UNC 5K Kidney Kare Run/Walk, March 21

So, maybe the treadmill at the gym is working after all...

For the third year (at least), I signed up and participated in the UNC 5K Kidney Kare Run/Walk, held this year over in Carrboro on March 21. And, no, let us not be confused: I did the walk, and not the run. (Never have quite gotten the appeal of running, really, as I've known some runners with hellishly painful joints, especially knees.)

In the past two years, I have taken two different approaches to this Walk, both with mixed results:

In the first year, I strolled and strolled, enjoying the budding trees and even rescued a fallen birds' nest from one of the residential streets the Walk route goes down. It was a bit of a 'zen' thing then, getting in touch with the world around me and also not overdoing it because I really wasn't into it for any 'exercise' potential. I finished right at the end, but I felt like I had toured Walden Pond.

Last year, at the beginning of my 'serious' attempts to lose weight (40+ pounds ago), I took to it with the enthusiasm of a new recruit off on her first march in the Army. No time for the trees, the birds, not even a thank you wave to the volunteers passing out water at the halfway point. Nope, I am serious this year became the mantra going through my head. In the end, about a mile to go from the finish line, my energy bottomed out and I dragged myself across the line (well, not literally, but to my psyche, I might as well have). On the other side waiting...a superior level colleague and a group of his friends, none of whom had even broken a sweat, kidding me about being so out of shape that had it been a kilometer longer I would have required oxygen.

I love you, too, Sir. Really, I do.

For me, this might as well have been the victory trophy for this year's race. Yes, it's a keeper for the 'motivation' files.
This year, I had done some preparation. In addition to joining the gym as a way to finally do something about my weight and overall appearance for the long haul, I had a goal in mind: a 15 minute walking mile. As I would quickly discover, that was a bit much to hope for (especially for someone who has been pretty lifelong adverse to exercise in the first place), but I was doing a 17:08 mile on the treadmill, even with mild inclines. I'm still a long work in progress, but at least I'm progressing now.

This year, I was there early. This year, I had water. This year, I had stretched and prepped and could even pass a lot of folks while making my way to...the middle of the pack. All told: 5K walk in 53:54. Horrible, I know, but it's a start and I will improve upon it. Horrible, I know, as I didn't keep the 17:08/mile pace (the race inclines were more than I had prepped for so I slowed down in those sections). Wonderful, though, because I beat same said superior level colleague (and all other members of his group) this year by a full 10:04. The look on their faces as I was waiting for them this year at the finish line was absolutely priceless.

Don't let anybody tell you anything different: Life is good.

Overseas Radio: Sending Us Life and Talent

Recently, as even I have become too weary of news/talk radio and even more weary of our overdone 'buy it now' commercials (the latter an affliction I've had for a good number of years), I've been trying to find some new music. Unfortunately, my local radio market is still heavily dominated by Clear Channel's ever-repeating loops of the same crap, or syndicated shows with the same hosts playing the same crap. (Sorry, "Delilah" listeners: listening to that every night, no matter how well-intended the purpose of the show, would send me over the edge in a week.)

It's gotten so bad, that I'm actually starting to hate the bands Coldplay and Nickelback because of this endless repetition...bands I once really liked. (Note to bands/PR companies/record execs who pay the Clear Channel & Co 'piper': too much airplay can be a very bad thing over the long haul.) Contrary to the now infamous song of the 1980s, video does not kill the radio star: greed and over-exposure do.

So, once again, I've been looking to find new tunes via online outlets.

At work, listening online for me is particularly troublesome as we now have a variety of 'filters' that are designed and in place for us to not do anything that might make the daily 'to do' bit more enjoyable. I perhaps miss music the most, as I work in a windowless former closet and generally in excess of 9 hours a day, sometimes more. Music is a passion of mine, even though my direct participation is limited to non-existent these days. Distractions, even those in the background and on a low volume, remind me there is an outside world beckoning...and that gets me through even my tough days.

However, in a particular act of kindness, the powers that be relented on the 'no music' rule and eased up a bit more recently and will now let us satisfy our audio needs: for no more than 60 minutes a day, done in 15 minute blocks of our choosing. (Hey, it's a start back...I'll take it.) Some sites, though, still are blocked: Last.FM, for instance, and even Live 365 (of which I still have a station there...click here for the link). However, I can sneak in the occasional moment of Mozart through our classical radio station (WCPE, Wake Forest, NC), or drift over to any number of stations worldwide through my fave portal, Surfmusic. I'm practically happy again...and it beats the hell out of the copier hum.

From that last site, I re-found Clyde FM from Glasgow. Now I know I have a rather strong connection to my Scottish heritage, and even though I've been on a 'Rule Britannia' bit recently, I listen to Clyde a bit more than some others not only because of their general 'upbeat' approach (even when discussing their boggled traffic and dismal forecasts), but because they play some stuff I have never heard before...and, sadly, even months after, still does not get airplay here. And, generally, I tire pretty damn quick of what constitutes 'pop' music. (That's another rant for another day, believe me.) Clyde may be the 'Clear Channel' prototype for Scotland, who knows, but I'm for whoever can bring some variety and fun back to whatever passes for radio these days. And music...actual music instead of what passes for rap and/or 'instrumental' solos and/or 'sampling mixes' (and I'm using those last terms very loosely) would be good for a change. (MTV/VH1 should maybe re-consider that 'music' thing, too, but I'm not holding my breath.)

Two of the voices that have I have discovered from Clyde are now, amazingly...finally...getting some attention (albeit minor) with airplay over here. Keep in mind our announcers know next to nothing about them, if they even do acknowledge the songs, but I'm hopeful this might indicate an ever so small shift from the constant dreck on US 'pop' airwaves...somebody somewhere, is paying attention. Our luck would be that person got laid off yesterday.

