Monthly Archives: November 2014

Yet Another Undertaking or: How I Agreed to Inundate You With Blog Posts (Reprise)

30 Sunday Nov 2014

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Salutations™!!

Today is November 30, 2014.  The thirtieth entry of this NaBloPoMo thing.  Thirty straight days on posting on this here blog.  Did I annoy the bejeezus out of you?  Did I teach you anything?  Did I enlighten you, inspire you, torment you, make you laugh, make you cry, make you want to come back for more?  If I did any of that, then I did my job; what I looked to do. I wanted to elicit an emotion or response from you, Dear Reader, every one.

So, finishing my self-imposed requirement (okay, it was a requirement of the NaBloPoMo thingy) of writing every day for 30 days, with my pals Kristen and Nick (who, by the way, stopped after about day 16-17 or so; that’s okay), I have decided to figure a few thoughts for self pondering.  I’ll share them with you.

  • I like writing.  I’ve always liked writing.  I just don’t like reading.  Other than a few blogs, I’m sorry to say, and I’m sorry to disappoint any of you who think I have been, I don’t read many blogs.  I don’t read articles, unless I’m researching for The Less Desirables.  It’s not that I don’t find any of you interesting.  I just have the attention span of a 3-day dead gnat. SQUIRREL!
  • I have a wide variety to talk about. I rant, rave, review, revel, ramble.  I do them fairly well, from what I can tell.  From Honeymoon tales to album reviews to “half-time” career changes to life’s little missteps, I have stuff to say.  The Honeymoon Chronicles have been fun to write.  It’s fun to reminisce about that 2 weeks in Europe and I’m not done, yet. I have about 6 days left to tell about.  I just didn’t want to throw one after the other after the other after the other at you.  Same with the Rolling Stone Top 500 Albums of All Time.
  • I’ve had good response and want to keep those who took time to follow me interested.  I don’t know that I’m ready to give up.
  • Coming up with stuff to say is sometimes hard.  There were some days that I really had to think about what to blog about.  Especially with spacing out the Honeymoon, album reviews, self-promotion (podcasts), there were days to fill.  Finding interesting things to put in there between the presorted stuff that I had planned.  Luckily, I got away with a couple of light comedy pieces (some would say they’re all light comedy pieces) and picture
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    Don’t worry, Dear Reader, I’ll find a way…

    posts.  But, it was something.

There are more things, I’m sure, that I could pull up, but I’m trying to keep the finale brief, at least somewhat.  I have decided that I’m going to continue to do this blog regularly.  Probably not everyday, as I stated above, it’s difficult to come up with stuff.  The part that scares me, though, is that I know me and how I work.  I am a creature of habit and if I allow instance to worm its way into my routine, I’ll forget or neglect this journal. I promise, no, I swear to you, Dear Reader, I will try to keep that from happening.  My initial goal is to update 2-3 times a week. Does that sound reasonable?  Okay, then!

Thank you, so very much, for allowing me to come into your daily routine and I’m sure no one read all of them but if you did, thank YOU very much and I’ll buy you a glass of tap water next time I see you! It’s most I can do!

So until next time (and I can probably go back to the original way of saying this, now), same blog channel at SOME blog time…
Scorp out!

—
“I will grow. I will become something new and grand, but no grander than I now am. Just as the sky will be different in a few hours, its present perfection and completeness is not deficient.” – Wayne Dyer

Food for Thought or: You Are Who You Eat

29 Saturday Nov 2014

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Salutations™!!

So No. 4 of The Less Desirables Podcast Network is here!  It’s one of the TWO that I actually host (well, co-host) as well as produce.  This one is all about something near and dear to my heart and and get to do it with one of my favorite humans: my wife, my love, my best girl, The BCPF.  And we do it with our good friend, Nikki Miller-Ka!

What is this podcast that is dear to my heart and you do with your girl and Nikki?  Well, it’s Tart & Tangy Triad, and it’s a foodie podcast!  In a format that we call “Food News and Views.”TLDNetwork

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Tart & Tangy Triad

TTT, as we call it, started in July of 2013 but was conceived shortly before.  At, you guessed, dinner.  This was the only of the four shows that wasn’t my initial concept or idea.  The Less Desirables was my idea, my concept, my baby.  It was brought to fruition by myself, yes, but Brian helped it grow and then Eugene came and made it flourish. Camel City Dispatch was a co-concept with Chad Nance and myself, just as Fan Interference was me asking Ty Collins to do a weekly sports show.  This, however, was the idea of The BCPF.

We were eating at a local establishment when I got into a Twitter debate with local foodie, owner of the first food blog in Winston-Salem, Official Food Guru of The Less Desirables and professional chef, Nikki Miller-Ka about the merits of said food establishment.  The BCPF said, in her matter-of-fact manner, “there’s your next podcast, right there.”  And I said, “hmmmm…” and thought that she was even more genius than I think she is all the time.  I told Nikki, via Twitter, that I had a proposal for her.  She agreed to meet with us that night! We talked about the idea and then we talked about how to make it work. Of course, we did this while imbibing alcoholic delights at another local establishment. We agreed to have another meeting to get our heads more in line, at the studio.

