey knew that song would become the South Boston make out tune. While I am on the subject of South Boston...Christy Watts, I have a memory of steel and I remember in 6th grade how HOT you thought the guys in Wham! were. I tell you now like I told you then, a guy that good looking has to be Gay!!!!! Don't even try and deny what I am speaking of. Thankfully, later on you were able to worship at the altar of Motley Crue and other hard rock Gods and they saved your soul. At some point we all felt Dexy's Midnite Runners were pretty sweet and we all wanted to know what Eileen actually looked like....To this day I still don't know how to do the Safety Dance!!!! It was a time when a guy dressed like a girl could be liked by guys...Culture Club anyone??? Karma...Karma...Karma....Chameleon....I think everyone should take a trip down to Funkytown!!!! oh my yes....A lot of the songs that came out that I probably didn't like all that much I really enjoy now...For example, I am listening to Flock of Seagulls now and think "I Ran" is totally bitchin....the hair on the singer is still stupid but the song is killer. It is very difficult to think back to those days and not smile. It was so indulgent and pompous and silly and fun that I find myself grinning just remembering those times. If you need a reminder of how great and silly it was think of "We Built This City" by Starship or Styx's "Mr. Roboto" or The Bangles "Walk Like an Egyptian". We laugh at them now but we danced to them then. They were the soundtracks to our lives at that time. It was a time that didn't take itself so seriously...How could it when the catch phrase was "I want my MTV!!!!".....So the next time you feel like the music today has no fun or no dance to it...Grab an 80's CD and throw it on....You will find your feet tapping and your mouth smiling....Trust me...I am doing right now as we speak....Join In!!!!

Xmas rules and New Years 2007

Mom and Dad's all lit up...Pretty isn't it???


I feel like a real turd writing about the holidays and New Years because it is so not original but I can't think of anything else that I can write about just yet....so here goes....I had a great Xmas. I spent some quality time with the family. It is very rare that we all get together and spend more than a dinner or something together so it was nice. My brother had been working nites for over a month so I never saw him and wasn't sure I still had a brother. Rumor has it I still do. When we did get some free time he and I went to go and see Rocky Balboa. Top-Notch!!!!!! Very good story and a good ending to the franchise. I had to spend some extra hours at work to make sure that my staff was able to go home early....It was worth it....they bust their ass for me and it was nice to get them out of the bank for a bit. By the way, I got everything I wanted this year. I must tell you I had to kick ass this year. I always figured I was the bomb but the presents proved it. After Xmas I took a few more days off work to recover. The sleeping in after the holidays was a nice respite from the hussle and bussle. New years was really good. I settled in to watch Dick Clark--a new year's staple since I was a kid--and boy was I surprised about how much I had to drink already. Beer is God's gift to me...and I love him for it. Now after partying until 3:30 in the morning I slept on the couch and was awakened at the ungodly hour of 8 am with the sharpest reminder that I had to be at my parents house at 11 am to watch the PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS kick some smokey mountain ass in the outback bowl. Needless to say, 2007 started off with me being just as stupid as 2006. Feeling like my head was rolling aimlessly around the deck of the Titantic I decided now might be the time to "climb the mountain". So being the toughest of tough guys I started on to the beer at my folks house at about 10 am...I got there early....That first beer was ugly and rough but after that it was all smooth smailing from there. The more Penn State played well the more I celebrated them. I celebrated very well thank you....20-10 Penn State wins. Now I get home and for the next 3 days I see beer and my fridge and my stomach drops to the deepest depths imaginable. Damn you hair of the dog!!!! Anyway....I hope everyone had a great 2007 and I hope to drink with each of you.