Monday, December 15, 2008
Dec. 15, 2008 - Roy Rogers
My Influences:
Roy Rogers
piper, carpenter, mentor ...
I spent the years after my enlistment with the USMC and before I moved to Austin, Texas studying a terribly strange instrument: the uilleann pipes. I can't say what exactly moved me to commit so much of those years to such an odd calling. It did happen, though.
I was fairly amped up about Irish music in general when I arrived home in south eastern Pennsylvania. I had been playing tin whistles, biting off small chunks of the vast repertoire. The pipes kept demanding some sort of presence in my life, though. By the will of some freakish, practical joke of nature, I managed to turn up a practice set from a local dealer of bagpipes (mostly Scottish Highland pipes -- the pipes you are probably envisioning presently) and spent a week trying to figure out how make noise with it. (Sorry, Dad and Teresa!)
I also turned up two names of folks who played and taught the instrument. The one who returned my call was a man named Roy Rogers.
Roy and I met a few days later in his living room for a lesson. Roy's greeting was warm and very hearty. He invited me into his living room that prominently featured a wall converted to a bookshelf storing hundreds of books and a large number of vinyl and CD recordings.
I felt welcome immediately though, I was nervous about my first formal experience ever on such a perplexing device. The lesson began with a hearty joke at the instrument's expense (as well as the expense of the damned fools who study and play it), continued with a few hearty laughs, and ended with best wishes for good luck and, at least, a dubious grip on sanity for the days to follow.
Lessons with Roy continued as routinely as either of schedules and my progress permitted. With each lesson, I learned a little more about the instrument, the reeds, the culture (the pipering culture), the music, and, from time to time, the music's history. This information wasn't just spoon-fed to me for the purpose of future regurgitation; it was presented from a wise piper, educated human, and competent teacher in a clean and honorable way (of course, in a light-hearted manner) to be digested by an open and able student for sustaining, interpretation, and advancement of the art. (This is what we should refer to as "traditional" --- in ANY AND EVERY genre!)
Roy exemplifies traditional art forms. He was my very first "teacher" that stood in my consciousness as such an example: he was a mentor.
Lessons passed and with each, Roy and I became more friends than anything else. (Though, to this day, I still consider him one of the strongest mentors in my life.) He continued to pass along the art of pipering but he shared with me his great friendship so genuinely warm and caring, as well as the wisdom he developed through his lifetime of observant and fully realized experience.
What's more? He did it without ever coming across as a superior or treating me as a junior. Roy has always treated me as an equal - not just on the musicianer level but on the human experience level.
It's truly great to feel like you aren't the only student in the lesson; we're all always students and should always be learning!
Years have gone by in a heartbeat. Roy and I still keep in touch fairly regularly despite the 1700+ miles that separate our homes. It seems that our friendship remains warm as well as educational and uplifting.
Life is good!
Thank you, Roy! Thanks for the guidance and the camaraderie!
I look forward to many, many more years of great friendship.
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"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."
Winston Churchill
Dec. 9, 2008 - Paul Schlichting
My Influences:
Paul Schlichting
drums
Ladies and Gentlemen, I'd like to present to you, Paul Schlichting.
You may have seen him wearing a hat or you may recognize him better without, either way, he's Paul, drummer, music educator, stand-up citizen, progressive human, caring friend, loving husband, creative artist, and all-around good guy.
Paul and I met a number of years ago while he was drumming for the Asylum Street Spankers. When that band wasn't out of town, he would swing by the old Black Cat to enjoy the Ridgetop Syncopators, Shorty Long, and Les Niglos show.
He always had a smile and a couple of positive words.
A few years after that, Mr. Schlichting asked me if I would be interested in playing some music together. He and his buddy, a very odd piano man, collected a few tunes and we got together. As it turns out, that trio blossomed into half of Giant City!
Paul has since taken a job as an elementary music school teacher. What luck for the kiddos in his classes!
Paul is kind-hearted, patient fellow, willing to share his experience and knowledge with anyone and anywhere those things might benefit the community. On that note, Paul is a great example of good citizenship; he is always doing his best to make himself aware of local politics and participating when and where he can with the hopes of making things better for all of us ... not just himself and his family.
I have enjoyed Paul's company on the bandstand in many different combinations and I always look forward to sharing his good spirit whenever the opportunity presents itself.
Thanks Paul!
Paul Schlichting
drums
Ladies and Gentlemen, I'd like to present to you, Paul Schlichting.
You may have seen him wearing a hat or you may recognize him better without, either way, he's Paul, drummer, music educator, stand-up citizen, progressive human, caring friend, loving husband, creative artist, and all-around good guy.
Paul and I met a number of years ago while he was drumming for the Asylum Street Spankers. When that band wasn't out of town, he would swing by the old Black Cat to enjoy the Ridgetop Syncopators, Shorty Long, and Les Niglos show.
He always had a smile and a couple of positive words.
A few years after that, Mr. Schlichting asked me if I would be interested in playing some music together. He and his buddy, a very odd piano man, collected a few tunes and we got together. As it turns out, that trio blossomed into half of Giant City!
Paul has since taken a job as an elementary music school teacher. What luck for the kiddos in his classes!
Paul is kind-hearted, patient fellow, willing to share his experience and knowledge with anyone and anywhere those things might benefit the community. On that note, Paul is a great example of good citizenship; he is always doing his best to make himself aware of local politics and participating when and where he can with the hopes of making things better for all of us ... not just himself and his family.
I have enjoyed Paul's company on the bandstand in many different combinations and I always look forward to sharing his good spirit whenever the opportunity presents itself.