We decided that the show should be laid out like a menu.  The initial test included an Amuse Bouche (to amuse the mouth) course, a Soup course, a Salad course, a Fish course, a Meat course and a Dessert course. What does all that mean, you ask?  I’ll wait while you ask… (you did, too, didn’t you? I know you too well, Dear Reader)…   Well, the Amuse Bouche was to “whet the appetite” or inform you of what you’d be hearing about.  The Soup course is all about the gossip, or well, like dishing out the “soup.” Get it?  The Salad course is trends and other “cool” things.  The Fish course is all about food TV. The Meat or “meat of it all” is our reviews of food, food establishments, food service, and restaurants; why we wanted to do the show to begin with.  Dessert is about festivals and events that are going on around the Triad, NC, area.

We rearranged the show a bit, basically eliminating the Amuse Bouche part and just talking a bit about us and what’s been happening with us.  We also moved the events/festivals to the front of the show.  Who doesn’t enjoy Dessert first, anyways?  We agreed that while there are some instances that we’ll need to talk about TV food happenings, we would just do that section periodically.

There is a big part that was added, partly of necessity and partly out of want, in August of 2013.  The TLD computer (a Macbook Pro) was stolen and we couldn’t do the podcasts.  TLD did theirs at a local radio station but the rest had to be put on hiatus.  So to combat the time off, we did video podcasts, instead, for two weeks, until the comp was replaced.  That actually turned into a weekly teaser or mini vlog we like to call, The Appetizer.  It shows up on Friday mornings/afternoons and generally has Nikki talking about something she’s doing, The BCPF giving some food history (she’s really good at that) and me doing some host-like commentary.  There’s always something embedded that is supposed to be funny.  You just have to find it and really, you may not find it funny.  Maybe that’s just me.

We record TTT on Tuesdays, in the late afternoon/early evenings and it’s usually available by 7:30p on those Tuesdays.  The Appetizers are recorded directly after the podcast and edited by me on Thursdays or Fridays, whichever I’m best suited to that week.  We hope you listen, which you can do from either the website or on iTunes or on Stitcher.  Enjoy and bon appetit!

Until tomorrow, the last of the NaBloPoMo entries, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“If you are eating well and your condition is pure and clean, life itself becomes like the dreams or visions that you have when sleeping.” – Michio Kushi

 

And Now a Word from Our Sponsors or: A Special Kind of Support

28 Friday Nov 2014

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Salutations™!!

08c6c-tld

The Less Desirables

The Less Desirables wouldn’t be where they are without three components: the hosts, the listeners and our sponsors.  Without our sponsors we’d not be able to operate, have “research materials,” get the word out quite as easily.  I figured it was good practice to give them some love, as well.  We love them 🙂

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City Beverage

Our first sponsor – Our Official Beer Sponsor – is City Beverage, located at 915 Burke Street in Winston-Salem.  Spenser and his crew always make sure we have the finest (and admittedly, sometimes not the finest) brews.  City Bev, as we call it, has been around since 1946 and offers one of the largest selections of beer in the area.  Follow them on Twitter, too: @citybeverageco

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a/perture Cinema

Our Official Movie Sponsor is a/perture Cinema, located at 311 W. 4th Street, W-S.  Owner and curator, Lawren Desai, is always on top of new movie happenings including attending festivals, having some of the best art house type films along with mainstream releases.  They also show “classic” or 80s or kid/family friendly films.  They’re available for rent, as well.  On Twitter: @aperturecinema

KingsCrabShack

King’s Crab Shack & Oyster Bar

Our Official Seafood Sponsor is King’s Crab Shack & Oyster Bar.  You can have a The Less Desirables Oyster Shot at 239 W. 4th Street, W-S. The TLD Oyster Shot is (your choice) vodka or tequilla with bloody mary mix, Old Bay, horseradish, hot sauce, pepper and, of course, a raw oyster.  In addition, you can have a Dreamy Steamy Bucket, with crab legs, oysters, scallops, shrimp, mussels, clams and you never know what else. If it’s seafood, it could be in there.  Tuesdays are Taco Tuesdays and they have salads, burgers and soups.  Yes, you can get pecks of oysters.  Check them out! Twitter: @KingsCrabShack

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Finnigan’s Wake Irish Pub & Kitchen

Our Official Emerald Isle is Finnigan’s Wake Irish Pub & Kitchen.  They’re at 620 N. Trade St., W-S. THIRTY-NINE BEER TAPS!!! What can be more wonderful than that!?  Well, add a root beer on tap (from Abita) and you have awesomeness on tap! The greatest Irish pub fare the area knows including shepherd’s pie, fish & chips, Guinness stew, sandwiches, appetizers, etc.  They have pub trivia on Tuesdays starting at 8:20p.  This is where Brian and I first met, where we solidified plans to start The Less Desirables, and where most of our Meetings of the Minds have happened.  So, Finnigan’s has been very special to us. Twitter: @FinnigansWake

