Cage the Elephant - Around My Head

This video is sick, but it is funny too. If you share my sense of humor... then you get this video, but if you don't... well then, don't watch.

He's Electric!!!

Those Dang Teenagers

I am trying to remain as impartial as possible... plus I'm trying to not get mad. And what does that do? Well it makes me laugh. And that is obviously the wrong thing to do. Basically my wife is tasked to get the house bright and shiny because we are having company over. Which is all good, because you like to look nice when people visit... you would hope that they will come back and visit again and again.

So anyway we are cleaning and getting ready... until it comes to my teenager's room. Then the proverbial shit hits the fan... and the fan breaks. My wife finds rotten food (I'm pretty sure you would find this in any teenager's room) and my wife's shoes, (maybe you would not find these in every teen's room) and the kicker... An empty bottle of Mike's Hard Lemonade.

Oh boy, now we have a bit of a problem. On one hand, I was a teenager once, I can remember drinking my dad's rum. I also remember not wanting to drink it anymore because... I had such a bad hangover, I didn't ever want to see another drink with rum in it for years. But on the other hand, she got caught red handed (sorta) and she should be punished. I just don't know what that punishment should be and since it was just an empty bottle (1) I'm unsure if I should really do anything at all... So I laughed at the whole thing, because we all do it, or most of us do it... my memory is that I never want to do that again (I'm still a bit put off by anything with rum in it) and I can only hope that it is the same with the teenager. Dang teenagers...

A Little Fed Up

I'm kinda pissed. At pretty much everybody. What do I mean? Politics of course. It seems you are either a tea party banger or a liberal scumbag. I don't think I am either. But that is what the media along with the politicians are having you believe. I want fiscal conservativeness with social liberalism. Really I don't care who has sex or doesn't have sex... that is none of my concern. I tend to lean to the more conservative candidate... that is until the right gets holier than everybody else and starts preaching from the stump. And I tune the whole mess out.

Why doesn't anyone get it? I'm not picking out my next babysitter or doctor I just want someone who is moderate. Who knows how to get things done and who isn't so busy scratching somebody else's back that they can't get the job done. I doubt this person exists, but that is all I look for. We have the same problems as we have always had... and I don't think we are any closer to solving them than we were 50 years ago.

Are we doomed to repeat the same silly mistakes over and over and over again? She got his seamen on her dress, he has a bastard son, these people has shown pictures of their private parts... remind me again why I should care? The thing is I don't. It is what I do that has the most effect on me. If the person was too busy having sex or being promiscuous instead of doing his job, then I might care... maybe. But the media loves shit like this, thus the real issues get tossed to the side and we become voyeurs in the sideshow instead. Yeah not so good. Maybe I should just turn it all off. I think I could be a much happier person... but then what would I talk about?

I Need A Moment

This week my wife's brother, also known as my brother-in-law, and his wife and daughter were down visiting us. I like them, they are great, and I can honestly say that I have nothing but good things to say about them. But the whole take a trip down here, lets go see this, what about that? Plus 100+ degree temperatures, well it makes one need a moment to chance his/her breath. I think I am going to fall asleep all weekend. Well I wish anyway...

Classic Film Friday: Attack of the 50 Foot Woman

I was just channel surfing the other day and I came to TCM and this movie was on and bam, me and Songbird were taken in by the story almost instantly. Nancy Archer (Allison Hayes) is a well to do sort of girl. However she is married to a guy who turns out to be her real problem. Harry (William Hudson) is a player (before they knew what a player was) and while he is married to Nancy he is more interested in Honey (Yvette Vickers).

So you see we have a love triangle building right? hen comes the "satellite" which contains some sort of alien. Which of course Nancy forces Harry into going with her to find. I can't say much more as it will spoil the movie but if you like sci-fi films (really low budget sci-fi films) you should like this one. Me and my Songbird sure seemed to love it.

Foster the People - Pumped Up Kicks

A nice chill sound... just in time for summer. Also it has a cool whistle solo. Here is Foster the People...

His Concideration

Cancer is Bitch

My mothers cancer prognosis is not looking so good. She has finished up her 1st round of chemotherapy and it did not shrink the tumor as much as we had hoped. So where do we go from here? Well first my mom has to finish being mad at her oncologist. Because with every visit he said "it is shrinking, we've got this thing beat"... well that is all good if it was shrinking, but not so much if it is not. I feel so bad for my mom right now and in some respects for the oncologist too. What was he going say? "Nope no change, deposit another $30,000 grand" (However much cancer cost)?

So she feels not only sick from all the chemo, she feels lied to as well, and nobody can tell her what she is supposed to feel right now. At this point we are looking at a mastectomy. I know my mother is not exactly a spring chicken, but when you talk about taking a part of your body and cutting it off, there is bound to be some mixed feelings at least. Anger, sadness, longing, rage, and I'm sure others as well.

The worst part about it is, now that she has been through so much with the chemo and the bald head and the being disabled from work... she already is not the same person. She is broken, I remember feeling broken when I could not feed myself when I suffered with the stroke. It is a sad state to be in, but it is only temporary (we hope). They say by Thanksgiving my mom will start to make the turn around. I hope so...

