stretch zone archives 2008

in the mind of the pops archives 2008

1-1-08: Well it's time to get used to writing the correct year on documents etc....I spend some time jammin some tune with Toddd Willard of "Vibez Inc" yesterday evening....I came home and was in a deep snooze before the ball dropped.....HEY!!! Best New Year Wishes to all of you..08 will be better year if we choose make it happen.....And I've made my choice..

1-2-08: The Winter Classic/Slush Bowl at "the Ralph" more than made up for this years lost NFL play-off revenue, and turned out to be some badly needed good publicity for the NHL which still hasn't recovered from the lock out of a couple years ago....Though here in the Buffalo area you wouldn't realize it with the success in recent years of the Sabres, the NHL is still hurting in most cities in the United States...'Still no contract with ESPN and very poor attendance in most cities, the NHL has some catching up to do with the other major sports..Unlike like Canada..where Hockey is still number one and will probably always be.....................Back to the grind today and the day job...Hey!! Though it may feel like it, remember...It's not Monday...After the hockey game yesterday, I was looking for a NFL play-off game to watch...DUH!!

1-4-08 Yay!!! The weekend is almost here.....'Got a "Vibez Inc" function this evening but first I'll go breathe in some asbestos.........'Hoping the Sabres can kick some booty on those pesky Senetors tonight..and get out of this latest losing funk..

1-5-08: 'Was a nice "Vibez Inc" thing last night...But today is is a humbler (and I don't mean Danny Gatton)....'Washing machine took a crap...I have a few choice four and five letter words for this wonderful occasion.....'Gotta get this taken care of...DAMN IT!!

1-6-08: Every day seems to be a test of my patience....If it wasn't for music, I'd probably be a snap case....I concider myself blessed because, all I USUALLY have to do is imagine myself in a jammin situation (with a melody in my head) ...then all is better.....When I'm actually making music...I'm flying high.............'Sabres this afternoon...............Good Sunday to All..

1-7-08: 'Got back from another DLB recording session at "Studio Z" a couple short hours ago......Geeze, It's gonna be a long day at the salt mine today.............'Sabres badly need help...They were just plain flat and their season is slipping away on them...Every team has injuries...They can't use that as an excuse.....Good teams find away to win..

1-8-08: Best Birthday Wishes to Kevin Turos....And the late great Elvis Presley..

1-9-08: It's the wee hours and will be time to get ready to leave for the day job...I can hear the wind whipping around outside..plus I am sleep deprived again....At times it feels like nothing goes right..There's gotta be a better way.........Rest in Peace Mama Corsi..My prayers go out to the Corsi family..

1-10-08: I did a bunch of running around before watching the Sabres lose again.....The team played better than lately but not well enough to win....And the injury bug keeps on biting away at a skeleton crew with Spacek being the latest to join that hyper-extended list....It was great meeting up with Jesus Joe and his daughter at the grocery store....He drove me and my groceries home.....We plan on a get together....much sooner than later..

1-12-08: Yesterday evening was one of those evenings of mass confusion....But when the chips fell, I landed at the party performing solo acoustic in front a small group of people...They treated me well and dug the tunes........Morning arrived quickly as always and two cups of coffee later, I was at the bowling alley watching my son knock some pins down....Tonight I will be watching some hockey......But first I will grab a snooze..

1-14-08: I'm not exactly a fan of dance music, but I am a huge fan of "Earth Wind & Fire"....If there is one band that does a great of mixing dance, rock and pop...It's "the About Face Band"...And I'm not saying that because I work for them on occasion...Joe Mahfoud (guitar and vocals) gives me a lesson on vocals (if he knows it or not) everytime I get to hear him sing....I worked for them yesterday and there was a great vibe in the air...I made new friends and was re-aquainted with some old ones...........Afterwords it was off to "Studio Z" and another recording session with "Dirty Little Business".....LIFE RULES!!

