Kid Ric

Robert Johnson's Graves....

2007-07-06T15:43:00.000-05:00

A small tribute to The great Robert Johnson. Not just another Taurus genius. YouTube - Robert Johnson's Graves

Peace, love and light,
Ric

Independence Day

2007-07-04T12:47:00.000-05:00

Independence Day!
The day we all go out to play.
Never thinking of the price we paid.
For the freedom we have to go out and play!

So, while you are out tip your hat.
Say a little prayer for those who fought.
A moment of silence will do.
To give thanks for what the fallen have done for you.

Then enjoy the fireworks and eat all day.
But never ever loose sight of the price we had to pay.
And the many who gave their lives away.
For the privilege of us being allowed to go out to play.

Kid Ric - July 4, 2007

Fourth of July Celebrations Database

Peace, love and light to one and all,
Kid Ric

The Daily Background » Blog Archive » The Top 15 Most Embarrassing Photos of George W. Bush

2007-07-02T17:02:00.000-05:00

The Daily Background » Blog Archive » The Top 15 Most Embarrassing Photos of George W. Bush

Bassist Joke!

2007-06-15T11:42:00.000-05:00

Little Johnny's father finally agrees to teach him to play bass, just like his dad. For the first lesson, Dad shows Johnny the E string and tells him to practice thumping on just that string. Nice, even quarter notes. For the second lesson, Dad shows Johnny the A string, telling him to just thump away on it - again, nice, even quarter notes. For the third lesson, Dad shows him how to go back and forth: A - E - A - E*. Back and forth, nice even quarter notes. When Johnny doesn't show up for his fourth lesson, Dad calls his wife at work to see if Johnny forgot about his lesson. The wife replies, "Oh. Didn't you hear? He left this morning to tour with Garth Brooks."

Found the pot at the end of the rainbow!!!!

2007-06-13T10:05:00.001-05:00

New gimmic to sell gas!!!

2007-06-10T17:51:00.000-05:00

A gas station owner was trying to increase his gasoline sales.
So he put up a sign that read, "Free Sex with Fill-Up."

Soon a local redneck pulled in, filled his tank and asked for his free sex.

The owner told him to pick a number from 1 to 10. If he guessed correctly he would get his free sex. The redneck guessed 8, and the store owner said, "You were close. The number was 7. Sorry. No sex this time."

A week later, the same redneck, along with a buddy, Bubba, pulled in for another fill-up.

Again he asked for his free sex.

The store owner again asked him to guess the correct number.

The redneck guessed 2 this time.

The store owner said, "Sorry, it was 3. You were close, but no free sex this time."

As they were driving away, the redneck said to his buddy, "I think that game is rigged and he don't really give away free sex."

Bubba replied, "No it ain't rigged. My wife done won it twice last week."

Peace, love and light to all,
Kid Ric

Bushcronium

2007-01-23T11:33:00.000-05:00

A major research institution has just announced the discovery of the densest element yet known to science. The new element has been named "Bushcronium."

Bushcronium has one neutron, 12 assistant neutrons, 75 deputy neutrons, and 224 assistant deputy neutrons, giving it an atomic mass of 311. These particles are held together by dark forces called morons, which are surrounded by vast quantities of lepton-like particles called peons.
The symbol for Bushcronium is "W." Bushcronium's mass actually increases over time, as morons randomly interact with various elements in the atmosphere and become assistant deputy neutrons in a Bushcronium molecule, forming isodopes. This characteristic of moron-promotion leads some scientists to believe that Bushcronium is formed whenever morons reach a certain quantity in concentration. This hypothetical quantity is referred to as "Critical Morass." When catalyzed with money, Bushcronium activates Foxnewsium, an element that radiates orders of magnitude, more energy, albeit as incoherent noise, since it has 1/2 as many peons but twice as many morons/ molecule as Bushcronium.

The Golden Screw...

2007-01-20T02:05:00.000-05:00

Once upon a time, a young lad was born without a belly button. In its Place was a golden screw. All the doctors told his mother that there was Nothing they could do. Like it or not, he was stuck with it. All the years of growing up was real tough on him, as all who saw the Screw made fun of him. He avoided ever leaving his house and thus, never Made any friends. One day, a mysterious stranger saw his belly and told him of a swami In Tibet that could get rid of the screw for him. He was thrilled. The Next day he took all of his life's savings and bought a ticket to Nepal. &g t;> After several days of climbing up steep cliffs, he came upon a giant monastery. The swami knew exactly why he had come. He was told to Sleep in the highest tower of the monastery and the following day when he awoke the screw would have been removed. The man immediately went to the room and fell asleep. During the night while he slept, a purple fog floated in an open window, bearing in its mist, a golden screwdriver. In just moments, the screw-driver Removed the screw and disappeared out the window. The next morning when the boy woke, he saw the golden screw laying on The pillow next to him. Reaching down, he felt his navel, and there was no screw there! Jubilant, he leaped out of bed, and his butt fell off. The moral to this is- "Don't screw around with things you don't understand -- you could Lose your ass".

Peace, love and kight,
Kid Ric

Hand made Hannocastor Guitar

2007-01-12T18:30:00.000-05:00

Here's a fine custom made guitar built by a friend of mine who works as a painter for Paul Reed Smith.

Here's what she has under the hood.

- swamp ash / string thru body
- maple neck / reverse strat headstock
- maple fretboard
- the "Hannon" wide/thin neck carve (half PRS half Strat)
- 9.75 fretboard radius
- PRS locking tuners
- cow skull nut
- Duncan P-90 pickups w/ added alnico magnets
- Hipshot hardtail bridge
- PRS / Schaller 3 way "mega switch" (recessed)
- recessed volume control
- custom cut pickgaurd / electronics cavity cover ( matching tortise)
- pickup location: bridge ('63 Jazzmaster) neck (PRS McCarty)

Peace, love and light,
Ric

Good day....

2007-01-09T20:35:00.000-05:00

Italian hostess v/s American talk show hostess...Hmmmm?

2007-01-09T20:07:00.000-05:00

This is the hostess for an Italian TV talk show.

American Television:
The following is the hostess for an American TV talk show.

So, Where do you live
and why?
Rosy will never
look as good!!!

Today back then....

2007-01-06T11:41:00.000-05:00

1936
Billboard issued its first record sales chart, with "Stop! Look! Listen!" by Jazz artist Joe Venuti listed as the number one record.

1940
NBC begins regular FM transmission from New York's Empire State Building on W2XDG. In October of the same year, the FCC granted 15 stations the first construction permits for commercial FM operation. Edwin Armstrong, the inventor of FM (Frequency Modulation) first demonstrated the technology to executives and engineers of RCA in 1933.

1953
29 year old Hank Williams died of heart failure while on his way to a show in Canton Ohio. Ironically, he had the number 1 song that week on the Country chart called, "I'll Never Get Out of This World Alive".

1954
A young truck driver named Elvis Presley paid $4 to record a ten-inch acetate demo at the Memphis Recording Service, an open-to-the-public business run by Sam Phillips. The two songs Presley recorded, "Casual Love Affair" and "I'll Never Stand in Your Way", impressed Phillips enough that he had Elvis record his first professional sides for Sun Records the following August.

1956
On New Years Eve, Elvis Presley appeared on Wink Martindale's local TV special in Memphis.

On the first day of the new year, RCA released Elvis Presley's "Heartbreak Hotel". In 1999, the single would be certified multi-platinum for the second time.

1957
Fats Domino records "I'm Walkin'". The record will reach #4 on the US Pop chart and #1 on the R&B chart in April of 1958.

1958
Danny and the Juniors' rock and roll classic "At The Hop" was the number one song in the US. Originally written as "Do the Bop", American Bandstand host Dick Clark advised the group to re-write the lyrics because the dance known as The Bop was on its way out. Clark was right and the Philadelphia quartet's record stayed in the top spot for a month.

Coral Records releases what proves to be Buddy Holly's last record before his death, "It Doesn't Matter Anymore", which was one of the few songs that Buddy recorded that he didn't write. It was penned by Paul Anka and peaked at #13 two months after he was killed.

1959
TV ratings for December 1958 listed Dick Clark's American Bandstand as the country's most popular daytime show.

1960
Marty Robbins' cross over hit "El Paso" topped the Billboard Hot 100 and would later become the first Country song to win a Grammy Award. It made #19 in the UK. The disc held the record for the longest #1 song up to this date, at 5 minutes and 19 seconds long.

Mark Dinning's "Teen Angel" enters the US chart, where it will reach the top less than five weeks later.

Johnny Cash gave his first of many performances at San Quentin Prison. In the audience that night was Merle Haggard, who was serving just under three years for burglary.

Bobby Darin and Connie Francis sing a duet on Yhe Ed Sullivan Show.

1961
Appearing on New Year's Eve at the Ritchie Valens Memorial Concert at the Long Beach Municipal Auditorium, the Beach Boys play their first show under that name. Prior to this, they called themselves the Pendletons and Carl and the Passions. The gig paid them $300.

1962
John & Michelle Phillips get married on New Year's Eve. The pair would later co-found the Mamas & the Papas.

The Beatles attend a New Year's Day audition for Decca Records where they record 15 songs. After reviewing their material, the company decided to sign Brian Poole and The Tremeloes instead.

After refusing to sign an oath that says they have never been members of the Communist party, the American folk group, The Weavers are removed from the line-up of NBC-TV's Jack Parr Show.

The British music magazine Mersey Beat publishes a group popularity poll which shows The Beatles at the top, followed by Gerry and The Pacemakers.

1963
Rick Nelson signs a one million dollar, twenty year contract with Decca Records.

1964
The British TV program, The Top of the Pops, aired its first show, featuring The Rolling Stones, Dusty Springfield and The Dave Clark Five.

Bobby Vinton's "There! I've Said It Again" becomes the last US number one record before the so called British Invasion. Between Bill Haley's "Rock Around The Clock" in July, 1955 and Vinton's hit, only five non-American artists could manage a US chart topper. All that was about to change.

The Beatles were seen for the first time on a US TV show when a clip from the BBC's The Mersey Sound, showing the group playing "She Loves You", was shown on The Jack Parr Show. At that point, Parr was not a fan and made fun of their haircuts on the air.

1965
The Beatles single "I Feel Fine" and album, "Beatles '65" are certified gold.

The Beatles had three L.P.s in the top 10 of the US albums chart, with "Beatles '65" (number 1), "A Hard Day's Night" (number 6) and "Beatles' Story" (peaking at number 7).

CBS purchases The Fender Guitar Company for $13 million.

1966
The Monkees topped the Billboard Hot 100 with the Neil Diamond composition, "I'm A Believer".

The final episode of the US TV show, The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet (with Rick Nelson) is filmed. The show began as a radio series in 1944 and moved to television in 1952.

The Beatles' "We Can Work It Out" is awarded a gold record, two days before it begins a three week reign in the number one spot. It had entered the chart on December 18, 1965 and stayed on the Hot 100 for 12 weeks.

1967
Sonny & Cher are barred from Pasadena, California's Tournament of Roses Parade for speaking out in support of the Sunset Strip rioters.

The Beach Boys Carl Wilson refused to report to the local draft board after getting his draft notice. He would eventually win conscientious objector status. The Beach Boys were still enjoying the success of their latest single, "Good Vibrations", which hit number 1 in the US just a few weeks earlier.

The Bee Gees enjoyed their first recording success when "Spicks and Specks" rose to the top of the Australian singles chart.

1968
For the first time ever, Americans spent more than $1 billion on records. According to Billboard Magazine, album sales were 192 million units and singles sold 187 million units.

"Bob Dylan's Greatest Hits" goes gold just nine months after its release.

Television producer and American Bandstand host Dick Clark premieres his latest TV series, Happening '68. The prime-time show, featuring popular rock acts, ran until September 1969.

1969
At a New Year's Eve concert at the Fillmore East in New York City, Jimi Hendrix introduces his new side men, bassist Billy Cox and former Electric Flag drummer, Buddy Miles. The concert is recorded for the live album, "Band of Gypsys".

Thirty thousand copies of John Lennon and Yoko Ono's album, "Two Virgins" were seized at a New Jersey airport because the cover shows the couple naked. A vice squad in Chicago shut down a record store displaying the album, causing the distributor, Tetragrammaton Records, to sell the L.P. in a plain brown paper wrapper.

1970
Paul McCartney files suit to dissolve the Beatles' corporation. It would take until 1974 for the split to become final.

Elvis' last non-documentary film, Change of Habit, hit theatres in the US. The movie paired Elvis, as an inner-city doctor and Mary Tyler Moore, as a nun.

What would prove to be The Beatles' last recording session is held at EMI's Abby Road Studios. The last song they ever played together was "I Me Mine", which became the title of George Harrison's autobiography a decade later.

"Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head", taken from the soundtrack of the film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, becomes BJ Thomas' third US Top Ten hit and his first number one. It made #38 in the UK.

Following the footsteps of Peter Tork, who quit a year earlier, singer Davy Jones announces that he too is leaving The Monkees.

Tragedy struck The Who on January 4th when a gang of teens attacked Keith Moon's Bentley limo. His chauffeur, Neil Boland got out to try to protect the car, but left it in gear, and it started moving. Moon, who had no driver's license, jumped behind the wheel. Unfortunately, the chauffeur, who was being beaten, had fallen under the car and as Keith gunned the engine, Neil was run over and killed. Though the inquest absolved Moon of blame, Neil's family didn't, and neither did Moon himself, as he was haunted by the incident for the rest of his life.

1971
David Clayton-Thomas makes his last appearance with Blood, Sweat & Tears (until the inevitable reunion)

George Harrison became the first solo Beatle to have a #1 album in the US when "All Things Must Pass" went to the top of the charts. It had a seven week run.

1972
Dick Clark's first Rockin' New Years Eve airs on ABC-TV, starring Three Dog Night, Al Green and Blood, Sweat & Tears.

The MC5 play their farewell show at a New Years Eve bash at the Grande Ballroom in Detroit.

Three Dog Night becomes the first rock band to appear on a Tournament of Roses Parade float. Lawrence Welk was the Grand Marshall of the parade that year.

Don McLean received a gold record for "American Pie".

1973
Country singer Tex Ritter died of a heart attack on January 2nd, at the age of 67, while trying to bail a member of his band out of jail. Tex's son John Ritter was the star of the US TV sit-com, Three's Company.

The Allman Brothers name bassist Lamar Williams as the replacement for the late Berry Oakley.

Carly Simon's "You're So Vain" leads the US hit parade, stirring speculation about exactly who she was singing about. Although suggestions run from actor Warren Beatty to Mick Jagger to James Taylor to Kris Kristofferson, Simon has steadfastly refused to divulge her secret.

1974
Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham are invited to join Fleetwood Mac, marking the band's tenth line-up change since 1967.

Bob Dylan and The Band reunited for a US tour. Dylan was promoting his "Planet Waves" album while The Band had just released "Moondog Matinee" and the single, "Ain't Got No Home". The results of the tour were released six months later on "Before the Flood", a live, double album.

Jim Croce's "Time in a Bottle" tops the Hot 100, the second of three posthumous hits for the late singer / songwriter.

1975
Elvis Presley performed a New Year's Eve concert before 60,000 fans at the Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan. He earned $800,000 for the night, a then world record for a single show by a solo artist.

Elton John's remake of The Beatles' "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" becomes his tenth US Top Ten hit and his third number one. The recording included John Lennon on guitar.

After fans caused over $30,000 damage to the Boston Garden auditorium, Mayor Kevin White promptly cancels a scheduled performance by Led Zeppelin.

1976
Bob Dylan's song, "Hurricane", topped out at #33 on the Billboard singles chart, helping to cause enough publicity to eventually get Rubin 'Hurricane' Carter released from jail. The song promoted Carter's innocence and a movie about Carter's life, starring Denzel Washington, was released in 2000.

40 year old Mal Evans, a former roadie and bodyguard of the Beatles, is shot to death by police at his Los Angeles apartment. His girlfriend, Fran Hughes, found him upset and despondent and when friends couldn't get Evans to release the unloaded rifle he was holding, they called police. Evans supposedly pointed the gun at police and they opened fire.

1978
The soundtrack to Saturday Night Fever enters the US album charts, where it will eventually hit number one and stay there for six weeks starting February 18. The album had a chart stay of 39 weeks and to this date, has sold over 15 million copies.

1979
At a New Years Eve concert in Cleveland, Bruce Springsteen's cheek is ripped open by a fire-cracker thrown onstage from the audience. Shock rocker Sid Vicious went on trial for stabbing his girlfriend, Nancy Spungen. The trial was never completed as Vicious died a month later of a heroin overdose. He had attempted suicide twice while in a cell after his arrest.

The Bee Gees lead the Billboard Hot 100 for the seventh time when "Too Much Heaven" climbed to the top. The Brothers Gibb donated the proceeds from the single to UNICEF, the agency dedicated to helping children around the world.

The Village People scored their only UK #1 single with "Y.M.C.A." At it's peak, the record was selling 150,000 copies a day.

1980
Cliff Richard is awarded the MBE by Queen Elizabeth II for services to the British Empire. Before this, the title was held by the Beatles and Elton John alone, among pop musicians.

John Denver's album, "A Christmas Together with The Muppets", reached number 26 on the US album chart and would go on to sell over a million copies. John had recently appeared on a Christmas special with Jim Henson's creations.

The first number one song of the eighties belonged to KC and The Sunshine Band for "Please Don't Go". It was their fifth and final US chart topper.

Georgeanna Tillman of The Marvelettes, who scored a number one hit with "Please Mr. Postman" in 1961, died on January 6th of sickle cell anemia at the age of 35.

1984
On New Years Eve, Def Leppard's drummer Rick Allen lost his left arm after crashing his Corvette while racing another driver on a UK highway. The arm was re-attached, but had to be removed three days later. His right arm was also damaged, but he continued on with the band using a specially adapted drum kit.

1985
Rock and Roll legend Rick Nelson was killed while en route to a New Year's Eve show in Dallas, Texas. His private DC-3 (which was previously owned by Jerry Lee Lewis) crashed in a field near DeKalb, Texas. Early press reports erroneously suggested that drug use, namely freebasing, might have played a role in the crash that killed Rick, his band, and his fiancée Helen Blair (the pilot and co-pilot survived). In fact, the National Transportation Safety Board's 1987 report determined that the fire began in a malfunctioning gas heater.

1986
36 year old Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzy ("The Boys Are Back In Town") died of a heart attack brought on by a drug overdose on January 4th.

1987
Elton John was admitted to a Sydney hospital for throat surgery. He was not able to perform again until April. He had just recorded the album, "Live in Australia" the month before, that would produce the top 10 hit, "Candle in the Wind".

1988
Michael Jackson and Bono shared first place in an American poll of 'the most beautiful lips'.

1989
Tom Jones made a guest appearance on Late Night With David Letterman, performing his comeback tune, "Kiss", a song he recorded with The Art of Noise. It was his first US hit in almost a dozen years.

1991
Ted Nugent donated 200 pounds of venison to a Salvation Army soup kitchen in Detroit with the message "I kill it, you grill it."

1993
Elton John breaks Elvis Presley's record for the most consecutive years having a US Top 40 hit when "The Last Song" peaks at number 24, giving him a string of 23 straight hit making years.

1994
Diana Ross is named to Mr. Blackwell's worst-dressed women list.

Meat Loaf started a three week run at the top of the UK album chart with "Bat Out Of Hell 2 - Back To Hell".

1995
Byron MacGregor, whose spoken word rendition of "The Americans" became a number five hit in the Spring of 1974, passed away on January 3rd.

1997
Pianist Floyd Cramer, who scored a Billboard number 2 hit in 1960 with "Last Date", passed away at the age of 64 on December 31st.

45 year old Randy California, who is best known as the leader of the rock band Spirit, died tragically when he was gripped by an undertow while swimming on the coast of the Hawaiian island of Molokai. Before he died, he was able to save his 12 year-old son, Quinn.

1998
Sonny Bono suffered fatal head and neck injuries while skiing at the Heavenly Ski Resort in Nevada on January 6th. The 62 year old Bono was apparently skiing alone, late in the day when he crashed into a tree. After leaving show business, Sonny was elected Mayor of Palm Springs, California in 1988 and in 1994 was elected to the US congress and was re-elected in 1996.

1999
Tom Jones and Dusty Springfield receive the Order Of The British Empire for their services to music, as does David Essex, commended for his charitable work with Voluntary Service Overseas.

2002
56 year old Eric Clapton married his 25-year-old American girlfriend, Melia McEnery in a private ceremony on New Year's Day that included the christening of their infant daughter, Julie Rose.

2003
Capitol Records announced that Lisa Marie Presley's first album will be released on April 8th of this year.

Former Supremes singer Diana Ross was allegedly caught driving under the influence in Tucson, Arizona. The 58 year old Ross was pulled over by police responding to a report that her vehicle had been swerving. Her blood-alcohol content was determined to be 0.20, more than twice the legal limit. Ross, who was alone in the car, was polite to police at the scene and was driven by them to the location where she was staying in the area. She was cited with three counts of DUI, all misdemeanors.

2004
For the first time in the last 32 years, Dick Clark wasn't in New York's Time Square to celebrate New Year's Eve. The 75 year old TV host / producer was forced to watch the show from his hospital bed after suffering a mild stroke on December 6th. A spokesman said that Mr. Clark had been doing some rehab and that doctors were encouraged with his progress.

Ray Davies of The Kinks was shot in the leg during a robbery in New Orleans when two thieves stole a lady friend's purse at gunpoint. Davies gave chase and one of the men turned and shot him in the thigh.

2005
On December 31st, Tom Jones was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II.

Although he wasn't actually in Times Square and his speech had slowed due to the effects of a stroke he suffered in December, 2004, Dick Clark made a return to his New Year's Rockin' Eve TV show.

Roger Daltrey, the sixty-one year old lead singer of the legendary English rock band, The Who, was named a Commander of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II.

2006
Lou Rawls passed away on January 6th at the age of 72, after a long battle with cancer. The velvet voiced singer placed six songs on the Billboard Top 40 Pop chart, including the number two hit, "You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine" in 1976.

Former British rocker Gary Glitter was formally charged with committing obscene acts with two girls aged 10 and 11. The 61 year old Glitter, whose real name is Paul Francis Gadd, was accused of kissing and engaging in other physical acts with the girls at his rental home in the southern Vietnamese resort town of Vung Tau.

Compiled by ClassicBands.com

Peace, ;ove and light,
Ric

HAPPY NEW YEARS DAY!

2007-01-01T11:59:00.000-05:00

"> NEW YEARS DAY - U2

HAPPY 2007!

Peace, love and light,
Ric

OLDTIMERS

2006-12-31T14:07:00.000-05:00

Two elderly gentlemen from a retirement center were sitting on a bench
under a tree when one turns to the other & says "Slim, I'm 83 years old
now & I'm just full of aches & pains. I know you're about my age. How do
you feel?"
Slim says "I feel just like a newborn baby."
"Really? Like a newborn baby?"
"Yep. No hair, no teeth, & I think I just wet my pants!"

Three old guys are out walking.
First one says "Windy, isn't it?"
Second one says "No, it's Thursday!"
Third one says "So am I. Let's go get a beer."

Morris, an 82 year-old man, went to the doctor to get a physical.
A few days later, the doctor saw Morris walking down the street w/a
gorgeous young woman on his arm.
A couple of days later, the doctor spoke to Morris & said "You're really
doing great, aren't you?"
Morris replied "Just doing what you said, Doc ...'Get a hot mamma & be
cheerful.'"
The doctor said "I didn't say that. I said ... 'You've got a heart murmur;
be careful.'"

A little old man shuffled slowly into an ice cream parlor & pulled himself
slowly, painfully, up onto a stool. After catching his breath, he ordered
a banana split.
The waitress asked kindly,” Crushed nuts?"
"No," he replied, "Arthritis."

Happy New Year to one and all.

Peace, love and light,
Ric

James Brown died today at 73...

2006-12-25T13:46:00.000-05:00

Happy Holidays!

2006-12-24T11:48:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas and a happy new year to one and all.

Peace, love and light,
Ric

One hundred years ago.

2006-12-10T17:35:00.000-05:00

The year is 1906. One hundred years ago. What a difference a century makes!

Here are some of the U.S. statistics for the Year 1906:

The average life expectancy in the U.S. was 47 years old.

Only 14 percent of the homes in the U.S. had a bathtub.

Only 8 percent of the homes had a telephone.

A three-minute call from Denver to New York City cost eleven dollars.

There were only 8,000 cars in the U.S. and only 144 miles of paved roads.

The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph.

Alabama, Mississippi, Iowa and Tennessee were each more heavily populated than California.

With a mere 1.4 million people, California was only the 21st most populous state in the Union.

The tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower!

The average wage in the U.S. was 22 Cents per hour.

The average U.S. worker made between $200 and $400 per year.

A competent accountant could expect to earn $2000 per year, a dentist made $2,500 per year, a veterinarian between $1,500 per year, and a mechanical engineer about $5,000 per year.

More than 95 percent of all births in the U.S. took place at HOME.

Ninety percent of all U.S. doctors had NO COLLEGE EDUCATION! Instead, they attended so-called medical schools, many of which were condemned in the press and the government as "substandard."

Sugar cost four cents a pound.

Eggs were fourteen cents a dozen.

Coffee was fifteen cents a pound.

Most women only washed their hair once a month and used borax or egg yolks for shampoo.

Canada passed a law that prohibited poor people from entering into their country for any reason.

Five leading causes of death in the U.S. were:

1. Pneumonia and influenza
2. Tuberculosis
3. Diarrhea
4. Heart disease
5. Stroke

The American flag had 45 stars. Arizona, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Hawaii and Alaska hadn't been admitted to the Union yet.

The population of Las Vegas, Nevada was only 30!!!!

Crossword puzzles, canned beer and ice tea hadn't been invented yet.

There was no Mother's Day or Father's Day.

Two out of every 10 U.S. adults couldn't read or write.

Only 6 percent of all Americans had graduated from high school.

Marijuana, heroin, and morphine were all available over the counter at the local corner drugstores . Back then pharmacists said, "Heroin clears the complexion, gives buoyancy to the mind, regulates the stomach and bowels, and is, in fact, a perfect guardian of health." (Shocking?)

There were about 230 reported Murders in the ENTIRE U.S.A. !

Just Try to imagine..... what it may be like in another 100 years !!!!!!!

Peace, love and light,
Kid Ric

AIN'T IT THE TRUTH!!?"

2006-11-16T00:48:00.000-05:00

Joe Smith started the day early having set his
alarm clock (MADE IN JAPAN) for 6am.
While his coffeepot (MADE IN CHINA ) was perking,
he shaved with his electric razor (MADE IN HONG KONG ).

He put on a dress shirt ( MADE IN SRI LANKA ),
designer jeans ( MADE IN SINGAPORE ) and
tennis shoes (MADE IN KOREA ) .

After cooking his breakfast in his new electric skillet (MADE IN INDIA )
he sat down with his calculator ( MADE IN MEXICO )
to see how much he could spend today.

After setting his watch (MADE IN TAIWAN )
to the radio (MADE IN INDIA )
he got in his car ( MADE IN GERMANY ) filled it with
GAS (from Saudi Arabia) and continued his search
for a good paying AMERICAN JOB ..

At the end of yet another discouraging and fruitless day
checking his Computer (Made In Malaysia ),
Joe decided to relax for a while.

He put on his sandals (MADE IN BRAZIL )
poured himself a glass of wine ( MADE IN FRANCE.!)
and turned on his TV (MADE IN INDONESIA ),

and then wondered why he can't find a good paying job in ... AMERICA ......

Happy Halloween!

2006-10-29T13:47:00.000-05:00

Halloween Ecard for all to enjoy!

Sent to me by my good friends Manfred and Melissa.

Happy Halloween!

Peace, love and light,
Kid Ric

SOMETHING TO OFFEND EVERYONE:

2006-10-19T11:43:00.000-05:00

What do you call two Mexicans playing basketball?
Juan on Juan

What is a Yankee?
The same as a quickie, but a guy can do it alone.

What is the difference between a Harley and a Hoover?
The position of the dirt bag

Why is divorce so expensive?
Because it's worth it.

What do you see when the Pillsbury Dough Boy bends over?
Doughnuts?

Why is air a lot like sex?
Because it's no big deal unless you're not getting any

What do you call a smart blonde?
A golden retriever.

What do attorneys use for birth control?
Their personalities.

What's the difference between a girlfriend and wife?
45 lbs

What's the difference between a boyfriend and husband?
45 minutes

What's the fastest way to a man's heart?
Through his chest with a sharp knife.

Why do men want to marry virgins?
They can't stand criticism.

What's the difference between a new husband and a new dog?
After a year, the dog is still excited to see you

What makes men chase women they have no intention of marrying?
The same urge that makes dogs chase cars they have no intention of driving.

Why don't bunnies make noise when they have sex?
Because they have cotton balls.

What's the difference between a porcupine and BMW?
A porcupine has the pricks on the outside.

What did the blonde say when she found out she was pregnant?
"Are you sure it's mine?"

Why does Mike Tyson cry during sex?
Mace will do that to you.

Why did OJ Simpson want to move to Arkansas ?
Everyone has the same DNA.

Why do men find it difficult to make eye contact?
Breasts don't have eyes.
Did you hear about the dyslexic Rabbi?
He walks around saying "Yo."
Why do drivers' education classes in Redneck schools use the car only on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays?
Because on Tuesday and Thursday, the Sex Ed class uses it.

Where does an Irish family go on vacation?
A different bar.

What would you call it when an Italian has one arm shorter than the other?
A speech impediment.

What does it mean when the flag at the Post Office is flying at half-mast?
They're hiring.

What's the difference between a southern zoo and a northern zoo?
A southern zoo has a description of the animal on the front of the cage along with... "a recipe".

How do you get a sweet little 80-year-old lady to say the F word?
Get another sweet little 80-year-old lady to yell *BINGO*!

Why is there no Disneyland in China? No one's tall enough to go on the good rides.

AND....LAST BUT NOT LEAST

What's the difference between a northern fairytale and a southern fairytale? A northern fairytale begins "Once upon a time..." A southern fairytale begins "Y'all ain't gonna believe this..."

Peace, love and light to one and all,
Kid Ric

Woodstock peace flag?

2006-10-17T21:32:00.000-05:00

Photo by Sotheby's (Reuters)

Is this really the Woodstock peace flag?

This flag was reportedly flown over the stage at the Woodstock Music and Arts Fair in Bethel, New York, in August 1969. It had 46 stars arranged in a peace sign pattern on a blue denim canton, a design neither official nor legal. Sotheby's sold it, over the phone, for $22,705. Well beyond its $7500 estimated value.

