It's only going to get better.
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Wild Crazy Stuff! I did not know that.
Always thought it was Frank Zappa's own studio that burnt down. But now you know the real story.
Classic 'Water' helps Gillan stay afloat
August 29, 2006
It's funny that Ian Gillan is touring as "the voice of Deep Purple." Quite frankly, we'd forgotten the band's signature tune had words beyond the chorus. But what a tale they tell.
"Smoke on the Water" is easily one of the most famous guitar riffs in rock 'n' roll. It's basic, easy and primal -- which is why it's one of the first things teenage boys figure out in the rite of passage of learning to play an electric guitar.
Its simplicity is borne of the fact that, like so many cultural sensations, so little thought went into writing it. The song was a trifle the hard-rock band knocked out early in the troubled 1971 sessions for the album "Machine Head." It wasn't even released as a single until that album had been out for a year. It reached No. 4, and it's been a touchstone ever since.
It's even a true story, a simple account of something that happened on the eve of the recording sessions -- 35 years ago:
We all came out to Montreux on the Lake Geneva shorelineTo make records with a mobile. We didn't have much time.
In December 1971, Deep Purple had arrived in Montreux, Switzerland, to record their album, using "a mobile" recording studio rented from the Rolling Stones. The work would take place in the Montreux Casino ("the gambling house").
Frank Zappa and the Mothers were at the best place aroundBut some stupid with a flare gun burned the place to the ground.
The night before the band was set to record, the casino hosted a concert by Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention. During the show, a Swiss fan ("some stupid") allegedly fired a flare gun into the ceiling of the theater. The theater and casino burned to the ground. (The Zappa show wound up on some bootlegs later.)
Smoke on the water, a fire in the sky.Smoke on the water.
The band was staying at a hotel on Lake Geneva on the opposite shore from the casino. The "smoke on the water, fire in the sky" is what they saw. Bass player Roger Glover says the title phrase came to him several days later.
They burned down the gambling house. It died with an awful sound.Funky Claude was running in and out, pulling kids out of the ground.
"Funky Claude" refers to Claude Nobs, director of the Montreux Jazz Festival, who was "running in and out" helping audience members escape the fire.
When it all was over, we had to find another place.Swiss time was running out. It seemed that we would lose the race.
The band went in search of "another place" to record, the mobile equipment in tow. Nobs secured them into a theater. Neighbors complained about the racket and police shut them down, but not before they had laid the basic tracks for a new song, so far without any lyrics.
Smoke on the water, a fire in the sky.Smoke on the water.
Those tracks would become "Smoke on the Water." Gillan originally shrugged off the song's title, saying people would think it was a drug song. "Only later did it suggest itself as the vehicle by which we could tell the story of the fire," Glover has said. The guitar riff sealed the deal.
We ended up at the Grand Hotel. It was empty, cold and bareBut with the Rolling truck Stones thing just outside making our music there.With a few red lights an' a few old beds, we made a place to sweat.No matter what we get out of this, I know ... I know we'll never forget.Smoke on the water, a fire in the sky.Smoke on the water.
They "ended up at the Grand Hotel" and created a makeshift studio out of the "cold and bare" hallways and stairwells and finished the record, released the following year and entering the U.S. Top 10 in 1973 based on the success of "Smoke."
Thomas Conner
Classic 'Water' helps Gillan stay afloat
August 29, 2006
It's funny that Ian Gillan is touring as "the voice of Deep Purple." Quite frankly, we'd forgotten the band's signature tune had words beyond the chorus. But what a tale they tell.
"Smoke on the Water" is easily one of the most famous guitar riffs in rock 'n' roll. It's basic, easy and primal -- which is why it's one of the first things teenage boys figure out in the rite of passage of learning to play an electric guitar.
Its simplicity is borne of the fact that, like so many cultural sensations, so little thought went into writing it. The song was a trifle the hard-rock band knocked out early in the troubled 1971 sessions for the album "Machine Head." It wasn't even released as a single until that album had been out for a year. It reached No. 4, and it's been a touchstone ever since.
