A New Legacy.

Allow me to introduce you to a good friend of mine... Mark:






His nickname is Drunkered because of his legacy of always, somehow, ending up drunk when he should be working (by night he is road manager for local metal band Phantom X). One of the bands I play drums for, Back In The Day, have hooked up with Phantom X on a regular basis to do shows together. Mark is at every show, and we even go to other shows to watch other people play as well. Well, the following picture was taken a couple of weeks ago during a show at The Curtain Club, in which Back In The Day and Phantom X played together:













I showed Mark a picture of this, and after laughing hysterically, he dubbed us "Drunk & Drunkered"! Although I don't have the picture yet, pic #2 was taken this past Saturday at O'Riley's and at that point we decided... Every show we show up to we will take another 'Drunk & Drunkered' pic and build the legacy.

Hey... Who knows... It may be a comic book one day!

OK, maybe not.

Jack Ass Of The Week Award...

... Goes to Bryant Gumbel. What an idiot. Here's what I am talking about: He made some ridiculous comments about the Winter Games. Check it out:

"Because [the Winter Olympics] are so trying, maybe over the next three weeks we should all try too. Like try not to be incredulous when someone tries to link these games to those of the ancient Greeks who never heard of skating or skiing. So try not to laugh when someone says these are the world's greatest athletes, despite a paucity of Blacks that makes the Winter Games look like a GOP convention. Try not to point out that something's not really a sport if a pseudo-athlete waits in what's called a "kiss and cry area" while some panel of subjective judges decides who won. And try to blot out all logic when announcers and sports writers pretend to care about the luge, the skeleton, the biathlon, and all those other events they don't understand and totally ignore for all but three weeks every four years. Face it, these Olympics are little more than a marketing plan to fill space and sell time during the dreary days of February. So, if only to hasten the arrival of the day they're done, and we can move on to March Madness, for God's sake, let the Games begin."

OK, is he serious?? The ancient Greeks have never heard of skiing or skating? Hey jerk off.... Do you think these ancient Greeks have ever heard of BASKETBALL??? You know... One of the main events in the SUMMER Olympics that YOU promote?? It looks like a GOP convention?? What in the hell do you think you proved by saying that?? Is it because of your observation that there are no black people in the Olympics? Or is it because your a liberal douchebag who doesn't know shit from Shinola? That these people are not true athletes because they are not black? Do you think the US Olympic committee have barred black people from competing or trying out? It didn't stop Herschel Walker did it? If you are so upset that blacks are not in the winter Olympics, then maybe you should stop attacking this time of year and promote your brotherhood to compete, or at least try out, and shut your pie hole. What exactly do you have against whites in the olympics anyway? Do you object to there being whites in the NBA?? Hey idiot? Have you taken a look at your wife lately?

And for those who wait in your labeled "kiss and cry" area. These are the people who have worked hard, through blood sweat and tears, despite the level of sport, so they can be here, with their families in this "kiss and cry" area. You wouldn't have any idea about it anyway... The hard work and emotion involved with getting here, again, despite the level of sport and competition involved in said games.

Try to forget about the announcers who pretend they know something about the luge, skeleton and biatholon..... You are such an idiot. You are pompous and arrogant. YOU DO THE SAME THING BUTT BREATH! You are an announcer, who I AM SURE have had to take on assignments you didn't like or know about. All you have done with this statement is insult your own kind. Again, you're an idiot.

I think those of you reading my blog will see my point. This Gumbel guy is rated to be among the best announcers/broadcasters there are. Gross. I have no idea why. Is it because he has "that voice" or "that appearance"? God only knows. I hope that when my friends who play sports make it big or achieve their goals, that Bryant Gumbel is on vacation in another country (preferably Iraq) with his WHITE wife, promoting a democratic party who wouldn't stand a chance anyway.

Thanks to the Dunham & Miller show on Sports Radio 1310 The Ticket for bringing this to my attention. Some HSO's above were suggested by Dunham & Miller. Thanks guys.

