It's Called Fresh Air...Look Into It

I was in awe watching the tornado footage from the South.  My heart goes out to these people who lost family members and are left with a pile of rubble.  Scary stuff.  Again we see who wins in the balttle of People vs. Nature...and it's not people. Here are some links to help.  They'll need it.

Here in New England, we complain about the weather a lot.  Yes we get 6 months of winter, endless weeks of cloudy, rainy Spring days, hot humid Summer days, etc.  We can always find SOMETHING to complain about.
But let's face it, we don't have it bad at all.  No big earthquakes, no mudslides, no wildfires, very few tornadoes or hurricanes.  A blizzard here and there, but you snow blow that and you're good to go (plus the kids get the day off.)

  

We're about to have 3 days of nice weather in a row.  It will be sunny with temps in the 60's.  Enjoy it.  Get outside and breathe the air. Time to stop complaining. Take a walk. Play catch.  Plant something.  Dare I say...get off the grid and behold the beauty of nature.  After you comment on this blog, of course.

Kate, Katie, and Karing

This is honesty, not negativity. Just remember that as you read on.   

Here are 6 things I could care less about. I don't care who knows I don't care and I'll feel better when I don't have to hear about them anymore.

1) The Royal Wedding. It's nice that Prince William is marrying a beautiful woman. (and she is beautiful.)  But it's taking up way too much time.  Devote a channel to it for people who want to watch "fans" lining the streets two days early and stop showing the same B-roll of the ring on her finger.  If you're going to show anything, show that picture of her in the blue dress...over and over.

2) Obama's Birth Certificate.  He showed a document proving he was born in Hawaii.  That's close enough to America for me.  And if he wasn't born in America, he is a marketing genius because he fooled us all.  We elected him.

3) The NFL Lockout.  Right now it's a bunch of whining by billionaires (owners) and millionaires (players.)  It has no effect on my life right now.  Keep your boring arguments going behind closed doors and let me know what happens in September when the games are supposed to start.  Then, it effects me.

4) Dancing With The Stars.  I don't care.   Unless Ralph Machio loses.  Then, I'll know Johnny wins and the bullies have one up on us.  Tom Bergeron-pull a Mr. Myagi and save us all!

5) Katie Couric leaving. A friendly, perky reporter didn't make it on a show that no one under 60 watches.  Send up a flare when you get to a surprising finding. 

6) The Royal Wedding.  I know I said this twice.  But I really don't care.  Really.  I don't.

What don't YOU care about? 

If I Had 100 Hours

I was talking to a co-worker and fellow blogger, Lauren Laroque.  I told her that I was envious that she could write a blog sometimes in just a paragraph (see her blog here.)    Somehow mine seem go on and on (at least in my mind.)  She told me to just do it.  So here goes:

I recently heard the Grateful Dead Home Movies are on You Tube. They are taken from 100 hours of video that that drummer Bill Kreutzman's son, Justin shot during the 80's. There's a lot of backstage, behind the scenes stuff that give us a look at the band that most people never saw. So I'll see you in 100 hours.

Who's Gonna Drive You Home?

The Cars new album, Move Like This, comes out May 10.   Now, You Might Think,  "What do I care?" (See what I did, there?)

The Cars never sounded old.   They always sounded way ahead of their time, but they did it without being too hip for the room. They were "new wave" yet sounded "poppy." The radio was full of Disco in 1978. Their debut album planted a flag in the ground that said you could be current without sounding like everyone else (Van Halen  also did this in 1978 and pioneered another type of music.) They went on to have big hits in the late 70's and early 80's. Not suprisingly, a lot of music that came out later in the 80's sounded like theirs (Simple Minds,  Tears For Fears, etc)

The late 80's came, music tastes changed and the Cars broke up. Their co-singer/guitarist Ric Ocasek (and husband to model Paulina Porizkova-yes, a novice writer like me HAS to include this,) went on to produce albums by Weezer, Bad Religion, Bad Brains, and No Doubt. Sadly, their bass player and other co-lead singer, Ben Orr died in the 90's.

Fast forward to now: It's not that suprising that we have a Cars reunion and new music. Their music fits on Classic Hits stations but doesn't sound old like some songs do. A lot of music now considered "Alternative" sounds like the Cars (Phoenix and Neon Trees come to mind.)

I never really see bands citing the Cars as influences, but the similarities are there. I guess when you influence people without them even knowing it, you're pretty influential.

So enjoy some new Cars music. And if you say "Hey, this sounds exactly like old Cars music," you're right!!!

Let Kids Have The F Word

It's Little League season and I'm excited.  I'm excited to see kids taking grounders and batting practice on baseball fields everywhere.  I'm excited to see them wearing their too-baggy uniforms and learning the fundamentals of the game (cue to 9:20 for a classic example of that.) And I'm excited to see them having fun.  Yep, I said the F Word.  "Fun."

