Overrated

This topic has been on my mind for some time now. It was not till now that i found the time to write it down; i wish it were better written, but my brain is on vacation right now. Below follows some of my thoughts on overrated things...you most likely won't agree with me, but that's okay...this is my journal. here it goes:

The American Heritage Dictionary of the English language defines overrated as follows:

o•ver•rate ( v r-r t )
tr.v. o•ver•rat•ed, o•ver•rat•ing, o•ver•rates
To overestimate the merits of; rate too highly.

So, now this definition seems very subjective to me, meaning that it is in the observer’s mind or viewpoint. Keep in mind the definition of overrated and its subjective undertones, for it is in the eye of the viewer who defines the perceptions of what is held higher than the other.

To say that air or water is overrated is laughable, for we know that we do not exist if they don’t exist. There are no opinions or perceptions that will change this fact. The next few statements are merely opinions.

I believe the Beatles are overrated. I am in the minority here, but I can’t quite come to grips with Beatle-mania. Don’t get me wrong, the Beatles made some good records. The fab four are/were indeed good musicians; just not as good as they have been made out to be. In fact, I think John Lennon was truly the only Beatle that should be ranked as high. The only Beatles’ song that is worthy of its high praise, is Lennon’s Imagine, a beautiful song with a beautiful message…absolutely fantastic.

I feel there are other artists out there that deserve as much, if not more, recognition than the Beatles. And rightly so, they are recognized with high honors, but it always seems that they are in the shadow of the Beatles. Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, Ray Charles, and Dick Dale just to name a few. It always seems there is at least one Beatles’ song at the top of any music poll…Beatles are overrated.

On to another overrated topic: the other week I went to the movies and was shocked at the reception that the new Star Wars trailer received. I think there were more cheers and whistles during and after that trailer than there was for the main feature. I must say it …the Star Wars movies are overrated. They are just movies…is it really necessary to get that worked up about it?

The Star Wars epic is a great story that instills imagination in all of us. But, I’m not one to dress up like darth vader or a storm trooper to go see the movie. Save that stuff for Halloween. And I’m definitely not counting the days until I can see the full story and close the book on Star Wars. When is that last episode out? That should close the book on that overrated epic…hopefully.

And the same goes for that damn Harry Potter and his Lord of the Rings yep, all overrated! Although, I can’t say too much about Harry Potter, since I’ve never seen the movies nor read the books…but I can’t by into the hype that is present there. But the Lord of the Rings…fell asleep during the first movie…didn’t bother watching the others. Again, they are just books and movies…I couldn’t believe the amount of adults that are/were caught up in the Harry Potter saga. I must’ve missed something…

Well, i realize that there isn't much substantiation built into this post, but i wanted to get the thoughts out there before it completely evaporated. Feel free to speak your mind on this topic...

What do you think is overrated?

Happy Holidays

I hope everyone is getting into the holiday spirit?! CHristmas is upon us and everyone is getting ready to begin their travels. I hope everyone makes it to and from their destinations with much joy and happiness.

Well, i know it's been some time since i last updated this journal. Hopefully, during the holidays i'll have time to update this more frequently. I have a few post ideas that i'll be getting up...as soon as i can write them. I will be working this holiday season--probably most importantly--bringing food and other supplies to the International Space Station on Christmas Day.

So, stay tuned throughout the holidays for more postings.

Happy Thanksgiving to all...

...and to all, a Happy Thanksgiving. It's that time of year again where family gets together and you chow down on some of the greatest food and give thanks. One probably takes in more calories during this weekend than in any given full week. I know i've eaten my share of food and there is a lot more where it came from.

For those that cannot be with your families, we are thinking about you and we hope that you have a great day no matter where you are.

I am thankful for all has been granted me...the good, the bad, and the indifferent!

Well, a piece of cheesecake is calling my name...i must give in to its wishes.
Did you give thanks today...

Finally...

Hey there boys and girls...it's a new post from Todd! I know, I know...those of you who anxiously await the arrival of a new post have been extremely disappointed. Since my last post, a lot of things have gone on...The Astros lost the NLCS to the St. Louis Cardinals in seven games...so close, yet so far. We've seen the Boston Red Sox win a World Series in an amazing four game sweep of the cards. We've seen ghosts and goblins and re-elected a president.

So, where have I been? I've been around (working odd hours, working regular hours, working around the house, etc.) Heather has been doing a lot of studying lately, so she gets first dibs on the computer (which is why i need a laptop...). When she isn't on the computer, I'm too lazy to quickly write up something for this post.

Well, stay tuned for a new post soon!

Todd at work...

