Henryk Gorecki- Symphony No. 3- Lento Y Largo- Tranquillissimo

On September 25, 1944, a young girl of 18 years old named Helena Wanda Błażusiakówna, was incarcerated.
Her jail cell was located in the town of Zakopane, which lies at the foot of the Tatra Mountains in southern Poland-a Nazi prison.
Her prison cell was shared with many.
In this particular prison, there were later found several inscriptions on the wall.
"The whole wall was covered with inscriptions screaming out loud: 'I'm innocent', 'Murderers', 'Executioners', 'Free me', 'You have to save me'."
Young Helena left an inscription, too.
However, a seemingly different tone was felt in hers.
It was almost an apology for having been captured.
It said, "Oh Mamma do not cry—Immaculate Queen of Heaven support me always."
When composer Henryk Gorecki, also from southern Poland, learned of this he stated, "She does not despair, does not cry, does not scream for revenge. She does not think about herself; whether she deserves her fate or not. Instead, she only thinks about her mother: because it is her mother who will experience true despair. This inscription was something extraordinary. And it really fascinated me."
I'm not sure how I would respond in the face of such terror, but the story definitely inspires me, as does the music, featured here, that came from it.

Cedarmont Kids- Deep and Wide

If you've been reading this blog, you know that Wifey and I recently celebrated 13 awesome years of marriage.
To celebrate, we took a cheap Spirit Air flight to Myrtle Beach.
We got a great deal on a waterfront room and stayed 3 nights.
The first two days were pretty chilly, but days 3 and 4 were very nice.
We enjoyed the time away, the peace and quiet, and just enjoying each other's company.
Oh...did I mention the good food?
The word "calabash" is now part of my vocabulary.
The last time that I had been to Myrtle Beach was just before my Pop (grandfather) died.
We spent many a summer camping at Lakewood Family Campground with my grandparents and aunts and uncles and cousins.
Pop passed when I was a junior in high school so we're talking about 25 years since I had been there.
It was neat going to the newly renovated Boardwalk and going in the arcade that I stayed and played in so many summers ago.
One afternoon while we were there, I asked Wifey if she cared if we drove by the old campground.
She didn't care so we headed that way.
We got there and they said that we could drive through.
Wow...so many memories.
The pool with the waterfall, the smelly bathhouses, and the pavilion.
Lakewood was a Christian-run organization and in the summertime, they had church services on Sunday and many times weekly Bible school for the kids.
I walked through the room, which was empty at this time of year, and gazed around.
Suddenly, emotions got the best of me, and tears sprang up in my eyes...
For it was here, in this very room, that I gave my life to the Lord at the age of 7.
I looked out one of the windows at the surf coming in and whispered a simple "thank you".
I regained my composure (I don't think Wifey even noticed I had lost it), and made my way to the door.
One of the songs that we sang back then was "You are the vine and we are the branches, His banner over me is love."
Another is this one, "Deep and Wide".

Matchbox 20-Unwell/ Brett Dennen-Blessed

Our Story-Year Thirteen
at
http://sixgreggs.blogspot.com

Trying to help someone that 1)Doesn't want your help and B)Doesn't recognize there is a problem, is a difficult place to be in.
Especially when that person is someone very close to you.
Thankfully, sometimes a double portion of grace is given and things get better...even if it may be temporary.
"Stay awhile and maybe then you'll see
A different side of me."



No matter what life brings--
The ups, the downs.
The heartaches and the joys.
What a blessing to have a God that "SO LOVES" you,
four wonderful, fun-loving, beautiful kids,
a career that brings satisfaction,
and a wife that will do anything to support your crazy dreams.
I love you, Mrs. Gregg.
May we have many more.

"This is the most magnificent life has ever been."

Nickelback-If Today Was Your Last Day

Our Story Year 12
at
http://sixgreggs.blogspot.com

Are you frustrated?
Bored?
Depressed?
If so, you are probably robbing the joy from other people's lives.
Other people?
Yes.
If you aren't doing what you alone were designed to do, then other people aren't benefiting from your gifts or talents.
Are you wasting your days?
You don't have to.
Figure out what you were created to do and do it.
You will find contentment and a sense of self-worth like never before.
We were designed to contribute to others' life experience.
Do it today as if it were your last chance.

"Each day's a gift not a given right."

Nickelback - If Today Was Your Last Day from Nickelback on Vimeo.

Natasha Bedingfield- Pocketful Of Sunshine

Our Story- Year Eleven
at
http://sixgreggs.blogspot.com


Life has it's ups and downs.
I think that's true for everyone, regardless of social, financial, educational, etc. status.
The key is that when you are down, keep moving.
Failure isn't the ride down.
Failure is quitting.
Failure is getting off the ride.
Failure is giving up.
Keep moving.
Never give up.
Never quit.
Hide yourself in the Rock, the Secret Place.
But keep moving.

"The sun (Son) is on my side and takes me for a ride
I smile up to the sky, I know I'll be alright."

Alicia Keys- No One/ The B-52's- Rock Lobster

Our Story-Year Ten
at
http://sixgreggs.blogspot.com/

Ten years is a milestone.
In order to have 50 years, you have to start with 10.
(Or one).
One of the best trips that I have been on has been our Florida Keys anniversary trip.

"You can be sure
That it will only get better."





For about 10 years, I took myself too seriously.
It's important to get done what you're supposed to do.
But, it's also OK to have fun.
One day on our trip to Bahia Honda State Park, we encountered the "Bahia Honda Thong Man".
The trip was great except for that.

"Let's rock!
...Boys in bikinis!"

Hannah Montana/Sheryl Crow- Need A Little Love

I'm not sure I should admit this.
But I was actually a little impressed with Miley Cyrus last year when she was a judge on American Idol.
I'm not super crazy about her music as either alter ego.
But either she's got some talent or she's been around show biz long enough to fake it.
I guess either one could be true.
At any rate, she conducted herself very professionally.
But...I hear tickets to her concerts are like $50-$250.
Did you just read that?
I mean, dang.
I was about to write that there's no way.
But, do you remember the commercial from a few years back with the dad driving his daughter and her friends to a concert.
I'm sure in a few years that I'll be that guy.
Whether it's to Miley or Carly or the latest boy band.
I'd do it for my Be-Bop.
This song doesn't suck as bad because it has Sheryl Crow in it.

Jimmy Durante- As Time Goes By

Well, the Christmas season is almost upon us.
And with the Christmas season comes all the pretty lights and decorations, Christmas music, and of course, the Christmas movies and shows on TV.
The Grinch is always one of my favorites.
Charlie Brown---most definitely.
And then there's the clay animation.
Rudolph, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, and...oh yes...
There is the animated "Frosty the Snowman".
You know, as many times that I have heard the song, "Frosty the Snowman", if asked I could never sing it through all the way.
Kind of strange.
Anyways, the cartoon is one of the Rankin/Bass classics.
The narration and the most of the songs are done by none other than Jimmy "Ha-cha-cha-chaa" Durante.
I used to start playing Christmas music on November 1st.
I'm thinking that this year maybe that's a little too early.
But the kids are already with the "Jingle bells Batman smells" stuff.
Here's a little non-Christmas Durante to enjoy...at least until after Thanksgiving.

Rascal Flatts-Life Is A Highway

Alright, back to the script.
Our Story-Year Nine
at
http://sixgreggs.blogspot.com/

"There's a world outside every darkened door
...Come ride with me to the distant shore."

Life, in it's sometimes hideous costumes, scare the pee-pee out of you.
It's then that you grab somebody's arm and just keep moving.
If you stop, you'll wallow in doubt, depression, and self-pity.
If you can just make it up the next hill, sandy shores await...and the view is terrific.

