Friday, January 16, 2009
What Does Not Kill Me Makes Me Stronger - and This Cold Just Might Kill Me
Anyone who has seen me in court over the past two days has surely been conflicted over whether to feel pity or feel amused. With my voice having disappeared on Tuesday evening on my way back from Nashville, I was pretty useless in Sevier County Juvenile Court Wednesday morning. As my voice continued to fail, I almost had to break down into interpretive dance to communicate with Judge Rader.
My voice was a bit better on Thursday, although I probably felt worse. If the case scheduled for the afternoon in Blount County Juvenile Court hadn't been one that I had been involved in for over 17 months and was set for conclusion, I probably would have been laid up in bed.
That being said, I was unable to attend Blogger Night with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra on Thursday night. (You can get a complete recap from Frank Murphy over at his site.) Likewise, I was unable to attend the Blount County Commission meeting, where our good friend Peggy Lambert was selected to take the place of newly elected Representative Robert Ramsey on the Commission.
Sometimes I have to laugh about how I garner certain information before it is released. The Daily Times and certain other commissioners were seemingly shocked at Lambert's quick rise to the Commission, as only some other guy named Huddleston had been formerly nominated for the job. Heck, it's been at least 5 months since I was told that Peggy would more than likely take Ramsey's spot. I'm just glad that it's done with, because it's somewhat disconcerting to keep reading headlines like "Huddleston Looks to Join Commission" when I don't remember doing anything of the sort.
Now let's see if I can get to feeling better...
My voice was a bit better on Thursday, although I probably felt worse. If the case scheduled for the afternoon in Blount County Juvenile Court hadn't been one that I had been involved in for over 17 months and was set for conclusion, I probably would have been laid up in bed.
That being said, I was unable to attend Blogger Night with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra on Thursday night. (You can get a complete recap from Frank Murphy over at his site.) Likewise, I was unable to attend the Blount County Commission meeting, where our good friend Peggy Lambert was selected to take the place of newly elected Representative Robert Ramsey on the Commission.
Sometimes I have to laugh about how I garner certain information before it is released. The Daily Times and certain other commissioners were seemingly shocked at Lambert's quick rise to the Commission, as only some other guy named Huddleston had been formerly nominated for the job. Heck, it's been at least 5 months since I was told that Peggy would more than likely take Ramsey's spot. I'm just glad that it's done with, because it's somewhat disconcerting to keep reading headlines like "Huddleston Looks to Join Commission" when I don't remember doing anything of the sort.
Now let's see if I can get to feeling better...
Labels: Blount County, Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, Music
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
KSO Concerts Thursday and Friday
Just a reminder that the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra is set to perform their "Mozart & Mendelssohn" concert this Thursday and Friday night. Performing with the KSO will be Navah Perlman, famed pianist and daughter of Itzhak Perlman.
Why do I mention this? Because many bloggers are planning to attend, and being seen with the likes of us can only boost your social standing.
Why do I mention this? Because many bloggers are planning to attend, and being seen with the likes of us can only boost your social standing.
Labels: Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, Music
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
If We're Just Voting on Musical Talent, Then the Republican National Convention is Gonna Whoop the DNC's Butt
Funny thing is, folks, that I will be at the Republican National Convention in 10 days, along with my delegate wife, and we're learning about all of the goings on there along with the rest of you.
From Yahoo!:
Democrats will be treated to "Punk Rock 2008," "Naughty Pierre's Burlesque and Comedy Extravaganza," "Sex, Politics, and Cocktails Late Night Dance Party" organized by Planned Parenthood and the "Tent State Music Festival to End the War" hosted by Rage Against the Machine and veterans opposed to the war.
Also planning concerts in Denver are Willie Nelson, Melissa Etheridge, Cyndi Lauper and Rufus Wainwright.
Dude, you couldn't pay me enough to attend that moral abyss. Besides, the GOP has the real talent at their convention:
The Beach Boys and '70s rockers Styx are just two of the acts scheduled to entertain the 45,000 political junkies (plus 15,000 members of the media) descending on the Twin Cities Sept. 1-4. There's also former Van Halen front man Sammy Hagar and country stars Gretchen Wilson, Cowboy Troy and John Rich.
