Spooky!
Published for Thursday - October 31, 2024
Written Sunday - 10/27/24 07:00 AM
It's Halloween! We won't have any candy grabbers this far up the cliff, but it's still Halloween. I think this is the way we like it, living in a low or a no-traffic area as far as the candy grabbers go.
We've certainly spent our time in high traffic areas (i.e., lots of candy grabbers) and that includes our kids doing the candy grabbing thing, so this is a welcome change for us and probably just in time considering how early we tend to hit the sack.
Back at other homes, our current bed time is about the time the older kids did their candy grabbing. I remember years where we came very close to giving away all of the candy. And I remember a few years where I held back the good stuff just in case I might have to consume it. And of course that is exactly how things unfolded.
My oh my, was that ever good. Poor kids didn't know what they were missing.
Rain from Hurricane Helene Devastates Portions of North Carolina
Published for Wednesday - October 30, 2024
Written Tuesday - 10/28/24 06:55 AM
Hard to understand how just rains can devastate so much. That is until you see some of the pictures.
It all happened in the end of September.
Click on an image to enlarge it. Close the new window where the new image opened to return.
One Week from Today!
Published for Tuesday - October 29, 2024
Written Thursday - 10/24/24 07:15 AM
It's amazing. Only one week to go until the election. One week from today!
It seems that is the only thing that is on my mind these days. The election and, equally important to me, the countdown to it.
It's been all about fitness and the presidential election. Those seem to be the only topics I'm writing about these days.
I'll say it again. If Kamala wins this election, I will be in shock. How is it that anyone can vote for her?
I don't care if she is trying to be nice and presidential. She's an uninformed and incompetent person. No one should be voting for that or against a man who has demonstrated a high level of success in the things that matter - despite his less than appealing behaviors.
Why would anyone vote for a person who acts the most presidential? That's a mistake I hope will get corrected over time. Give me a president who holds a tight line to the party policies.
If our candidate can do that, then elsewhere I can cut that person a lot of slack, especially in the area of his or her behavior.
I'm not looking for an actor. I'm not looking for a corrupt and power seeking person either.
We need skills that align with good leadership and a sound view of fiscal matters. We need a builder who understands people.
Trump lacks in the people skills area. However, what we really need is a swamp drainer and a person who is willing to get dirty doing that. Trump gets high marks in both areas.
I've had my fill of image type people. That's where Kamala scores well and that's why so many gullible people will vote for her. The rest of us see well beyond that.
God help those who vote based on acting skills and God help us all if Kamala wins. This is indeed a critical election.
If she wins it may be the last election. It frightens me when I realize that a potential one-party system is okay with the opposition. A two-party system ensures that we all understand the 'why' that sits behind the 'what.'
Mel Gibson has a scene in 'Braveheart' that addresses Trump's motivation so well. In it, Mel addresses the corruption of the nobles and says to them: 'There's a difference between us. You think the people of this country exist to provide you with position. I think your position exists to provide those people with freedom. And I go to make sure that they have it.'
If Trump were speaking to corrupt members of the Democrat party he might change 'freedom' to 'a smaller and better functioning government offering life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.'
Technical Stuff
Published for Monday - October 28, 2024
Written Friday - 10/25/24 03:30 PAM
Well, I did some technical work on the blogsite recently and thought I would relay that activity here. It wasn't much of a much but it definitely mattered.
I've got multiple items that I work on. Some are public and some aren't. First is a ham radio log. It only shows 15 entries to the general public so each morning I set a goal to make 15 DX (long distance) contacts.
I don't have to place that on my blog because it's completely a separate system. It's password protected and people only go to it who are ham radio operators and have probably made a contact with me. I could show friends where it is located but, without a ham license and user access, the location would not be useful.
Second is my fitness log which is contained (privately) on my blog. I did some work on it recently to make it look better although I'm the only one who ever will see the changes since the URL address is private. I log quite a bit of information each day about my fitness activities.
I have several 'utilities' that I have developed over the years but they are all private and one would need to know the URL addresses to access them. Still, I have blogged about some of those utilities here and from time to time.
Third is my check register. I keep it on my PC (not on my blog) and also keep a backup copy as well.
I make changes to both quite often just making sure that what they reflect match my bank statement and show my financial activity. That system is only available to users of my PC and I intend to keep it that way for privacy and security.
Addendum:
Written Saturday - 10/26/24 09:00 AM
If technical stuff about the website interests you (I'm sure some just left the
blogsite when they saw this) then I have just the thing for you.
Over in the left-hand menu at the bottom of the category list is a category named
'Website Technology.' By clicking on that category one can read much of what I've
done here on the blog and other technical writings.