Ever wonder what the old hippies are doing?

2006-10-07T11:00:00.000-05:00

They are back out in the streets peacefully protesting. Shades of the 70's for sure.

Anti-Bush rallies rage in 200 cities...

Bahrain Tribune WASHINGTON (AP) Protesters call Washington policies a crime. Hundreds of people called the Bush administration's policies a crime and held up yellow police tape in front of the White House amid a nationwide day of protest against the president. The 500 demonstrators were among many who gathered for similar events on Thursday in more than 200 cities to protest President George W. Bush on issues ranging from global warming to the war in Iraq.

We are turning the corner in bringing forward a mass movement of resistance to drive out the Bush regime, said organiser Travis Morales with the activist group World Can't Wait. Some dressed in costume, including a hooded prisoner in an orange jumpsuit, a devilish rendition of Bush and two grim reapers. One man wore a red cheerleader outfit with "Radical" emblazoned on the jersey.

The demonstrators held up yellow police tape along a three-block stretch in front of the White House. Thousands of protesters clogged New York City's streets as they marched from the United Nations headquarters. Some people lay down in the middle of the street, while others carried signs saying "Expose 9/11" and "This war should be over." They also handed out fliers reading, Drive out the Bush regime. Lydia Sugarman, 82, of Manhattan, said she believed in the power of demonstrating. That's how we got our civil rights, she said. If we didn't protest we wouldn't be Americans.

White House spokeswoman Nicole Guillemard defended the administration's Iraq policy. Our constitution guarantees the right to peacefully express one's views. The men and women in our military are fighting to bring the people of Iraq these same rights and freedoms, she said. The president believes it is important to stay on the offense in Iraq.

World Can't Wait was founded in 2005 and has organised several marches since then, including a nationwide protest coinciding with Bush's State of the Union address in January, according to the group's Web site. Supporters listed on the site include Edward Asner, Ed Begley Jr. and Jane Fonda and activists such as the Rev. Jesse Jackson, the Rev. Al Sharpton and "Peace Mom" Cindy Sheehan.

In Seattle, a person carrying a rifle wrapped in a blanket was among five people arrested. The charges against the other people ranged from resisting arrest to assault. They're still investigating to determine what that person was doing with the rifle, said Seattle Police spokeswoman Debra Brown.

The march through Seattle's streets was peaceful as protesters chanted, waved signs and wore costumes mocking administration officials. One woman dressed as a pageant queen with a sash that read, I Miss America. In Portland, Oregon, at least 10 people were detained because they did not follow police instruction to get out of the street during a protest march through downtown. Cathe Kent, a police spokeswoman, said one person, 26-year-old Christopher Knudtsen, also faced a charge of attempted assault for trying to attack a police officer.

Peace, love and light to one and all,
Ric

When all else fails!

2006-10-01T23:35:00.000-05:00

Sometimes, we just need to remember what the rules of life really are.

You only need two tools: WD-40 and Duct Tape.

If it doesn't move and should, use the WD-40.
If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape.

Peace, love and light to all,
Ric

101 useless Rock and Roll facts...

2006-09-27T13:06:00.000-05:00

01. When "Stairway To Heaven" is played backwards, you can hear the phrase "oh here's to my sweet satan..the one who's little path would make me sad, whose power is satan..he'll give you give you 666 there was a little toolshed where he would make us suffer, said in the part of "if there's a bustle...".

02. The mighty final chord of The Beatles' "A Day In The Life" was played by ten hands in three pianos simultaneously: Lennon's, Mc Cartney's, Starr's, Martin's (their manager?) and Evan's (their roadie).

03. The Beach Boys' "Pet Sounds" is called like this because of an insult between bandmates. When Brian Wilson showed Mike Love (the band's singer) the new material, he said "Who the hell is going to listen to this?...the ears of a dog?".

04. Bob Dylan's "Highway 61 Revisited" is named after the route that goes through Bob's home state, Minnesota, and enters the Mississippi delta.

05. "London Calling" was part of a catch phrase ("Good morning America, this is the London Calling!") of a BBC show during World War II, of which the The Clash's guitarists Joe Strummer was a fan.

06. The night of Jimi's first gig, Jeff Beck was coming out of the club and outside he ran into Eric Clapton and Pete Townshend. With a frightened expression he told them "I think we're in trouble here!".

07. Dave Grohl (Nirvana, Foo Fighters) has Bonzo's (Led Zeppelin's drummer) symbol, three intersecting symbols tattooed on his forearm.

08. "Layla" was written by Eric Clapton to steal George Harrison's wife, Patty Boid. Layla was the nickname Eric had given her inspired by a Turkish legend (not so sure about that) in which Layla was the main character.

09. Zepp's "Black Dog" is called like this because when they were recording the song, a huge black dog entered the studio, that was located in a rather ...rural setting.

10. The Young brothersÂ´s sister was the one who recommended the school uniform to Angus for their first gig (Angus's age was publicized as being 15 to go with the school boy outfit) (thanx Evil Kid 93).

11. Steve Morse's (Deep Purple) guitar has 11 different pickup positions.

12. In 1968 Jimi Hendrix bought a studio located in the 52 West Eight Street, Greewnwich Village, New York, with the idea of transforming it into a nightclub. His sound tecnician convinced him of turning it into a studio and in August 27th 1970 "Electric Lady" officialy opened it's doors. Both recording rooms haven't changed a bit since Jimi jammed there (one still has the same paints hanging on the walls and sofas, and the other -Purple Haze- still has the purple console). When The Clash recorded "Sandinista!" there, they swear Jimi's spirit added an extra guitar line in the album. That may sound weird (and stoned) but the truth is that doors close on their own, floors creak and a magic can be sensed in the air (or so they say).

13. The three...symbols? in the cover of The Police's "Ghost In The Machine" are supposed to represent the band's three integrants...though no one knows why or which is which.

14. The Yardbirds were the ones who gave Clapton the nickname "Slowhand".

15. According to the South Park kids, The Cure's "Disintegration" is the best album of all times.

16. Def Leppard's drummer, Rick Allen, lost an arm in a car crash in the mid-eighties. However, Rick decided to keep on playing, and learned to do it with his feet and some programmed drum lines. The band continued as normal, and their next album with their "new" drummer was "Pyromania".

17. Mitch Mitchell, The Jimi Hendrix Experience's drummer took his first drum lessons with Jim Marshall (that's right, the guy who made amps!)

18. Van Halen's "5150" is named after Eddie's Peavey 5150 amp, which is built exclusively for him.

19. "Smells Like Teen Spirit" was the name (or slogan..not so sure) of a deodorant brand.

20. Jimi got the inspiration for "Purple Haze" after having a dream where he could walk underwater.

21. The "Government Yard In Trench Town" houses given by the government where Bob Marley lived in the late '50s.

22. The solo in The Beatle's "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" is played by Clapton.

23. "Freebird" is dedicated to Duane Allman (The Allman brother's band).

24. Axl's "Sweet Child" was Erin Everly, daughter of Don Everly (from the Everly Brothers). Axl and Erin got married, but their marriage only lasted a month (talk about a wasted song).

25. Slash's favourite song is "Nobody's Fault" by Aerosmith. As he said, "first heard it at the house of a girl I wanted to date. I went to her house, talked for a while, smoked a joint, and then she put the cd (Rocks), it hit me like a ton of bricks...and I totally forgot about her".

26. Neil Young wrote "Rockin' In The Free World" after he heard one of the members of Crazy Horse say he liked playing in Europe rather than the Middle East better, because "It's better to rock in the free world". The song became sort of an anthem but really refers to the "pride and guilt of being American".

27. Elton John's real name is Reg Dwight.

28. "Sunday Bloody Sunday" originally started with the phrase "Don't talk to me about the rights of the IRA" but was ultimately changed to "I can't believe the news today" because U2 was afraid that their peace calling would be misunderstood.

29. Black Sabbath's guitarist, Tony Iommi, lost part of two fingers in a "work accident", and it seemed the band was over. However, he managed to continue playing using a device which made his two stump fingers "longer", and tuning the guitar three steps down in order to loosen the strings and bend them more easily. His first song with his new "style" was a damn good one: "Iron Man".

30. Pink Floyd's "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" is dedicated to the band's former leader Syd Barret. Syd used to be the leader...until his schizophrenia and the LSD started to catch up with him, and he became rather insane. The band called David Gilmour, who had given Syd guitar lessons during high shool, and would cover for Syd during concerts, correcting his mistakes and filling in when he started playing along to a different tune. Syd eventually got more and more distanced of the band and David got to be the lead guitarist, but lots of the insanity themes they sing about is related to their former bandmate.

31. On march 20th 1991, Eric Clapton's son Connor fell out of a balcony in his New York department. The sad, beautiful and chick-magnet song "Tears In Heaven" is dedicated to him (along with "The Circus Left The Town").

32. Lynyrd Skynyrd's Ronnie Van Zant is said to be buried with a Neil Young t-shirt, the same he uses on his last cd cover. The admiration between these two musicians was mutual: Young said he'd rather play "Sweet Home Alabama" than "Southern Man" (his own southern anthem).

33. "Smoke On The Water" refers to a Frank Zappa show in Montreux in 1971, where someone lit a flaregun and "burned the place to the ground". This song is also being learned by 750 guitarists as you are reading this (just kidding but...hey have you ever met a guitarist who didn't know it?).

34. If "The Dark Side Of The Moon" is played at the precise moment the MGM lion roars for the second time in the movie "The Wizard Of Oz", the cd is perfectly sinchronized with the movie. I have downloaded the movie with the cd played over it and I can assure you there are parts (the beggining of "Money" and most of "The Great Gig In The Sky") that seem as if it had been done on purpose.

35. Jimi created "Little Wing" in only 145 seconds! that's only two minutes and a half! pretty much the same as the song's lenght!

36. Malcom Young used to play the solos in AC/DC, until one day he told his brother "You do them...cuz they keep busy the hand I use for drinking!".

37. Pink Floyd's original name was Sigma 6. The band included Roger Waters on bass, Nick Mason on drums, Richard Wright on keyboard, Bob Close on guitar, and Syd Barret also on guitar. With SydÂs influence, the band changed their name to The Pink Floyd Sound, named after Pink Anderson and Floyd Council (two bluesmen).

38. Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden), Steve Morse and Carter Beauford (Dave Mathews Band's drummer) all share an uncommon passion: on their free time they love to fly aeroplanes (and of course they own a few).

39. Once, a treasured Les Paul Standard that originally belonged to Aerosmith's Joe Perry came into Slash's possesion. Joe had had this guitar (his favourite) taken by his ex-wife or stolen (depending on which story you read), and a dealer eventually got hold of it and offered it to Slash. He snapped it up since it symolized the influence Aerosmith had had on him. Joe pleaded with Slash to have it returned, but he didn't - until Joe's 50th birthday when he presented it as his birthday present.

40. Eric Clapton popularized a setting for lead called "Woman Tone", which basically consists of the neck pickup with tone control rolled back, and is also used by Slash.

41. Steve Vai picked up a guitar for the first time after he heard Zepp's "Heartbreaker". His sister "brought 'Led Zepp II' to my house and that was it. When I heard "Heartbreaker" and that solo...I knew I wanted to play guitar!"

42. The tuning used in "Seven Nation Army" that sounds so...basslike is E A E A C#E in case you ever wondered.

43. One night at a gig, when The Who had just begun, Pete Townshend was experimenting with the feedback he got when he put his guitar near his amp. He accidentally hit the ceiling with the guitar, which caused an awesome sound that was cheered by the (small) audience. Pete tried to repeat that sound with such bad (or good) luck that he broke the guitar's neck. "No one cheered, in fact there was a terrible silence, a "this-guy-is-an-asshole silence, so i finished breaking the guitar acting as if that had been my true intention". On The Who's next performance there were twice as many people.

44. Prince is a huge fan of Hendrix. The song "Purple Rain" is an alegory to "Purple Haze".

45. B.B. King's beatiful guitar is a Gibson ES-355, but is known as Lucille. Actually, King has quite a few of these guitars (and a custom series), all named Lucille. He even dedicated her a song, in which he tells her how much she means to him and the adventures they had together.

46. Slash's real name is Saul Hudson (it is a good thing he changed his name...I'm not so sure he would've been able to inspire a whole generation of guitarists with a name like Saul).

47. "Here we are now, entertain us" was what Kurt would say whenever he entered a party in order to "break the ice".

48. When Brian May was nine he realized that he couldn't play all the songs he wanted to in the acoustic guitar he had gotten two years before, so he decided to change it. However, he didn't have enough money to buy one, so, with a little help from his father, he started building his own ax in 1963. This guitar was finished the next year, and was baptized "Red Special" (it is red, in case you haven't guessed).

49. Elvis liked being generous. Once he drove by a man who was repairing his fence (which was constantly broken by fans), on his shiny brand new truck. The man looked at him admiringly and said "I wish I could have a truck like yours! It is my dream", to which Elvis replied "Do you have a buck?" "Yeah sure" the man gave him a buck. "Here. The truck is yours".

50. We're halfway there! For number 50 I decided to put one of rock's most popular legends:
"If you sit to wait on a crossroads near Missisipi on a moonless night, and you are willing to pay the price, you'll feel a very strange wind. Next, the Devil himslef will tune your guitar and you will be gifted with the ability to play like no one else has before. Of course that in this process you will have exchanged your soul and you will suffer for eternity in hell sooner or later."
This story is the base of the cult to the misterious figure of Robert Johnson, a bluesman who lived and died in Missisipi, at the deadly age of 27 (if you don't believe me ask Jimi, Brian Jones, Janis Joplin... Karen Carpenter anyone?). The legend says it is time to pay the price once you turn 27, so this legend has also been the "logical" explanation for many people to Kurt's and Jimi's death. I also heard that Eric Clapton also performed this agreement with the devil (but apparently found a way to avoid the...payment). The movie "Crossroads" is entirely based on this legend.

51. In the 50's, Little Richard kicked Jimi Hendrix out of his band for stealing the spotlight: Jimi wouldn't wear the uniform Richard had imposed (since he wanted all the attention to his figure) and the audience was delighted with his guitarist's eccentric way of dressing.

52. The blues singer and guitarist Blind Willie McTell was also known as: Pig'N'Whistle Red, Hot Shot Willie, Blind Sammie, Red Hot Willie, Georgia Bill, Peg and Whistle Red and Barrelhouse Sammie. (bad joke: "Did you receive the Blind Willie McTell disc I asked you for?" "No, but I just got this Pig'N'Whistle Red disc. Listen to it!"...."Oh my god I love it! Forget Blind Willie, I'll take every Pig'N'Whistle disc you have!!!")

53. "Yesterday" first appeared in 1965. By 1967, there were 466 versions of the song. Nowadays there are more than 4000 versions.

54. The Sex Pistols were banned almost in every part of the UK, so they started touring under the name SPOT (Sex Pistols On Tour).

55. Steve Vai has a very..uncommon hobby: beekeping. He got into it by chance, when a group of bees decided to live in his backyard...and now he sells honey and the (surprisingly large amounts of) money made goes directly to his "Make A Noise" fundation.

56. James Hetfield got the idea for "Nothing Else Matters" one day he was talking on the phone and with his free hand strummed the strings in a particular order. He hung up and inmediately started working on the song.

57. During the recording of "The Dark Side Of The Moon", the guys from Pink Floyd wrote on little papers questions like "Are you afraid of death?" and gave them to everyboy that was working at Abbey Road studio at the time. This included all the roadies, sound technicians, the Irish doorman, and even Paul McCartney (who was recording "Abbey Road" with the Fab Four on the same studio). The answers to the questions were recorded, and the best ones were put on the disc. However, Paul's answers weren't put on the disc because "he tried to be funny".

58. The Sex Pistols' arch-demon manager Malcolm McLaren used to give them words that he wanted them to brainstorm and make songs from. One of these words was "submission". McLaren expected a song about handcuffs and rubber masks, but the boys gave him a song about a submarine mission, just to piss him off. Get it? Sub-mission. Good shit. (Thank you oh great Nolan Whyte)

59. Another backwards message in a famous cd. If the song "Empty Spaces" from "The Wall" is played backwards, you can hear the phrase "You have now discovered the secret message of Rock 'N Roll...please write".

60. In Freddie Mercury's video "The Great Pretender", one of the women that sing with him is actually the band's drummer Roger Taylor disguised as one.

61. At age 47, the Rolling Stones' bassist, Bill Wyman, began a relationship with 13-year old Mandy Smith, with her mother's blessing. Six years later, they were married, but the marriage only lasted a year. Not long after, Bill's 30-year-old son Stephen married Mandy's mother, age 46. That made Stephen a stepfather to his former stepmother. If Bill and Mandy had remained married, Stephen would have been his father's father-in-law and his own grandpa. (OK this was really confusing and weird...i put it only to see if any stones fan can confirm this pervert story).

62. Lynyrd Skynyrd took their name from a high school teacher named Leonard Skinner who had suspended several students for having long hair.

63. Jim Morrison found the name "The Doors" for his rock band in the title of Aldous Huxley's book "The Doors Of Perception", which extolls the use of hallucinogenic drugs. (The other day I saw a guy who looked kinda stoned reading it on the subway..and when I got near him to read the back part of the book...he gave me a paranoic look and got down on the next stop running! I'm not kiddin you!)

64. Guns And Roses recorded the beautiful "Patience" one night they were totally drunk (maybe that explains why the song is perfect for a it-doesn't-matter-if-the-bitch-left-you-have-another-beer-and-howl-along-with-us night). The next morning when the band heard what they had recorded they thought it was a hell of a song, but needed to be re-recorded since Axl could be heard puking his guts out in the middle of the it.

65. Unlike pretty much every rockstar, Frank Zappa didn't like beer. He used to say his body "gets along better with pepper, tobacco and coffee". This is kinda contradictory cuz Frank said "You can't be a real country unless you have a beer and an airline. It helps if you have some kind of a football team or some nuclear weapons, but at the very least you need a beer."

66. One of Rick Nielsen's (Cheap Trick) guitars has five (yes, 5!) necks (I'm gonna need some help here...one neck is a regular one... other is a fretless...a 12-stringed one...but what about the other two??)

67. Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder liked so much The Who, and looked up so much to Townshend (probably because of the lack of a fatherly figure in his life) that he claimed that he "should be sending Pete Townshed a card for Fathers Day". (Thanx GoodNite_AmyLee)

68. Ummagumma (a Pink Floyd cd) is (british) slang for sex.

69. The Beatles used to go out and get wasted, laid, high and do fun stuff with some members of the Rolling Stones and...the Bee Gees.

70. The name AC/DC was suggested by Angus and Malcolm's sister Margaret Young, who saw a label that read AC/DC on the back of a vacuum cleaner. The Young brothers thought it was a good name for their band, because "it had something to do with electricity, so it seemed to fit" (thanx Evil Kid 93...again).

71. Bob Dylan said on his school yearbook that his ultimate dream was being in Little Richard's band.

72. The "always amazing, Mr." Steve Vai, in colaboration with Ibanez, literally put himself into a project called the JEM VAI2K DNA guitar - a limited-edition release of the JEM. The fun thing is "Ibanez used my blood Â a lot of my blood Â in the guitar's swirling paint job. Maybe a hundred years from now, when someone decides to clone me from the blood in the paint, my clone will finally figure out how get his music on the radio." Ahhh Steve, Steve...always so funny and...insane.

73. Sting's real name is Gordon Summer.

74. Foo Fighters is what the US air force used to call the OVNIS in the 40's.

75. Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here" LP was originally released in blue plastic shrink wrap; you could not see the cover unless you bought it.

76. The playing time as for "Stairway To Heaven" is longer than it took Plant & Page to write it (they needed one more song for the album.) Yes folks, the song is FILLER!

77. Waylon Jennings was Buddy Holly's bass player. Once, they were deciding how they were going to travel, he lost a coin toss, and took the bus instead of the plane. According to Jennings before his death, Buddy Holly said something to the extent of "I hope you freeze on the bus," and Jennings replied, "I hope your plane crashes." Guess what happened......that's right you guessed.

78. Two songs were recorded by the Beatles, Bob Dylan, and Elvis: "That's Alright, Mama" and "Yesterday".

79. When The Who were recording "My Generation," John Entwhistle used a newly-available-in-the-UK Danelectro bass, and kept breaking bass strings during the solo. Since replacement strings were not yet available, he had to go out a buy a new bass to be able to get the full set (talk about shopping sprees:P)

80. Pete Townshend (sorry, another Who bit) thought he was lifting his now-famous Windmill move from Keith Richards, because Pete saw Keith doing it as the curtain was rising at a Stones show. Later, after Pete had made it his big move, he talked with Keith about it and realized Keith was just stretching out his arm before starting to play...

81. Special offer! Three x one!
Roy Harper sang lead vocals on Pink Floyd's "Have A Cigar" on the Wish You Were Here album. It is the only song in the Floyd canon, that a member of Pink Floyd didn't sing. (I don't really know who the guy is..but there's a song by Zepp called "Hats Off - To Roy Harper" so the guy must be good at whatever he does.

There is only one line in Pink Floyd's "One Of These Days." Nick Mason, the drummer recorded the line ... "One of these days, I'm going to cut you into little pieces." That is the only line he ever sang on a Floyd album. Mason the only member to play on every Pink Floyd album.

Everyone knows John Bonham died by aspirating his own vomit after drinking too much; not everyone knows that alcohol almost killed him on the day he was born. The doctor who was on-call to deliver him was drunk, and a suitable replacement was inexplicably difficult to find.

83. Cass Elliot (Mama Cass of The Mamas & Papas) and Keith Moon of The Who that died in the apartment of the same singer/songwriter: Harry Nilsson.

84. Kerry King of Slayer played guitar for Beastie Boys' "No Sleep Till Brooklyn". Who said death metal and hip hop couldn't work together?

85. This is why MTV is crap: MTV execs came up with the idea of the "Unplugged" series after seeing Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull do a brief, live acoustic set. But when Anderson later asked about having Jethro Tull appear on "Unplugged," MTV turned him down flat, on the grounds that the band was too old and didn't have enough appeal among the desired teen demographic.

86. The Van Halen brothers were born in the Netherlands and trained as concert pianists. The name of the band was originally Mammoth.

87. Axl Rose's real name is William Bailey.

88. According to Paul McCartney, the "you" in "Got to Get You Into My Life" was marijuana.

89. In the Beatles' "A Day In The Life," there's a bit in the orchestral score where the musicians were told "start on the lowest note your instrument can play, and gradually work your way up to the highest note your instrument can play." (and they did)

90. Eddie Van Halen plays the guitar solo in the middle of Michael Jackson's Beat It.

91. You know that Jimi Hendrix was the last act at Woodstock, but do you know who played right before him? Sha Na Na. (Now that's something for you to show off with your hippie friends...or parents)

92. Sting sings back up on Dire Straits' "Money For Nothing".

93. The memorable reverse-echo effect on Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love" (Woman.... you need) was actually do to track bleed-through that sound-engineer Eddie Kramer couldn't get rid of, and so added reverb to.

94. of the three members of ZZ Top, the only one who doesn't have a beard is the one whose name is 'Beard'. What a curious thing, ain't it?:P

95. Randy Meisner joined Poco as the bassist, but left before their first album. Luckily for him, he got the same job for the Eagles. Timothy B. Schmidt replaced him in Poco. Right before the Eagles recorded their monster hit Hotel California, Randy left to pursue a solo career. His replacement: Timothy B. Schmidt! (Makes you wonder if Schmidt follows Meisner around to see if he's happy in his current band.)

96. The money used to score the heroin that killed Sid Vicious was given to him by his mother, who was under the impression he was going to use the money to just buy cocaine (What a mom!).

97. A few of the band members Of the Yardbirds were in a pub discussing what name to use for what would become Led Zepp. Someone suggested "The New Yardbirds", and The Who's drummer Keith Moon replied: "That will go over like a lead balloon!". Then they changed balloon for zeppelin nad decided to spell it Led so people in the US wouldn't try to pronounce it "leed".

98. The group UB40 (That's right! Red, Red Wine..) took their name from the form used by the unemployment office in Britain.

99. Before Clapton became known for playing Stratocasters (largely, it is thought, because Hendrix played Strats), he played a 1959 Gibson Les Paul - largely because electric blues guitarists like Mike Bloomfield played one. But when Clapton's famous "Beano" Les Paul was stolen, he never went back.

100. Al Kooper, who played organ on Dylan's "Like A Rolling Stone," had never played organ before the session. He had turned up to the studio hoping to play guitar and, finding an excellent guitarist (Mike Bloomfield) already on hand, sat down at the organ instead. After the first take the session producer told Dylan to lose the organ part; Dylan replied that he wanted it louder.

101. Stevie Ray Vaughan was the guitarist on David Bowie's "Let's Dance" album (country meets glam? it turned out just fine)

Well there you go! 101 totally useless facts. Written by: Agustin from UltimateGuitar.com

Today in Rock and Roll history...

2006-09-24T12:31:00.000-05:00

1956
Fats Domino's "Blueberry Hill" enters the Pop charts where it will reach number four.

Tupelo, Mississippi declares September 26th as Elvis Presley Day in honor of their home town boy.

RCA Victor Co. announces that it has received over 856,327 advance orders for Elvis Presley's next single, "Love Me Tender".

1957
Jimmie Rodgers reaches number one on the Billboard chart with his very first release, "Honeycomb". Over the next year, he would enjoy more success with "Kisses Sweeter Than Wine" and "Oh-Oh, I'm Falling in Love Again".

1958
The Big Bopper's "Chantilly Lace" enters the US Pop chart, where it will top out at #6.

Tommy Edwards' "It's All In The Game" lead the Billboard chart. The melody of the song had been written in 1912 by Charles Gates Dawes, who would become vice-president of the United States between 1925 and 1929. Updated lyrics were added in 1951.

1959
Little Anthony & the Imperials record "Shimmy Shimmy Koko Bop", which will reach #24 early next year.

Cliff Richard becomes the first UK artist to have a rock and roll hit in the US when "Living Doll" makes the Billboard chart.

1960
Connie Francis becomes the first female singer in the rock and roll era to have two consecutive number one singles when "My Heart Has a Mind Of Its Own" went to the top of the Billboard chart. It followed "Everybody's Somebody's Fool".

Sam Cooke's "Chain Gang" peaks at number two on both the US R&B and Pop charts. It's his biggest hit since "You Send Me" reached number one three years earlier.

1961
Bob Dylan plays harmonica on three tracks of his friend Caroline Hester's first album. Producer John Hammond is so impressed that he signs Dylan to a contract and arranges for a solo recording session in October.

1963
The Rolling Stones began their first tour of the United Kingdom. They played 32 dates, opening for acts like The Everly Brothers, Bo Diddley and Little Richard.

New York disc jockey Murray The K receives a copy of The Beatles' "She Loves You" and plays it on radio station WINS-AM. It is believed to be the first Beatles' song ever played in the US.

1964
Roy Orbison's "Oh, Pretty Woman" reaches the top of the Billboard Hot 100. It would be the last of a string of nine straight top ten records for The Big O.

The Beach Boys make their first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, where they perform "I Get Around" and "Wendy".

Beatles manager Brian Epstein turns down a 3 1/2 million pound offer from a group of US businessmen who wanted to buy out his Beatles' management contract.

The Temptations begin recording "My Girl", which will go on to be their first US number one and the first of fifteen Top Ten hits.

The Kinks release their first US hit, "You Really Got Me". The song will spend 10 weeks on the chart and rise to #7,

1965
Donovan makes his US television debut on Shindig! along with The Hollies, The Turtles and the Dave Clark Five.

A former member of The New Christy Minstrels, Barry McGuire lead the US hit parade with "Eve Of Destruction". The controversial doom and gloom theme of the record was enough to have it banned from airplay by some US radio stations.

The Beatles, a half hour Saturday morning cartoon show featuring genuine Beatles songs but not their real voices, premieres on ABC. The show would run through September 7, 1969.

1966
The Association had their first number one single with "Cherish". The song had been released in August and within two months would be a million seller, remaining at the top of the US Pop charts for nearly a month. Oddly, it did not do well overseas, perhaps because of poor distribution. Only when the song was re-recorded by David Cassidy in 1971, did "Cherish" become an international hit.

The Beatles' "Eleanor Rigby" peaks at #11 on Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart.

Jimi Hendrix moved from the States to the UK, where he would spend the next nine months touring and recording before returning home to play the Monterey International Pop Festival in California. One of the first things he does after arriving in England is to legally change his name from James to Jimi.

1967
On US TV's David Frost Show, John Lennon and Paul McCartney espouse the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's doctrines of transcendental meditation.

Gladys Knight & the Pips' "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" is released.

The Beatles record "Fool On The Hill" at Abbey Road Studios in London.

1968
The Vogues received a gold record for "Turn Around Look at Me".

The Beatles had not only their biggest hit, but also the largest selling record of the 1960s when "Hey Jude" reached the top of the US charts. The song, written for John's son Julian, would stay at number one in the US for eight weeks.

Dusty Springfield enters a recording studio in Memphis to lay down tracks for what will prove to be the critically acclaimed LP "Dusty In Memphis", which will include her US #10 hit, "Son Of A Preacher Man".

1969
On September 30th, David Crosby's girlfriend Christine Gail Hinton is killead in a head-on auto accident north of San Francisco, the same day the "Crosby, Stills & Nash" album goes gold.

The Beatles release their 13th album in the UK, "Abbey Road". Its released in the US a week later and is the last album they will ever make together as a group. Within a month, the album begins an eleven week run on Billboard's Hot 200 album chart.

John Lennon records "Cold Turkey", a song about his ongoing battle with drug addiction. His backing band includes Eric Clapton, Klaus Voorman, Yoko Ono and Ringo Starr.

Carlos Santana had his first taste of success when his debut LP entered Billboard's album chart. The disc contained his hit single "Evil Ways" and would eventually hit number 4, staying on the chart for over two years. His 1999 album, "Supernatural" has sold in excess of ten million copies, as well as winning a Grammy Award for Best Performance By A Duo or Group With Vocals.

1970
Tamla-Motown Records announces that the Jackson 5 sold 10 million singles world wide in nine months with "I Want You Back", "ABC" & "The Love You Save".

Ringo Starr releases his "Beaucoups of Blues" album.

The Partridge Family TV show debuts on ABC-TV.

Eric Burdon and War are awarded a gold record for "Spill the Wine".

1971
Yes kicks off their first tour with new keyboardist Rick Wakeman in Leicester, England.

Cat Stevens' "Peace Train" is released. It will reach #7 on the Billboard Pop chart.

