Three TV Shows That I Watch....

This cat eats some real strange stuff. "No Reservations" has had Anthony Bourdain eat a beating cobra's heart, porcupine, drink hallucenogenic moonshine from Thailand, and finsh off a dead seal in Alaska. I've eaten some weird stuff in my life (squirrel, rabbit, eel), but this guy rocks.

This is one of my favorite shows. He featured a friend of mine last fall. (Mark Hemmer is a ferrier). Over the Independence Day holiday, they featured a "Dirty Jobs" marathon. Next to The Twilight Zone marathon, I was right there. Mike Rowe spends a day doing "dirty jobs" (cleaning out the insideof a cement mixer, working in a charcoal factory, shucking oysters), you name it. He is an excellent host and seems to take it all in stride.


"The Deadliest Catch" On a hot summer's night, this is the show to watch. King Crab fishing with about six different boats. Mike Rowe (again) narrates the successes, toils, troubles and heartbreaks of guys trying to make a living. Sometimes, I wish I was there. Looks like hard but rewarding work.

Three show to watch and enjoy from your buddy Randy

Love Pictures Like These

Lightning during a rainbow.

Nature at it's finest.

Syd Barrett R.I.P.

Tuesday, July 11, 2006
LONDON - Syd Barrett, the troubled genius who co-founded Pink Floyd but spent his last years in reclusive anonymity, has died, a spokeswoman for the band said Tuesday. He was 60.

The spokeswoman - who declined to give her name until the band made an official announcement - confirmed media reports that he had died. She said Barrett died several days ago, but she did not disclose the cause of death. Barrett had suffered from diabetes for many years.

Barrett co-founded Pink Floyd in 1965 with David Gilmour, Nick Mason and Rick Wright, and wrote many of the band's early songs. The group's jazz-infused rock made them darlings of the London psychedelic scene, and the 1967 album "The Piper at the Gates of Dawn" - largely written by Barrett, who also played guitar - was a commercial and critical hit.


However, Barrett suffered from mental instability, exacerbated by his use of LSD. His behavior grew increasingly erratic, and he left the group in 1968 - five years before the release of Pink Floyd's most popular album, "Dark Side of the Moon." He was replaced by David Gilmour.

Barrett released two solo albums - "The Madcap Laughs" and "Barrett" - but soon withdrew from the music business altogether.

He spent much of the rest of his life living quietly in his hometown of Cambridge, England, where he was a familiar figure, often seen cycling or walking to the corner store.

Despite his brief career, Barrett's fragile, wistful songs influenced many musicians, from David Bowie - who covered the Barrett track "See Emily Play" - to the other members of Pink Floyd, who recorded the album "Wish You Were Here" as a tribute to their troubled bandmate.

The band spokeswoman said a small, private funeral would be held.

Wikipedia entry for Syd Barrett

The Top Ten Places To Hang Out Once You've Lost Your Job..

Very funny.
Maybe I should give this a try....

Post Number 376

Dr. Maya Angelou (smart woman)

"I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow."
"I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights."
"I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life." Amen!
"I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as "making a life."
"I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance."
"I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back.
"I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision."
"I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one."
"I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back."
"I've learned that I still have a lot to learn."
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

Thanks KK

How...What...Huh?

Grade Three Ankle Sprain

6 days later...think I should sue?

Johnny Cash's Last Days

From CNN.

My List of The Best American Rock Bands Ever.

Having been in the radio business for what seems like forever and since I have been listening to music seemingly forever before then, I thought today would be a good day to list MY favorite American bands of all time. Now, when it comes to bands, guys like Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, and Bob Dylan et al are not considered. Here's my list, what about yours? How friggin subjective is this, hmmm?



1. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. His songs are like mini-movies, each one seems to have a protagonist and a plot. Listen to "Meeting Across The River" from "Born To Run" and tell me Orson Welles could have done better. No one talks of the joys, triumphs, heartbreaks and disappointments of the working man better than this guy. His band is top notch, also.