Be warned, there's a lot of geeky-techie stuff in that category and it's not for
the faint of heart. Still, any nerds in the crowd may find it interesting reading.
Consider yourself fairly warned LoL.
My MHR Chart
Published for Sunday - October 27, 2024
Written Thursday - 10/24/24 11:30 AM
Maximum Heart Rate (MHR) is calculated as 220 - age. So for me at age 70 my MHR is 150 as can be seen on the chart above.
My High Intensity Interval training is a modified plan where I'm using my measured Heart Rate (according to my Garmin smart watch) to ensure a good workout without exceeding my MHR.
To achieve my goals I'm doing four half mile runs at an 8:30 pace with a specific resting period of 25 seconds at the end of each half mile (which is the equivalent of 1/20th of a mile of running at the same pace.)
To validate what I'm saying in terms of the period of rest between each half mile, simply convert the pace/mile into seconds (510.) Then divide that by 20.
One thing is certain. By the time it is close to being over with, I'm more than ready to be done!
Addendum:
Written Friday - 10/25/24 04:10 PM
Since this item is fitness related, I should probably post it here. In fact
I've written most everything well ahead, so this may be the only time and
place I have to share it.
I've added stretching to my daily regimens and runs. It's something that I'm
doing each and every day.
One day, if I'm lucky, it will enable me to touch my toes without bending my
legs. My finger tips only reach just over half way between my knees and my
feet, so I've still got a lot of hamstring stretching to do.
Currently, I'm about as limber as a brick. I wish I had stayed with my stretching
exercises over the years.
If I had, I would probably be limber by now. But, as before, it's probably the
thing I enjoy least about my daily fitness routines.
Oh My!
Published for Saturday - October 26, 2024
Written Thursday - 10/24/24 07:25 AM
Oh my! I did a 2 mile run yesterday with no weight training and it was a full load. In other words, it took all I had to cross the finish line on that 2 miler - even without a weight training workout.
Today, I have my #1 Regimen (with the most weight) workout and then my now standard 2 mile run. Will I be up to the task? We'll see.
That's as much fretting as I intend to do. I am constantly up to the task and it's going to stay that way. Hold on tight and go for it! That's all I have to say. No fretting, just get it done!
Addendum:
Written Thursday - 10/24/24 10:30 AM
Well, I got it done. I did the #1 weight training regimen, stretches, and added
the two mile run. Whew! That was a workout!
My MHR (139) was only up one point from yesterday's MHR of 138. It felt like
more than that but I suppose that's a good place to be on the MHR chart when
considering my goals.
Interesting Discussions
Published for Friday - October 25, 2024
Written Wednesday - 10/23/24 07:00 AM
Looks like I'm back to operating on a 2 days in advance schedule. It's Wednesday as I write this post, but it won't be published until Friday.
Patty and I had an interesting discussion on the back deck. We were out enjoying the view and the weather and the discussion sort of snuck in on us.
I must confess that we both enjoy looking at housing options. However, we keep coming back to our lack of desire to move and the idea that we need to appreciate the number of needs or requirements that receive a checkmark living in this home.
Isn't that why we moved here? Age seems to creep into our thoughts as well. Would it be a mistake to try and buy into a situation for which we are no longer able or prepared? I think we both fear that would be an easy thing to do.
I think we realize that we would be stuck at that point. Stuck in a situation where we would need to do more the we care to do or even are possibly able to do.
It doesn't take too long before we try and inject wisdom into the situation. After all, we are very comfortable in this place and we both have no idea what the future holds for us.
Lesson Learned!
Published for Thursday - October 24, 2024
Written Tuesday - 10/23/24 05:45 PM
Well, I learned a big lesson today. Sure I've already heard it said, but was exposed to it like never before.
As I mentioned in previous posts, I purchased the book Conclave on my Audible account. I listened to every word. Well, at least until the story was over, which was about 15 minutes before the very end of the book.
Everything ended nicely and it was wrapped up with the proverbial pretty bow. I went and joined my wife for supper and afterward decided to listen to the last 15 minutes or so of the book.
Wow! How did he do that? How did the writer turn the whole story on it's head in such a short period? And how did I miss that?
The story already took a turn in the last chapter that I didn't see coming. But then, I really didn't see that last part coming that came in the final 15 minutes. I thought that first surprise was the end of the story and the book. I figured the final 15 minutes was just going to be the fluffy ending.
It never dawned on me that the story wasn't yet over or that it would have such a powerful (and perhaps controversial) ending. Good grief! Big lesson learned!