Little Walter-My Babe

Wifey and I recently watched the movie "Cadillac Records".
The film explores the musical era from the early 1940s to the late 1960s, chronicling the life of the influential Chicago-based record-company executive Leonard Chess, and the musicians who recorded for Chess Records.
The main story line revolves around the life and career of bluesman Muddy Waters.
The cast is great.
The film stars Adrien Brody as Chess, Cedric the Entertainer as Willie Dixon, Mos Def as Chuck Berry, Columbus Short as Little Walter, Jeffrey Wright as Muddy Waters, Eamonn Walker as Howlin' Wolf, and Beyoncé Knowles as Etta James.
I first saw Columbus Short in "Stomp The Yard".
Short is an accomplished singer, dancer, and choreographer.
In this film, he delivers an outstanding performance as the extremely talented, but troubled Little Walter.
His careless lifestyle led to an early demise at 37 years old, but his talent earned him a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008, making him the only artist ever to be inducted specifically for his work as a harmonica player.

Delbert McClinton- Lay Down Sally

I never listened to Don Imus.
He and Howard Stern have both just been on my avoidance list.
I've never really been a radio deejay fan.
Morning shows are the worst.
Blah, blah, blah, blah, etc.
Just play the stinking song, for crying out loud.
There is one exception...Mara Davis from Dave FM here in Atlanta.
She has the late morning/early afternoon shift at Dave.
At noon every weekday morning, she has Radio Free Lunch.
This is where she plays songs with a certain theme for an hour.
Listeners can call in, email, or Facebook their requests.
Today's theme was "Songs For Stranded Cruise Passengers" in "honor" of the Carnival cruise ship that had a fire, lost power, and was drifting out at sea.
She played songs like "Hungry Like The Wolf", "Dancing In The Dark", "Stuck In A Moment", etc. You get the picture.
So I do like one DJ.
But, I never got into the shock jocks.
Especially because of some of the negative things that I've heard that they've said.
Such as Imus calling the Rutgers women's basketball team, "nappy-headed hos".
Very classy.
But, I recently heard that Imus and his wife run a ranch for kids with cancer and also siblings of SIDS victims.
That kind of makes up for on-air stupidity, but not really.
At any rate, recently Imus hand-picked a group of artists to sing certain songs that were recorded for an album benefiting the ranch called "The Imus Ranch Record".
It has vocals from singers such as Dwight Yoakam, Little Richard, Vince Gill, and Lucinda Williams.
My favorite, I think, is this particular number by Delbert McClinton, a singer-songwriter that's been in the game since the early 60's.
We'll return to the "Our Story" posts soon. The last one was a little emotionally draining and we needed a break. Go Dawgs!

Merle Haggard-You Take Me For Granted/Mariah Carey-Don't Forget About Us/Pussycat Dolls-Stickwitu

Our Story-Year Eight
at
http://sixgreggs.blogspot.com

(Deep breath)
There are many men out there that are cheating on their wives.
They are physically and emotionally involved elsewhere.
I was one of these.
No, I never touched another woman inapppropriately.
The object of my desires was my work.
I had given all I had to make my work a success, but had forsaken the love of my life.
Thankfully, I had a friend to give me a kick in the pants.
And, a wife that forgives.
Guys, no amount of money, honor, or recognition is worth damaging the bond you have with your spouse.
Re-evaluate your priorities.
It can be better than it ever was before.
(Breathe again)
"You take me for granted, and it's breaking my heart."



"Baby I must confess
We were bigger than anything
Remember us at our best
And don't forget about"



"I know I got a good thing right here."

The Calling- Our Lives

Our Story- Year Seven

http://sixgreggs.blogspot.com

Perseverance. Determination. Prayer. Grace.
Those are the answers.
The question.....
How do you make it through tough times?

Train- Calling All Angels

Our Story-Year Six

http://sixgreggs.blogspot.com/

What an emotionally draining year!
Thanks to Superfriends like the Dorminys, the Mays, the Knights, and many others, including my Barnabas, Marty, for encouraging us and praying for us, and giving us a helping hand when it was needed. Thanks also to my Dad who, through the direction of The Father, helped to save my practice that year.
Looking back is alot easier than going thru.
Faith is tested and doubts are raised.
But love never fails.

"I need a sign to let me know you're here
All of these lines are being crossed over the atmosphere
I need to know that things are gonna look up
'Cause I feel us drowning in a sea spilled from a cup ."

Angie Martinez- If I Could Go

Our Story-Year Five

http://sixgreggs.blogspot.com/

It seems like we were always on the go this fifth year.
Miami, New York, back to Kennestone Hospital (YAY!!!),...and soon to Woodstock, GA.
Although sometimes you don't know what's around the corner, adventures are most enjoyed when they are shared with someone you love.

"Feelin like leavin with somebody who
Hold you the right way while watchin the night fade."

U2- Walk On

Our Story- Year Four

http://sixgreggs.blogspot.com


This was definitely a year of joy and sadness.
Thankfully, there was more joy than sadness.
September 11, 2001, like all disasters or catastrophes leave you with a choice--
stay mired in your bitterness, or
...find gratitude in what you have-- an awesome wife, a new beautiful baby boy, family and friends that love you, and a God that is for you, no matter what circumstances look like to the human eye.

"Walk on
What you got they can't steal it..."

Creed- With Arms Wide Open

Our Story- Year Three

found at
http://sixgreggs.blogspot.com/2010/11/our-story-year-three.html

My first choice was Watermark's "More Than You'll Ever Know" but I searched everywhere and I couldn't find a video for it.
"You'll never know what it means to be
just to know you've been on your knees for me."

So...we'll go with the back-up plan.
I thought about Prince's "1999".
Too obvious.
Then I remembered this song.
...And it's perfect.

Edwin McCain- I'll Be

Our Story- Year Two

http://sixgreggs.blogspot.com/2010/11/our-story-year-two.html
Copy and paste the above link for today's story.

"I'll be the greatest fan of your life."

Chumbawumba-Tubthumping

For the next couple of weeks, I'm hooking up to my bride's blog as she describes the first 13 years of our married life.
She'll provide the story, I'll provide the soundtrack.
Happy Anniversary in a few days, baby!
Here is the link:
http://sixgreggs.blogspot.com
Just copy and paste it onto your browser.

We get knocked down, but we get up again!

The Temper Trap- Sweet Disposition

You ever have one of those days?
You know the kind.
Everything's fine, then you come home from work and before you know it, you're so stressed out that you're wearing your shoulders as earrings and you want to kick the cat.
For me, not very often, thankfully.
But today...yes.
Wifey will tell you that I'm probably the most laid back guy she knows.
And I am.
Nothing seems to rattle me.
I guess you would say that I'm mostly a "glass half-full" kind of guy and I'm sure that helps.
I don't know what people that don't get adjusted do.
I'll be getting mines tomorrow.
I also don't know how people without Jesus in their life get by on a day-to-day.
The Prince of Peace surely gives me peace when I'm under pressure.
No, I didn't kick the cat. But I sure wanted to.
Maybe I should tie a drum set together and shove it off a tall building like the guys in the video.
Nah...too much work.
Here, kitty kitty.