Thanks Paul!
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."
~ Winston Churchill
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Dec. 1, 2008 - Emiko Takeuchi
My Influences:
Emiko Takeuchi
Lauryn went back to school a couple years ago; the idea was to acquire a more formal and deeper education (and, it was a nice idea for her to bring home all this knowledge to share: two for the price of one). She is still doing all this (with gusto) but she has also made a wonderful connection with an amazing person who has since become family to us.
Emiko Takeuchi also decided to go back to school a couple years ago, and she began another course of graduate studies in the music department at Texas State University. She and Lauryn shared two classes that year (and many since). The two befriended each other and Lauryn brought home to share with me stories of an interesting, kind, and inspirational new friend.
I was very glad to hear it and very much looking forward to meeting Emiko.
Of course, that happened soon after and I was immediately moved by Emiko's spirit.
In the few short years that have passed, Emiko has grown to be much more than just a school friend. She has inspired Lauryn and I both to continue striving to better ourselves not just by reminding us to do just that but also and, most importantly, by her beautiful example. Emiko is always doing; she is always doing her best and doesn't allow much of anything to stand in her way!
Emiko has also taken us in as adopted family. If Lauryn hints at fatigue or a common cold, our dear friend prepares a care package or insists on providing motherly love and care. She is always ready with kind praise for our indiviual efforts as well as a nurturing word for our relationship as husband and wife; she seems so happy for us in that we do!
Emiko genuinely treats us both with the love a mother shares with her children.
Personally, I'm deeply moved just to be in such an amazing woman's presence. Her experienced wisdom, proud carriage, warm kindness, loving heart, and sweet smile give me so much than what is needed to feel alive and feel a reason to be alive. It's incredible to witness how she shares her great spirit so freely; she has what seems to be more than enough for herself, as well as her own family, and Lauryn and I both ... and, I feel like she gives even more than I need!
Stunning!
Emiko, it is a great honor to consider you part of my family. I hold your warmth, kindness, and friendship very close to my heart. I am ever grateful for you generosity; you share so much with Lauryn and I, we are both so very lucky to have you in our lives! We love you so very much!
Domo arigato gozaimasu.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."
~ Winston Churchill
Emiko Takeuchi
Lauryn went back to school a couple years ago; the idea was to acquire a more formal and deeper education (and, it was a nice idea for her to bring home all this knowledge to share: two for the price of one). She is still doing all this (with gusto) but she has also made a wonderful connection with an amazing person who has since become family to us.
Emiko Takeuchi also decided to go back to school a couple years ago, and she began another course of graduate studies in the music department at Texas State University. She and Lauryn shared two classes that year (and many since). The two befriended each other and Lauryn brought home to share with me stories of an interesting, kind, and inspirational new friend.
I was very glad to hear it and very much looking forward to meeting Emiko.
Of course, that happened soon after and I was immediately moved by Emiko's spirit.
In the few short years that have passed, Emiko has grown to be much more than just a school friend. She has inspired Lauryn and I both to continue striving to better ourselves not just by reminding us to do just that but also and, most importantly, by her beautiful example. Emiko is always doing; she is always doing her best and doesn't allow much of anything to stand in her way!
Emiko has also taken us in as adopted family. If Lauryn hints at fatigue or a common cold, our dear friend prepares a care package or insists on providing motherly love and care. She is always ready with kind praise for our indiviual efforts as well as a nurturing word for our relationship as husband and wife; she seems so happy for us in that we do!
Emiko genuinely treats us both with the love a mother shares with her children.
Personally, I'm deeply moved just to be in such an amazing woman's presence. Her experienced wisdom, proud carriage, warm kindness, loving heart, and sweet smile give me so much than what is needed to feel alive and feel a reason to be alive. It's incredible to witness how she shares her great spirit so freely; she has what seems to be more than enough for herself, as well as her own family, and Lauryn and I both ... and, I feel like she gives even more than I need!
Stunning!
Emiko, it is a great honor to consider you part of my family. I hold your warmth, kindness, and friendship very close to my heart. I am ever grateful for you generosity; you share so much with Lauryn and I, we are both so very lucky to have you in our lives! We love you so very much!
Domo arigato gozaimasu.
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"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."
~ Winston Churchill
Nov. 24, 2008 - Ass Kicking Machine
My Influences:
Ass Kicking Machines
This is the best thing I've ever come across using Craigslist.org!
See the link below for the text included with this fantastic machine; we'll call it the "Red Forman Delight."
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Some Links:
http://www.craigslist.org/about/best/orc/408390645.html
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"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."
~ Winston Churchill
Ass Kicking Machines
This is the best thing I've ever come across using Craigslist.org!
See the link below for the text included with this fantastic machine; we'll call it the "Red Forman Delight."
--------------------------------------------------------------
Some Links:
http://www.craigslist.org/about/best/orc/408390645.html
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"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."
~ Winston Churchill
Monday, November 17, 2008
Nov. 17, 2008 - Kevin Smith
My Influences:
Mr. Kevin Smith
string bass
My cousin turned me on to the Asylum Street Spankers. He paid me a visit after he stumbled across their first CD in a bin at Tower Records. We threw that CD into the stereo and enjoyed some fine music. At some point, we had both started thinking about the great bass sound and started discussing the nature of his percussive effect. How is this guy making all this racket?
This guy was (and still is) Mr. Kevin Smith.
I'm sure that I had heard a string bass being slapped before hearing those recordings but Kevin was most certainly the first bassist that made me aware of this technique.
For that alone, I am monumentally grateful and indebted to this great man.