What I'm not excited about is seeing the way too over-bearing parents (Dads or Moms, by the way) ruining the fun for the kids.  You've seen them.  The ones who maybe (and that's a maybe) were really good when they played, so they demand their kids be as good as they were.   Or the ones who were not really good and somehow think their only redemption is making their kid succeed for them.  The ones who yell, grunt, and mutter on EVERY play their kid makes.

I understand you want kids to succeed and win.  They should pay attention, practice, and play hard.  But I also think playing a game is also supposed to be fun (there's the F word again.)  And yelling, nagging, and nit-picking every move is not fun for anyone:  the coaches, the kids, or the other parents in the stands.  I'm not talking about High School kids here.  I'm talking about kids ages 6-10 who are just finding out what they like and don't like.  I'm no Nostrodamas, but I predict if you grind them down with constant negativity they won't perform well and  won't like playing.  Let them make mistakes, learn from them and improve.  Oh, and let them have fun. 

So get ready for the parade.  Get ready for the practices. Get ready for the games.  And if you're going to yell at someone, yell at Kelly Leak for riding his motorcycle across the field, not your kid for trying to have fun outside instead of staring at a screen.  (And let's be glad for what our kids have. Here is a link to my friend Rob's organization called Affirmative Athletics.  They help kids that don't even get the chances our kids get.)
On a totally unrelated (but somewhat related) note, while "researching" this blog I was reminded there was NO NEED to remake The Bad News Bears.  The 1976 original is still the best baseball movie ever, and the message still stands up.  (See above blog for message.)

Winning? How About Playing?

Hey sports fans! (Can't start off cheesier than that.)  I'm going to put a little sunshine in your cloudy, murky day (OK, I guess I could start off cheesier.)

We're LUCKY to live in Boston.  Think about it.  The Celtics and Bruins are both in the playoffs.  Sure, they're not rolling over anyone, but the season is over in a lot of cities and we're still playing.  That's more for us to get excited about, (or complain about depending how much is in your glass.)  That's more live, unscripted TV we can watch, which gives us a break from the millions of reality shows.

I'm not a sports expert and I can't really discuss how the Bruins aren't quick enough to win the series against the Canadiens. I don't pretend to know why the Celts don't have a chance because Big Baby is not that great  (although I do know enough to say these games would be waaaay more fun if Shaq played.) 




I'm not saying we should be happy just to be in it....well, actually I am.   Of course we want to win, but part of winning is cheering the team on.  And in fine Boston tradition, complaining is OK too.  But it's April and they're still in it.  So embrace the playoffs while we have them.
If anything, it takes our minds off the Red Sox, who at this rate might not be playing past the regular season.  I guess my cup is half empty.  John Lackey poured half of it out.

  

If "Tom Sawyer" was a Birthday Song

Happy Birthday, Bridget (Inspired by Rush's "Tom Sawyer")

A modern day Rush fan, she's so fine.
Today's Bridget West, wife of mine.

Though her life is spent with Ken.
Don't put her down as just one's friend.
Her smile, it is always there.
For all people everywhere.
The greatest.

What you see with her family
Is what you see with society.
Catch her kindness, catch her wit.
Catch her Mom skills, she's got "it."

The girl the girl is
Love our life so deep
Maybe as our age gets high.

Today's Bridget West
She turns thirty eight.
And the life she gives us 
Is really great.

(Insert keyboard solo, add bass and drum fills, guitar solo, ridiculous drum flourish, and more insanely smart, but hard to to recreate lyrics)

Happy Birthday, Bridget!
"I Love You, Man"
 

3 Weeks of Fun and Music

This weekend is part 3 of a 3-week birthday celebration of Little Steven's Underground Garage with special guest, Bruce Springsteen. (Shameless plug: airs on 105.7 WROR Sundays at 10pm)

After listening to two weeks of this, all a music geek like me can say is "wow."

Even if you don't like Bruce, it's worth listening to. And if you do like Bruce, you've probably never heard him like this (I know I never have.) It's two old friends who LOVE music talking about music, they just happen to be rock stars. We literally get to be a fly on the wall for their conversation. It ranges from serious, to hilarious to sounding like two giddy school kids. And it reeks of fun and passion, two things we could use more of in this world.

Some highlights so far include: Bruce and Stevie talking about the first records they bought, why guitar lessons are a bummer, how Bruce ripped off the Animals on "Badlands," why the Stones inspired them to try music for a living, and how Bruce played a bass guitar that he thought was a guitar. Plus, you get to hear Bruce whipping out his acoustic guitar and I-Tunes...sometimes using them both at the same time.