Joel Gray- Wonderful

Wifey and I watched "Shakespeare In Love" a couple of nights ago.
It was much better than I expected.
Not that I don't enjoy love stories or Shakespeare.
I actually like both.
I just hadn't heard anything about it.
The one thing that it left me with was a desire to do some acting.
When I was a kid, I did a few plays for my church.
I hadn't done anything in a long time until recently I had a part in a skit that was done at a men's weekend retreat.
It turned out to be alot of fun.
One of these days, when life slows down and the kids are grown, I may pursue some "neighborhood playhouse" type parts.
Until then, I'll just enjoy watching others.
This is from the musical, "Wicked".
Joel Gray, the multi-award winning actor/singer from "Cabaret", "Good Time Charley", and "Chicago" stars as "The Wizard".

Neutral Milk Hotel- In The Aeroplane Over The Sea

If I were to make a list of songs that you probably have never heard, but should, this song would make the cut.
It has a catchy pop/folksy melody and lyrics that recall a young Bob Dylan.
"What a beautiful face
I have found in this place
That is circling all round the sun..."
Neutral Milk Hotel were only together for a few years in the 90's.
The band was formed by Jeff Mangum, who helped form the successful "Elephant 6 Recording Company" in Athens, GA.
Despite growing popularity, the group disbanded in 1999 after Mangum became disenchanted with touring and the music press, later having a nervous breakdown.
After this, the band had no choice but to turn down all requests for shows, including a support slot for REM.
Let me know what you think.

Toots & The Maytals- Monkey Man

I went to chiropractic school with a guy named Clarence.
He went by the name, Mac.
Mac was one of my best friends in chiro school.
If we had a long break between classes, we would go by his apartment and play tennis or just chill.
I met my Wifey during the time when we were in school.
Mac said that he knew it was serious when I stopped saying, "Hey, baby" every time we drove past his apartment pool and there were girls laying out.
He once "led" some of us on a spelunking "expedition" in North Georgia.
(Notice the quotes)
On one of our breaks between semesters, he and I drove up to West Virginia and spent some time with his grandparents. This was when I first had sausage gravy.
We hiked along the New River Gorge one day and played basketball at his in-laws church another day.
We were about the same level at both tennis and basketball, so it was always great to engage in friendly competition.
Mac practices outside of Washington DC and we got to see he and his family a few years back when we were in town for a conference.
He had many nicknames back in the day.
One of which was Mac the Monkey Man.

Everything But The Girl- Missing

O, Summer where art thou?
I am a warm weather kind of guy.
I believe that's why God put me in the South.
But now, Summer has said "goodbye".
And cooler mornings and nights are upon us.
I used to love Fall. You know..."football weather".
I still do, I guess.
Now, for me, though..it just means that Winter is near.
I told Wifey this morning that if it gets any cooler in the mornings that she was going to start having to walk the dog.
She said, "Ha!" and started looking for something to throw at me.
Seriously, though, I think last night was the last night for open windows.
The floor was a bit cold for my piggies this morning.
Last night I told Wifey that I was going to try and not complain about the cold weather this year. I said that I think that I complained too much last year.
She just said, "Ya think?!"
Summer...just know that you are missed.
That's all I'm gonna say about that.
For now.

Lady Gaga- Poker Face

There's no two ways about it---strange sells.
Case in point: Lady Gaga (or as Wifey unaffectionately calls her, Lady Gag).
Now, I can understand that not everybody goes for those that wear meat.
PETA, for instance.
But, there are lots that do, apparently.
Earlier this year she drew the largest crowd ever to attend a Today Show concert at Rockefeller Center. An estimated 20,000 gathered, some more than 33 hours earlier, and some from as far away as Ireland and South Africa. She reportedly sent pizzas to those fans, her "Little Monsters" that waited overnight to see her.
Just a few years earlier, she was living in a cheap New York apartment.
Now, she has sold 25 million single songs and put out two triple-platinum albums.
She has 5 million followers on Twitter and 10 million on Facebook — the most of any person on earth. She holds the record for most YouTube views.
Yes, people strange sells.
Not that she's not talented.
She learned piano at the age of 4. At age 17, she gained early admission to the New York University's Tisch School of the Arts and lived in a NYU dorm on 11th Street. There she studied music and improved her songwriting skills by composing essays and analytical papers focusing on topics such as art, religion, social issues and politics.
So, yes she's talented. And talented only sells when you get noticed.
I think Lady Gaga has been noticed.

Delaney & Bonnie- Poor Elijah-Tribute To Johnson

Eric Clapton was frustrated.
It was the end of the year, 1969, and he was right where he didn't want to be.
He had just agreed to form the group "Blind Faith" with his bud Steve Winwood.
And he was on tour.
The problem was that he had just split from the band, "Cream", and he was convinced by Winwood to let former "Cream" member Ginger Baker in the band to play drums. He did this against his word to another former "Cream" member Jack Bruce.
So this was one issue Clapton was struggling with.
Another was the fact that "Blind Faith" was newly formed and didn't have enough material to fill an hour. So they had to play old "Cream" and old "Traffic" (Winwood's band) tunes.
On top of all that, they haven't had alot of time to rehearse so Clapton felt their performances were sub-par.
One of the groups that were on tour with them was a husband and wife duo named "Delaney and Bonnie". D and B were a soulful, folksy, rock and roll blues group out of Los Angeles.
Clapton really took a liking to them.
So much so, that he would go onstage when D an B were on and jam with them, because he said, "they were so much better than we (Blind Faith) were."
Here is a jam session with Delaney and Bonnie, Clapton, and Dave Mason from Traffic.

Arvo Part- Te Deum/ Berliner Messe (Alleluia, Sanctus, Gloria)

If you need some music to ease you into this Monday morning, I've found it for you.
Arvo Part is a modern composer from Estonia.
Born in 1935, Part is one of the most prominent living composers of sacred music.
Due to struggles with Soviet officials, Part and his wife emigrated to Austria in 1980. They later moved to Germany, and finally was able to return to Estonia at the beginning of the century.
Part works in a minimalist style using a compositional technique that he created called tintinnabuli. His music also finds influence from Gregorian chant.
This particular recording is based on an early Christian hymn of praise.
The title "Te Deum" translates "Thee, Oh God , we praise."
And it is simply beautiful.
Good Morning and Good Week!

Echoes of Nature-Ocean Waves

My wife recently went to Asia on a missions trip.
While she was gone, Be-Bop went with Grandma to Disney.
That left me with the three dudes.
So, we went to the beach.
A trip to the beach with kids is not a relaxing vacation.
I knew that going in, so I wasn't disappointed.
I planned fun things to do with them, mostly beach time and pool time.
We also went to the zoo, visited a Naval base, played at a fort, and engaged in a couple of rounds of Goofy Golf.
We had an awesome time and it helped keep our minds off of the fact that Mommy was thousands of miles away.
But, I didn't return relaxed for sure.
A 9-, 7-, and 3-year-old will keep you from that.
But, never fear.
The anniversary is looming.
We have reservations for Myrtle Beach in South Carolina, a place that I haven't visited since my childhood.
I'm looking forward to some adult "R n R" time.
Of course, I'll probably make Wifey play Goofy Golf with me.
Hey, when you travel with the biggest Goof there is, what do you expect?

Glee Cast- Hellogoodbye

Life is short.
No doubt about it.
One day we are saying "hello" to diapers, midnight feedings, and baby clothes.
Another day, we are saying "goodbye" to short-term memory, flexibility, and hair.
(Although, in many cases, the hair that leaves our heads finds it's way to strange places like ears.)
Nearly 30 years ago, John Lennon's life was abruptly ended by a gunman outside of his apartment building in New York and we said "goodbye" to a voice of creativity.
He would have turned 70 today.
My Dad just turned 70.
I can't "Imagine" the last 30 years of life without my Dad.
I saw somewhere that John took 5 years off from music when Sean was born.
He became a "house husband" and spent as much time helping to raise his son as he could.
That's inspiring.
John shares his birthday with two great people:
my cousin Ashley and my friend Colin.
Happy Birthday, guys!
Make the most of your day today, everyone.