OK, I couldn't name one Styx song (Angela says that she can - go figure), but I literally wore out a Beach Boys tape when I was a teen. I also like Sammy Hagar, especially when he was with Van Halen. However, it's the members of the Muzik Mafia that have me stoked. I definitely want to party with that crew.
I also know that Trace Adkins is going to be spending some time with the Tennessee delegation. I want to get together with the superstars of country music and hit the town. Maybe I can sing a some with John Rich and Cowboy Troy, something like this...
From Yahoo!:
Democrats will be treated to "Punk Rock 2008," "Naughty Pierre's Burlesque and Comedy Extravaganza," "Sex, Politics, and Cocktails Late Night Dance Party" organized by Planned Parenthood and the "Tent State Music Festival to End the War" hosted by Rage Against the Machine and veterans opposed to the war.
Also planning concerts in Denver are Willie Nelson, Melissa Etheridge, Cyndi Lauper and Rufus Wainwright.
Dude, you couldn't pay me enough to attend that moral abyss. Besides, the GOP has the real talent at their convention:
The Beach Boys and '70s rockers Styx are just two of the acts scheduled to entertain the 45,000 political junkies (plus 15,000 members of the media) descending on the Twin Cities Sept. 1-4. There's also former Van Halen front man Sammy Hagar and country stars Gretchen Wilson, Cowboy Troy and John Rich.
OK, I couldn't name one Styx song (Angela says that she can - go figure), but I literally wore out a Beach Boys tape when I was a teen. I also like Sammy Hagar, especially when he was with Van Halen. However, it's the members of the Muzik Mafia that have me stoked. I definitely want to party with that crew.
I also know that Trace Adkins is going to be spending some time with the Tennessee delegation. I want to get together with the superstars of country music and hit the town. Maybe I can sing a some with John Rich and Cowboy Troy, something like this...
Labels: 2008 Republican National Convention, Music
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Music Review: "How Freedom Sounds" by Red State Update
First, the official announcement from Red State Update, as "How Freedom Sounds" is released today:
Because I am "Red State - all the way!" as Dunlap likes to call those of us who can't get enough of Jackie and Dunlap, I was privileged enough to get my hands on a copy of "How Freedom Sounds" a week ago. I have been listening to it nonstop since it arrived, and I have the following review for your listening pleasure:
OVERALL REVIEW (Scale of 1 to 10): 7.9
"How Freedom Sounds" is not what I expected. There are more comedic routines (as with their YouTube bits that I routinely embed here at VOLCon) than songs, which creates some funny moments, for sure. However, like reviewer Sharron Cobb, I would have preferred more songs. Why? Because some of the songs are daggone good. Seriously. Of particular note:
Because I am "Red State - all the way!" as Dunlap likes to call those of us who can't get enough of Jackie and Dunlap, I was privileged enough to get my hands on a copy of "How Freedom Sounds" a week ago. I have been listening to it nonstop since it arrived, and I have the following review for your listening pleasure:
OVERALL REVIEW (Scale of 1 to 10): 7.9
"How Freedom Sounds" is not what I expected. There are more comedic routines (as with their YouTube bits that I routinely embed here at VOLCon) than songs, which creates some funny moments, for sure. However, like reviewer Sharron Cobb, I would have preferred more songs. Why? Because some of the songs are daggone good. Seriously. Of particular note:
- "Red State State of Mind" - An awesome song - the best on the album. Better than anything they play on country radio, for sure. Don't tell anybody, but Jackie has vocal talent.
- "If I Was You" - The classic American drinking song. Like "Red State State of Mind," this is another song that should get some radio play.
- "Get the Hell Outta My Store, Hippie" - A funny song with vocals by Jackie. I'm trying to have our tech guy at the firm rig our alarm to play this song on command, sort of a moonbat prevention alarm. Some of the lyrics - "Pro-choice sticker on her Prius shows/She gets mileage, can't keep her legs closed" - are priceless.