Here is a picture of me at the end of my shift for the recent Soyuz Docking to the International Space Station. The docking took place Friday night (10/15/04). I'm in my group's backroom position.



More words to come later...i'm going to bed for now.

Amazing...

Simply Amazing...Tonight's Astros game was quite possibly the best game I've ever seen, live or otherwise. Both teams were nearly perfect. Both starting pitchers -- Texas boys, I might add -- were amazing. Woody Williams and Brandon Backe both threw a one hitter. Backe lasted through 8 innings with 4 strikeouts and 2 walks. Williams lasted 7 innings with 4 strikeouts and 2 walks. Both pitchers were superb!!! Lidge finished off the top of the ninth in 1-2-3 fashion.

Astros have taken the series lead 3-2 with the game 6 in St. Louis to come Wednesday. One more win, and the Astros will be attending their first World Series!!! It is still unknown who will be attending the World Series as the Boston Red Sox have made the American League Series a little more interesting winning the last two games to bring the series to 3-2 with the Yankees needing one more to advance.

What an amazing year for the Astros...simply amazing!!!

ASTROS HISTORY!!!!!

Tonight the Astros have done what they haven't been able to do in their 43 year existence--advance past the first round playoffs. Seven times previously, they have been thwarted by their opponent. The Astros beat the Braves in game 5 of the National League Division Series . The Astros are now going to face the St. Louis Cardinals in the National League Champion Series starting on Wednesday. Man, what a trip it's been. I may have expressed some doubt several posts ago, but doubt it no more. The Astros are here to stay. It's been a great year for them. And next year may be just as promising.

Excitement will be in the air tomorrow; the Astros will be the talk of the town. It's one day's rest and then off to face the Cards...who in the last two series have fallen to the Astros.

History has been made...and will continue to be made with each win. It will be a National League Central team and an American League East team in the World Series this year...but who will it be??

National League Wild Card Winners

That's right, the Astros have won the 2004 NL Wild Card spot for the race to the World Series! The Astros destiny was in their own hands this afternoon. A win against Colorado would seal the deal that lets them shoot for a World Series title. And the Astros did just that. Another way in would have to rely on the Dodgers beating the Giants today, which they didn't do--they didn't have to... they already were Western Division champs. The Astros next task is to prepare for the first series in the post season...the first series has been somewhat of an achilles heel for the Astros...7 appearances, 0 advances. This time, I think the Astros have a very good chance of advancing, so good in fact, I'm posting here my prediction. I think the Astros have enough momentum to propel them into the World Series. They have had strong pitching, clutch defense, clutch hitting, mixed with a little bit o good luck. It is their time...their time to shine. Most have counted them out...even I had my doubts once saying "their chances of advancing, though not impossible, are improbable." A 36-10 run at the end is what it took to push on to the playoffs. Whatever the outcome, you can bet that the Astros fans will be there in force. So, tune in Wednesday as the playoffs begin. Go Astros!!

I am recovering from a late summer cold/soar throat. So, i've been out of it the last two and a half days...I do have plans of posting something interesting here in the next few days that i just haven't been able to get posted...so stay tuned. Ok, it might not be that interesting, but i will get it posted--this serves as my reminder.

Mayonaise

Intrigued aren't ya? Wondering where I'm going with Mayonaise? The other day, while enjoying a tasty Freebird's burrito, I heard a song that I had not heard in a while. Track nine from the Siamese Dream album, done by none other than, the Smashing Pumpkins--Mayonaise. This happens to be one of my favorite songs from the Pumpkins. I have to clarify and say ONE of my favorites, since I am not one to hold any single favorite anything...well, except my wife. She's the favorite if she's the only one, right? Yep, she's my favorite.

Anyway...I'm not sure where the name Mayonaise came from for this song. It's not in the lyrics, and not alluded to in any way. Maybe Billy or James can shed some light on that for us? Guys?!
Well, this song is very dynamic, moving from mellow and quiet to heavy and distorted. As always the guitars are done magnificently, followed by a bass that ebbs and flows with the melody. Drums add a steady rhythmic flow that you can tap your toes to. Of course a simplistic solo adds the dimension and feel to the song. The lyrics leave much to be interpreted...but that's one of the great aspects of a well written song! Don't get me wrong, there are great songs with a very clear message in the lyrics. Take Learning to Fly by Pink Floyd! It's a song about flying airplanes...as one of the band members was literally learning to fly (I unfortunately can't remember which one? Gilmour, Waters? I'm not sure.

So, go spin your Siamese Dream CD--track 9--and see if you agree with me...