I can't wait to see the movie to see how they turned that book info a film.
Will I finally understand that popular refrain? You know, the one where people
say 'The book was so much better than the movie.'
My Romantic Wife
Published for Wednesday - October 23, 2024
Written Monday - 10/21/24 09:40 PM
What we have is special. And what I have, few if any guys ever find in their lives. Patty is a loving person and she is the love of my life.
There's no way around it. The Lord definitely knew what He was doing when He placed Patty in my life.
There was and still is so much I need and want to learn from her. She is a shining example to me of God's love and His grace. Her witness to me of Christ in her life is something I cherish.
She's the romantic person that I've always dreamed of having. She's everything I could want or ask for in a life-long partner and wife. She is indeed my soulmate.
I'm so grateful for her companionship, and for so many other things about her. For starters, she is an amazing chef and her meals are always wonderful. But that's just where it all starts.
She works so hard to make me happy in everything she does. Not only with the meals she prepares (because she cares about what I like.) But, literally in all that she does, she does it with me in mind and she always puts me first.
As I've said before (and will keep on saying) I am indeed a blessed man! As I've also said before, dad got it right when he noted that I got the best end of the deal with her in my life. And what an amazing deal she has been!
Election Day
Published for Tuesday - October 22, 2024
Written Monday - 10/21/24 06:55 AM
Well, as I publish this post the election is two weeks from today. That's getting mighty close!
Like I said before, I can't believe how fast time is flying. I still remember (like it was yesterday) when we had a full year left on the calendar and before the election.
I'm not sure how we got here so quickly. It must be an age-related thing.
What I do know is that we are here. Two weeks from today is nothing. And all of the big guns are out speaking their last-minute piece on YouTube. (Obama, Musk, etc.)
I'm still waiting to see how the result is going to look. It sure looks like a win for Trump from this position and in this timeframe.
A win for Kamala Harris would be a big surprise to me. Except I wonder what she has hidden up here sleeve in order to pull off a cheating win. I just can't believe they can do that twice in a row. I hope we're better prepared for it than last time.
Addendum:
Written Monday - 10/21/24 06:55 AM
As I type, today is Monday and I'm going to do both my #1 weight-training
regimen and a 2 mile run. We'll see how that goes.
I need to do something to drop some more weight. Ever since I replaced those
batteries in the bathroom scales I have been pretty close to the top of my
range. I'm honestly not sure what to do to correct for that issue.
Addendum2:
Written Monday - 10/21/24 09:35 AM
Wow! I did the two miler on top of my regimen #1 and my MHR was 170! That's the
target MHR for a 50 year old and I just hit 70. Well, that's a good thing and
I'm going to stay with the 2 milers for a while and see what happens.
I could definitely tell that it was a major push but nothing with which I was
terribly uncomfortable or I would have stopped. I like the idea of pushing as
long as it's reasonable and this did indeed feel reasonable - especially since
I was doing interval training.
Two Mile Runs
Published for Monday - October 21, 2024
Written Saturday - 10/19/24 08:20 AM
Well, today was day 2 in bumping my distance up to 2 miles when I'm not doing weight training. MHR was 128 and RHR was 47. I was sure my MHR would be up in the 130's but such was not the case.
Still, I suspect that the 128 rate was achieved more quickly and held much longer. For interval training, which is what I'm trying to accomplish, that's probably a very good thing.
One thing is for sure. Tightening up the stride, as mentioned previously, continues to be a good thing. I'm getting a much better workout as a result.
Addendum:
Written Saturday - 10/19/24 03:55 PM
I had an unusual memory come to mind. The odd thing is, it was so unusual that
I don't remember much if anything about it other than it happened.
I was playing bass guitar at a Valdosta State College Jazz Band concert. The
featured artist was Urbie Green - an amazing Jazz trombonist - who plays that
horn like I've never heard it played before. If you have never heard of him,
do a Google image search on 'Urbie Green' and look at all of his accomplishments.
Anyway, and like I indicated, I was performing on the electric bass at a concert
that included some amazing stuff from him. We were all minding our own business
and playing this tune we had practiced earlier in the day. I had no idea at that
time what was to come. I wish I had been given a warning.
Like I said, we were all minding our own business and Urbie started fading people
out. First the band. Then the keyboard guy. Then the guitar guy. Now it was just
three of us - me, the drummer, and Mr. Green. We were jamming just a bit.
Then it happened. He faded out and he looked over at the drummer and directed him
to fade out. Then he pointed to me and said, 'take it!' That's all I remember.
I don't remember what I did. I don't remember if Urbie brought everyone back in
or if I just quit. I'm serious - I don't remember a thing!