1-15-08: Many, many years ago today, my sister Diane was born.....I miss talking ancient history with her now that she lives so far away, becuase she was around for when horses and carriages were the only mode of transportation and her high school days were during WW1...LOL...Happy Birthday Big Sister.....You Rock!!
1-18-08: It's Friday and no music happening tonight, as far as I can tell anyway......'Probably sit through another Sabres game tonight....Enjoy Brian Campbell while we have him....He's been with this team long enough to know the deal....Thanks Larry Quinn...Nobody is better at gutting a team than you....And Darcy takes the heat.....Well that's what a GM gets paid for on this team..

1-21-08: I guess it's a sign of the times with "New World Records" on the verge of closing their doors for the last time, as they are now liquidating their inventory....I'm sure iPods figure in because it seems everyone and their sons and dughters are using them now a days....Has it been 30 years of music CDs yet? ..Time is zooming by and I'm pretty sure it's been that long.....My hope is that the remaining record stores in the Buffalo area will be able to keep their heads above water....You can bet your hind end I will visit the store before that they shut er' down.......It kind of seems like concert tours going back a few years were less expensive becuase they promoted new albums....'Bottom line...Unless you have that big fat Disney backing, don't expect superstardom...It's not going to get any easier for us free lancers ...However, if not the main stream, there is always the under-current of jam bands...Either way, I'm in it for life in some shape or form.....I can't imagine life without it..It's just a "Dirty Little Business".......Rock On!!

1-22-08: I lucked out and now have a steady ride to and from the day-job which is large when you take the weather into account. I work right off the lake so I get triple if not more the wind gusts than those in the inner city, or anywhere away from the lake, for that matter.....There are times that it is down-right dangerous to walk in the parking lot.....Right now, snow is blowing around outside my window...I plan to go no where tonight......If you are out and about tonight...'Careful driving and walking...TAKE YOUR TIME!! There is no reason to put your life at risk........Yeah, It's the Papa in me talking again.....BUT IT'S STILL GOOD ADVICE....DAMN IT!!

1-23-08: Well, I got myself a reality break today..I'm not in my twenties anymore......A little horse play led to some bruised ribs for me today....It hurts when I, walk, lift, bend over, sit, stand back up, cough, sneeze and I don't want to know what else....I took a solid shoulder check dead on my left ribs....I will be at work tomorrow, hoping that my supervisor has some light duty for me.....'Too many bills to take time off......OUCH!!

1-24-08: Welcome back to the "whining mind of the pops"....As I set here typing there is an ice tucked pack under my arm....I'm carrying on with life the best I can, dealing with my ribs..Somehow I got through work....I didn't bother asking my supervisor for light duty..He probably would have sent me home....BTW: The strain of favoring my ribs has brought on some back pain....I have to get through one more day this week, being tomorrow...If there isn't any improvement, I will pay the ER a visit...There is no place on Earth that I'd rather be.Oh boy..It even hurts when I play guitar (not good at all)...................I hope the Sabres can at least provide me a posative vibe this evening against the Dallas (no goal) Stars....I hope the Sabres at least show up to play..FOR REAL!!

1-25-08: I paid the ER a visit today and according to the X-RaysI do indeed have bruised ribs......I'm so glad that's all it is...'Still hurts but pain is nothing new to me and I'll work through it....The toughest part (other than manual labor and sneezing) is trying to sleep...Last night, I woke up about every fifteen minutes or so...Everytime I rolled over....I like to think that this latest chapter of pain will be history before long........I'm must add that I am looking forward to the NHL Skills Competition more than the All Star Game...Check it out and odds are, you'll know what I mean.....Hey!! 'Good Weekend All..

1-27-08 Well it didn't take a half an hour to get out of bed today, so I guess I'm on the road to recovery...I will take a friend's advice and not try to do too much too fast...I was out playing some music yesterday and I had a difficult time finding the right posture to play guitar and sing without pain....I'm glad it was only a 40 minute set.....Anyway, Today is much better....and I have blessings to count, because I know there are those who have it far worse than me today yesterday and any other day in my life....Well, I can remember being layed up in the hospital for a month about 20 years ago with a number of injuries....and that was no picnic by any "stretch"...and I'm lucky to be alive..