Here's to you Bryant Gumbel:

Top 5 Sax Songs

Yes, SAX, abreviated form of saxophone! Okay, some quid pro quo's: First of all, these selections are limited only to rock & roll. If I included jazz and blues, this wouldn't be a top 5. It would be more like a top 5000! I also cannot include the likes of Kenny G and the likes simply because that is what they do. I wanted to pick these songs from rock & roll artists who incorporated the saxophone into one of their songs, and it ultimately became the hook of the tune. With that in mind, in no particular order, here we go:





- 'Baker Street' by Gerry Rafferty
Baker Street was released in May of 1978, and topped the Billboard charts at #2. The sax player on this song is Raf Ravenscroft, and the story goes that the sax parts in this tune were originally meant to be guitar solos, much like you hear on the cover version by the Foo Fighters. A great sax intro, and a great hook kept throughout the song. "Did You Know?"..... Gerry Rafferty fronted the group Stealer's Wheel who brought you the infectious groove: Stuck In The Middle With You.





- 'You Belong To The City' by Glenn Frey
'City' was brought to you in 1985 as a hit for the Miami Vice soundtrack. This one also made it all the way to #2 before sliding backwards. Al Garth plays the saxophone in this memorable tune, and has also played live with The Eagles during several tours. This is another one of those tunes you gotta love, no matter who you are!





- 'Turn The Page' by Bob Seger
Alto Reed begins this tune on the saxophone, as cymbols shimmer in the background. Very hooking intro, and it surely hooked me! This song first appeared in 1973 on an album called "Back In '72", one of which Bob Seger NEVER released! So in fact, the song as we know, wasn't even known to mainstream listeners until three years later when it was first performed live, then released on the album 'Live Bullet'.




- 'Do You Believe In Love' by Huey Lewis & The News
Very simple saxophone part in this tune, and the reason it is on my list is because it takes the place of a guitar solo. Traditionally, especially in the 80's, a song was nothing without a bad ass guiatr solo somehwere in the middle. While Huey Lewis was definately not the first to replace the guitar during solo time, I give him mad props for doing it with this song. This song appears on 'Picture This' in 1982, with Johnny Colla playing saxophone.





- 'Just A Gigolo' by David Lee Roth
What kind of musician/songwriter would I be if I didn't give MAD props to Mr. Edgar Winter??? Although a remake, it still qualifies for this list! Another saxophone solo, that extends to the end of the song. Other horns appear on this tune throughout the whole song as well. This was released in 1985 as an Ep on 'Crazy From The Heat'. Edgar Winter also famed the song (instrumental) Frankenstein with the Edgar Winter Group.



Now is the perfect chance to comment on this blog, because there are tons of songs and sax players and bands with excellent sax parts in them. Let me know of some more, and what it is you like!

Honrable mentions also include Clarence Clemens from the E Street Band and Kirk Pingilly of INXS.

Peace!

Happy Gold Digger's Day!!

Am I talking about women? Of course NOT. Men? Nope. The Gold Diggers I am referring to is CORPORATE AMERICA. So... Valentine's Day was created for "lovers", or it was created for people who love each other to express their love for one another by buying flowers, candy, stuffed animals, etc. Since I can remember, this day has been nothing more than a holiday for retail outlets. Florists of course, jewelers, confectioners, candy makers, lingerie outlets, blah, blah, blah. Folks... Do we not love each other 364 other days a year? Is gift giving limited only to today, Christmas and birthdays? OK... I have been guilty of buying gifts for Valentine's Day a number of times. But guess what people? I do it ALL YEAR LONG. It just makes me sick to see people come in to AUTO ZONE of all places, or to a florist or wherever, with the complete look of obligation smeared on their faces. Why? Is your wife/husband going to kick you to the curb, or make you sleep on the couch? Is your fiancee going to cancel the wedding? Is your boy/girlfriend going to dump you for the bigger, better deal??

If you are with someone who 'expects' a Valentine's gift, my only advice to you is MOVE ON. Give your significant other a gift today because you feel like it, or because he/she deserves it, or because it's your day of every month that you do said activity. Don't live today out of obligation. Corporate America FEEDS off of you people, and they know they can. Why? BECAUSE THEY ARE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT! Go to the store on MARCH 14th and price the very same bouquet of flowers you bought today (or this week). Do the same with lingerie, jewelry, all of that stuff. You will see my point (one of several I wont waste your time on right now)

The person I refer to as my 'significant other' lives 300 miles away. We're not dating, we're not boyfriend/girlfriend or any other stereotype like that. She's my soulmate, and I have known her for 16 years. What did I do for today's corporate holiday? Nothing. She called me this morning and said 'Hi'. I called her moments before I started writing this and said 'Hi' again. I DID, however, send her some Tulips yesterday. 13 is a lucky number for me, and I sent them for these reasons:
1. They are her favorite flower
2. She DESERVES them (at the very least)
3. Some were pink... Her favorite color.
4. I just wanted to make her smile and let her know I was thinking about her.