I remember that we played no more music after that song. It ended the concert.
I remember my sister came up to me after the concert and asked if I had known
that was going to happen. I remember looking back at her with eyes
wide open and still full of fear and saying, 'Nooooooooooo.'
I was far from a good electric bass player. One thing is for sure - I'm so glad
there is no video evidence of that event. It couldn't have been very pretty.
The Ice Maker Ghost
Published for Sunday - October 20, 2024
Written Wednesday - 10/16/24 07:40 PM
Somewhere in here, there's a B-grade movie title. Kind of like Ghost of the Ice Maker or something like that.
I purchased the smaller seven pound bag of ice and it lasted exactly until the ghost fiddled with our ice maker and got it working again. You probably think I'm kidding but I'm not.
I'll wake up in the middle of the night and the ghost has been working because I hear ice falling in the refrigerator door. Our ice maker is once again working I will think to myself. Either that or the guy that broke into our home is making a lot of loud noise that sounds just like the ice maker.
But sometime down the road, just as quickly as it started working, it quits. Quitting may last just for the day, a few days, or even a week or more. There's no telling what the ghost will do or undo. But he's in charge of ice around here. He says when we have it or when we need to buy it.
Okay ice maker ghost. Come on out and show yourself!
Addendum:
Written Wednesday - 10/19/24 06:45 AM
My better half mentioned to me that Victor Davis Hanson had made a prediction
about the presidential election. He predicted that Kamala would win the
popular vote but that Donald J. Trump would win in the electoral college.
I have no idea how he arrived at that conclusion or upon what he bases his
thoughts toward that conclusion. It's quite unusual for him to climb out on
the end of a limb with a prediction like that.
It will be interesting to see how it checks out against the reality of the
situation. If he accurately predicts a complex happening such as that one,
it will be one for the record books and a study in how he got there.
Bret Baier Interviews Kamala Harris
Published for Saturday - October 19, 2024
Written Wednesday - 10/16/24 03:50 PM
Back on Wednesday of this week, Fox News had two interesting offerings.
The first was a town hall meeting with former President Donald J. Trump. It was hosted by Harris Faulkner and featured an audience of all women and their questions.
The second was an interview with democratic Presidential Candidate Kamala Harris. It was hosted by Brett Baier and as mentioned previously, also on Fox News.
To be honest, I did not know that Fox News was going to do the Trump Town Hall in Georgia. Quite frankly, I feared that it was going to be a hostile audience but that did not seem to be the case.
Still they offered tough questions and I thought Trump (in his Trump way) did a masterful job of answering the questions. There were comments from one of the ladies afterward, that he came across as warm and approachable. I quite agree.
This was good for him and I wish the meeting could have been aired on a public channel so it could have been seen by more from the liberal left.
As I type, the Kamala Harris interview is yet to happen. I'll be front and center streaming with my iPad. I'm looking forward to it for many reasons.
Many reasons? Well, I primarily want to hear what she has to say. But I also want to see how open she is going to be and how fairly the entire thing is handled by Mr. Baier. I'll come back afterward and offer my comments in the addendum below
Addendum:
Written Wednesday - 10/16/24 06:40 PM
There a Newsweek article here that covers all of the conspiracy theories about Bret's
interview. I didn't know what I was missing until I read it and a few of the many comments.
Oh my. I am literally worn out from listening to Kamala stall because she can't
answer Bret's questions. Her request to let her finish was a stall tactic. Combine
that with a late arrival and you understand where she is coming from. What I do
not understand is those who support her. I simply do not understand such a position.
What really boggles my mind is the democrat supporters on the Fox News panels.
It must just be a game to them. What I will say is God help us if she is some
how elected. We've become a 'my side - your side' country. I don't understand
the liberal left's needs. More than that I don't understand how this race can
be this close.
Are the polls truly reflective of the facts? May the Lord help us if they are
for if they reflect reality it confirms the divided nature of our country.
The War on Warriors
Published for Friday - October 18, 2024
Written Wednesday - 10/16/24 03:25 PM
I mentioned back around the first of the month that I was reading this book. I suppose I should say I was listening to it on my Audible account.
I finished it a few days after I purchased it. It was a great book and well worth the read.
Like I said back then, if it has the approval of Victor Davis Hanson then I'm all it on it. It did and I was.
I particularly liked the final chapter, which was a letter to his sons. There's no doubt in my mind that I'm cut from a different cloth than the author, but his primary point was well made and well taken.
To be honest, I did some serious reflecting upon what he had to say. Like I said, his point was well made and well taken. Clearly what he had to say was true and I am thankful for his kind of people. Perhaps in a different life...