Way Back When...

Can you remember those days, when the high was in the 30's? Me neither. It used to be it was too cold/not enough sunlight to let grass grow. Now it is too dang dry and the grass won't really grow. I go past some houses in foreclosure, and the grass is non-existent, it is beyond dead, it is just a plot of mud... dried up mud. Yeah, just keep praying for rain, it has to rain sometime... (actually it rained twice since I wrote this... but we could sure use more)

The Old Man...

It is that time of year again. You know call the old man (if he is still alive) and tell him how much he means to you. I have no doubt that I will hear from my daughters how much they love me, how cool I am, how they would never be able to open a drink or jar without me. Enjoy the day all you fathers out there... for today is yours.

Happy Birthday... Again

I'm celebrating my birthday again. What? Yep... Well I'm a good New Orleanian , what that means is... I'm always looking for a party. We have some friends coming over, some family some BBQ and some drinks. We will have fun, tell stories (both true and not so true), and enjoy each other's company.  It is crazy is it not? That is the way I roll.

Classic Film Friday: 9 To 5

What can I say about this movie? Well it is pretty funny. And it has a star, a country music icon, and a comedian. Judy Bernly (Jane Fonda) is a divorced woman, forced to make a go of it in the working world. Violet Newstead (Lily Tomlin) is the veteran who shows Judy around, and Doralee Rhodes (Dolly Parton) who everyone believes is screwing the boss... but isn't. Franklin Hart Jr. (Dabney Coleman) is the boss. He he plays the foil to every working man's dream.

Watch as the three women try to work through some rather interesting predicaments and make the workplace a little better and try to not get fired in the process. This movie plays up the stereotypical sexist man's world. I'm not trying to say it wasn't like that in 1980, but to think of something like that happening now... well not were I ever worked.

Death Cab for Cutie - You Are A Tourist

This is off their Codes and Keys album that came out a few months ago. I think this should be HHI new theme music, but probably not... When there's a burning in your heart, I would reach for a rolaids or perhaps a zantac. Anyway, here is 'You Are A Tourist'.

Where is He?

I Endorse Marriage

Oh Boy. We seem to have gotten into this wondering if marriage is right for me... with all of these high-profile people getting caught doing things that they shouldn't. All I can do is shake my head. And all these reports do is make you want to reevaluate your own relationship with your spouse. And I'm sure, nobody really appreciates the heat being turned on them... without reason.

I used to be married to a different woman. It was rocky almost from the very beginning. There was times when I acted foolishly, infidelity crept in, and eventually I got a divorce. I hate to say it but, it can happen to almost anyone. Hell I could be typing these words and not knowing that I have been cheated on or cheated on my wife. I seriously doubt that, but you never know.

With all these people, why do we think that because this guy cheated or that guy had a love-child, or this sent pornographic photos of himself... why does that affect what me and my wife have? Honestly it doesn't. I know that promiscuity is out there, I used to be one of those guys. But I was young and naive and like everyone else... thought I would never get caught.

But I'm older now, I've sown the wild oats so to speak, I'm settled and I'm proud of what me and my wife have made together. Something that we could not have made if we were separate. And that means something. Is marriage obsolete or monogamy dead? I think the question is silly and it is crazy to even entertain. Sure maybe making getting married tougher or perhaps some other myriad of ways we could try to make marriages that last longer than they do. But really? Have you been through a divorce? Once you get to that point, you know you aren't going to change your mind.

Is there ever a lull in my marriage? Oh yes. Between 3 kids, 4 parents that are getting older, a cacophony of siblings and their kids, friends, work issues, education priorities... Yes there can be a lull from time to time. The important thing to remember is to not jump at the first other person you come across. Think about what happens afterward, after the lights come on and you've done got into trouble... what then? It probably wasn't worth it, as many a congressman will tell you. Does that make marriage dead? Hardly.

It isn't supposed to be kisses and hearts every minute of everyday. If you think that is... well you got issues that someone with a medical degree (i.e. psychologist) might need to look at. Nope it is not all balloons and butterflies but it is the best option we (my wife and I) have and that being said, it is not too shabby.

Happy Birthday to Me

So another year has come and gone. I keep edging closer to 40. I don't really care, but I ain't like I used to be. Heck when I left for the Army at 17, I was 135... almost too skinny for the Army. Now not so much. That is ok too. The other day I played volleyball with some friends, which it felt great to get out and get active. That or I was enjoying drinking too many sangrias. I felt every muscle that I thought would be fine the next day. Not really. I hurt.

And that is the catch that everyone must be snagged by. Yes I know that I could work out and make myself better, but really? Sooner or later we all succumb. I think the main thing that gets me in trouble is the mind thinks I'm still 17, 135lbs. when in fact I am older and fatter. My joints need time to limber up. Of course while I say that, I got a 44lbs 5-year-old and 25lbs 18-month-old that need me to pick them up. Or jump on me, or a horsey ride anyone?