Ahhh...so, I, myself, was intrigued as to how Mayonaise was the title choice for that track. Here is an explanation I found on the web: Billy Corgan got the title for this song after looking in his refrigerator. He said this about coming up with titles: "Say you write a song about a chandelier, and the chandelier gives off light. And the light is the color red and red reminds you of the color your not supposed to wear around a bull. So you name the song 'Cow.'"

Makes perfect sense now!


This will come in handy for a yet un-named song that Finding Reason recently came up with. Just the foundation for the song is down...no bass, no lyrics, just a few riffs and a rough drum line. Much work is needed on this song, two others need some finishing touches and then we can release them to our garageband.com website. As always, I'll give you the heads up when we are releasing more material.

Good night for now...

Do you believe?

The Astros have just won their 11th game in a row and are within 1.5 games of the wildcard leader, Chicago Cubs. The Cubs are battling the Expos right now, tied up in the bottom of the ninth. Hopefully, the Expos can pull it off. San Francisco is leading tonight as well. Should both the Cubs and the Giants win, the Astros will not have gained any ground on either team.

It's gonna be a sprint to the finish and likely result in a photo finish. Ok, maybe a playoff for the the wild card spot!? There are 6 games left with St. Louis, the central division champs (well, pretty much). The Astros need to win, win, win. So, do you believe? I do believe it's going to be exciting!!!

...Believe!

1461 days ...

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO US... Yep, Heather and I have been married for 4 years now. It's hard to believe that it's been 4 years already. Happy Anniversary Heather!

So, what did we do on our anniversary? We each built a fine burrito at the grand opening of Freebirds. Yes, the fine burrito establishment that fed me for four years at Texas A&M has made its way to within 5 miles of our house!! This is good news and bad news... The good news, it's great food and it reminds me of my struggling college days. The bad news...i'm inevitably going to get fat from it! hehe.

Heather and I both finished off our Monster burritos and watched a little pre-season football...both the Texans and Texas A&M are playing tonight. Neither team is doing too well right now. Oh well, luckily it's only pre-season.

Well, I'm off to sit back in front of the TV and allow my 1.5 lb burrito to digest. Happy Anniversary all...

Celebrity Sighting

Ok, so maybe he's not a major celebrity, but to the local Astros community he is. Who is he, you ask? Astros starting 3rd baseman, Morgan Ensberg. Heather and Lisa spotted him at Pacific Sunwear at the Galleria mall yesterday. Still shaking, Heather asked for his autograph for me (How thoughtful!)



Above is the autograph that he so graciously gave Heather. Heather and Lisa said that he was very nice and down to earth. (Heather says he's much better looking without his cap; and Lisa says he looks good in jeans). And to top it all off, Ensberg scored the winning run in last night's bout with the Cubbies. Thanks for the autograph Morgan.

Comment Reply

Thanks to those that have posted comments. Here is a quick reply for the the comment on the "First Console Experience" Post.

The answer is yes and no! For the time being, the answer is no. You cannot see me on any of the cameras unless i'm in the control room...and at the right angle. I currently work in the backroom which has no cameras. As I progress in my training you can find me at the ADCO console. Info on ISS and the control room can be found here. Under the "Interactives" section select "mission control" and learn where everyone sits in the videos you see of the ISS control room. Our position is located in the front left corner of the room.

Enjoy perusing the website...and keep those comments coming.

TiVo-fantastic

Just purchased a new DVD/TiVo digital media server. TiVo is essentially a digital VCR with many more options. Take the tour here for more information about TiVo. Already, it has become useful. Heather wanted to watch a show she's been trying to see for weeks. Well, with TiVo's handy guide and recording functions we found the show and recorded it while we slept, all in digital splendor. I'm still learning the TiVo system, but seems it's full of potential and no more missed movies/tv shows/documentaries/sporting events/etc. I have a little re-wiring to do so that we can watch other channels while we record our favorite programs. This little box will definitely come in handy when the new season of shows start. Cause we all know that we won't have time to catch them all, especially with our busy schedules. TiVo will help out there though. Oh and Dad, remember that bike show we were watching right before you had to leave? Well, i have a few of those recorded for you when you visit next.

Well, i'm going to go do a little re-wiring...then watch a show...WITHOUT COMMERCIALS!!!

Gasoline Baths and My Dad's Hands...

Sometimes, you are gonna get dirty when you do some repair work. Today I fixed our garage door opener. When I was through I had to wash my hands with a gasoline soaked rag. Reminded me of my Dad and all the times I saw him gettin' dirty. Several days ago, I repaired my lawn mower again. This time I replaced the height adjuster mechanism. It was very very loose, and I think, it is the culprit of the erosion on the helical gear. All is well with the lawn mower. All is well with the garage door opener.