The first is Duffy, who reminds me some of a long-time fave of mine, Dusty Springfield. I've always been a fan of 'throaty' singers with range, especially female ones who can go from a purr to a growl in less than a heartbeat, and Duffy gives me all indications she is up for that and more. Simplicity, even to the point of being borderline retro, is not a detriment if the singer knows how to, and does, carry the emotion over to listeners. I'm actually slightly more fond of Duffy's "Mercy" song, but could not find a video of such that I liked, so we'll go with my second-fave, the heart-broken "Warwick Avenue" instead here:

Duffy - New Music - More Music Videos

Duffy's "Warwick Avenue". Video embed from MTV's video collection...yes, believe it, from MTV. Someone remembers.
The second is a powerhouse of a singer, Jazmine Sullivan, who (in typical American mass radio practices) has been marketed to an 'urban' (read: black/African-American) audience, even though I think her appeal is far, far larger than that. (Fingers crossed somebody wises up: music has never been color-blind, its marketing should never be, either.) I'm not sure if I like Sullivan's voice or the 'sound' of her songs more...I guess I'll figure that out for certain with her next album. The first time I heard Ms Sullivan I thought she was maybe Mary J. Blige...and I love the voice and performances of Ms. Mary J. I was first hooked with Ms Sullivan's "Bust Your Windows", but it's her latest, "Lions, Tigers, and Bears", that I find absolutely memorable.

Jazmine Sullivan making it look easy: "Lions, Tigers, and Bears". Now we must keep the non-singers from attempting it at the next karaoke party...
Please, Clyde and others helping your online listeners survive these grey-filled days, bring on some more of this... and thank you.

Spring is Coming: Bring Out the Toolbelt

It was an absolutely glorious weekend this past Saturday and Sunday, and groundhog or no, I'm hopeful that this warming burst somehow triggers an early return of Spring. I'm so over Winter, and its snow, cold wind, and long, grey days...and I live in the Mid-Atlantic, for Pete's sake, where really we have nothing to endure weather-wise. (People back home, especially the dear Mama, who have suffered through endless snow, ice, sleet and the ever-so-fun occasional power outage have something to really complain about.)

So, with the warm weather, I'm returning to a passion of mine: DIY. But not my DIY (as I'm now at a point with the apartment where I can only do so much more as a renter) specifically, but back to volunteering with Habitat for Humanity on a more regular basis. There is something really quite wonderful about helping someone build, and then live in, a new home: a home you helped to construct with your own hands, your own sweat, your own labour. And if you learn, or maybe re-learn, a new skill or two along the way...you're better off still. Few opportunities exist that are this immediately rewarding.

To those that want to learn, Habitat for Humanity build sites are really quite educational and wonderful. (I've always believed that if all the 'flippers' of recent years had been required to do a year volunteering with Habitat prior to getting their loans, a good number of homes nationwide would not have been as botched, or unsold. You want reality about home construction/refurbishing? Come follow and film Habitat for awhile.) Sure, some volunteers are more skilled than others (and I'm certainly on the lower end of even the less skilled, as several builders and professional tradespeople often donate their time), but the spirit of helping out others...and actually carrying that spirit through from inception to completion...is contagious. Except for lunchtime when everyone is ravenous, no one's going around checking the time as everyone is just plowing along, from one task to the next (and lunch gets donated sometimes from people saying 'thanks', too). With very few restrictions, you can learn any number of skills and help out on any number of projects. You work alongside the future homeowners (who are required to put in a substantial amount of 'sweat equity'), church groups, friends of the intended family, construction professionals, and people just like me...people who walk in off the street with a pair of work gloves and are willing to help. And the demand for affordable housing, especially in these troubled economic times, is great indeed.

So, this past Saturday, I joined up with Habitat again...this time with a very lively and productive group from Pittsboro, NC. This group presently has three homes under construction at the Pittsboro site I worked at, plus another closer to completion in nearby Siler City, NC. And while I am very rusty, I got handed a job that I actually wasn't too bad at (albeit a bit slow): exterior painting. Below is some of my painting handiwork (I think we've got about 65-70% of the house painted now), of which I'm pretty proud. Not bad for a first day back in a long time...

This is one of the three homes currently under construction in Pittsboro. This one, and the one to its right, are single story construction, while the third one across the street is a two story. First time I've been to a Habitat site with these many volunteer build homes (a cul de sac at the end of a wooded lane, if you will) being constructed simultaneously.

Perhaps not much to brag about unless you're me: did the whole side of this until the high portions above the window, as I'm bad with ladders)...the window is well above my height and I'm close to six feet tall. I was pleased actually, been ages since I worked with a roller.

...And a Pinch to Grow an Inch!!

It's a damn great day to be alive. Incidentally, it's also my birthday.

It's 73 degrees outside, the sun is shining, and there's not a cloud in the sky. (Although if history says anything, there will be.) I'm off today from work, and tomorrow, and the day after. Also the weekend that follows. And, in a true testament that I'm living the good life these days, my friends have not forgotten me...sending cards, gifts, emails. From a world close and to lands afar, I've been contacted by many. I'm a lucky, lucky girl.

Let me share some of which I've received today by email (both videos from YouTube)...

From Lisa (who thankfully sent me something else as a gift, but this is pretty damn cute in its own right):

The Birthday Hamster

From J, who sent this off in a moment while getting some overpriced coffee in SoCal (and this is so wrong on so many levels, but brings back some great memories of working with her...smooches, kiddo!):

Weird Al Yankovic singing "Happy Birthday". Lyrics can be found here.
("Come on boys and girls, sing along...okay?")

These friends alone make my day even more special, even more memorable.