2.(tie) The Band. Even though Robbie Robertson is Canadian, no one picked up on life in America quite as well as these guys. From "King Harvest" to "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" (a look back at the Civil War through Confederate eyes), these guys nailed it. To be considered Bob Dylan's back up band ain't a bad thing either.



2. Creedence Clearwater Revival. All John Fogerty needed was four chords. Easy, simple and powerful. At the height of this boy's adolescence (13-16), CCR tunes were all over the radio. I swear they had a new album every six months and it was always special to bring them home for the latest magic from these four guys. Internal struggles (including a brother to brother relationship that was never repaired), doomed this band. I challenge anyone to find a stretch of genius in American rock and roll that matched this one. No one did it better. You want anti-war? How about "Fortunate Son"? You want story telling? How about "Down On The Corner". As much as I have listened to this music, I will never tire of it. One of the great moments in my career was meeting John Fogerty. He was all I expected him to be. Ask any Vietnam vet what their music meant to them.

4. The Eagles. You want country? How about "Midnight Flyer"? You want rock and roll? Nothing better than "Those Shoes" You want a great story? "Hotel California" does it for me. How about Philly soul? "One Of These Nights" will fit the bill. Five part goose bump delivering harmonies. A great band gets better with the edition of Joe Walsh, maybe this country's best guitar player ever.

5. The Beach Boys. Summer fun and maybe the greatest album ever in Pet Sounds. This is the release that John and Paul listened to while making Sgt. Pepper. Are there any better songs than "God Only Knows", "Wouldn't It Be Nice" and "Good Vibrations"? These guys have single handedly rescued the "oldies" format. Put the top down, hit the accelerator and have fun fun fun until her daddy takes the TBird away. One of MY first musical influences.

Honorable mention Steely Dan, The Doors, J. Giels Band, The Doobie Brothers, Allman Brothers.

(I would have posted pictures of The Eagles, and the Beach Boys, but for some reason, the blog site wouldn't post them, I will try again later.)

AICN Picks The Greatest Films About America

Here's the link.

From aintitcool.com

One of the most comprehensive lists ever. Happy Independence day.

Taylor Hicks

I admit it, I don't watch American Idol. I think the premise of being made fun of in front of a national TV audience just is not my cup of tea. Paula Abdul sure looks nice though.. but I digress. This guy apparently won it this year and already he's hawking Ford products. What happened to integrity? What has happened to the music business? He doesn't even have a hit song and already he's a shill. Not only that but we have to be subjected to this ad nauseum...over and over. "poss i bil i ties but no in teg rit y." Yuch.

Cirque de Soliel's LOVE Reviews and Pictures

A review of the show..Paul and Yoko kiss and make up.
The website.

In Praise of...John Denver

When my brother left the states for his second tour of Vietnam, it was the first time I ever saw my father cry. The song on the radio was "Leavin On A Jet Plane." It was done by Peter, Paul and Mary and everytime it came on the radio, I had to turn it off. I still have trouble listening to it. I wanted to know who wrote it, since it released such an emotional response. Henry John Deutschendorf Jr. OK, then. Fast forward about three years to the summer of 1971. On the AM radio came a piece of pop that made me feel good. "Take Me Home Country Roads" hit really hard for a pimple faced 15 year old living in the city homesick for the country life that I had moved from. It was at that time I found out he also wrote "Jet Plane". I was now a fan of John Denver. The fact that there was a certain resemblance between us made him only cooler. The hits came fast and furious and I really loved where he was coming from, writing about the outdoors, the mountains, and environment. He became a big star and I really enjoyed it when he filled in for Johnny Carson. (At the time, he held the record for guest hosting duties.) I loved "Oh God!" and "Far Out" became a part of my lexicon. He became one of the first rock stars who took up environmental concerns and apparently, though it seemed like he was a decent guy, he struggled mightily with his demons and dark side. Alcohol was his friend and it cost him his wife and some say his life. Thanks, John for all of your goodness and kindness and your songs, they are still played in the Raley household to this day and will be forever.
My Top Ten John Denver playlist:

1. Poems, Prayers and Promises
2. Rocky Mountain High
3. This Old Guitar
4. Leavin On A Jet Plane
5. Goodbye Again
6. Annie's Song
7. Take Me Home Country Roads
8. Back Home Again
9. Some Days Are Like Diamonds
10. Follow Me

here's the Wikipedia entry for John Denver

Friday Sucked!!

After deciding that I want to buy American shoes, built in America, I stop by the New Balance store right next to the Arch. They measure my feet and tell me I wear a size 11 1/2 shoe. I have never worn anything higher than a 10 1/2, but I say OK, you are the pros, so I take the 11 1/2's home. After rubbing two holes on my Achilles tendon, I return the shoes for 10 1/2's. They don't have 10 1/2's in stock, but they convince me to buy 10 1/2 size "mid tops" because all of the ballers are wearing them. Well, I am not a "baller" and I have 50 year old ankles. Not to worry, all the guys are wearing them, they give great support and it's not really a low top shoe. After playing 35 minutes on Friday, here is the result:


I am out til Labor Day at least. Today, New Balance gets these shoes back with an earful from me. I want 10 1/2 size high tops and I want them now. I can't play for at least two months, but dammit, I want them now, or cheerfully refund my money. Can I get a pair of Chuck Taylor's somewhere?

Gooooooaaaallllll!

How can this sport be shunned by 94% of Americans? In one of the most exciting games ever, England loses to Portugal 0-0 on penalty kicks. Maybe going to England kindled something in me, but I thought today's match was exciting as hell. Once again, don't have me root for your team. Certain loss, for sure.

Diamonds and Stones

John Denver(one of my favorite musicians) once wrote.."some days are like diamonds and same days are like stones."
Yesterday was a bit rocky. Hell, it felt like I jumped from a bridge onto big pointy stalagmites (or stalagtites I don't remember).
Today has to be better. I woke up, so it's already better. Still waiting for the diamond.

Beatles' extravaganza is a magical mystery tour you'll never forget

Tonight in Las Vegas, Paul, Ringo Yoko and Olivia Harrison will all be in the same building. Read About it here. Wouldn't you love to be a fly on the wall, there, huh?

Gives Me The Willies

Being claustrophobic, this would send me into a panic attack. Just a robber getting busted at 7-11.

Whoa, dude..like I've Done That, Man...

Got any Thin Mints?

You Are Getting Sleepy...Sleepy

The great hypnotist "Squirrelini" hypnotises another unknowing victim.

England Pictures Part Two

A cute gal at the entrance to Royal Albert Hall

Royal Albert Hall

Statue of Albert the Royal across the street

Leicester Square on Saturday morning (Theatre District)

Piccadilly Circus on a Friday night

Big Ben (duh)

Worth Abbey from The Quiet Garden (and it was, too)

England Pictures-Chartwell

Churchill's flower garden (part of it)


Close up


Me and Winnie


Chartwell (his home)


Crazy Ass Black Swan (almost attacked me, the bastard)

Just Finished This...

Very Funny. I have spent a lot of time on an airplane recently (every once in a while I still feel a bit of dizzyness). I have watched three episodes of "House" (not a bad show), CSI (another one that isn't too bad) and a stupid Jennifer Aniston/Shirley MacClaine/Kevin Costner/Mark Ruffalo movie. This is the story of Jimmy and The Slut Puppies and what happens when he gets offed and there is still some unreleased music to be had. Carl Haissen is an excellent writer and I couldn't wait to get to the end. 4 1/2 stars from me. You're welcome.