Did some more swimming today. Pushed myself a little harder today...and almost went too far. I didn't swim any more laps than last time, but I did them with a little more effort. I think I'm building up some stamina and am no longer as fatigued as before. But I can still feel the burn in most of my muscles. Maybe once I can do a 1000 meters or so, I'll start lifting weights. That's a big maybe...most people know my "fondness" for weight lifting. I'm only a little more than half way there...so there is a lot of time left for me to do my swimming.

Where's winter?? I'm getting tired of the heat! The thermometer on the Cruiser read 104 today. Of course you have to factor out some engine heat, asphalt heat, etc. It was still near or at 100 today...And repairing a garage door opener with the garage closed was not all that much fun. I haven't sweat like that since my years of highschool football...man it's hot!

Well, that's all for tonight...I'm headed to rest my head on my still blackened hands...Don't worry...their pretty clean. I've washed them more times than i can count. Goodnight.

First Official Console Experience

Late Thursday night, early Friday morning was my first official console experience flying the International Space Station. It was somewhat surreal. Things were familiar, yet so unfamiliar. The task at hand was performed without a hitch. The Russian Progress vehicle, which is a disposable cargo vehicle, undocked from the station.

My next duty will come late monday night, early tuesday morning for the upcoming EVA. It's going to be a very busy day, so if you have NASA TV, and you are an insomniac, watch some footage of the EVA early Tuesday morning.

In other news, Finding Reason got together last night, for the first time in what seemed like ages, to continue work on our music. I must say, i'm very rusty and need to go back and learn some of our stuff. I suppose I've purged that part of my memory during the past few weeks so i could get certified. Oh well, we're reworking a lot of it anyway.

Those of you out there looking for a new acoustic/electric guitar, I highly recommend buying an Ovation. I absolutely love my Ovation...and so do my bandmates. Be on the listen for it when it comes out on our next song, "Blue Devils". As always, I'll post a message to let you know when the song is out there...

Live well...

Ten Years...

Where have I been, you might ask?  Well, i've been busy.  We were in Pennsylvania a couple weekends back attending our Godchild's baptism.  I've been working hard at work trying to complete my certification (which I successfully did).  But most recently I attended my 10 year highschool reunion!  Man, has it been 10 years already?  Sure has...

We had a little tour of the school...which has changed a little since we've last been there.  Added a few new classrooms, a new cafeteria, and a new gymnasium.  The smell was still the same...many decades of pubescent teens and cafeteria food, with a hint of floor lacquer make for an interesting but distinct smell.  It was a bit eerie too, to be back in the halls i once roamed.  Those were simpler times, good times, bad times, highschool times...

It was great seeing all our old classmates again.  Some changed drastically and some changed not at all.  Most personalities were the same though, which, depending on how you look at it, was a good thing...or a bad thing.    It was definitely great catching up with everyone.  We should do it more often...or not.  Here's to another 10 years...

Lightning Strikes...

Saturday afternoon mother nature graced us with her electric touch. A lightning strike hit very very close to the house, if not hitting the house. Damage done, so far: several electronic components including--cable box, two cordless phones, and a hair straightener; cosmetic damage to a mirror; water heater element; and a copper water pipe. Yep, that's right, the copper pipe fed water to our whirlpool tub. The pipe happened to be touching the metal case of the whirlpool tub heater. Simple physics says that electricity takes the path of least resistance...so, somehow, the electricity traveled from the cloud to my house, and down the copper pipe to this metal case...well, the electric current zapped a hold in the copper pipe, nearly flooding the master bath and master bedroom. Luckily the leak was noticed about 30 minutes after the strike. Not too much was damaged...the carpet got a little wet and has since dried nicely. Eleven dollars fixes the leak. Thanks for the help dad!

Now, the water heater is the newest problem to crop up. Noticed when i took a shower this morning that the water was merely lukewarm instead of hot. Took the cover off of the water heater and noticed the charred remains of one of the heating elements. I'll have to do the repair on that as soon as I get the replacement part. For now, we'll be taking lukewarm baths and showers.

Hmmm...should I be investing in a lightning rod? Well, I suppose it could've been worse.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRANDON!

Ok, bro, I didn't forget your birthday. I tried calling you tonight (at your new place) but you aren't there. Can't leave a message, you don't have a machine. So, as proof of me not forgetting, i put up this post. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! You'll be getting a card soon. I didn't have your address in time to send it out early. But you'll get it. Hope it's a good one!?!?

I'll try calling again later.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY...

Severely out of shape

I started swimming again today. I have discovered i'm one of three things:
1) severely out of shape
2) severely out of shape
3) or something is really wrong with me.