And I love you, one and all.

Mama Always Said to Bring a Sweater

I'm horribly sorry about the lack of recent posts, as I'm been busy doing some work and offsite projects which have really been taking up my free time. In addition to starting some new things that will improve my health and stress levels (or so I think, anyway), I'm also trying to get some work-related items done pronto, too, to meet a fast-approaching deadline. Again, my apologies.

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Down South, we who live here are always aware that we're all a bit schizophrenic in what we hold dear...we respect our distinctive and historical Southern culture, yet have spent billions of late to make ourselves into some of the most modern cities in America. We appreciate (and want) a slow-cooked, old-fashioned meal, but yet we also race around all day long on interstates and complain about the speed limits still being too low. Some here still speak with a pronounced slower drawl, all the while helping you solve problems with your latest tech gizmo. Confederate flag and Obama bumper stickered-cars park side by side without incident, and hell, the owners most likely are friends. There are many, many things that make us the South, and that make us a direct contradiction to those not lucky enough to live here.

Recently, even our dear Mother Nature has been playing along. To put it bluntly, 'winter' as I have known it here and elsewhere as a child, has taken a leave this season. Instead, we're getting something more akin to Forecast Roulette. And, with Mother's recent involvement, I'm actually starting to believe more in the whole global warming movement. I've been to many places throughout the world and survived more than a few weather events...but never have I consistently seen the weekly temperature swings I have this winter.

The week of the Inauguration, we had snow that Tuesday, which gradually wore away over the next two days ('wore away' being the operative words as we really do not have the hard-core snow removal equipment like many states do). By that weekend, though, we were sunny, almost early Spring-like, pushing 65. This week, some areas got snow last night...but, once again, we're predicted to be in the 70s by the weekend (see below). And, while we may not have had snow each time we've dipped down low this season, the dips and subsequent swings back upwards have been frequent.

Predicted forecast from WRAL-TV, Raleigh, North Carolina, for the rest of this week. And, yes, it's still February.
It's nothing of a small wonder how more of us are not sick from all the temperature changes up and down. Dressing in layers...something that is generally left to those who have moved here from up North or those lucky enough to live on the coast...has taken on a new art form. You leave the house in the morning dressed for one season, but come prepared to strip a layer off as you'll drive home in another. This whole flux has got more than a few...self included...wondering if this year, (not totally dissimilar to what is going on with our economy and nation), is bringing forth some new future none of us are really prepared for.

I'm thinking I'm gonna need a new cardigan.

'Twas Nice While It Lasted

Last week, as the world watched as a new President be inaugurated on an historic day, I sat at home and watched the snow fall outside. We don't get a lot of snow here, so when we do, most things sort of shut down...schools are closed, roads unsalted for hours on end, mass runs on milk and bread occur at local grocery stores. Normally, I would be considered part of the 'essential personnel', but this time we took advance action on Monday night...so I got to stay home. And I enjoyed quite the glorious sight, even if it was all melted away by early Friday morning.

Pictures from my front door, home on the farm...

Today: The Work That Lies Ahead

The now very iconic "Hope" poster of Barack Obama, courtesy of a contributor pool from Flickr.

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Words from The Man himself, who (thankfully) became President today...

For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act — not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. All this we will do.

~ President Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States of America, January 20, 2009

A complete copy of his Inaugural Speech can be found here.

The speech, while well-written and focused, was also not as electric as it had been hyped up to be. It was not like one given by the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., nor Abraham Lincoln, nor John F. Kennedy...all of whom Obama has been compared to, for various reasons, for many months now. Nor was today's speech too akin to the one he gave after securing the Democratic nomination. However, it was concise, direct, and full of confidence...and what a change that was to see, even from the confines from my living room. But then again, I'm not sure I want an 'electric' President in office; instead, I want one not afraid to do things and see that they are done...and does them fairly, openly, and without breaking umpteen Constitutional laws to do so. (Let's face it, that would be a nice damn change, too, from the last decade, truly, when you consider the whole Dubya administration and the last two years of the Clinton presidency...the latter which was politically immobilized after the Monica Lewinsky debacle.)

I liked what I saw and heard from our new President, although I am anxious for the details to come forth and the plans to be implemented. But one day at a time, people, one day at a time. However, for the first time in a very, very long time, I felt I could truly support my leader once again.

Funny how that whole thing with 'faith' and 'trust' works in politics, isn't it?

Additionally, I found the following links that I feel are worth a look:

Help Obama Restore America on the Internet

And my favourite comic of Bush so far (one I could not wait to see, truth be told)...although it will come and go all too fleetingly

A Declaration of the Charges

As we wind down this most ugliest tenures in American history tonight, I wanted to touch upon and include just the briefest summary of some of the injustices we have endured. It is a litany of problems, large and small, for certain. But it also represents one of the greatest opportunities for us going forward: to finally start to fix all these problems, and be a respected leader on the world stage once again. God knows, it's long, long overdue.

(But, hey, don't despair: you, too, can send words of goodbye to #43.)

Dubya, I don't even know where to begin when describing your crimes and your ignorance. Luckily for us all, Keith Olbermann from MSNBC's "Countdown" does.

Keith Olbermann on CNBC's "Countdown", reporting his editorial peace of The Bush Presidency in Eight Minutes.

And what an absolutely frightening eight minutes that is, truth be told. Watch this and weep first...then watch it again and take notes of the many problems still thriving. Those notes are now our challenges as a country, and they represent what will be needed to solve those problems.

Question is: Are we really up for the task?