1-29-08: As Sunday became Monday, I was in "Studio Z" with "Dirty Little Business" which led to me going to work on what felt like about 15 seconds sleep, so after the day job thing, I took a heavy duty snooze....Now it's the wee hours and I'm hoping to sneak in a few hours of sleep before the morning light...'Got laundry going in the mean time.........'Ribs feeling better......'Lesson learned..

1-30-08: We found ourselves whacked with another storm here in Western New York...At the end of my street is a large pine tree that was actually up-rooted and a telephone pole is split down the middle...I guess that explains why I lost my cable TV and the weather in general explains why I'm home from the day-job....I knock on wood as I tell you that I am thankful that we didn't lose power like thousands of Buffalo area residents have..'Been without power during/after passed storms and it sucks.....The winds are still whipping around......BE SAFE!!

2-1-08: Well, the day job is a goner...It's totally clear why, but I was sent on my way today...I need a day or so to get my head straight and plan my next move...Everything happens for reason...I've heard that many times, over years.....I'm gonna watch some hockey tonight and forget about life's crappola for a while....At the moment, I feel a bit deflated.....But that will pass soon...'Got no choice.....I wasn't exactly fond of the place, but I will miss some of my co-workers....Friendships are truly a blessing..

2-3-08: It's Super-Sunday and I predict the NY Giants to kick the crap out of the heavily favored Patriots like 45-10...and I'm not what you call a Giants Fan.....More importantly (to me anyway) it's Studio Z and DLB for me tonight..

2-5-07: It's those wee hours again....'Kind of tough to sleep being the proud owner of a brand spankin new guitar....It keeps calling me everytime I put er' away in her case................................Hey Kids, Please include my brother-in-law Steve (Carol's husband) in your prayers, who had prostate surgery yesterday....Steve will be hospitalized for the next few days...Man oh Man..

2-6-08: Hey Gang, I woke up this morning a few times today, but when I last woke I noticed some marks on my little girl's face that appears to be chicken-pox....She will be seen by her doctor tomorrow...I can still remember getting those damn things as a kid and I remember the discomfort like it was yesterday. I took a bus ride downtown to tend to some family business and caught my self from falling a number of times as yesterdays warmth and rain are now todays arctic like cold wather and icy spots......Furtunately, I didn't fall because I'm still not fully recovered from the last stroke of bad luck....I'm home to stay tonight...'Gonna watch the Sabres game and I have a date with my guitar..

2-7-08: Home again, after taking my son to an auto show....There were a couple of Sabres there but the lines were way too long...But fortunatley we partook in a taping of "the Enforcers"...Check your local listings...Sabre Brian Campbell was one of the guests and signed a couple of items for us...The whole experience was cool..My boy find himself behind the wheel of a hundred or more cars and trucks....He was having an absolute blast......BTW: My little girl does not have chicken-pox, but does have a minor skin infection and a full recovery is expected soon...We will be monitoring her closely till this thing is completely gone. On the sports front, I don't see the Buffalo Bills moving to Toronto, but I see Bills games being played there as an experiment which will eventually lead to Toronto getting their own expansion team...I get the Feeling Jim Kelly's group of investors will end up with the Buffalo Bills when Ralf Wilson is ready to sell, or he gets taken to a higher ground..

2-9-08: It's the wee hours again and I just took a peep out my front window and the weather appears calm (as I knock on wood.)...I have another melody in my head that I'm trying to match chords to on guitar, which has me going in all directions but whare I was originally trying to go....I guess it means that my subconcious is running wild again and God only knows what I'll end up with musically before I grab a nap and wake up bright and early to accompany my son on our weekly bowling adventure....I'll occasionally join him in a game or two after the league finishes up...We'll see how my damn nagging ribs are feeling.......'Guess I'll be a game time decision...but right now, I still have music to write....This is not a recording.........yet..