It's even a true story, a simple account of something that happened on the eve of the recording sessions -- 35 years ago:
We all came out to Montreux on the Lake Geneva shorelineTo make records with a mobile. We didn't have much time.
In December 1971, Deep Purple had arrived in Montreux, Switzerland, to record their album, using "a mobile" recording studio rented from the Rolling Stones. The work would take place in the Montreux Casino ("the gambling house").
Frank Zappa and the Mothers were at the best place aroundBut some stupid with a flare gun burned the place to the ground.
The night before the band was set to record, the casino hosted a concert by Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention. During the show, a Swiss fan ("some stupid") allegedly fired a flare gun into the ceiling of the theater. The theater and casino burned to the ground. (The Zappa show wound up on some bootlegs later.)
Smoke on the water, a fire in the sky.Smoke on the water.
The band was staying at a hotel on Lake Geneva on the opposite shore from the casino. The "smoke on the water, fire in the sky" is what they saw. Bass player Roger Glover says the title phrase came to him several days later.
They burned down the gambling house. It died with an awful sound.Funky Claude was running in and out, pulling kids out of the ground.
"Funky Claude" refers to Claude Nobs, director of the Montreux Jazz Festival, who was "running in and out" helping audience members escape the fire.
When it all was over, we had to find another place.Swiss time was running out. It seemed that we would lose the race.
The band went in search of "another place" to record, the mobile equipment in tow. Nobs secured them into a theater. Neighbors complained about the racket and police shut them down, but not before they had laid the basic tracks for a new song, so far without any lyrics.
Smoke on the water, a fire in the sky.Smoke on the water.
Those tracks would become "Smoke on the Water." Gillan originally shrugged off the song's title, saying people would think it was a drug song. "Only later did it suggest itself as the vehicle by which we could tell the story of the fire," Glover has said. The guitar riff sealed the deal.
We ended up at the Grand Hotel. It was empty, cold and bareBut with the Rolling truck Stones thing just outside making our music there.With a few red lights an' a few old beds, we made a place to sweat.No matter what we get out of this, I know ... I know we'll never forget.Smoke on the water, a fire in the sky.Smoke on the water.
They "ended up at the Grand Hotel" and created a makeshift studio out of the "cold and bare" hallways and stairwells and finished the record, released the following year and entering the U.S. Top 10 in 1973 based on the success of "Smoke."
Thomas Conner
Friday, August 25, 2006
Summer is gone, again.
Sorry for the lack of updates during the summer, but you know how it is, summer can be especailly busy. It has also flown by. I've got kids what do you want.
But I will make this pledge to my loyal readers, more blogs in the next few months. I have alot to write about, who doesn't with Bush still in office, and I'll be getting those out.
If there is anythiong you would like to see here, please email me.
Oh by the way ISU starts FB next Thursday. No TV of course.
Go Clones!
Charlie
But I will make this pledge to my loyal readers, more blogs in the next few months. I have alot to write about, who doesn't with Bush still in office, and I'll be getting those out.
If there is anythiong you would like to see here, please email me.
Oh by the way ISU starts FB next Thursday. No TV of course.
Go Clones!
Charlie
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
My friend and brother is gone.
I think Doug was friends with everyone he ever met. Anyone that woud drive around us goofballs in college had to have a heart of gold. I will never forget him.
Douglas Stout
Peoria - Douglas W. Stout, 37, formerly of Peoria, Ill., died peacefully Saturday, Aug. 12, 2006, at his home in Toledo, Ohio, following three years courageously living with ALS.
Doug was born in Singapore on May 30, 1969, to Ronald and Fira Stout of Sterling, Kan., and married Cay Mateyko, originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, on Dec. 31, 1997.
Doug and Cay have two wonderful children, Jackson and Jami. Doug's sister, Kim, resides in Bloomfield, Mich., with her husband, Kyle, and their two children. Also surviving is Doug's grandmother, Anita Oden of Sterling, Kan.
A 1987 graduate of Dunlap High School in Peoria, Ill., Doug graduated in 1992 from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering. Doug was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity.