It would be a serious foul to understate Kevin's great ability with this instrument. Our man is very easily one of the best string bassists around ... and, I don't just mean around town.
Kevin has the most phenomenal taste; an uncanny ability to share and play the music that we all seem to desire in any musical setting. He presents this ability and this music in a very comfortable and natural manner that seems to relax and soothe yet inspire and excite the attentive listeners as well as the jabber-jawed conversationalists in his audiences.
I'll say it again; Kevin is very easily one of the best string bassists around!
Kevin is not just an amazing musicianer. He is an amazing friend and an amazing human being.
On more than one occasion, Mr. Smith has rushed into my corner to assist with me with the battles life has thrown my way.
A few years ago, my roommates and I lost our house to a fire. After the firemen cleared the house, I went to work immediately on the recovery process. Knowing that process would be an all-day affair (at least), I dropped Kevin a call to ask him if he could cover my gig that evening. When I explained to him why, he wanted to know what else he could do. He had already done enough by taking that stress off me so I didn't wish to bother him with anything more. With a kind and genuine "thank you!" we ended the conversation. Twenty minutes later, he pulled up out front of the smoked house ready to help.
For the next six + hours Kevin rummaged through the charred mess with me, salvaging the bulk of what I owned. He helped me clean what we could on the spot and pack those sooty personal items into my wagon. Throughout, he successfully kept my spirits up by good, light-hearted joking and, he even insisted on driving us to the local grocer to pick up lunch -a concept completely foreign to me in Marine mode.
By the end of the salvage day, I was covered with char and smoke. Kevin, stylish gabardine jacket and all, had one small bit of soot on his collar; not only did he rush to the house to help me through and recover from a fairly stressful situation, reorganizing all of his (many) other responsibilities, he did it with style, grace, and genuine care and friendship. And, he kept it light!
Kevin is a great friend. He has warmly invited me to be a part of his life. He has shared his wonderful and kind friendship with me. He has treated me like family. He is easily one of the best human beings I have ever met!
Thank you, Kevin! You have been and always will be a very great influence and inspiration to me in all aspects of my life. You opened up one of the most important doors in my life that has led to some much of the good that surrounds me.
Thank you for all the good you present to so many other lives, too! This world is truly a better place because of your efforts.
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Some Links:
www.myspace.com/txstringbass
http://www.heybale.com/
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"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."
~ Winston Churchill
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"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."
~ Winston Churchill
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Nov. 2, 2008 - Jon Baily
My Influences:
Mr. Jon Baily
banjo, veteran, musicianer
There are so many brilliant characters who have graced my life. All of them seem to leave an indelible mark or marks that continue to remind me how to live; how to give.
This week's illustration of such greatness is my late friend, Jon Baily. It's been over three years since his passing but I still carry with me his joyful and giving spirit. Because of the nature of his gift, I don't feel heavy sadness when I remember that he is gone, instead, I just can't help feeling lighter and smiling when I think of Jon or recall some joke or story he had shared with me.
What a great musicianer!
What a great man!
August 25, 2005
Jon Baily, a banjo player from California, spent his last years in Austin, Texas supporting the Austin Banjo Club and the Austin Traditional Jazz Society.
I met Jon at a Traditional Jazz Society function. He scrawled on the back of his business card the directions to the Banjo Club and insisted that I show up the following week. I did.
Jon went out of his way through those, my first couple visits to the Banjo Club, to make me feel welcome and to insist on my return. From those first visits to the Banjo Club on, Jon would share his love for music with me through telephone calls and emails. He would insist that I come pick up some band’s CD that made him think of me. He would email me all manner of information concerning music in all its forms that he found of interest.
Jon's love for music and his desire and willingness to share it were impeccable and so very appreciated. Jon was also proud of the banjo pickers in the Club who were veterans. He summed up their stints in the military for me on different occasions. He shared with me any story that filtered through him that related to our nation’s warriors.
I’m ever thankful for having gotten to know this man and will live more fulfilled having been gifted by his hearty spirit.
If you have the extra time in the days following, take a minute, please, and realize what’s good around you. Be thankful for the elders in our musical family and take heart in their vitality and nature. Without these good people, our lives would be less.
Thank you, Jon Baily. I will continue to play tunes to the best of my ability for you!
--------------------------------------------------------------
Some Links:
The Baily Family's Tribute:
http://bailyfamily.net/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=13817
Austin Banjo Club:
http://www.austinbanjoclub.org/people.html
Mark Rubin's Good Words:
http://markdrubin.blogspot.com/2005/09/jon-baily-rip.html
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing."
~ Albert Einstein
Mr. Jon Baily
banjo, veteran, musicianer
There are so many brilliant characters who have graced my life. All of them seem to leave an indelible mark or marks that continue to remind me how to live; how to give.
This week's illustration of such greatness is my late friend, Jon Baily. It's been over three years since his passing but I still carry with me his joyful and giving spirit. Because of the nature of his gift, I don't feel heavy sadness when I remember that he is gone, instead, I just can't help feeling lighter and smiling when I think of Jon or recall some joke or story he had shared with me.
What a great musicianer!
What a great man!
August 25, 2005
Jon Baily, a banjo player from California, spent his last years in Austin, Texas supporting the Austin Banjo Club and the Austin Traditional Jazz Society.
I met Jon at a Traditional Jazz Society function. He scrawled on the back of his business card the directions to the Banjo Club and insisted that I show up the following week. I did.