1972
On September 27th, Rory Storm, the leader of one of Liverpool's earlier beat groups, takes his own life in what is presumed to be a suicide pact with his mother, who is also found dead at the scene. Rory Storm and the Hurricanes are best remembered as the group that Ringo Starr left in 1962 to play drums for the Beatles.

1973
Grand Funk scored their first number one record when "We're An American Band" hit the top of Billboard's Hot 100.

The Rolling Stones' "Goats Head Soup" album turns gold on the strength of the single "Angie".

1974
John Lennon releases "Walls and Bridges", an LP that will prove to be his last album of new material for nearly six years. It reaches #1 in the US.

Canadian singer Andy Kim went to #1 on the US singles chart with "Rock Me Gently", his only US chart topper. The record was also a hit in the UK, reaching #2. Along with his recording career, Kim was also a successful composer and was the co-writer of The Archies' "Sugar Sugar".

1975
On September 25th, 41 year old Jackie Wilson suffers a heart attack while performing at the Latin Casino in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Ironically, he was in the middle of singing one of his biggest hits, "Lonely Teardrops" and was two words into the line, "....my heart is crying" when he collapsed to the stage, striking his head heavily. He suffers brain damage and lapses into a coma. Although he never uttered another word, he remained clinging to life for over eight years and died January 21st, 1984.

John Denver's two sided hit, "I'm Sorry" / "Calypso" reached the top of the Billboard singles chart. It was his fourth and final US number one record, although he would place six more songs in the Top 40.

1976
Jerry Lee Lewis, attempting to shoot a bottle with a .357 magnum, hits his bass player, Norman Owens twice in the chest. Lewis is charged with shooting a firearm within the city limits.

Kenny Loggins and Jim Messina play their farewell concert in Hawaii at the end of a 34 city tour.

Boz Scaggs is the musical guest on US TV's Saturday Night Live, where he performs his hit, "Lowdown".

Boston's debut album enters the Billboard album chart, where it will climb to #3 and become the fastest-selling album debut album in rock history. The LP contains the hit single "More Than a Feeling" which reaches #5 early next year.

1977
The first Elvis Presley convention is held in Memphis.

Fleetwood Mac's "Don't Stop" peaks at #3 on the US singles chart while E.L.O.'s "Telephone Line" reaches #7. "Best Of My Love" by The Emotions held down the top spot.

Complaining that they have been underpaid, James Brown's entire band walks out on him in Hallandale, Florida.

1979
The Eagles' LP, "The Long Run" is released.

On September 28th, Jimmy McCulloch, guitarist with Thunderclap Newman and Wings, is found dead in London after suffering heart failure. He was 26.

1980
Led Zeppelin was rehearsing at Jimmy Page's house in preparation for an American tour, when on September 25, drummer John Bonham was found dead in his bed, following an all-day drinking binge. The 32 year old Bonham had passed out and choked on his own vomit. In December, Led Zeppelin would announce that they were disbanding, saying they could not continue without Bonham.

1981
Hall & Oates' "Private Eyes" LP enters the Billboard chart. The album will go platinum and contains two #1 hits: "Private Eyes" and "I Can't Go For That."

1982
Don Henley's debut solo album, "I Can't Stand Still" enters the Billboard Hot 200 chart, featuring the single, "Dirty Laundry".

1983
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certifies ZZ Top's seventh album, "Eliminator" as Platinum. The LP will reach number 9 on the US album chart and number 3 in the UK.

Billy Joel's "Tell Her About It" hits #1 on the Billboard Pop singles chart. It reached #4 in the UK.

1986
The Beatles' "Twist and Shout" re-enters the US pop singles chart over twenty-five years after it first appeared. The song was featured in the films "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" and "Back To School".
1987
The Grateful Dead's "Touch Of Grey" peaks at #9 on the US singles chart, becoming their biggest chart hit.

1988
James Brown is arrested in Georgia after leading police on a hour-long, two-state car chase. The episode ended in a six-year prison sentence that many felt excessive. He was parolead after serving two years.

Bobby McFerrin's a cappella tune, "Don't Worry, Be Happy" hit the top of the record charts, not only in the US but in almost every country in the world. The song would go on to win Grammy Awards for both Record of the Year and Song of the Year. During his career, McFerrin has become a ten-time Grammy Award winner.

The Hollies went to the top of the UK singles chart with "He Ain't Heavy He's My Brother", after the song was used in a UK TV beer commercial. The record was originally a hit for them in 1969.

John Lennon receives a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

1989
Tina Turner's album "Foreign Affair" entered the UK album chart at number 1. In America, it would stall at number 31, although it did achieve "gold" status two months later.

Bette Midler launches a lawsuit against Ford Motor Company for their use of a sound-alike artist in their commercials for the Mercury Sable. She eventually wins a $400,000 settlement.

Billy Joel files a $90 million lawsuit against his former manager, charging him with fraud and breach of fiduciary duty. Billy would be awarded $2 million.

1990
Rick Nelson's sons Gunnar and Matthew have a number one hit on Billboard's Hot 100 with "Love & Affection", becoming the third generation of Nelsons to accomplish that feat. Their Grandfather, Ozzie Nelson lead his orchestra to the top of the chart in 1932 with "And Then Some", and Rick topped all others in 1958 with "Poor Little Fool" and in 1961 with "Travelin' Man".

A street is named Little Richard Boulevard in the singer's hometown of Macon, Georgia.

1993
John Denver agreed to give a benefit concert as punishment for driving while impaired.

George Harrison and David Crosby are the featured voices on The Simpsons.

1994
Eric Clapton performs on the season premiere of Saturday Night Live.

The London Daily Mirror prints a color photo of Michael Jackson in a scoutmaster's uniform along with five young Boy Scouts. The Boy Scouts of American later say that Jackson has no association with the organization.

1998
Elvis Presley is inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

2000
Barbra Streisand sings her farewell concert at New York's Madison Square Garden.

2001
Jonathan King, who reached #17 on the Billboard singles chart in 1965 with "Everyone's Gone To The Moon", was sentenced to seven years in prison for the sexual assault of underage boys.

2003
Gordon Lightfoot was inducted into the Canadian Songwriter Hall of Fame.

Robert Palmer, who reached number 14 in the US in 1979 with "Bad Case Of Loving You", died of a heart attack at the age of 54 on September 26th.

2004
Legendary record producer Phil Spector was formally charged with murder in the February 3rd 2003 shooting of actress Lana Clarkson.

2005
A Mick Jagger impersonator spent over an hour accepting free drinks and enjoying VIP perks at a New York night spot. Club officials only realized that the man wasn't Jagger after looking at a photo of the Rolling Stones front man, and noticing that the unnamed imposter was younger and heavier than Jagger.

Remember 9/11

2006-09-10T19:14:00.000-05:00

The explosions were horrific.
To outrageous to be real.
The unbelievable destruction
And the twisted steel.

The useless loss of life.
It made the world stand still.
When terrorists can strike.
And at their discretion kill.

To the fallen heroes and volunteers.
We stand up and give 3 cheers.
To the victims we will honor forever and a day.
We fall to our knees and pray.

The safety of freedom is growing thin.
The flag is more than a banner in the wind.
Soldiers have died protecting her honor.
Civilians have perished and children dis-honored.

So stand up tall and be brave.
Respect your ancestors in the grave.
Wave the flag as high as you can.
And be ready to fight before they strike again.

God bless America!

copyright© September 10, 2006, Kid Ric - all rights reserved.

Remember the Towers in pictures.

Bob Dylan lyrics trivia quiz...

2006-09-10T19:00:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone,

Take the quiz and see how you do. Good luck!

Peace, love and light,
Kid Ric

Johnny Cash Tribute Australia Tour.

2006-09-05T11:00:00.000-05:00

Hey all! If you are in Australia this September be sure to catch Gary Mack's impersonation of the late great "Man in black".

Peace, love and light,
Kid Ric

Day seven of "The Journey"

2006-09-01T11:21:00.000-05:00

Well here is day seven. I hope you are ready for it. Sorry it took so long.

Peace, love and light,
Kid Ric

37 Years since Woodstock...

2006-08-29T22:33:00.000-05:00

In honor of the concert that changed the world of the people who attended.

Peace, love and light,
Kid Ric

Web Guitar Wizard Revealed at Last

2006-08-29T17:35:00.000-05:00

By VIRGINIA HEFFERNAN
EIGHT months ago a mysterious image showed up on YouTube, the video-sharing site that now shows more than 100 million videos a day. A sinewy figure in a swimming-pool-blue T-shirt, his eyes obscured by a beige baseball cap, was playing electric guitar. Sun poured through the window behind him; he played in a yellow haze. The video was called simply “guitar.” A black-and-white title card gave the performer’s name as funtwo.

The piece that funtwo played with mounting dexterity was an exceedingly difficult rock arrangement of Pachelbel’s Canon, the composition from the turn of the 18th century known for its solemn chord progressions and its overexposure at weddings. But this arrangement, attributed on another title card to JerryC, was anything but plodding: it required high-level mastery of a singularly demanding maneuver called sweep-picking.

Over and over the guitarist’s left hand articulated strings with barely perceptible movements, sounding and muting notes almost simultaneously, and playing complete arpeggios through a single stroke with his right hand. Funtwo’s accuracy and velocity seemed record-breaking, but his mouth and jawline — to the extent that they were visible — looked impassive, with none of the exaggerated grimaces of heavy metal guitar heroes. The contrast between the soaring bravado of the undertaking and the reticence of the guitarist gave the 5-minute, 20-second video a gorgeous solemnity.

Like a celebrity sex tape or a Virgin Mary sighting, the video drew hordes of seekers with diverse interests and attitudes. Guitar sites, MySpace pages and a Polish video site called Smog linked to it, and viewers thundered to YouTube to watch it. If individual viewings were shipped records, “guitar” would have gone gold almost instantly. Now, with nearly 7.35 million views — and a spot in the site’s 10 most-viewed videos of all time — funtwo’s performance would be platinum many times over. From the perch it’s occupied for months on YouTube’s “most discussed” list, it generates a seemingly endless stream of praise (riveting, sick, better than Hendrix), exegesis, criticism, footnotes, skepticism, anger and awe.

The most basic comment is a question: Who is this guy?

If you follow the leads, this Everest of electric-guitar virtuosity, like so many other online artifacts, turns out to be a portal into a worldwide microculture, this one involving hundreds of highly stylized solo guitar videos, of which funtwo’s is but the most famous. And though they seem esoteric, they have surprising implications: for YouTube, the dissemination of culture, online masquerade and even the future of classical music.

JOHANN PACHELBEL, the great one-hit wonder of the baroque period, originally composed his Canon in D Major for three violins, at least one chord-playing instrument (like a harpsichord or lute) and at least one bass instrument (like a cello or bassoon). With its steady walking rhythm, the piece is well suited to processionals, and the bass line is extremely easy to play, a primer on simple chords: D, A, B minor, F-sharp minor, G. A sequence of eight chords repeats about 30 times.

The exacting part is the canon itself: a counterpoint played over the bass, originally by the three violins. The first violin plays variation A, then moves on to B, while the second violin comes in with A. By the time the first violin gets to C, the second starts in with B, and the third violin comes in with A: like three people singing “Row, Row, Row Your Boat.”

With 28 variations, the piece becomes supercharged with complexity only to revert to a simpler structure as it ends. If you hadn’t heard it a thousand times before — in the movie “Ordinary People,” in commercials, at all those weddings — it might blow you away.

Last year Jerry Chang, a Taiwanese guitarist who turns 25 on Thursday, set out to create a rock version of the song, which he had been listening to since childhood. It took him two weeks. Others, like Brian Eno, had done so before him, and some listeners say his arrangement is derivative of one composed for the video game “Pump It Up.” But one way or another, his version, “Canon Rock,” rocked.

Once he had his arrangement on paper — and in his fingers, since sweeping is above all a function of motor memory — Mr. Chang decided to publish his work. In the arena of high-speed guitar heroics, though, an audio recording is not enough; the manual virtuosity is almost like a magic trick, and people have to see it to believe it. So he sat on his bed in front of a video camera, fired up his recorded backing track and played his grand, devilish rendition of “Canon Rock.” He then uploaded the video to a Web site he had already set up for his band and waited for a response.

Before long he was inundated with praise, as well as requests for what are called the “tabs,” or written music, and the backing track, or digital bass line, which fans of his work downloaded and ran on their own computers. They then hoisted up their Fenders and Les Pauls to test their skills against JerryC’s. One of these guys was funtwo.

By following a series of clues on JerryC’s message board and various “Canon Rock” videos, I was able to trace funtwo’s video to Jeong-Hyun Lim, a 23-year-old Korean who taught himself guitar over the course of the last six years. Now living in Seoul, he listens avidly to Bach and Vivaldi, and in 2000 he took a month of guitar lessons. He plays an ESP, an Alfee Custon SEC-28OTC with gold-colored detailing.

A close analysis of his playing style and a comparison of his appearance in person with that of the figure in the video, left little doubt that Mr. Lim is the elusive funtwo.

Recently he e-mailed me an account of how he came to make his YouTube video. His English is excellent, from years spent at Auckland University in New Zealand, where he plans to return in March.

“First time when I saw JerryC’s ‘Canon’ video, it was so amazing, I thought I might play it,” he wrote. “So I practiced it by myself using tab and backing track from Jerry’s homepage.” On Oct. 23, 2005, he uploaded his video to a Korean music site called Mule. From there an unknown fan calling himself guitar90 copied it and posted it on YouTube with the elegant intro: “this guy iz great!!!”

Repeatedly newcomers to the comments section on YouTube suggest that the desktop computer visible on the right side of the video is doing all the playing, and that funtwo is a fraud. They point out that there is a small gap in timing between the finger work and the sound of the video. These complaints invite derision from those in the know. (Funtwo’s use of a backing track is no secret, and as for the gap, he says he recorded the audio and video independently and then matched them inexactly.)

Guitar fanatics are perplexed: “How the hell does he gets his harmonics to sound like that?” Some praise specific components of the performance, including the distortion, the power chords or the “sweet outro.” Overall a consensus emerges: This guy iz great.

“I’m shocked at how much you rock,” one fan said. “Funtwo just pure ownz the world,” said another. “Somebody just beat JerryC at his own song,” tinFold44 said. Carrie34 gushed, “funtwo’s version makes me want to hold up my lighter and *hug* my inner child! :)”

PACHELBEL’S CANON, at its essence, dramatizes the pleasure of repetition and imitation. It should come as no surprise, then, that JerryC and funtwo have both attracted impersonators. Over the past year, as JerryC’s and funtwo’s videos have been broadly distributed on every major video-sharing site, hundreds of other guitarists have tried their hands at JerryC’s “Canon Rock.” Many copy the original mise-en-scène: they sit on beds in what look like the bedrooms of guys who still live with their parents. They make little effort to disguise their computers. And they look down, half-hiding behind hats or locks of hair.

Some imitators have gone further than that. A Malaysian guitarist claiming erroneously to be funtwo briefly set up a MySpace page, then shut it down. And this month, in Washington, a 12-year-old classical pianist named Alfonso Candra played “Canon Rock” for a small crowd at the Indonesian Embassy. He too claimed he was the guitarist in the “guitar” video. That was untrue, but Alfonso played his heart out.

This process of influence, imitation and inspiration may bedevil the those who despair at the future of copyright but is heartening to connoisseurs of classical music. Peter Robles, a composer who also manages classical musicians, points out that the process of online dissemination — players watching one another’s videos, recording their own — multiplies the channels by which musical innovation has always circulated. Baroque music, after all, was meant to be performed and enjoyed in private rooms, at close range, where others could observe the musicians’ technique. “That’s how people learned how to play Bach,” Mr. Robles said. “The music wasn’t written down. You just picked it up from other musicians.”

In this spirit, JerryC told fans on his Web site, “I don’t plan to make tabs anymore. The major reason is that it takes lots of time, and I think the best way to learn music is to cover it by ear.”

That educational imperative is a big part of the “Canon Rock” phenomenon. When guitarists upload their renditions, they often ask that viewers be blunt: What are they doing wrong? How can they improve? When I asked Mr. Lim the reason he didn’t show his face on his video, he wrote, “Main purpose of my recording is to hear the other’s suggestions about my playing.” He added, “I think play is more significant than appearance. Therefore I want the others to focus on my fingering and sound. Furthermore I know I’m not that handsome.”

Online guitar performances seem to carry a modesty clause, in the same way that hip-hop comes with a boast. Many of the guitarists, like Mr. Chang and Mr. Lim, exhibit a kind of anti-showmanship that seems distinctly Asian. They often praise other musicians, denigrate their own skills and talk about how much more they have to practice. Sometimes an element of flat-out abjection even enters into this act, as though the chief reason to play guitar is to be excoriated by others. As Mr. Lim said, “I am always thinking that I’m not that good player and must improve more than now.”

Neoclassical guitar technique has fallen largely out of favor in American popular music. It’s so demanding that many listeners conclude it has no heart and lacks the primitive charm of gut-driven punk and post-punk, which introduced minimalist sounds in a partial corrective to the bloated stylings of American heavy metal.

In the YouTube guitar videos, however, technical accomplishment itself carries a strong emotional component. Many of the new online guitarists began playing classical music — violin, piano, even clarinet — as children; they are accustomed to a highly uneven ratio of practice to praise. Mr. Lim’s fans said they watch his “Canon Rock” video daily, as it inspires them to work hard. When I watch, I feel moved by Mr. Lim’s virtuosity to do as he does: find beauty in the speed and accuracy that the new Internet world demands.

Even as they burst onto the scene as fully-formed guitar gods, they hang back from heavy self-promotion. Neither JerryC nor funtwo has a big recording contract.

At a moment in pop history when it seems to take a phalanx of staff — producers, stylists, promoters, handlers, agents — to make a music star, I asked Mr. Lim about the huge response to the video he had made in his bedroom. What did he make of the tens of thousands of YouTube commenters, most of whom treat him as though he’s the second coming of Jimi Hendrix?

Mr. Lim wrote back quickly. “Some said my vibrato is quite sloppy,” he replied. “And I agree that so these days I’m doing my best to improve my vibrato skill.”

Copyright 2006 The New York Times Company

Dear Dad...

2006-07-27T11:06:00.000-05:00

A FATHER PASSING BY HIS SON'S BEDROOM WAS ASTONISHED TO SEE THE BED WAS NICELY MADE AND EVERYTHING WAS PICKED UP. THEN HE SAW AN ENVELOPE PROPPED UP PROMINENTLY ON THE CENTER OF THE BED. IT WAS ADDRESSED, "DAD"

WITH THE WORST PREMONITION, HE OPENED THE ENVELOPE AND READ THE LETTER WITH TREMBLING HANDS:

DEAR DAD,

IT IS WITH GREAT REGRET AND SORROW THAT I'M WRITING THIS. I HAD TO ELOPE WITH MY NEW GIRLFRIEND BECAUSE I WANTED TO AVOID A SCENE WITH MOM AND YOU. I'VE BEEN FINDING REAL PASSION WITH BARBARA AND SHE IS SO NICE EVEN WITH ALL HER PIERCING, TATTOOS, AND HER TIGHT MOTORCYCLE CLOTHES. BUT IT'S NOT ONLY THE PASSION, DAD - SHE'S PREGNANT AND BARBARA ASSURES ME THAT WE WILL BE VERY HAPPY. EVEN THOUGH YOU DON'T CARE FOR HER SINCE SHE IS SO MUCH OLDER THAN I AM, SHE ALREADY OWNS A TRAILER IN THE WOODS AND HAS A STACK OF FIREWOOD ENOUGH FOR THE WHOLE WINTER. SHE WANTS TO HAVE MANY MORE CHILDREN WITH ME AND THAT'S NOW ONE OF MY DREAMS TOO. BARBARA TAUGHT ME THAT MARIJUANA DOESN'T REALLY HURT ANYONE AND WE'LL BE GROWING IT FOR OURSELVES AND TRADING IT WITH HER FRIENDS FOR ALL THE COCAINE AND ECSTASY WE NEED. IN THE MEANTIME, WE PRAY THAT SCIENCE WILL FIND A CURE FOR AIDS SO THAT BARBARA CAN GET BETTER; SHE SURE DESERVES IT!!

DON'T WORRY, DAD, I'M 15 YEARS OLD NOW AND I KNOW HOW TO TAKE CARE OF MYSELF. SOMEDAY I'M SURE WE'LL BE BACK TO VISIT SO YOU CAN GET TO KNOW YOUR GRANDCHILDREN.

YOUR SON, JOHN

PS. DAD, NONE OF THIS IS TRUE. I'M OVER AT BILLY'S HOUSE. I JUST WANTED TO REMIND YOU THAT THERE ARE WORSE THINGS IN LIFE THAN MY REPORT CARD WHICH IS IN MY DESK CENTER DRAWER. I LOVE YOU!

PS.S. CALL WHEN IT'S SAFE FOR ME TO COME HOME

What do you know about Rock and Roll?

2006-07-08T10:06:00.000-05:00

Rock 'n' roll turns 50 this year. Here are 15 multiple-choice questions to test your rock history IQ. Some of them are more difficult than the guitar solo in "Stairway To Heaven," so crank up the stereo and bang your head to these brain busters.

Take the Quiz...

Peace, love and light to one and all...
Kid Ric

Landmark Birthday Yesterday for Paul McCartney

2006-06-19T20:26:00.000-05:00

By JILL LAWLESS, Associated Press Writer

About 14,000 yesterdays have passed since Paul McCartney first mused about turning 64.

The Beatles' groundbreaking 1967 album "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" made room for the more mundane McCartney song "When I'm Sixty-Four," in which he wondered about ... well, his golden years. "When I get older, losing my hair, many years from now," he crooned.

The famous hair is intact (though what shade is hard to discern), but the year is now.

A spokesman would not say what McCartney's plans are for Sunday, but he could be excused for skipping a party. It has been a traumatic year, in which he split from his wife of four years, Heather Mills McCartney, amid lurid headlines about their relationship and her past.

"People seem to be interested in him as a celebrity, but not as a musician," said Beatles historian Peter Doggett _ a bitter blow for a man who with John Lennon formed rock's most storied songwriting partnership.

Beatles fans, however, seem determined to answer McCartney's question _ "Will you still need me, will you still feed me, when I'm 64?" _ in the affirmative.

The Beatles Story Exhibition in McCartney's hometown of Liverpool was celebrating with cake, balloons and a weekend of events including a "When I'm Sixty-Four" karaoke contest.

The "nice Beatle" is widely revered in Liverpool for retaining strong links to the gritty port city, founding the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts and playing an outdoor concert for 30,000 people in 2003.

"There's tons of affection towards Paul personally," said Jerry Goldman, director of the Beatles Story, which draws 200,000 visitors a year. "He doesn't forget that his home is here and his heart is here."

A seemingly throwaway but strangely enduring Beatles song, "When I'm Sixty-Four" is a musical hall-style ditty evoking images of a quiet old age of gardening, holiday cottages and visits from the grandchildren _ "Vera, Chuck and Dave."

McCartney wrote the song when he was a teenager and recorded it at 24. Two years later, he married American photographer Linda Eastman. It was a famously happy union that lasted almost three decades. When Linda died of breast cancer in 1998, McCartney was devastated.

He eventually began a relationship with model and anti-landmine activist Heather Mills, 26 years his junior. The pair, who share a passion for animal rights and vegetarianism, married in 2002 and had a daughter, Beatrice, the next year.

But newspapers soon began running stories about trouble in the marriage. Mills McCartney was accused of meddling in her husband's career, persuading him to dye his hair _ he said he did it of his own accord _ and to undergo plastic surgery (he denied having any).

McCartney robustly defended his wife _ and continues to stick up for her. Since the split was announced last month, the tabloid press has been full of lurid allegations about Mills McCartney's past. She has been the subject of several unflattering articles that included pictures of her in naked or semi-naked poses.

A statement released last week by her lawyers said Mills McCartney was "distressed" by the stories and planned to sue for libel once divorce proceedings were over.

There has also been intense speculation about Mills McCartney's likely share in her husband's estimated $1.5 billion fortune.

McCartney posted messages on his official Web site condemning "the malicious spreading of rumors and made-up facts" in the media.

"It's been suggested that she married me for the money and there is not an ounce of truth in this," McCartney said.

Despite his recent difficulties, there are few signs that McCartney plans to slip into quiet retirement. He toured last year, and released an album, "Chaos and Creation in the Backyard," hailed as his best in decades.

Many listeners detected a melancholy and fragility missing from much of his solo work.

"Even though I'm essentially an optimist, an enthusiast, like anyone else I have down moments in my life," McCartney told The Associated Press last year. "You just can't help it. Life throws them at you."

Beatles-watchers say McCartney, who has also written an oratorio and a symphony, is still fired by musical ambition.

"He still has got it in him to write great songs," said Pete Nash, chairman of the British Beatles Fan Club. "He thinks he can write another classic, and I think he will."

Doggett says McCartney shares a dilemma with the Rolling Stones and other aging rockers _ legions of baby boomer fans just want to hear the old hits.

"I think he could write a song as magnificent as `Hey Jude' now, but it couldn't have the same effect on society because he's not the 20-something rock star at the heart of the biggest band in the world anymore," Doggett said.

"But I would be amazed if he's not making a record or writing a symphony or painting or writing a book. When faced with a difficulty he always throws himself back into work."

A moment of your time please?

2006-06-16T10:39:00.000-05:00

Hello all! I have been real busy rebuilding Attaboy! Family Entertainment's website. Working on making it much more appealing and user friendly. I think I accomplished my goals. Now it is time to do a little more SEO (Search engine optimization) so the search engines find Attaboy! for more keywords. Oh boy! Loads of fun! How about taking a look and let me know what you think. I would appreciate any feedback you could give me concerning the usability, broken links, navigation and appeal of the site to you the consumer. Thanks!

Attaboy! Family Entertainment

Peace, love and light to one and all,
Ric

Funatical Words...

2006-06-10T16:36:00.000-05:00

The Washington Post's Mensa Invitational once again
asked readers to take any word from the dictionary,
alter it by adding, subtracting, or changing one
letter, and supply a new definition. Here are the
2005 winners:

1. Cashtration (n): The act of buying a house, which
renders the subject financially impotent for an
indefinite period.

2. Intaxication: Euphoria at getting a tax refund,
which lasts until you realize it was your money to
start with.

3. Reintarnation: Coming back to life as a hillbilly.

4. Bozone (n): The substance surrounding stupid people
that stops bright ideas from penetrating. The bozone
layer, unfortunately, shows little sign of breaking
down in the near future.

5. Foreploy: Any misrepresentation about yourself for
the purpose of getting laid.

6. Giraffiti: Vandalism spray-painted very, very high.

7. Sarchasm: The gulf between the author of sarcastic
wit and the person who doesn't get it.

8. Inoculatte: To take coffee intravenously when you
are running late.

9. Hipatitis: Terminal coolness.

10. Osteopornosis: A degenerate disease (This one got
extra credit.)

11. Karmageddon: It's like, when everybody is, like,
sending off all these really bad vibes, right? And
then, like, the Earth explodes and it's, like, a
serious bummer.

12. Decafalon (n): The grueling event of getting
through the day consuming only things that are good
for you.

13. Glibido: All talk and no action.

14. Dopeler effect: The tendency of stupid ideas to
seem smarter when they come at you rapidly.

15. Arachnoleptic fit (n): The frantic dance you
perform just after you've accidentally walked through
a spider web.

16. Beelzebug (n): Satan in the form of a mosquito,
that gets into your bedroom at three in the morning
and cannot be cast out.

17. Caterpallor (n): The color you turn after finding
half a worm in the fruit you're eating.

18. Ignoranus: A person who's both stupid and an
asshole.

"THOUGHT FOR THE DAY.... Some people are like
Slinkies... Not really good for anything, but they
still bring a smile to your face when you push them
down a flight of stairs.

Peace, love and light to one and all,
Ric

Advocate Music and Art in schools...

2006-05-24T01:12:00.000-05:00

Mozart's Piano Sonata K448 was found to significantly increase spatial scores of college students on IQ tests when the Sonata was listened to for 10 minutes, dubbed the "Mozart Effect."

From Nature, Copyright 1993. Drs. Rauscher and Shaw, University of California, Irvine

"...a vibrant arts community is critical to how corporations decide where to locate, when people decide where to work."

Megatrends & Megatrends 2000, John Naisbitt

"I believe arts education in music, theater, dance, and the visual arts is one of the most creative ways we have to find the gold that is buried just beneath the surface. They [children]
have an enthusiasm for life. a spark of creativity and vivid imaginations that need training ... training that prepares them to become confident young men and women."

U.S. Secretary of Education Richard W. Riley

"Music, to me, was-is-representative of everything I like most in life. It's beautiful and fun, but very rigorous. If you wanted to be good you had to work like crazy. It was a real
relationship between effort and reward. My musical life experiences were just as important to me, in terms of forming my development, as my political experiences or my academic
life."

President Bill Clinton. From The Gifts of Music. Copyright (c) 1994 by Music Educators Vadortal Conference. Used with permission.

Today's music students are more self-motivated, interested in technology, and are better musicians than students two decades ago.

1995 survey conducted by the Music Teachers National Association

Parents are crucial in helping implement the National Standards for Arts Education by assessing the school's arts education program and teacher qualification; evaluating the community's cultural assets; and forming an arts education coalition.

What Parents Can Do. Music Educators National Conference and The National PTA

The U.S. Department of Labor issued a report urging schools to teach for the future workplace. The skills they recommend (working in teams, communication, self-esteem, creative thinking, imagination, and invention) are exactly those learned in school music and arts education programs
Seventy-one percent of respondents in the Gallup Survey think music education should be mandated by states.

1994 Gallup Survey

A Gallup Survey on American's attitudes towards music revealed the following:

* 93% of Gallup Survey respondents agreed music is part of a well-rounded education

* 86% felt all schools should offer instrumental music as part of regular curriculum

* 88% believe music helps a child's overall intellectual development

* 70% believe school music program participation corresponds to better grades and test scores

* 85% believe communities should provide financial resources to support these programs.

There is a direct correlation between improved SAT scores and the length of time spent studying the arts.

Profiles of SAT and Achievement Test Takers, The College Board, compiled by MENC.

Disadvantaged preschoolers display dramatic improvements in spatial reasoning ability after music training.

Drs. Rauscher and Shaw, University of California, Irvine

Hello all...

2006-05-23T10:21:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone. Slow morning so I thought I would blog. Hope all are well and having a great day. Well, my band is coming along really good. We have our first real gig this Saturday. Big outdoor party. Should be a hoot. Wish you all could be there.

Peace, love and light to one and all,
Ric

Crazy days...