Since i've passed my last couple of flight physicals with no problem, i'm fairly certain it's not number 3. Swimming is the all time best activity to do...works all your muscles and you get good cardio out of it too.
I remember being able to swim hours on end when i was growing up as a kid. Today i barely lasted 15 minutes...
Whatever happened to my lifeguarding days...??

Stay fit...go swimming!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

I'd like to say a Happy Father's Day out there to all the fathers! You are a pivotal influence in our lives and you have taught us so much--and continue to teach us. Keep up the good work! Love you Dad and Dad(-in-law). Hope you have a great day!

Reviews are coming in...

Reviews from other musicians are coming in for our first song "A Delusion of Trust". Nothing stellar and nothing horrible, but we seem to be moving up the charts. Take a peek here at our current progress. Hopefully, we can get our second song, "Blue Devils" posted this weekend. This song is much stronger than "Delusion". We should fair much better with that one. Several other songs have been born as well. They are still in the creative stage. But keep a lookout for them.

New Comment Feature

There is a new comment feature that I added to the journal. Please leave your comments. It's simple to do. Click on the comment button following the post. Click on Post a Comment. A screen will pop up asking you to sign in, but you don't have to sign up for anything...Just post anonymously--but please leave your name in the comment, so I know who it's coming from. Type in your comment and then publish it. That's all.

So, comment away....

Without Further Ado

Finding Reason's first demo track: A Delusion of Trust

If you have comments on the song, we'd like to hear them. Send me an email or send the band an email. Band information can be found here.

I don't think this is our strongest song, but one we finished first. The best is yet to come...

Any Day Now...

Finding Reason is putting the final touches on our first song to be released to the public. The first hit single "A Delusion of Trust" will be out in a matter of days. Okay...I might be getting ahead of myself. It might not be a hit single...but it is our first completed work. I'll let you know where to download the song when we get it out there. There are a couple of other songs in work. So, once those are completed we'll release them to you for your enjoyment. Hang in there...it won't be much longer...

Pictures from North Carolina

Here are a handfull of pictures from our North Carolina Trip.
I decided to make you do a little work and click to see the picture...this post would've been way too long otherwise.

Triple Falls-- Located in Dupont State Forest.
High Falls-- Located in Dupont State Forest.
Heather and Todd in front of High Falls-- Yep, we hiked right to the base of the falls.
Wedding Cake Cupcakes The Parris' wedding cake, er, wedding cupcakes.
First Kiss-- First Kiss as a married couple.
Husband and Wife-- I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Parris.
ADCO Crew-- The ADCOs in North Carolina.
A Josh Sandwich-- Just what is a Josh sandwich?
Up the Nose-- Why you don't let your wife feed you!
The Toss-- The traditional bouquet toss.

Back in Texas

I know it's been a while since my last post...but there had been nothing special to speak of. Now there is...and this will take me a while to get things together, as there are things that need to be done around the house. We are back in Texas after a 5 day vacation in North Carolina. Actually we were there to see some very close friends (Josh and Lisa) get married. I have well over 200 pictures to download and sort through. Hopefully I can get a few of those posted soon. Now it's off to mow the lawn and unpack...

Weird Wicked Weather

Here are some pictures of today's weird wicked weather. These pictures were take about 8:00pm Central time during a thunderstorm. The colors from this storm were amazing and rich. The colors in the pictures are unaltered. It was a sight to see.





On another note, I got the cruiser fixed this morning. Thought I had a misfire in one the cylinders so I changed out the plugs. Turns out I had a shorted out camshaft position sensor. But all is back to normal. Hopefully there will be no more surges or engine stalls.

Bowie Review

I finally finished my David Bowie Concert Review.
You can read it in detail here: David Bowie Concert Review.

"If Ziggy were a Texan..."

Just got home from the Bowie Concert! PHENOMENAL...Too tired to do a complete write up now, but here is the set list:

1. Rebel, Rebel
2. New Killer Star
3. Battle of Britain (The Letter)
4. Cactus
5. Fashion
6. All the Young Dudes
7. China Girl
8. Modern Love
9. Fame
10. The loneliest Guy
11. The Man Who Sold the World
12. Hallo Spaceboy
13. Sunday
14. Heathen (The Rays)
15. Under Pressure
16. Days
17. The Supermen
18. Reality
19. Ashes to Ashes
20. Quicksand
21. White Light, White Heat
22. I'm Afraid of Americans
23. Heroes

Encore

24. Slip Away (With the Polyphonic Spree)
25. Suffragette City
26. Ziggy Stardust

I also played auto-mechanic today...more words tomorrow.
I'm off to bed...