If you're old and can't stay up late like me, you can listen to all the shows here.

Bruce recently asked in song "Is anybody alive out there?"   If this show doesn't get you excited about music, then I know the answer for you is "No."

A Word From Mr. Sunshine

I usually don't use this blog to complain.  After all, I was voted Class Optimist in the Chicopee Comprehensive High School Class of 1987 Yearbook (You'll have to take my word for it, kids.  It was before the interwebs.) 

But recently I've been reading my friend Kim's blog, "Loathe Letters."  If you ever wondered how to turn bile and anger into creative and entertaning writing, check it out.  If no one's paying her for this, they should.  Her blog inspired me to address some people I see almost every day.  And in true blogger form, I can do it from the comfort of my kitchen table without fear of getting beat up.  So listen up.

Hey, guy who doesn't was his hands in the Men's room.  Stop it.  Wash your hands. Even my 7 year old knows to do this (sometimes.)  Even if you are the cleanest person in the world who's super- superior skin is germ-repellent.  Humor me and run some water over them. You don't even have to use soap (but you should.)

If you're on the phone (and face it, EVERYONE is,)  drive and walk to the right.  I'm in a hurry and I don't need you driving in the fast lane at 45mph and/or walking in front of me like you have an anvil tied to your leg.  It's been proven that we can't drive/walk at the same safety or speed while on the phone, so move to the right to finish what I'm sure is the world's most important phone call.

You're not the only one at the supermarket.  So stop parking your cart horizontally in the middle of the aisle while you shuffle cans around to save 3 cents.  Keep the aisle clear so the person with the oversized race car cart and misbehaved kids can get by.

A basic physics lesson for train riders:  If you're touching the person next to you, you're too close.  I'm not talking about the subway, where you sometimes have no choice. I'm talking about the commuter rail where you can move over 2 inches without poking your elbow and/or giant duffle bag into me (where are you going with a bag that big, anyway, hockey practice?)

And while I'm on the subject of the T, (that's Bostonese for subway for my out of town friends), I'd like to talk to the...ahem, people....who think you're supposed to get on a train before people get off: Seriously, am I wearing a Hogwarts invisible cloak? You see me getting off the train. Wait till I get off, then the doorway will be clear and you can walk right on. Why would you walk into me like I'm not there?  For some reason, people think is acceptable on a train, but if I did that on the street, it would start a fight.

Hey Comp Class of 1987, you may have gotten it wrong. Maybe you should have voted me "Most likely to write a blog filled with bile and anger." Deeeeep  breath.    Ok, I feel better now.   

Why Heidi Watney Almost Puked on TV

Nick Mills' wrote a poem called "Opening Day At Fenway." that Loren & Wally air every year on 105.7 WROR.

It's a great poem and I thought I'd take a stab at a 2011 version.

It's opening day at Fenway, and the Sox are back in town.

Who knew they'd be in Kenmore Square already 5 games down?

But that won't stop those who waited all year, to skip work and drink 9 dollar beer.

After all, it's important to be seen "here."

Among the CEO's and people they know well. Maybe they're friends, or maybe they've won the contest to sell.

It's opening day at Fenway and people are filling the stands.

But not real fans. The tickets are way out of their hands.

Thanks to the scalpers and the "brokers"  who call themselves business people, but are really just jokers.

Who jack the price so high, the guy with 4 kids can only sigh.

It's opening day at Fenway, and everyone wants to go.

But I asked around for tickets and everyone said "no."

In the old days, I'd watch on TV. Now, I'll check my phone.

Our hopes are with you John Lackey, and I know I'm not alone.

When I say with all due respect, "making good pitches" or "feeling good" is not the goal.

Just win the game. Stop the Sox from falling into a deeper hole.

It's Opening Day at Fenway. And the Sox had better win. But even if they don't, at least now they can sell gin.

Take That, Rebecca Black

New music alert!! New music alert!!

Ok...full disclosure: I LOVE the Beastie Boys, especially Paul's Boutique, (The Sgt. Pepper's of our generation-think about it) Check Your Head, (the soundtrack to my college years and the first hip-hop style music I warmed up to) and Ill Communication  (could be called Check Your Head Part 2, really)

Why do I love the Beastie Boys? 
1)  They have some of the coolest rhymes ever (IE: "Like Sam the Butcher bringing Alice the meat, like Fred Flinstone driving round on bald feet." and "I've got more action than my man John Woo and I've got mad hits like I was Rod Carew.") 

