"I'll Puke if that Jukebox Plays John Cougar One More Time..."

Happy fu#%in' Labor Day!
Here's a great Blue collar, workin' mans' kinda band playin' a real barn-burner for all you 9 to 5 galley slaves.




The Bottle Rockets remain one of the most steel-solid bands amongst the greatest of rural-rock trailblazers. The St. Louis, Missouri outfit have been long regarded and adored as THE workingman's rock band.
...yeh, I know, sounds like Crazy Horse, but that's the beauty of it!

"Long strange bad trip- Gustav created by halliburton"

The following rant was posted on another forum that I frequent.
I really liked the way this guy expressed his opinions, and felt that I should reprint it here so that others may read it.

" Yeah, those fucking nasty ass family values ruin a culture every time.

Tear down the walls of the oppressive compound of dad's who stay and raise their kids and racists warmongering things like boyscouts and little league baseball.

No more will our crossdressing hermaphrodites have to run from racist white mobs with torches at sporting events.

No more will our pedophiles be harassed and ostricized (spellchecker on here would be nice).

No more will those annoying botched abortions that are still squirming be rampaging through our streets with their guns and bibles. Women should be allowed to abort a pregnancy, but can we agree that if the thing is screaming and fighting the surgical equipment it might be past the window of opportunity? You can't decide to abort in the first trimester.

"Well, I never wanted the baby and those free condoms at the clinic were too inconvenient for me. I think a $350 invasive medical procedure is better for me and the baby."

Ever heard of aids? What fucking idiot was out there exchanging body fluids with strangers when there is a chance they would die, let alone be punished with a baby.

Shit I know a lot of people who should have been aborted, trust me. The hedonistic irresponsible fucktards that want to turn us into france are pretty selfish if you ask me. Lame ass men who don't have the balls to be a father but somehow have the sperm to make a baby that we all have to involuntarily pay for one way or another down the road with welfare, increased medical costs, crime, job competition, pollution, traffic, global warming. Hey wait those are liberal points, sorry. Didn't mean to show the irony in liberalism.

I know how to lower gas prices! Tax the oil companies! Brilliant, despite the fact that the tax rate is already higher than their profit rate. Hmmm I hope they wouldn't have to raise the cost to cover the tax, but that won't happen in a perfect world where everyone's taxes are lowered but somehow miraculously we all get healthcare. A world where we can sit at the table with dictators and attack pakistan. A place where we can make the most productive citizens pay a higher portion of their money to cover the unproductive's deficit. Perfect, let's punish the successful, hinder capitalism with more regulations and refuse to drill out the oil that cuba and china is now drilling from our waters. Brilliant. All these emotionally charged retards do not see this?

We need to close the public schools as well, or place overpaid radical asshole professors in teaching positions so we can match the inflated tuition costs of universities.
Or we could jsut blame bush, done deal. Next.

The irony of someone calling out the runner up on their experience when their teams starting pitcher hasn't done anything themselves. Unreal. I think the clintons are satanic but honestly, hillary has way more experience and has more balls to stand up to our enemies instead of attacking us from within.

Never thought I would be defending family values, but I honestly never thought they would come under attack." ~NoiseCollector

Harry Champion

Harry Champion was born William Crump in 1886.
The London actor-comedian-song writer was a famous British music hall star.
Champion's signature song was "I'm Henery the Eighth, I Am ".
As fate would have it, this same song would become a Huge hit for Herman's Hermits more than 50 years later.

Harry's rendition is the ninth, and final track in the player below.

"Life's Like Sanskrit Read To A Pony..." - Lou Reed

We are none of us strangers to loss.
The frailty of life's short warm moment is something we may never make sense of.
Hurt is universal.

Blah,blah,blah.... words just seem so hollow and empty, but I'm afraid words are all that I have to offer my dearest friend at this time of great loss.

I express my sincerest sympathy to JB at this difficult time, and I would implore all others that read this post, do so also.

A Haunting Performance from Satchmo

A Sad Song For A Sad Occasion.

Wayfaring Stranger

Birthdays, Birthdays, Birthdays!

Several People were born on this date, among them are A FINE MESS blogger MC, future president(?) John McCain, Golden Star personality Bob Weber, and the late Velvet Underground guitarist Sterling Morrison.