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The Garage of Winston-Salem

Our Official Music Sponsor is The Garage of Winston-Salem, located at 110 W. 7th St.  The Garage has been around since 2000 and are the champions of local music. What we call “Under the Big Ass Fan,” The Garage has one of the greatest sound systems around and one of the best sound engineers, Brian Doub. Tucker Tharpe and Brian Cole have taken the place over and its success is continuously growing.  Want to see that hot, up-and-coming regional band you’ve heard so much about?  THIS is where you’ll see it.  Want good beer, wine and liquor selections whilst listening to said bands? Again, THIS is the place!  We try, as is possible, to play songs on TLD from artists that will be appearing at The Garage the following weekend; kind of like a preview.  Go see bands at The Garage! Twitter: @thegaragews

Augustines

Augustine’s Bistro

Our Official Global Cuisine is Augustine’s Bistro at 401 W. 4th Street, W-S. Classic French cuisine mixed with small plates and some tapas, Augustine’s is a true departure from the “usual” food selections downtown.  Another plus for them is a mixologist.  Not a bartender, but a mixologist.  His name is Chris McDonough and he’s awesome!  He’ll not only make you a drink, he’ll tell you a story about it or give you some drink science behind it.  While you’re there, tell him you want a The Less Desirables Old Fashioned.  That’s made with Larceny bourbon, which is some smooth stuff! Just give it a try and TRUST ME!! Twitter: @augustines401

We hope that you enjoy our sponsors as much as you do. We encourage you to visit them and do it often.  They put support behind us, and we ask that you put yours behind them.  Enjoy!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Milk is for babies. When you grow up you have to drink beer.” -Arnold Schwarzenegger

Oh, Thank You or: Much To Be Thankful For

27 Thursday Nov 2014

Posted by in Life as We Know It

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Salutations™!!

Today is Thanksgiving. I’m not one to go on Facebook and post that daily stuff.  I am thankful everyday for a lot of things, I wouldn’t want to dedicate one day to one thing.

I’m going to do a blanket thing for the sake of the blog, but I’m reiterating, I’m always thankful.

I am thankful for my son, 3B. No matter how much the boy gets on and tests my nerves, I love him more than anything in the world.  It’s tough being a dad, but I’m glad I’m his.

I’m thankful for my wife, The BCPF.  She is my rock and shows me love like I’ve never known.  We’ve been through a lot together, including but exclusive to my triple bypass heart surgery; there’s so much more.

I’m thankful for my parents.  They shaped me into who I am; much to their chagrin.  Even though I am much different than what they thought I’d be, and much like me with 3B, they’re proud of who I am because I made me me. Thanks to them both for all they do.

I’m thankful for my sister, her husband and my nephews. Sometimes I think Sis was put on this world to harass and annoy me.  I am kidding about that, really. I do, however, feel that she enjoys it when she does.  She’s been my #1 fan in so many ways all these years and although we do legitimately argue like cats and mice, sometimes.  I love her. She’s a good mom to the boys.

I’m thankful for my brother for and beyond the reasons I mentioned in the post on Saturday.

thanksgiving-4

Like this says…

I’m thankful for my business partners, Brian and Eugene.  Without them, I’d never have The Less Desirables or any of the Network shows to be as successful as they are.  They, too, went through my heart problem with me.  I can always count on them.  And, to some of my other collaborators, JL, PJ3, Chad Nance, Tommy Priest, Ty Collins, Brian Neal, Nikki Miller-Ka; I thank you all for what we do, and will do, together!

I’m thankful for all my friends.  Every one of you.  I’m not going to attempt to name any names as that wouldn’t be fair to any of you or me.  I love you all, and through my ups and downs, you’ve been there for me.

I’m thankful for this blog and NaBloPoMo.  I get to express myself to you, somewhat anonymously, Dear Reader, by rants, music reviews, talking about my honeymoon and my bands and my interests. I’ve been doing it for several years, now, even before I moved to WordPress. I’ve gotten great feedback and some new followers, I dig it! Thank you for letting me do it.  So therefore, I am thankful to you, Dear Reader.

I am thankful.  I am thankful for being thankful.

Until tomorrow, I hope you’re all thankful for many things. Oh, and same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.” – Oprah Winfrey

Volume Is Not the Point or: Oh, For Heavens Sake (Part 1)

26 Wednesday Nov 2014

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Salutations™!!

I don’t know if I have ever talked about my own music “career” on this blog.  I may have mentioned things that I have had going on or what have you, but I don’t think I’ve ever talked about the band that I am still technically in (because we never officially broke up). That band is known as Heavens Sake.

Back in August of 1995, I was an almost-25-year old aspiring rock star that wanted to woo the millions with my musical abilities.  I was not at all happy in the position that I was in with the band I was “part of” or at least trying to make work.  I had a good buddy of mine, we’ll just call him “Hair,” that I thought may bring some clout to the singing department while I would hold down my duties as bass player and backup vox.