- "Iraq (I Don't Wanna Go)" - Another catchy tune, this one sung by Dunlap. How catchy is it? I've heard Angela singing it around the office the past few days, and she hasn't been in my car much this past week. It's kinda like that Feist song for the IPhones - you can't get this song out of your head.
- "Simple Man" - Jackie's version of this Lynyrd Skynyrd classic is fantastic. However, the rap by Dunlap in the middle - well, Eminem he is not.
This is a fun album, no question. For the second album, I hope for a few more songs (like the classic "Hello, Joe Biden," embedded below with warning for adult language) instead of skits. I highly recommend purchasing it (you can do so at RedStateUpdate.com), because if you don't, the terrorists (and Miley Cyrus) win.
And nobody wants that.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Red State Update: How Freedom Sounds
Our friends Jackie and Dunlap announced earlier today that their first album can now be pre-ordered. You know this might be the disc that knocks Bruce Springsteen out of my CD player...
You can click on the ad in the left sidebar her at VOLCon to order what will certainly go down with Michael Jackson's "Thriller," Sir Mix-a-lot's "Mack Daddy," and Milli Vanilli's "All or Nothing" as albums that changed music as we know it.
I'd order it just for Jackie's version of Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Simple Man." No joke.
I certainly hope that their recording careers won't get in the way of a possible trip to the Republican National Convention in September. Ah, the price of fame...
You can click on the ad in the left sidebar her at VOLCon to order what will certainly go down with Michael Jackson's "Thriller," Sir Mix-a-lot's "Mack Daddy," and Milli Vanilli's "All or Nothing" as albums that changed music as we know it.
I'd order it just for Jackie's version of Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Simple Man." No joke.
I certainly hope that their recording careers won't get in the way of a possible trip to the Republican National Convention in September. Ah, the price of fame...
Friday, June 06, 2008
Is There Anybody Alive Out There?
I try to keep my support and money heading towards entertainment options that fit my ideology. You can see that in my choice of movies, bands, and even venues.
However, there are a few exceptions - and one of them for me is Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. Anyone who has been in my truck over the past 8 months or so knows that I am addicted to Sirius 10 - E Street Radio.
I feel a bit better about my weakness for Bruce, though. Even if he is a liberal, he can't be all that bad since Condi Rice admitted in a recent piece by the AP that she was a big fan.
The video above was shot in Stockholm on the Magic Tour. I know that it's not for everyone, but I can't imagine life without moments like having seats that close to a Hall of Fame band while they crank out such a driving, biting song.
At the MTV Europe Music Awards 2007 in Munich, Germany, when asked by Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl which song he wished he had written, R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe cited "Radio Nowhere". I concur. "Radio Nowhere" gets at least a dozen plays during all-night sessions (like tonight's) at the office.
Is there anybody alive out there?
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Putting the "B" in "Busy"
This year has been tough on the ole VOLCon. Work has been uncontrollably busy. Heck, I'm even threatening to have more billable hours than my friends who work for the big metropolitan firms that I always felt sorry for because they worked all of the time.
But I've been trying to play hard, too. At least, I'm doing that until the baby comes.
Tennessee football games. Tennessee basketball games (although I missed last night's exhibition due to exhaustion). Trans-Siberian Orchestra this Wednesday night (which is also being attended by fellow blogger Michael Silence).
I'm glad to have completed the birthing classes, which concluded last week. Baby shower was this past Sunday.
Do you get the impression that my head is spinning?
But I've been trying to play hard, too. At least, I'm doing that until the baby comes.
Tennessee football games. Tennessee basketball games (although I missed last night's exhibition due to exhaustion). Trans-Siberian Orchestra this Wednesday night (which is also being attended by fellow blogger Michael Silence).
I'm glad to have completed the birthing classes, which concluded last week. Baby shower was this past Sunday.
Do you get the impression that my head is spinning?
Labels: Firm Life, Miscellaneous, Music
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Calendar Update
Lots of activities to partake in around the area in the next few weeks, including:
- Knoxville Symphony Orchestra's Opening Night, tonight at 7:00 at the Tennessee Theatre.