Addendum:
Written Thursday - 10/17/24 07:30 AM
I heard an interesting factoid and thought it would be worth sharing here. Georgia had
early voting this week and broke records with it.
306,000 people voted early in Georgia this week. That shattered the previous record
of 123,000 early voters and by quite a large margin.
I hope I'm right about thinking we may see a landslide here in favor of Trump. But
heck, if history means anything at all, I could be totally wrong and Kamala could
walk away with the victory. I guess it won't be too long before we know the outcome.
Elon Musk
Published for Thursday - October 17, 2024
Written Wednesday - 10/16/24 07:00 AM
This is a 'must watch' video.
Addendum:
Written Wednesday - 10/16/24 08:05 AM
Well, today was the day. I bumped my first non-weight-training run up to 2 miles
and got my heart rate back up where it needs to be. My MHR was 130 and my
resting heart rate RHR is still below 50 (47 today.)
It's really amazing tightening up my stride. I get a much better workout when I
do that. When my stride is loose I do about 139 steps per 1/10th of a mile. When
I tighten up my stride I do from 141 to 142 steps. The difference is quite
amazing in terms of the workout I get from making that change.
The Election
Published for Wednesday - October 16, 2024
Written Saturday - 10/12/24 12:30 PM
Hard to believe the election is so close. In just about three weeks we'll be voting. It only seems like just yesterday that we still had a year left on the calendar before the election was upon us. And now, here we are. Where did the time go?
It's also hard to tell what's going to happen. That's because the media is feeding us with their narratives. The truth is out there somewhere, but not being discussed by the media. As has so often been the case, the media seems to be working closely with the liberal left.
Will Trump lose in 2024? I don't think so.
Did he really lose in 2020? Ditto my previous answer.
There is real evidence for anyone willing to dig just a bit.
Did Trump dig his own grave? Quite possibly!
- Almost 4 million jobs created.
- More Americans are now employed than ever recorded before in our history.
- We have created more than 400,000 manufacturing jobs.
- Manufacturing jobs growing at the fastest rate in more than THREE DECADES.
- Economic growth last quarter hit 4.2 percent.
- New unemployment claims recently hit a 49-year low.
- Median household income has hit highest level ever recorded.
- African-American unemployment has recently achieved the lowest rate ever recorded.
- Hispanic-American unemployment is at the lowest rate ever recorded.
- Asian-American unemployment recently achieved the lowest rate ever recorded.
- Women’s unemployment recently reached the lowest rate in 65 years.
- Youth unemployment has recently hit the lowest rate in nearly half a century.
- Lowest unemployment rate ever recorded for Americans without a high school diploma.
- Veterans’ unemployment recently reached its lowest rate in nearly 20 years.
- Almost 3.9 million Americans have been lifted off food stamps.
- The Pledge to America’s Workers has resulted in employers committing to train more than 4 million Americans. We are committed to VOCATIONAL education.
- 95 percent of U.S. manufacturers are optimistic about the future—the highest ever.
- Retail sales surged last month, up another 6 percent over last year.
- Signed the biggest package of tax cuts and reforms in history. After tax cuts, over $300 billion poured back in to the U.S. in the first quarter alone.
- As a result of our tax bill, small businesses will have the lowest top marginal tax rate in more than 80 years.
- Helped win U.S. bid for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
- Helped win U.S.-Mexico-Canada’s united bid for 2026 World Cup.
- Opened ANWR and approved Keystone XL and Dakota Access Pipelines.
- Record number of regulations eliminated.
- Enacted regulatory relief for community banks and credit unions.
- Obamacare individual mandate penalty GONE.
- More affordable healthcare options for Americans through association health plans and short-term duration plans.
- FDA approved more affordable generic drugs than ever before in history. And thanks to our efforts, many drug companies are freezing or reversing planned price increases.
- We reformed the Medicare program to stop hospitals from overcharging low-income seniors on their drugs—saving seniors hundreds of millions of dollars this year alone.
- Signed Right-To-Try legislation.
- Secured $6 billion in NEW funding to fight the opioid epidemic.
- Reduced high-dose opioid prescriptions by 16 percent.
- Signed VA Choice Act and VA Accountability Act, expanded VA telehealth services, walk-in-clinics, and same-day urgent primary and mental health care.
- Increased our coal exports by 60 percent; U.S. oil production recently reached all-time high.
- United States is a net natural gas exporter for the first time since 1957.
- Withdrew the United States from the job-killing Paris Climate Accord.