2006-05-17T09:14:00.000-05:00

Hello all! Man have I been a blogger slacker. I have been so preoccupied with my business and my band that I have not taken the time to blog. I miss you all and hope you are having a wonderful day. I have also not written any more of the Journey. I need two of me. Smile. Still no little debutante on my arm. I simply have no time to go out and meet anyone. Oh well! I am training a new lady in California to take over the day to day operations of my business. Takes a lot of time. Starting over, just about from scratch, with my new band. Very time consuming. I love what I am doing. Just don't have the time to do all the things I love to do.

Peace, love and light to one and all,
Ric

TGIF

2006-05-12T09:09:00.000-05:00

Hello all! Well here it is another Friday. Can't wait till it is over. Rehearsal with my new band all weekend. Now that is what I call a good weekend. My harmonica player and I were the only two left. We hired a super talented young guitar player/singer, a solid rhythm player and a seasoned bass man. We are playing covers of just about everything from Sonny Boy Williams to Jimi. Now I can get to work on my originals also. What a blessing it is to find these guys and actually rehearse on a regular basis. Our harmonica player named the new band. Don't laugh...O.K. We are called The Chihuahua Chain Busters. Don't ask. It's a crazy story. One day I will tell you what it means. What do you think? Hahaha...

Peace, love and light to one and all,
Ric

25 years ago today!

2006-05-11T17:05:00.000-05:00

Hello all! Today marks 25 years since Bob Marley passed away. I wrote and recorded this tribute to him in 1981 and would appreciate it if you would take the time to listen to it in his memory.... "The Wailer""

Peace, love and light,
Ric

Today is my Birthday!

2006-05-10T08:04:00.000-05:00

Hello all! Well today I turn 54 years young. Been a long hard year. Looks like this year is getting off to a better start than last. Hope all are having a great Kid Ric's birthday. Have one of whatever your favorite is for me today? Smile.

As you may well know. Tomorrow marks 25 years since Bob Marley passed away. I wrote and recorded this tribute to him in 1981 and would appreciate it if you would take the time to listen to it in memory of Bob Marley.... "The Wailer"

Peace, love and light to one and all,
Ric

This Week In Rock and Roll History

2006-05-02T20:21:00.000-05:00

April 30th to May 6th

1886

Chichester Bell and Charles Tainter received a US patent for the graphophone. Their invention was meant to replace Thomas Edison's phonograph and featured wax-coated cylinders which were considered an improvement over the phonograph's tinfoil cylinders, which had been delicate and difficult to remove.

1900

The Billboard, a magazine for the music and entertainment industries, began weekly publication after six years as a monthly. By midyear it was calling itself "The Official Organ of the Great Out-Door Amusement World."

1942

The American War Production Board commandeers all facilities for the production of jukeboxes, turning them over to the manufacture of war materials.

1955

Leonard Chess signs Chuck Berry to a recording contract.

1956

For the first time in the history of Billboard's Hot 100, five records appear in both the Pop and R&B Top Ten. They are: Elvis Presley's "Heartbreak Hotel" (#1 pop, #6 R&B), Carl Perkins' "Blue Suede Shoes" (#4 pop, #3 R&B), Little Richard's "Long Tall Sally" (#9 pop, #1 R&B), the Platters' "Magic Touch" (#10 pop, #7 R&B) and Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers' "Why Do Fools Fall in Love" (#7 pop, #4 R&B).

1957

Elvis Presley recorded "Jailhouse Rock" this week in 1957. The song went on to become the first single to enter the UK charts at number 1 and would stay at the top in the US for seven weeks. The tune was written specifically for a scene in the movie of the same name by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller.

Gene Vincent and The Bluecaps record "Be-Bop-A-Lula" in Nashville. Capitol Records was so anxious to match RCA Victor's success with Elvis Presley that they had Vincent's record in the shops within two weeks.

The Alan Freed Show premiers on ABC-TV. The half-hour program includes Guy Mitchell, the Del-Vikings, Screamin' Jay Hawkins, the Clovers, June Valli, Martha Carson and the Alan Freed Rock & Roll Orchestra.

1958

Alan Freed has trouble on his hands when a brawl breaks out following a Big Beat Show at the Boston Arena. Several of the estimated 5,000 teens in attendance are injured and Freed will later be charged with incitement of a riot and destruction of property.

1959

The Grand Ballroom of The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles was the site of the very first Grammy Awards, where statuettes were given out for Record of the Year and Song of the Year to Domenico Modugno for his rendition of "Volaré" (Nel Blu Dipinto di Blu). He beat out Peggy Lee's "Fever", "Catch a Falling Star" by Perry Como, "Witchcraft" from Frank Sinatra and "The Chipmunk Song" by David Seville.

1960

Ben E. King leaves the Drifters and signs a solo contract with Atco Records. King was the lead singer on such Drifters' hits as "There Goes My Baby", "Save the Last Dance For Me" and "This Magic Moment".

In the aftermath of the payola scandal, Billboard Magazine reports that many radio stations are adopting what they called a "better music" format and banning rock & roll.

Ray Peterson records "Tell Laura I Love Her", which will rise to #7 in the US the following Summer.

1962

The Shirelles were presented with a gold record for "Soldier Boy", a song that was recorded in one take and originally intended as an album filler. It was the second million seller for them, following their first number one hit, "Will You Love Me Tomorrow". The girls would later find the US Top 10 again with "Dedicated to the One I Love", "Mama Said", "Baby It's You" and "Foolish Little Girl".

Chris Montez records "Let's Dance", which will reach #4 on the Billboard chart next Fall.

1963

The Beach Boys "Surfin U.S.A." LP debuts on Billboard's album chart.

Andy Williams' album, "Days of Wine and Roses" hit the #1 spot on the US LP chart where it would stay for 16 weeks.

1964

The Beatles receive $140,000 dollars for the rights to having their pictures included in packages of bubble gum in the USA.

"The Beatles' Second Album" reaches #1 on the Billboard LP chart in just its second week of release. It was the first album ever to make it to the top that quickly.

Gerry & the Pacemakers make their US television debut on the Ed Sullivan Show.

The Moody Blues are formed in Birmingham, England. The group was the brainchild of vocalist Denny Laine, who recruited Mike Pinder, Ray Thomas, Graham Edge and Clint Warwick.

1965

After just two weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, Herman's Hermits reach #1 with "Mrs. Brown, You've Got a Lovely Daughter".

The Supremes release "Back In My Arms Again", which will become their fifth consecutive US number one hit.

In their Clearwater, Florida hotel room, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards work out the opening guitar riff of "Satisfaction", following Richard's purchase of a Gibson fuzz-box earlier that day.

1966

The Young Rascals enjoy the first of 14 Billboard Top 40 hits when "Good Lovin" reached #1. Another version of the same song by The Olympics had stalled at #81 the previous year.

The Beatles made their final live appearance in the UK when they played a 15 minute set at the NME Poll Winners concert at Empire Pool, Wembley. Also appearing were The Spencer Davis Group, The Fortunes, Herman's Hermits, Roy Orbison, Cliff Richard, The Rolling Stones, The Seekers, The Small Faces, Dusty Springfield, The Walker Brothers, The Who and The Yardbirds. The Fab Four were not filmed because a financial agreement could not be reached.

1967

"San Francisco" by Scott McKenzie enters the charts where it will eventually hit #4. The John Phillips written song became a sort of anthem during the hippie movement.

On May 1st, 32 year old Elvis Presley married 21 year old Priscilla Beaulieu, a girl he first met in 1959 when she was just 14 years old. When Elvis got out of the army in 1960, Beaulieu moved into the King's Graceland mansion with her family's blessing. The wedding ceremony took place at the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas and although the marriage license was only $15, the wedding cake cost $3,500.

The F.B.I. arrests The Beach Boys' Carl Wilson on charges of avoiding the military draft and refusing to take the Oath of Allegiance. He is later released and joins the rest of the band in Ireland for a British tour.

Capitol Records announce the abandonment Brian Wilson's "Smile" album. Wilson took over a year to compose and produce the LP, but after hearing The Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper" album, he became convinced that "Smile" would be seen as second best.

The Turtles receive their first of two gold singles for their recent #1 pop hit, "Happy Together". Their second gold single will come later for "She'd Rather Be with Me".

The Who's Keith Moon offers this insightful advice to young drummers during an interview in Melody Maker Magazine: "To get your playing more forceful, hit the drums harder."

1968

After months of internal dissension, Buffalo Springfield play their final concert in Long Beach, California. Richie Fury would go on to form Poco and Stephen Stills teamed up with David Crosby and Graham Nash in Crosby, Stills and Nash.

The Box Tops are awarded their second gold record for "Cry Like a Baby". Their first was for "The Letter".

The Beach Boys begin a 17 date tour of the US with a show in New York. The second half of the concert featured the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, who lectured the audience on "spiritual regeneration." The reaction was so negative, more than half of the remaining tour dates were cancelled.

Top British model, Twiggy saw a performance by an 18 year old Welsh singer named Mary Hopkin and immediately recommended her to Paul McCartney as a possible addition to the Apple Records roster. Six months later, her first record, "Those Were the Days", was sitting behind "Hey Jude", in the number 2 position.

1969

The Fifth Dimension are awarded a gold record for "Aquarius / Let the Sunshine In," a medley from the hit rock musical Hair.

Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Bad Moon Rising" is released in the US, where it will reach #2.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police arrest Jimi Hendrix at Toronto's International Airport for possession of narcotics. He was released on $10,000 bail until his acquittal the following December.

1970

Twiggs Lyndon, the road manager for the Allman Brothers Band, was arrested for murder after he stabbed a club manager during an argument over a contract.

On May 4th, four students were shot and killed by the National Guard at Kent State University in Ohio during an antiwar demonstration. Neil Young reacted to the senseless slayings by writing and recording the song, "Ohio", with Crosby, Stills & Nash, the very next day.

1971

Ike and Tina Turner receive their only gold record for their version of Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Proud Mary". The song would climb to #4 in the US.

The Rolling Stones' "Brown Sugar" is released. It would reach number one in the US and number two in the UK.

Grand Funk Railroad "consent" to meet with members of the press, who have never treated the group with respect, despite their string of gold records. 150 reporters are invited to New York's Gotham Hotel. Only 6 showed up.

1972

Guitarist Les Harvey of the Scottish / English soul band Stone the Crows, was electrocuted by a shorted microphone wire during a concert attended by 12-thousand people in Swansea, Wales. He died in a local hospital three hours later.

Elton John's "Rocket Man" is released in the US, where it will reach #6.

1973

Paul Simon's first solo tour began with a performance at the Music Hall in Boston. Recordings from the tour were later released on the 1974 album, "Live Rhymin'". Former partner, Art Garfunkel, would release his first solo album, "Angel Clare" and the single "All I Know" later in the year.

Bachman-Turner Overdrive, featuring former Guess Who guitarist Randy Bachman, releases their first album. The LP would take six months to hit the charts and over a year before the hard rockin' single "Let it Ride" became a Top 25 hit.

Led Zeppelin opened their 1973 US tour, which is billed as the 'biggest and most profitable rock & roll tour in the history of the United States'. The group grossed over $3 million.

1974

The Carpenters play for US President Richard Nixon and the West German Chancellor at the White House.

Grand Funk Railroad started a two week run at #1 on the US singles chart with their version of the Little Eva hit "The Loco-Motion". It was only the second time that a cover version had been a #1, as well as the original. (The first was "Go Away Little Girl", a hit for Steve Lawrence in 1963 and Donny Osmond in 1971)

1975

Tony Orlando and Dawn scored their third and final US #1 hit with "He Don't Love You (Like I Love You)". The tune was written by three R&B heavyweights, Jerry Butler, Clarence Carter and Curtis Mayfield.

1976

After playing in Memphis during a southern tour, Bruce Springsteen climbs the fence at Graceland in an attempt to see Elvis Presley. Security guards stop him and he is escorted off the grounds.

The Who's drummer Keith Moon paid nine cab drivers to block-off both ends of a New York street so he could throw the contents of his hotel room out of the window.

Paul McCartney makes his first concert appearance in America in almost ten years as Wings commence their Wings over America tour in Fort Worth, Texas.

KISS perform their first concert in their hometown of New York City.

1977

Steve Miller's "Jet Airliner" is released. It will become his fourth US Top Ten hit.

Glen Campbell reached the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for the second time with "Southern Nights". It was his 19th Top 40 hit.

Led Zeppelin broke their own concert attendance record at a show in Michigan, when more than 76,000 fans saw their performance.

Eric Clapton records "Wonderful Tonight".

1978

The Bee Gees are awarded their second platinum single in less than two months for "Night Fever". It was preceded by "Stayin' Alive", both from the soundtrack of "Saturday Night Fever".

FM, a film about the struggles of a radio station, debuts in Los Angeles. The soundtrack features Steely Dan, Steve Miller, the Eagles, Neil Young, Billy Joel and Warren Zevon. More people would buy the soundtrack than bothered to see the film.

Jefferson Starship receive a platinum record for what will be their last LP with Grace Slick and Marty Balin. Just a few weeks later, both quit and the band had to be revamped.

1979

Thirteen years after the original duo of Peaches and Herb split up, Herb Feemster teamed up with a new Peaches, Linda Greene, to enjoy a four week run at #1 on the US singles chart with "Reunited". The record also did well in the UK, reaching #4.

Elton John becomes the first pop music star to perform in Israel.

The Who introduced their movie, Quadrophenia, as well as their new drummer, Kenny Jones. Jones had been a member of The Small Faces with Steve Marriott and enjoyed the hit, "Itchycoo Park" in 1967.

1980

Pink Floyd's hit single "Another Brick in the Wall (Part II)", with its chorus of kids chanting "We Don't Need No Education", is banned by the South African government. Black children, upset about inferior education, adopt the song as their anthem. The government says the song is "prejudicial to the safety of the state."

1982

Barry Manilow scored his first UK #1 album when "Barry Live In Britain" went to the top of the charts.

A court in Edinburgh, Scotland sentences the former manager of the Bay City Rollers, Tam Paton, to three years in jail. Paton had pleaded guilty to charges of conducting himself "in a shamelessly indecent manner" with ten teenage boys.

1983

Blues guitarist Muddy Waters, whose real name was McKinley Morganfield, died of a heart attack on April 30th, at the age of 68.

After leading the Billboard chart for seven weeks with "Billie Jean", Michael Jackson was back on top with "Beat It". His ten week run at the top was interrupted for a week by Dexys Midnight Runners' "Come On Eileen".

The original line-up of the 1960's British group Manfred Mann reunited to celebrate the 25th anniversary of London's Marquee Club.

Clarence Quick, the bass voice of the Del Vikings on their 1956 hit, "Come, Go With Me", died of a heart attack on May 5th. He was 46 years old.

The one thousandth edition of Britain's music show, Top of the Pops is broadcast on BBC-TV.

1984

Tina Turner's "What's Love Got to Do With It" is released. The song would eventually climb to number one, win Grammys for record and song of the year and established Turner as a major solo star. When Tina left her husband and former bandmate, Ike Turner in 1975, she was carrying nothing more than thirty-six cents in change and a gas station credit card.

Mick Fleetwood filed for bankruptcy. The founder of Fleetwood Mac had released a solo album called "The Visitor" in 1981. Although the critics loved it, "The Visitor" ended up losing a lot of money, as did Fleetwood's real estate investments, leading to eventual financial ruin.

1986

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Chairman Ahmet Ertegen announces that Cleveland, Ohio has been chosen as the city where the Hall will be built.

Michael Jackson signs his second contract with Pepsi, who will pay the gloved one $15 million and sponsor his solo world tour.

1987

Paul Butterfield, who fronted The Paul Butterfield Blues Band, died of drug-related heart failure on May 4th. He was 45.

1988

Billy Joel escapes punishment for defamation charges brought against him by Jack Powers, whom he called a "creep" during an interview with Playboy magazine. The judge cited the 1st Amendment and dropped all charges.

Pink Floyd's, "Dark Side of the Moon" finally dropped off the US albums chart after a run of 725 weeks (almost 14 years).

1989

Police in California are called to a jewellery store after employees reported a suspicious person. He turned out to be Michael Jackson, who had donned a wig, fake moustache, false teeth and eyelashes to go shopping. Officers had him remove his disguise and show his identification.

1995

Former Guns 'N Roses drummer Steven Adler is arraigned on a felony count of possession of heroin, as well as two misdemeanor drug charges.

1996

Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville sang at a White House event celebrating the musical diversity of the US. President Bill Clinton and his wife Hilary were the hosts for In Performance at the White House, which was later broadcast on public television.

1997

Governor George W. Bush declares May 5th as ZZ Top Day in the state of Texas.

Joni Mitchell failed to show up for her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. She apparently wanted to avoid the media hoopla over her reunion with the daughter she gave up for adoption 32 years earlier.

1999

All five members of Aerosmith visit shooting victim Lance Kirklin in a Colorado hospital before their show in Denver that evening. The band dedicates "Living On The Edge" to the student, who was one of 28 wounded and 13 killed by two deranged classmates at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado on April 20th.

51 year old Darrell Sweet, drummer of the Scottish rock group Nazareth, suffered a fatal heart attack on April 30th, just as the band was embarking on the second leg of a US tour. The band had arrived at the Amphitheater in New Albany, Indiana, when Sweet began feeling ill and within minutes went into cardiac arrest. He was rushed to the New Albany Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Nazareth is best remembered for their 1976 hit "Love Hurts".

2000

Rod Stewart undergoes a one-hour throat operation at Cedar-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles to remove a growth on his thyroid. The growth turns out to be benign.

A $1.8 million civil fraud suit is filed against Neil Young in Los Angeles Superior Court by a former Village Voice writer who claims Young reneged on an agreement to have a biography written about him when Young blocked the book's publication.

2002

Songwriter Otis Blackwell died from a heart attack on May 6th. Among his hits were "All Shook Up", "Return To Sender", "Don't Be Cruel", "Great Balls Of Fire", "Fever" and "Handy Man". Over the years, Blackwell's songs have sold more than 185 million copies.

2003

Two disc jockeys from Denver's KRFX-FM, Rick Lewis and Michael Floorwax, stopped a live radio interview with Detroit rocker Ted Nugent after he used derogatory racial terms for Asians and Blacks. The station received calls after the show from angry listeners, mostly from people saying they were glad Nugent was taken off the air. The two DJs said Nugent came on the show about three times a year, but won't be back any time soon.

58 year old Barry White suffered a stroke that affected his speech and the right side of his body.

2004

David Bowie cancelled a concert in Miami after a local stagehand was killed in a fall before the show began.

Michael Jackson was arraigned in a Santa Maria, California courtroom after a grand jury determined that there was sufficient evidence to send him to trial. The jury handed down a ten-count indictment, including four counts of committing lewd acts upon a minor.

Johnny Cash

2006-05-01T22:46:00.000-05:00

Listen to the one and only Man in Black.

Thought for the day...

2006-04-29T20:18:00.000-05:00

One must make a decent commitment to greatness toward anything in life or the chances of greatness occurring will be all but eliminated.

Peace, love and light to one and all

I am finally back to blogging.....

2006-04-22T10:20:00.000-05:00

Hello all,

I've not been a very good blogger lately. So much going on for me right now that I simply don't know which way to turn. Computer has been on the fritz. Trucks in a muck. Murphy has been following me around enforcing his law at every turn. Band broke up again. My apologies to everyone for not being around. Molly my dear I just received your email. Sorry, I sure would have enjoyed getting away from my routine for awhile. Well enough about me. I hope all are well and having a wonderful day. Peace, love and light to one and all.

SO YOU THINK YOU KNOW EVERYTHING?

"Stewardesses" is the longest word typed with only the left hand and
"lollipop" with your right. (Bet you tried this out with your fingers,
didn't you?)

Maine is the only state whose name is just one syllable. (I'll bet
you're going to check this out.)

No word in the English language rhymes with month, orange, silver, or
purple.

"Dreamt" is the only English word that ends in the letters "mt". (Are
you doubting this?)

Our eyes are always the same size from birth, but our nose and ears
never stop growing.

The sentence: "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog" uses every
letter of the alphabet. (Now, you KNOW you're going to try this out for
accuracy, right?)

The words 'racecar,' 'kayak' and 'level' are the same whether they are
read left to right or right to left (palindromes). (Yep, I knew you were
going to "do" this one.)

There are only four words in the English language which end in "dous":
tremendous, horrendous, stupendous, and hazardous (You're not doubting
this, are you?)

There are two words in the English language that have all five vowels
in order: "abstemious" and "facetious." (Yes, admit it, you are going to
say ..... a e i o u)

TYPEWRITER is the longest word that can be made using the letters only
on one row of the keyboard. (All you typists are going to test this
out)

All 50 states are listed across the top of the Lincoln Memorial on the
back of the $5 bill.

A dime has 118 ridges around the edge.

A cat has 32 muscles in each ear.

A crocodile cannot stick out its tongue. (but who really cares?)

A dragonfly has a life span of 24 hours.

A goldfish has a memory span of three seconds. (Some days that's about
what my memory span is!)

A "jiffy" is an actual unit of time for 1/100th of a second.

A shark is the only fish that can blink with both eyes.

A snail can sleep for three years. (I know some people that could do
this too.)

Al Capone's business card said he was a used furniture dealer.

Almonds are a member of the peach family.

An ostrich's eye is bigger than its brain.

Babies are born without kneecaps. They don't appear until the child
reaches 2 to 6 years of age.

Butterflies taste with their feet.

Cats have over one hundred vocal sounds. Dogs only have about 10.

February 1865 is the only month in recorded history not to have a full
moon.

In the last 4,000 years, no new animals have been domesticated.

If the population of China walked past you, in single file, the line
would never end because of the rate of reproduction.

If you are an average American, in your whole life, you will spend an
average of 6 months waiting at red lights.

Leonardo Da Vinci invented the scissors.

On a Canadian two dollar bill, the flag flying over the Parliament
building is an American flag.

Peanuts are one of the ingredients of dynamite!

Rubber bands last longer when refrigerated.

The average person's left hand does 56% of the typing.

The cruise liner, QE2, moves only six inches for each gallon of diesel
that it burns.

The microwave was invented after a researcher walked by a radar tube
and a chocolate bar melted in his pocket. (Good thing he did that)

The winter of 1932 was so cold that Niagara Falls froze completely
solid.

There are 293 ways to make change for a dollar.

There are more chickens than people in the world.

There's no Betty Rubble in the Flintstones Chewables Vitamins.

Tigers have striped skin, not just striped fur.

Winston Churchill was born in a ladies' room during a dance.

Women blink nearly twice as much as men.

Your stomach has to produce a new layer of mucus every two weeks;
otherwise it will digest itself.

..................Now you know everything!

Day seven...

2006-03-25T20:29:00.000-05:00

Evan walked out by the pond, stopped for a few minutes, and sat down on the log he had hidden behind. The moon was bright. Everything was a surreal calm black and white. He was so tired that his eyes fell shut a couple of times. He shook his head to stay awake but it didn't help. He fell asleep sitting on the log.

"Evan?" "Evan wake up!" "Evan!" Evan woke up to Bear's voice and ginger jumping up on him. "Shit!" Evan said. "What is the matter son?" Bear inquired. "I am not your son Bear!" Evan exclaimed. "Of course your not my son, Evan. My son, Evan, was killed in Vietnam two months ago. Mommy has not given up hope that he will be home. You know? She can't except that he died a hero over there. I am sorry if you thought that Evan." "Well it was the things you said and the way you acted which made me think you believed I was." Evan humbly announced. "Mommy and I thought that God sent you to us to fill the empty hole in our hearts. Not to replace our son. Nobody could ever do that." Bear kindly explained. "Now come on back to the house and have some breakfast. Mommy doesn't know you left and I won't tell her. After breakfast I will drive you to town and drop you off so you can continue your journey." "Thanks Bear!" Evan replied. They walked back to the house. Bear started horse playing and Evan followed suit. Bear put Ginger in her kennel beside the house. I keep her in here because I don't want her out on the highway. She has wandered out there a couple of times. It is a wonder she is still alive." Bear chuckled. Evan threw his bag on the porch and followed Bear into the house.

As they walked into the kitchen Mary was heaping scrambled eggs on the plates already on the table. The coffee was poured and the creamer beside Evan's cup. Must have been 5 pounds of bacon on a big plate and hot buttered toast piled 10 slices high next to it. "I see you had your morning walk with Daddy Evan." Mary said. "Yes Ma'am I did. Beautiful morning." Evan winked at Bear. "Yup! Beautiful morning for sure Mommy." Bear declared. "Are you going to start painting the barn this morning?" Mary asked. "Well Mommy, we decided it would be best if Evan made his way home today. You know Mommy he has a family of his own." "Oh, but I so wished you would stay with us for a little while longer Evan. You remind me so much of my son who is in the Army. He will be coming home from the war soon. You would like him a lot. I know he would be disappointed if you left before he got home and had a chance to get to know you." "Sorry Ma'am, my Grandmother is expecting me any day now." Evan told her. Evan could see the sadness in Mary's face. It hurt him deep in his soul to look at her. Bear and Evan finished their food and were just about to finish their coffee when Bear said. "I am taking Evan to town Mommy. Is there anything you need while I am there?" "Let me see. Hmmm? I will make you a list." Mommy smiled as she cleared the table. "O.K. Mommy." Bear smiled back. Mary wrote up a list of things she needed and laid it on the table next to Bear. Bear and Evan finished their coffee. "Lets go out and see if the old truck will start Evan." Bear requested as he walked out the door. Evan followed him with one last glance, a smile and a "Thank you for everything Ma'am" back at Mary. "You are welcome Evan." Mary replied. "Now you take good care and come back and see us real soon." Mary insisted. "O.K. Ma'am, thanks again. I will do that! Good Bye." Mary answered. "Good Bye Evan."

Bear slung open the doors to the old shed he called a garage. "I sure hope old Bessy starts. Cross your fingers Evan." Bear said as he climbed in the drivers seat of this battleship gray 1949 Studebaker pickup truck. Bear put the key in the ignition and stepped on the starter. The engine turned over but did not start. Bear looked at Evan through the front window and crossed his fingers. Evan put his crossed fingers up as a response. Bear stepped on the starter again. Grind, grind, grind, sput, sputter, grind, cough, varoom. It started. Bear pulled it out of the garage put on the brake and got out. "Well throw your bag in the back Evan and lets get rolling. I don't want to be all day." Evan put his bag in the back and jumped in the front seat of the truck. Bear turned the truck around and headed down the lane.

The sun was coming up and the sky was wondrous. Yellows, reds, white, purple and all sorts of color variations mixed throughout the wispy clouds against a royal blue sky. Evan thought. "Wow! I have never seen a sky so pretty in my whole life as this one." It was warming up and he could tell it was going to be a fantastic day. Bear turned and looked at Evan. "I am sorry Evan for letting Mommy fantasize you were our son returned to us. You know she has not been right in the head since we got the news. I thought it wouldn't hurt anything to play along with her. I told her we had to play it low key and take it slow with you because you had been in the war and needed time to re-adjust before we made a fuss over you. I was wrong to do that and I am truly sorry. I just thought it would be good for her. I explained to her last night when we went to bed that you were a blessing from the Lord, not our son but a stranger sent to us by God to help us and she understood and agreed. You know you are welcome to stay on with us if you want. You can work the farm for your keep and use the truck when ever you want." Evan answered. "You make it very hard to leave Bear. But, I have to get to Florida soon. Thanks for the more than generous offer and hospitality. I can only imagine how hard it must be on her to loose your son that way." They turned left onto a hard surface road. "The highway is just up ahead." Bear informed Evan. They reached the highway a few minutes later. The old truck didn't go much over 40 miles per hour. Up the entrance ramp and onto the interstate. Everything was passing them like they were sitting still. People blowing their horns and cursing Bear for going so slow. "These people don't have any idea how to relax and live." Bear said. "Always in a danged big hurry." Evan replied. Yea! They are about half nuts out here for sure." Bear nodded in agreement. "We are going to miss you Evan." Bear quietly related. "I will miss you too sir." Evan said. "Well I am turning up ahead. I'll pull over here so you can get a ride easier." Bear pulled over. "Now you take real good care of yourself my boy. Do you have any money?" Bear inquired. "A couple of bucks. Yea, I've got a couple of bucks." Evan answered. "Here take this, it will help you out on down the road." Bear handed Evan a twenty dollar bill. "Thank you sir." Evan said as he shoved it into his pocket and got out of the truck. He grabbed his bag and Bear drove away. Bear waved out the window and disappeared over the hill. Evan waved back and threw his bag over his shoulder and started walking down the highway.

Evan thought about what Bear had done as he walked down the road. He came to the conclusion that he probably would have done anything he could, in Bear's position, to try to help poor Mary from being in so much anguish. "Poor Mary? My God! My Mom must feel the same way. Mom..." He muttered. The cars were flying by him so fast he couldn't beleive it. They must have been traveling at 90 miles an hour. No one so much as looked at him. Thumb high in the air foot right on the yellow line. The trucks were louder than he remembered and almost blew him down with their incredable blasts of wind as they passed. The sun was up and the birds were singing in the woods along side the highway. "Oh Mom..I am sorry for leaving you. I love you Mom. Oh my dear Mom. Mom..." Evan seemed to be chanting as he walked backwards along the road. "Come on! Somebody give me a ride? He said out loud. "Come On!!" It was getting hot standing in the sun. Evan took off his jacket and threaded it through the strings on the top of his bag and put his thumb back out california style. The sky was pure blue with no clouds in sight. He could see the heat beginning to rise up off the blacktop. It looked like a mirrage. The bottoms of Evan's feet were burning and the smell of the highway was making him naseus. "Man! Somebody give me a ride. Please? Come on pull over will ya? Somebody stop!" Evan kept repeating himself like the chourus line in a never ending song. At least 2 hours went by and still no ride. "Boy oh boy!" "This really sucks. Somebody give me a damned ride will ya! Anybody! Come on man! Give me a damned ride!" Evan exclaimed. He tried to make eye contact with the motorists but not a soul would look back at him. "Well at least it is not cold and raining." Evan reflected. "Come on give me a damned ride!" He yelled at the on coming cars over and over again. No one was interested in picking him up today. "Isn't this just great? I'll probably be here for days at this rate." He mumbled. "Stuck here forever." He was thinking. "There is no way I'm getting stuck out here in the middle of nowhere, that's for sure." He said to himself as he threw his bag over his shoulder and began to walk with his thumb stuck out about waiste high. He walked and walked and still no ride. Then after almost 3 hours of being on the road a yellow pickup truck pulled over about 20 yards ahead of him.