Jon went out of his way through those, my first couple visits to the Banjo Club, to make me feel welcome and to insist on my return. From those first visits to the Banjo Club on, Jon would share his love for music with me through telephone calls and emails. He would insist that I come pick up some band’s CD that made him think of me. He would email me all manner of information concerning music in all its forms that he found of interest.
Jon's love for music and his desire and willingness to share it were impeccable and so very appreciated. Jon was also proud of the banjo pickers in the Club who were veterans. He summed up their stints in the military for me on different occasions. He shared with me any story that filtered through him that related to our nation’s warriors.
I’m ever thankful for having gotten to know this man and will live more fulfilled having been gifted by his hearty spirit.
If you have the extra time in the days following, take a minute, please, and realize what’s good around you. Be thankful for the elders in our musical family and take heart in their vitality and nature. Without these good people, our lives would be less.
Thank you, Jon Baily. I will continue to play tunes to the best of my ability for you!
--------------------------------------------------------------
Some Links:
The Baily Family's Tribute:
http://bailyfamily.net/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=13817
Austin Banjo Club:
http://www.austinbanjoclub.org/people.html
Mark Rubin's Good Words:
http://markdrubin.blogspot.com/2005/09/jon-baily-rip.html
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing."
~ Albert Einstein
Friday, October 31, 2008
Oct. 26, 2008 - Breakfast Cereal
My Influences:
Breakfast Cereal
yummy food
Right!
Back to the food stuff ...
To be specific, 1980s breakfast cereals!
I grew up believing that a proper breakfast was at least two bowls of whatever colorful and delicious sugar cereals stocked the shelves in Mom's pantry. We were allowed to eat whatever cereal was in the cupboard; the only rule: one box open at a time.
My dear brother Russell enjoyed tormenting me on weekend mornings by separating the entire marshmallow content from the "other" content of cereals like Lucky Charms then eating a bowl of fun sugary sweetness while I finished the not-so-enjoyable bowl or two of the remnants. Boo!
During the junior and senior high school years, the morning program began with a quick shower, followed by a hustle downstairs to figure out which cereal was going in the bowl. When I fixed up my delicious part of a nutritious breakfast, I'd either sit down in front of the TV to take in some similarly influential and inspiring early morning, before-school 80's cartoons or pick up the paper to read the comics and the police blotter (maybe even a headlining article or two).
The morning's cereal was always exciting to me; I can remember clearly many jaunty hops down the stairs thinking about what (evil) confection awaited my consumption! Would it be Frankenberry, Count Chocula, Boo Berry, Quisp, Cookie Crisp, Apple Jacks, Fruity Pebbles, Golden Grahams? (The list goes on and on ... Mom was quite good at keeping cereal content thick.)
After three bowls of super tasty sugar, disguised as any number of random objects, I brushed the old fangs and hopped the shoe leather express to school. I was always good and old-fashioned awake for the mile walk to school.
Cereal even followed me through the old USMC. My roommate always a had a good laugh when Mom would send a care package filled mostly with five or six boxes of my favorites. Benny came back to the room one day after the arrival of one of Mom's packages. Before he could turn the corner to see me sitting happily with a bowl of Froot Loops, he announced that the room reeked of sugar! Afterwards, Benny often referred to me as "The Cereal Killer."
It's a sad situation that I can no longer eat the wheat foods (and choose to avoid the evil cane sugar). I don't get to enjoy Frankenberry when it hits the shelves during this time of year.
No matter though, I will always have the extremely pleasing memories of digging through a box of cereal to pull out a ridiculous plastic glow-in-the-dark toy or a submersible, self-propelled submarine. I will always enjoy the memories of great cereal commercials ("It's Circus Fun right in your bowl, and your gonna wanna come flyin', With horses and hoops, balls and bears, elephants and lions!")
... it's really too bad nobody ever turned me on to a nice bowl of millet with raisins and bananas and cinnamon and walnuts until a year and half ago!
Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm ... thanks yummy breakfast cereals! I couldn't have done it without you.
--------------------------------------------------------------
In case you're wondering, here is a list of my favorites. The number one spot is held by my all time favorite; otherwise, there is no particular order as my taste would change back and forth at any given moment.
1. Frankenberry!
2. Waffle Crisp
3. Count Chocula and Boo Berry (didn't like Yummy Mummy one bit)
4. Cookie Crisp (Vanilla and Chocolate Chip)
5. Quisp
6. Cap'n Crunch (Crunch Berries and Peanut Butter)
7. Buc Wheats (Great-Grandmom's favorite!)
8. Smurf Berry Crunch
9. Fruity Pebbles (there was an exact ratio of milk to cereal to achieve perfection)
10. Honeycomb
Ten will do for now, but I could probably do a list of top 100. Instead of ninety more, here's a link:
http://www.lavasurfer.com/cereal-guide.html
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing."
~ Albert Einstein
Breakfast Cereal
yummy food
Right!
Back to the food stuff ...
To be specific, 1980s breakfast cereals!
I grew up believing that a proper breakfast was at least two bowls of whatever colorful and delicious sugar cereals stocked the shelves in Mom's pantry. We were allowed to eat whatever cereal was in the cupboard; the only rule: one box open at a time.
My dear brother Russell enjoyed tormenting me on weekend mornings by separating the entire marshmallow content from the "other" content of cereals like Lucky Charms then eating a bowl of fun sugary sweetness while I finished the not-so-enjoyable bowl or two of the remnants. Boo!
During the junior and senior high school years, the morning program began with a quick shower, followed by a hustle downstairs to figure out which cereal was going in the bowl. When I fixed up my delicious part of a nutritious breakfast, I'd either sit down in front of the TV to take in some similarly influential and inspiring early morning, before-school 80's cartoons or pick up the paper to read the comics and the police blotter (maybe even a headlining article or two).
