Yup after a couple months of relative event quietness, I'm about to ramp up again once October hits. Here's a little breakdown:
Oct 6-8 Dallas, TX
Oct 16 Lake Mirror Classic
Oct 21 Tampa Breeze V Cleveland Crush (home opener)
Oct 22-23 Miami with Mouse for the Broncos v Dolphins
Oct 28-30 Away Mission Orlando (either attending or working)
Nov 5 Cocoa Beach Air Show
Nov 6 MacDill Airfest
Nov 12 Roar and Soar at Fantasy of Flight
Nov 13 Festivals of Speed Orlando
Nov 18-20 Tampa Bay Auto Show
Obviously, I'm gonna be a busy busy B. Anything else going on in there I should know about?
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Friday, August 26, 2011
Shuffle away -- You won't find it.
If you were to find my iPod, you'd notice over 17,000 songs on there from 1200+ complete albums.
I love music, all types of music, and while people are always amazed by what they find IN the iPod, some people are more amazed by the albums they DON'T find.
Look all you want through it (it will take you a while), but you won't EVER find a single album by certain artists. Notably absent are the Beatles, Elvis, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Grateful Dead, NKOTB, Michael Jackson, Gaga, and Katy Perry. A lot of "One hit wonders" aren't there either. But for every one of those listed above, there's a specific reason, or in a couple cases a person, they will never be in my music collection. And why I don't listen to them if they come up on the radio, either. For the LAST three, it's because I just don't get them, plain don't like them, and, in Gaga's case, can't stand her voice. Oh, and they're all batshit nuts. ;)
Zep, Dead, and Floyd were faves of a few people I could never stand when i was younger, and that held over (old habits and all). The Beatles, much the same. A person I truly loathed (scratch that, thinking back, TWO people) played nothing BUT the Beatles on their home stereo or car. Again, ingrained response.
Elvis.....yeah, sorry. The man basically ripped off another whole culture's music and was hailed for it. Fuck that.
NKOTB.....two words. High School. Got WAY too over-exposed to them and just got sick of hearing them all the time. Don't HATE them, just don't need to hear them, lmao.
What about you guys, my blogstalkers? Any musical artists you choose to ignore?
I love music, all types of music, and while people are always amazed by what they find IN the iPod, some people are more amazed by the albums they DON'T find.
Look all you want through it (it will take you a while), but you won't EVER find a single album by certain artists. Notably absent are the Beatles, Elvis, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Grateful Dead, NKOTB, Michael Jackson, Gaga, and Katy Perry. A lot of "One hit wonders" aren't there either. But for every one of those listed above, there's a specific reason, or in a couple cases a person, they will never be in my music collection. And why I don't listen to them if they come up on the radio, either. For the LAST three, it's because I just don't get them, plain don't like them, and, in Gaga's case, can't stand her voice. Oh, and they're all batshit nuts. ;)
Zep, Dead, and Floyd were faves of a few people I could never stand when i was younger, and that held over (old habits and all). The Beatles, much the same. A person I truly loathed (scratch that, thinking back, TWO people) played nothing BUT the Beatles on their home stereo or car. Again, ingrained response.
Elvis.....yeah, sorry. The man basically ripped off another whole culture's music and was hailed for it. Fuck that.
NKOTB.....two words. High School. Got WAY too over-exposed to them and just got sick of hearing them all the time. Don't HATE them, just don't need to hear them, lmao.
What about you guys, my blogstalkers? Any musical artists you choose to ignore?
Thursday, August 18, 2011
I'm such a brat......
Having a great conversation with some fellow brats online tonight.
You kinda have to BE a brat to understand brats. We're....different. One of the only civilians I ever met that got close to getting it was Ben Mattix, and, not meant as an insult, brother, but he didn't fit in real well either.
A quick rundown on why Brats are so unique in this world, and why people often have a hard time understanding us: None of us understand the big hoopla about race/color/religion. We're outside the whole race/class issue. We "don't know any better".
One of the worst days of my life was the first day back at an American Public School seeing how little I fit in, since I didn't know there was a difference between white people, hispanic people, black people, gay people, female people, male people, smart people, athletic people, ect ect. My "ethnic" friends had it much worse, i know. At least when I moved back Stateside, it was to Nebraska. If I had moved straight to FL.....I'd probably have killed someone. Whole different level of ignorance around here.
As a brat, you don't have the time for that bullshit. Back when we were growing up, at the tail end of the Cold War, you moved every 18mo-2 years. You left your friends or they left you every other month it seemed.
You either learned how to adapt....or you went batshit nuts.
I think a few of us toed that line anyway.