Happy New Year: 2009

May you have one of happiness, and not of tears.
May you have one of ambition, and not of fears.
May the star you wish upon come finally within your reach,
May the lessons you learn equal those that you teach.
May the dreams that you dream be happy and true,
May the failures you suffer be minor and few.
May you always recall the taste and tenderness of your lover's mouth,
May you follow passions as they lead...east, west, north and south.
May your endurance be long, your strength at the ready,
May your confidence not fail you, may your conscience hold steady.
May you follow the winds to the sails of your heart,
And may you treasure the end of your day as much as its start.

Best of 2008...Live Music Shows, Part 1

I've wanted to do this for ages, but for the past two years that inspiration would come and go by the wayside...or at least would not get 'recalled' until the proper time for such posts had long since past. This year, I'll maybe get some of this down at last. It's still unknown how many parts this will be.

Best shows from this year (in no particular order, and I've thrown in pictures where I could...and please forgive if they are repeats from the slide shows):

AC/DC at the Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, December 18. I've expounded on this at length to anyone within earshot, so I'll spare you non-heavy-metalheads another plug for these legends' Black Ice world tour. Still amazed they're as good as they were (esp as they've been doing this for 35+ years), and still do not regret a cent spent for my rather highly-priced (for me, $100+) ticket. Would enthusiastically still do it again, although not on the backside of a 24-hr-long beach vacation.

AC/DC performing "You Shook Me All Night Long", Time Warner Cable Arena, Charlotte, NC, December 18, 2008.

St. Patrick's Day celebration featuring Hercules Mulligan and My Three Kilts, and a host of other acts before and after, at Tir Na Nog, Raleigh, March 15 weekend. Not only music and beer, but quite easily the most agreeably drunk lot of Irish, Irish-descendant, and Irish-wannabes I've ever encountered in this neck of the woods. I will not put up pictures of such event on here to protect the innocent, however let me just say I'm frankly not sure who was the more 'memorable': Chris King (lead singer of the Hercs), the combined talent of My Three Kilts (who had the difficult job of directly following the Hercs), or my beloved Wise Ricky, who reduced himself to banging in rhythm on the table with the silverware, scaring all of the neighbouring table guests, and then somehow remembering his Virginia upbringing by calling his Irish mother to wish her a happy holiday...all the while banging away on said wooden tables.

Great Big Sea at Fletcher Opera Theater in The Progress Energy Performing Arts Center in Raleigh, October 29. A strong runner-up to Best Show (Period) this year...Alan Doyle and Company had the audience eating out of their hands from the outset and kept it going all night long. My first Great Big Sea concert down here and I did not leave disappointed. I've seen Mr. Doyle before...but with another band and on mostly on another continent...and was more than pleasantly surprised with his easy demeanor and friendly style (the other arrangement did not let him speak much). The show wasn't so much a concert per se, but more a singalong party atmosphere among an earnestly devoted group of fans --- fans who knew every word, and to every song, for the most part. Standing room only from the first chord to the end, too (at least in my section).

And dispute the complaints of the reviewer linked here (calling it 'a ridiculous distraction'), I thought the 'fan jumping on stage to declare her love for her now husband and children' bit was more than a bit welcome, and actually very well received, by most in attendance. (C'mon, people, have a heart.) I found out post-concert that the 'she' (and her husband) in question are Friends of this Blogger (and great friends and supporters of the Hercs as well), aka Mr. and Mrs. Pat Young. Well done, everybody.

Great Big Sea performing in the Fletcher Opera Theater at The Progress Energy Performing Arts Center, Raleigh, NC, October 29, 2008.

Barleyjuice at The Grandfather Mountain Highland Games in Linville, July 12. While I've been on the fence about who the Kings of the Mountain are, so to speak, in the past, I do think that Barleyjuice slightly nudged out the Scottish lads of Albannach this go-around (at the Highland Games, anyway...it's a friendly competition). I love their energy, I love their instrumental work, I love the happy-go-lucky rumble of their characters. Given the especially difficult task of getting this year's Saturday Night Concert going (previous acts had lulled some of the audience into a bit of a nap), the Barleyjuice lads more than took on the challenge and won. Additional shows at the Williamsburg Scottish Festival later in October only cemented my appreciation of them.

Barleyjuice performing in one of the morning grove stages at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, Linville, NC, July 12, 2008.

Reckless Kelly, Nashville Pussy and The Reverend Horton Heat at the Lincoln Theatre in Raleigh, November 6. I hate to say this, but I all but missed Reckless Kelly this show (and, yes, I know I shall burn for this, as RK is a damn fine band). I've seen RK do several other shows over the years, and I guess I saw it as a reasonable sacrifice in terms of things to come. The last time I saw the Rev at the Lincoln...last year in a memorable trifecta that had Nashville Pussy opening (something seems so wrong when typing that), Hank Williams III/Assjack in the mid-show, and the Reverend closing...I had the misfortune of (a) being a bit body slammed into the side walls (courtesy of the 'hillbilly mosh pit' that occurred during the Assjack set), and (b) losing out on getting an additional beer later on, and (c) seriously wondered if I was getting too old for this fan base.

So armed with that knowledge this year, I deliberately set out to get the beer rations in advance and also a handy T-shirt work shirt. Reckless Kelly almost-miss aside, the Nashville Pussy show was absolutely top-notch and the RHH (especially my favourite bassist ever, Jimbo) showed, once again, why they deserve to be headliners anywhere they go. (And while we're speaking of headliners, I fully expect Pussy to be doing just that next year...they consistently get, and keep, a show going.) And I didn't once miss the body slamming into the outside wall.

The Reverend Horton Heat at The Lincoln Theatre, Raleigh, NC, November 6, 2008. All-time crowd pleaser Jimbo is on the stand-up bass to the right.

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More wonderful mentions as time allows tomorrow night...