I saw an ad in the coolest weekly entertainment rag this area ever saw, ESP Magazine (none of the current ones can touch it), that read “Ace and Peter looking for Gene and Paul.”  I perked up! Gene Simmons is the reason I’m a musician and my favorite band is KISS. I could play Gene and Hair could play Paul. I called Hair and told him about it.  He said to go ahead and inquire.  He didn’t know how interested he was in playing rhythm guitar or the project but he’d give it a shot.  So I called up the drummer, Bobby Richardson, who was the “Peter” (as in Peter Criss from KISS) in the equation and discussed his ideas, his wants, his dreams, his direction. By his I mean his and David Barker who was “Ace” (yep, Frehley from KISS).  They had known each other a few years as acquaintances but nothing really major.  So they agreed to meet with Hair and I at Perkins (the predecessor of IHOP on Peters Creek Pkwy) to discuss what we wanted to try to do, in person. I often wonder had Hair said he didn’t want to do it, well, if I’d had gone ahead without him; the call and that first meeting, I mean?

So they got out of the car and we got out of our car.  I remember Bobby telling me later that Hair’s hair scared him upon first seeing it.  It was a sight to behold, no lie; big and lush.  I was always jealous. Anywhat! We went in and sat and had a powwow of plans and such.  After having a bit of nourishment and water Hair and I invited the others over to the “practice place” because we had a drum set, a couple of extra guitars and amps and my stuff, along with a PA.  They followed us and we agreed that we got good vibes from them.

You have to understand that Hair and I were playing in bands that were modernly heavy and I wasn’t really into a lot of that, but as I said up front, it wasn’t what I was wanting to do anyway.  I say that because the drum setup was more fitting for the heavier music, cymbals that were ridiculously high and a double bass kit with a rack you wouldn’t believe.  The drummer (I can’t even remember his name) was a former touring drummer that played a lot of shows like that.  Again, more than I wanted to be part of.  Bobby had some adjustments to make but was able to jam a bit, albeit uncomfortably. David played some guitar that was there, I don’t remember what kind.  Hair played his and I played my bass.

We knew that we were all KISS fans so of course, we started doing a little jamming on what KISS tunes we thought we could pull off. Hair wasn’t as versed in playing the guitar to KISS as the rest of us were with our instruments but it was cool.  It was a testing the waters event anyway.  Hair and I played a bit of a heavy song he had written and then played a bit of some other stuff that we had done in a previous band together.  Bobby and Dave played along but I knew they weren’t impressed and they confirmed it later. Afraid of losing them, I broke into an obscure KISS song called “Easy As It Seems” from the album Unmasked. You’d have to be a KISS fan to know anything from that album outside the hit, “Shandi.” I was told later that it was my knowledge of that song (and how to play it) that secured me in the “Bob and Dave like Tim” camp.

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First Promo Pic, cir. 1995-96

So, we agreed to give this quartet thing a chance. We wanted to reinvent the wheel.  We wanted to be KISS without the make up but still in the outfits.  Now, don’t get me wrong, there was some leather and such but these were not the elaborate costumes like KISS wore in their heyday.  No, these were homemade or makeshift things as I’ll get to later.  Let’s get back to the history!

We went through about a month’s worth of practice and although I was having a ball, something was just not right. Putting my finger on it, I had an idea what the problem was but didn’t know what to do about it. About a month’s worth of coming up with a few ideas that could maybe work passed. Shouldn’t a month be an indication if something’s going to work? Songs were way more intellectual in meaning than our party rock band needed. Some of the music that Dave had written was still salvageable, I guess.

Then, after that month, I received the call.  Bob called me and asked me to come over, he and Dave wanted to talk to me.  Oh crap! I had just gotten in with the two of them and I was going to be kicked out!  I was asked to sit down and we imbibed a beer.  Bob started the conversation and said that they weren’t really thrilled with this situation and wanted out. *sigh*  Then, they rephrased the statement. They liked me and wanted to continue playing with me but they didn’t want to be with Hair any longer. Not that they didn’t like him; after all, he has great hair.  It just wasn’t a mutual direction for all of us.

I told them I hated playing that drop-D heavy crap and wanted to do stuff that was more hard rock; like we grew up with.  It was their turn to sigh, in a good way.  They were afraid that Hair and I were a package deal.  Nope, not at all.  I wanted to play music, music I love.  He wasn’t in it the same way I was, so I was okay with cutting the ties with that.  We’d still be friends, sure, but not band mates.  The only stipulation was I couldn’t be the one to inform him.  Bob handled that.  Hair took it quite well. Actually, upon talking to Hair when he and the drummer came to pick up their stuff from the “practice place,” he said he was actually quite relieved.  He wasn’t happy in the situation, either, and it was easier for him to move on and do something else.  Eventually, he and his then-girlfriend (now wife) moved away to a sleepy Virginian town.