Widescreen TV

Well, after much thought and advice seeking, we went to Best Buy to purchase a replacement TV that went on the fritz. Our other TV was possessed and started power cycling during the night and wouldn't work during the day. Took the TV in for an estimate and it was going to be $165 + tax. My original thought was to buy a new one. But then I started second guessing myself. Then I was back on board with buying a new TV. Well, we ended up with a new 30" widescreen. Nothing extremely special. We are avid movie watchers and felt that our DVD collection would best be viewed on a widescreen TV. So we thought plasma 50"...yeah right. well, that would be the ideal machine...but we settled for a 30" widescreen.

I'm a Best Buy Reward member so I'll be getting about $35 worth reward money back. This will nearly buy me a new progressive scan DVD player. I really wanted an HD ready TV, but that'll have to wait till the prices come down. Oh to wish...plasma....

TV woes and a New Born Baby

Our one and only TV is on the fritz. Looks like I'll be in the market for a new one. Should I go plasma?!? I wish i could...but that's not gonna happen. I'll be looking at something either similar to what i have now, or slightly upgraded. Best Buy is having a promotion...2 years no interest for TVs over $399. Oh well...it is a pain not being able to watch tv.

On a happier note:

Please welcome into the world Lucas Robert Green!
He was born April 20th: 9 pounds 7 ounces and 20.5 inches long.

Wizard of Oz

We just got back from tonight's Astros game. The wizard, Roy Oswalt, threw a stellar complete game shutout against the Brewers. He allowed 3 hits, struck out 10 and walked no one. This is what the Astros have needed for quite some time now; starting pitching deep into the game. This is going to be a good season for the Astros! Stay tuned for more!
I'll leave you with a couple of pictures from the night:

Roy Oswalt at bat.


The final score! Astros Win!!

Finding progress

Finding Reason is making progress. This past weekend Ben and I recorded two songs (well, partial recordings anyway). Greg put down a simple bass line for a basis. Ben also recorded some lyrics to the second song. Recording is quite fun; time consuming and demanding, but fun. Maybe I'll resurrect some of my old lyrics to incorporate in a yet unwritten song. I'm nearly out of webspace, so I can't post the new works, but hopefully soon, we'll have the works up on our garageband.com website.
Well, i'm feeling a bit under the weather, so i'm off to bed early tonight.
See you soon...

Progress...

Tonight Finding Reason had another jam session. We honed our skills on the first song. And we started a completely new song. The plan is to do some preliminary recording on the second song on Saturday morning, although ben might lay down some tracks tomorrow. This song writing is some fun stuff...don't know why we didn't do this sooner. At any rate, we'll try to bring these songs to you as soon as they are completed. The website is up and running, although there isn't much there yet. Here's the link: Finding Reason This is where we'll be putting up our music for you to enjoy. There will be some bio stuff and other information once we update it. For now it's just a shell to get us started.

Anyway...it was a good night. We should have some more recording done on Saturday. Stay tuned...

Finding Reason

It is done! The name has been selected. Over 100 names were suggested! Some of those names were good, some were bad, and some were already taken. So, here we are 'Finding Reason'. Now that a name has been selected we can start a webpage at garageband.com. On this page you can learn more about us, hear our music, and maybe one day, see where we will be playing live. We still have a long way to go before we make it to that point. I'm not gonna quit my day job yet! I'll post a link of the webpage when it's up and running.

So, some of you have heard the "unfinished piece"? I want to thank you for your warm reception. There is much work to be done on that piece though. We have added a tentative bass line (greg wants to perfect it a bit). The bass runs a little hot on this mix; subsequent mixes will turn down the bass a bit. So, here is the latest mix.


Tomorrow we are scheduled to go back into the studio to hopefully put some texture and depth to the song. Greg has reworked the bass a bit and Ben has worked on some solo work. Should be a really catchy tune when all is said and done. Stay tuned for the latest installment of Finding Reason!

Play Ball...

Tis that season again for some righteous baseball. This season promises to be one of the Astros best opportunities for a world series pennant. It has been 18 years since the last great opportunity in '86. This is the Astros season! Opening day didn't turn out so well. The San Francisco Giants edged the Astros 5-4, thanks in part to Barry Bonds who hit a 3 run homer to tie it in the eight inning. It's just game one. The Astros were doing all the right things. Stay tuned for more Astros updates... Go Astros!!!