After college graduation, Doug worked for Bechtel Corporation in its Pipeline Division and spent his early years traveling the world managing pipeline projects. Doug met his wife, Cay, in 1997 while both were on business in Bangkok, Thailand. In 1999 Doug began working for Welded Construction in Perrysburg, Ohio, as a Senior Project Engineer.
Doug remained close to his high school and college friends, as evidenced by the 150 people who attended his surprise 35th birthday party in 2004 on a roof top at Wrigley Field.
Doug and Cay have become strong advocates for ALS related causes including independent living services that create dignity rather than dependence.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 18, at Epworth United Methodist Church, 3077 Valleyview Drive at Central Avenue in Toledo, Ohio.
Memorials can be directed to ALS Association of Northern Ohio or Hospice of Northwest Ohio.
Doug will be buried in Sterling, Kan., among family members who preceded him.
Online condolences may be sent to www.walkerfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements handled by Walker Funeral Home, (419) 841-2422.
Douglas Stout
Peoria - Douglas W. Stout, 37, formerly of Peoria, Ill., died peacefully Saturday, Aug. 12, 2006, at his home in Toledo, Ohio, following three years courageously living with ALS.
Doug was born in Singapore on May 30, 1969, to Ronald and Fira Stout of Sterling, Kan., and married Cay Mateyko, originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, on Dec. 31, 1997.
Doug and Cay have two wonderful children, Jackson and Jami. Doug's sister, Kim, resides in Bloomfield, Mich., with her husband, Kyle, and their two children. Also surviving is Doug's grandmother, Anita Oden of Sterling, Kan.
A 1987 graduate of Dunlap High School in Peoria, Ill., Doug graduated in 1992 from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering. Doug was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity.
After college graduation, Doug worked for Bechtel Corporation in its Pipeline Division and spent his early years traveling the world managing pipeline projects. Doug met his wife, Cay, in 1997 while both were on business in Bangkok, Thailand. In 1999 Doug began working for Welded Construction in Perrysburg, Ohio, as a Senior Project Engineer.
Doug remained close to his high school and college friends, as evidenced by the 150 people who attended his surprise 35th birthday party in 2004 on a roof top at Wrigley Field.
Doug and Cay have become strong advocates for ALS related causes including independent living services that create dignity rather than dependence.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 18, at Epworth United Methodist Church, 3077 Valleyview Drive at Central Avenue in Toledo, Ohio.
Memorials can be directed to ALS Association of Northern Ohio or Hospice of Northwest Ohio.
Doug will be buried in Sterling, Kan., among family members who preceded him.
Online condolences may be sent to www.walkerfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements handled by Walker Funeral Home, (419) 841-2422.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Friday, July 14, 2006
Thursday, July 13, 2006
This BillBoard is Going up In Iowa City.
Let the crying begin. I hate the Hawkeyes! We just keep kicking their asses!
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060603/SPORTS020602/606030361/1066
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Updates/ Who needs em.
Well it has been awhile since we last spoke, so much has happened...... Just kidding, there is no way I'm going to start reviewing everything that has been going on since my last post. Yes the main reason I'm not going to is because I don't remember most of it, but that's besides the point. Everything has been going pretty good. Forty is not that bad, the weather this summer has sucked, and no matter how many games the Sox win, they just can't gain on the Tigers. I remember going through something like this with the Bulls, and they always pulled it out.
I'm always looking for subjects so any suggestions on what to write about I will gladly consider, summer is just so busy, it seems that every waking moment not a work is spent out at the ball fields. Only 3 more weeks of that and then vacation. I can't wait.
Also please leave your name when commenting, it's no fun blasting anonymous. Or as Ozzie would say "Stop being fags"
Adios,
Chuck
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Sad Note/ It's a story like this that will make U Cry...