So we were going to look for a replacement and move on.  Find someone to play that part of “Paul” in our own little band and let’s make a move. Turns out that wasn’t as easy, or necessary as it sounded at that time. And… scene.

So already, Chapter 1 in the band annuls had been written. Chapter 2 is on its way.

So until next time, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Band members have a special bond. A great band is more than just some people working together. It’s like a highly specialized army unit, or a winning sports team. A unique combination of elements that becomes stronger together than apart.” –  Steven Van Zandt

I’m the One or: How is That Album So High on the List!? (RS pt 9)

25 Tuesday Nov 2014

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Salutations™!!

We’re going back into the Rolling Stone Top 500 Albums of All Time!  When we last left off, there was some good stuff in that section.  Let’s see how this one stands up:

#420 – The “Chirping” Crickets by Buddy Holly & the Crickets. The debut of Buddy Holly & The Crickets, this is pretty rad production for the age.  1954 was still in recording infancy for this new-fangled Rock and Roll stuff.  Holly staples “Oh Boy” and “That’ll Be the Day” are here as well as a plethora of classic sweetness.  Is it something I could listen to for hours? Nope.  But, I could listen to it for the 29 minutes that I did and enjoy it.  So I dug it!

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“Dummy” by Portishead

#419 – Dummy by Portishead. Oh. My. Gawsh! I’m a sucker for chill music and this is chill on, well, I guess it’s stoned.  I don’t know, but I do know it was moving.  It’s a genre known as trip hop and it is trippy. I’ve never done an illegal substance in my life (and yes, I know some of you don’t believe that) but listening to this, I feel like I’m on some trip.  I was swimmy afterwards.  Entrancing, yet solidly heavy at times, it’s something that I could, would and should listen to often.  Beth Gibbons isn’t the greatest singer in the world but she’s the greatest thing that Portishead could have.  Her voice leaves the listener mesmerized in the sea of electronica that is laid before your ears. “Mysterons,” “Pedestal” and “It Could Be Sweet” are just SOME of the wonderfulness oozing from this album. I’m going to say I LOVE this.

#418 – Band on the Run by Paul McCartney & Wings. Um, what can I say about this? I’m never gonna touch the professional critics that have talked about this album for years upon years. The fact that it’s #418 out of 500 is very confusing to me.  Especially, peeking through some of the other albums on ahead.  Anywhat!  The title track is, to me, one of the greatest songs in Rockdom.  “Jet” is classic McCartney. Who doesn’t love the palm mute guitars? “Chick. Chick-chick. Chick. Chick-chick.”  CLASSIC!  “Let Me Roll It” always reminds me of local legend Doug Davis because he has performed it (with me on the stage) with his cover band The Mystery Dates for years.  “1985” or, I’m sorry, “Nineteen Hundred and Eighty Five” (sic) is an urgent little ditty that is awesome.  The version of this album that I have at home and the version I listened to in The Less Desirables Studio are a bit different as my CD version (American version) has “Helen Wheels” where the original (British) didn’t.  But, I really, really dig this album.  One of my faves, for sure!

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“Boy” by U2

#417 – Boy by U2. The first U2 album is also the first one we encounter on this countdown.  Produced by Steve Lillywhite after the original producer backed out shortly after the death of Joy Division singer, Ian Curtis.  That original producer was Martin Hannett who was known for his work with JD and was too distraught to work at the time.  Bono still was singing with heart and emotion with much younger vocal cords and zeal, not the predictable, yet still liked, way he sings today.  Edge hadn’t added 20 racks worth of effects, yet.  There was plenty of reverb as was par for the course in the early 80s first wave bands.  But, as stated about Bono, the whole band seemed hungry, in lyrics, in music, in all.  I love the live version of “Out of Control” on the Live from Slane Castle where Bono tells the story of asking all their families for money to record an album and get a record deal.  You can still hear that hunger in this version of the song.  “I Will Follow” is a staple U2 live song and it’s energetic and in your face.  The young’uns rocked it hard back then.  This album, while not the best U2 album, is still great and fun to listen to.  Especially when you imagine the time it was released.  DUG!!!

#416 – Mule Variations by Tom Waits.  I’ll admit it (I’ve done that a lot since I started this list, and will continue, I’m sure), I only knew three things about Tom Waits before this.  1) He was pretty bad a-double-s in Mystery Men, 2) He sings like he swallowed 3 tons of #78 stone (pea gravel) and 3) I didn’t like it.  So, with this, I can erase #3.  Not saying I love it, by any means, but I don’t not like it. Straight away, “Big in Japan” made me turn toward the screen with a most confused, yet, impressed look on my face. There is sass on that track.  Sass is putting it lightly, too.  Then move to “Lowside of the Road” and it gives that Delta blues feel that I could see/hear Robert Johnson tapping his foot to and singing and playing into a can way back in the day, while the devil waited on his appointment at the crossroads, wondering why he was late.  There is something about this album.  Sexy.  Sexy?  Sexy. Don’t know if it’s intentional or not, but it’s there.  Lots of dirty record sounds on this platter that makes it even more “dated” and, yes, more sexy.  There’s a creepiness to “Chocolate Jesus” that really trips my trigger, too.  Did I mention that this album is sexy?  Dug!