La Arrolladora Banda El Limon De Rene Camacho- Nina De Mi Corazon (Girl Of My Heart)

I've got some friends that are in the adoption process.
They are adopting a child from Ethiopia.
Like many couples that have chosen to adopt, they have also dealt with infertility challenges.
This in itself creates plenty of stress and anxiety.
From everything that I have heard from others that have gone through this process (both infertility and adoption), and also what I have read from their blog, it is an emotional journey.
Ups and downs, highs and lows.
Here is an excerpt from their blog:
"I completely understand the reasons behind the homestudy process and agree with all that needs to happen, but you can definitely pray for my emotional state through it. I definitely have a bad attitude at times just wondering why it has to be so difficult for us to bring a child into our lives, biological and now adopted. Were any of my friends required to have the state come to their house before they brought their baby home from the hospital to be sure they were decent people who could provide for him or who had a future plan for discipline or who had an extra bedroom or who had all their cleaning supplies locked up and on and on? I don’t think so. Again, I know what I am saying is not very objective, it is simply how I feel. :) I have to be careful to have a spirit of praise for where we are instead of complaining. I am grateful for the process in that we will be well-educated for the transition when we bring our baby home."
You can hear the tumult in her words as the joys and frustrations wrestle in their hearts.
If you think about it, say a prayer for Miller and Kimberly.
They are going to be awesome parents soon.
I know this because they have proper perspective.
Here is another excerpt from http://chalkfamily.wordpress.com:
"Why adoption?...First, adoption was God’s idea. We were orphans, lost and dying, but Christ came and gave all of Himself so that we might have life. We have been grafted into His family and are called His sons and daughters. Adoption is a clear picture of the gospel."
God bless you guys!
This video shows many of the emotions involved during the adoption process. My favorite is at about 2:08 when the mother and daughter embrace.

Angie Aparo- The American

Sonny took a train
Mary took a boat
Somewhere it’s gonna be better
Everybody needs a little hope
Ten thousand souls
Waiting on a bus and it never rolled
So it goes...

No one’s leaving california
Pacific transit overload
Gold dust dreamers never warn ya
And my guitar strums
I am the american

I got a walking stick
And an old sock hat
I’ve got dirty hands
And I’ve got a dream to match
I’ve got a pocket full
Of government issue cures for poverty

No one’s leaving california
Pacific transit overload
All my friends live on the corner
And my guitar strums
I am the american

Under the streetlight, down by the water
Don’t worry baby, it’s nothing you ever knew
(if it) makes you feel better, throw down a quarter
Don’t worry baby, it won’t stick to your shoes

No one’s leaving california
Pacific transit overload
Gold dust dreamers never warn ya
And my guitar strums
Yeah my guitar strums
I am the american

Angie Aparo- Spaceship

I had the daunting task once of painting the foyer and living area of our old house in McDonough over the course of a weekend. This was one of those houses that had ceilings that stopped just shy of the Big Dipper.
Wifey was pregnant with our first at the time, and she was going out of town.
I thought this was the perfect time to get the job done.
No paint fumes for Mommy = a happy Mommy and a healthy baby.
After I cleaned up the half gallon of olive green paint that I spilled, I got settled in and ready to work.
But wait...if you know me you know I need a soundtrack.
A patient at my office that was a singer had just given me a copy of his new CD entitled "The American".
If I listened to that CD once that weekend, I listened to it about 30 times. It was that good.
It instantly became one of my "Desert Island" choices.
Faith Hill thought it was good, too.
She recorded his song, "Cry", and oh yeah...won a Grammy for it.
Other artists have done his songs including Tim McGraw and most recently Miley Cyrus.
He's as good as a songwriter as he is a performer.
Since then, I have had the opportunity to see Angie Aparo in concert a few times. He usually tours the Southeast and about once a year I'll check him out when he's in Atlanta.
He'll be playing this Saturday at the Park Tavern in Midtown.
And I plan on being there as well.
By the way, the painting job was completed and approved with no fractures, dislocations, or other spills.

John Coltrane- A Love Supreme

Up until I was about 30 years old, I had a phonograph player.
Back in the day, we just called it a record player.
One of my favorite things to do as a kid, was to play my Mom's old 45s and sing along. I would actually record myself.
Thankfully, all of the tapes were lost.
Mom had a huge collection of 45s.
But I had my favorites: Poison Ivy by The Coasters, I Want To Walk You Home by Fats Domino, and I Write The Songs by Barry Manilow, just to name a few.
I also had some favorite LPs: Fleetwood Mac's "Rumours", Styx's "Grand Illusion", and ELO's "A New World Record".
But of course, cassette tapes came and went, and CDs were the collection mode of choice.
One day, I was in my parent's basement with one of my cousins. He saw a huge box of 45s sitting there and said, "What's those black things?"
He had never seen a record before.
I still have a few LPs and 45s at my house. One day soon I hope to get something to play them on. I still have my copy of "40 Funky Hits" that I've been dying to hear.
We never had any Coltrane, but whenever I get a new turntable, I'm considering it.

Elizabeth Mitchell-You Are My Sunshine

I'm loving the new wave of children's music.
I just love it period when I have the chance to play children's music for my kids and it doesn't make me want to jump out of the car after 5 minutes.
Jack Johnson, Ziggy Marley, Lisa Loeb, They Might Be Giants are all examples of creative artists that have done projects to cater to young ears.
I once heard a Kidzbop rendition of James Blunt's "Beautiful".
"I saw you on the subway, you were with another man, but I won't lose no sleep over that cause I've got a plan."
Great song. Not very relevant.
You see, that's the trick.
You've got to make good quality songs that still have relevancy.
Elizabeth Mitchell gets it.
She grew up in New York City. After getting her degree from Brown University, she moved to Brooklyn and took a job as an assistant teacher at the Roosevelt Island Day Nursery School in New York City.
It was here that she discovered her love of making music with children.
She was the first new children's music artist signed to Smithsonian Folkways Recordings in the 21st century.
She has released four children's albums to date with a fifth to be released next month.
This video for this classic tune reminds us to treasure the important...and don't sweat the small stuff.

Led Zeppelin- Stairway to Heaven

This weekend the family and I met my brother and sister-in-law at Callaway Gardens, a beautiful park south of Atlanta.
There is so much to do these days at Callaway. We ended up buying an annual pass because we didn't want to rush. They have an excellent Christmas light display every year, so I know we'll go back for that.
But this time around, we stayed at Robin Lake Beach. There was a nice swimming area roped off for the kids.
I was really surprised how uncrowded it was to be a holiday weekend.
Especially since there was a Hot Air Balloon Festival going on there as well.
That part was a little disappointing because they were supposed to have them lift off at 6:00pm, but were unable to because of winds.
I'm not sure what they were talking about, because it was pretty steamy most of the day.
But the kids had a great time and so did we.
They had a huge giant waterslide thingy set-up, which was basically an enormous inflatable with a couple of guys with hoses. On a hot day, however, it was pretty popular.
My 5 year old, Be-Bop, begged me to let her do it.
So, of course I let her do it.
I was kind of surprised that she wanted to , but I was very proud of her bravery as she climbed up by herself and shot down the slide.
She didn't care so much for the water getting in her face.
Maybe, we'll wait a couple of more years for White Water.
Walking back to meet the others after her daring display, we passed by the pavilion where there was a guy with a piano singing.
As we passed he was singing, "Give me that old time rock and roll. The kind of music that soothes the soul..."
So, I started thinking about what "old time rock and roll" meant to me.
For me, "Stairway" is the ultimate rock song. From the cool vocals to the layering of the song, and the way it just builds.
It may not be the "all-time greatest", but it sure ranks.
"Stairway" is never denied here.