2-10-08: Perhaps an "Ambush" reunion party is in the works....How cool would that be?? ......Stay tuned, friends....This could actually happen....The Blues Brothers pulled off getting their band back togther...Why not us?? If you can help this thang get off the ground, PLEASE CONTACT ME!!!

2-12-08: Yesterday was a snow-day for the kids, so we pretty much hung out and ate lots of food, a shared laughs.....I sat through professional wrestling (which doesn't thrill me) with my son, but I can remember digging it when I was his age, but back in the 70s they didn't have this ass kissing crap that they have today....But I must say, I am impressed with a lot of acrobatic moves and some of the lady wrestlers don't look half bad...But even if I was single, I wouldn't want a girlfriend who could kick the crap out of me....PMS time could be deadly for me...so that would be time for me to go on a monthly vacation somewhere..

2-13-08: Not only is it my 9th wedding anniversary to Missy, it is also Missy's birthday...Did I give her the ultimate birthday gift 9 years ago or what? ...Sometimes it's hard to be humble....It's also David Richardson's birthday today as well....Perhaps I'll mail him a gift certificate to a weight loss clinic....Well, I haven't seen Dave in a while...He moved to North Carolina a couple years ago, and he rarely visits Buffalo, so maybe he's not a lard ass anymore....Regardless..Best birthday wishes to both Missy and Dave..

2-14-08: After watching last nights Sabres game (and the post game show) ...I agree with Robie...Coach Ruff has done an amazing job revitalizing a team left in shambles on the off-season.....It looked hopeless...Somehow Ruff kept his cool (no public jabs between him and his players) and the team is playing desperate hockey....Desperate hockey is what it takes..ALWAYS!!! ...I see a bright furure for Micheal Ryan...Michael is currently on the fourth line playing left wing, getting his nose a little dirty, but you can bet your rear axel he'll be be moving up next year (if not sooner)...Ryan has hockey smarts, is strong on his skates, has speed, handles the puck well, back checks well (premium), it seems to me like he'll be finding the back of the net often before long..Every once and while, Ruff will use him on the penalty kill...BTW: He wears number 37...Watch this kid do his thing and you'll see what I mean....Perhaps this grind to secure a play-off spot will benefit the team for a long post-season haul..

2-15-08: I love last minute surprises....Well, when they are good...."Vibez Inc" tonight....Yeah baby!!

2-16-08: Best birthday wishes to my boy....Yep, Junior is now eleven....Eleven years to the day that Jim Wynne (now Kev's Godfather) drove Missy to the hospital in his old van with couch in back....A day I'll never forget...Jim and I arrived to my house with McDonalds to find that Missy's water broke while we were away..

2-17-08: I'm working on some tranportion to a live jam session in Tonawanda...If I don't make it down, I'll be watching those Sabres this evening try to rebound from yesterday's thumping..

2-22-08: Well Kids, I had no internet access and limited home phone service due to a faulty phone-jack...Finally the phone company had a tech dude knock at my door yesterday and all is better...I can't wait to see my next phone bill....At least a head ache of many communication breakdowns is behind me...as I knock on wood.......Last night was a "Vibes Inc" session to tighten up some new songs...The vibe was real as always and listening to the new album/CD from Robin Trower, Jack Bruce, and Mooner (not Keith) served as a great warm-up before we got busy...This album totally blew me away and also severd as a pleasent reminder that rock & roll is alive and well....'Good Weekend to all you all..
2-25-08: A cool weekend was capped off yesterday by a two recording sessions....."the Vibez inc Project" operated out of a studio called "the Cave" in Marilla..Tunes were cooking and the vibe was nice....It was then off to "Studio Z" and "Dirty Little Business...There was a haunting vibe of Syd in the air and it came to view like a bushel of ghosts.........'Just rapped up a productive parent/teachers conference....Now I am ready for the big swan dive, and looking forward to a nice super-powered nap..