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Self-Titled by Van Halen

#415 – Van Halen by Van Halen.  FOUR HUNDRED FIFTEEN!?!?  Are you (blankety-blank- blank) kidding me!?  THIS album is the one that changed the face of modern guitar. It may not be the favorite to many VH fans (that usually goes to VH2) but I think this is the better album.  Not a bad song on it and Eddie’s work was fresh.  New.  Not at all shiny, either.  It was rough, crude. It was Van Halen.  The siren to over-driven bass in “Running with the Devil” set a precedence in which you knew you were going to get punched in the ears with a unrelenting onslaught of sound.  “Eruption” was the guitar solo to end all guitar solos; the new king of I want to learn that shite right now; the requisite training for getting your Local Guitar God license.  “I’m the One” slapped you while holding up and prepping you for another.  Tone-Loc even took “Jamie’s Crying” and made it into one of the best-selling rap songs of the ’80s.  That whine, that sass, that… that… ARGH! How in the ach-eee-elle-elle can this be this high of a number in this countdown?! Face palm! I LOVE this album.

#414 – Beauty and the Beat by The Go-Gos.  American New-Wave punk with CHICKS!!  Belinda Carlisle’s vocals weren’t punk but the words coming out of her mouth were.  Jane Wiedlin and Charlotte Caffey are beasts (or beauties) of songwriters.  These girls didn’t play around. But, you wanted to play around with them. They were hot and they were rockers!  “We Got the Beat” and it’s heavy revolving bass line from Kathy Valentine is noticeable as soon as you hear the first note. “Automatic” is a slow rocker that also showcases Valentine’s work and kind of grooves you at the same time. And, let’s not forget “Our Lips are Sealed.”  That song was the first hint we get of Belinda’s vocals.  Both on the album and it was their first single.  The album, by the way was unseated from the #1 position by Vangelis’ soundtrack for Chariots of Fire.  Just found that interesting. Dug!!

#413 – Double Nickels on the Dime by Minutemen.  Before, I mentioned how I only know something of this or that and blah blah blah. Well, I’m giving you yet another: I had never heard of Minutemen before.  Nothing.  The high school I attended back in the mountains of West Virginia had the Minutemen as their mascot, but this is different.  Much different.  The BCPF hadn’t heard of them either, although this is more in her league than mine.  It’s part Talking Heads, part punk, part straight rock.  It’s steady, let’s say that. It’s a double album in which the actual vinyl version had unique names for the sides: “Side D” (side 1), “Side Mike” (2), “Side George” (3), “Side Chaff” (4).  The band was a trio and there was no Chaff.  I don’t get it, but truthfully I don’t get a lot of this album.  45 songs.  The beauty of that is, only 1/4 or so are over 2 minutes long, the longest 3:05.  I’m not saying I don’t like it, but it’s definitely one that makes me wonder how in the honey-baked Hades this is higher in a list than Van Halen I?!?!?!?!  Neither here nor there on this one.

Wirepinkflagcover

“Pink Flag” by Wire

#412 – Pink Flag by Wire.  This album was NOT on Rhapsody, so I had to go to YouTube and listen to the whole album.  Some post-punk stuffs from this English band from 1977.  Again, don’t know a thing about this band other than what I looked up.  As I’m finding with a lot of punk albums, the songs aren’t very long. This works out quite well when it’s something that I wish would be over soon.  Again, as with Minutemen, not saying I don’t like it, just don’t want to hear it again.  Meh.

#411 – 461 Ocean Boulevard by Eric Clapton.  Typical Eric Clapton drivel. And did he not write his own stuff?  Jeez. 10 songs on this album and he has credit on only 3 songs not counting the first which is just arranged by him.  I roll my eyes because I think Clapton is one of the most over rated guitar players in recording history.  He does what he does okay, but what he does isn’t that great.  I’ve never made any qualms about my disfavor of “blues.”  Again, I’m not talking about bluesy riffs or stuff that’s anchored in the blues traditions and scales.  That’s fine, it’s blues music itself.  Especially the 12 bar kind.  The only stuff on here that I could even tolerate is “Get Ready” with Yvonne Elliman, “Please Be With Me,”  and Marley’s “I Shot the Sheriff.” People, get off the Clapton train, please!! Again, I give a meh.

After a great, strong start the segment went downhill at the end of the stretch.  Fell off at the end, really.  So I’m almost caught up with where I’m actually listening.  That will be the next ten, so I’m on my way.  The next will probably lead to an analysis of the first 100 that I’ve gone through. Stay tuned, Dear Reader.  Thank you for reading!