The Darkness- I Believe In A Thing Called Love

My good friend J and I went to see the band Kiss perform here in Atlanta earlier this week.
It was honestly one of the best live shows that I've seen.
One of my friends, when I was telling her about the show, said "They're old but they still rock".
That's kind of how I feel about myself...most days.
The one thing that I would have changed about the show would have been the opening bands.
The first opener was a band called "The Envy".
They were decent and I think that they were on Gene Simmons' record label which answers to why they were on the bill.  But the style didn't match very well.  They should have been opening for Green Day or somebody like that.
The same was true about the second band.
They were called "The Academy Is...".
The way the lead singer was moving caused the "rural" gentleman behind me to lean up and ask, "That lead singer's a girl, right?"
It just didn't fit.
The thing was...even when Kiss came on, there were still plenty of seats, both in reserved seating and on the lawn.
We were trying to think of better openers or split bills that would have drawn better...and that would have had the same type of sound.
Motley Crue, Cinderella, Britney Fox, The Scorpions, even Guns n' Roses would have worked.
Oh well.  We're not promoters.  I'm sure Gene Simmons knows what he's doing.  He's a marketing genius.
I heard that if you bought a lawn seat to the show, they gave you 4 child's tickets for free.
That's a perfect way to introduce the younger crowd to your music.
And honestly, there wasn't really anything much that was inappropriate for youngsters.
Except the whole Gene spitting blood bit.  That may cause some nightmares.
The band was donating $1 from each ticket sold for this tour to Wounded Warriors Care Foundation, a veteran's relief fund that provides care for soldiers returning from war.  Class act.
Another band that would have been a good opener for Kiss would be "The Darkness"...if they were still together.
Some guys can last for decades with each other and some can't.

Walter Hawkins- I'm Going Away

I had a weird dream last night.
It was kind of one of those dreams that you can't shake all day the next day.
In my dream, I was getting my kids ready for the bus to go to school.
Pretty normal up til now, right.
Well, in my dream, we somehow all knew that Jesus was returning for His people later that day.
So, this was the last time that I was going to see my kids here on Earth.
It was emotional and unnerving.
I think the dream was spurred by the sermon that was preached on Sunday at church.
We had a guest preacher that spoke on "end-times prophecy".
For those that don't believe the Bible is a true and authentic, relevant inspired Word from God, you just have to count the prophecies.  There are so many things that were predicted thousands of years ago that eventually came to pass.
Now, the stage is being set for the beginning of the end.
This should cause us all to consider our priorities.
First, are you prepared to meet the judgment?  You don't have to be afraid of the end of times or death for that matter.  If your trust is in the One that made and controls it all, there is nothing to fear.
Secondly, are those closest to you ready?  If I really care for someone, I should love them enough to tell them that destruction is coming.  I would warn them if they were about to be hit by a bus.  This is eternal.
If you read this blog, I want you to know that you can't face The Creator alone.
He'll crush you.
Yes, God is a God of love.  But, He also hates sin.  He can not stand to be in the presence of anyone that has been tainted by it in the least.
You may have heard that Jesus died for you.  It might not have made since to you.
Here's the jist, short-version.
He was God's son.  He was born of a virgin.  He lived a perfect life so He could die as a sacrificial offering for sin.  This was important in the ancient Jewish culture.  The sacrifice had to be perfect.
By becoming a sacrifice, he offered a trade:  His perfection for our sins.
This doesn't mean that a believer and a follower of Jesus Christ is now perfect.
It does mean that if you accept the trade offer, God now sees you as perfect.
If you desire to take the offer, send me a message on Facebook or email me at greggchiro@aol.com.
I'll do the best I can to guide you through.
It doesn't cost anything.  It's a free gift.  But in order to be effectively enjoyed, a gift must be received.
Much love!

With Someone Else's Money- You Don't Know Me At All

Well, sports fans, football season is eight days away.
For those of us in the South, it's kind of like getting ready to go to church.
With an uncertain future this season for my Bulldogs, I am hopeful that we win more than we lose.
I think they call this a rebuilding year.  That's a nice way to tell the alumni and other supporters, "We're probably going to suck."
At any rate, I secured my place this week for the road trip to the Georgia/Florida game in late October.
I always go with my friend Bill, a good friend of mine from McDonough.
Although it's not true, it seems we only talk during football season.
It probably seems that way because we talk so much during football season.
His folks have a place on the Georgia coast, and we usually stay there and drive down to Jax for the game on Saturday.
We have our meals all planned out.
There's nothing like The Shell House for crab legs...and the Buccaneer Club for fried shrimp.
He's a little more optimistic than I am about the season.  He says 10-2.
He's always been a little bit crazy.
Speaking of  UGA, Ben Folds had a contest and had singing groups from universities send in tapes of them singing a cappella versions of his songs.  The best ones he will put on his new album.
UGA's "With Someone Else's Money" won one of the slots.
Go Dawgs...or something.

The Timelords- Doctorin' The Tardis

In 1986, Bill Drummond was pretty well established in the British music scene.
He had co-founded Zoo Records, played guitar in the Liverpool band "Big In Japan", and was the manager of "Echo and the Bunnymen" and "The Teardrop Explodes".
At the time, he was talent scout for record label WEA.
On July 26 of that year, he resigned his position.
He stated, "I am nearly 33 1/3 years old.  It is time for a revolution in my life. There is a mountain to climb the hard way, and I want to see the world from the top."
Incidentally, 33 1/3 revolutions per minute is the speed at which a vinyl LP revolves on a turntable.
So he released a well-received solo LP  that was more folksy than anything called "The Man".
On New Years' Day 1987, while taking a walk, he decided to make a hip-hop record.
He called his friend, fellow musician, Jimmy Cauty, and "The Justified Ancients of MuMu" was formed.
They released a couple of albums with Drummond doing most of the vocals.  However, their favorite instrument of choice was the digital sampler with which they would plagiarize the history of popular music.
They sampled everyone from The Beatles to Samantha Fox to Abba to Whitney Houston.
In 1988, Drummond and Cauty became "Time Boy" and "Lord Rock", and released a hit single "Doctorin' the Tardis".  This prompted them to release a book entitled, "The Manual (How to Have a Number One the Easy Way)".
Also in 1988, under the names "King Boy D" and "Rockman Rock" they released a few singles as The KLF.
You may remember "3AM Eternal" with the hook "KLF is gonna rock ya".
After successive name changes and a plethora of highly influential dance records, Drummond and Cauty ultimately became, as The KLF, the biggest-selling singles act in the world for 1991.
On February 12, 1992 they performed a live version of "3AM Eternal" at the Brit Awards.
Drummond and Cauty had planned to throw buckets of sheep blood all over the audience but was prevented from doing so by the BBC.  Instead, the performance was garnished by a cigar-chomping, kilt-wearing Drummond firing blanks from an automatic weapon just over the crowd's heads.  As the band left the stage, their promoter made an announcement on the PA system:  "The KLF have now left the music business."  Later that night, the band dumped a dead sheep at one of the after-parties.  It had a message tied around it's waist:  "I died for ewe--bon appetit."