I know I can't do the things I once could, I used to put that off on the stroke... I don't think I can write that ticket anymore. I can't do it because I'm old and/or fat. I confide in my wife, 4 years my senior, and while she understands, she is getting older too. She has her own things to dye, pluck, and otherwise to get done. So I'm happy I have a birthday to celebrate, I have no plans, no cake or presents (at least I don't think so) and that is ok too. I have pretty much everything I need.I think that before age 40 is just about as good as it gets. Sure if somebody wants to pay for a new Ferrari or boat I'd take it, but otherwise I'm content.

I Want This Life

Skiing and just picking up a bottle, so drunken skiing, hamburgers and fondu, and a bit of juggling. Yeah I want that! And the music is first rate, why do they not make anymore jingles? Oh the 80's and the excesses. 

Surf is Up!!!

I decided to show my 5-year-old (the Songbird) how to boogie board or body surf. I didn't have high expectations, but she did an awesome job. You have to get right where the waves are breaking, which was just a tad bit deeper than the Songbird was willing to go, but once I showed her (because the ocean is a living thing and sand is always moving) that if she would come out a little bit more it would get shallower. She did, proceeded to ride the waves like a big kahuna would.

Classic Film Friday: A Hard Day's Night

What can I say about this film? Not much, John, Paul, George, and Ringo do what they do. Wilfrid Brambell, plays Paul's fictional grandfather and helps the boys get into all kinds of trouble. This is one film I would recommend for the whole family.

Goldfish - We Come Together

This music video was sent to me by my brother. He is somewhat of a video game nerd. It's cool everybody has to have "something". Anyway it is a snappy song with loads of old video game references. See what you think.

Where is That Guy?

Listening to the Radio

Every now and then... you know once every 2 or 3 weeks I listen to the John Boy and Billy Big Show. It comes on in the morning. I catch 10-15 minutes on my way to work. I used to listen to it everyday. I find it has the right mix of talk and music, but a bit too much on the commercials. I know they need to make money, which is why I don't really listen that much any more.

I like how they mix the their talk and guests with the occasional song and plus I like classic rock, so there is that going for it. Plus there is lots of NASCAR and pro-wrestling and basically man type stuff. Which is funny since I live with 3 girls and my wife. Yeah, I can't listen to it all the time, else my redneck side may emerge... and that isn't good.

But still I like the show, better that the blather of all talk radio, and a bit better than nothing but music. Plus I must admit that through all that "man stuff" the show makes fun of the rednecks, pokes fun at wrestling (yes we all know it isn't real), It is like going fishing with your best fishing buddies. It makes you laugh. Which makes the commercials a bit more bearable. Maybe I'll start listening more...

Week in Review

I celebrated six years of being married. which at first we were going down to Hilton Head but alas we decided not to go. Instead we went to Plum's in Beaufort and had an awesome dinner right on the waterfront, we couldn't ask for anything more. (I'm sorry PB, because she called us in a pass to Sea Pines... but it was on a Saturday, during tourist season. It just was not to be. But maybe some other time just not on Saturday.)


Sunday was 61 years of my mother being around. She still has cancer, she just made it through the first round of chemo. Not unscathed and not without her own bit of issues. I spoke to her but she was a bit nauseated (from chemo). But that is to be expected. Still she is 1/3 of the way there now. She needs to get surgery done and then have a second round of chemo and radiation done. Then, maybe we can rest for a minute or two.


The Songbird scored 2 goals in her soccer game this week (she has another game today) It was a see-saw batter in which she scored a goal then the other team scored two goals, then she scored a beautiful goal, which started out from deep in her own territory and she made the turn, and she (remembered maybe) that to kick it in the corner of the goal (thus making it past the goalie). It truly was a thing of beauty. We scored another goal, then the other team scored 3 goals (all with the same player) for those playing at home Songbird's team 3 the opposition 5, and then we take the lead (miraculously) and the game is over. It was a hard won battle, but then again, we didn't have everyone (two of our star players were out plus our coach)... This made my daughter have to run, run, run and it felt like it was 100 degrees. It is not that is was that hot but... it was June.

In a recap, I'm glad I'm married, I'm glad my mom is another year older and I think my daughter was glad for the win, but is actively looking for something else... like karate or gymnastics. (i.e. something inside, with air conditioning)

Rocket Man

Or should I say torpedo man? Yes that was me getting my slide on. You can see way at the top of the slide my teenager. I left her. She was scared. As you can see from my "face" and the huge rooster tail... I ain't got time to be scared. It was fun though I must admit. And this was the "Nut Shot" of last year. I learned too pick my crotch up off the mat a bit, and that made the ride pleasurable. Though my teenager just thought she was going to die. She didn't. We are all still alive to witness the pure awesomeness of this picture in fact. (Thanks goes to Mrs. Mad Hatter for taking the photo) You are welcome :o)

Foo Fighters - Walk

I don't have a movie this week, but I do have a funny video. I love me some foo, and they came out with this video yesterday. Enjoy! Extra points if you know what movie they are acting out...

Eddie Vedder - Can't Keep

The weird part about this for me is not so much that Eddie did a solo album without his Pearl Jam compatriots, but that there is actually a video. Pearl Jam hasn't made a video since Ten (Their first album some 20 years ago). But here he is on the computer screen. I think that is a good thing.

Another 6 inches and You Would Have Had It.