- Cancelled the illegal, anti-coal, so-called Clean Power Plan.
- Secured record $700 billion in military funding; $716 billion next year.
- NATO allies are spending $69 billion more on defense since 2016.
- Process has begun to make the Space Force the 6th branch of the Armed Forces.
- Confirmed more circuit court judges than any other new administration.
- Confirmed Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch and nominated Judge Brett Kavanaugh.
- Withdrew from the horrible, one-sided Iran Deal.
- Moved U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem.
- Protecting Americans from terrorists with the Travel Ban, upheld by Supreme Court.
- Issued Executive Order to keep open Guantanamo Bay.
- Concluded a historic U.S.-Mexico Trade Deal to replace NAFTA. And negotiations with Canada are underway as we speak.
- Reached a breakthrough agreement with the E.U. to increase U.S. exports.
- Imposed tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum to protect our national security.
- Imposed tariffs on China in response to China’s forced technology transfer, intellectual property theft, and their chronically abusive trade practices.
- Net exports are on track to increase by $59 billion this year.
- Improved vetting and screening for refugees, and switched focus to overseas resettlement.
- Began BUILDING THE WALL. Republicans want STRONG BORDERS and NO CRIME. Democrats want OPEN BORDERS which equals MASSIVE CRIME.
Band or Artist with a Single Song
Published for Tuesday - October 15, 2024
Written Monday - 10/07/24 01:20 PM
Here are some more songs I enjoy (one band or artist with a single song.) These bands or artists are not necessarily one hit wonders, but the single I have associated with each is a real standout from my way of thinking.
Addendum:
Band or Artist with Multiple Songs
Published for Monday - October 14, 2024
Written Saturday - 10/06/24 03:55 PM
Here are some songs I enjoy (one band or artist with multiple songs.)
Addendum:
Break
Published for Sunday - October 13, 2024
Written Saturday - 10/12/24 07:15 AM
I thought I would take a quick break from postings about music. I've still got two more posts to go, but thought I would stick in another post before they are loaded.
The two (music) posts remaining will be posted the day after tomorrow as I write (Monday) (and Tuesday.) And then I will move away from the topic of music and back toward the other topics on my category menu.
The music post for tomorrow will be a good one with a lot of music included. In it I will feature a number of groups and artists and will include multiple songs for each. Two days after tomorrow the music post will also contain lots of music but will be geared toward a single song from various artists and bands.
For some, it would be easy to move them to the previous post and add a song or two, but they are included in this particular post because the song is a real standout (in my mind anyway.) So, I'll follow up this post with two lengthy posts, each containing a lot of songs by various groups and artists.
I know, I know. Most all of these song (from all of my posts) are rather old and from the 70's. Funny how each generation likes its music but is not a big fan of the music of the current generation. Such was the case with my father and is also the case with me.
Dad always asked how I could listen to that trash. I wonder the same thing about the music of this generation. (And I promised myself that I would not do that.) Oh well, so much for remaining open minded.
Addendum:
Written Saturday - 10/13/24 08:20 AM
This is not cool. I'm not getting my heart rate up to where it needs to be on the days when I have a one mile run and no weight training.
I really don't want to move those 3 days back up to 2 miles but may have no other choice. With one mile run and no weight training today, my heart rate was only up to 86. That's not enough.
I'll have to bump it up to 2 miles next Wednesday and see how that works out. I won't be looking forward to those 2 milers but need to have that heart rate up where it belongs on those days without weight training.
The good news is that I started my new regimen about a month ago, so going back to 2 milers will bump me back up to 10 miles per week - instead of my current 7 miles.
Running Playlist
Published for Saturday - October 12, 2024
Written Friday - 10/05/24 04:10 PM
I have several tunes that I listen to on a daily basis. That's because they make up my playlist for my one mile runs. I thought it would be worth sharing them here because I listen to them on a daily basis. They are part of my list of favorites and are tunes that I still enjoy.
Addendum:
Written Saturday - 10/05/24 04:10 PM
Here are the tunes on my one mile running playlist. In a one mile span I don't get to listen to very much of the third song, but it's still one that I really enjoy:
Bachman Turner Overdrive
Published for Friday - October 11, 2024
Written Sunday - 10/06/24 07:25 AM
There's an old group that I really like and one of their songs in particular. The group is Bachman Turner Overdrive and the song is Let It Ride.
It's a very old band with a lot of big hits but this is one I particularly like. It's a catchy tune and was very big back in the day when the band was big.
Fred Turner passed away at 74 on May 16, 2024. Randy Bachman passed away at 81 on February 01, 2020.