Subject: Breaking News - Chicago Court RulingCOURT RULING, Chicago Illinois, May 8, 2006 Chicago, Illinois (AP)
A seven year old boy was at the center of a Chicago courtroom dramayesterday when he challenged a court ruling over who should have custody ofhimThe boy has a history of being beaten by his parents and the judgeinitially awarded custody to his aunt, in keeping with the childcustody law and regulations requiring that family unity be maintained tothe degree possible.The boy surprised the court when he proclaimed that his aunt beat him morethan his parents and he adamantly refused to live with her. Whenthe judge suggested that he live with his grandparents, the boy cried outthat they also beat him.After considering the remainder of the immediate family and learning thatdomestic violence was apparently a way of life among them, theJudge took the unprecedented step of allowing the boy to propose who houldhave custody of him. After two recesses to check legal references and confer with child welfare officials, the judge granted temporary custody to the Chicago Cubs, who the boy firmly believes are not capable of beatinganyone.
.....With Laughter!!!
A seven year old boy was at the center of a Chicago courtroom dramayesterday when he challenged a court ruling over who should have custody ofhimThe boy has a history of being beaten by his parents and the judgeinitially awarded custody to his aunt, in keeping with the childcustody law and regulations requiring that family unity be maintained tothe degree possible.The boy surprised the court when he proclaimed that his aunt beat him morethan his parents and he adamantly refused to live with her. Whenthe judge suggested that he live with his grandparents, the boy cried outthat they also beat him.After considering the remainder of the immediate family and learning thatdomestic violence was apparently a way of life among them, theJudge took the unprecedented step of allowing the boy to propose who houldhave custody of him. After two recesses to check legal references and confer with child welfare officials, the judge granted temporary custody to the Chicago Cubs, who the boy firmly believes are not capable of beatinganyone.
.....With Laughter!!!
Friday, May 26, 2006
Thursday, May 25, 2006
How Did He Win If Nobody Voted For Him?
I mean that's what most people I know tell me. I'm starting to think people have been lying to me.
I Really liked this.
HIDING THE BALL IN PRESIDENTIAL INTERVIEWS:HOW THE LIBERAL MEDIA CAN FINALLY ASK THE QUESTIONS THEY'RE DYING TO ASK.
BY JASON KELLETT
- - - -
Mr. President, we have all heard the reports that you are extremely health-conscious—exercising daily, eating right, and making sure you get to bed at a decent hour. But with all the stress that comes along with being the leader of the free world, I imagine there must be days when you find yourself hard-pressed to find time to run. And as for healthy sleep patterns, I know when I'm under a great deal of stress I sometimes lie in bed tossing and turning until the wee hours of the morning. I've tried Ambien, warm milk, sheep-counting. Nothing seems to help. So tell me, Mr. President, how do you sleep at night?
- - - -
On my tour of the White House, I noticed that the hall leading from the Oval Office to the press room is devoid of mirrors or reflective surfaces of any kind. Now, surely you sometimes want to make sure your tie is straight or your hair is fixed before a press conference. How do you even look at yourself in the mirror?
- - - -
In my journalistic pursuits, I have traveled the nation, interviewing Americans in small towns to try to get a feel for the attitudes of the masses toward their elected officials. As you have undoubtedly heard, Mr. President, support for the war in Iraq is waning, not only in big cities but in the heartland as well. I'm reminded of an older gentleman I encountered in the tiny hamlet of Hale, Missouri—fairly solid Bush country in both 2000 and 2004. He tells me that many of his doubts and fears about the war could be assuaged if you would accept the Hale Town Council's standing invitation for you to come speak at the local high school, laying out the successes in Iraq not reported by the liberal media. So I ask you, President Bush, why don't you just go to Hale?
- - - -
A while back, a wire story on the contents of your personal iPod reported that you were listening to the Knack, Credence Clearwater Revival, and Van Morrison. Noticeably absent from the reported playlist at that time were any classic '70s soul-music artists such as Al Green or James Brown. Perhaps you have added some Marvin Gaye to the rotation since that story. I wonder if you'd like to update us on your current iPod selections. Have you no soul, Mr. President?
- - - -
I Really liked this.
HIDING THE BALL IN PRESIDENTIAL INTERVIEWS:HOW THE LIBERAL MEDIA CAN FINALLY ASK THE QUESTIONS THEY'RE DYING TO ASK.