- Trans-Siberian Orchestra, November 7th at Thompson-Boling Arena.
- UT Football's JV squad taking on Hargrave Military Academy, tonight at 7:00 at Neyland Stadium (admission is free).
- Tennessee Firearms Association meeting, October 2nd at 7:00 at Bob's Mountaineer Restaurant in Seymour.
- Mike Faulk for Senate fundraiser, October 11th at 5:30 P.M. in the Nashville City Center.
- GreekFest, Friday-Sunday at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Knoxville.
With good weather expected this weekend and no home football game for the Vols, there aren't too many excuses not to get involved in some fun around the region.
Labels: 2008 Tennessee General Assembly Campaigns, Football, Music, TFA
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Concerts Galore Coming to Knoxville
As y'all know, I am a huge fan of Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Heck, I've been playing their Christmas CDs at work now for several months, giving work a sort of "Christmas in July" feel. (This probably has something to do with another blessed event that is connected to this year's Christmas, in my opinion.)
For those of you interested in seeing TSO in Knoxville, they have included a show at Thompson-Boling Arena in their Winter 2007 tour. The show is set for November 7th at 7:30 P.M., so it gets you in that Christmas spirit nice and early. Pre-sale tickets went on sale this morning (already have mine, thank you, on the floor in the first few rows), and the pre-sale continues through the weekend. You can buy your tickets online here.
Also of interest is the start of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra season. Of particular interest to me is the special blogger night that they are hosting (thanks to Frank Murphy for the heads up), which is entitled "American Masters" and debuts September 27th. You can purchase tickets for this special night online here.
This should be quite interesting. As regular Trans-Siberian Orchestra fans already know, TSO usually includes local symphony members in their shows, as they did last year with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra. The KSO members were particularly impressive last year, setting high expectations for their performance this year.
UPDATE: I just checked with the TSO site, and there are still fantastic tickets on the floor in the first 8 rows of the Center section available.
For those of you interested in seeing TSO in Knoxville, they have included a show at Thompson-Boling Arena in their Winter 2007 tour. The show is set for November 7th at 7:30 P.M., so it gets you in that Christmas spirit nice and early. Pre-sale tickets went on sale this morning (already have mine, thank you, on the floor in the first few rows), and the pre-sale continues through the weekend. You can buy your tickets online here.
Also of interest is the start of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra season. Of particular interest to me is the special blogger night that they are hosting (thanks to Frank Murphy for the heads up), which is entitled "American Masters" and debuts September 27th. You can purchase tickets for this special night online here.
This should be quite interesting. As regular Trans-Siberian Orchestra fans already know, TSO usually includes local symphony members in their shows, as they did last year with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra. The KSO members were particularly impressive last year, setting high expectations for their performance this year.
UPDATE: I just checked with the TSO site, and there are still fantastic tickets on the floor in the first 8 rows of the Center section available.
Labels: Music
Friday, June 15, 2007
Bonnaroo Banker
I want to wish Angel, the bank manager at the SunTrust on Chapman Highway where my firm's account is based, luck this weekend at Bonnaroo. Angel's band, Angel and the Love Mongers, are performing at the Middle Tennessee music festival, which, as they point out in this video feature on the Knoxville News Sentinel's website, is basically opening for The Police. That is very cool.
I wish them luck, because Bonnaroo sounds like a wild place, as with this entry from KNS blogger Lauren Spuhler:
"I came up with the name as a place to hold all those funny sights we commonly see at Bonnaroo every year: naked or topless chicks prancing through the water fountain, people wearing things they wouldn't or shouldn't outside of a music festival, people lying stoned in the middle of a walkway and, on occasion, a grown man wearing a diaper."
Yikes! I think I'll head into the Smokies this weekend, thank you very much...
I wish them luck, because Bonnaroo sounds like a wild place, as with this entry from KNS blogger Lauren Spuhler:
"I came up with the name as a place to hold all those funny sights we commonly see at Bonnaroo every year: naked or topless chicks prancing through the water fountain, people wearing things they wouldn't or shouldn't outside of a music festival, people lying stoned in the middle of a walkway and, on occasion, a grown man wearing a diaper."