Here's a V.U. clip for your enjoyment.

Song Sung Blew

Neil Diamond to offer refunds(via AP)

Neil Diamond, the "Solitary Man", must've sounded more like "Cracklin' Rosie".Perhaps 'twas too much "Red Red Wine".
The Jazz Singer, who's also known as The Jewish Elvis, when asked repeatedly if he was refunding fans money probably responded:"I Am I Said".
If only he had issued this disclaimer beforehand;"My voice is unadorned. I don't try for perfection. I try to be honest and truthful and soulful with the voice I have. If I make mistakes in notes, or there are cracks in notes, I don't fix them. That's the way it is.", he would not be paying out to the fans that he upset on this "Hot August Night".

The Dems Convene

Sunshine Daydream

The Grateful Dead's legendary Field Trip took place in Veneta, Oregon 36 years ago on this date.
The event was filmed for a documentary, but remains unreleased.
Bits and pieces are around on the 'net.I would love to see the complete movie.



At least we have the audio.The show is considered by many to be one of their finest.

Remembering Woody

Bassist Allen Woody, best known for his work with Gov't Mule and The Allman Brothers' Band, departed this life on today's date in 2000.








2002 would see the release of the film Rising Low, a documentary based on the life and death of Allen Woody and the making of a double-disc tribute album featuring a host of legendary bass players.

Hank III Video Premieres!!!

Click and scroll down.

Less Than 72 Days To Go

Americans will be faced with an evil choice this November.

"When popular opinion is confronted with two main candidates that are substantially similar, a voter is often advised to choose the 'lesser of two evils' to avoid having the supposedly "greater evil" get into office and wreak havoc on society."

Allow me to inject some levity with this video, which recalls a similar choice faced several years back.





This old post seems more relevant than ever with opening of the convention.
(btw, I choose not to run.)

Not Just For Breakfast Anymore

Vodka has been produced since the Middle Ages. In the early days, the spirits were used mostly as medicines.
Many people today, myself included, use such elixirs medicinally.

View this slide show and see the Top 10 (other) uses for vodka.(via810WGY)
I don't recall these hints ever coming from Heloise.

Here's another past vodka post.

Phelps' Unsportsmanlike Conduct

This Cuban is even worse!

Sunday Morning Blah, blah, blah...

This week I will continue my Sunday series with a short post on the fabulous Mills Brothers.
I'm unable to go into much detail because I've been having some DSL issues.BTW, did I mention that Verizon Sucks!

In the player below you'll hear The Mills Brothers ("Four Boys and a Guitar") singing "Across the Alley from the Alamo" from the B-side of an original Brunswick 78rpm disc. Cleaned up with Mono-a-Mono, "The Wonder Audio-Scrubber", version 2.10., followed by the original uncleaned track for comparison.

Are You Covered?

This rather blurry (or is it me?) video is a clip from The Ben Stiller Show.

Moon the Loon

Drummer Keith Moon was born on this date in 1946.
Keith is known for innovative, dramatic drumming, often eschewing basic back beats for a fluid, busy technique focused on fast, cascading rolls across the toms and cymbal crashes. Moon was one of the first to play drums as a lead instrument in an era when drums were supposed only to keep the back beat. He is regarded as one of the greatest rock drummers.
Sadly, Keith Moon passed away Sept. 7th 1978.

Below you can watch Keith performing with The Who at Woodstock in 1969.

Get MADD!

This site offers proof that M.A.D.D. (more precisely M.A.D.D. inc.) is no more than a cash cow temperance movement operating under the guise of a non-profit organization - an organization that relies on fear tactics and even outright lies as weapons to fight for their cause.
A friend once referred to their attempts at a zero tolerance for alcohol as 'legislating people into alcoholism by vilifying them and forcing them to drink alone in the home.'

I offer this information, not to condone the practice but to provide travelers with an idea of what they face.
Here you can find more resources to help you make informed decisions regarding such matters.

In an effort to appear fair and balanced, allow me to present this tool which gives new meaning to the term beer goggles.