Evan took off running toward the truck. Tossed his bag in the back of the truck and was about to open the door when the truck pulled away. It stopped about 30 feet away. Evan ran for it again and it pulled away again. Evan sat down on the gaurd rail and gave the driver the finger. The truck backed up and the passenger door flew open. He got up and walked to the truck and got in. "That ought to learn ya boy! Never put yer shit in a strangers truck unless yer in the truck already. Hahaha! Had ya goin' didn't I? Hahaha! I'm Ralph. Who in the hell are you? Dumb ass? Hahahaha!!! "I'm Evan, Ralph. You related to Ralph O'Rork? Haha! "Huh?" Ralph babbled. "Never mind. Where you going?" Evan asked. "To breakfast about 2 miles up. Got a pretty little waitress I'm a gonna get. I love her bacon and eggs if ya know what I'm a talkin' bout? Haha! You hungry? On me! For some odd reason Evan liked this guy. "Well, I'm not really hungry but what the hell, why not? Evan resounded. "Well, there you go then. Might get a look at those hash browns. Hahaha! Ya know what I'm a sayin here Evan? "Yea Ralph I catch your drift." Evan chuckled. "Huh? Was Ralph's response. "I understand!" Evan added impatiently. They turned off the highway turned right onto a hard rural route and drove for about an hour. Turn after turn. Hard roads to dirt roads to hard roads to dirt. Evan kept asking where is this place? Ralph would laugh and say. "Just up around this next bend." Evan was getting real impatient as they pulled up to this small, half delapidated wooden clapboard shack called Mum's Tator House. The smell of pancakes and sausage gravy filled the air. Evan's taste buds were going crazy over all the different aromas in the room. People everywhere stuffing their faces. They waited at the door and the waitress came and showed them to their table. There was a pot of coffee already on the table along with fresh bread and butter. Cream and sugar the works. "I recomend the biscuits and gravy with sausage, dumb ass. Yer probably to dumb to no what that is, dumb ass! "I happen to like good home made biscuits and gravy! That is what I will have. Thanks Ralllph O'Rorrrrk!" "Dumb ass." Ralph replied while shaking his head yes. Evan poured himself a cup of coffee. "This is some good coffee Ralph." Evan said. "Well hell yea it's good! Dumb ass. It's the best in the county and I ought to know. I been everywhere there is to eat around these here parts. Dumb ass."

"There she is, dumb ass. Don't stare ass hole. Act like you don't see her." Ralph demanded. Well Evan couldn't help but see her she was as big as a small truck. "Here she comes, be cool, dumb ass." Ralph insisted. "Well fancy seeing you here twice in one week. Who's your skinny friend?" The waitress inquired. "I'm Evan Maam." Evan anounced. "Yea. this is dumb ass Evan. I picked his skinny ass up out on the highway. Ralph answered. "Well what's it going to be boys? Bacon and eggs or biscuits and gravy? The waitress ask. "Give us both biscuits and gravy and hashbrowns with toast." Ralph exclaimed. " Commin' right up." The waitress replied. Ralph slid his hand under her dress and up her leg and pinched her ass. Now you behave yourself or I might just have to take you boys home with me and teach you both a lesson." She said as she smacked Ralph's hand and walked away. "Now there's a woman boy." Ralph said loud enough for the whole place to hear. "Yes sir, a real woman." He added.

After an hour or so of hangin' out eating. Ralph announced that he and the waitress were going to go to her place and ask Evan if he wanted to go along and get a little. Ralph winked and said "come on ass-hole, what do you have to loose? Your virginity? Ha ha ha ass-hole!" "Man I need to get back on the road dude!" Evan answered. Ralph agreed and he and his date took Evan to the highway. "Sure you don't want to have some fun ass-hole?" Ralph asked as Evan climbed out of the truck. "No thanks!" Was Evan's reply. "Thanks for the ride." Evan explained as Ralph waved and drove away.

About 10 minutes later a black Mercedes pulled over. Evan ran up to the car as fast as he could. "Got to catch this ride right away." He thought. As he aproached the car he saw 3 heads. 2 in the front seat and one in the back. The back door opened when he arrived and a sweet voice said. "Hi I'm Marsha, jump in dude." He put his bag on the floor and proped his feet up on it. "Hi! I'm Evan on my way to Florida. Where are you lovely young ladies headed?" He asked. "We are going back to scholl in Macon." Marsha answered. "This is Trudy." She said as she put her hand on the drivers back. "And this is Carol." She pointed to the passenger. "Evan politely responded. "Hello ladies. Thanks for the lift. I been standing out there all day waiting for someone to pick me up. Thanks a lot!" Trudy asked. "Where are you coming from Evan?" "Maryland." Was Evan's reply. "My brother lives in Maryland." Carol said. "Cool." Evan answered. Carol had long flowing black hair and looked to be Indian or Egyptian. Big black eyes and dark skin. Marsha was a petite little short haired blonde with green eyes and the cutest smile. Trudy on the other hand was kind of butch. She had real short brown hair, combed like a man, brown eyes and a deep voice. "Where are you from Carol?" Evan inquired. Cairo Egypt she said as she turned to look at Evan. Evan was smitten with her. When he saw the front of her face he noticed what looked to be a real ruby in the middle of her forehead. "Wow! How cool and different you are." He almost said. "So, you ladies all go to the same school?" Evan asked. Carol who had turned around in her seat answered. "Yea, we do all go to the University in Macon." Evan was beside himself. "College girls..Look at me I'm getting a ride with 3 college girls. This is too cool." He grinned from ear to ear. "I'm from Canada, Alberta myself." Marsha said. "And Trudy is from British Columbia. We are all exchange students." She added. "Exchange students from all around the world" "It just couldn't get any better than this." Evan thought. "I'm getting hungry." Trudy announced. "Me too and I have to pee." Said Marsha as she smiled a soft tender smile at Evan. He almost melted. Trudy made the next exit and they all tried to decide which way to turn when Evan spoke up. "I'd go left. I saw a sign for a Sambo's back a couple of miles." Trudy turned left and sure enough there was the Sambo's. Carol said. "I love men who can take charge. I'm so glad we picked you up Evan. You know how us girls are sometimes." She added with an accent that was knocking Evan's socks off. When the car stopped Evan quickly jumped out and opened Carol's door for her. His eyes just about popped out of his head when she turned to get out. She had the most stunningly beautiful legs he had ever laid eyes on. She was wearing short shorts and a halter top. Evan and Carol headed to the Door and the other 2 girls followed. Carol took Evan by the arm and he escorted her into the restaurant. She was almost as tall as him and was so pleasant and easy to look at. Marsha and Trudy headed off to the restroom and Carol and Evan found a booth.

"You are the most beautiful lady I have ever met." Evan modestly stated. "You are a very handsome man yourself Evan. Thank you! She replied. Evan could not beleive she was so into him and he was without a doubt infatuated with her. The girls came out and up to the table. Carol moved from the other side of the booth next to Evan and got real close. He put his hand on her leg under the table and she moved closer. Evan was getting excited. Her skin was soft like fine silk. She placed her hand on top of his and moved it a little bit farther up her leg untill his hand was completely on her shorts. Evan was flipping out. It was extremely warm where his hand was and Carol had put it there. She was holding it tightly and pressing it against her crotch. He felt her shorts getting moist and warmer by the second.

Marsha and Trudy were reading the menu and didn't seem to notice or care what Evan and Carol were up too. The waitress came over and asked to take their orders. Trudy and Marsha ordered right away. Evan and Carol had not yet looked at the menu. "We will need a few more minutes please." Evan suggested as he struggled to retreive his hand to pick up the menu. Carol held on to his hand and would not let go. He picked up the menu with his left hand. Carol took one side and he the other and they read it together. "Short stack and 2 over easies with sausage, hash browns and coffee." Evan ordered. Carol placed her order and the waitress left the table. Evan's hand was about to burn off. Carol was so hot and getting wetter. He moved his fingers around and found the perfect position. Carol laid her head on his shoulder and began rubbing herself with his hand. He could not fathom that he was sitting in a restaurant with his hand on her and she was doing whatever she wanted to herself with his hand. This was completely new experience for Evan and one that he wasn't likely to ever forget or repeat.

The waitress brought out, poured the coffee and left the pot. Evan sipped his coffee with his free hand. Carol was still making the most of the situation. She left go of him to fix her coffee and he moved his hand onto his lap. Evan excused himself to the restroom. Carol got up to let him out of the booth. Evan was walking on air all the way to the restroom. Carol quickly jumped up when he returned and sat down again twice as fast. Evan laid his hand back on her leg just above her knee. Wow! Was he surprised. His hand was on her shorts which she had pulled down somehow when he wasn't looking. She took his hand and put it between her naked legs. Evan's fingers found there mark and she started rubbing herself and directing his fingers in and out of her. Evan was hard as a rock by now and getting harder. Carol left go of his hand again but Evan kept on entering her and rubbing her clit. She reached over and put her hand on his penis and smiled. Evan was so excited he could barely manage to use his fork to eat. She rubbed and clenched him and rubbed him some more. Evan was rubbing her as she undid his belt and unbuttoned his jeans. One button at a time until she had them all undone. Then she thrust her hand down his underwear and softly fondled him. She had the touch of an angel and knew exactly were to carress him. They ate and fondled each other the whole time. Evan had never been in a situation like this before. He could not beleve this was happening to him.

The waitress came back with the check. Marsha and Trudy took the check and headed to the counter. "I think we ought to get up and go now." Evan whispered to Carol. "Oh, alright then." She said as she took his hand in hers and licked his fingers. Ummm desert she purred. Evan had a hard time being discreet about buttoning up his pants and getting his belt hooked but managed somehow. Carol was pretty slick about it. She stood up and in one move had her shorts up. She adjusted her belt as Evan got up and they headed to the car.

"We will sit in the back for awhile." Carol said as they approached the car. Evan opened the door for her and she crawled in. Evan couldn't help but stare at her perfect little ass. He then opened the front door for Marsha. When he got in the back seat Carol was stark naked with her legs spread wide apart. Evan couldn't beleive his eyes. She was shaved in the shape of a little heart and he could see her clit. He slid his finger up and down accross her and twitched her clit on every pass. Then he stuck his finger in her. She was so soft and wet and hot. Marsha said. "He is mine when you are done with him Carol. Carol smiled at her and said. "When I'm done he's all yours." Carol undid his belt again. Marsha was turned around and watching everything. Carol undid a button and then Marsha climbed about half way into the back seat and undid a button. They took turns until all of his buttons were undone. "Put your feet up here." Marsha instructed Evan. He did and she pulled off his boots and socks. Then she took ahold of his pant legs and pulled off his jeans. Carol removed his underwear and his T-shirt. He was hard and they both started playing with him at the same time.

Evan gently put his thumb inside of Carol and she moaned with delight. Evan entered her over and over again with his thumb the smell of her juices was driving him insane. Marsha said. "I can't wait, I want it now as she climbed into the back seat. She removed her clothes and took Evan's free hand and sat right on his thumb. She was sliding up and down on it and they were playing with each others nipples and kissing Evan and each other. Carol moved and stratled Evan. His penis was standing straight up and was in exactly the right position for entry. Carol slid it inside of her and slowly put it all the way in. She gyrated almost without moving her body. Evan was about to bust a nut. Trudy spoke up. "When you girls have your fill he is all mine." Evan came and Carol did with him they squirmed and pushed and she slid up and down on him faster and faster until he could only murmer. "My God that was good. The best I ever had." He exclaimed. Especialy since it was his first time. Evan had never had sex before. Marsha said. "You aint seen nothin' yet Evan. it's my turn next." As Carol climbed off of him. He was soft now and didn't think he could get it back up when Marsha wrapped her lips around his soft penis. He was hard again in a second. She licked him and nibbled on him until he was rock hard. Then she strattled him and took the whole thing inside if her in one abrupt movement. She was tighter and not as deep as Carol. She screamed out in pain when Evan reached maximum penetration. They went at it for quite sometime. Carol kissing him and him playing with her nipples and rubbing het clit and penetrating her with his fingers. Marsha would stick her nose by his hand and lick Carol all around his fingers and then kiss him with her face all covered with Carols juices.

"I, I, I'm gonna cum again.' Evan whimpered. "I'm ready baby. Do it! Do it! Do it!" Marsha begged as she was jumping up and down on him even faster and harder than Carol did. Evan grabbed her by the ribs and tried to set the rhythm as he came inside her. Marsha screamed. "I'm cumming. I'm cumming. My God I'm cumming again. She kept jumping up and down on him. "I'm cumming again." She belted out. Evan fell back into the seat as Marsha climbed off of him and Carol started sliding her fingers in and out of Marsha and went to sucking on him right away. "I want it again." Carol exclaimed. Marsha hooped out. "Oh my God Carol I'm going to cum again. Carol licked Marshas clit and then flicked it faster and faster with her finger until she came. She squirted her cum all the way across the back seat and all over Evans stomach and penis. It was so warm as it ran down across his testicles. Carol went right back to sucking him and he got harder than he was the first 2 times.

Marsha took his hand and started masterbating with it. Evan just left her do as she pleased with his hand. He learned a lot about where woman liked being touched and how they liked it. Carol laid back and pulled Evan on top of her. He put his penis in just enough to hide the head. Carol was playing with his balls saying. "Yes, yes, yes, Give it to me. Give it all to me now. Evan made maximum penitration and pulled back till it almost came out. He kept it up one lunge after the next. Then just the head and a little push then a lunge. "Your going to make me cum again Evan. Oh! Oh! I'm cumming again. My God Evan I love you." Marsha was still having her way with Evan's hand as she belted out. "I'm cumming too. She laughed and laughed as they both came at the same time. Marsha squirted across the car again all over everything and kept rubbing her clit and penitrating herself with Evan's fingers.

Trudy had adjusted the rearview mirrow so she could watch what was going on in the back seat. "You girls done with him yet. I'm about to cum in my pants if I don't get a turn soon." Trudy expounded. Carol pulled off of him and rolled over and stuck her ass up to Evan. He slid his penis in her deeper than before. She was thumping inside and he could feel her muscles contracting. "Hold on baby here he cums." Evan whispered. "Me too, I'm cumming again Carol yelled out. Marsha grabbed Evan just below his balls and said. "I love the way it feels when you get off Evan." Evan cum again and Carol backed up to get more of him inside of her. He shot again. "That's it! It's my turn. Both of you up front!" Trudy ordered as she pulled over. Marsha and Carol got dressed and moved up front.

Trudy was built like a penthouse model. Evan undid her belt as she kissed his neck. Pulled down her zipper and pulled her shorts off underwear and all. She took off her shirt. Her tits stood up like monuments and she was completely shaved. Evan was so soft now that he knew there was no way he could ever get hard again. Marsha drove away. Evan couldn't get over how she felt when he slid his hand across her shaved lips. She took his penis and moved herself in front of him and masterbated with it. He could feel it getting a little hard but not hard enough to satisfy Trudy. She just kept on rubbing it across her clit and up and down her soft lips. She was moving so fast that Ean was feeling numb. "Ahh! Ahhh! Aiee! Trudy murmured as she squirted her cum all over Evan penis. He got hard in an instant. She pushed him down and jumped on his hard cock like it was the only one left in the world. Up and down she went slowly then quick then slow then fast and hard then slow and easy. She came again and again over and over again. Evan estimated she got off at least 7 times and she was still plunging him as deep into her as she could.

She stopped and moved back for a second. Carol was watching every move. "I want to see him cum." she said to Trudy. Make him cum for me Trudy. Make him cum. "I want to see it too." Marsha added as she pulled over to the side of the road. Trudy started sucking him. She was better than either one of the other girls. "I'm almost there." Evan told her. She kept taking him all the way down her throat. "I'm gonna cum any minute." Evan muttered. "Here I cum!" Trudy slid off of him and all three of them got a hand on him and jacked him the rest of the way off. When he shot it went all the way to the front seat the girls all climbed in back and played with him and licked him untill he was half blind. He shot again and it went all over Carol's face they all laughed and licked each other and Evan clean. He shot again. They got so excited to watch him cum they wouldn't quit sucking him and jacking him off. They all 3 tried to suck him at the same time. He came again the girls were exstatic. Carol said. "I could watch you cum all day it really turns me on." Me too." Marsha added. "Ditto" Chimed Trudy. They all got dressed and Trudy drove the car. Carol got back in the back seat and laid her head in Evan's lap and put his penis in her mouth like a pacifier. Evan had never in his life ever experienced anything like this before and he was still getting sucked and it felt so good. His penis was soft but that didn't stop Carol she kept right on sucking him. He came again and Carol still kept sucking him.

"It's only a few more miles to our lay over girls." Trudy announced. "Hell, Carol and Evan are already asleep." Marsha said. Evan had went to sleep with Carol still sucking him. Trudy drove up the exit, off the highway and to a hotel. Trudy went inside. Wake up you two we are at the hotel. Hey! You two wake the hell up! Marsha yelled. Evan was in a daze. "Huh? Where? We what? Evan muttered. Carol sit straight up and said. "You can just shut up right now bitch." Evan looked out the window and saw this neon lighted sign flashing that looked like it said, We com T the Ho l. He rubbed his eyes and read it again. "Where are my clothes?" Evan asked. "Here in the front seat. Get dressed and meet us in the room. Trudy came back. "We are in room 224 right over there." She directed. Trudy threw Evan his pants and said. "224." The girls all went to the room. Evan looked out toward the office again. There was an old man looking out the office widow and pacing the floor. Evan found his T-shirt and cleaned up a little with it. He pulled out a clean T-shirt and underwear and got dressed. When Evan got out of the car he almost fell down. His knees were week and he was exausted. He had a hard time picking up his bag and walking a straight line. He went up the steps down the catwalk to room 224. He knocked on the door and Carol answered the door nude. Evan walked in set his bag in the corner. Carol grabbed ahold of him and rolled him into the big double bed. Evan was at her mercy and wasn't sure he was up to it. The phone rang. Trudy answered it. "What? We paid for this room. You What? No! We are not! I dare you you ass hole. What? Huh? O.K. sir no problem. I'm very sorry sir. Yes sir. Right away sir. That was the manager. "You got to go! Now! Evan." Or he is going to call our parents. "Your parents? Aren't you girls in college?" Evan inquired. Trudy said. "I go to college. Marsha is in 12th grade and Carol is in the 11th grade." We will be in big shit if their Dad's find out we are at a hotel room with a boy, I am 20 years old. You have to go! Sorry! We will pick you up in the morning. Just be up and ready by 8:00 am. Now get out of here! Please? Before that ass hole calls the law." "Alright, O.K. I understand. See you all in the morning. Evan slung his bag over his shoulder and walked out of the hotel. "Must be at least 10 miles to the highway and it was getting cold and dark." Was Evan's first thought. "Have to find a place to sleep?" Evan pondered. He walked down the road about a quarter mile and found a barn with the door about half way open that he could see from the road. He walked down the lane and slipped into the barn. He climbed up to the loft and made a bed of hay between the bails. "Man what kind of women were they?" He thought aloud. He started singing. "If your lost in the rain in Quarez and it's Easter time too and gravity fails you and negativity still won't pull you through. Don't put on any aires when your down on Rumorge avenue. They got some hungry women there and they will really make a mess out of you. Now all the authorities they just stand around and boast. How they blackmailed....into leaving his post. Picking up angels who just arrived here from the coast......so fine...just like a ghost......." He was so worn out that when he laid down he went straight to sleep.

Evan is back on his journey...

2006-03-24T09:22:00.000-05:00

Day six continued....

Peace, love and light to one and all.

Got my nose to the grindstone!!!

2006-03-23T09:05:00.000-05:00

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In The Attic chat...Pass the word!

2006-03-21T10:03:00.000-05:00

Please join your fellow "In The Attic" fans while we chat and watch the next episode of In the Attic Season II with Rachel Fuller and Mikey Cuthbert. Coming LIVE to you via webcast from Oceanic Studios "Attic" in London. A good time is always had by everyone.

Wednesday March 22nd - 12:00 Noon Mountain Standard Time. (7:00 pm GMT.)

Chat Room
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While you are here please help support the artists of the Independent Artists Company (IAC) and listen to my KIAC Radio station. Kid Ric's Picks

Peace, love and light to one and all.

In the studio...

2006-03-13T10:06:00.000-05:00

Hello all. Spent yesterday in my friend Tom's studio. Laid down the drums and two rhythm guitar tracks for my new song "Tenderheart". Really can't wait till it is done. Should turn out pretty good.

"The Wailer" moves up to #9 on the KIAC Alternative Pop Rock chart.

Peace, love and light to one and all.

"The Wailer" Makes Top 10...

2006-03-09T16:02:00.000-05:00

Wow! I am so excited! My Ode to Bob Marley - The Wailer, some of you may have heard it here, is #10 on the Alternative Pop Rock chart at KIAC and is also one of Dario's IAC award nominees. I'm thrilled to pieces. What an honor.

While you are here please help support the artists of the Independent Artists Company (IAC) and listen to my KIAC Radio station. Kid Ric's Picks

Peace, love and light to one and all...

PASS THE WORD! BallerinaGurl's in the Attic Chat.

2006-03-06T14:11:00.000-05:00

Please join your fellow bloggers while we chat and watch the second episode of In the Attic Season II with Rachel Fuller and Mikey Cuthbert. Coming LIVE to you via webcast from Oceanic Studios "Attic" in London. The chat will be hosted by the one and only BallerinaGurl. A good time is always had by one and all.

Wednesday March 8th 12:00 Noon Mountain Standard Time. (7:00 pm London Time.)

Chat Room
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Don't miss this second episode of the new season. See you there.

While you are here please help support the artists of the Independent Artists Company (IAC) and listen to my number 3 rated KIAC Radio station. Kid Ric's Picks

Peace, love and light.

LA or bust!

2006-03-05T11:44:00.000-05:00

I'm workin' my way to LA. Smile...
It is a hard job but someone has to do it. If I can just get this darned hat full in time. Guess I should have picked a better location to set up shop. Wait a minute...Here comes a prospective client now. I have to look as pathetic as possible...Hahaha. Excuse me...My Grandfather is ill and I need to get to LA as soon as possible. Don't think anyone will believe that flim flam line. Hmmm??? Actually this is not me at work at all. It is Popeye the sailor in retirement.

Happy Sunday!

Peace, love and light to one and all...

Photo by Kdee Leinaar.

My Vintage Ludwigs...

2006-03-04T10:37:00.000-05:00

My 1952 solid maple Ludwig drum kit. They have been with me for 36 years and are set up in my music room now. I never take them out to gigs anymore. They have a really big sound and have been through the mill. I use all Zildjian cymbals and the maple snare from this kit when I play out. 70's Ludwig chrome snare, Pearl hats and Sabian cymbals in this picture. Nothing I have ever played sounds better than this old kit. I love it!

Peace, love and light to one and all...

It's FRIDAY!

2006-03-03T11:41:00.000-05:00

Look out for the week-end. Get me out of here!!! Until then I am working on recording my two new songs by myself. Just too much to try to get everyone together when the studio is available. So, I am doing them here on my computer. Lets see how they turn out. Wish me luck.

Who has big plans for this week-end?

Peace, love and light my friends.

Happy Thursday.

2006-03-02T10:39:00.000-05:00

Happy Thursday everyone. No I'm not half nekkid. One day I may surprise you, or not. Hahaha. Crazy day here. Hope you all are having a good one.

Missed the chat last night! I was already runnin' late when I found I had a flat tire. Wouldn't you know the spare would have to be flat. What's up with that? Anyway...I am sure everyone had a grand time at BallerinaGurl's. I caught the loop. Pete was in excellent form. Simon rocked as usual. Mikey and Rachel did it again. Great show! Bravo!! Bravo!

Not much time these days for blogging. I will try to get around to all of you very soon. You all make my day. Thanks!

While you are here please help support the artists of the Independent Artists Company (IAC) and listen to my KIAC Radio station. Kid Ric's Picks

Peace, love and light to one and all.....

Stick 'em up!

2006-02-28T11:51:00.000-05:00

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Stick 'em up!

#2 out of 241,000,000...

2006-02-27T12:45:00.000-05:00

I have spent years maintaining a web site for Attaboy! Family Entertainment and today I found that someone searched YAHOO for two of my key words "Family Entertainment" and there it was #2 out of 241,000,000. I just had to share this with everyone.

It's called Search Engine optimization and there are many different theories on the subject. I simply treat the web as an artistic pallet rather than approach it as a science. I have read hundreds of articles on the subject and came to the conclusion that no one really knows what the hell search engine optimization is. So, like an artist, I pulled as much knowledge and stimulus as possible from what I have read and experienced and then just did it my way. Looks like it worked. Hahaha.

Peace, love and light to one and all.

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My car broke down...

2006-02-26T14:27:00.000-05:00

My car broke down and this nice lady was kind enough to get it up and runnin' for me. Lucky it wasn't the tranny. Hahaha.

My Radio station at IAC...

2006-02-25T15:43:00.000-05:00

My Radio station at IAC, Kid Ric's Picks, is number 4 in the Top Stations chart. Thanks to all of you who listen and support the IAC songwriters. Without you my station would not exist. BallerinaGurl, PRESS PLAY, is number 5 and JackJumpedOverThe Moon, Jack Radio, is number 6. We're movin' on up! Please take the time to listen to our stations? There are a lot of great new songs being added every day.

My TOP hot pick is The Krista Parrish Band. You got to hear this young lady skat.

Our friend Gary Stockton has his songs up and I really like them.

Ranceman has quite an assortment of music posted also.

Rachel Fuller and Pete Townshend have their number one hits and a bunch of other super tunes posted.

Annie Marleau has her number one hit song posted along with a variety of other great tunes.

Can't forget our good friends Music Mikey and Simon Townshend with their super musical talents.

And what do you think about that James Casey who wrote a beautiful song for BallerinaGurl.

There is so much talent in our little blogging community.

And, Oh yea! Kid Ric has the Ode to Bob Marley, recorded in 1981, up and it is getting played. Fantastic!

So many artists I can't even get close to listing them all. Stop by the IAC and check it out for yourself.

Peace, love and light to one and all,
Ric

Hitchin' West...

2006-02-24T10:56:00.000-05:00

Picture by Craig Simonian

That's it! I'm not missing a free lunch. So, I broke out one of my old hitch hiking outfits and I am off to LA. Think I'll get a ride? Anyone going my way?

Actually this is not a pic of me at all. It is award winning photography by Craig Simonian.

Psychedelic Dancer...

2006-02-23T11:53:00.000-05:00

. Psychedelic Dancer...

This is what I started with to get the picture below.

One of my Wacky Art Works of BallerinaGurl...

2006-02-22T16:22:00.000-05:00

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This one is of my dear friend BallerinGurl.

I call it: "From then till now". Smile...

The Wailer at KIAC

2006-02-21T15:59:00.000-05:00

I put my ode to Bob Marley up on the IAC. Please check out my new artist's page.

The Wailer was written and recorded, on vinyl, in May of 1981 and copied on my computer. I think I waited a respectfully long enough time to release it. It is hard to believe it has been almost 25 years since he passed on May 11, 1981.

God rest his soul.

Peace, love and light to one and all.

Day six continued...

2006-02-20T10:44:00.000-05:00

The air was filled with the smell of dinner. There seemed to be a hint of something sweet in the aroma. Mary had covered the table with an off white linen tablecloth and all the dishes matched. They were blue and white with pictures of birds on them. Bear was sitting already and when he saw Evan he immediately stood up and said. "You sure look like you are feeling better son." Evan answered. "Yes sir, much better. Dinner sure smells great." "Here sit down son." Bear told Evan, as he pulled out the old chair for him. In the middle of the table, right beside the salt and pepper, was a big loaf of hot home made bread, on a cutting board, covered with a dish towel. Evan was so tired he could hardly sit up straight. "Bring Evan some coffee Mommy." Bear asked in a very gentle, loving tone. Mary poured them both a cup of coffee and placed a creamer, that matched the dishes, in front of Evan. Bear complimented Evan. "You did good work today son. That old loader is not the easiest thing in the world to drive. Your Daddy must have taught you how to drive pretty damned good." Evan didn't answer. He just smiled a crooked smile, took a sip of his coffee and looked at Bear. "Watch your mouth now Daddy. Your not at a poker game!" Mary exclaimed. Bear grinned child like, raised his eyebrows at Evan and answered. "Yes ma'am! Sorry Mommy." He chuckled as Mary brought over a platter with the hog maul. "Sure looks and smells good." Evan announced. The platter matched the rest of the dishes and was filled as full as it could be. Evan had eaten hog maul before. His Nan used to make it for special occasions. He had never seen one as big as this one. It covered the entire platter. Bear got up and pulled Mary's chair out for her. "Here Mommy you sit down and eat with us." He whispered so gently. He then walked over to the counter, beside the sink, and pulled a carving knife out of the knife bin. He sharpened it and came back to the table. The knife cut through the hog maul like it was melted butter. "Do you pray Evan?" Mary inquired. "I used to when I was a boy." Evan answered. Bear injected. "We pray at dinner all the time around here. I'll say grace." He and Mary folded their hands on the edge of the table and closed their eyes. Evan did the same as Bear prayed. "Thank you dear Lord for these thy gifts which we are about to receive. From thy bounty through Christ our Lord. Thank you Lord for our health, our home and for sending Evan home to us. We thank you in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." They all crossed themselves and said. "Amen." Evan, a little confused, thought? "Did he say thanks for sending me home to them?"

"Pass me your plate Evan." Bear said as he reached toward him. Evan did and Bear put a huge slice on it. Must have been two inches thick. Evan took the plate and sat it in front of him. Bear then served Mary and himself. "Dig in son." Bear said as he shoveled up a big fork full. Mary handed Evan a piece of butter bread. "Here Evan dip this in the juice." "That's the way I like it." Bear let out with his mouth full. Evan thanked her and sopped up some juice and stuffed the bread in his mouth. The juice ran down his chin. Bear laughed.

"Evan did real good working today Mommy." Bear explained. "I knew he would." Was her response. "Drove the old loader like he grew up on it. "Bear added. "Well why wouldn't he? He learned from the best." Mary said. Evan smiled and said. "Thank you. I enjoyed learning about farming. That loader sure was a challenge. About wore me out." They all laughed. "Here son have another helping. Your going to need your strength."Bear said as he flipped another big slice onto Evan's plate. "Eat up son." Evan ate till he couldn't eat another bite. Sopped the juice up with his bread leaned back in his chair and stretched. His belt was feeling a little tight around his waist. Mary poured them both another cup of coffee. "Thank you ma'am." Evan whispered. Mary started to clear the table. Evan offered to help but Bear insisted he sit down and enjoy his coffee. "Mommy can take care of cleaning up. You worked hard today." He stated. The table was cleared and Mary began washing the dishes. Bear and Evan were still sitting at the table. Both laid back and relaxed and as stuffed as Christmas turkeys. Bear stood up.