BY JASON KELLETT
- - - -
Mr. President, we have all heard the reports that you are extremely health-conscious—exercising daily, eating right, and making sure you get to bed at a decent hour. But with all the stress that comes along with being the leader of the free world, I imagine there must be days when you find yourself hard-pressed to find time to run. And as for healthy sleep patterns, I know when I'm under a great deal of stress I sometimes lie in bed tossing and turning until the wee hours of the morning. I've tried Ambien, warm milk, sheep-counting. Nothing seems to help. So tell me, Mr. President, how do you sleep at night?
- - - -
On my tour of the White House, I noticed that the hall leading from the Oval Office to the press room is devoid of mirrors or reflective surfaces of any kind. Now, surely you sometimes want to make sure your tie is straight or your hair is fixed before a press conference. How do you even look at yourself in the mirror?
- - - -
In my journalistic pursuits, I have traveled the nation, interviewing Americans in small towns to try to get a feel for the attitudes of the masses toward their elected officials. As you have undoubtedly heard, Mr. President, support for the war in Iraq is waning, not only in big cities but in the heartland as well. I'm reminded of an older gentleman I encountered in the tiny hamlet of Hale, Missouri—fairly solid Bush country in both 2000 and 2004. He tells me that many of his doubts and fears about the war could be assuaged if you would accept the Hale Town Council's standing invitation for you to come speak at the local high school, laying out the successes in Iraq not reported by the liberal media. So I ask you, President Bush, why don't you just go to Hale?
- - - -
A while back, a wire story on the contents of your personal iPod reported that you were listening to the Knack, Credence Clearwater Revival, and Van Morrison. Noticeably absent from the reported playlist at that time were any classic '70s soul-music artists such as Al Green or James Brown. Perhaps you have added some Marvin Gaye to the rotation since that story. I wonder if you'd like to update us on your current iPod selections. Have you no soul, Mr. President?
- - - -
10-9-8-7......
I'm not sure how I'm going to lose 50 lbs. in the next 14 days, but I need to if I'm going to hit one of my goals I set for myself twenty years ago. Which brings me to todays thought: Goals.We all know we make them, some people more than others, especially for milestone events like turning 40. I wish I could find mine so I'll have to go by memory.
1. Travel the World. Do Mexico and Canada count?
2. Have enough to retire. I hit my goal money wise, but who would have know 20 years later 25K wouldn't do it.
3. Have 3 beautiful children: Sure i wouldn't complain about Trey and Cassidy, but i sure miss little Pedro. Please come home little Pedro.
4.Be in perfect shape. Round is a perfect shape isn't it?
5. Still have all my hair. Wasn't planning on having more hair but it keeps coming out of every hole. Did you know hair can grow on the bottom of your feet.
6. Have a Blackberrry, Laptop, Razr, Hybrid Car, HD TV. Ok so these weren't goals 20 years ago, but if they were I would have been a genius and very rich.
7. Marry a beautiful and Great Women/Mother. By far my greatest con job and the goal I've worked on the most.
8. Have great friends! This one is a joke, I've also been a loner and will remain a loner.
Love you All,
Chuck
Found this T-shirt in my drawer. Man I miss the 80's. (that would be a good name for a show)
Friday, May 05, 2006
Talk 2 the Hand?
I Really want t shirt with this slogan on it. So if someone knows where I can snag one, please give a heads up. I have my reasons.
You want to know what 's crazy about the internet? It the stuff you can uncover about somebodies past. I just happened to be cruising around the net and what should I come across, but a picture of my good friend Reid back when he had hair.
Reid, it was hard at first to recognize you , but who doesn't remember that shirt of yours. Keep on Truckin, buddy
What are you smiling about Jim?
HAPPY CINCO DE MAYO,
Chuck
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Pirate Looks at 40!
I don't think I've really put much thought into the fact that I will be turning 40 in a month, until now. I was just sitting in my office, when an unnamed person asked, "Isn't your Birthday next month?" I even kinda brushed that off.
But then on my way to work today, it really sunk in, I'm going to be 40 years old. I mean that is old isn't it. That's past half way death, right. Wasn't I just attending my 21st birthday, I mean come on ,I remember atttending my Mother's surprise 40th birthday not that long ago.