Tift Merritt- Mixtape

OK, so where were we?
Ahhh....the mixtape.
Nothing says "I love you" like the mixtape.
To pick out those special songs and to take the time to record them, just for that special someone.
Alright, the tongue is now out of the cheek.
In all honesty, I have made a few mixtapes in my day.
In essence, this blog is one giant mixtape to the world, saying, "Hey!  I think you're special!"
Just kidding.
Not that you're not special.
But anyways.
Wifey was cleaning out the van a couple of days ago and there was a mixtape that a guy she dated years ago made for her.
The label on it is "Good Stuff".
It is mostly.  A little Spandeau Ballet never hurt anyone.  You know this much is true.
She says that the guy made it for her after their second date.  She thought that was a bit weird.
I'm not sure the number of dates that it is OK to make a mixtape after, but apparently 2 is not it.
She said that just meant that there wasn't gonna be a third.
And, that my friends, was good for me.
This song, "Mixtape", is by a very talented artist that is originally from Houston, Texas.
I'm playing this just for you.

The Beatles- Come Together

Recently, conservative radio talk show host, Dr. Laura Schlessinger announced that she will not be renewing her contract at the end of the year.  This stems from a recent call that she took.
Jade called in to Dr. Laura's show with a complaint about her husband.
Jade is a black woman and she is married to a white man.
She states that her husband's friends and family make racist comments in front of her, and her husband doesn't check them, and it's hurting Jade's feelings.
Instead of addressing the issue, Dr. Laura begins to "teach" her caller what is, and what is not a racial comment.  Apparently, to Dr. Laura, there is no such thing as a racial comment.
She thinks that because a comedian uses the term "nigger" on HBO, that it's open game for everybody.
This is the FREAKING 21st Century!!!  We're still having this conversation?!?!
For crying out loud!!!
To anybody that cares...the word is offensive.  Just don't use it.
That goes for the HBO comics, too.
If we ever want to get past this, then there has to be no more of the "my side, your side" mentality.
Dr. Laura said that "black people voted for Obama just beacuse he was black."
That's probably true in some cases.
But some white people didn't vote for him just because he was black.
And that's the sad truth, as well.
Slavery is history.
Most people that are alive today 1) Wish it never happened; and 2) Don't understand why it happened in the first place.
I think it's important sometimes to look back, but mostly to see where you screwed up so you don't screw up again and so you can make the future better.
It's more important to move forward.
I mean, "Can't we all just get along?"
I hope that Jade and her husband gets professional counseling.
Respect and dignity are not something to be poo-pooed.

David Garrett- Smells Like Teen Spirit

Earlier this year, April I think, I went to Sambuca Jazz Cafe' for the second time.
I love live music and live jazz after a long day/week, is just what the doctor ordered.
On this particular evening, trumpet player Joey Summerville was the opening act.
Very nice and smooth.
Then came Ken Ford.
Ken Ford is an amazing electric violinist.  Trained in classical music, he held the prestigious title of Concert Master for the African American Philharmonic Orchestra.
In the mid 90's, he took a leap of faith from his background as an IT Programmer, to pursue his music.
He had already begun to wow audiences with his interpretation of jazz and R&B tunes.
With three solo releases, and an electrifying stage presence, he has become a heavily requested name at many of the jazz music festivals nationwide.
Another genre-bending violinist is David Garrett.
Garrett was born in Germany to an American mother and a German father.
Like Ford, Garrett began to play at a very early age.
At age 17, he had a gig with the Munich Philharminc Orchestra in Delhi and Mumbai marking the 50th anniversary of India's independance.
After graduating from the Julliard School in New York, he was struck with a desire to arouse young people's interest in classical music.
On his past CD's, he incorporated a mix of classical with popular songs, including some of his original material.
His latest release, "Rock Symphonies", is similar in that vein, borrowing tracks from Guns 'n Roses, Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin, as well as this track from Nirvana.
And, yes, ladies.  He supplemented his income during his Julliard days with some modeling work.
I've got to go now.  I'm feeling hair envy.

Kari Jobe- The More I Seek You

There is a new song by a guy named Jason Gray that, I believe, really captures the essence of Christianity.
Some of the lyrics are:  "Give me rules, I will break them.  Show me lines, I will cross them.  I need more than a truth to believe.  I need a truth that lives, moves, and breathes...Give me words, I'll misuse them.  Obligations, I'll misplace them.  'Cause all religion ever made of me was just a sinner with a stone tied to my feet.  It never set me free."
"It's gotta be more like falling in love than something to believe in.
More like losing my heart than giving my allegience."
Religion can bring discipline, but it can't set you free from yourself.
We're all goofs, of which I am the chief.  (Paraphrase from the Apostle Paul.)
Religion will help point that out.
But if you take the time and investigate "the love letter" that was written specifically to you, and understand the depth of the love, the sacrifice that was made, and observe the passion that God shows for you each day, simply by making the sun come up, then your stone heart is able to melt before the One that has gone to the ends of the Earth, just for you.
Jason's song goes on to say:  "It was love that made me a believer in more than a name, a faith, a creed.
Falling in love with Jesus brought the change in me."
This song by worship leader Kari Jobe has a similar tone.
If you're having trouble believing that anyone could love you that much, do a little experiment.
Tonight, look out at the stars.  The Bible says that they are "signs and tokens of God's provident care."
Yes, the light show is just for you, too.

Candace and Jeremy- Do-Nothing Day

I used to work at a Mercedes-Benz dealership.
I worked in the service division.  I was a porter.
That was a fancy term for the guy that cleans up the shop and washes the customers' cars that come in for service.
My friends Pebbles and Poops both worked there with me.
We usually had a good time, with the proper balance of goofing off and getting stuff done.
Like most dealerships, if a customer's car needed to be in service for an extended amount of time, there was a courtesy shuttle that transported the customer to wherever they needed to go.
This job was performed by "Do-Nothing".
"Do-Nothing" was a guy our age that drove the courtesy van.
He got his name because apparently the folks in the parts department and the mechanics thought that he did...well...nothing.
He was a stylish guy.  If memory serves me correctly, he used to model.
He was also friends with another of our friends, Gin-Gin.
We had our annual Christmas party at the owner's house in Peachtree City.  It was quite an elaborate place.
As the evening went on, we had worn out our welcome along with the owner's refreshments (not necessarily in that order).
"Do-Nothing" was the one that drove us back to the hotel that we were staying in.
We had a chance to hang out a couple of times after that, but not long after, I left the dealership for a different job, and we lost touch.
Thankfully, I recently found his wife on Facebook, and was able to re-connect through her.
He used to have this nice Elgin watch.
He would hold up his watch and say, "Jose', can you see Con-Seiko?  No, Elgin."
It was kind of a lame joke, but it was an attempt at "doing something".
The title of this Phineas and Ferb song reminded me of my old pal, "Do-Nothing".
I think everybody was just jealous.  They just wanted your job.

Michael Buble'- Haven't Met You Yet

Wifey has gotten me hooked on several television shows over the last few years.
First there was American Idol.  Then came So You Think You Can Dance.
I think Biggest Loser or Extreme Home Makeover was next.
Somewhere in the mix was Hell's Kitchen and Kitchen Nightmares.
One of the latest is Ace of Cakes.
It's a show about a bakery.  Sounds pretty manly, I know.
The owner is Chef Duff, a round guy with a goatee and a tattoo.
Sounds like me.
Anyway, he and his staff, made up of some of his closest friends, create some pretty incredible pieces of art, all made of cake.
For one show that we watched recently, they made a cake for Drew Carey's son's birthday.  I think he was turning 5.  It was in the shape of Lego Indiana Jones.  Pretty rockin'.
I think it was the same episode that they made a cake for a couple that met in a grocery store.
He affectionately called her his "SMG" or "Super Market Girl".
His friends later told him that the initials "SMG" stood for Sub Machine Gun.
Oh, and she also had a thing for rubber duckies.
So, they got married.
I think it was for her birthday that he got Charm City Cakes to do a cake of a rubber ducky toting a machine gun.
I never said the show was normal.
This is a fun video.  Anytime you have a dancing butcher in your video, you should win some sort of award.
Hey, I never said I was normal, either.