"I'll be right back son. I have a surprise for you. Your favorite pipe and tobacco." Bear said as he walked down the small hall and into a room on the left. Evan sort of peeking around the corner to see where Bear had gone. "That's your room Evan." Mary announced. Bear came back with a huge smile on his face. A rack of old wooden pipes and two tins of tobacco. He handed Evan a beautiful straight stem hand carved briar and one of the tins. They loaded the bowls and lit them with wooden matches. Evan took a puff and said to Bear. "Wow! This is really good tobacco. What kind is it?" "It's your favorite Evan. Imported from London, England. All the way on the other side of the world. I am surprised at you my dear boy." Mary said as she shook her head and continued washing the dishes. "Give the boy a chance Mommy. He has only been home for one day. It will take time." Bear lovingly replied. Evan didn't understand what they were talking about. After all he was a stranger and moving on in the morning. Bear and Evan sat at the table smoking their pipes and drinking coffee for a few more minutes.

"Bring your coffee Evan and lets you and me go in the living room. We'll see if Paul Harvey's on. Come along Mary. You don't want to miss the show." Bear shouted from the living room. "I'm coming Daddy. Has it started yet?" Just starting Bear told her. "Sit here son." Bear pointed to an old recliner in the corner. "Be careful the handle sticks sometimes." Bear explained to Evan. "O.K. Bear. I will. Thanks." Evan answered. Mary and Bear sat on the sofa. The wooden radio was right next to the sofa where Bear could reach it without getting up. The program came on. "Hello everybody this is Paul Harvey with the news." Mary and Bear were glued to the radio as if something was going to jump out of it. "Today! Troops were attacked and 55 were killed outside of Hanoi. A reporter Walter Cronkite was there. It is easier now for journalists to be in the thick of battle." "We sure are glad you didn't die over there son." Bear mumbled with a sad look and a tear in his eye. "Me too! " Evan blurted out. "But I haven't been there yet and I don't want to go either." "You see Mommy I said it would take a little time. Bear whispered softly. "Alright Evan whatever you say son." Bear smiled and put his hand on Evan's knee. The program went on and on and on and on. News, sports, sports, news, weather, sports, news....."Thank you everyone. This has been Paul Harvey with the news!" Evan was so relieved that the program was over.

"Lets get those boots of yours cleaned up for you son? Before it gets dark and we can't see our hands in front of our faces." Bear expressed softly. "O.K. Bear", Evan expounded, "I'm all for that. They sure took a beating today. How in the world are we ever going to get them clean?" Bear smiled. "Go out and scrape them off on the boot scraper and I will be right out. "Mommy where is that can of saddle soap we bought in town last week?" "I put it under the sink Daddy." Mary answered. Evan went outside and looked at his shit covered boots and almost cried. He began to scrape the shit right of his boots. Reminded him of a song and he started to sing. "Got to scrape the shit right off your boots." Bear came out smiling. "Give me that boot there Evan." He said. Bear had a bucket of hot soapy water and what seemed like a complete cobblers shoe kit with him. He took a scrub brush to the boot and dunked it in the hot water. "Oh no!" Evan thought. "Man, I will never be able to wear my boots in the morning. They will be soaked." Bear pulled out the tin of saddle soap and lathered the boot up real good. "This will clean 'em up son and make them soft too." He told Evan. "Looks a lot better already." Evan exclaimed. "You aint seen nothin' yet son. They will look better than ever when I'm done with them. You just wait and see." He followed the same procedure with the second boot. Bear never said a word about the stars Evan had carved into the leather around the tops of them. "Lets get inside and set these next to the heater in the bathroom. Bear said as he carried both boots inside. "we will oil them up in a few minutes." He told Evan as he came out of the bathroom.

"How about some cherry pie and ice cream?" Bear inquired. "Sure that would be super." Evan answered. "Mommy! How about getting us a piece of that cherry pie and dip us up some of that there ice cream? Bear asked. "That was the sweet smell from earlier", Evan imagined. Mary quickly replied. "I'll be right there Daddy. Why don't you go ahead and get the pie out. It is still in the oven. Be careful it's still hot." Evan's mouth was watering. He remembered how his Nan used to bake all the time and cherry pie was a real treat. Mary came into the kitchen and pulled the ice cream out of the old ice box and set it on the table. She cut the pie and put a slice in a bowl. She put two big scoops of vanilla ice cream on top. It began to melt as soon as it hit the hot pie. Then she got out the milk and put a little into the bowl and put it in front of Evan. It smelled so good Evan could hardly wait to taste it. "Go ahead son. Get to it before your ice cream all melts." Bear said. Mary made Bear a bowl and he and Evan dug in. Bear was finished in an instant. "I'll get you boots and oil them up for you now son." Bear said as he walked into the bathroom. He sat back down to the table and rubbed mink oil all over Evan's boots. They were looking great. "Thank you so much for cleaning my boots Bear. You really know your leather. I can tell. Never thought they would ever come clean." Evan admiringly exclaimed. "Take care of your leather and your leather will take care of you." Bear replied as he rubbed more oil on the boot. "We will put these in the bathroom for the night, next to the heater, so the oil can soak in." He said. "Cool." Was Evan's response. Mary was cleaning up the kitchen counter and putting dishes away.

"Well Mommy guess we should get ready for bed. We have a big day tomorrow. Evan and I are going to paint the barn." "The barn?? Not me!! No way!! Evan thought. "I am leaving here in the morning. No ifs ands or buts." Mary said. "Come along now Evan. I'll turn down the sheets for you." Bear said very gently. " Good night son. See you in the morning. Don't let the bed bugs bite" Evan relied. "Good night Bear" as he followed Mary to the room on the left side of the hall. They entered and Mary turned on a small dim floor lamp. As Evan looked around he saw pictures of Jimi Hendrix on the wall and the same Bob Dylan poster he had in his room. There were baseball bats and a glove in one corner. An old acoustic guitar in another. One wall was painted with day glow paints. Looked kind of Peter Max like to Evan. "Here Evan." Mary motioned toward the bed. "Now you get your sleep. Daddy gets up with the birds and you will need to be ready to go." Evan sat down on the bed and she kissed him on the forehead and left the room. "Good night son." She said as she shut the door. Evan noticed his bag on the floor beside the door and his clothes were stacked on top of a cedar chest at the foot of the bed. "Great my stuff is in here." He thought. As he looked around he saw a picture on top of the dresser on the other side of the room. He walked over to see it. When he picked it up and got it into the light he just about could not believe his eyes. It looked like a picture of him. Blue jeans, long hair, and all. Beside it was another picture of the same boy in uniform. His heart began to thump. These people think he actually is their son. Evan got really scared. "Am I locked in?" He was about to panic. He turned the door knob and the door opened. Bear was heading toward his bedroom. "Good night son." He smiled. Evan was relieved but still scared. "I need to get out of here now!" He muttered. "Might just as well sleep for a bit." After all Bear and Mary did not hurt him. So he figured why not? He got undressed and crawled under the covers. The sheets were chilly but warmed up quickly. It was so nice for him to be in a real bed. He fell asleep within seconds of his head hitting the pillow.

No time at all had passed till Evan was awake. He rolled and tossed around. There was no way he could sleep. No way he could get comfortable. He kept thinking. "How am I going to get up and out of here before Bear gets up? I have to go now." He got up and packed his bag. Tip toed to the bathroom and got his boots. "Where am I going to sleep tonight? How can I leave while it is dark? Can't be here in the morning!" He searched the room for a alarm clock and found one behind a certificate of meritorious service awarded to corporal Evan Broadwater who was killed in the line of duty. "My God their son's name was Evan." He said aloud. He set the alarm for 3:30 am and laid back down. He drifted in and out of restless sleep in anticipation of the alarm clock going off. The night seemed to be a week long. "What if they hear the alarm?" He said to himself. "Can't let that happen." At 3:00 am he was up and dressed. His boots were damp, there was a misty dew and it was foggy out. He remembered seeing a note book and some pencils on the desk where the certificate was. He opened the note book and wrote a note. "Dear Bear and Mary", he wrote as a tear dropped and stained the paper, "I am very sorry that you lost your Evan. Thank you so very much for all of your love and hospitality. But, I am not your son and I must be moving on. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart." Another tear fell on the paper. "Love, Evan." He climbed out of the window and headed toward the highway. It was cold and damp out. He was tired and all alone once again. As he walked away he couldn't help but feel that maybe he should go back. He felt so sorry for Bear and Mary. How could they be so happy after loosing their son? "Life is just not fair." Evan shouted. "Just not fair! Just not fair! Damn the war! What right do they have to send us young men off to die?" He cried for their loss and for the fact that he could not do anything to help them. After they did so much to help him.

Happy Birthday Gail Parker!

2006-02-19T17:32:00.003-05:00

Hello all. Today is my harmonica player's birthday. Last night we had his party. Home cooked catfish for dinner and an excellent Merlot to delight the pallet. The whole band was there plus a couple of other musician friends. We played until 2:30 am. A great time was had by all. A special big thanks to Dana and Debbie for once again being the perfect hosts. Their hospitality is only exceeded by their generosity. I am a little bit worn out and road weary today. Hope all are well and having a grand Sunday.

Peace, love and light to one and all.

Day six part one is up...

2006-02-16T17:56:00.000-05:00

Day six part one is up. Part two will be along soon.

Please listen to Kid Ric Radio while you are here.

Peace, love and light to one and all.

My Musical Tribute to Bob Marley...

2006-02-15T10:28:00.000-05:00

I wrote and recorded this song on vinyl when Bob Marley passed away. The song is called "The Wailer". Since it is on vinyl it has one small skip in it. Gee Wiz. The only copy I have left. Hope you like it. I am playing drums and singing the lead. Mike McIntire on guitar, Matt Powelson on bass, Night Owl Kelly on B3 organ, Elliot Fikes on sax, Lucky Gomez, BeBe Bryant and Vickie Williams, in that order, on back up vocals. Recorded in Fort Collins Colorado. Engineered by Jerry Summers on a 4 track recorder. Wow! I can't believe I recorded this 25 years ago. Time sure does fly when your having fun.

The Wailer © 1981. All rights reserved.

You will need RealPlayer to listen. Click here to get your free download. Scroll down the page and pick the player that best suits your operating system.

P.S. Day 6 of the Journey will be coming soon. A lot going on for Evan. A long day for sure.

Happy valentine's day!

2006-02-14T11:50:00.000-05:00

I hope you all are having a splendid valentine's day.

Peace, love and light to one and all.

BallerinaGurl's chat.

2006-02-13T20:33:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone! Really sorry I missed the chat yesterday. I am sure a wonderful time was had by all who attended. I had to be at a jam session where I played drums, guitar and sang a couple. A lot of super talented musicians there. I simply couldn't say no when invited to play.

Below is a sketch of me drawn last night on a napkin.

Peace, love and light to one and all.

A Rock God? Hmmm?

2006-02-11T16:29:00.000-05:00

So, this must be a Rock God? Hmmm?

Today back then...

2006-02-10T09:46:00.000-05:00

1954: The biopic The Glenn Miller Story has its American premiere in New York City.
1958: ABC's Mickey Mouse Club begins its "Annette" serial, solidifying the rising popularity of its young star, Annette Funicello.
1964: The American press reports that millions of teenage boys are suddenly sporting Beatle-style hairdos (or attempting to) after last night's historic appearance on CBS' Ed Sullivan Show. Meanwhile, the Beatles give yet another press conference, this time from the lobby of New York's Plaza Hotel, where the group is staying.
1965: Chad and Jeremy guest star on CBS's The Dick Van Dyke Show.
1968: The Beatles close their American fan club and business office, Beatles U.S.A, fire their American PR people, and sever all business ties in the country, turning everything over to their own Apple Corps in London.
1972: T. Rex depart for their first American tour as headliners.
1973: Liverpool's Cavern Club -- where the Beatles were born -- is given three months to close down by British Rail, who need the site to complete their new underground railway.
1974: Phil Spector is seriously burned in a mysterious car crash while en route from Los Angeles to Phoenix, AZ, leading to extensive plastic surgery that furthers his reclusiveness.
1976: Elvis Presley is made an honorary Captain in the Memphis Police Department.
1990: Eric Clapton ends his unprecedented 18-night series of gigs at London's Royal Albert Hall.
1993: ABC's prime-time Oprah Winfrey special features the first interview with Michael Jackson in 15 years. In it, Jackson makes his famous claim that he suffers from Vitiligo, a skin condition that accounts for his loss of pigmentation. The singer also claims he's only had two minor plastic surgery operations.
2002: Elton John performs at the NBA all-star game in Philadelphia, PA.

I have been tagged by PTfan!

2006-02-06T04:34:00.000-05:00

5 things:

1. I ran away from home when I was 16. Came home and finished high school and then went west to seek my fame and fortune.

2. I joined and did my active tour of duty in the USAF during the Vietnam crisis.

3. I'm a lousy judge of character when it comes to pretty women.

4. I ride a motorcycle like a maniac when I am alone and like an old man when I have a passenger.

5. I am a single dad with a 17 year old son.

So, there you go PT.

Human fly or what?

2006-02-02T17:54:00.000-05:00

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Joke of the year!

2006-02-01T21:34:00.000-05:00

While I have a chance to be online a bit I thought I would post this little joke.

Bottle Of Wine

For all of us who are married, were married, wish you were married, or wish you weren't married, this is something to smile about the next time you open a bottle of wine:

Sally was driving home from one of her business trips in Northern Arizona when she saw an elderly Navajo woman walking on the side of the road.

Since the trip was a long and quiet one, she stopped the car and asked the Navajo woman if she would like a ride. With a silent nod of thanks, the woman got into the car.

Resuming the journey, Sally tried in vain to make a bit of small talk with the old woman.

The old woman just sat silently, looking intently at everything she saw, studying every little detail, until she noticed a brown bag on the seat next to Sally.

"What's in the bag?" asked the old woman.

Sally looked down at the brown bag and said, "It's a bottle of wine. I got it for my husband."

The Navajo woman was silent for another moment or two.

Then speaking with the quiet wisdom of an elder, she said, "Good trade"

Computer blew a gasket!

2006-01-28T22:49:00.000-05:00

Hi all. My computer gave out on me. I am trying to fix it. Wish me luck. Will blog from the studio when I get a chance. Working on my new songs now. By the way Two Tone is just my nic name for my friend Tommy T.

In the studio.

2006-01-26T11:36:00.000-05:00

Hello all. Spent last evening in the studio working on Ballerina Girl and Tender Heart. My good friend, Tommy Two Tone, who owns the studio, is playing lead guitar and helping produce my songs. I am excited at the prospect. I'll stop by your blogs when I get a chance. Really busy around here these days and nights. I'm back burning the old proverbial candle. Smile. Peace, love and light to one and all.

Be sure to listen to my IAC radio station for the best top new artists. Kid Ric's Picks.

Today back then...

2006-01-22T05:28:00.000-05:00

Hi all! I will be around your blogs soon. Over my head with stuff to do right now. Love ya all. A little something for the ol' gray matter in the mean time.

2004 - Famed New York nightclub the Bottom Line closes the doors forever at its Greenwich Village location. Opened nearly 30 years previously by Allan Pepper and Stanley Snadowski, the club is forced to close after failed negotiations with its landlord, New York University.

2004 - Rascal Flatts kicks off its tour in Kalamazoo, Mich., without Chris Cagle. Cagle is pulled off of the bill due to "extreme vocal rest" ordered by his doctor. The country artist is ordered to refrain from singing and speaking through June 1, 2004 after being diagnosed as having an unspecified lesion, a cyst and a granuloma on his vocal chords.

2004 - Ryan Adams is forced to cancel the remainder of his European tour and upcoming North American trek when he falls from the stage during a show in Liverpool, England and breaks his wrist.

2003 - Singer R. Kelly is arrested at a Miami hotel on a warrant charging him with 12 counts of possession of child pornography. The Jive artist faces similar charges in Illinois.

2003 - Minneapolis alt-country mainstays the Jayhawks are forced to cancel a 13-date tour of the U.S. and a pair of shows in the U.K. when frontman Gary Louris is visits his doctor and is found to be suffering from pericarditis. Louris is sent by ambulance to a Minneapolis hospital.

2002 - Nine Inch Nails makes its first ever instore signing appearance at the Virgin Megastore in New York's Times Square.

1999 - Hal B. Cook, a former label executive and publisher of Billboard Magazine, dies of a heart attack at the Eisenhower Medical Center in Palm Desert, Calif. He is 80. Cook developed the "Music in the Air" concept, which was purchased by American Airlines in 1964 for use as the first in-flight music.

1998 - Singer Toni Braxton files for Chapter 7 protection in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Los Angeles, listing liabilities of more than $1 million.

1998 - Rapper Snoop Doggy Dogg files suit for $10 million in Los Angeles Superior Court against Gelfand, Rennert & Feldman, its parent Coopers & Lybrand and former Gelfand accountant Steven Cantrock, charging they mismanaged his money.

1981 - A picture of John Lennon naked appears in his obituary issue of Rolling Stone.

1976 - No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: "Theme from `Mahogany' (Do You Know Where You're Going to)," Diana Ross. A screening committee for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences initially rules the song is not good enough to be considered for an Oscar. The decision is rescinded and it gets a nomination.

1963 - Gerry & the Pacemakers hold their first recording session, producing "Away from You" and "Pretend."

1953 - Steve Perry of Journey is born. His biggest solo hit is "Oh Sherry," which reaches No. 3 in 1984.

1946 - Meat Loaf (Marvin Lee Aday) is born in Dallas. He receives what will be his professional name from his high school football coach.

1935 - Sam Cooke is born in Clarksdale, Miss., the son of a minister. His biggest hit is the No. 1 song "You Send Me." He is posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.

Can you believe it?

2006-01-20T14:00:00.000-05:00

After Capitol records had rejected “Love Me Do”, “Please Please Me” and “From Me To You” for American release, label president Alan Livingston sent a memo to their parent company, EMI in Britain that said: “We don’t think The Beatles will do anything in this market.” A year later, in January, 1964, when “I Saw Her Standing There” was issued, it became the fastest selling single in the history of recorded music and Capitol’s pressing plant was forced to run 24 hours a day, trying to fill more than one million orders.

On Sunday, February 10th, 1964, the night that the Beatles made their first appearance on the Ed Sullivan show, an estimated 73 million viewers watched on TV, with over 45 percent of all sets in the US tuned in. The crime rate among American teenagers dropped to nearly zero that night.

Jerry Garcia of The Grateful Dead was brought in as a session musician to play steel guitar on Brewer and Shipley's March, 1971 hit, "One Toke Over The Line".

According to producer Mickie Most, The Animals went into a recording studio at 8 A.M. to cut "House Of The Rising Sun" and 15 minutes later, the track was complete. With studio time costing the equivalent of $20 an hour, the song cost $5 to record, but would go on to top both the US and UK charts.

According to guitarist Robbie Robertson, Bob Dylan's backup band resisted all conformity, even naming their ensemble. After landing their own recording contract, record company executives pressed them for a group name, but had to settle for simply The Band.

On The Beatles 1970, #1 hit, "The Long and Winding Road", Paul McCartney played the piano, and John Lennon played bass. George and Ringo do not appear on the track at all.

The term "rock and roll", which was black slang for sexual intercourse, appeared on record for the first time in 1922 on Trixie Smith's "My Baby Rocks Me With One Steady Roll".

The term "rhythm & blues" was coined in 1948 by a young Billboard reporter and future Atlantic Records producer Jerry Wexler, to replace the negative term "Race Records".

Listen carefully to the beginning of The Beatles' song "Come Together", from their Abby Road album. The bass guitar riff nearly obliterates John Lennon saying "Shoot me".

Steppenwolf's lead singer, John Kay is seldom seen without sun glasses due to the fact that he has been legally blind since childhood.

"I Heard It Through The Grapevine" has reached the Billboard Hot 100 six times in versions by Marvin Gaye (#1), Gladys Knight (#2), Creedence Clearwater Revival (#43), Roger Troutman (#79), King Curtis (#83) and The California Raisins (#84). The song has also been recorded by dozens of other artists including The Temptations, Ike and Tina Turner, Paul Mauriat and Elton John.

Today back then....

2006-01-19T12:34:00.000-05:00

1958: Radio station KWK in St. Louis, MO, finishes its "Record Breaking Week" of weeding out rock and roll and rhythm and blues records from its playlist. Records were spun once, then broken on air.
1958: Elvis Presley receives his draft notice in Memphis, TN. It allows a sixty-day deferment for the King to finish his film King Creole.
1965: The Rolling Stones and the Kinks both make their debut on ABC's Shindig! along with guests Dave Clark Five, Petula Clark, Bobby Vee, Bobby Sherman and Gerry and the Pacemakers.
1966: Promoter Bill Graham holds a three-day "Trips Festival" at Longshoremen's Hall in San Francisco, CA, featuring Ken Kesey and the Merry Pranksters, the Grateful Dead, and Big Brother and the Holding Company.
1968: In his first public appearance since his motorcycle accident two years earlier, Bob Dylan joins Pete Seeger, Judy Collins, Arlo Guthrie, Odetta, Richie Havens, Ramblin' Jack Elliot and the Band at a Carnegie Hall tribute concert for Woody Guthrie.
1971: Diana Ross marries Bob Silberstein.
1973: Following his newfound success as a country and western artist, Jerry Lee Lewis finally takes the stage at Nashville's Grand Ole Opry. Although officials instruct him to play only country and to keep his comments clean, Lewis eventually breaks both rules, playing his classic rock and roll hits and declaring himself "the rock & rollin', country and western, rhythm and blues singin' motherf-----."
1974: After only five months of recovery from a near-fatal car crash, Stevie Wonder returns to performance with a show at London's Rainbow Theatre.
1988: The Third Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremonies are held in New York City. Inductees include The Beach Boys, The Beatles, The Drifters, Bob Dylan, and The Supremes. Beach Boy Mike Love raises eyebrows with his acceptance speech, which methodically insults most of the honorees (among others).

Food for thought.

2006-01-16T15:30:00.000-05:00

After reading, ask yourself if it is reasonable to conclude that America's founders did not intend for there to be a separation of GOD and state since 4o states directly acknowledged God in their state constitutions and the other 10 reference as follows. Colorado: Supreme Ruler of Universe, Delaware: Divine Goodness, Hawaii: Divine Guidance, Iowa: the Supreme Being, Maine: Sovereign Ruler of the Universe, Massachusetts: Great Legislator of the Universe, Missouri: Supreme Ruler of the Universe, Vermont: the Author of Existence, Virginia: our Creator, Washington: Supreme Ruler of the Universe.

Alabama 1901, Preamble. We the people of the State of Alabama, invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish the following Constitution
Alaska 1956, Preamble. We, the people of Alaska, grateful to God and to those who founded our nation and pioneered this great land
Arizona 1911, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Arizona, grateful to Almighty God for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution...
Arkansas 1874, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Arkansas, grateful to Almighty God for the privilege of choosing our own form of government...
California 1879, Preamble. We, the People of the State of California, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom ..
Colorado 1876, Preamble. We, the people of Colorado, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of Universe.
Connecticut 1818, Preamble. The People of Connecticut, acknowledging with gratitude the good Providence of God in permitting them to enjoy .
Delaware 1897, Preamble. Through Divine Goodness all men have, by nature, the rights of worshipping and serving their Creator according to the dictates of their consciences .
Florida 1885, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Florida, grateful to Almighty God for our constitutional liberty .. establish this Constitution..
Georgia 1777, Preamble. We, the people of Georgia, relying upon protection and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish this Constitution...
Hawaii 1959, Preamble. We, the people of Hawaii, Grateful for Divine Guidance ... establish this Constitution.
Idaho 1889, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Idaho, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings.
Illinois 1870, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Illinois, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.
Indiana 1851, Preamble. We, the People of the State of Indiana, grateful to Almighty God for the free exercise of the right to chose our form of government.
Iowa 1857, Preamble. We, the People of the State of Iowa, grateful to the Supreme Being for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our dependence on Him for a continuation of these blessings establish this Constitution
Kansas 1859, Preamble. We, the people of Kansas, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious privileges. establish this Constitution.
Kentucky 1891, Preamble. We, the people of the Commonwealth of grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties...
Louisiana 1921, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Louisiana, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties we enjoy.
Maine 1820, Preamble. We the People of Maine. acknowledging with grateful hearts the goodness of the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in affording us an opportunity ... and imploring His aid and direction.
Maryland 1776, Preamble. We, the people of the state of Maryland, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberty...
Massachusetts 1780, Preamble. We..the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging with grateful hearts, the goodness of the Great Legislator of the Universe .. in the course of His Providence, an opportunity . And devoutly imploring His direction
Michigan 1908, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Michigan, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of freedom establish this Constitution
Minnesota, 1857, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Minnesota, grateful to God for our civil and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate its blessings
Mississippi 1890, Preamble. We, the people of Mississippi in convention assembled, grateful to Almighty God, and invoking His blessing on our work.
Missouri 1845, Preamble. We, the people of Missouri, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for His goodness . establish this Constitution .
Montana 1889, Preamble. We, the people of Montana, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty. establish this Constitution
Nebraska 1875, Preamble. We, the people, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom. establish this Constitution.
Nevada 1864, Preamble. We the people of the State of Nevada, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom establish this Constitution.
New Hampshire 1792, Part I. Art. I. Sec. V. Every individual has a natural and unalienable right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience.
New Jersey 1844, Preamble. We, the people of the State of New Jersey, grateful to Almighty God for civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.
New Mexico 1911, Preamble. We, the People of New Mexico, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty.
New York 1846, Preamble. We, the people of the State of New York, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure its blessings.
North Carolina 1868, Preamble. We the people of the State of North Carolina, grateful to Almighty God, the Sovereign Ruler of Nations, for our civil, political, and religious liberties, and acknowledging our dependence upon Him for the continuance of those
North Dakota 1889, Preamble. We, the people of North Dakota, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, do ordain...
Ohio 1852, Preamble. We the people of the state of Ohio, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and to promote our common
Oklahoma 1907, Preamble. Invoking the guidance of Almighty God, in order to secure and perpetuate the blessings of liberty. establish this ..
Oregon 1857, Bill of Rights, Article I Section 2. All men shall be secure in the Natural right, to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their consciences.
Pennsylvania 1776, Preamble. We, the people of Pennsylvania, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and humbly invoking His guidance.
Rhode Island 1842, Preamble. We the People of the State of Rhode Island grateful to Almighty God for the civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing
South Carolina, 1778, Preamble We, the people of he State of South Carolina grateful to God for our liberties, do ordain and establish this Constitution.
South Dakota 1889, Preamble. We, the people of South Dakota, grateful to Almighty God for our civil! and religious liberties. Establish this
Tennessee 1796, Art. XI.III. That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their conscience...
Texas 1845, Preamble. We the People of the Republic of Texas, acknowledging, with gratitude, the grace and beneficence of God.
Utah 1896, Preamble. Grateful to Almighty God for life and liberty, we establish this Constitution
Vermont 1777, Preamble. Whereas all government ought to. enable the individuals who compose it to enjoy their natural rights, and other blessings which the Author of Existence has bestowed on man
Virginia 1776, Bill of Rights, XVI . Religion, or the Duty which we owe our Creator. can be directed only by Reason and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian Forbearance, Love and Charity towards each other
Washington 1889, Preamble. We the People of the State of Washington, grateful to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution.
West Virginia 1872, Preamble. Since through Divine Providence we enjoy the blessings of civil, political and religious liberty, we, the people of West Virginia reaffirm our faith in and constant reliance upon God.
Wisconsin 1848, Preamble. We, the people of Wisconsin, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, domestic tranquility.
Wyoming 1890, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Wyoming, grateful to God for our civil, political, and religious liberties. establish this Constitution.

"Those people who will not be governed by God will be ruled by tyrants." --William Penn

Saw this guy at a gig.

2006-01-09T20:41:00.000-05:00

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Today back then...

2006-01-09T09:55:00.000-05:00

1941 - On Victor Records, Sammy Kaye and his orchestra recorded "Until Tomorrow", which would become the sign-off melody for Kaye and other big bands.

1941 - The Columbia Broadcasting System gave the first demonstration of small screen, color television. The set failed, since RCA had control of the patent process on color television at the time.

1961 - "Rhinoceros", the play, opened on Broadway, starring Eli Wallach and Zero Mostel.

1984 - Television audiences got their first look at Clara Peller in the now-famous, annoying, and yet successful, "WHERE’S THE BEEF?", commercial for Wendy’s fast-food chain. Dave Thomas, the company's owner, spent $8 million on the ads as well as T-shirts, baseball caps, records, greeting cards and other items bearing the picture of the elderly star.

1985 - Motley Crue's album, "Shout At the Devil," was certified double-platinum.

After New Year Chat.

2006-01-05T11:47:00.000-05:00

Chat at BallerinaGurl's January 8, 2006 @ 2:00 pm Mountain time. Molly will be hosting. Sure would make our day if all of you could join us. Never know who might drop by to say hello. See you all Sunday.

Chat link.

Time converter.

Day five of "The Journey" is up.

2006-01-05T10:10:00.000-05:00

My Band's Set List.

2006-01-05T09:59:00.000-05:00

Page one - Page two.

Playin'

2006-01-04T22:58:00.000-05:00

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My Band's New Years Eve Gig.

2006-01-01T16:33:00.000-05:00

The gig was fantastic. Small venue. Packed house. Excellent crowd. All the guys in the band played exceptionally well. I had a blast. Even played an extra hour. What a tremendous way to see in the New Year. I was by myself so I got kisses from all the girls. All I said was. "Geez I didn't get a New Years kiss. "

Below are some pictures of us playing and one of my 1976 Ludwig Vista-Lite trap set with 1952 Ludwig, all wood, snare drum. Zildjian cymbals all around except for the Sabian splash.

Pics...

2006-01-01T14:07:00.000-05:00

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HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2005-12-31T11:00:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year to one and all.

Well I'm off! My 1976 Vista-lite drums all polished, tuned, loaded and ready to Rock tonight!

I love New Year gigs.

Peace, love and light.

"The Journey" Has it's own blog. Chronological.

2005-12-27T14:10:00.000-05:00

Chapter one - Day four.