Yikes! I think I'll head into the Smokies this weekend, thank you very much...
Labels: Music
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Turns for the Better
What a day Wednesday was!
A victory for the cause of life at the U.S. Supreme Court.
A victory for the cause of civil rights in the Tennessee House.
A victory for conservatives who want Fred Thompson as their Republican nominee in 2008.
That's more good news that one can rightfully expect in a week. However, I feel that there is more good to come out of this week. Just call me Carnac the Magnificent...
Let's have some happy music to celebrate, folks, as we say goodbye to the barbaric procedure known popularly as partial-birth abortion (and maybe our first step towards the end of Roe)!
MORE: Well, the clip makes me a bit sad due to Orbison's death. I still miss Roy.
A victory for the cause of life at the U.S. Supreme Court.
A victory for the cause of civil rights in the Tennessee House.
A victory for conservatives who want Fred Thompson as their Republican nominee in 2008.
That's more good news that one can rightfully expect in a week. However, I feel that there is more good to come out of this week. Just call me Carnac the Magnificent...
Let's have some happy music to celebrate, folks, as we say goodbye to the barbaric procedure known popularly as partial-birth abortion (and maybe our first step towards the end of Roe)!
MORE: Well, the clip makes me a bit sad due to Orbison's death. I still miss Roy.
Labels: 2008 GOP Presidential Primary, Abortion, Fred Thompson, Music, Second Amendment
Friday, April 13, 2007
It's Friday - Get Happy, People!
I don't know about y'all, but I've had a pretty daggone good week. A few good results in court, a few that weren't as bad as they could have been, good relations with colleagues, and I actually got to blog some.
That said, we're apparently in for a few gullywashers this weekend. How's a person to keep the good vibrations heading into what might be a less than stellar weekend?
I'm going with music videos. (Hey, at least they'll add some pep to my step.) If none of the following get you in a good mood, you might be clinically depressed come Monday.
Our first video is a favorite of Knoxville attorney Jason Sams. If you see him around town, make sure to ask him to sing you a verse Cowboy Troy-style.
Our next video is dedicated to Nashville blogger Sharon Cobb. I always enjoy her music-related posts, and George Harrison somewhat overlaps both of our tastes (I believe). I remember this song from my youth, and it was one of the first music videos that I really enjoyed, probably because I admired its simplicity. And it has a squirrel playing a pipe. Who couldn't like that?
Finally, I'm including "Read My Mind" by The Killers. Why? Because I want to, and I don't have tickets to their sold-out concert at the Ryman on April 23rd.
Now don't you feel better?
That said, we're apparently in for a few gullywashers this weekend. How's a person to keep the good vibrations heading into what might be a less than stellar weekend?
I'm going with music videos. (Hey, at least they'll add some pep to my step.) If none of the following get you in a good mood, you might be clinically depressed come Monday.
Our first video is a favorite of Knoxville attorney Jason Sams. If you see him around town, make sure to ask him to sing you a verse Cowboy Troy-style.
Our next video is dedicated to Nashville blogger Sharon Cobb. I always enjoy her music-related posts, and George Harrison somewhat overlaps both of our tastes (I believe). I remember this song from my youth, and it was one of the first music videos that I really enjoyed, probably because I admired its simplicity. And it has a squirrel playing a pipe. Who couldn't like that?
Finally, I'm including "Read My Mind" by The Killers. Why? Because I want to, and I don't have tickets to their sold-out concert at the Ryman on April 23rd.
Now don't you feel better?
Labels: Music
Monday, March 26, 2007
Getting the Week Off on a Good Note
(Pun intended.)
I love my Sirius - best Christmas present that I received this year. Between using the receiver in my truck and in the office, I'm listening to more music than I have in a long, long time. The best thing about Sirius is that I am hearing new music all of the time, even if I do listen to the 90s, 80s, and Outlaw Country stations more than any others.