I know a lot of people SAY their friends are like family.....Brats mean it.
We didn't have a choice, Dad (and in some cases mom) was always deployed and the other parent had to work, 'cause, let's face it, the military pays dogshit. So you met these other brats, instantly became close, and had the kind of friendships in a few months to a couple years that last lifetimes. Even now, if I run into another Brat, one I had never met before, we'll start talking like old friends.
And when I run into people I was stationed with (Make no mistake about it, Brats are in the military just as much as servicemen and their spouses, we just don't get the guns...most of the time ;) ), it's like nothing has changed.
(The town I lived in while stationed in Germany)
Moving back TO The USA was the biggest culture shock in my life......and I've wanted to leave every day since. I've yet to meet someone that was stationed overseas that doesn't feel the same. Hell, a couple of my CIVILIAN friends that have vacationed overseas even know what I'm talking about.
I'm often ashamed to call myself an American when I see the hatred, pettiness, and unfounded superiority complex displayed by so many in the American public today.
This, mind you, by a populace that, in all honestly, has less flexibility and useful education than almost any country on earth.
I mean, you all know the old joke "What do you call a person that speaks 3 languages? Trilingual. Two languages? Bilingual. Just one? American".
Truth hurts, and, for the "Greatest Country On Earth"....I just wish some days we'd (as a country) act it.
Instead of like a bunch of backwoods racist uneducated morons.....as we see in person and on the news all too often.
Sigh....I miss Europe. Rant over.
You kinda have to BE a brat to understand brats. We're....different. One of the only civilians I ever met that got close to getting it was Ben Mattix, and, not meant as an insult, brother, but he didn't fit in real well either.
A quick rundown on why Brats are so unique in this world, and why people often have a hard time understanding us: None of us understand the big hoopla about race/color/religion. We're outside the whole race/class issue. We "don't know any better".
One of the worst days of my life was the first day back at an American Public School seeing how little I fit in, since I didn't know there was a difference between white people, hispanic people, black people, gay people, female people, male people, smart people, athletic people, ect ect. My "ethnic" friends had it much worse, i know. At least when I moved back Stateside, it was to Nebraska. If I had moved straight to FL.....I'd probably have killed someone. Whole different level of ignorance around here.
As a brat, you don't have the time for that bullshit. Back when we were growing up, at the tail end of the Cold War, you moved every 18mo-2 years. You left your friends or they left you every other month it seemed.
You either learned how to adapt....or you went batshit nuts.
I think a few of us toed that line anyway.
I know a lot of people SAY their friends are like family.....Brats mean it.
We didn't have a choice, Dad (and in some cases mom) was always deployed and the other parent had to work, 'cause, let's face it, the military pays dogshit. So you met these other brats, instantly became close, and had the kind of friendships in a few months to a couple years that last lifetimes. Even now, if I run into another Brat, one I had never met before, we'll start talking like old friends.
And when I run into people I was stationed with (Make no mistake about it, Brats are in the military just as much as servicemen and their spouses, we just don't get the guns...most of the time ;) ), it's like nothing has changed.
(The town I lived in while stationed in Germany)
Moving back TO The USA was the biggest culture shock in my life......and I've wanted to leave every day since. I've yet to meet someone that was stationed overseas that doesn't feel the same. Hell, a couple of my CIVILIAN friends that have vacationed overseas even know what I'm talking about.
I'm often ashamed to call myself an American when I see the hatred, pettiness, and unfounded superiority complex displayed by so many in the American public today.
This, mind you, by a populace that, in all honestly, has less flexibility and useful education than almost any country on earth.
I mean, you all know the old joke "What do you call a person that speaks 3 languages? Trilingual. Two languages? Bilingual. Just one? American".
Truth hurts, and, for the "Greatest Country On Earth"....I just wish some days we'd (as a country) act it.
Instead of like a bunch of backwoods racist uneducated morons.....as we see in person and on the news all too often.
Sigh....I miss Europe. Rant over.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Class Act
Though I never got the chance to meet him when he played, Shannon Sharpe has always been one of the all-time great Broncos players, right up there with Elway, Smith, McCaffrey, Bailey, Atwater, Plummer, TD, and Elam, in my book. And last night, my respect for the man grew even more. If you didn't see Sharpe's HoF induction speech, here's the link for you: Shannon Sharpe's moving speech. I almost felt bad for Deion Sanders and Faulk for having to follow him. Mostly Deion. Faulk fell on his face on his own, if you ask me. Great player.....noooot so great a speaker. Also, WTH was up with Faulk and Deion being introduced by their AGENTS? I'm sorry, but to me, that's tacky and gives off the wrong message. So, to introduce you and speak of your virtues as a person and a player, you have....someone you PAY to talk about you. Um, what?