So until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“I live my life like there’s no tomorrow, and all I’ve got I had to steal. Least I don’t need to beg or borrow. Yes, I’m living at a pace that kills” – “Runnin’ with the Devil” by Van Halen

Silent Sunday (Monday?) or: Something to Throw Back

24 Monday Nov 2014

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Salutations™!!

Sorry this was scheduled incorrectly, this should have been yesterday, but oh well…

The BCPF put this on her Facebook page for Throwback Thursday (remember it was my birthday).  It was from over 4 years ago.  I was younger and smaller. My hair was still colored red (it will be again!)

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Sometimes, I really, really do…

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Youth is the gift of nature, but age is a work of art.” – Stanislaw Jerzy Lec

In Square Circle or: Sports Fans Unite!

23 Sunday Nov 2014

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Salutations™!!

FanInterferenceTest2

Fan Interference

The next to show up in the realm of The Less Desirables Network is the sports review/preview/editorial show we call Fan Interference.  Ty Collins is the College Sports Guru for The Less Desirables.  He knows his stuff.  He and I had discussed doing a show all about sports with him.  We started in late winter/early spring 2013.  We recorded it in the evenings on Mondays.

Why Mondays?  Just like The Less Desirables recording on Wednesdays, there’s a method and reason to recording day.  The majority of major sports happenings is on the weekend.  Sure, basketball and baseball happens all during the week but most things can be recapped or put through the ringers on the weekends. And, of course, football happens mostly on the weekends.  Mondays, too, are the first day of the work week, so it’s an escape from the agony of returning to work.

Mainly, the topics are NBA, NFL, MLB, college sports, Wake Forest sports, etc.

Later that year, we added Brian Neal, a television producer, to add more flavor and insight.  Admittedly, while I love sports (except basketball), I don’t really keep up enough to provide point/counterpoint with Ty.  Brian’s inclusion has been a real enhancement to the show.  We have also moved the show to Monday afternoons as it’s more conducive to the scheduling of all involved.

So, if you like sports and want to hear editorial/talk show-like perspective on those sports, check out Fan Interference.  You can listen from The Less Desirables Network page on The Less Desirables site or from iTunes or Stitcher.  Enjoy and play ball!!!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“I’m a football fan, a sports fan, a fan of competition.” – Matthew McConaughey

Ties That Bind or: My Brother, My Friend

22 Saturday Nov 2014

Posted by in Life as We Know It

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Salutations™!!

The month of November is, indeed, NaBloPoMo.  And it is absolutely my birthday month; my favorite month of the year.  But, also another important person in my life is my brother, RB, who is two days younger than me. I’d like to take time to talk about him a bit.

So you’re thinking how can my brother be two days younger than me? Or, better (or worse) yet, how did my poor mother go through that?!?!  Well, RB isn’t my natural brother, although we are naturally brothers.  Though, I think, we both figure we met before, we actually met in Kindergarten in West Virginia.  We were both snarky, but shyish little boys.  I grew out of mine absolutely and he stayed in his mostly.  He lived less than a mile from me and was at my house all the time.  Because our birthdays were so close we had many a party and/or celebration together.

My mother always begged his mother to let her “have him.”  I think there were actually times when she considered it, too.  RB was a cute little’un.  We grew up the best of friends and the best of enemies.  There always was a competition in us, but never anything with jealousy, at least not on my part and as far as I know on his.  But, even with competition, we loved each other, and we’d both do anything for each other.  RB had a real brother and many real sisters.  I can’t say for sure, but I think he had a closer relationship with my sister and me than them, but I’m certainly not taking away from their roles in his life and certainly am not saying he didn’t love them.  My mom would take him with us to buy school clothes, and really treated him like he was hers.  RB was always staying over, sometimes, during the summer, for a week at a time.  On weekends, it was generally Friday-Sunday.  We were always together.  We had other friends, but we were still always like brothers.

When time came for my family to move to NC, RB was still up in WV.  Things weren’t always rosy with him and life.  Some trouble came and he dealt with it, best he could.  He eventually moved to NC, but to a totally different part than I.  Again, some trouble, this time a little more serious, came along.  And, he unfortunately lost both of his natural parents over time. I think that helped meld us even closer as family.  He was even the best man in my first wedding (to 3B’s mother).  While still in the lower area of the state he became a professional wrestler.  Although not on TV, it was just like on TV, somewhat grittier and somewhat more mysterious.  They certainly worked for it.

We eventually got him to move up to Winston-Salem and, eventually, he settled in.  He got with some wrestlers here and stayed.  He met his wife and found his footing.  Sadly, his wife passed away earlier this year, but she was certainly instrumental in shaping his adult life into a better one; better than I could do. He’ll bounce back because that’s what he always does. He’s much stronger than I in so many ways.

TBRB

Brothers

He just recently found contact with his daughter who is, I think, 20 years old.  He never had any proof she was his as it was “one of those things” back in the day.  I think he has his proof:  She’s short, petite and pretty… just like his natural mother.  I think they’re trying to work out relationship details because, even though he’s her father, she has a dad.  He understands that, but I know he wants to be there for her, however she needs it.  He’s always been that.  He’s been where ever he’s needed.  I love him for that.