So what do I look forward to most of all? Right now it has to be The Killers' "Read My Mind." This is one of those songs that is like ones from a few years back; when it comes on and you just lose yourself in the song. (That's a good thing - until the officer flashes the blue lights and brings you back to reality. Luckily, I haven't had that happen in a long while.)
To top it all, I learn that one of the versions of the music video (see below) has an Elvis impersonator in it. It's almost too perfect...
No, I have no idea what the heck the green thing is, so don't ask.
Now that you've heard that song a few times, get out there and take on the work week! Millions of people stealing from Social Security Disability are depending on you!
UPDATE: Here are the lyrics for "Read My Mind":
On the corner of main street
Just tryin' to keep it in line
You say you wanna move on and
You say I'm falling behind
Can you read my mind?
Can you read my mind?
I never really gave up on
Breakin' out of this two-star town
I got the green light
I got a little fight
I'm gonna turn this thing around
Can you read my mind?
Can you read my mind?
The good old days, the honest man;
The restless heart, the Promised Land
A subtle kiss that no one sees;
A broken wrist and a big trapeze
Oh well I don't mind, you don't mind
Cause I don't shine if you don't shine
Before you go, can you read my mind?
It’s funny how you just break down
Waitin' on some sign
I pull up to the front of your driveway
With magic soakin' my spine
Can you read my mind?
Can you read my mind?
The teenage queen, the loaded gun;
The drop dead dream, the Chosen One
A southern drawl, a world unseen;
A city wall and a trampoline
Oh well I don't mind, you don't mind
Cause I don't shine if you don't shine
Before you go
Tell me what you find when you read my mind
Slippin’ in my faith until I fall
You never returned that call
Woman, open the door, don't let it sting
I wanna breathe that fire again
She said
Oh well I don't mind, you don't mind
Cause I don't shine if you don't shine
Put your back on me
Put your back on me
Put your back on me
The stars are blazing like rebel diamonds cut out of the sun
When you read my mind
I love my Sirius - best Christmas present that I received this year. Between using the receiver in my truck and in the office, I'm listening to more music than I have in a long, long time. The best thing about Sirius is that I am hearing new music all of the time, even if I do listen to the 90s, 80s, and Outlaw Country stations more than any others.
So what do I look forward to most of all? Right now it has to be The Killers' "Read My Mind." This is one of those songs that is like ones from a few years back; when it comes on and you just lose yourself in the song. (That's a good thing - until the officer flashes the blue lights and brings you back to reality. Luckily, I haven't had that happen in a long while.)
To top it all, I learn that one of the versions of the music video (see below) has an Elvis impersonator in it. It's almost too perfect...
No, I have no idea what the heck the green thing is, so don't ask.
Now that you've heard that song a few times, get out there and take on the work week! Millions of people stealing from Social Security Disability are depending on you!
UPDATE: Here are the lyrics for "Read My Mind":
On the corner of main street
Just tryin' to keep it in line
You say you wanna move on and
You say I'm falling behind
Can you read my mind?
Can you read my mind?
I never really gave up on
Breakin' out of this two-star town
I got the green light
I got a little fight
I'm gonna turn this thing around
Can you read my mind?
Can you read my mind?
The good old days, the honest man;
The restless heart, the Promised Land
A subtle kiss that no one sees;
A broken wrist and a big trapeze
Oh well I don't mind, you don't mind
Cause I don't shine if you don't shine
Before you go, can you read my mind?
It’s funny how you just break down
Waitin' on some sign
I pull up to the front of your driveway
With magic soakin' my spine
Can you read my mind?
Can you read my mind?
The teenage queen, the loaded gun;
The drop dead dream, the Chosen One
A southern drawl, a world unseen;
A city wall and a trampoline
Oh well I don't mind, you don't mind
Cause I don't shine if you don't shine
Before you go
Tell me what you find when you read my mind
Slippin’ in my faith until I fall
You never returned that call
Woman, open the door, don't let it sting
I wanna breathe that fire again
She said
Oh well I don't mind, you don't mind
Cause I don't shine if you don't shine
Put your back on me
Put your back on me
Put your back on me
The stars are blazing like rebel diamonds cut out of the sun
When you read my mind
Labels: Music