Studio Sessions

Last night was the first group studio session. We added the bass to our previous work. Greg wants to change up the bass line a bit, so he'll be working on his changes. I'll be working on my parts and maybe working on some fills to give the song some more texture. A name has still not been selected, but we might be close. Hopefully in the next week we can settle on a name. After that is done, we can start building our website on garageband.com for you to hear more of our tunes. Working in Ben's studio was a lot of fun. I'm sure there will many more opportunities to lay down some tracks. Well, I'm off to practice some music...Have you practiced your needs today??

What's in a name...

The time has come for us to take the next step and name our band. Oh the frustration! Is this the hardest part of forming a band? I haven't offered up 'Negative Return' yet, but I may throw it in as a last resort. I've seen close to a hundred different suggestions and I really don't like a one--even some of my own suggestions. Am I just being too selective with this? Does it really matter? Anyway, we'll be starting a website on garageband.com. That's where you'll be able to hear our stuff and learn more about us. I just won't have the webspace to host it all, but you can bet there will be a link on my website when it's done.

Have you listened to the song? You haven't? Then you must have dial up? I've heard that people with dial up have had problems. I apologize for that...maybe when we get the site up and running on garageband.com you'll be able to listen to it? or not. If you have listened to it, I hope you liked it. Hopefully there will be many more where that came from...

So, what's in a name?? Stay tuned to find out what we have chosen...

First of many...

This is our first crudely recorded material. I say crudely because Ben whipped this up Sunday night. There is no bass, no fills, and no solos. All that to be added later. We just wanted to get something down as a basis. The thoughts are now digital. I had to reduce the quality of this piece so I could upload it to the web. Hopefully it won't sound like crap?!? Don't expect this piece to stay here too long--cause it'll be updated, or I'll run out of webspace. It is quite possible that this piece will be re-arranged and such. So, without further ado, here it is.

Comments are welcome. But before complete judgment is passed, I just want to say again, this is a piece in work. Have a listen and if you like it, buy the album. Hehe :)

Sounds of something

Last night, Greg, Ben, and I added to our unfinished yet growing piece of original work. It's growing into something that might actually be pretty good. Unfortunately we haven't been able to record any of it...but it does sound good from as we're playing it. Of course that may change when we hear the playback. The song has a good foundation...we'll need to add fills and solos to it, but it has a strong foundation. Ben will try to record some of it today--he's the only one with some recording equipment. And once we hear the playback we can begin adding some depth to the song. And of course lyrics will eventually be added. I think Ben will add a drum track to the recording, since we lack a drummer. Maybe in the future I'll add a sound clip of the song here or to HorelicaNet for your listening pleasure or displeasure, whatever the case may be. Yes, sounds of something...

Well, I'm off to enjoy my Sunday...I may be back later....Enjoy your Sunday!

Lawn mower Ops

Lawn mower operations have resumed. The parts came in and the lawn mower is functional. I've included a picture to show you what the problem was.


The gear on the left is the old and busted gear. As you can see all of the gear teeth have been worn away. The gear on the right is the replacement gear. A simple $9 part fixes a $260 lawn mower. It pays to do things yourself. The yard is now in tip top shape! Well, that is all for now. I'm going to go relax and watch some TV. Enjoy your Sunday...

Emerald Charms of Luck

Happy St. Patrick's Day! I hope everyone had a merry day. Today is one of my influences birthday--William P. Corgan, Jr. or better known as Billy Corgan, formerly of the Smashing Pumpkins and Zwan. Happy Birthday Billy. I anxiously await the arrival of his poetry book and his new material, both due out later this year. Billy is an amazing guitarist and master mind in the art of music making. If you'd like to see some of his personal thought, go here to billycorgan.com.

I guess I will leave you with a place to research o' St. Paddy.

28 years

It's been 28 years since my birth. I'd like to thank everyone for their well wishes, cards, lotto tickets, phone calls and the like. Sorry to say the lotto tickets didn't produce anything but garbage. I didn't do any celebrating. My meal of choice was a bacon cheese burger meal from Whataburger. I know, I know, not very exciting. Sometimes keeping things low key are much better than the grandiose cinematic features that we sometimes make them out to be. It was a pretty good day nonetheless.


In other news, I'm waiting on lawn mower parts to come in so I can fix my lawn mower. A simple $28 worth of supplies to fix the problem is a lot better than $280 for a new lawnmower. The parts shipped today; so they should be here later this week. And there isn't much more to report...I'm tired.

