Free For All

Next purchase:

I don't have enough friends.

I like Sangrey's camp. He serves s'mores and always has plenty of TP.

Maybe you just weren't looking hard enough?

Those were available as an option w/my new gas grill. I went for it.

My question is why exactly does it even matter? I listen to music because I enjoy it, I could care less about it's "street cred". I can't see someone of Al's age meaning a thing to anyone young enough to have "street cred" themselves. I don't tend to break down music along racial lines though, it's not something that's important to me. But that's of course my opinion. I just checked my street cred and turns out I owe about $1400.00 plus late charges/penalties.

So how was your first month, Shawn? You enjoying Austin?

Have I missed any good ones? Did Chuck return and once again regale us with his bawdy tales of jazz from yesteryear?

Glad to hear that, Ghost. I was getting worried about you sweltering away in that oppressive NE Ohio weather*. July is the usually the wettest month here (I moved here last July and Oh.My.God.). The summer steambath is the payment for a really pleasant winter. And I'm still waiting for my first hurricane event (no hurry there, though). It's "ironical" that I, one who hates humidity so, have ended up in arguably the most humid place in the country. What a funny joke fate has played on me. I was in Iowa a couple weeks ago, near but not in the flooding. That week there was an ass-kicking thunderstorm about every night. Our friend Miles251 teaches at the U. of Iowa and their music building (and other buildings on campus) had some fairly serious flooding and won't be re-opening until the first of the year, so they are in the process of finding temporary locations for classes/ensembles to meet. Cedar Rapids got its ass kicked. Saturday I'm going to Sacramento, where I hear the wildfires are creating air quality concerns. Never a dull moment these days! *(I lived in Monroe Falls, near Kent for a couple years....have to say I really enjoyed the NE Ohio weather overall, in spite of a few hot/cold spikes)

Finally going to christen the new smoker tomorrow! Pork shoulder (just rubbed it down w/pepper, smoked paprika, turbinado (raw) sugar, dry mustard, salt and cayenne pepper and put it to bed for the night) will go on for about 6 hours or so, w/hickory and pecan for smoking. It will be the first time I've used this smoker, I think the results will improve as the smoker gets a little "funkier". Hopefully pulled pork sammich w/cole slaw on top tomorrow pm. I also made a batch of mustard-based Carolina-style BBQ sauce. It's simmering right now and smells mighty fine. I'm looking forward to an all-day grill project, it'll give me a chance to listen to some recent Mosaic purchases. The only problem is it will be way more food than I can eat. Perhaps a delivery to the FSU music office will be in order on Wednesday........

Kenny G plays Monk

Bassly LateFace! (I have the most party smilies so far)

Package from Mosaic arrived today- Roy Eldridge box, Pendulum Select and the two Helen Merrill Singles.

I think the different tastes in music are what make this place interesting. Who cares that everyone doesn't like the same players?

Ellington is Forever I had this as an AOTW some time ago. I'd have to say I liked it as much for the guests as for Burrell himself.

That's strong! I've known a few two-baggers in my lifetime.

Enjoying being back at home for a week off after 3 weeks of work. A friend gave me a recipe for Cosmopolitans that is quite tasty. 2 parts lemon vodka (I like Absolut Citron) 1 part Rose's Lime 1 part Triple Sec 1 part Cranberry juice Sweet, refreshing and quite potent.

One of my favorite Woody Shaw sides! I heard Ronnie Mathews live many times with various groups. He was a busy sideman in the same era as George Cables, Kirk Lightsey and James Williams, to name a few. The first side that came to my mind was Dexter's Homecoming. Always enjoyed his contributions. RIP

Remember Chick-o-stix? (I was never sure what the name was all about- was there supposed to be chicken in them? ) I remember buying candy at the public swimming pool (the main teenage summer hang, great place to meet/hang with/ogle girls ). They also had this salt water taffy that was sold in long, thin strips (like a noodle) in multiple colors. Major sugar rush. The "swimming pool date" was a favorite during those summers. Even better was night time skinny-dipping in my friend's private pond- I think I saw my first naked girl there. SCHWING!

Don't you also get to shoot a guy? I was sure it included getting to shoot a guy.

It's been six years since I quit. I used Zyban to help me (and it was a big help), but the main reason I was successful was because ***I*** wanted to quit, not because anybody was pressuring me to quit. That's really the only way you can succeed at behavioral changes. I got through my divorce w/o starting up again, so I think I'm done with it. Next up: weight loss! Congrats to those who have quit, and good luck to those who are in the process.

HBPQ!

Thanks for the information, Julie. I'm so sorry to hear about Dave's passing, and will keep his friends and family in my thoughts..

Happy Birthday Peter!