Smoke and Lighting, Heavy Metal Thunder

Ok, If you are any type of music afficianado you recognize my title for today as being from "Born to Be Wild" by Steppenwolf. I was thinking of days of yore with most (vinyl) albums had ten or twelve tracks - or if you were really fortunate 14. That being said - if you had to come up with your ultimate compilation disc - the (and I will be kind) 14 songs that either speak to you and/or have significance to you. Think about it and here I will give you mine - a very eclectic mix is mine: (1) Born to Be Wild - Steppenwolf (2)Afternoon Delight - Starland Vocal Band (3) Gimme Dat Ding - The Pipkins (4)Joy to the World - Doobie Brothers (5)Burning Love - Elvis (6)Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World (Medley) - Israel Kamakawiwo'ole (7)Rock and Roll All Nite-Kiss (8)Starkville City Jail-Johnny Cash (9)We Will Rock You/We are the Champions - Queen (10)Last Train to Clarksville- Monkees (11)Pagan Baby - Creedence Clearwater Revival (12)Schools Out - Alice Cooper (13)Smoke on the Water - Deep Purple (14) La Grange - ZZ Top. I gave this a lot of thought and removed some songs and added others , but if I had a gun pointed to my head - this would be my list. My only restrictions were: No more than 14 tracks and one song per artists represented. Obviously I've left off a ton of great music , but each song represented means somethign to me. Like #9 - Listened to it a lot with my Dad - he wore out two 8-tracks with that song & had it on vinyl. #11 off CCR's "Pendulum" album - my friend Larry & I wore out an 8-track of our own listening to that in my '66 Chevy Impala SS before & after school. #3 - my kids would probably tell you that if they had to choose a song for me - this would be it - I'm sure they heard it enough in their younger years to get sick of it. (Tough!) I'm not going to list my reasons for each, but I am going to for one last one - #6 - first dance at my wedding w/DKW - but I loved this medley since I first heard it on the (very) short-lived TV series "New Amsterdam" (8 episodes aired Mar/Apr 2008).

Some of the artists on the list I could make compilations of just their songs (i.e. Kiss, CCR, Alice Cooper, ZZ Top, etc.) but I kept to my own rules. Think of your own.

Everyone have a great day!

First Pitch - Miss.State Baseball

Well, I expected this past Friday to be eventful as I was scheduled to throw out the first pitch at MSU's baseball season opener - but man, I got more than I expected.
I had a great time at the ball park, but I will admit to being worried and didn't stay long because DKW had had an accident in her little car (2009 Toyota Yaris). On her way to visit a friend in a local mobile home park she dropped into the huge pothole that went across the entire road and was 2 to 3 feet deep. The car was damaged somewhat (in the front) and is in the shop but what worried me is that DKW suffered a wrenched shoulder and a concussion. (I'm really glad the airbag didn't deploy). I took her to the emergency room and was prepared to stay but she insisted that I go do my first pitch. I did and came back to pick her up. I didn't stay for the game - but MSU did win 8-0. As a matter of fact, they are 4-0 going into today's game with Northwestern (LA.) State.


Everyone have a great day!

Valentine's Day

Today is a day when most of the world celebrates that one true love. I've told DKW more than once that I don't need a special day to tell her how much I love her- and that's very true. That being said, I have love for many folks. DKW first, because she is my spouse and the one I've chosen to spend the rest of my life with. My children (and their families) for many varied reasons. My children's mother - though she is no longer with us - love goes on. My mother & father - Dad is also no longer with us but Momma is and without them I wouldn't be here. My puppies - Shaddow, Beider and Sophie.

Remember - Live life large, keep ego small, and value those things that matter.

Everyone have a great day

Snow Daze

Ok! As DKW alluded to in her blog - its rare that we get a lot of snow in Mississippi. Well - that said - I'm 55 (almost 56) years old and I've never written my name in the snow - until yesterday - and here it is. So - if you're grossed out -too bad. I may be juvenile - but at my age I'm entitled!

Have a great day!

Guilty Pleasure

Okay - I think I may have mentioned it sometime in the past that I have been a fan of the Power Rangers since their original incarnation (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers) in 1993. Well, last night Nickelodeon premiered the latest (and 16th) incarnation "Power Rangers: Samurai". I have seen each and every episode of every PR variant. The original remains my favorite because (at the time) they were so different and set the bar for all following versions. After MMPR though I think the 5th incarnation is my favorite because it deals with how the team copes with the death of a Ranger and comes back strong.

Yes its juvenile. Yes its very formulaic. But thats why its a guilty pleasure -Can't explain why I like it - I just do. I'm reserving judgement on PR:S until this season ends - but after last night's episode - its off to a rousing start!

Miss Ya Dad!

Okay. Haven't blogged for a while and no excuse for it except - I didn't feel like it. The SuperBowl was yesterday and it was just that! Super! I am soooo glad that the Packers took down Big Ben and the Steelers. As a fan with a long history of disliking the Steelers (I'm a Raiders fan - 'nuff said) I have to admit they had me worried. Especially when half-way thru the 4th quarter they cut the Packer's lead to 3. But Steeler miscues and Packers defense teamed up for a Titletown victory.

I've had a lot of time just to think lately as I take little Sophie out while trying to housebreak her. Yesterday my mind was on my dad. He passed away in 1991 and was a life-long Packer fan. I miss him. I can just see him perched back in his recliner, Swisher Sweet cigar in his mouth, yelling at the TV. (I yell at the TV too - just without the smokes).

Enjoy the pic! DKW took it while I was sleeping (obviously) with little Sophie. (Isn't she a cutie?)

Everyone have a Great Day!

Like Snow? H*ll NO!

I was getting ready for work this morning and after I called our local weather line for the current temp (33 @ 6am) I flipped on the TV as I finished getting dressed and had my cereal. I saw that the northeast had been hit hard with snow - Philadelphia (PA) had declared a "snow emergency" and New York City (NEW YORK CITY!) had been hit with over a foot of snow overnight. City offices and services were closed along with all schools. I could see lots of people digging out while the report went on. So for everyone that lives up north and say they like snow - "You are welcome to it!" Go ahead and laugh at us in Mississippi when we get an inch or 2 of snow and close things down. We don't have to shovel and its usually gone on its on in a few hours. Now - there was a heavy frost on my truck's windows, but I had taken the precaution of putting a plastic tray on my windshield last night so the driver's side was clear and after it warmed up a couple of minutes I was on my way to work.

In between the news and leaving for work I had gone out to feed Beider. Now it had rained yesterday and the damp ground was frosted over. I guess I stepped wrong (but I'm not sure - it happened so quickly) and ended up slipping and falling. My right leg bent and my right foot was under my butt when I fell on it. I think it scared me more than it did any damage - but my leg is killing me right now. I took some tylenol when I got to work and hopefully the aching will ease up as the day goes on. The only casualty (I think) is the plastic pitcher I used to carry the dog food in. It got busted up in the fall - but it can be replaced. Think I'll probably replace it with a 3 pound coffee can - might bend but won't break.

Everyone have a great day!