2-26-08: Sometimes it feels like the Sabres are a stepping stone in the development of superstars.....Well, Brian Campbell is now a San Jose Shark.....I liked campbell...He is a two time all star, who reminds me a lot of former NHL great Paul Coffee with his ability to skate, handle the puck, and pass....The big difference is that Campbell never had Gretsky to pass to, but never-the-less Campbell is gone....I don't want to get into my take on Sabre politics....I've been a fan of the team for too long and to re-hash that stuff would only give me a head ache.......However, the Sabres in return picked up rugged winger Steve Bernier who has hockey skills being a former number one draft choice in 2003...Bernier should be a big help and will bring some size and stregnth to the second line.....For more on the trade, visit my son's page linked below........I'm going to cook up some dinner and digest matters..

2-27-08: Buddy Miles...Say hello to Jimi and Rest in Peace..

2-28-08: Normally we are rid of this month after today, but it's "Leap Year" - "Presidental Election Year"....Once again, There is nobody to vote for.............There is a "Vibez Inc" thang going on again tonight..

2-29-08: It's that funky date and I'm still awake after last nights "Vibez Inc" session....When Toddd and I get together on a composing/arranging mission, the results more so now than ever is a song or two ready for the studio....and bingo has been called again..I think we have a hit single, but now I'm getting sleepy but I have to wait another hour and a half for a nap..'May as well fire up some coffee..................It's almost time to wake my angels for school...Reports from Mommy were that those little angels grew horns while I was away last night....I just might have to hide the "play-station" or something.....We'll see......'Sabres tonight.....'Good weekend to All..

3-3-08: It's a busy time for me on the music front...Fine with me...bring on more....must take a moment for payer.............Jeff Healey ..Rest in peace...That blind boy could play with the best and has played with the best of em..and always shined...."Vibez Inc".....and the beat goes on..

3-4-08: Just to think the temp hit 70 in these parts yesterday...But yesterday is gone and the warm weather with it. There is a Winter Storm Warning in effect as I'm hearing the evening news as I type.......Tonight, I am going to do that couch potato thing, and watch the Sabres who's play-off hopes are beginning to fade again....TONIGHT IS A MUST WIN AND TOMORROW, AS WELL..

3-7-08: It's the wee hours and my head is still buzzing with Vibez......Music can be emotionally draining but I can't imagine life without it..

3-8-08: 'Just arrived home after my son's weekly bowling adventure....I give him credit (being new to the game)...He just keeps on improving after a very frustrating beginning, spending a lot of time in the gutter....Now he's finding the zone.. The Weather Channel is in town again which always spells trouble....So I'll probably stay home and prep to record tomorrow....and check out at least some of the Sabres game...Oh yeah, I'm sure there will be some shoveling on the agenda too...I won't mind shoveling so much, once I finally invest in a shovel with a long enough handle to accommodate a dude 6'7" tall..

3-9-08: Does anybody really know what time it is? Does anybody really care? I can hear Terry Kath singing in my head. 'Studio tan with DLB sometime today.. 'Took the my space plunge yesterday..('Lots to learn about graphics, MP3 players and all that kind of suff.). It's quite the intersting network... You know what Gramma used to say?? "One is never labled an over promoter, till one is over-paid in royalties."...........Good Sunday to All..

3-10-08: I thought the Sabres were going to have another good season and it would be nearly impossible to get tickets, like last season....However, I picked up some tickets for tonights game for my son a while back and I and it wasn't till yesterday that remembered that I had them.......'More changes and re-arranges to my schedule.......Hey, Nobody's perfect..

3-11-08: The Sabres are sinking fast...Now these latest injuries to our defence core and of course the loss of Campbell...I'm no quitter but it might be time for the Sabres to dust off those golf clubs....Thanks again Larry Quinn for continuing to sell us out......"Vibez Inc" rehearsal this eve..

3-12-08: Well it's election time and as I previously expressed, the canidates all suck....So instead, give a vote to a worthy cause and scroll down to vote for "Vibes Inc".....I'm Papa Stretch, and I approve of this message..