He’s the one that picks on my son and my nephews the best.  He’s a jokester.  He’ll find your faults and laugh at you for it, but then be sympathetic to your plight.  He’s serious and not serious all at the same time.  Always expect something, anything from RB.  It’s going to happen.

My parents introduce him as their son.  My sister calls him her big brother, just as she does with me.  I will call him my brother (as if memory serves we did the blood thing) til the day I die.  We even kind of look alike.  There are stories I could tell that would take 20 blog posts to just get started but I won’t do that.  I just want to make it known that I love this man and know that he loves me and that we are, and always have been, brothers. Brothers forever.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“There is a destiny which makes us brothers; none goes his way alone. All that we send into the lives of others comes back into our own.“ – Edwin Markham

Being Creative in the Kitchen or: Adventures in Cooking with Kids

21 Friday Nov 2014

Posted by in Food, Life as We Know It

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Salutations™!!!

I hope you all recovered from my birthday!!

One thing that I like to do is cook. I especially like it when I do it with either my wife, The BCPF, or my son, 3B, or both.  My cooking time with The BCPF is therapeutic, we spend time together living, loving, eating, joking, etc.  My cooking time with 3B is a good bit of the same but we have father and son “bonding” time.  Admittedly, we don’t get enough of that.

Since The BCPF has gotten her new position, sometimes she has to work on weekend nights, like some Sundays.  It was a late function and that left 3B and me to our own devices.  We were instructed by The BCPF that there were a couple of rainbow trout in the fridge.  I’ve never prepared fish outside of tuna so I didn’t know what I’d be doing. Therefore, I did the thing I tell 3B I had him for… to do shite for me.  Look for a recipe, son!  Well, he didn’t find anything really of any quality; truthfully, I didn’t either.  But, I did get some inspiration.

You can ask The BCPF what my favorite component of cooking is and her answer would be: sauces. I love sauces!  I put sauce on many, many, many things.  I’ll use sauces meant for one item on other items.  Case in point: I put Giddy Pig BBQ Sauce on vanilla ice cream.  And, for the record, it was delicious.  Anywhat! I decided to create my own sauce to put over this fish.  It was my very own Lemon Butter Dijon Caper Cream Sauce. So, I’m going to actually record my first original recipe, ever, here on this here blawg.  So here goes:

I don’t really know how much fish it was, in weight, but there were three pieces. I suppose fish comes in that size, just get three or four of them. 🙂

  • Preheat oven to 350.
  • Zest 1 lemon. Cut it in half after zesting. Use one half to create juice for sauce.  Slice the other half to create 6 thin slices.
  • Place foil on a baking sheet, spray with cooking spray.  Place 2 slices of lemon underneath each piece of fish so the lemon flavors the fish.
  • Put salt and pepper on the fish
  • Put in oven about 6-8 inches above heat for 15 minutes.
  • When cooked, place fish on plate (I did it over sauteed spinach) and put the baked lemon slices on the side.
  • Cover with Lemon Butter Dijon Caper Cream Sauce (recipe below)
  • Add additional capers (as desired) and lemon zest to each piece.
  • Sprinkle parsley flakes on top.

Sauce

2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
Dash of marjoram
Dash of tarragon
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1.5 tbsp sour cream
2 tsp capers

  • In a small saucepan melt the butter over medium high heat and add the mustard.
  • Add the spices and lemon juice. Let sit for a few minutes, letting the flavors meld.
  • Reduce heat to medium low and add the sour cream and capers.  I put the capers in last because I didn’t want them to cook through.
  • Stir thoroughly to get the sauce smooth.
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Rainbow Trout with Lemon Butter Dijon Caper Cream Sauce with Sauteed Spinach and Sauteed Potatoes

As I stated earlier, I sauteed spinach (with olive oil), but also sauteed some potatoes with oregano, garlic salt and olive oil.   The original way I made it was a little heavy on the Dijon flavor, so I backed it down for the sake of the recipe.  I fully-plated the third piece with sides and covered and placed in the microwave for The BCPF when she got home.  We all agreed it was very good, even with the heavy-ish Dijon.  To me the sauce made the fish, which has a tendency to be bland, extra tasty.  I was very proud of the results.  If you try the recipe, I hope you send me a picture. . You can send it to my Twitter account: @BassManTNC I posted the picture from the Tart & Tangy Triad Twitter account

Also, it was time that 3B and I had together, working on the recipe together, joking about, picking on each other, taking turns stirring and turning.  Just being us.  Dad and son. Fun. If you don’t cook with your kids, you’re missing a wonderful bonding moment.

So thanks for reading! Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

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“Cooking with your kids and engaging them in hands-on activities are two ways to begin to educate children about the healthy eating, and kick start the important task to help change how the younger generation looks at food and nutrition.” – Marcus Samuelsson