Evan woke up around 12:30 pm to the beautiful sound of Rachel's voice. "We didn't a??, Evan wake up! Did we a...? Did we?" She was standing beside him all flustered. "Well did we?" Evan looked up at her terrified look. "Did we what Baby?" "You know! Tell me we didn't!" "Didn't what?" Evan had a nasty hangover and was barely awake. "Make love," she exclaimed. Evan had to think for a moment. "I don't think so. Did we?" "I don't know," she said. "I'm not supposed to do that if we did?" "What?" Evan said rubbing his eyes and sitting up as best he could. "I can't do that," she said again with a loud tone. "Why?" Asked Evan. "I just can't do that!!" Evan ask again, "why not?" "I just can't!!!" "Please tell me I will understand. Please?" "O.K. You ask for it! I have ovarian cancer and getting pregnant could kill me." Evan felt so close to her then. She shared a truth with him that made him feel so loved and trusted. "Here Baby, sit down here next to me. I am sure we didn't make love. We were both way too drunk. Not that I wouldn't have wanted too. You are such a wonderful, beautiful lady." He put his arm around her and she cried on his shoulder. "So, that's why Jake ask her if she was feeling better? Hmmm?" He comforted her as best he knew how. Never seeing his Mom and Dad cuddle or even touch. Evan didn't have much experience in how to be loving. He was thinking this is what love is all about. Holding the person you care about in their time of need. All he knew was Rachel needed him and he needed her. Rachel still sobbing ask. "Why were you crying yesterday Hun?" About knocked Evan on the floor. "What do I tell her?" He thought in a panic. "The truth? Some story?" She was honest with him so he told her his whole story as he began to cry. He just could not hide the pain he was in from her anymore. They both sat there and held each other and cried out loud together for hours. Both feeling each other's pain and sharing their inner most feelings. Evan could not help but think that destiny had sent him out of his Fathers' house and right into the arms of the love of his life. With arms wrapped around each other in such a compassionate embrace. They kissed and kissed each other's tears away one by one. Her tears tasted like a sweet exotic aphrodisiac straight out of the brine barrel. Evan was intoxicated with her openness and true concern for him. His head was pounding from the party. He started imagining getting some food. Maybe some roast beef and eggs? Showering with Rachel and starting his new life. After all Jake did like him and he could work for his and Rachel's keep. They had both settled down and were all cuddled up together. Rachel was so beautiful in the dim light of the basement. Evan went back to when they were slow dancing last night and what Rachel had said about how well they fit together. Their deep relaxing breathes joined together as one. Hearts beating in synchronization. "I have found paradise on earth," he smiled with a hearty sigh as he kissed her on the forehead. She said, "yea, paradise."

"You hungry?" Rachel ask looking up from his chest. "A little. You?" Evan ask as he brushed her long red hair back with his fingers. "Let me up. I'll go upstairs and get something." Evan said "O.K." as he rolled over and released her. She went upstairs. Evan stood up and nearly fell back down He was still drunk and felt like hell. He went into the bathroom and threw some water in his face. He had to hang on to the sink a couple of times. He managed to brush his hair and rub some tooth paste over his teeth with his finger. Topped it off with a splash of Old Spice. He cleared the coffee table and waited for Rachel. She came back with roast beef and eggs. Evan smiled and shook his head. She could read his mind. "Jake is still passed out" she said on her way into the kitchen. They whipped up a super spectacular roast beef omelet, with whole wheat toast and orange marmalade, that was fit for a King. Made a terrible mess with the cappuccino machine. Coffee everywhere! Evan was having so much fun. They laughed and laughed. Evan carried the plates and Rachel the cappuccino. Rachel turned on the big screen T.V. and handed Evan the remote. He switched through stations as they ate. They didn't pay much attention to the T.V.. Evan would feed Rachel a fork full of his and she would feed him a fork full of her's.

"I need a shower. How about you?" Rachel asked. "Yea I could stand one for sure" was Evan's answer. She really had read Evan's mind. A shower? How much more vivid could he have imaginined. They finished their coffee and headed for the shower. Rachel proceeded to lay out clean towels as Evan took off his socks. Only the night light was on beside the mirror over the sink. Rachel turned on the shower. "Do you like it hot Hun?" She inquired. Evan moved behind her and reached over to feel the water. "That's perfect Baby" He replied as he hugged her. Rachel turned around and pulled Evan's T-shirt over his head and off. Laid her head on his bare chest and kissed his nipples. Evan shivered inside to his very soul. Evan slowly reached for her shirt. He started to pull it up when Rachel did it for him. She turned around and Evan undid her black lace bra and dropped it to the floor. When Rachel turned around Evan's eyes nearly popped out of his head. She had the fairest skin and freckles everywhere. Beautiful points of her own sitting way up firm and high. Her nipples were like flowers in a virgin garden. They moved together chest to chest and kissed. Rachel was running her fingers up and down his back. "Evan's whole body would quiver from her touch. Rachel stepped away and undid her wide brown leather belt and pulled down her zipper. Evan followed suit and did the same. They moved together and hugged and kissed. Rachel pulled her pants down and stepped out of them. Evan was overwhelmed by her fantastic body. She was about 5' 8" and around 100 lbs. The lines of her body were a magnificent work of art. Her legs and ass had such incredible definition. Every muscle was perfectly proportioned. Little tiny black lace panties is all she had on. Evan stripped down to his Fruit of the Looms and they walked to the shower. They stopped and kissed and rubbed against each others flesh. Evan was hard and there was no way to hide it. Rachel took Evan's underwear off and fondled him a bit. Then she took her's off. The small patch of hair that was revealed was as red as the hair on her head. Evan slid his hand up from her knee and across her and lingered for a second. How warm and moist she was. Rachel stepped into the shower. Evan joined her. "Here Honey" Rachel said as she moved to let Evan under the shower. Evan couldn't get over the way the water had run down over her body and between her legs to form somewhat of a nanny goat beard. Rachel washed his hair. The stimulation was running through Evan's entire body. They changed places and Evan washed her hair. Her long flowing red hair was silky soft and ravishing. Rachel almost crumbled with delight as Evan massaged her head. The water was running off her hard nipples like fountains and it ran straight down off her beard between her legs. Evan laughed to himself. "Looks like she is peeing." "Turn around I'll get your back." Rachel said as she slid around him and picked up a luffa. Evan stretched out and put both hands high against the shower wall as she scrubbed the back of him head to toe. "Your turn" Evan announced and she stretched out. Evan stopped and admired her. Couldn't get any better than this as she handed him the luffa and he went to work. It was Mesmerizing to touch her. Evan was cleaning and exploring every minute part of her anatomy. "Time for the front" Rachel told him. She fondled him with a giggle. Evan stood straight up with his arms outreached to the sides of the shower. His feet were in a wide stance. She started washing his neck and chest. She washed his nipples, kissed and played with them. Evan was alive with excitement. This certainly was paradise on earth.

Jake yelled down the stairs in a very abrupt voice. "Rachel! You and that boy down there?" Evan swallowed hard. "That Boy?" Rachel exclaimed! "Yea, I'm in the shower. I'll be right up." "Get the hell up here now" he yelled as he slammed the door. Evan ask "what should I do?" Rachel jumped out of the shower. "Get dressed before he comes down here!" The door opened again and Jake yelled again. "Both of you get your asses up here before I have to come down there! Right now!" He slammed the door again. Reminded Evan of the way his Dad talked to him. "You just get dressed and stay here Evan I'll go up and calm him down. He always does this when I bring a boy here." She grabbed a robe and went upstairs. Evan got dressed as quick as he could. He could hear yelling and screaming but could not make out what was being said. Bill came in from outside and said, "get your stuff together and meet me at the car as fast as you can." Evan grabbed his clothes and threw them in his bag and ran up to the car. Bill already had it turned around in the drive. "Get in Evan, hurry." Evan did just that. Bill tore off down the drive way and out through the gate. Evan just kept looking back to see if Rachel or her Brother were following behind. "What about Rachel and Martha?" Evan ask. "They will be alright. I just needed to get you out of there before Jake went bazerk on you. Did you screw Rachel?" "No man!" Evan replied. "Well Jake thinks you did and that is not a good thing." "We can go back and Rachel and I can tell him I didn't Bill." "No! It's best that you leave well enough alone. I will drop you off on the interstate." Evan felt a big hole inside of him. Lost his new love and all alone once again. Bill pulled over and said, "really nice to meet you Evan." "Tell Rachel I love her for me please Bill?" "Will do! Good bye." Evan got out and just stood there stunned and numb. His hair was still wet.

Well at least it wasn't raining and his clothes were dry he reflected. Didn't much matter though he did not have Rachel. He was alone. "Rachel my Rachel." He missed her so much. "Oh my dearest Rachel" he lamented. He just walked off into the woods and felt so all alone. He cried out her name. "Rachel!" His head had not stopped pounding from the alcohol. He yelled out loud "Rachel my Sweet Rachel." He was on the edge of insanity at this point. Rambling through the woods like a madman. Crying and yelling and falling down. Just how could he go on from here. How could he make it without Rachel's tender love and understanding. Just what would he do now? "Wish I was dead" he shouted at the top his lungs. "Wish I was dead!" "Rachel, sweet Rachel." Out of nowhere a feeling of survival came over him. You can make it a voice inside his head repeated over and over again. So, with that thought he made his way back to the highway. His heart was heavy and his head was spinning. Tears still rolling down his cheeks. The thought of Rachel at the forefront of his mind. He thought about trying to find his way back to Jakes more than once. Instead he started meandering aimlessly, mindlessly down the highway. "Rachel, oh Rachel." Choking back the tears as best he could. He didn't even see or hear the cars and trucks as they sped by him. He was in a daze.

A horn sounded abruptly and snapped him to his senses for a second. It was a van pulling over about twenty yards down the road. It started to back up. Evan wanted to run and hide from whoever it was. Couldn't let anyone see him like this. But he didn't. He just stood there. He didn't know why but he didn't run. The van backed clear up to him and a middle aged black man in a cream colored crew neck sweater and dark brown dress pants jumped out of the drivers door and hurried to Evan. "You O.K.?" The man ask in a very concerned voice. "I almost ran over you!" Evan still broke up and crying said "no man I'm not." "Where are you going?" The man inquired. "I don't know," Evan said. "Do you need a ride?" "Yes I do thank you." "Come on then get in and tell me all about it." He opened the sliding door of the van and there were eight young black people in it sitting all about the floor. Evan got in threw his bag clear in the back and found a place to sit. Everyone just looked at him like he was some kind of alien being or something. Made him feel really uneasy. The driver turned around and ask his name. "I am Evan," he barely got out. He introduced everyone in the van. He was Gerald and the rest of the crew his wife and children. Ten of them in all. They all said hello one by one. Evan began to feel a little more comfortable. He had managed to stop crying but was a real mess. So embarrassed he felt. Empty and lost. "Where are you headed" one of the older children ask. "Florida, that is where I am going. Yea, Florida. That is where I'm going. Florida. To see my Grandmaw she lives there in Florida." It was so hard for Evan to formulate a thought. After all the pain and emotion's he was feeling. The separation from his Mom and the loss of Rachel, the storm he was experiencing inside and the storm that had been beating him since he left. He smiled a crooked smile and pulled his collar up. "Are you a hippy?" One of the younger children blurted out anxiously. Before Evan could think Gerald said, "of course he is not a hippy. You think I would pick up a hippy. Now be quite and leave Evan alone all of you." He smiled so gently at Evan. Gerald must have had a 6th sense about the way Evan was feeling. Why did he stop in the first place? Just who was he anyway Evan was thinking. At that same moment Gerald turned about half way around and answered Evans thought. "I am a Baptist Minister and we are on our way to a revival." Praise the lord rang out from the whole group and filled the van. "Praise the lord, Amen brother." Praise the lord from one and then another. "Amen! Praise the lord" Evan sang out. It just popped out to Evans' amazement. "Amen brother" echoed back! Then the whole van broke into a joyous rendition of Amen.

"Aaamen....Aaamen...Aamen..Amen..Amen Hallelujah brother." Evan began to sing right along. "Amen!" The more he sang the louder and more powerful the rest of the group sang. Next thing you know everyone is clapping hands and waiving back and forth singing all the religious songs they knew. Evan did not know many of them but he sang along as best he could. He was having a fantastic time and felt like the weight of the world had been lifted right off of his shoulders. This ride was truly a blessing. The singing subsided for a brief moment and Evan ask one of the kids where the revival was. Gerald answered, "a little town on the Georgia border Evan." Wow! Evan was thinking to himself. I will be almost to Florida. When Gerald said "you won't be too far from your Grandmamma in Florida Evan." Gerald must have had ESP or something Evan imagined. Gerald still did not ask him what the matter was. Evan assumed he must have already knew all there was to know somehow. Gerald struck up another negro spiritual round. Something about pickin' cotton. Everyone took there round and gave Evan a go at it. He sang right out "Aint a pickin' cotton no more, no more." Geez what did he know about pickin' cotton in the first place. He had grown up in a middle class neighborhood in rural Maryland. He sang and sang anyway. Felt like he had found a brand new family of friends. It was raining super hard again and it was past night fall. Gerald instructed that everyone should get settled in and get some sleep. All made their own little spaces and Gerald and his wife sang a soft, gentle lullaby. One of the older boys recited the Lord's prayer as everyone got situated. Evan slept a warm, dry, peaceful sleep for the most part. He missed Rachel beside him. Her tender touch. Her gentle green eyes. When he slept he dreamt about the life they could have had together. Maybe he should turn around and go make peace with Jake? With Dad? "Mom" he murmered. "Mom."

Day five.....

Christmas dinner party slideshow.

2005-12-26T19:20:00.000-05:00

Created this 39 picture slideshow. Might take a minute to get going. My Brothers' house. He collects Budweiser stuff. The kids really made out. A good time was had by all.

Off to my Brothers' for Christmas dinner.

2005-12-25T13:23:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas to one and all.

Peace, love and light.

The night before Christmas.

2005-12-24T12:53:00.000-05:00

Twas' the night before Christmas.
All through the shack.
You could here heavy breathing.
As Santa began to hack.

His Oxygen tank on his sleigh.
It was hung.
He was dreading another Christmas to come.
He knew this might be his last one if he made it home.

It must have been the cigarette commercials.
He did as a kid.
Pall Mall, Lucky Strike and Camel.
Ho Ho Ho Not to mention the Seagram 7 commercials and Gilby's Gin.

I have done my share of partying.
He let out a bail. Ho Ho Ho - Hack, ack, ck.
If I knew I was going to live this long.
I would have taken better care of my self.

Ho Ho Ho Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Peace, love and light.

Have to leave you with good thoughts about Evan for Christmas - Day three.

2005-12-22T18:30:00.000-05:00

The Journey - Chapter one - Day Three.

The sounds of the big trucks became a lullaby this morning. Evan woke up, as if he got any sleep, around day break. He was getting used to the smell of the highway but still felt sick to his stomach. From where he lay he could not see the sunrise. Cold morning it was. A thin layer of frost was on him. Still wet and very overcast and dark. Instead of getting up he balled all up in a ball around his duffel bag and went into a sound sleep. When he woke up it must have been at least 1:00 p.m. Evan felt strange and discombuberated. Almost forgot that he was up on a ledge under a bridge for a moment and almost fell from his little crawl space that he had called home for the night. His stomach was telling him he had to eat. Oh, but what can he eat? "Man I'm gonna starve out here". He muttered to himself. He drifted back to the breakfast table in the small dining area off the kitchen at home. As he closed his eyes and the images became more vivid. He could smell the pan cakes and eggs. Oh the maple syrup, to have some maple syrup. He swallowed hard and said "Damn you Dad". He said it out loud. As he gathered himself up and walked to the edge of the highway. Thumb high in the air. Traffic was light compared to past days. He couldn't shake the images of his Mom in the kitchen. He tried to hold back the tears but a few managed to run down his face anyway.

The cars came in packs of three or four and an occasional big rig. It still looked grimm out. The sky was filled with giant rain clouds and the wind was blowing harder. Thirty minutes or so went by and Evan decided he just could not stand along the highway any longer in his wet clothes. He looked all around to find someplace out of site and dry to change. He turned around and went back to the bridge to change his clothes. When he went for his dry pants, shirt and socks. He almost fell apart. "That's it I'm done. Damn it! All my stuff! Damn it!" Seemed that everything in his bag was wet. Somehow the rain must have blown in the top of his bag in the middle of the night. "Now what?" Evan pondered. "I'm gonna freeze to death if I don't get some dry clothes." It was unseasonably cold for this time of year. Evan kept thinking the weather has to break and it get warmer again real soon. He sat in his shelter for over an hour. Not having any idea what to do. Not a clue. Evan thought about so many things while sitting there. His room at home. He had his room just the way he wanted it. Jimi Hendrix posters, Dylan poster, his black light which lit up his posters. His stereo and records. His drum set. His special places. His trinkets, Mom, Dad, Nan and Baw... He just couldn't rest. His mind would not stop. It was impossible to hold back the tears. Everything gone. He had nothing left. So depressed and all alone. It was going to be late soon. Could he get a ride? Before dark? Evan finally decided to put up his thumb again and head south. At least twenty minutes went by. The cars were coming by one by one.

Then someone pulled over. Evan ran for the car. It was an old Lincoln, Mercury. The back door sprang open as Evan approached. A young ladies voice said "jump on in." Evan did. There was enough room for his bag on the floor under his feet. Evan caught the musty odor of his duffel bag and hoped no one else did. A middle age Mexican looking man with short jet black hair and a black mustache was in the driver's seat and a middle aged big blonde lady, in the passenger seat, with a low cut skin tight red polyester top. Her hair was piled high and very 50's. To Evan she appeared to be his wife. The best part to Evan was this pretty young girl in the back seat with him. She was fair as the morning sky, he thought. Long, straight red hair and dimples to boot. Her smile was more like a blush. Evan was hooked at first sight, she was so cool. Blue jeans, T-shirt, vest, bangles, boots, earrings and beads. She said in a soft very sexy tone. "My name's Rachel what's yours?" Mom and Dad had not even turned around. For a few minutes it was just him and Rachel in the car. "Evan" he whispered as if he wanted no one else to hear. Dad turned around. "Just call me Bill and this if my girlfriend Martha and my good friend Rachel who you have already met." Wow! This was not what Evan presumed at all. Not Mom and Dad at all. Rachel was there all by herself. The thoughts that developed were so erotic and exciting. "Where are you headed Evan" exclaimed Bill, as Martha turned round and handed Evan an Old Milwaukee can of beer. "Florida!" Evan proudly pronounced. "Yea, I go down there a couple times a year. I like the sunshine and the ocean and all you know?" Rachel just nodded and blushed. She was so calm and such an energy that Evan could not think. "Thanks for the beer Martha." "Your welcome" she smiled. "We are all going to a party at Rachel's brother's house a little farther down the road this evening Evan." "Oh cool" he said. "Would you like to come along?" Rachel ask. Wow this beautiful girl just ask him to go to a party with her. "Sure" he expounded with glee. Trying to hide his excitement. "I'd love to." "Will there be a lot of people there?" "Yea a bunch. It's my Brother's birthday." Wow a birthday party. Evan had never had a real birthday party of his own. He could not help but think that there would be food there. He got really excited at the thought. The beer was not sitting to well in his empty all ready upset stomach. He would be there with the birthday boys sister. I'm in like Flynn he grinned to himself. "Good beer" he told Rachel. He had no idea why he said that. The beer tasted flat, it was warm and making him sick. "I like sloe gin" she answered to him. "We will get some at the party. My Brother always has a bottle for me." Evan couldn't wait to get there now. What anticipation he was feeling.

Bill made a turn off into the woods. It was pretty The way the near dusk sunlight cut through the thick trees and spooky too. "It's only a couple of more miles", Bill announced. As everyone sat quietly they turned in the drive. This was a big split level house on the side of a hill with a swimming pool and a big gate. Right in the middle of the woods. What a place! Evan was in amazement. He grew up in a small rancher on one building lot. An image of his families rancher flashed through his brain. The garage. The long blacktopped driveway that Evan and his Dad had put in by hand together that led up to it. Evan turned around and they all got out and moved to the trunk of the car. It was full of presents and a new set of golf clubs were so obvious. Bill and Martha grabbed it all and went inside. "Come on Evan I'll introduce you to my Brother Jake. Be careful Jake don't like many of my boyfriends." Wow! Evan thought almost out loud. I'm her boyfriend? Just think me. I'm her boyfriend. She's my girl friend. Wow, look at me. I got it made. What about the brother though? Got to make a good impression. All wet and run down, stinky and without a bath. Got to make a good impression. In the huge at least three car garage there were tables of all kinds of various finger food and kegs of beer lined half the other wall. Evan almost ran into the garage but waited for Rachel to introduce him. "Jake", Rachel yelled out. As they ran together and Jake picked her up and swung her around like a doll baby. He was as big as a truck. About six foot six and muscular as all get out. His sleeves were cut off of his button up plaid shirt which was not tucked in. He had a huge belly and Evan could tell that his pants didn't fit him right. Evan thought man this guy could be a mountain man. Well he was in the mountains? His wiry salt but mostly pepper hair and beard looked completely unkept. Rachel explained "this is my new friend Evan." He reached for Evan's hand and nearly crushed it with his hand shake. His hand was rough and dirty. The kind of dirt that doesn't wash off. "So, your my little sister's new boy friend huh?" Without giving Evan a chance to answer. Jake said, "Today is my birthday I turned 49. So believe me I don't need a rough time or a bunch of shit around here. So, you just behave yourself and enjoy the party Evan. That is your name isn't it? Evan?" "Yea that's it!" Evan spoke out. "Nice to meet you Evan." Rachel came running up and Jake picked her up and swung her around and ask her if she was feeling better today. She said "yes" as he hugged her and set her down. "Have a hors d'oevres" he said as he walked away. Evan turned around and to his surprise Rachel popped a chocolate covered strawberry right in his mouth. Evan just could not get over how delicious it was. The juice and the chocolate ran down his chin. Rachel came to the rescue with a paper napkin and wiped it off. Evan had never tasted anything so good. They walked into the garage. "What is this" he asked as he picked up a fancy tooth pick and stabbed a piece of chocolate. "I don't know" said Rachel. "Let me try it?" Evan was thrilled to feed it to her. Could he get any closer to touching her? As he gently laid the morsel on her lip and into her mouth. "Cantaloupe" she explained, as the juice ran down her chin she giggled. Evan was right on time with the napkin. He caressed the juice from her lips and face. As he got closer and closer to see if he got it all. Rachel whispered, "you get any closer and I'm gonna' kiss you." Evan moved closer and she did. Right on the lips. Evan was in heaven. They fed each other piece after piece. Strawberry and then a piece of honeydew. Oranges and grapes. Rachel was kissing the chocolate off Evan's chin and he was doing the same for her.

"Would you like to get out of those wet clothes" Rachel ask. What thoughts Evan was imagining at that point. "Yes I would but I don't have anything that's dry. The rain soaked all my stuff last night." "That's O.K. I will wash them and put them in the dryer downstairs. Come on," she said as she took Evan by the hand. They went to the car and got Evan's bag, down the stone stairs around the pool and to the basement they went. As they came in through the double glass doors Evan was astonished. It was a huge basement with a pool table, ping pong table, bar with 8 chairs, outrageous big oil paintings on the walls, oriental carpets everywhere and over stuffed leather furniture placed around a very ornate coffee table in the main room. One of the biggest T.V.s Evan had ever seen against the wall. It was like a small theater. There was even a kitchen and a full bath. Evan had never seen such a place. He thought, gee wiz my whole house could fit in just the main room. Then his thoughts turned. What house? I don't have a home anymore as he imagined his room. He got really sad and began to cry. He quickly hid his face and tried to smile. He knew Rachel saw his tears but she did not say anything about it. How cool she was not to have mentioned anything about his crying. He was still a little embarrassed that he cried in front of her.

"There is the shower right over there you can use. Take off those wet things and hand them out to me," she smiled. She was rummaging through Evan's bag pulling out everything in the bag including his underwear. "Here let me do that Rachel?" "That's alright you just relax and have a nice hot shower Hun. There is a robe you can wear in the closet and clean towels too. The shampoo is on the top shelf. I will be back in a little while to check on you and your laundry." She gently kissed Evan again and directed him to his shower. He so wanted to ask her to join him but thought better of the idea. He found the robe, towel and shampoo, handed his wet clothes out to Rachel and jumped in the shower. As he was showering he kept peaking out through the curtain to see if she would surprise him and jump in the shower. Didn't happen.

What a great shower. The bathroom was very big with mirrors all around and a double marble vanity. You could almost walk in the closet. Evan didn't have a lot of whiskers yet but what he did have were looking a little funky. Evan helped himself to the electric razor and the electric hair dryer hanging on the wall. He was thinking, what a fantastic place he was at and with a beautiful young lady. Old spice on the sink. That is what Evan's Dad always used and what Evan had grew up with. He splashed a little on his cleanly shaven face. He was forced to picture his Dad shaving and him laughing at Evan as soon as he hit puberty. He used to ask Evan "why he cultivated on his face what grew wild on his ass." Evan would tell him "It grows wild on my face too! I am growing a beard!" That was another thing that Dick did not agree with. Evan just could not shake the feeling that he was not ever going to see his Mom again. "No good Son of a bitchen son of a bitch you are Dad!" The tears swelled up in his eyes again. Have to stop crying before Rachel gets back. Can't let her see him like this again. The door to the bathroom opened a crack and Rachel inquired, "you alright in there Hun?" Evan answered shakily, "Yea I am fine Baby thanks." "Well then when your done come on out. I brought you a drink and some food." Evan finished brushing his long black hair, threw some water in his face and mustered up his best happy look and went out to the basement. Rachel was racking the balls on the pool table. "Want to shoot a game she asked." "Sure that would be great Baby," Evan announced. "O.K. Hun you break" she said as she handed him a sloe gin fizz. "Hope you like slow gin sweetheart." Just couldn't get any better than this Evan smiled to himself. As Evan was about to break Rachel reached over the table and fed him a succulant piece of lean roast beef. It just about melted in his mouth. "Mmmm that sure is good, thank you." Crack went the cue ball. Evan had learned to shoot pool at an early age. Another one of the things that his Dad had showed him. Dick used to take Evan to the pool hall/bar when Evan was just a little boy. Dick had trophies from shooting bar room pool all over his small basement.

They shot pool, ate roast beef, mashed potatoes, suckatash, cole slaw and potato salad, drank sloe gin, laughed, joked, kissed and brushed against each other every time they got close enough. Evan was getting excited and it was getting a little too obvious in the Terry cloth robe he was wearing. Rachel was such a powerful spirit. The buzzer went off on the dryer. Rachel had come down while Evan was showering and put his clothes in the dryer. "You finish your food and I'll get your clothes Dear." "I can get them" Evan said. "No! You just relax Honey. I'll get them." She folded everything so neatly and brought them to the sofa. "Now you get dressed. I'll be right back." Evan looked at the small pile of clothes. Three pair of blue jeans and five T-shirts some socks and underwear. Man I really didn't bring much he frowned. Damn you Dad! He went into the bathroom and got dressed. When he came out Rachel was sitting at the bar. "Come on lets go upstairs the Band is about to start and my brother wants to get to know you better. Some of my best girl friends are here and they really want to meet you too. Come on Hun" as she took him by the hand and led him to a door leading to a closed stairway. It was dark and Rachel spun around and next thing you know Evan and her are wrapped around each other in hot embrace. They are kissing and petting like young wild animals. Rachel breaks away and runs up the stairs. Evan playfully chases after her. At the top of the stairway was a huge living room.

There were a couple of long tables full of food along one wall! A full bar on another wall with two Bartenders in white shirts and black bow ties. The Band was set up at the far end of the room and everyone was mulling around eating, drinking and really having a good time. Jake walked straight up to Evan and ask. "You feel better now man?" Evan exclaimed, "I sure do." Evan answered Jake with a half smile. "Thank you for the hospitality Jake." "No problem! Hope you like rock and roll man? This Band is called Rhythm and Reason and are out of Richmond. They are kick ass," he yelled! Evan cringed for a second he was so loud. "You take good care of my little Sister now and have fun."

Right then about two dozen people came in and the place was a buzzin'. "Let's sit over here with my friends Evan", Rachel directed. The living room was set up like a grand ball room and still had room for the black leather living room furniture set up around a humongus T.V.. Big round tables and chairs all filled with all kinds of people. The table where they sat was filled with gorgeous young girls. Evan was the only guy at the table. He was flipping out. All of the girls were asking him all kinds of questions all at the same time. He could hardly keep up. "So! Your Rachel's new boy friend?" "Where are you from?" "Where are you going?" "How old are you?" "Do you like movies?" "How long have you been growing your hair?" "Where do you go to school?" With that question Evan thought. School? What about school? Man I will not graduate. What kind of a life will I have without a diploma? Wow, I probably won't be able to find a job. Quickly he replied. "I will be finishing school in Florida."

The band started and they were excellent. A tall dark haired girl singer and four guys. The keyboard player was superb. He was playing a Wurlitzer suit case keyboard. Evan having played drums since he was nine was checking out the drummer. Pretty good Evan thought. Yea, pretty good. Evan just about danced the night away with every girl at the table. Sometimes there were five dancing with him at a time. He danced all of the slow dances with Rachel. Her soft petite body tight against his. "They moved like they were made to be together" Rachel told him. He agreed whole heartedly. They danced and kissed and kissed and danced. A few times Evan was so light headed he almost fell down. Jake kept coming by and slapping Evan on the back and laughing very loud. Jake was drunk as a skunk and Evan and Rachel were not too far behind him. The room seemed to spin around and the lights were flashing from the stage. The Band was rockin', very loud and they played for hours. They were playing the Fugs' stuff from their second album, Frank Zappa's songs from Freak Out, the Rolling Stones, Chuck Berry, Wilson Picket, Velvet Underground, James Brown, the Who, the Doors, Aretha , Patsy Cline and Dylan to mention a few.