Muddy Waters- Hoochie Coochie Man

It's amazing how one person can touch so many lives.
Especially when, as a young boy, your fondness for playing in the mud earns you the nickname of "Muddy".
But Muddy Waters influenced many an artist.
He helped Chuck Berry get his first recording contract.
His 1958 tour of England was possibly the first time "electric blues" was heard in that part of the world.  It was so loud, in fact, that one critic had to retreat to the toilets to write his review.
"The Rolling Stones" names themselves after his 1950 song "Rollin' Stone".
Jimi Hendrix once stated that Waters was the first guitar player that he was aware of and went on to say that he "first heard him as a little boy and it scared me to death."
Eric Clapton, a huge fan of Muddy Waters, was heavily influenced by his sound.  His band "Cream" covered "Rollin' and Tumblin'" on their debut album "Fresh Cream".
The song was also covered by the band Canned Heat and by Bob Dylan.
One of Led Zeppelin's biggest hits, "Whole Lotta Love", is lyrically based on Waters' song "You Need Love".
Angus Young from AC/DC wrote "You Shook Me All Night Long" based on the Muddy Waters song, "You Shook Me".
This song, "Hoochie Coochie Man", written by Willie Dixon was covered by Humble Pie, Paul Rodgers, and most famously by The Allman Brothers Band.
After his death in 1983, fellow blues musician, BB King, said, "It's going to be years and years before most people realize how greatly he contributed to American music".
Whatever your gift is, use it.  The future benefactors of your contribution thank you in advance.

Radiohead- 15 Step

Six kids from England that end up at the same school for boys got together and started playing some music.
They called themselves "On A Friday", referring to the band's usual rehearsal day in the school's music room.
They graduated and headed off to university, but continued to get together on weekends and holidays.
After all but one member had completed their university degrees, the band regrouped and started to record demos and play live shows around Oxford.
Impressed by the band's live performances, the owners of Oxford's Courtyard Studios produced a demo tape for the band and became the band's managers.
One of the band's members worked at a record store.  One day a record label representative happened to be in the store.  Following this chance meeting, the band signed a six-album recording contract with the label.
The label recommended that they change their name to "Radiohead", a reference to a song from the "Talking Heads" album "True Stories".
The band released their first single, "Creep", to a not-so-favourable reception.
One popular British music magazine called them "a lily-livered excuse for a rock band."
BBC Radio 1 blacklisted the song saying that it was "too depressing".
Seven albums and three Grammys later, it looks like the six lads from the Abingdon School has had the last laugh.
Their 2007 album, "In Rainbows" was independantly released, first as a downloadable digital file, where the customer could pay whatever they wanted, including nothing. 
1.2 million digital copies were reportedly sold by the date of the release.
The physical album was released two months later.
This is the first track from "In Rainbows".

Angelique Kidjo- Agbalagba

A patient of mine recently returned from a mission trip to the western part of Africa.
The group that went totaled 13 people.
There is a tribe there that has no access to the Gospel in their native dialect.
This particular mission team went with the objective of performing a wordless drama that depicts the Gospel as well as other Bible truths.  They were also training some of the full-time missionary teams there to do the drama as well.
Love has no color.  It has no nationality.  It has no language.
Angelique Kidjo, also from the western region of Africa, is a Grammy award winning singer, dancer, and songwriter.
She creates music that crosses boundaries, genres and ethnicities, finding the connections that link musical forms from every part of the world,while still bonding closely with her own traditions.
Her most recent release, "Oyo", features songs that influenced her as she was growing up, from traditional West African artists, as well as Western artists such as James Brown, Bono, and Otis Redding. 
This is the final track from the album.  Simply beautiful.
Speaking of beautiful, Wifey is leaving in September on her first mission trip.  She is traveling to Indonesia to help create a time of retreat and encouragement to a group of female missionaries that are in full-time service in that country.
She and her team have to raise prayer support as well as financial support for expenses.
If you are interested in making a tax-deductible donation to her trip, you may send a check made out to FBCW or First Baptist Church of Woodstock (nothing on the comment line, please) and send it to:
Gregg Chiropractic Center, Inc.
12910 Hwy 92-Suite 108
Woodstock, GA  30188

Jack Johnson-Jungle Gym

Wifey got me a bike for my birthday last month.
I've been so busy that I haven't had a chance to take it for a ride.
I haven't been on a bike in about 5 years.
About 5 years ago, I went to New York for a visit.
I rented a bike and for two days we rode all around the city.
We rode all around Battery Park, down to the "Meat Packing District", past Ground Zero, and all along the Hudson River.
We also rode across the Brooklyn Bridge.
There is something special about biking in the city.
I always said that if I didn't have kids that I would enjoy living in the city.
It was one of the most memorable trips that I've ever taken.
The only downside was the saddle sores.
Before that, it had probably been 20 years or more since I had been on a bike.
That's too long.
I think I'll take the bike out today.  Wifey already had her turn on the treadmill, so it's time for me to get the blood pumping.
Jack Johnson provides the soundtrack.

Pink Floyd- Comfortably Numb

Mr. M came in the office this morning with his wife.
He's got numbness from his neck down to his fingers.
He's got degeneration in the discs of his neck and arthritits has begun forming.
A recent MRI revealed several disc bulges as well.
There is in chiropractic a phrase that I hate using:  a limitation of matter.
It basically means "it is what it is."
When a tire on an automobile is wearing out, you can patch it or you can replace it.
Unfortunately, there are no replacement spines.
Many people still don't quite understand what a chiropractor does.
It's not voodoo.
It's about structure and function.  Good structure=Good Function.  Poor structure=Poor Function.
It's pretty much that easy.
Our bodies are designed for motion.  Through stress or trauma, the vertebrae can sometimes become stuck.
This results in lack of motion, inflammation, stress on the nervous system, and yes, sometimes, pain.
Mr. M may end up in an orthopedist's office talking about surgery.
I only wished he would have taken care of himself earlier in life.
Wisdom is learning from other's mistakes so you don't have to make them.
By the way, wasn't Pink Floyd a great band?

Bob Marley- Satisfy My Soul

So, I mentioned that C-Bo likes Michael Jackson.
His MP3 consists of Michael Jackson and Weird Al Yankovic.
We were riding in the car back home from dinner out a couple of nights ago and he asks me,
"Do you like Justin Bieber?"
I answered, "I actually haven't heard a whole lot of his songs.  How about you?"
"Not really.  This girl at school said that Justin Bieber is way better than Michael Jackson.
Jared told her she didn't know what she was talking about."
I smiled.
About that time, Bob Marley came on the radio.
Thinking it was the "Legend" CD that we play sometimes, C-Bo says, "I like the next song."
I then explained to him about how radio works...about how there are DJs that play the music and that each radio station is a little different.
I went through my presets and showed him, "This is Dave FM.  That's Mommy and Daddy's favorite.  These next two play Christian music.  This one is out of Clark Atlanta and they play mostly jazz.  This one is classical.  This one is more R&B and soul.  And this one plays soft rock.  They sometimes play Michael Jackson on this one."
"I remember we heard "Wanna Be Startin' Something" on here," he said.
"That's right," I tell him.  (I put it back on Dave FM.  Bob is still singing.)
A few seconds later.
"Can you put some Bob Marley on my MP3?"
I smile again.
"Of course, buddy."