"It has been my experience that folks who have no vices have very few virtues."---Abraham Lincoln

If old Honest Abe is right, my "virtuous" lifestyle should qualify me for canonization.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Flip-Flopper

Billy Jones & Ernest Hare

Billy Jones & Ernest Hare met in1919 and formed a musical partnership. The duo, who would often amuse themselves by singing opera in a burlesque fashion, were best known as The Happiness Boys. They sang popular and comic songs, and joked with one another between numbers.
Together, the pair enjoyed success on various labels, major and minor.
They were also famous as radio artists.
Jones and Hare changed their identities whenever they changed sponsors. For Taystee Bread, Jones and Hare became "The Taystee Loafers," and for Interwoven Socks they became "The Interwoven Pair." Regardless of their affiliation, they continued with their songs and jokes through the 1930s.

Mission In The Rain

"All the things I planned to do, I only did half way
Tomorrow will be Sunday, born of rainy Saturday
There's some satisfaction in the San Francisco rain
No matter what comes down, the mission always looks the same"

(Hunter/Garcia)

To Disarm the People...

... is the best and most effective way to enslave them.
~ George Mason

Thursday Night SPAC-Down

Well it's off to the S.P.A.C. this evening.
Tonight is Alpine Night and I happened to win tickets from my local talk-radio station.
I've been to the venue a few times in the past for Grateful Dead or Allman Brothers' Band shows.
Tonight will be a bit different, as it's a classical concert, and the rules have been relaxed more than a little.Such being the case, I shall fill my growler at The Olde Saratoga Brewing Co. with some Eye of the Hawk Ale.
I'll also bring my chair and some food.

Drunk By Noon

"There once was a poodle who thought he was a cowboy, but he lived in a cage the size of his thumb. And, though his white horse was a box of toothpicks, he galloped around until hit by a car. Sometimes I flap my arms like a hummingbird just to remind myself I'll never fly. Sometimes I burn my arms with cigarettes just to pretend I won't scream when I die. Sometimes I can't wait to come down with cancer. At least then I'll get to watch tv all day. And on my deathbed I'll get all the answers even if all my questions are taken away.
If my life was as long as the moon's, I'd still be jealous of the sun. If my life lasted only one day, I'd still be drunk by noon." ~ Rennie Sparks (The Handsome Family)

"Country music is supposed to tell stories, and nobody tells better, creepier stories than The Handsome Family. These people are downright disturbing -- and disturbed -- which makes it more of a pleasure to hear what they have to say." ~ Jeanne Acceturro

Hear more live stuff from The Handsome Family at the Internet Archive.

more birthdays

Swanny and Kel-Dog both celebrate birthdays today.

Here's One to Get MC Goin'

Sunday Morning 78's and Such: Benny Bell

Benny Bell was a comedic songwriter whose career began in the 1940's.
He was born Benjamin Samberg and, just as with Herschel Krustofski , his father had hoped that he become a rabbi rather than performing in vaudeville and recording music.
He is best remembered for his double entendre party records which were quite racy for the era. Although a true musical innovator, Bell languished in total obscurity until his recording of "Shaving Cream" became a fluke hit almost 30 years after its initial 1946 release.

Note: This is the sixth installment in a series which has evolved to be known as "Sunday Morning 78's and Such".There were four posts already before I noticed the pattern and decided to make it a series.

In Memoriam: Jerry Garcia August 1st, 1942 - August 9th, 1995

The Grateful Dead's Jerry Garcia left this earthly plain on today's date in 1995.




"River gonna take me, sing me sweet and sleepy
Sing me sweet and sleepy all the way back home
It's a far gone lullaby sung many years ago
Mama, Mama, many worlds I've come since I first left home

Going home, going home
By the waterside I will rest my bones
Listen to the river sing sweet songs
To rock my soul" ~ Robert Hunter






" I have spent my life
Seeking all that's still unsung
Bent my ear to hear the tune
And closed my eyes to see
When there were no strings to play
You played to me" ~ Robert Hunter






"When the last rose of summer pricks my fingers
And the hot sun chills me to the bone
When I can't hear the song for the singer
And I can't tell my pillow from a stone

I will walk alone by the black muddy river
And sing me a song of my own
I will walk alone by the black muddy river
Sing me a song of my own

When the last bolt of sunshine hits the mountain
And the stars seem to splatter in the sky
When the moon splits the south west horizon
And scream of an eagle on the fly