The morning's cereal was always exciting to me; I can remember clearly many jaunty hops down the stairs thinking about what (evil) confection awaited my consumption! Would it be Frankenberry, Count Chocula, Boo Berry, Quisp, Cookie Crisp, Apple Jacks, Fruity Pebbles, Golden Grahams? (The list goes on and on ... Mom was quite good at keeping cereal content thick.)
After three bowls of super tasty sugar, disguised as any number of random objects, I brushed the old fangs and hopped the shoe leather express to school. I was always good and old-fashioned awake for the mile walk to school.
Cereal even followed me through the old USMC. My roommate always a had a good laugh when Mom would send a care package filled mostly with five or six boxes of my favorites. Benny came back to the room one day after the arrival of one of Mom's packages. Before he could turn the corner to see me sitting happily with a bowl of Froot Loops, he announced that the room reeked of sugar! Afterwards, Benny often referred to me as "The Cereal Killer."
It's a sad situation that I can no longer eat the wheat foods (and choose to avoid the evil cane sugar). I don't get to enjoy Frankenberry when it hits the shelves during this time of year.
No matter though, I will always have the extremely pleasing memories of digging through a box of cereal to pull out a ridiculous plastic glow-in-the-dark toy or a submersible, self-propelled submarine. I will always enjoy the memories of great cereal commercials ("It's Circus Fun right in your bowl, and your gonna wanna come flyin', With horses and hoops, balls and bears, elephants and lions!")
... it's really too bad nobody ever turned me on to a nice bowl of millet with raisins and bananas and cinnamon and walnuts until a year and half ago!
Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm ... thanks yummy breakfast cereals! I couldn't have done it without you.
--------------------------------------------------------------
In case you're wondering, here is a list of my favorites. The number one spot is held by my all time favorite; otherwise, there is no particular order as my taste would change back and forth at any given moment.
1. Frankenberry!
2. Waffle Crisp
3. Count Chocula and Boo Berry (didn't like Yummy Mummy one bit)
4. Cookie Crisp (Vanilla and Chocolate Chip)
5. Quisp
6. Cap'n Crunch (Crunch Berries and Peanut Butter)
7. Buc Wheats (Great-Grandmom's favorite!)
8. Smurf Berry Crunch
9. Fruity Pebbles (there was an exact ratio of milk to cereal to achieve perfection)
10. Honeycomb
Ten will do for now, but I could probably do a list of top 100. Instead of ninety more, here's a link:
http://www.lavasurfer.com/cereal-guide.html
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing."
~ Albert Einstein
Oct. 19, 2008 - Joseph Butcher
My Influences:
Joseph Butcher
brother
And now, I'd like to introduce my "little" brother. By "little", I mean that Joseph came along, chronologically, after me. If I had could find a handy digital photo to compare his size to mine, you would see that he got more of Mom's corn-fed genes than I. Yes, the fact is I'm the runt of the litter; Russell and Joseph are both "bigger" brothers.
Sauntering ever so awkwardly past my size hang-ups, we move back to Joseph.
In the early years, I was amazed to have a brand new brother! I marvelled at his growth as a human being; I just couldn't get enough of seeing how a baby turns to a toddler, etc. I was very excited about helping to learn. Mom always prompted me to help teach Joseph about anything and everything that I could. We had even learned a little sign language to expand his communication skills.
I also got to learn a whole lot about being responsible for my own actions and to see how those actions would be mirrored in the behaviors of my little brother.
Joe turned out to be a pretty smart kid (and now a pretty smart dude) and I got to learn a whole lot about human learning and responsibility -- pretty cool trade, if you're asking.
(The sad twist here is that we lived in a horribly backwards school district that instructed my Mom to STOP teaching him at home.)
So, Joe also turned out to be a pretty funny guy. As a kid, he always preferred the silly to the serious. He always tried to keep things light and make anyone and everyone around him smile. As an adult, though I don't get to spend nearly the amount of time with him as I would prefer (he lives in PA and I in TX), he's still trying to keep it light and makes folks happy.
Seems like a natural brother for the likes of me!
This week Joseph celebrates a birthday. So, wish him a great day and a good year!
Happy Birthday, Joe!
Thanks for being a great brother! I love you!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing."
~ Albert Einstein
Joseph Butcher
brother
And now, I'd like to introduce my "little" brother. By "little", I mean that Joseph came along, chronologically, after me. If I had could find a handy digital photo to compare his size to mine, you would see that he got more of Mom's corn-fed genes than I. Yes, the fact is I'm the runt of the litter; Russell and Joseph are both "bigger" brothers.
Sauntering ever so awkwardly past my size hang-ups, we move back to Joseph.
In the early years, I was amazed to have a brand new brother! I marvelled at his growth as a human being; I just couldn't get enough of seeing how a baby turns to a toddler, etc. I was very excited about helping to learn. Mom always prompted me to help teach Joseph about anything and everything that I could. We had even learned a little sign language to expand his communication skills.
I also got to learn a whole lot about being responsible for my own actions and to see how those actions would be mirrored in the behaviors of my little brother.
Joe turned out to be a pretty smart kid (and now a pretty smart dude) and I got to learn a whole lot about human learning and responsibility -- pretty cool trade, if you're asking.
(The sad twist here is that we lived in a horribly backwards school district that instructed my Mom to STOP teaching him at home.)