Addendum:
Written Sunday - 10/06/24 07:25 AM
Here's the tune:
Cover Bands 3
Published for Thursday - October 10, 2024
Written Saturday - 10/05/24 04:10 PM
After bingeing on both of the aforementioned cover bands, I happened across another high quality cover called The Lexington Lab Band because everyone in the band plays or sings in Lexington area. The leader of the group is Mike Vandermark and does as other cover band leaders do in selecting musicians who can reproduce the original sound.
The selected group performs the tunes and numerous camera people film the individual performances live. It's all edited and mastered by Mike Vanderberg who also often plays bass or guitar and sings.
Addendum:
Written Saturday - 10/05/24 04:10 PM
Below are some of my favorites done by this group.
Cover Bands 2
Published for Wednesday - October 09, 2024
Written Saturday - 10/05/24 03:05 PM
After bingeing on Leonid and Friends, I discovered another high quality cover band. They go by the name Hindley Street Country Club (HSCC) and play covers for various music groups.
Addendum:
Written Saturday - 10/05/24 03:05 PM
Below are some of my favorites done by this group.
Cover Bands 1
Published for Tuesday - October 08, 2024
Written Saturday - 10/05/24 02:00 PM
I got introduced to cover bands on the internet. And these were high quality cover bands. They played the original songs note-for-note like the original bands.
I thought we were doing well just to play the original tunes in our rock bands. It never dawned on me that there was a large market of people who wanted the sound of the tune to be exactly like the original. That's what has evolved in recent years.
Even their singers sounded like the original singers. And that was by design for many of those cover bands, which means they might have even invited a guest singer or instrumentalist to cover a part exactly as it sounded in the original version of the song.
The first, and very high quality cover band, started out playing all of my favorite Chicago tunes. It was a group of loosely knit Russians and all friends of a guy named Leonid. The band became known as Leonid and Friends. (See picture above.)
Leonid was the band's arranger and selected musicians who sounded just like the originals. He utilized a large group of musicians and pulled from that group with the sound of each song in mind.
Leonid and Friends started in 2014 as a Chicago tribute band and was based out of Moscow, Russia. They began as a YouTube band but now tour as well. Leonid Vorobyev is the founder and leader of the group and in 2018 they begam a large number of covers of other bands.
Addendum:
Written Saturday - 10/05/24 02:00 PM
Below are some of my favorites done by this group.
Music
Published for Monday - October 07, 2024
Written Saturday - 10/05/24 09:40 AM
I'm going to be busy for a while. I can't believe I've waited this long to add a topic that is so much a part of my life. But here it is - Music!
I'm going to be busy adding a wealth of information to my new topic. I'm going to start with one I added recently and go from there.
There's a lot of good things going on in the world of music, some of it very new and then there's the old stuff that is still so good and worth remembering and revisiting.
Admittedly, this new topic is going to reflect my taste in music but that's what a blog is all about. Reflecting one's personal preferences.
So here goes. Let's get this going! You can click on the 'Music' category over in the left-hand menu to keep up with my music related additions.
Weekend
Published for Sunday - October 06, 2024
Written Saturday - 10/05/24 09:00 AM
I went looking for the song Weekend but couln't remember who did it. I knew the title was not 'the weekend' which dominated the result.
In fact I couldn't find what I was looking for until I went to YouTube and scrolled down the list quite a ways.
There it was! Weekend! It was done by an ancient group (popular back when I was an avid listener.)
The hit song was indeed entitled 'Weekend' and was written and performed by a group known as 'Wet Willie.' Back in the days of my youth a 'Wet Willie' invoved slobbering all over one of your fingers and then sticking it in someone's ear. That is what was known as a 'Wet Willie.'
Still the song was a big hit and I really liked it.
Addendum:
Written Saturday - 10/05/24 09:00 AM
Thought I would add Wet Willie's song, Weekend, to make it easy on any readers that want to hear it.
The Problem
Published for Saturday - October 05, 2024
Written Friday - 10/04/24 07:00 AM
You know, the problem with medical stuff (such as a diagnosis) is that everyone is now an expert thanks to Google and the like. Or, in my case, the problem centers around the use of common sense to create a diagnosis that could be entirely wrong.
I'm not sure common sense is necessarily a good thing. But it's hard to accept that what they did today at the Leeds, AL UAB Medicine office was a legitimate scan.
That's because they were supposed to do both a neck scan and a brain scan and they were supposed to do both (I would assume) with and without contrast.
However, that's not what seemed to happen. I know they had to reschedule me from Wednesday afternoon until today. They indicated that the scanner was not working was the reason I was given.