Merry Christmas...Y'all

Merry Christmas, friends and others just stopping by. I hope it's a great one for everybody, no matter where you are in life or wherever you find yourself situated.

I, myself, have already slept in some, but will partake in some homemade pizza, homemade beer, and homemade pumpkin pie later in the day with some friends. (Who says the holidays require 'traditional' food fare?) And I'll finish it with either a chaser of football on the telly or some overly-romantic British period piece...I have not decided yet. Thank heavens we're one of the (very few, it seems) places in the States not half-buried under snow or ice this year...instead, the lawn here on the farm is gleaming still from the morning dew and the warmth of a sun breaking through. It's a damn good day to be alive and I am thankful for that.

As per my usual (although I'm tardy this year, I know), I give you some of my favourite songs/videos of the holiday season. This time, it's a repeat classic which I shall never tire of: Robert Earl Keen's "Merry Christmas From the Family". While it has been covered now by any number of artists, this is the one I consider the original, and therefore, the best version. I'm never sure why it appeals to me the way it does...maybe it's because I actually knew some families like this way back in the day while still living in the Midwest??...but it's always cranked up when played on the radio. Enjoy the Family, folks.

Robert Earl Keen singing the infamous 'Southern' theme song of Christmas: "Merry Christmas From the Family". Video clip from YouTube.

The second item this year is a new discovery for me, Slade's "Merry Christmas, Everybody". Now I hate to admit it's a new discovery, but yes, in its full length, it is...I can't remember/can't Google-find what commercial it was used for back in the 1980s. (So I grew up under a rock, shoot me.) Apparently this is ranked as the UK's most popular Christmas holiday song ever, and it only came out in the early 1970s. (Leave it to the Brits to make their holiday music both happy-go-lucky sounding and danceable.) Love the sound of it, love the enthusiasm of it, and best of all, love the lyrics of it...even if you're not a 'fa la la' kind of Christmas person (or am not this season, and I can't fault you there if you're in the latter group), it's inspiring all the same. Circa 1973, so forgive the wardrobe...but now I realize where Ace Frehley from Kiss got his 'Spaceman' suit inspiration (check out the guitarist in black).

Slade performing that wonderful 'joy-filled' holiday treat,"Merry Christmas, Everybody". It's okay to toetap with this one, or even sing it at the top if your lungs, if you feel so inclined. Video from YouTube once more.

This Is How It's Done: AC/DC, Angus Young

I have 'wrapper's wrist' as I have been doing too much gift-wrapping at work, (77 yesterday alone, but who's counting?), so the actual written descriptions for the last few days may not make it on here. However, there is one snippet of video from last Thursday's AC/DC concert in Charlotte that must make the cut...here and now.

Forget about separating the men from the boys, for we are about to separate the gods from the mere mortals. Gods with guitars anyway, and those are always the best kind.

The following, ladies and gentlemen, is how a guitar solo is supposed to be if it's done within a serious rock n' roll band. God bless AC/DC: still rockin' after all of these years, and they've been performing all over the world almost as long as I've been alive. Frankly, no further build-up is even necessary. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Mr. Angus Young.

Angus Young doing part of his full-length tour de force solo, at the end of the "Let There Be Rock" at the Time Warner Cable Arena, Charlotte, NC, December 18, 2008. (The first link here will take you to a vintage 1977 video on YouTube, featuring the late, great former lead singer Bon Scott. Rest in peace, Bon, rest in peace.) And, yes, like many others taking pictures or doing short snippets such as this one, I did get permission from the security personnel before doing so. Sorry about the 'bounce' with the camera, it really could not be avoided from where I was standing. Also apologies about the short length here, too...I have a longer, better solo I tried repeatedly to upload...but Blogger has video size limits unfortunately.
I don't think I impress that easily and I've seen dozens and dozens of shows, of all rank and file and in varied location. The good ones sometimes escape your memory, but you remember the really bad ones and you 'chisel in stone' the totally fantastic ones. This AC/DC show is not only 'chisel'-worthy, but I'm honestly trying to determine if this is the all-time best show I've seen. (Its only strong competitor is Bruce Springsteen at the Dean Dome in Chapel Hill back in 1992, I think...a marathon show even by Bruce standards...that went well on into the night, and had us long-suffering-in-the-bleed-seats undergrads make it down to dance during the three or four encores.) When you consider the youngest of the lads in this band is an eternally-youthful 53 years (Angus) and the band's reputation speaks for itself, it is a bit mind-blowing that they can still take on...and still take down...all comers.

Though I grumbled when I first bought the ticket, arguably this turned out to be one of the best 'arena' shows I've been to in ages. The 'lads' (as it were, for rockers are never to get old), still have it in spades.
At the very minimum, an absolute 'must see' if you're a classic rock fan at all.

And She's Somewhere Down the Highway

I will do a post of all the recent activities sometime this weekend, promise.

Just made it back from a day trip to Kill Devil Hills, NC, to the Orville and Wilbur Wright Memorial (in honour of the 105th anniversary of the First documented Flight), and also to Manteo, NC. Photos, details, and observations on that to come this weekend as well. Tons of pictures, actually...might end up as another slideshow you'll click through to see them all. Fabulous weather for all sorts of sightseeing yesterday, too.

Today, I am heading off to Charlotte to watch AC/DC's concert tonight at the Time Warner Arena there. Don't think they allow cameras for the show, but I'm sure I'll have some comments about it after I recover.

Nothing like crossing the state for events on two separate days...

Music, Beer, and Laughter: The Markings of the Weekend

Yes, folks, I still am alive. And, yes, folks, I still blog here...but admittedly it's become a struggle time-wise as of late with extra struggles at work, some out-of-town social events, and a few other projects going on. I am trying, although it may look otherwise at the moment.