So, Joe also turned out to be a pretty funny guy. As a kid, he always preferred the silly to the serious. He always tried to keep things light and make anyone and everyone around him smile. As an adult, though I don't get to spend nearly the amount of time with him as I would prefer (he lives in PA and I in TX), he's still trying to keep it light and makes folks happy.
Seems like a natural brother for the likes of me!
This week Joseph celebrates a birthday. So, wish him a great day and a good year!
Happy Birthday, Joe!
Thanks for being a great brother! I love you!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing."
~ Albert Einstein
Oct. 12, 2008 - Pizza
My Influences:
Pizza
food
The idea to discuss food as an inspiration popped into the old brain housing group today. I thought, rather than discuss the many wonderful foods I enjoy (or in today's case, can no longer enjoy) all in one sitting, I'd break it up into smaller bits.
Pizza is this week's installment!
I love pizza! Who doesn't?! Is it possible that anyone dislikes pizza?
Let's go backwards, today ...
As mentioned above, I can no longer enjoy pizza; I have a bit of the old intolerance to wheat. It grieves me sore that I can't eat the food I used to consider my very most favorite food.
Luckily, when I discovered this little medical anomaly, I had been in Austin for about seven years and well-practiced in the art of sacrificing my Southeasten Pennsylvanian Native diet. As some of you may know, Austin has no real pizza. You might say that some sort of brash statement; you may think you have a better idea. I'll argue with you until you're blue in the face.
Here's my very quick tour of the pizza world both here in Austin and back in PA:
My first concession is Saccone's here in Austin. http://www.saccones.com/ Of course, the folks running this shop are from Jersey, so they ought to know a little something about how to make a good pie. Sure enough, when I could eat the wheat foods, I made the trek up to Cedar Park just for a slice or two. It was the best pizza in Austin -- in fact, the only thing in Austin that would do for me.
How did they compare with the pizza fare at home? It was good; they were the only game in town for a while, though. I'd still recommend them to anyone asking for pizza direction.
In the year before I went wheat-free, two places popped up in South Austin (in fact, both are on S. Congress).
The first is Home Slice Pizza. http://www.homeslicepizza.com/ I have heard the argument that a slice from this joint is every bit as good as anything from Philly. I tend to disagree.
The second is Southside Flying Pizza. http://www.southsideflyingpizza.com/ I haven't heard the same arguement about this place.
Both places serve an okay pie. Both places are, unfortunately, full of hipsters. The former serves slices but I can't comment on the taste as I will never pay half a gig's tips just for a slice! The latter doesn't serve slices (this might actually ban them from inclusion on a list of real pizzerias - if the place doesn't sell by the slice, what kind of place is it?!).
While stuck in Austin, TX, Land of No Pizza, these are the places to go; compared to home, these places get the "emergency pizza" stamp - if the good places are closed, you can go here and still get something that will do.
Heading home (PA home), we find the first pizzeria to teach me what a good slice and a good pie was all about, my childhood favorite, Via Roma Pizzeria! The place seemed covered flour, there were two arcade games in the back, there were dudes speaking (shouting) Italian behind the counter and throwing pizza dough into the air.
The pizza was amazing!
Dad had a four day weekend every other week back then. That Friday night, the usual plan was to order a pie and pick it up then come back to the house where we were allowed to set up dining trays in the living room and watch TV (Dukes Of Hazzard) while we ate the tastiest pizza around.
Fast forwarding to the adult years (after active duty service and before moving to The Land Of No Pizza), I lived in Bridgeport and Norristown. My uncle once told me (of Bridgeport but it could certainly apply to Norristown), "You can't swing a dead cat by its tail without hitting an Italian joint in that town!" A lot of these "Italian joints" were pizzerias.
The best in Norristown, at the time, was a place called Main St. "Home of the Big Slice." They did have some big slices. I don't believe for a second that they were the actual Home of the Big Slice, though. These guys made a seriously good slice. The pies were decent, too ... you had to know who was working, though. I preferred one guy's pie to most of the others cooks. There was one dude in there I avoided at all costs; if this guy was on duty, I wouldn't order a thing.
We ate so much pizza from Main St. during that time. A coupon came with every pizza you ordered (stamped onto the box). Every ten coupons bought you a free pizza. We had a free pizza almost every week.
In Bridgeport, there was Little Sicily http://www.littlesicilypizza.com/ and Franzone's www.kingofprussia.com/franzones. Little Sicily delivered to King of Prussia where I worked at night. I ate myself silly on their personal sized pies. Franzone's is an interesting place. It's a love it or hate it place. They throw their sauce on top of the cheese and the sauce is sweeter than the average. Obviously, I loved it! (It's also Lauryn's favorite.)
Pizza
food
The idea to discuss food as an inspiration popped into the old brain housing group today. I thought, rather than discuss the many wonderful foods I enjoy (or in today's case, can no longer enjoy) all in one sitting, I'd break it up into smaller bits.
Pizza is this week's installment!
I love pizza! Who doesn't?! Is it possible that anyone dislikes pizza?
Let's go backwards, today ...
As mentioned above, I can no longer enjoy pizza; I have a bit of the old intolerance to wheat. It grieves me sore that I can't eat the food I used to consider my very most favorite food.
Luckily, when I discovered this little medical anomaly, I had been in Austin for about seven years and well-practiced in the art of sacrificing my Southeasten Pennsylvanian Native diet. As some of you may know, Austin has no real pizza. You might say that some sort of brash statement; you may think you have a better idea. I'll argue with you until you're blue in the face.