Well, they moved me all around and did a number of scans (probably 10 or so) and all of that was performed without contrast. Then they pulled me out, put the IV in my arm (to do the contrast) and moved me to one location. Then they ran the machine for a good while (with one kind of scan at only one location) and then they moved me back out and said that it was all done.
I know they saw the surprise in my eyes and I should mention that when I was first greeted in the room by the tech, he apologized over and over again for how long I had to wait. And, more to the point, he indicated that my wait was due to the fact that they were having problems with the scanner. Hmmm?
I'm also concerned that I was not billed for my co-pay and that whatever I wind up being billed for the scan will not be in line with what I was told by the person on the other end of the phone at my UHC medical insurance. I hope I'm wrong on that front but I guess we'll see.
Wrong Day
Published for Friday - October 04, 2024
Written Thursday - 10/03/24 07:10 AM
As I write, it's the third of October (Thursday) and I earn another credit today on my Audible account and get to purchase The War On Warriors as I mentioned a few days ago.
But more to the point of the post title, I'm a day ahead on my schedule. Ooops.
I got up and showered like I was going to my Friday appointment in Leeds, AL. Problem is, it's Thursday. That's a bummer.
I guess I get to follow my Thursday regimen (workout #1 and a 1 miler.) And, I get to get sweaty just after taking an early shower. And, I get to get up and do this all again tomorrow.
Oh well, such is (my) life.
The V.P. Debate
Published for Thursday - October 03, 2024
Written Wednesday - 10/02/24 07:25 AM
As I type, it's the day I go to UAB in Leeds, AL. Also, I have a 1 miler ahead and no weight training. Should be a good and easy day.
Last night I watched the Vice-Presidential debate. It was pretty much what I anticipated.
Walz approached it casually and J.D. Vance went at it with more formality. I've got to say that I honestly enjoyed the kindness they showed to each other.
It was truly refreshing to see the cordiality expressed by each candidate. Wouldn't it be amazing if we all approached it the same way? Too much to ask?
Addendum:
Written Wednesday - 10/02/24 07:40 AM
Today I travel to UAB Leeds to do an MRI. I've had one done already but they want to see my neck in addition to any changes that have occurred up top.
The other one was done in Spanish Fort and was done 2 to 3 years ago. This one should reflect any changes that have occurred.
I go back to the doctor to get the full report sometime just before Thanksgiving. No idea what to anticipate here.Addendum2:
Written Wednesday - 10/02/24 01:15 PM
As I closed in my previous addendum, I had no idea what to anticipate. And I could have never guessed in a million years what would happen.
I was about half way to I-20 when I received a call from the UAB office there in Leeds, AL. Turns out their MRI machine was no longer scanning and needed to be repaired.
They knew I had a long drive and were trying to wave me off for a reschedule. Works out fine with me (being retired and all) and I told the guy I would stand-by to receive a call to reschedule. I think he was happy that it was such an easy thing to do in my state of retirement.
Prayer
Published for Wednesday - October 02, 2024
Written Tuesday - 10/01/24 07:15 AM
Yesterday evening I was doing my daily prayer. I'm not so good at consistently making it a daily thing, but I'm working on it.
In this particular instance, God was speaking to me. I open up my prayer praying for 1) our country, 2) the suffering children in child trafficing, and 3) the suffering adults in countries like North Korea.
Usually I have a pretty static way of offering this portion of my prayer. But, yesterday I realized that I have no idea how God would pull off an answer to this prayer.
I remember saying to Him that I have no idea how He might ease all of the suffering. It was then that I realized I really didn't know how He could possibly answer #2 and #3.
It was also then that I realized I didn't need to know and further didn't want to know what He would do. In that moment I realized that it was simply my job to pray for those needs and to leave the answers to Him.
To anyone else this may not have meant much. But to me this was a big deal. I don't need answers. That's God's job. I just need to do my job and offer up the prayer.
This will likely change my prayer life. Hopefully, it will become more consistent as a result of this revelation. Lord help me in that respect.
The War On Warriors
Published for Tuesday - October 01, 2024
Written Monday - 09/30/24 07:00 AM
On the afternoon of October 3, I earn another credit on my Audible account. This time I'm using it to prchase Pete Hegseth's latest book The War on Warriors.
I almost got this book a while back but found another instead since I wasn't sure about the book or the writer. Not really sure why I skipped it except my lack of familiarization with both.
Well, I saw Mike Rowe and Victor Davis Hanson recommend it during an interview and I made a mental note. I want this to be the next book I read. If those guys think it is good (and both did) then it's good enough for me.
Copyright © 2024 Hutch DeLoach