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This weekend, in my desperate attempt to let off some steam and maybe even actually escape from work-related things seven days a week, it's a trifecta of entertainment. I need the escape, I need to spend time with good friends and share a few chuckles. And I desperately need a vacation, but the chances of that happening is very dim indeed. So, I'll take what I can get...and (to quote Meatloaf, which is a first even for me I think) 'two out of three ain't bad'.

Friday: Long-time blog favourites Hercules Mulligan will be playing at the Tir Na Nog in downtown Raleigh from 7-9 pm. The newly-improved lineup, which features long-time members Dave Cauthorn on guitar and Chris King on vocals, whistle and drum, have been recently joined by Julie Ross on fiddle and concertina and Mike Baranski on banjo. It's a slightly different sound than the 'original' group that I adored at first sight a couple of years ago now...but I like where this newer creation is now going, too. And as I have said many times to friends and complete strangers in public (and think I have here, too), Chris King is quite arguably one of the best vocalists in the area and he has an easy rapport with his audiences. It will be good to see the gang again tonight.

Saturday: This is a bad day for me, as once again, I am double-booked for two things I really love and, unless an "Star Trek"-like transporter suddenly becomes safe and available to me, I'm going to have to choose between the two. Over in Raleigh, again at the Tir Na Nog, Elroy, North Carolina's finest, My Three Kilts, takes the stage from 7-9pm. Like the Mulligans, they also do a Celtic-inspired set, but with a rowdier/rockier tone and approach (the one liners can come at you fast and furious, and their 'R' rated sets are not to be missed). The Kilts were the wonderful hosts of Oktoberfest, which a slideshow is available for viewing in a previous post.

Over in Carrboro at around the time MTK are finishing up, (you see where the transporter would be so great with this, don't you?), cult favourite and banana puddin' eatin' and chicken throwin' icons, Southern Culture on the Skids, will be taking to the stage at the Cat's Cradle. (If you are not familiar with their sound or with the heavy audience participation at their shows, check out their "TV Room" for full-song clips. That and the recipes...and the recipes are real, some are damn tasty even...are great little features from their site.) The SCOTS are always a blast no matter where they play, but especially so in and around town here as they truly are local people. (As our the great Squirrel Nut Zippers, who had a show/art exhibition at the ArtsCenter on December 3 that regrettably I was unable to make. Another (part-time) local resident, comedian Lewis Black, got my attention in Durham that night instead.)

(Inserting small plea here: I know I say this practically every time and, yes, I also acknowledge that the economy has a lot of us hurting right now (self included), but if, at all possible, please come out and support live music shows and your local musicians. Countless hours of rehearsals and travel for some of these folks make any 'pay' they do get from venues practically non-existent. Local bands play for the love of playing and the hope of connecting with an audience...and, in good times as well as bad, they need audiences to come out and support them. If they've got merchandise and you can skip a fast food meal in the week to come, make the sacrifice...those few bucks are someone's new guitar strings or gas to/from the shows. As much as you can, I urge everyone to take up the challenge and go see a live music show somewhere that's convenient.)

Sunday: the Wise Ricky and I make beer. Now that he's gotten the 'I want to make cider' stage out of his system (and apparently it needs a few tweaks), we're back to what we know how to do best: beer, glorious beer. Our best batches, still, have been the Australian-like blends, although I'm hankering to try up a replicated batch of the English-brewed Fuller's London Pride (which is, thankfully, still made the correct way and its great taste shows it). I have an English patient from work who I have to thank for this great recommendation, and now that I know I can somewhat readily get it through an importer here, I have developed a deeper (and new) appreciation for this exceedingly pleasant and mellow gem. I still prefer my Carlton Crown Lager from Oz, mind you, but hell it's been two years+ since I've been able to indulge in any of that as it's sadly not sold over here...and a girl has needs, ya know?

And finally on Sunday, we get to pop Ricky's cherry a bit movie-wise. After the next great batch of homebrew is done and happily in creation, we're whipping out the popcorn and other necessities for what I hope will become a monthly tradition: Movie Night. (Or maybe Movie Day, as Ricky needs and enjoys his sleep far more than I do.) We're starting with a couple of comedy classics that, inexplicably, Ricky has somehow avoided in his 40+ years so far in being the smartest man I've ever met: "This Is Spinal Tap", and "Best in Show" (the latter especially as Ricky's job and love for dogs is well-known). Dear Ricky is not the world's biggest movie fan by any means...and it is one of my deepest passions, so it's an area where little discussion between us takes place...but amazingly he has finally relented to this exercise. I'm just hoping he likes the "Stonehenge" and "Big Bottom" sequences from "Spinal Tap" as much as I, and many many others, always have. And the ventriloquist hunter from North Carolina, and Parker Posey really in need for some Prozac from "Best in Show"...

Smell the glove, indeed.

"Oh, The Humanity!" Happy Thanksgiving

I'm completely away from the home base this weekend, traveling up and down what seems like endless interstate miles, but actually it's just through the states of North and South Carolina, and Virginia. Some of the travels have been to catch up with friends, some of it has been to enjoy the holidays with the incredibly welcoming family members of friends. No matter the destination, though, it has not been without laughs nor in the lacking of good food: giving thanks for all that has been given me so far, and making me remember what is all too important to forget.

I leave you temporarily here with one of my favourite holiday show clips, and with one of my favourite holiday moments from my long-ago youth. Have a laugh with me...and then go get that additional 'small' slice of pumpkin pie we both know you've been craving. (Video from YouTube.)

The infamous "Turkeys Away" episode from the highly underrated and fantastic sitcom "WKRP in Cincinnati". Arguably one of the best shows on-air during its heyday, and this is arguably one of the funniest episodes they ever filmed. If you get a chance to see the whole episode...or, lucky you, the series...DO NOT pass up the opportunity. An unequalled show even now, and ace reporter 'Les Nessman' (portrayed by Richard Sanders) still has not been surpassed.