The Roots- The Fire

Wifey gave me a weekend off last month.
This is something we started doing for each other so we wouldn't end up on the front page of the newspaper.
With 4 kids at home, all under 10 years of age, you need a break now and then to keep sane.
So I left work on Friday afternoon and stopped at the store for some supplies.
Then I drove down to Candler Park Golf Course in Atlanta.
It was only about $12 to walk 9 holes and I got there at about 7:30, so I was one of only about 5 people on the whole course.
I took my time and finished just before 9pm with plenty of daylight to spare.
By this time I was getting hungry, so I got cleaned up and drove over to the Perimeter Mall area and had dinner at one of my favorite places, Chequers Seafood Grill.
I finished dinner and decided to go over to Barnes and Noble and browse around.
After a while, I reckoned it was time to mosey on over to the hotel that I was staying in for the weekend.
I got there just after a huge busload of family reunion-ers had checked in.  Perfect timing.
I took a shower and settled in with my magazines that I had picked up at B&N and turned on late night TV.
I flipped through the pages, not really feeling like reading, and every once in a while, I would glance up at the TV if anything funny was on.
I was getting ready to turn off the TV and turn in when I noticed Jimmy Fallon had a late show.
I always thought that he was mildly funny, so I tuned in for a few more minutes.
When his band started playing, I was like, "That looks like the guy from 'The Roots'."
Sure enough Jimmy has critically-acclaimed hip-hop group, "The Roots" as his house band.
Hailing from Philadelphia, "The Roots" are famed for their jazzy, eclectic approach to hip-hop which includes live instrumentation.
I finished the weekend with naps, reading, time at the pool, a trip to the High Museum, meals at Landmark Diner, Sage Woodfire Grill, and Waffle House, and a workout.
I got back home to my little munchkins and Wifey, feeling refreshed, and just in time to go to friends for a cookout and fireworks.
The only thing left undone was to get a copy of "The Roots" latest release, "How I Got Over", described by the band as "depicting the everyman's search for hope in this dispiriting post-hope zeitgeist".
This track features Grammy award winning soul man, John Legend.

Van Morrison- Into the Mystic

I liked "Raiders of the Lost Ark".
I liked "Back to the Future".
I loved "Ferris Beuller's Day Off".
But my absolute favorite movie of the 1980's was..."Dream a Little Dream".
Probably never heard of it, huh?
It was one of the "Two Coreys" movies.
Corey Haim (RIP) and Corey Feldman play best friends (imagine that).
Feldman's character, Bobby, has a collision with Lainie while taking a short cut back home from a night out.
They bump into each other as elderly neighbor, Coleman, and his wife Gena are performing a meditative experiment in their backyard in an effort to live together forever.
What follows is a sort of body swap between the four characters.
I know it's not exactly Oscar material.
But it drips with 80's nostalgia, from the dancing and music to the clothing and hairstyles.
It has a pretty good soundtrack.  You've got your REM, your Otis Redding, and your Michael Damian.
But this is by far my favorite track.
If you're yearning for the good old days, go rent it.
But beware...the straight to video sequel, "Dream a Little Dream 2" sucks to the highest of suckstivity. 

Frankie Valli- Can't Take My Eyes Off You

Today is the first day of school.
C-Bo is in 4th grade, The Bear is in 2nd grade, and my little Be-Bop starts Kindergarten.
Last night Wifey was getting all of their supplies gathered, bagged, and labeled.
At one point, she says, "I can't believe she's going to be in kindergarten."
Teasing with her as I am prone to do, I say, "Don't start the water works now.  They'll be plenty of time for that in the morning."
She said, "Maybe if I get it all out now, then tomorrow won't be so bad."
"Oh, it will be bad," I said.
This morning we got everybody up and dressed and fed, took them to school, and dropped them off.
We dropped Be-Bop off first.  She just walked in, unloaded her stuff, and went and sat down.
We gave her hugs and kisses and were out.
I looked at Wifey.  She just smiled.  "Maybe I'm used to it now," she said.  No tears.
Then, a little further down the hall, she says, "It helps when she has the BEST teacher ever."
She's right.  We've been very happy with all the teacher's that we've had so far. 
It just so happens that Be-Bop has the same teacher that The Bear had a couple of years ago.
We dropped the older two off (after helping a lost kid find his class) and headed back to the car.
The Moonch, who starts Pre-K in a couple of weeks, said, "Are we going to my class now?"
Now that is going to be different...when all four are in school at the same time.
Thursday mornings, especially.   That's the day that I don't go in the office until 2:00 pm.
That means that after all of the munchkins are off to their appropriate learning facilities, a couple of new things will happen:
1) It will be alot more quiet in our house.
2) Wifey and I get morning dates.
Here's looking at you, kid.

Marin Mazzie, Brian Stokes Mitchell, and cast- Ragtime

Garth Drabinsky was born in Toronto, Canada.
He graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1973.
He produced several films in the late '70s and early '80s and in 1979 he helped co-found Cineplex Odeon, the predecessor of Cineplex Entertainment, the largest Canadian operator of movie theaters.
In 1995, he was made an Officer in the Order of Canada, an honour for merit that is the highest order administered by the Governor General-in-Council in the Canadian system of honours.
He also operated Livent, the publicly traded theater company.
Livent acquired the Lyric and Apollo theaters in New York City and remodeled them into the Ford Center of Performing Arts, later renamed the Hilton Theater.
Drabinsky's productions won 19 Tony Awards.
However, some productions were too lavish and the company was losing money.  In 1997 alone they lost over $40 million.
In November of 1998, Drabinsky sought bankruptcy protection in the US, claiming a debt of $334 million.
After investigations by both US and Canadian securities regulators, Drabinsky and his partner, Myron Gottlieb were found guilty of fraud and forgery for misstating the company's financial records.
On August 5, 2009, Garth Drabinsky was sentenced to seven years in prison for his role in the half billion dollar fraud at Livent.
"Ragtime" was the inaugural Livent production in the Ford Center.
It had a long run but was financially unsuccessful.
Some Broadway insiders consider its lavish production to have been the financial "undoing" of Livent.

Loreena McKennitt- The Mummers' Dance

When somebody is doing what they love, does it matter if anyone else appreciates it?
When that somebody works hard and perseveres, shouldn't others pay attention?
Especially when that somebody takes their work so seriously?
Well, people have started to notice Loreena McKennitt.
It's OK that you don't know who Loreena McKennitt is (yet).
She's still sold 13 million albums worldwide.
But in case you wanted to know, she is a Canadian singer, composer, harpist, accordionist and pianist who writes, records and performs "world music", mostly with Celtic and Middle Eastern themes.
At a young age, she fell in love with Celtic music.  After she learned to play the Celtic harp, she performed in public places for tips in order to earn enough money to publish her first album.
It was recorded in a studio in a barn.
Her popularity slowly rose in the late 1980's and early 1990's until she won two Juno awards in Canada for her 1991 and 1994 studio releases.  These albums have been certified Gold in the US.
Before McKennitt composes any music, she engages in considerable research on a specific subject which then forms the general concept of the album.  This often involves travel to such places as Ireland, Spain, and The Silk Road of Asia.
She frequently uses literary works as sources of lyrics or as a springboard for interpretation.
This song comes from her 1997 release "The Book of Secrets".
It was the theme song for the TV series "Legacy" (it only lasted one year...not much of a legacy), and was included on the trailer for the Drew Barrymore film "Ever After".