The Top Ten "Americana" Albums of All Time

What is "Americana"? It's one of those nebulous terms that defy definition. In the spirit of the upcoming holiday...these ten masterpieces, epic tales of people pulling themselves up by the bootstraps and songs about regular American Joes rank as the best of all time. I find no quarrel with any or them
Here's the list. No surprise on number one as far as I'm concerned.

R.I.P Jim Ellis

I was saddened to hear the news that my former morning show partner Jim Ellis has passed away at the age of 48 of an apparent heart attack. Jim and I never saw eye to eye on a lot of things but he was one talented guy. He had the best laugh in the business and I know he influenced a number of people to get into radio. He was a dedicated father and a great instructor of upcoming broadcasters. His picture does him justice, that's how I will remember him. I guess he's the one that's off like a prom dress. I pray for his family. Another one done way too soon. If you are a smoker, please stop now, 48 is way too early to die.

England Part one

I am living, but I don't feel like it today. The jetlag has been horrible and just sitting here, I feel like I am still on the plane. I will have to put together the trip in a few different posts.

Day one: arrive at Gatwick at about 10am. Customs is brutal in England as all of the transatlantic flights arrive at the same time. Go through customs, meet Father Thomas at the airport and we drive to Worth Abbey. Worth is just outside of Crawley which is about 35 miles SSE of London.



This is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Serene, pastoral, isolated and scenic, set amongst the rolling hills of England. A great time for reflection and silence in which to ponder the fate of the a)universe b)world c)my mental state.


Two days of being almost like a monk. No talking at breakfast or supper and church three to four times a day. Wow, did I ever need this


The head guy is Abbott Christopher. One of the funniest and coolest guys in the world. He came from some serious money (his family is the Jamison in Jamison whiskey) but gave it all up for his faith. That's impressive. Very little contact with the outside world, no televisions and only a newspaper and the internet keep them from knowing if the world blows up. This was a vacation for my brain.

Day two:
A visit to Chartwell.
I am a huge Winston Churchill fan. Anyone who can drink whiskey for breakfast and then go launch plans to win WWII is okay with me. Chartwell was Churchill's home while not in London. The pictures will arrive sooon.

Back From England

Just now recovering. I will post more and get caught up tomorrow. I am bushed.

Happy Father's Day Dad

Happy Father's Day, Dad. Thanks for having sperm that worked at age fifty.
You'd be 99 now. I hardly knew ye, I don't think anyone did.



You,too Grandpa Mac. At the dinner table, you came up with more cusswords than an episode of "Deadwood". Creative cusswords, too. Your sarcasm has been passed to future generations...


Well, hell, happy father's day to me, too. I am a very lucky man.

Happy Brithday Sir Paul

When I'm Sixty-four

When I get older losing my hair,
Many years from now.
Will you still be sending me a Valentine
Birthday greetings bottle of wine.
If I’d been out till quarter to three
Would you lock the door.
Will you still need me, will you still feed me,
When I’m sixty-four.
You’ll be older too,
And if you say the word,
I could stay with you.
I could be handy, mending a fuse
When your lights have gone.
You can knit a sweater by the fireside
Sunday morning go for a ride.
Doing the garden, digging the weeds,
Who could ask for more.
Will you still need me, will you still feed me,
When I’m sixty-four.
Every summer we can rent a cottage,
In the Isle of Wright, if it’s not too dear
We shall scrimp and save
Grandchildren on your knee
Vera Chuck & Dave
Send me a postcard, drop me a line,
Stating point of view
Indicate precisely what you mean to say
Yours sincerely, wasting away
Give me your answer, fill in a form
Mine for evermore.
Will you still need me, will you still feed me
When I’m sixty-four.

He wrote this at 16 for his father's 64th birthday and recorded at 25. It is strange for me because many years ago I wondered where I was going to be at the moment that Paul turned 64. I am still not sure.

Post 351 on Fathers Day

A father is always making his baby into a little woman. And when she is a woman he turns her back again.
-Enid Bagnold