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And a special note of love for 'Dr. Johnny Fever' (the blond, sunglass-wearing DJ trying to handle things from the booth in the above clip), played by Mr. Howard Hesseman himself: those of us you grew up listening to Don McCord on the radio thank him...and thank him very much...for his wonderful portrayal on "WKRP". Even though he did it in a very funny way, Hesseman honoured a great man now lost. And thanks for helping Janis, too.

Oktoberfest @ The Nutless Hound Pub, Elroy

NC State Fair, October 2008

Be Don Draper: "Mad Men" Has Arrived

Friends and family of yours truly will tell you that I am a bit of a snob when it comes to most television and movies. I am not the 'typical' American who really likes the summer blockbusters; in fact, that may be the time I'm least likely to be there. I like my story lines (no matter if small or big screen) to be complex, to have multi-dimensional characters, to blur the 'wrong' from the 'right'. Don't telegraph me the plot, but give me something instead I can wrap my head around and work out, maybe question even. Don't provide me a canned laugh track, but instead present me something witty and well-written so that I will voluntarily laugh out loud. Make me cry when I least expect it, make me smile when it's a tragedy. Don't give me what I've seen so many times before, but rather give me something totally unexpected, or something old taken completely in a new direction. All I ask (and here's the hard part) is that you please don't waste my time and money.

Sadly so much of what is on television and in the movie theatres now can't even give me half of that above list. No wonder I'm searching out more classic movies, or discovering the wonders that are the BBC®, BBC America® and Ovation® cable channels, or just simply reading more. I don't want to kill my television, nor do I want to boycott my cinema, but I would like something that challenges me once in awhile. I think it's a simple request, really.

For example, I adored "Homicide: Life on the Street" for so many of these things, but led mainly by the powerful acting dynamics between Andre Braugher and Kyle Secor. The show was not easy to digest some nights, as it was depressing, questioning, and provoking as the scripts frequently challenged viewers to examine topics as diverse as religion, justice, race, sexuality, and death. But, to those like myself who were as crazed with it, each episode left us wanting more...a tall order as cast members shuffled in and out in a semi-steady pace. Still, in my opinion, "Homicide" is one of the very best, if not the best, dramas to ever be serialized...and it still has not received the high praise it so richly deserves.

Lord knows, you learn to appreciate the gems and miss them greatly when they leave. And then you pray another such find happens across your path.

That said, my latest addiction is "Mad Men", over on AMC. Stunningly done and stylized to explore the personal and professional relationships of a group of advertising professionals in the early 1960s, this show is simply an undiscovered beauty. Complex story lines, three-dimensional characters, subjective conclusions...this is absolutely not the spoon-fed drama we Americans have become all too accustomed to seeing. Instead, this is Drama with a capital 'D'...and served with a constantly lit cigarette and half-full G&T, just for good measure. This is the show you always hoped you could find and support; this is the show you always knew could be made somehow. Thank God someone now is.

I'm far from being the only one in my praise, though. In just its second season, "Mad Men" has won 2 Golden Globe awards, and 6 Emmys (including the last one for Outstanding Drama Series, the first time such an award has been given to an American basic cable program). It's so good, in fact, that parodies and jokes about the show's coolness are popping up everywhere...I can only hope all the attention is bringing more and more viewers as a result. Even the good kids over at "Saturday Night Live" (who all of the sudden have decided to become smart again), have caught on to the rush of '60s ad cool and decided to run with it.

Ladies and gents, let me introduce you to "Mad Men"'s main character, advertising executive Don Draper (actor Jon Hamm). He's a war veteran with a past, makes the great money but has an unhappy trophy wife, two squabbling kids, and a loyal dog...yet he's a serial womanizer and deceiver, known for saying much with his eyes and far less with his words. (If "Mad Men" has perfected anything, it's the ability to have the entire cast use silence as dialogue and still make it look natural...something I thought "The Sopranos" never consistently pulled off. Enjoy the silence, indeed.)

Mr. Hamm, thankfully, can and does pull off the absurd side of his own meal ticket here, as the video clip below from "SNL" clearly demonstrates. Enjoy Don/Jon in all of his glory...

"Be Don Draper" skit from "Saturday Night Live", featuring actor Jon Hamm. Video embed from Hulu.

My Three Kilts at Tir Na Nog

A quick post this morning, as I'm trying to force my lazy arse into gear and actually get something done today...

The Wise Ricky and your (semi)faithful blogger took in the My Three Kilts show last night at Tir Na Nog over in Raleigh. Last seen as the opening band for Albannach on Kilt Night there back on October 8th, MTK came into last night's performance very loose, very jovial, and as their typically enthusiastic selves. (Oh, if other bands I've seen over the years would try just as hard to take themselves less seriously...) And luckily for all...especially considering the rainy weather, the North Carolina State Fair going on, and the economic worries...the lads were met with an equally fun-loving, joy-to-be-had, 'let's have a few beers and celebrate life' audience. Hell, we even had a newlyweds in attendance last night, is that not reason enough to have faith in the positive?

I've always thought that words can never do music of any sort justice...sometimes what is unspoken is far more memorable and lasting than the notes or lyrics themselves. That applies to serious material...Billie Holiday's "Strange Fruit" comes immediately to mind...but it also applies to off the cuff, totally 'fun for fun's sake' performances that you'll only best experience in a public venue with live music. This certainly holds true with last night's show, as evidenced by the video clip below.