Should I wax philosophical about where I thought I would be at this stage or age in my life. Should I try to reveerse the effects of aging? Should I buy a Porcshe? Do any of these things matter anymore in today's society. Isn't 40 the new 25.
Here's hoping it is.
My friend Jim has asked me to ask you if he needs to get a new hairstyle for the new century. Sure it pulled in alot of Tang in the late 80's, but not so much now.So please send me any comments on what Jim should do.
He appreciates the support we have all given him.
This is also another reason why it is important to wear a football helmet in a football game. Hopefully Jim has learned his lesson
Till Next time,
Chuck
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
This Can Be Yours! *small fee required
The Sox are offering a chance to win one of three World Series Rings in a raffle this year. For $20 this ring could be yours. When I first heard this I was so excited, I mean man who wouldn't love a real World Series Ring. It would probably send your Stud factor soaring. But then I started to think about it, does a ring like that really matter if you had nothing to do with the achievement of the ring , except for a $20 donation to White Sox Charities. I believe the Sox have already handed out some 500 rings, what the hell have these 500 people deserved to get these rings. What happened to keeping these rings special to the players and coaches, wouldn't a nice watch keep Joe in the ticket department happy? These rings have really lost their meaning in the last decade ( the first sign of this, was when I started seeing Title rings showing up on ebay) when everyone that works for the team started receiving them. I believe Boston was still giving out rings in May last year, because the list was so long. Please stop the madness MLB. Make a ring mean something again.Oh by the way, I bought 3 chances.
www.whitesox.com
Yes I did read that the actual # is 432. 500 just sounds better.
Friday, April 28, 2006
Trey Is 9!
Man has my life been in a funk lately, too much shit too really get into, but I've decided that it's time to get out of my pity party and really enjoy what I have in life. I definitely need to stop worrying about what other people think, that shit will drive you crazy.So back to the good things. We finally got out to a Sox game as a family this year, and it was extra fun because it was kids day and my kids had the chance to get some autographs and ge some pictures with the players. They really enjoyed it, if we would have stayed they could have run around the bases after the game, maybe next time when the line doesn't circle around the whole park.
The reason for the game was to help celebrate Trey's birthday which is coming up this weekend. I really can't believe that my son is going to be 9 years old. Maybe I need to start parenting before it's too late. People keep telling me that he'll be 16 before I know it. Now that is scary. Not much going on for his birthday this weekend except we have our first official baseball game of the season. And if the preseaon has been any indication his team should be pretty good. Now if the coaching can just come through.
Which leads me back to happy things in life, Trey is finally growing into a young man and its amazing when you start to see yourself in your children. We have many of the same quirks and loves, good or bad. I do see his love of sports and need to teach myself to be a supporter and not a critic. They say you should nurture not nag. I'm learning. Albert Pujols was considered a so-so player by many critics just 5 years ago.
Well Trey I hope you have a great 9th birthday and many more.
Random Thoughts:
White Sox will repeat
Bush is the Great Decider
See ya,
Chuck
Friday, April 14, 2006
I'll Be Your Huckleberry!
I keep telling my son that playing a professional sport would be the greatest thing in the world, but he keeps listening to his Grandfather (who actually did) that being a Doctor or Lawyer or even an Engineer would be much more rewarding.
But thanks to Kyle Orton, the third string QB for the Bears no less, I might finally have the proof in hand to show my son how great the professional sporting life could be. Kids today just don't have the drinking heroes of my youth any more. No longer can we rely on a Mickey Mantle or Dave Parker showing up to a game hammered, nowadays the youth have to watch of players injectioning themselve with God knows what to feel better and be better. What has happened to the athletes I knew. Tim Raines would slide head first so as not to break his Coke vial in his back pocket. And when caught he would admit. I miss the athlete of old. If anything they were at least honest.
But as always I digress the real reason for this diatribe was so I could show these hilarious pictures of Kyle. Maybe what these pictures are saying is that being third string is the way to go. All the money and none of the worries.
Party on Garth.
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