Evan talked to all the band members throughout the night. The drummer Jay, a little short bald guy from Cleveland, offered Evan to play a couple songs. Not that Evan didn't just about insist that he play. He was getting a little tipsy. The lead Singer, Megan, announced Evan and he climbed up on the drum riser and behind this fantastic set of Gretch drums. "What do you want to do?" Ask Larry the Guitar player. "Anything you want I can play it" Evan responded. "How about Wooly Bully?" "You know it right?" Evan answered "Sam the Sham and the Pharoahs" and Larry counted it off. Evan thought it went super well. Larry said to the crowd, "lets here it for Evan from Maryland! Good job". They went straight into Soul Man by Sam and Dave and Evan played right along. He used to play this one with his Uncles. Larry said lets slow it down a little bit and kicked off Dock of the Bay by Otis. Evan choked back the tears during that one. He received a big round of applause and went back to his table. Thank you all Evan waved as he bowed and left the stage. Rachel was all over him now and the other girls were brushing up against him and touching him the rest of the night. A few of them went so far as to grab hold of him and kiss him. Just climbed right up on him like he was a tree. Right out of nowhere. The girls were all considerably shorter than Evan. He really didn't mind. Rachel didn't seem to care. She actually encouraged them to kiss and hug him. He was the envy of all the younger boys. They all hung out together on the other side of the room. Come by the table three at a time to ask the girls to dance and only a couple of times did Evan manage to make eye contact with one of them. He wasn't going to let these rich young punks mess up his evening. He ignored their stares and rude remarks about his hair and his boots. He had tucked is pant legs into his Dingo boots to play. Evan was having the time of his life. Eating jumbo shrimp with incredible cocktail sauce, sweet roast beef, fried spicy chicken wings, all kinds of cheeses, chocolate covered fruit and drinking one sloe gin right after the other. He was in Heaven! That was all there was to it. What a party!

Must have been 4:00 am by the time the people who were leaving were gone and those who were staying bedded down. This place must have had ten bedrooms at least. Evan and Rachel ended up being the only two still up. The living room was a total mess. Jake had passed out about an hour earlier and was on the living room sofa. A few other older guys were sprawled out around the room on the floor. The band had packed up and left over an hour ago. Rachel and Evan were almost both too drunk to move. "Let's go downstairs and sleep" Rachel suggested. "O.K. Baby sounds like a plan" Evan said. Evan was filled with anticipation as they helped each other across the room and down the stairs. Stopping to kiss and pet a few times along the way. Once in the basement. Rachel fixed them both another sloe gin and they sat together on the sofa. They couldn't keep their hands off of each other. This was the best lovin' Evan had ever experienced. Evan hadn't been this far with a girl before. He gently maneuvered Rachel to a prone position. They curled up on the over stuffed sofa as one. Evan had way too much to drink. They kissed, cuddled and petted for a few minutes more and both passed out all wrapped around each other fully dressed. Nose to nose. Cheek to cheek. Breathing each others breath. "Sweet dreams" Evan whispered as he momentarily woke up. A little later Evan woke up in a panic. Looked around trying to figure out where he was. It was all so strange. He was utterly confused. The odd feeling passed and he smiled and kissed Rachel. She would respond for a second and go back to sleep. How perfect this night was. Evan had wild ideas running through his brain throughout the hours before day break. He could get a job, get a place with Rachel and stay with her forever. He dreamt that they moved into the basement and Evan worked for Jake doing something. It was summer time and Rachel was half naked and all of her girlfriends were also. He was laying by the pool and they were feeding him chocolates. Evan drifted in and out of sleep all morning. His head was pounding and his stomach was queasy from all the sloe gin, chocolate and shrimp he consumed.

Day four

My Band is working again.

2005-12-22T10:51:00.000-05:00

As some of you may know that after over a year together. My Guitar player had left the band. Well he is back and we have a New Year gig. The music/band business never ceases to amaze me.

I went out and bought myself a Christmas present. A Sabine - ZIPBEAT 40 bpm - 208 bpm, 2 to 6 beat metronome with flashing lights display. I have been playing drums forever it seems and haven't worked with a metronome except in the beginning. Just listen to the song and play it live. Never hurts to have a metronome on stage during the heat of a live performance. Tempo always seems to rush during the 3rd set when the crowd energy is usually the highest. What a great tool. I love it. Sure has sharpened me up. Has a click track also. Being a drummer I like the lights. Full blown practice next Wednesday. I'm ready!

My Band playin' a couple cover tunes- Got My Mo Jo Workin' and Midnight Rambler.

The Journey - Chapter One - Day two.

2005-12-20T00:34:00.000-05:00

Today Evan awoke to the thunderous sounds of the highway above him as the big trucks came roaring over. The sun was just coming up. The sky was red and orange with sprinklings of bright almost white, yellow. The rain had stopped and the day was still. The smell of rain was still in the air and a pungent odor of diesel fuel and automobile exhaust hung like a cloud in the early morning mist. Evan looked below from his dingy little crawl space to the highway below gathered up his thoughts, grabbed his bag and climbed down from his overnight accommodations. Brushed his long black hair and tidied up a bit and promptly threw his thumb up in hopes of a ride. His stomach had began to growl a little and no one was stopping to pick him up. His clothes smelled like mildew and clung to his tall lanky frame in a most uncomfortable manner. A feeling hit him after about an hour like a terrible revelation. Oh my God what the hell am I doing out here all alone? Where am I going to go? Guess I could actually go to Florida to see Grandmom. Sure why not he thought to himself. I can't go home guess so I'll go someplace safe. He remembered when his Maw Maw would come in and tuck him in. When he was a young boy he spent a lot of time at her house. Mom and Dad fought so much that she would come over and take him home with her and he would stay for weeks at a time. He got all fuzzy and sentimental. Boy Evan's brain was racing. He muttered out load somebody please give me a ride?

At that point, all of a sudden like an answer to a prayer, a guy in a yellow bug pulled over. Evan ran down the highway. The car pulled over quite a ways down the road. And Evan did not want to miss this ride. A yellow bug he thought. This guy's gotta be cool. As he approached the car he immediately noticed that wasn't some hip dude who would sing Canned Heat as he drifted back to Charlie and his teaching him how to hit a joint. Evan stuck his head in through the now open passenger side window and gazed upon an elderly man with gray hair in a fine suit and tie, really distinguished looking, Einstein like fellow. Who said. Wait a minute I'll get out and open the trunk. Evan said thanks man as he threw in his bag. Get in the man said so Evan did. Once inside Evan noted, smells like a Doctor's office in here. Where ya comin' from young man? Evan told him Maryland. Oh I see. Hmmm? As the man shifted gears. It was a little chillier in the bug then it was standing along the highway. Seemed like every crack in that car had an air leak. Evan was still very wet. In his bleariness and the highway and all, Evan had not changed out of yesterdays' garb. And with the air blowing across his legs he is reminded that he is still very damp. He got a chill. Felt like the windows were all open.

Where you going in a very subtle but firm, definitely educated, very articulate voice was ask. Florida to see my Grandmom. She's expecting me. Don't know why, Evan thought, I told him that? In fact she had no idea that he was on his way at all. Evan envisioned his short, gray haired Grandmom and her second husband Paul as he spoke. Sorry but I'm only going to southern Virginia. Evan replied that's great man. Thanks for the ride. No problem was the response he got. Evan was wondering, so he ask. What's your name sir? Dr. Morris Trapington III. Wow the III geez how about that, the first III Evan had ever met. That's cool man your a doctor and named after your past generations. Where do you teach? Evan was full of questions and just couldn't wait to ask them. Evan was imagining that this guy had PhD in some prolific subject. I don't teach young man. I am a Doctor, a real practicing Physician, Doctor! I have been a Doctor for 56 years. Teach? Huh! Evan immediately thought of a joke his Great Grand Father used to say. He thought naw I shouldn't tell this joke to this guy. Oh well why not! Hey are you just practicing or are you a real doctor Morris? If your a real doctor you wouldn't need to practice now would you? Chuckled Evan. My Great Grand Dad taught me that one. Hahaha.

What did you say your name was young man? As Morris turned with a stern look. I didn't tell you yet! My name is Evan from Maryland. Remember? I'm going to Florida to see my Grandmaw Evan volunteered. Oh! Well nice to meet you Evan. Very funny Joke. I think I've heard it before. Your Grand Dad must have been a funny man. What did he do? Evan without delay began to tell Morris all about his Great Grand Father. He is still alive and 92 years old and gets around like he is 30 and is sharp as a tack and.... Evan was very found of his Great Grand Dad, Baw. Good old S.W. was a, to say the least, old fashin' man and still active at 92 years old. Carpenter by trade.

The storm was just up ahead and Evan was estimating how far away when the rain started gradually and became worse and worse. The wipers on the bug hardly worked at all and the defroster was more of an air conditioner and didn't help at all. After awhile they had driven through the storm and it was behind Evan again. Evan went on and on about his Great Grand Dad till Morris had to cut him off. This is my exit. Evan really didn't hear what Morris said and went on and on until Morris pulled over and said. Well Evan, I hope you make it to Florida safely. There is my turn just up ahead. Here let me get the trunk. Once out of the car Evan offered Morris a hand shake and Morris excepted with a firm but gentle handshake. Thanks for the ride Morris. No problem now you be careful and take care. As he got in the car and drove away.

Instead of hitch hiking right away Evan decided to walk. The cars flew by as if he was at a race track walking down the front straight away. The big trucks were scary. The wind they could carry and the vacuum like effect they make after they go by. It was still very chilly and Evan decided that he had to get out of those wet smelly clothes. So he ran up a hill through the pine trees and got to a spot far enough away from the highway and changed into semi dry clothes. The woods were peaceful and very quite. The smell of the trees was so powerful. You would never know that right over this little knoll there was a super highway. Evan sat down on a log and took a deep breath. Made Evan remember when Jean would get out the Pinesol and scour the house. He smiled. Used to stink up the whole damned house Dick used to say. Jean kept a very clean house. Evan's Mom was very youthful looking with her light brown shoulder length hair and tall figure. Although she worked a full time job as a clerk at a local grocery store she still always seemed to have time to cook and clean. Most of all she made time to spend with Evan. He missed her so much and could not imagine never seeing her again. The tears just would not stop. Evan was thinking over the past days events. Torn up and confused as hell. Yea I'll make it to Florida. Evan picked up his duffel bag and headed out to the highway. As he got closer the sounds of the highway got louder and louder. Like rollin' thunder. When he threw up his thumb. California style reaching out into the traffic. Made him feel kind of like a dare devil act. There he was again 45 minutes and no one Evan looked at stopped to pick him up. He could see and smell the storm moving in on him again and the wind was picking up! He tried to make eye contact with the on coming motorist but to no avail. People just were not interested in this long haired hippy looking kid on the side of the road. Evan was really hungry and his mouth tasted like garbage. In his haste and confusion in leaving he did not bring a tooth brush and the odor of the highway was about to make him sick. It was looking like the storm was gonna' catch up with him soon if he didn't get a ride.

Evan had counted nearly 700 cars and no one would stop. Another hour went by and still no ride. A few hawks had gathered overhead and they seemed to be stalking him. Another hour went by and the storm is about a mile away. So Evan set out walking as fast as he could. Both hands in his, still damp, blue jean jacket pockets. Off in the distance he spotted a bridge. The storm was moving in on him fast. He walked faster and faster. A few rain drops were falling and the sky was getting black as coal. He began to run as the rain got harder and harder. Then it began to sleet. The roads got slippery real fast. It was like they were covered with diamonds when the car headlights hit them. It wasn't night time but it was dark enough to be. Lightning was striking all around the wind was blowing with a gail force. Finally Evan made it to the bridge. He stopped to get his breath and sat down on the railing. The wind came through like the bridge was a wind tunnel. So Evan climbed up under the bridge to the little crawl space. There you go Evan thought. Frickin' wet and cold again. Your a no good son of a bitch Dad. I'm gone you ass hole. I hope you are happy. Evan knew his Mom was suffering over his leaving. She loved him so much. Dick was more than likely bitching her out more than ever now and trying to lay the blame on her. Evan got super sad and cried. I'm sorry Mom. I am truly sorry. Yea, Dad I'm out here all by myself! Wet and cold and frickin' hungry because of you! I'll never come home again. I'll never go home, never!

Shivering as the wind cut by him at what seemed to be 90 miles an hour. The sounds of the trucks roaring overhead were almost deafening. Evan came up with the idea to build a fire. But where would he find anything to burn? Everything would be way to wet. No fire tonight. The storm kept on raging and Evan began to feel trapped. A couple of times the wind had whipped into his little crawl space and about ripped him out of it. The thunder was crashing and the lightning flashing about every 3 seconds. Evan curled up to his bag and tried to smush into a corner and cover up with it. The wind kept blowing sheets of rain in on him. The storm settled down to a mild rumble about an hour or so later. You could hear the thunder rolling as the storm moved farther south. Great now I'm chasing the storm. Well I guess that's better than the storm chasing me. He grinned. Still raining and coming down by the bucket. Time to try to sleep. Time to get as comfortable as possible. Not going anywhere tonight. Took him hours to fall asleep. It was like all the exhaust fumes gathered up in the crawl space. Evans mind kept racing with all that had happened. Maybe I should just go home and make peace with my Dad. Why did all of this have to happen? How's my Mom? I'm hungry, sad, bewildered and confused. Sleep on and off. Hard to get comfortable. Wet, cold and nauseous.

Day three

IN THE ATTIC Chat Special guests

2005-12-16T21:37:00.000-05:00

In no particular order: Molly, case, E.L Wisty, Marietta, Tausha, quadraphenniac, Stlouieahoie, Janey, Elizabeth s, Ben Reeves, Suesjoy, Lisa, ranceman, Delbut, Mike, Lynney, PTfan, Kid Ric, Gary, Andy Branca, Paul, Dale, Es, Ginab, Pieter, Denise, Kara, Dwayne,Belinda, Alecia and Testing. Hmmmm? Thirty two in all. Some had a terrific feed I understand. Sorry, I was not one of them. Oh well. You all are great. Thank you all for hanging in there. A great time was had by one and all I'd say. Maybe Rachel will loop it to the handful who couldn't get a good feed. Could Happen. Thanks Molly for hosting tonights' chat.

Day six.

2005-12-16T15:47:00.000-05:00

As daylight approached, Evan could not fathom that he had survived the horrible night. It was still raining and not only was he beat to a pulp but his clothes were muddy and his body ached all over. He was so tired. He managed to get moving very slowly. He visually searched for his duffel bag and found it lying half way in the pond. “My God!” He said aloud. “What's next?” He made his way over to his bag and drug it out of the water. When he opened it, the first thing he saw was the sandwiches that Maureen had given him. There wasn't much left of the bread it had been just about completely dissolved by the water and found it's way all through his bag and all over his clothes. An empty hole wrenched itself in the pit of his heart. He took a piece of ham out and ate it. Then another piece and ate that. The rain was light but he was still cold. There was a fog hanging about two feet off the clearing. The grass crunched beneath his feet as he moved about. I need to build a fire he thought as he searched his pockets for his matches. Only one match left and it was soaked. “Oh no, I don't have any matches.” A dreadful feeling of despair came over him. “I might as well be dead.” How was he going to dry out his stuff? This was by far the worst night Evan had ever experienced in his entire life. Feeling totally defeated he sat down and cried until he couldn't cry anymore. His head was pounding from his stress and his stomach felt like someone had stabbed him. “I'm never going to make it to Florida,” he said to himself. “Never going to make it. How can I get back out there on the road the way I look? People will never pick me up. I'll end up dying out here.” He screamed, “Damn!!! Damn you!!!! Damn you!!! Damn you Dad!!!” He broke down and fell to his knees. “Please help me,” he pronounced in a trembling almost non-existent tone. Evan had grown up Catholic but didn't pray much. He was actually begging for help on his knees. He could barely see for his tears. The rain had stopped but he did not notice. The fog had lifted and a ray of sunshine could be seen breaking through the Silvery gray and off white billowing clouds. Evan was so mentally destroyed at that point that he did not see the ray of sunshine at all. “Please, please somebody help me,” he murmured. “Please help me God, please help me? Please?” He fell to his elbows and then all the way to the ground. Balled up in a fetal position and shook all over. He just kept saying. “Please God help me.”

A man's voice rang out from somewhere. “Hey! What are you doing?” Evan thought it must be a dream. “Hey you there. What are you doing?” The voice inquired. Evan couldn't move he felt paralyzed. An old man with a brown, black and white Heinz 57 variety sort of collie looking dog walked up on him. The dog started licking Evans face. The man said, “are you all right boy?” Evan gathered all of his strength and answered. “No sir.” “Are you hurt?” Evan shook his head no. “Here, let me help you,” the gentleman said as he helped Evan to a sitting position. “Are you O.K.” He asks? Evan shook his head no and with his lip quivering tried to speak but nothing came out. “Can you walk young man?” Even nodded yes. “Well then, come with me my farm is right over there.” He pointed but Evan did not see any buildings. The dog, the man called Ginger, was still licking and jumping all around Evan. The man helped Evan up threw his bag over his shoulder and away they went. Evan nearly collapsed a couple of times on the way. The man put his arm around him and pretty much carried him to the house.

Once inside the farmer kindly said.”Here sit down son.” The farmer pulled out an old wooden kitchen chair and sat Evan at the table. Ginger laid her head on Evans leg and looked so sad. “Mary come here and fix a pot of coffee.” The farmer sat on the other side of the shabby wooden table. He was a big man slightly bald with a scruffy salt and pepper beard. His bib overalls were torn and worn. Mary a little tiny wisp of a woman with gray platinum hair and a tattered apron set to making coffee without a word. She had a kind smile and whistled quietly as she put some wood in the old cook stove. She poured Evan and the farmer who she called Daddy a cup of coffee. There is no way, Evan thought, this could be his Daughter she was at least 75 or 80 years old. Evan shaking picked up the cup with both hands and spilled some on the floor. Mary announced, “That's alright.” as she grabbed a worn out dish towel and wiped it up. She put her hand on Evan's shoulder and told him. “You are safe now.” Evan began to cry. “Here, here, now everything will be all right.” Mary said as she patted Even on the top of his head. Mary reminded him so much of his Nan. Her name was Mary also, and his Baw called his Nan Mommy. He couldn't believe it. Nan was Evans Great Grand Mother who he loved with all of his heart. Ginger had not moved an inch and Evan reached down and scratched her ear. She licked his hand and Evan sort of smiled. “What were you doing out there by the pond?” The farmer asked. Evan broke down again and tried so hard to talk. It was so difficult to get the words out. “I am a traveling man.” Evan whispered. “A traveling man?” Bellowed the farmer. “Ah-ha! I did a bit of that when I was a younger man,” He added as he smiled and looked into Evan's bloodshot eyes. “We used to ride a horse though back in my day.” Mary was busy at the cook stove fixing something that smelled strange to Evan. “What is your name son?” The farmer asks as he sipped his coffee from an old tin cup. “Evan” is all he said. “They call me Bear” the farmer smiled. Mary added, “his name is Bobby Jo.” “I like Bear better you know that Mommy.” Evan could not understand. “Mommy and Daddy? Huh?” Evan's Nan also called his Baw Daddy. This had to be a dream. It just could not be true.

It was very hot in the kitchen with the stove fire. Steam was rolling off Evan's clothes and he was sweating. Mary put a plate of food in front of Evan and got him a knife and a fork. Evan had never seen food that looked like what she gave him. He thought, “what in the world is this stuff,” as he pushed the food around the plate a little with his fork. Bear ask. “What's the matter Evan don't you like biscuits, gravy and grits?” “I don't know sir.” Evan managed to say. “I never had them.” “Boy oh boy, you don't know what your missin' son. Eat up!” Mary poured Evan another cup of coffee. Bear stood up and he and Mary left the room. Evan took a small bite and much to his surprise, it was delicious. He shoveled it in as fast as he could.

He had finished every bit of food on his plate when Bear and Mary returned. Bear handed Evan an old pair of blue jeans and a flannel shirt and directed him to go in the bedroom and change. Evan accepted with a crooked little pouting smile. The jeans were at least three sizes too big around the waist and way to short. He laced his belt through most of the belt loops and tightened it. Evan was six feet tall. The shirt was big enough to be a tent. Evan put them on anyway. He looked like lil' Abner he thought. But at least he was dry. The bedroom was hardly big enough to turn around in. A worn out dresser with a stained mirror against one wall. A small chipped up Vanity on another and a big double bed, which looked like it was made of 4 x 4's. It was a very dark room with one window with tattered lace curtains. It had a peculiar odor. Kind of like the locker room at Evan's high school. Evan started thinking about all of his school friends and when, if ever, he would see any of them again. He thought again about Rachel, his Mom, his Nan, his Dad, Liz and could not hold back the tears. He was beginning to get used to the salty taste of his tears as they ran down his cheeks and onto his lips. He found a rubber band on the floor, tied his hair back into a ponytail with it, and went back to the kitchen.

”You feelin' better Evan?” Bear piped out. Gave Evan a start. He was behind him and Evan did not see him. “Yes sir a lot better. Thanks.” “Mommy will wash your clothes. Come on! We don't sit around all day around here. There is work to be done. Finish your coffee and meet me out at the barn.” Evan chugged his coffee and out the door they went. Evan looked a site with his Dingo boots and high water pants as he walked into the barn. Evan had carved stars on the tops of his boots and painted them red, white and blue. They stood out like a sore thumb. Bear didn't say anything about it so Evan just laughed a little about it. More like a small smile than a real laugh. “Get that dung fork over there Evan and come on down here.” Bear walked to the other end of the barn. Evan looked around. “Dung fork?” He spotted a few in a corner of what he learned to call pitchforks . There were three different sizes. “Dung fork? Which one is that? Hmmmm.” Evan grabbed the five tine fork and threw it over his shoulder like a soldier. When he walked up to Bear he laughed out loud at Evan. “Boy not the hay fork the dung fork. Hahaha Evan. You never worked on a farm before huh?” “No sir this is the first time.” “Well go up there and get the fork with three tines and bring it here.” Evan did.

"Didn't your Daddy teach you anything?" Bear said with a grin. "AH...not much." Evan replied. "Not much?" Said Bear. "Do you know how to drive?" Evan answered, "Yea, I can drive." "Well who taught you?" Asked Bear. "My Dad did." Said Evan. Evan thought about the old 50 Chevy he learned to drive in. It was going to have been his in a couple of months. "Well we will see if you can drive this afternoon." Stated Bear. "Now fork that shit into this wheel barrel and dump it around the corner." "You will see the pile." "I will be working on the tractor." Bear said as he walked out of the barn. Evan went to work. The shit must have been a foot deep and was so hard to move. Wheel barrel after wheel barrel full Evan moved. With Evan weighing in at a solid 147 pounds, a few time he almost dumped it on his way around the corner to the pile. The odor was sickening sweet and Evans Dingo boots and hands were taking a beating. It was hard work. Evan went at it like a trooper. The hard work was good for him. He didn't see Bear at all the rest of the morning. Evan was filling the last wheel barrel load when Bear walked back in the barn. "Good job son." Bear smiled. "Thank you sir." Evan replied. "You call me Bear, Evan." Said Bear with a firm look. "O.K. Bear." Evan answered. "Mommy has our lunch ready. So come on lets eat." Bear said as he put his arm over Evan's shoulder and started toward the house.

"You hungry? Bear inquired. Then he said. "You must be. You worked very hard." "I could eat the north end of a south bound mule right about now." Evan chuckled. Bear laughed a hearty ha ha ha. Evan smiled at him as they arrived at the house. "Kick your boots off and slip these on." Bear directed Evan to a pair of worn out leather slippers about 3 sizes too big. Bear must have worn at least a size 13 shoe. Evan kicked off his shit covered boots and shuffled into the kitchen in the slippers. He was certainly a sight. It was about 100 degrees and smelled so appetizing. "Mommy has your clothes laid out in on the bed." Mary added. "All nice and clean for you Evan." "Thank you Maam." Evan said as he sat down to the old table. "Evan worked out real good out in the barn Mommy." Bear almost whispered. Evan thought. "What a soft gentle voice Bear used with her." "You must be hungry?" Mary asked. "Yes Maam, that I am." "Well get over to the sink and wash those hands before you get any food at my table. You too Daddy." Bear leaned over the table and quietly said, "better do as she says son. She packs a pretty mean wallop for a little woman." "I heard that." Mary laughed. "Now wash up before the soup gets cold. Evan and Bear followed her instructions like a couple of giddy schoolboys.

When they sat back down, there was a big bowl of chicken corn soup, a half loaf of homemade bread and a pound of butter on the table. "Would you like coffee or milk Evan?" Mary inquired. Evans response was . "Coffee with milk, please Maam." "Eat up son. We got a lot of work to do before dark." Bear explained. "Before Dark!" Evan shockingly thought. "I really should get back on the road soon today." Evan told them. "Nonsense! You are staying here tonight." Bear answered in a most convincing tone. "We'll have no more talk of you traveling today and that's that!" Mary added. "Now eat up. You will need your strength if you are going to keep up with Daddy." She smiled. "This is really good soup Maam." Evan told Mary. "It all came from right here on the farm." Bear said. "Sure is good." Evan garbled as he chewed the sweet bread and butter. Mary filled his coffee, served him and Bear a second bowl of soup and put fresh bread on the table. They ate, finished their coffee and were kicked back and relaxed when Bear spoke up. "Well time to get back to work son." Evan was stuffed. His muscles hurt, he was tired and two blisters had burst on his left hand. Bear exclaimed. "Lets go Evan! We will never get anything done sittin' round the kitchen like a couple of old women." "I should change my clothes first Bear." Evan said. "No sense dirtying up your clean clothes. Might just as well wear what you are. Now come on lets get a move on." Bear insisted. Evan reluctantly shuffled to the door.

It was a beautiful day. Bright blue sky with a spattering of soft white clouds. A slight breeze and around 60 degrees. Before Evan took a look at his Dingo's he was beginning to get in some better spirit. But, when he saw his boots all covered in cow shit he almost cried. He said out loud. "Damn! Done ruined my boots. Shit!" Bear explained. 'No you didn't ruin them. We will clean then up real good for you tonight. Scrape them off over there on the boot scraper, for now." Evan did and then followed Bear around to the back of the house to a run down shed. Bear pulled the bolt and swung open the double doors. Inside was a small rubber tired, front end loader. It looked about a 100 years old. "So, Evan, can you drive that." Bear asked as he pointed at the loader. Evan's look of doubt said it all as Bear climbed into the drivers seat and started the engine. It sounded like it was going to fly apart at any second. Bear slammed it in gear and bounced out of the shed. Bear yelled. "Climb up here and I'll show you how to drive this contraption." Evan climbed up and stood on the small running board as Bear showed him. There were two levers on one side, two levers on the other side and one pedal on the floor. No steering wheel at all. Evan couldn't figure out were the brake was and how was he going to turn? Bear explained that there were no brakes and that Evan would have to. "Pull two handles back to stop or back up. Push both forward to go. Pull the left one and push the right one to turn left. Just the opposite to turn right. The pedal is the gas. The other handle on the left moves the bucket up and down and the other one on the right is to dump the bucket. Now, you think you can handle her, Evan?" "I think so! Why not? Yea, I can drive it!" Evan excitedly proclaimed. Bear turned the engine off and Evan climbed into the drivers seat and started it. It shook like a can of bolts. Bear pointed to go around the house as he ran around the corner. Evan needed to turn a little to the left so he did as Bear had told him and spun the machine clear around and almost was thrown off. Evan almost had a heart attack. "I can see this thing is going to be a little touchy." He thought as he delicately maneuvered around to where he wanted it. "Both levers forward." he muttered. The loader leapt forward just about giving him whiplash. He was rolling and in the right direction though. By he time Evan made it around the house he had the hang of it and was driving like a pro. Bear pointed at the shit pile and a shit spreader and Evan began to scoop up the shit and dump it in the spreader. Bear watched and directed when Evan got a out of hand. Evan thought. " It was kind of like riding a bucking bronco." Evan never thought he could have so much fun working. Non the less shoveling shit. Took quite a bit of shit to fill the spreader but Evan finally succeeded. Bear instructed Evan to turn off the loader and climb on the tractor with him. Bear pulled the spreader out to the field and the shit hit the fan. Evan sat up on the fender while Bear drove. "You chew?" Bear asked as he pulled a plug of Red Man out of his pocket and took a bite. Evan had never chewed tobacco before. "No sir, but I would like to try." Bear handed him the plug and Evan took a bite. It was bitter sweet and filled Evan's mouth with juice right away. Bear spit and Evan did the same. The juice ran down Evan's chin. Bear could spit a country mile. He taught Evan the art and they spat and spread shit all over the field. The tractor was loud. The exhaust pipe stuck straight up through the hood and billowed blue white smoke which occasionally would blow right back in their faces. Evan was turning green from the exhaust fumes and the chew. They filled and spread three spreaders full. Cleaned out the spreader and put away the loader. Bear drove the loader into the shed. Evan was grateful for that. The sun was getting low in the sky. A red purple line of Cyrus clouds were stretched across the horizon. The temperature was dropping and Bear announced. "Time to call it a day son." Evan replied. "Yea, just about that time I'd say." "Mommy will have super on and we'd best not be late." Bear added.

As they walked back toward the house they kindled a relationship like Evan had never known. Bear would on purpose bump into Evan and push him around a bit in a playful manner. Bear could have knocked Evan down any time he wanted. He was only nudging him. Evan followed suit and kind of wrestled Bear around when he had the chance. They laughed and rough housed all the way to the house. Evan could smell the aroma of something that smelled awfully good coming from the house. Bear exclaimed. "Hog maul! Boy Evan you are a lucky guy. I can't get Mommy to make hog maul for me unless I take her to town for a day of shopping. I just might have to keep you around for awhile. Ha ha ha." They took off their boots and Evan shuffled into the kitchen in his oversized slippers.

"I drew a hot bath for you Evan." Mary announced. "Thank you Maam." Evan replied. Bear walked up to Mary and kissed her softly on the cheek and said. "I love you Mommy." She answered. "I love you too Daddy." Evan went into the bedroom, picked out a change of clothes and went off for a bath. The bathroom was at the end of the hall just past the bedroom. There was just enough room to stand beside the tub. There was a toilet but no sink. A clean, dirty white, towel was on the rack and a washcloth hanging on the side of the old claw foot tub. Steam was rolling off the surface of the water and a small electric open faced heater was running at the far end of the room beside the toilet. Evan took off his lil' Abner clothes and eased into the tub. The tub was a long one and the water was just right. Evan laid back and stretched out. Drew a little more hot water and almost fell asleep. His body was aching all over. He couldn't seem to think about anything. Everything was a blank for a time. "Why am I here?" He asked. "Who am I?" He could smell the food cooking in the kitchen, and he was hungry. So, he quickly washed. "What am I going to tell Bear and Mary?" Even pondered as he dried off with the old dilapidated towel. He put on his boot cut 501 button fly Levi's with the peace flag patch on the bottom of one leg. "That's me!" He smiled, as he strapped his belt through the loops. He put on a plain white T-shirt. It smelled so good when he pulled it over his head. Evan wondered. "Hmm, wonder what kind of detergent Mary used?" Evan felt good in clean underwear and clothes. He put on his white socks and did his best James Dean. Tied back his hair, slipped into his huge slippers and shuffled out to the kitchen.

To be continued..