2)Their samples are amazing (IE: On "Paul's Boutique" they sample the guy playing harmonica from the opening scene of Jaws, the cowbell and half a note from Mountain's "Mississippi Queen" and Lloyd Lindsay Young from the old Channel 9 in Seacucus NJ (from when I had the brown cable box with the cable attached to the TV)

3)  They have the best video EVER: Sabatoge.  No debating, please.  (Although Foo Fighters "Learn To Fly" is a close second)  

So after Adam Yauch's cancer scare and not knowing if we'd ever hear from them again, they're back. The album is called Hot Sauce Committee Part 1, the song is called "Make Some Noise."

Give it a listen, bop your head and tell me what you think.

There Goes My Hero

There are lots of heroes in the world. We sometimes make heroes out of people we shouldn't (sports stars, rock stars, whacked-out actors, etc.) That's ok. We all have our own ideas of what constitutes a hero. I'd like to salute one. Now, I know this person doesn't really want the spotlight, so I'll use generic subjects and locations. But this person needs to know how inspiring they are.

This person is a friend (younger than I am) who was diagnosed with a cancer last year. (Btw, I don't capitalize cancer because I refuse to give it power.) You think it would have totally changed their life. I guess it did in some ways. They had food cooked by the community delivered to them (until they decided they could cook themself,) they had friends who helped with child care, and they changed their lifestyle to adjust to surgeries, doctors visits, treatments, and recovery. But to be honest, I only know all that because I was close to the process. If I didn't know about the cancer, I wouldn't have noticed anything. I'm not exaggerrating.

This person still made it out to the bus stop to see their kids to and from school. This person still went on weekend trips, school functions, and did other fun family stuff. Why? Because life is supposed to be fun. And while the medical stuff attached to cancer is obviously not fun, this person never let the fun go away. They showed they are stronger than the disease. They were an example of dignity, strength, and grace. They also know how to laugh and have fun and I'm sure that helps a lot. Of course, their family is completely supportive of them and loving too, another key.




I have not experienced the pain and suffering this friend went through and I won't pretend to. I have sometimes wondered how I would react if I got sick or had a serious medical scare. Now, the bar has been set. I will look up to this hero and act like them. Today is their last day of treatment. Take that, cancer (with a small c)

PS-I really don't care if the people around me on the train see the tears in my eyes while I write this.

A Winning Show

Charlie Sheen aside, I say a show with an actor "winging it" can work.  Last week, I went to "A Conversation With Steve Martin" at the beautiful  Hanover Theater in Worcester.  I know, Worcester, right?   Even Steve acknowledged that, as he came out and said "It's always been my dream to speak in Worcester Massachusetts. Tonight I will come closer to that dream."

To me, this was 2 hours of pure delight (btw-some musicians don't even last 2 hours.) I have always loved Steve Martin's work. His stand-up was different, original, and both really smart and really dumb at the same time. A couple of his movies (Planes, Trains, & Automobiles and The Jerk) are among my favorites. He was the best Oscar host (besides maybe Letterman.) Since I don't read that much (shocker, I know) I haven't delved into his literature, but his memoir, "Born Standing Up" was a well-written, fascinating look at how his career started and how something so "fun" can actually be stressful, lonely and scary. And his bluegrass music is top notch, as his banjo playing is for real (He said he put banjo into his stand-up act to fill time because he only had so much material.)  And his Tweets are worth following.

The Worcester show was an unscripted talk guided by Joyce Kulhawik. He was funny, interesting, human, real, charming, humble...I could go on and on. If you're a fan, like me, you could have listened all night. He clearly was pulling a lot from memory on the spot and seemed to really enjoy talking about his career and life. He also took some questions from the crowd which led to some fantastic ad-libs as he shot one liners at people.

In the interest of time, space and dimension (of which Steve once wished to be the master of) here are just a few highlights:

-When he created his comedy routine, he wanted it to be original. At one point, he had 20 minutes of material, but went through it to make sure it was "original." He was then down to 4 minutes and challenged himself to create more.

-He shared a really funny story about how Paul McCartney ended up singing a song on his new bluegrass album. It involved Steve writing a song, recording it on his I-phone and sending it to Paul. But it mostly involved asking. He simply asked Paul to do it. You never know unless you ask.

-Someone in the audience asked if he was shy or aloof. He answered by saying he was "a little shy but tried to be polite." He said when people approach him in public, it's hard to be "that guy in his act." He's "off (meaning not working)" and it's hard to pretend to be the best friend of someone he just met.

-When making movies, some of the best stuff was the stuff they wrote "on the way to work." He cited a couple of examples including writing dialogue for "The Jerk" in the car with Carl Reiner, and improvising with John Candy on the set of "Planes, Trains, & Automobiles."

He ended the night by playing 2 songs on his banjo. It was a quiet way to end a night I'll never forget. The memory was all I need. And this paddle game. And this lamp...