The beloved newlyweds are the couple dancing to the left; My Three Kilts...left to right, Scott, Rob, and Shane...are on the right hamming it up to U2's "With or Without You". © 2008.

Struggling for Air in a Mudbath

It's fourteen days. Fourteen, ever-so-long, can't-it-end-already, God-make-it-stop, days. Hi, I'm The Marquise and I live in the political battleground state of North Carolina. And I am under siege. Please help me.

Normally we do not have such issues to contend with. While I live in a notoriously liberal part of the Old North State, it is arguably the only liberal part of the state. We are surrounded by conservatives on all sides, and generally the conservatives win, although we do sometimes sneak in an occasional Democrat in one of those outliers just to keep things interesting. But for many years, well really as long as I've been here since the college days, those of us with a liberal/Democrat/Libertarian/third party bent always knew, and somewhat accepted, we would be in the minority here.

But things have drastically changed this election. North Carolina presents a strange set of variables to both parties this year: still economically growing (if only just a bit) given this national recession, still experiencing a steady influx of new citizens from other parts of the country, still greatly utilizing (and I'm being especially kind when I use that word) illegal labor from Mexico, and still basing a large military population who are growing weary of being on their whatever number tour away from home (and in the Middle East mostly). Not to mention, a large segment of our population...the black vote...has been actively and aggressively targeted this election by both parties, but in new ways. Not only are they courted to register and actually vote, mind you, but also targeted with campaign messages that actually include them as members of the 'working professional' voter group. Considering what nonsense the late long-term Senator Jesse Helms put out (and, disturbingly, got away with), that last part of recognizing black professionals and intellectuals in this election is a huge step forward here.

The end result: a state that once was a given to be a 'red', Republican, and/or conservative in the electoral process is now fighting to keep its place there; and we citizens, who forever have been ignored and never really courted on a national stage, get our chance to finally hear and talk about the major issues of the day. It's like looking in on a fancy, lively, and stimulating dinner party for ages...and then someone comes up and gives you your own invitation.

What I don't think we were anticipating, though, was all the negative hubris that goes with being a 'battleground' state. The increasingly negative ads, from both sides, is steady now on all media outlets...and yet, we are still so new to this, you'll find us at bars, restaurants, etc., still looking at them whenever the ads show up on TV. Not so much for any new information (because they really never give us any), but rather at the total amazement of it all happening here. Suddenly we don't envy Florida, or Iowa, or Missouri anymore with this political mudbathing. Now we're so damn in the thick of it all we can't move without being reminded of it...flyers every day in the mailbox, commercials at every waking hour on any kind of outlet, constant pep rallies and speeches somewhere in state. We're beyond suffering from overkill, we're on the verge of being driven comatose.

The last 'big push' to keep each politician's name out there has been with the roadside campaign signs. Campaign signs are nothing new here (we're not that backward), but normally they are not more populous than the number of fallen leaves. Never has so many printers here been so busy, nor has so many followers been so determined in staking (and re-staking) said signs into any available piece of public property. And, as a final indication we've become overheated with this whole process, neighbour has pulled up contrarian signs of neighbour. It is not uncommon to see this kind of situation playing out on the road to my farm now:

One road, two houses, two very differing neighbours, just off a road littered...left and right, hill and valley...with one or the other candidate's supporters' signs as well. The above picture was taken on my way home from work last Tuesday. By Friday, the McCain sign had been bent in significantly more than pictured, crumpled so badly that it sagged in the center. By Saturday, the McCain sign had either been replaced with a shiny more erect one or the older one lovingly repaired...but the Obama one has gone missing entirely. As have about 10 other Obama ones along that road. I'm thrilled there is so much interest in the election this year, but I am beyond saddened some members of both sides can't accept differing points of view.

When this gets done...and I'm counting down now until the day it will be over...this will only end in heartbreak for somebody and a helluva lot of his supporters. But it's gotta end, and when it does, we need as a nation to move forward no matter the victor. This rampant polarization from both sides does the vast middle not a damn bit of good at all. I'm all for passion in politics, but sometime very soon that passion will need to be redirected to solving our many, many problems...and quickly. But, until then, it's going to get ugly in some places...and it's far from over here and in other battleground states, to be sure. I've dug in and am preparing for the worst.

This last home stretch is upon us now, and it's none too damn soon. But the day after? The day after I'll meet you on the road and we can start recycling all of these signs...no matter who wins the elections. We need to work...finally...together if we have any hopes of surviving as a nation at all.

Yesterday's Wisdom, Tomorrow's Outlook: "Everybody Knows"

Sorry, folks, work has been a bit...much...lately. Three unfinished posts for here are still three unfinished posts, no matter how much I hate it. Additionally, I've also started another writing project with the end goal of maybe getting back into the writing I did in my yesteryear (which, frankly, seems like an eternity ago now). I will try and get more back with the program here these next few days, as a couple of distractions have finally left town for a few days and things settled.

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Like a lot of you, I have not been feeling terribly optimistic about things, and probably less so about where they're headed in the immediate future. Dubya & Co's antics have finally put me in a depressive state about my beloved land. So, as some sort of non-alcoholic consolation quest, I went to my albums (yes, those things, some of us still have them) and looked for something that perhaps would lighten my mental load. And while I did find some charmers (especially those during the WWII era), I also found a classic that encapsulates exactly what is going on now: Leonard Cohen's "Everybody Knows" (click on title for lyrics).

And then I went to YouTube to find a video for this wonder and found Rufus Wainwright's swinging version. Double martini with your melancholy, anyone??

YouTube video featuring Rufus Wainwright's version of Leonard Cohen's totally fantastic "Everybody Knows". Still dead-on after all these years.
Enjoy Survive as best you can, folks. We shall overcome, but we're facing one hell of a ride, I fear, before we actually do.