Here's my very quick tour of the pizza world both here in Austin and back in PA:
My first concession is Saccone's here in Austin. http://www.saccones.com/ Of course, the folks running this shop are from Jersey, so they ought to know a little something about how to make a good pie. Sure enough, when I could eat the wheat foods, I made the trek up to Cedar Park just for a slice or two. It was the best pizza in Austin -- in fact, the only thing in Austin that would do for me.
How did they compare with the pizza fare at home? It was good; they were the only game in town for a while, though. I'd still recommend them to anyone asking for pizza direction.
In the year before I went wheat-free, two places popped up in South Austin (in fact, both are on S. Congress).
The first is Home Slice Pizza. http://www.homeslicepizza.com/ I have heard the argument that a slice from this joint is every bit as good as anything from Philly. I tend to disagree.
The second is Southside Flying Pizza. http://www.southsideflyingpizza.com/ I haven't heard the same arguement about this place.
Both places serve an okay pie. Both places are, unfortunately, full of hipsters. The former serves slices but I can't comment on the taste as I will never pay half a gig's tips just for a slice! The latter doesn't serve slices (this might actually ban them from inclusion on a list of real pizzerias - if the place doesn't sell by the slice, what kind of place is it?!).
While stuck in Austin, TX, Land of No Pizza, these are the places to go; compared to home, these places get the "emergency pizza" stamp - if the good places are closed, you can go here and still get something that will do.
Heading home (PA home), we find the first pizzeria to teach me what a good slice and a good pie was all about, my childhood favorite, Via Roma Pizzeria! The place seemed covered flour, there were two arcade games in the back, there were dudes speaking (shouting) Italian behind the counter and throwing pizza dough into the air.
The pizza was amazing!
Dad had a four day weekend every other week back then. That Friday night, the usual plan was to order a pie and pick it up then come back to the house where we were allowed to set up dining trays in the living room and watch TV (Dukes Of Hazzard) while we ate the tastiest pizza around.
Fast forwarding to the adult years (after active duty service and before moving to The Land Of No Pizza), I lived in Bridgeport and Norristown. My uncle once told me (of Bridgeport but it could certainly apply to Norristown), "You can't swing a dead cat by its tail without hitting an Italian joint in that town!" A lot of these "Italian joints" were pizzerias.
The best in Norristown, at the time, was a place called Main St. "Home of the Big Slice." They did have some big slices. I don't believe for a second that they were the actual Home of the Big Slice, though. These guys made a seriously good slice. The pies were decent, too ... you had to know who was working, though. I preferred one guy's pie to most of the others cooks. There was one dude in there I avoided at all costs; if this guy was on duty, I wouldn't order a thing.
We ate so much pizza from Main St. during that time. A coupon came with every pizza you ordered (stamped onto the box). Every ten coupons bought you a free pizza. We had a free pizza almost every week.
In Bridgeport, there was Little Sicily http://www.littlesicilypizza.com/ and Franzone's www.kingofprussia.com/franzones. Little Sicily delivered to King of Prussia where I worked at night. I ate myself silly on their personal sized pies. Franzone's is an interesting place. It's a love it or hate it place. They throw their sauce on top of the cheese and the sauce is sweeter than the average. Obviously, I loved it! (It's also Lauryn's favorite.)
Lauryn and I enjoying some Franzone's!
Jumping into the City, Lorenzo and Son Pizza gets my vote. There are tons of places to eat a slice in Philly, I'm sure I could go on and on about quite a few of them. Lorenzo's just happens to be my pick. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!!
So, there you have it. A quick tour of good pizza. Sorry, Austin, there really isn't great pizza here in town. It's a sacrifice one must make for all the other amazing things that happen here. It's unfortunate but what can you do? At least, there are a great many more healthy alternatives (we can talk about them later, though)!
-- If you are eating Domino's or Mr. Gatti's or Pizza Hut or Papa John's or the like, please know that you are not eating pizza. You are eating a grease sponge. Stop now, find your way to the above-mentioned shops. You'll thank yourself.
-- If anyone feels the need to reply to this bit to tell me about Milto's or some other fancy "gourmet" pizza place in Austin, please know that I will not respond as I feel those places are NOT pizzerias nor do they serve real pizza. It should be noted that these places are making "gourmet" pizzas; the more crap you have to load on to a pizza to conceal or to enhance its true flavor the more it isn't real pizza.
I love pizza!
Mmmmmmmmmmmmm!! I wish I could eat the wheat!
-------------------------------------------------
Some Links:
Wiki - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pizza
--------------------------------------------------------------
"The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing."
~ Albert Einstein
Jumping into the City, Lorenzo and Son Pizza gets my vote. There are tons of places to eat a slice in Philly, I'm sure I could go on and on about quite a few of them. Lorenzo's just happens to be my pick. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!!
So, there you have it. A quick tour of good pizza. Sorry, Austin, there really isn't great pizza here in town. It's a sacrifice one must make for all the other amazing things that happen here. It's unfortunate but what can you do? At least, there are a great many more healthy alternatives (we can talk about them later, though)!
-- If you are eating Domino's or Mr. Gatti's or Pizza Hut or Papa John's or the like, please know that you are not eating pizza. You are eating a grease sponge. Stop now, find your way to the above-mentioned shops. You'll thank yourself.
-- If anyone feels the need to reply to this bit to tell me about Milto's or some other fancy "gourmet" pizza place in Austin, please know that I will not respond as I feel those places are NOT pizzerias nor do they serve real pizza. It should be noted that these places are making "gourmet" pizzas; the more crap you have to load on to a pizza to conceal or to enhance its true flavor the more it isn't real pizza.
I love pizza!