I will walk alone by the black muddy river
And listen to the ripples as they moan
I will walk alone by the black muddy river
Sing me a song of my own

Black muddy river
Roll on forever
I don't care how deep and wide
If you got another side
Roll muddy river
Roll muddy river
Black muddy river, roll

When it seems like the night will last forever
And there's nothing left to do but count the years
When the strings of my heart start to sever
And stones fall from my eyes instead of tears

I will walk alone by the black muddy river
And dream me a dream of my own
I will walk alone by the black muddy river
Sing me a song of my own
And sing me a song of my own"

Chuctanunda Creek

The North Chuctanunda Creek flows through the City of Amsterdam, NY on its way to the Mohawk River.

A dam on Chuctanunda Creek, finished in 1875, allowed the city to become an important manufacturing area, primarily of carpets.

Last month I seized the opportunity to take a guided, educational walk along the Chuctanunda.
Although many of the sights along the way were already familiar to me from walking my dog, I gained a new respect for the rich history of the area after learning the stories behind them.

...and after the tour, I stopped into a tavern built in the '30's and learned even more of the city's colorful past.
It was a great day all around.

The Great Sacandaga Lake

The Great Sacandaga Lake is one of many lakes in New York 's Adirondack region.


The lake is a short drive from my home and a few weeks ago I was fortunate to trek up there with my brother-in-law and niece.


These photos do not do justice to the natural beauty of this area. One must truly experience it to get the full effect.

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

I recently posted about the Amsterdam Mohawks.
More recently, I went out to the game and snapped a few photos. I wasn't too pleased, overall, with the results, but here are a few pictures that I saw fit to upload.


The Mohawks play in what's been described as a throwback baseball field that sits in the middle of a green park. Some members of the Collegiate league that play there say it's like stepping back in time.

It's a very intimate setting for ball game and everything is reasonably priced.General Admission tickets are $3.00 each (on occasion the local paper will have a coupon for FREE admission!).
The Beer flows freely and a Yuengling (Traditional Lager) 16 oz. draft is $3.oo.There was one night, however, where they played a double header ( a make up game with a 3:30pm start) and they offered "Happy Hour Prices" from 3-5pm ($1 drafts!!!).

These young ladies below are the Amsterdam Zephyrs Dance Team. The Zephyrs are a member of Empire Football League.

"People take pictures of the Summer, Just in case someone thought they had missed it

... and to prove that it really existed."
~Ray Davies


Here's my first photos of the new home.That's my window up there.



There's the yard with my dog and garage.
perhaps someday, I 'll have something to put in the garage, aside from my bicycle.













Here's my cat, Tabby, my dog Klara, and some views of my bohemian loft.
On a good day, I live in a "bohemian loft".
On a bad day, I'm merely " a male, gentile Anne Frank hiding-out in an attic".


It's a cozy little space, and it serves as the nerve center for my blogging duties.

"In this world I lock out all my worries and my fears...
... Do my dreaming and my scheming
Lie awake and pray
Do my crying and my sighing
Laugh at yesterday" ~Brian Wilson







I humbly admit that these photographs are sub-par to many of those posted recently in the blogs of my comrades, but this is only my first outing, and was accomplished for less than $10 (cost includes disposable camera, developing and photo cd).



There are still some more photos to come, but I'll end this particular post with a shot from my basement bar!
There's plenty of room,so come up and see me sometime.

I Don't Like John McCain...

... but I HATE Barrack Hussein Obama!

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron’s cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience."~C.S. Lewis (via Pajamas Media)


In other Nanny-State news, 'Ordinance would require shelters for day laborers' (via Michael Savage). I suppose next they'll require them to be fed.

Somehow, in all this madness, sanity prevails in the Beaver State. Immigrants rights advocates said the law will harm Oregon’s economy by making it more difficult for undocumented workers to get to their jobs. I say, BOO -F@#kin' -HOO!

Are You A Racist?

25 Reasons You May be a Racist by Peter Kirsanow

The tendency of Obama supporters to see racist impulses behind every criticism of their candidate has evolved into absurdity. Now even the first black president feels compelled to declare he's not a racist. By this measure, nearly every American is at risk of being branded a racist at some point in the campaign. To assess whether you're at risk just consult the list below ( apologies to Jeff Foxworthy )

1.If you think Obama's the most liberal member of the senate you...may be a racist.