My card did not say 'Happy Valentine's Day' (unless it was pre-printed on there). I dunno... Had to do it online. But my message simply stated I appreciate her.

Folks, if you and yours celebrate today for good reasons, then God bless all of you. If you are rushing home right now for a dozen roses for your wife just for the sake of the day, then I am sorry for you. You probably think that this will get you by, but OK, whatever. Does love suck? NO WAY! We are nothing without it. I Love Love! Love is Greatness... For the right reasons. For the right feelings. Let me ask you this... When's your anniversary?

How long did THAT take you?

Merry Christmas everyone, and a Happy Rest Of The Year to you.

Here's to YOU Corporate America:

::SIGH::

Well, same shit, different game. Officiating... I almost don't want to watch football anymore, at least on the professional level. This is not an outcry because Seattle lost, and I blew my prediction. This is not me sharing disappointment of the underdog not winning the Super Bowl. This is my complete and, although controllable, utter anger of poor officiating. If you did not see my first bitch about these no good scum bags, then check here: http://djbeaker.blogspot.com/2006/01/you-tell-me.html

Lets start with Seattle's first touchdown, that was ruled not a touchdown. It was a 16 yard pass to D. Jackson in the end zone. He finished his route, saw that Hasselbeck was in trouble, whipped around the defender to get open, and warded him off with a stiff arm. Pass Interference, Seattle. Loss of touchdown, loss of momentum. Stiff arm, ladies and gentlemen. Go ahead and tell me it was a push off all you want to, but if it were, the Steeler defender would have moved backwards. BAD CALL.

Next, let's go to the miracle play. New, in 2006 (effective Feb 5 2006), you apparently only have to get to inches before the goal line, and you get a touchdown!! Isn't that great! Hell, I thought the huge ass colorful end of the field (what is it, 30' deep by 120' wide??) was supposed to be the END zone. Huh. I guess not. Remember when the ball had to actually be in that area to score 6 points? Not anymore. Go ahead and argue forward progress to me. WHY DO YOU THINK I AM SAYING GOAL LINE INSTEAD OF ONE AND A HALF FEET AWAY WHERE HIS FINAL RESTING PLACE WAS??? This is just ridiculous. I guess your helmet has to touch the goal line and it's good. I know the tip of the ball might have touched the goal line, but the ball DID NOT BRAKE ANY DAMN PLANE OF ANY DAMN SORT. Who was it.. Michael Vick who dove to the corner, stuck his empty hand around the pylon, and TOUCHDOWN! BAD CALL.

This is bullshit people. No damn wonder NCAA football gets better ratings. I love NCAA football, and I think it represents what football should be played like. 22 men giving it their all, not worrying about pidly little bullshit, crying because he 'might' have been interfered with. ::sigh::

Why do I watch football. Easy. So I can write this blog!

Next... penalty on Matt Hasselbeck for a low block after an interception. LOW BLOCK?? Just who was he blocking anyway? Sure looked to me like a tackle. AND A GOOD ONE. Good for you Matt. BAD CALL.

Next... Matt Hasselbeck was tackled. After he was down, ball came loose and was originally ruled a fumble. BAD CALL. At least this one was reversed.

There were many more bad calls in my opinion, for both teams involved, but these were the key bad calls that may have changed the outcome of this game. I predicted 24-17 Seahawks. If bad officiating wasn't present, then I would have come REAL close. Both the Steelers and the Seahawks played a good game. The Hawks did not do so good with time management, but other than that, it was a decent effort on both parts. Congrats to the Steelers for their win. Much like every other game in the NFL, it was another win by decision of the officials.

Good luck next year Seattle. I hope you get all the way to the Championship game and lose to the Bucs!

Top 5 Things I Know About Women

In Order... here we go....

5.




4.




3.




2.




and finally....




1.


See you later.