What did everyone else think of the Hall of Fame ceremonies last night?
What did everyone else think of the Hall of Fame ceremonies last night?
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Put Me In Coach
It has been the talk of the offseason.
The NFL CBA.
Someone asked me how I feel about it.
In a word??
Pissed.
This should have been decided long ago.
Players are asking for too much, and the people most negatively effected are the fans, who happen to pay for both owners and players, and without whom these people on BOTH sides of the talks would be unemployed.
What is truly needed in these talks is the FAN perspective as well. Because, lets face it, we are just as impacted by this as the owners and players, since we will be paying for these new agreements through ticket sales, merchandise, and concessions.
Seriously, the league minimum is in the range of $300,000 dollars a year.
I'll play CB/WR iron man football and get crushed by Reed for that amount.
Sign my ass up. One season and I don't have to work for almost TEN FUCKING YEARS.
Perspective, boys, that's all I'm asking for, OK?
Better men have done this job for much less and weren't primadonnas about it. Rod Smith. Ed McCaffrey. Jason Elam.
Players, man, men who loved the game, not the bling.
So, to the NFLPA.....unions are an idea of the past.
For the whiny bitch players that think they deserve a few more millions.
Grow the fuck up. And in some cases, learn the damned basics. Fundamentals. T.O., I'm looking at you, McDropperson.
Let's get this circus BS over with and get the season started.
And, yo, Bucs. Y'all need some help on WR or CB?
Put me in coach. I've seen Invincible. Let's do this shit.
But you gotta trade me to my Broncos in the offseason. Cause even I know the Buccaneers aren't where I'd wanna play.
Might have to pull a Plummer on ya if you try to keep me more than a season.
Thoughts, comments, arguments?
The NFL CBA.
Someone asked me how I feel about it.
In a word??
Pissed.
This should have been decided long ago.
Players are asking for too much, and the people most negatively effected are the fans, who happen to pay for both owners and players, and without whom these people on BOTH sides of the talks would be unemployed.
What is truly needed in these talks is the FAN perspective as well. Because, lets face it, we are just as impacted by this as the owners and players, since we will be paying for these new agreements through ticket sales, merchandise, and concessions.
Seriously, the league minimum is in the range of $300,000 dollars a year.
I'll play CB/WR iron man football and get crushed by Reed for that amount.
Sign my ass up. One season and I don't have to work for almost TEN FUCKING YEARS.
Perspective, boys, that's all I'm asking for, OK?
Better men have done this job for much less and weren't primadonnas about it. Rod Smith. Ed McCaffrey. Jason Elam.
Players, man, men who loved the game, not the bling.
So, to the NFLPA.....unions are an idea of the past.
For the whiny bitch players that think they deserve a few more millions.
Grow the fuck up. And in some cases, learn the damned basics. Fundamentals. T.O., I'm looking at you, McDropperson.
Let's get this circus BS over with and get the season started.
And, yo, Bucs. Y'all need some help on WR or CB?
Put me in coach. I've seen Invincible. Let's do this shit.
But you gotta trade me to my Broncos in the offseason. Cause even I know the Buccaneers aren't where I'd wanna play.
Might have to pull a Plummer on ya if you try to keep me more than a season.
Thoughts, comments, arguments?
Friday, July 1, 2011
Nothing you know is true.
You all know I'm a pretty well read guy. Like my little brother, I LOVE reading. (He says he got it from me. I think he got the love of writing from me. Reading came from mom and dad). He and I also share another love, which he blogged about months ago on his 47 Echo blog.
I love fiction novels and books about historical events/people, but one of my favorite things to read about falls somewhere in the middle.
I'm a conspiracy theory nut. I don't believe in any of them, but I LOVE reading about them.
I have biographies on Billy the Kid. And then I have books stating Pat Garrett killed someone else.
I have every biography written about Amelia Earhart, and all three of the books she wrote.
I have even MORE books about how the Japanese shot her down, how she was an espionage agent, who she secretly flew to ANOTHER island and died in NJ in the 80s.
I have books by and about every member of the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo crews.
And I have books stating we never went to the moon.
I have books on JFK and Oswald. Yeah....you know where THAT's going. Jim Garrison ring a bell? Got his books too.
I have volumes written about Lockheed and DARPA. Then I have Area51 books almost as numerous.
Did you know the Wright Brothers weren't the first to fly a heavier than air powered sustainable flight aircraft? Got books that prove it. Or say they do.