2.If you object to Obama raising your payroll, capital gains and estate taxes you...may be a racist.

3.If you'd prefer a president have at least some foreign policy experience you...may be a racist.

4. If you're in favor of drilling for oil and building nuclear power plants you...may be a racist.

5. If you think "Vero Possemus" is Latin for "Massive Ego" you... may be a racist.

6. If you wonder why Obama was hanging around William Ayers and Bernadine Dohrn you...may be a racist.

7. If your pastor is nothing like Rev. Wright or Father Pfleger you... may be a racist.

8.If you don't want the majority of justices on the Supreme Court to be like Stephen Breyer you...may be a racist.

9. If you're not impressed with Obama's 100% NARAL rating you...may be a racist.

10. If you're not sure whether Obama opposed or supported FISA reauthorization you...may be a racist.

11. If you don't think America is a "downright mean" country you...may be a racist.

12. If you think Obama should've visited wounded troops at Ramstein and Landstuhl you...may be a racist.

13. If you think the surge is working and that's a good thing you...may be a racist.

14. If you oppose racial preferences in employment, school admissions and contracting you...may be a racist.

15. If you think "we are the change we've been waiting for" is a line from a Monty Python skit you...may be a racist.

16. If you prefer that a president have a smidgen of executive experience you...may be a racist.

17. If you're appalled that Obama voted against treating infants born after an abortion attempt the same medically as other infants born alive you...may be a racist.

18. If you were proud of your country even before Obama's candidacy you...may be a racist.

20. If you don't think American troops are just "air raiding villages" you...may be a racist.

21. If your grandmother isn't a "typical white person" you...may be a racist.

22. If you don't think rural, working class people are bitter and "cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren't like them" you...may be a racist.

23. If you're not sure invading Pakistan is a particularly good idea—what with their nuclear weapons and all— you...may be a racist.

24. If you don't want the president to meet without precondition with the leaders of state sponsors of terror you...may be a racist.

25. If you don't care how Hollywood or the European elite think you should vote you...may be a racist.

This campaign has, to paraphrase Moynihan, defined racism down. (via National Review Online)

"The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of blessings; the inherent vice of socialism is...

... the equal sharing of miseries." - Winston Churchill
_______________________

The "Thought Police" are all for free speech, as long as it's their free speech.
_______________________

"The truly outrageous aspect of such comparisons is that the American left, with its Stalin-redux willingness to rearrange history, neglects to mention that, outside of Japan, all of the 20th century's great totalitarian regimes had roots on the political left."

(Via New York Post)

... in other news, Paris responds to McCain's ad.
(via Conservative Punk)

Typical Xenophobic Small-Town Americans Clinging to Their Beer

Got Gas?

My friend Robynne has passed on this website which should be of interest to all price conscious motorists.
Just enter your zip code and find out which gas stations have the cheapest prices in your area.
It's updated every evening. Just click on the link. You will see a map of your area and then scroll down and you will get a listing of gas prices in your area with addresses and brands starting with the cheapest and going up.

Jimmy's Journey Part II: The Return of Jimmy

Jimmy has returned from wandering westward!
Stop by his site to view some amazing photos.
While your there, don't miss the Sunday Beer Review.It's back as well.

Coon-Sanders Original Nighthawk Orchestra

The Coon-Sanders Nighthawks Orchestra was formed in 1919 and was at its peak between 1926 and 1932. The Orchestra was the first of the Kansas City Jazz bands to achieve national recognition, which it acquired through national radio broadcasts. It was founded in 1919, as the Coon-Sanders Novelty Orchestra.
At their peak, each member of the Orchestra owned identical Cord Automobiles, each in a different color with the name of the Orchestra and the owner embossed on the rear. The cars were given to them by E. L. Cord, the motor car magnate.
Carleton Coon, who was known to friends as Coonie, was admitted to the hospital in critical condition on April 30, 1932 suffering from blood poisoning which resulted from an abscessed jaw.
The Coon-Sanders Original Nighthawk Orchestra essentially died with Carleton Coon on May 4, 1932.