Mud Bugs and Rock n Roll

Today there was a crawfish boil at Greg's house, in honor of his "last" birthday. Greg's birthday was yesterday (the 12th). We arrived at the party a little late--fashionably late. But I arrived with two girls (Heather and Lisa) and a cooler full of drinks. The weather seemed to cooperate despite the gloominess. Chef Lala (Russell Lala, one of our MCS trainers) prepared an exquisite meal consisting of crawfish, corn on the cob, potatoes, sausage, and catfish. See some pictures here. I did try the crawfish...it was good, but had a stronger fishy flavor than I liked. So, I stuck to the sausage, potatoes, and corn. After feasting from the crawfish trough, it was time to break out the guitars and jam a little.

Ben and I set up in Greg's living room and started doing a little jammin. Greg joined us a short time later. We had a bigger audience than usual, but it was fun. We ran through the stuff that we had been working on. We are getting better. We have even written a little musical piece together...we have most of it hashed out, just need to add some drums and some lyrics and tweak it a bit and we're off to writing our first song together. I can definitely see some improvement in my playing. This little project has been good for me...and it shall continue.
I had no idea jammin and feasting on some authentic cajun food could be so exhausting...I'm quite tired right now. Stay tuned for the next installment of HorelicaNet Journal.

Save the Bird

Good new came to me several days ago. A staple restaurant of College Station is coming to my area! Freebirds!! Yep, that's right. Evidently there are enough Aggies in this area to prompt the arrival of the wonderful burrito making establishment. Visit Freebirds for a sneak peek at what they have to offer!! I can't wait for the arrival of this glorious burrito factory. I will probably get fat now. So go out and save the bird!

Tame the mane

Today I got a much needed haircut. That's right, I tamed the mane. I wasn't able to get into the place I normally get my hair done at, so I had to settle for the next best thing. The mall was extremely packed today...guess everyone needed a haircut. I wanted something new...so I cut off all my hair--ok, well not all my hair, but it sure felt like it. At least now I'll fit into my fitted cap now! I hope to have some pictures soon...cause I know there are some of you out there that are wondering what it looks like. I wanted highlights to accent the cut, but alas, everyone was getting their hair colored too. Well, my hair is at least back to it's natural color: brown and silver (don't ask!) Maybe next go around I can add the highlights? How's your hair?

Temperatures are warming up here in Texas; made it to the mid 80s today. That only means one thing...it's yard work time. I've already applied the weed and feed...next comes the ant killer. Then in the near future I'll mow the lawn and pull the weeds in the flower beds. What a chore...How's your yard?

Be on the look out this year for some productivity from one of my influences: Billy Corgan. Out this year will be his solo album, a poetry book, and a DVD. Keep tabs on him here: Billy Corgan.com. Read a review of his former band Zwan here.

Ok, I've rambled on long enough...until the next post...

Passion

What is your passion? For Mel Gibson, it's "The Passion of the Christ". Today, Heather, Heather's parents and sister, and I went to an early showing of the movie. I thought it was an incredible film. It captures the last 12 hours of Jesus' life. While I'm no expert on the subject, I felt it was an accurate account of the Passion, as I know it, as it was taught to me, as I have read... I left that theater feeling very humble. It was eerie how quiet the theater was after the film ended. I'm sure that every audience member was in some way reflecting, re-evaluating their lives and how important Jesus is them. Sometimes words just do not express the true reality of history. I've always imagined in my own mind what it must've been like, but Mel brings this to a higher and more detailed level. I think Mel did an outstanding job of showing the suffering and pain that Jesus went through for us! I think it puts in perspective how petty and frivolous we humans can be. I think this movie will have a huge impact on society. While the film hasn't shattered any records yet, I do feel it will have it's place, not only in movie history, but also as a movie that perhaps will change the world. Ok, maybe that is a little ambitious. I would recommend seeing this film. Be warned that it is graphic--but we've all read this in the Bible--there are no surprises. You may cringe, you may cry, but you most certainly will feel the impact!

Tomorrow becomes Yesterday

...When tomorrow becomes yesterday
you know that time is slippin away...

Where does the time go? I never seem to have enough time in the day to do all of the things that I'd like to do. Admittedly, my motivation to do things ebbs and flows like the tides, except not quite as predictable. Time is precious. I should really make better use of it! Do you make use of your time?

"Time takes a cigarette..." (tonight's theme is time...do you see the connection here). A well known line from a well known man -- David Bowie. Speaking of David Bowie, he is gracing us with his presence in April. That's right, Ziggy Stardust, the thin white duke, is playing Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavillion. He is a true inspiration of mine. It will be exciting to finally see him live. Luckily I already have tickets for that show! Look for a post concert write up here or on HorelicaNet.

Well, my time is up...

I hope to keep some of my thoughts here as often as I can.
I'm sorry I wasn't able to put this on HorelicaNet, but I only have limited webspace.
Hope this works out as well as I plan.
Come visit often.