Bigfoot, Nessie, Champ, King Arthur. Fact or fiction?
9/11....let's not touch that one, shall we?
Now, I know what you're thinking.....We already knew you were nuts, but didn't know you liked to dance around the house in just a tin-foil hat.
(And if you didn't think that...I'm sorry for the visual image...but you shouldn't have wired the house with webcams ;) )
If you believe everything you read in conspiracy writings, than nothing you know is true. Nothing. Look at your neighbor. Alien. Boss? Genetic Hybrid. That's not JUST a light pole outside, that's a high-def camera and recording device as well.
So, why do I love my Conspiracy Theories??
Easy. I'm a fiction writer. I love looking at things from a different viewpoint, and Conspiracy Theories definitely do that.
So, what about you all, do you like Conspiracy Theories?? And if so, which is your favorite? My favorites are the ones that deal with Amelia Earhart. I know they're complete bunk, but they'd make for a fun fictionalization, and are a great "What If?".
And, after all, isn't that the point?
I love fiction novels and books about historical events/people, but one of my favorite things to read about falls somewhere in the middle.
I'm a conspiracy theory nut. I don't believe in any of them, but I LOVE reading about them.
I have biographies on Billy the Kid. And then I have books stating Pat Garrett killed someone else.
I have every biography written about Amelia Earhart, and all three of the books she wrote.
I have even MORE books about how the Japanese shot her down, how she was an espionage agent, who she secretly flew to ANOTHER island and died in NJ in the 80s.
I have books by and about every member of the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo crews.
And I have books stating we never went to the moon.
I have books on JFK and Oswald. Yeah....you know where THAT's going. Jim Garrison ring a bell? Got his books too.
I have volumes written about Lockheed and DARPA. Then I have Area51 books almost as numerous.
Did you know the Wright Brothers weren't the first to fly a heavier than air powered sustainable flight aircraft? Got books that prove it. Or say they do.
Bigfoot, Nessie, Champ, King Arthur. Fact or fiction?
9/11....let's not touch that one, shall we?
Now, I know what you're thinking.....We already knew you were nuts, but didn't know you liked to dance around the house in just a tin-foil hat.
(And if you didn't think that...I'm sorry for the visual image...but you shouldn't have wired the house with webcams ;) )
If you believe everything you read in conspiracy writings, than nothing you know is true. Nothing. Look at your neighbor. Alien. Boss? Genetic Hybrid. That's not JUST a light pole outside, that's a high-def camera and recording device as well.
So, why do I love my Conspiracy Theories??
Easy. I'm a fiction writer. I love looking at things from a different viewpoint, and Conspiracy Theories definitely do that.
So, what about you all, do you like Conspiracy Theories?? And if so, which is your favorite? My favorites are the ones that deal with Amelia Earhart. I know they're complete bunk, but they'd make for a fun fictionalization, and are a great "What If?".
And, after all, isn't that the point?
Friday, June 10, 2011
I ain't as good as I once was......
After two hours of basketball today, for the first time in years, I came face to face with a few facts. I'm nowhere near the athlete I once was.
Now, I was never a GREAT basketball player, let's put that out there right now. But I always enjoyed the game and I was far from the worst guy on the court.
I'm still one of the fastest guys on the court, hoop to hoop, and I'm still agile. My defense is still able to hold its own too.
But my offense......
Offensive. Let's just say I'm a lot more of a team player now. I can drain threes a bit still, and layups I'm still all over, but man.....I was missing that hoop like nobody's business today.
And, yeah, I can spout a ton of excuses, I'm 35, it's in the high 80s-low 90s and really humid, there was no shade, blah, blah, blah.
Truth is, I've just not been keeping up with the necessary skills to remain truly competitive. Damn life getting in the way, or maybe I've just been lazy.
Now, I suppose, the question is......what am I going to do about it??? ;)
Now, I was never a GREAT basketball player, let's put that out there right now. But I always enjoyed the game and I was far from the worst guy on the court.
I'm still one of the fastest guys on the court, hoop to hoop, and I'm still agile. My defense is still able to hold its own too.
But my offense......
Offensive. Let's just say I'm a lot more of a team player now. I can drain threes a bit still, and layups I'm still all over, but man.....I was missing that hoop like nobody's business today.
And, yeah, I can spout a ton of excuses, I'm 35, it's in the high 80s-low 90s and really humid, there was no shade, blah, blah, blah.
Truth is, I've just not been keeping up with the necessary skills to remain truly competitive. Damn life getting in the way, or maybe I've just been lazy.
Now, I suppose, the question is......what am I going to do about it??? ;)
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