Mmmmmmmmmmmmm!! I wish I could eat the wheat!
-------------------------------------------------
Some Links:
Wiki - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pizza
--------------------------------------------------------------
"The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing."
~ Albert Einstein
Monday, October 6, 2008
October 6, 2008 - ukulele
My Influences:
Ukulele
instrument
Who doesn't like ukuleles? I do!
As we should probably all know, ukuleles came to us via Hawaii. Around the early 1880s, Portuguese immigrants developed and introduced the instrument to Hawaii.
As the Jazz Age took off in the mid-teens and through the 1920s, the ukulele held as a staple of many vaudvillian acts as well as a popular and very portable entertainment for the average American citizen.
I don't recall exactly how the ukulele came into my life. I know that my step-Grandfather loaned me his right around the same time I purchased my very own ($25 cheap, Sam Ash special). I do recall my cousin turning me on to the Asylum Street Spankers, a band that featured Pops Bayless on the ukulele. http://ryan-gould.blogspot.com/2008/06/oct-15-2007-pops-bayless.html Eventually, I met Pops and he turned me on to Cliff Edwards. If I wasn't already completely enamored with the uke, my first Cliff Edwards album certainly pushed me beyond anything less.
http://ryan-gould.blogspot.com/2008/06/march-30-2008-cliff-edwards.html
The ukulele is just too fun! If it's played right, it's a beautiful instrument offering the disciplined student so much with so little. It's great accompaniment to any instrument or voice. It's also a wonderful way to learn to play music and to learn about music theory!
I can't get enough ukulele! In fact, I'm done writing and I'm going to pull a ukulele off my wall and pick through a few tunes right now.
Thank you ukulele! Where would I be without you?
Some Links:
Wiki - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukulele
Ukulele Hall Of Fame - http://www.ukulele.org/
Jim Beloff's Great Site - http://www.fleamarketmusic.com/
Roy Smeck:
Wiki - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Smeck
YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8fQePz4FcE
Cliff Edwards:
Red Hot Jazz - http://www.redhotjazz.com/cliffedwards.html
Garrick's Page - http://www.jazzage1920s.com/cliffedwards/cliff.php
YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6omeanjaweA (check out the related videos!)
Pops Bayless:
MySpace - www.myspace.com/tinpanalley
Shorty Long - www.shortylong.com
Combo Mahalo:
www.combomahalo.com
Willy Costello (a.k.a. Red Pepper Sam):
Wiki - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_%22Billy%22_Costello
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Popeye#Fleischer_Studios
--------------------------------------------------------------
"Remember that a government big enough to give you everything you want is also big enough to take away everything you have."
instrument
Who doesn't like ukuleles? I do!
As we should probably all know, ukuleles came to us via Hawaii. Around the early 1880s, Portuguese immigrants developed and introduced the instrument to Hawaii.
As the Jazz Age took off in the mid-teens and through the 1920s, the ukulele held as a staple of many vaudvillian acts as well as a popular and very portable entertainment for the average American citizen.
I don't recall exactly how the ukulele came into my life. I know that my step-Grandfather loaned me his right around the same time I purchased my very own ($25 cheap, Sam Ash special). I do recall my cousin turning me on to the Asylum Street Spankers, a band that featured Pops Bayless on the ukulele. http://ryan-gould.blogspot.com/2008/06/oct-15-2007-pops-bayless.html Eventually, I met Pops and he turned me on to Cliff Edwards. If I wasn't already completely enamored with the uke, my first Cliff Edwards album certainly pushed me beyond anything less.
http://ryan-gould.blogspot.com/2008/06/march-30-2008-cliff-edwards.html
The ukulele is just too fun! If it's played right, it's a beautiful instrument offering the disciplined student so much with so little. It's great accompaniment to any instrument or voice. It's also a wonderful way to learn to play music and to learn about music theory!
I can't get enough ukulele! In fact, I'm done writing and I'm going to pull a ukulele off my wall and pick through a few tunes right now.
Thank you ukulele! Where would I be without you?
Some Links:
Wiki - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukulele
Ukulele Hall Of Fame - http://www.ukulele.org/
Jim Beloff's Great Site - http://www.fleamarketmusic.com/
Roy Smeck:
Wiki - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Smeck
YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8fQePz4FcE
Cliff Edwards:
Red Hot Jazz - http://www.redhotjazz.com/cliffedwards.html
Garrick's Page - http://www.jazzage1920s.com/cliffedwards/cliff.php
YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6omeanjaweA (check out the related videos!)
Pops Bayless:
MySpace - www.myspace.com/tinpanalley
Shorty Long - www.shortylong.com
Combo Mahalo:
www.combomahalo.com
Willy Costello (a.k.a. Red Pepper Sam):
Wiki - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_%22Billy%22_Costello
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Popeye#Fleischer_Studios
--------------------------------------------------------------
"Remember that a government big enough to give you everything you want is also big enough to take away everything you have."
~Davy Crockett
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About Me
- Ryan
- Austin, Texas, United States
- Music has been, at the very least, a truly notable part of most of my life. It was guitar in the late '80s through the '90s, playing the punk rock and death metal until the uilleann pipes came along to show me Irish music. Somewhere in the midst of the pipering madness, I decided to pick up a string bass. Next thing I knew, I was in Austin, TX studying traditional jazz and playing string bass full-time. Music has been good to me and continues to show me the good things in life. With this blog, I hope to share some of those good things (more than likely, I'll probably share some rants, too). I hope you get something from it, even if it's just a good laugh (with me or at me: your choice).