3-13-08: Well after sleeping the evening away, here I am again in the wee hours....I feel like I could sleep some more, but I really don't want to....Sometimes a little peace and quiet works for me...Let's call it "the calm before the storm..."Vibez Inc" adventure tonight........Best Birthday Wishes to Sue Rath who turned 21 today..

3-14-08: I have a ton of shouts I'd love to share about the fine folks at "Couzins" in Harmburg, last night....'Nice Vibez...But I'm terrible with names.....But hey!! Regardless, It's a fun place to play......Good Weekend to All..

3-15-08: Today I pretty much have a day off so the plan is to have another stress test tonight...Yep, I'm watching the Sabres game.........Enjoy your St Pattys Day..

3-16-08: It's those wee hours again....Everyone here is asleep (uncluding the cat and bunny).....I left my Vibez homework at headquarters so perhaps I'll create something new...I'm feeling that creative buzz again.. ...Later in the Day....I went grocery shopping and filled my cart far beyond my resources....So I paid the lady (leaving lots of items behind)....I was gonna call a cab but I was broke..so I ended up borrowing the grocery cart and walking home with it...People were beeping out of their cars and laughing at me.....I was pissed....AT MYSELF!!

3-17-08: Alls well that ends well in a night, though lunch time feels like it's still last night...which means I haven't slept in a long time....I'm still coming off a great recording session with "Dirty Little Busness" in Studio Z...Between this band and "Vibez Inc" I'm sharing vocals in both bands and I'm happy with both...Backing vocals are a premium..'Nothing like nailing them....tight vocal harmony rules!! "seems to brighten songs....Yep, there are times one must turn up the brightness....on the amp, if one has the nob for it....'brightness is the key..though brightness comes in many shades..

3-19-08: Well my son came home from school with a feaver yesterday...I can't help but get panic stricken, but the flu aint nothing to play with...After some meds his feaver broke, and I monitored him closely and he appears to be ok....I'll see how he is come wake up time and will decide if he will go to school...I had to miss a rehearsal, but I'm a papa before anything..

3-20-08: Thanks to Joan, Conga Bob an all the other fine folks from Couzins for their support of Vibez Inc and myself...From Couzins we hit "Alternative Brews" (Via the Magic Bus) and I drank water and performed with about five bands (Including Vibez)...Seeing old friends and makining new ones...'Keeps my world a spinning..

3-21-08: Good Friday, and Spring is supposed to be in the air...Not in this neck of the woods....'Gonna hang with my kids today and rehearse with "Vibez Inc" this evening...and check up on those Sabres during breaks......Great Easter Weekend to All.....Dog Gone It!! I never made it to the Broadway Market this time around.....Somebody get me a butter-lamb!!

3-23-08: I've got me a big fat Polish Easter Dinner to cook....'Did some prepping for it yesterday...This will be the ultimate eating experience that I will enjoy till I explode...Happy Easter....or go suck an egg..

3-24-08: 'Just popping the seal on another page of absolute joy.. ..With Dyngus Day uppon us...Lent is over..We can let our hair down again...and everyone is Polish today...I guess I'll have to be a little more Polish than usual..Now that's a scary thought..........Easter was pretty low key this year, but we all ate very well..'Made a few phone calls to friends and relatives, hung around the house for the most part........Now tonight I do not have a Dyngus Day gig so we will have a Vibez Incski polka style super-jam rehearsal...as we prep' for Dyngus Day 2009..Hmmmm, "Vibez Incski polka super jam" ...'Kinda has a ring to it.......'More tomorrow..

3-25-08: 'Just finished watching the Sabres choking another lead away again....Unless they win the rest of their regular season games, I see an early trip to the golf coarse....If the weather cooperates, that is.............One of my favorate radio DJs growing up has gone to a higher ground....Jackson Armstrong, Rest in Peace..

3-27-08: It's the wee hours again and I've been going through my lyrics prepping for another Vibez Inc gathering...'Gotta keep things fesh and cookin' for the tribe..

3-28-08: I have the night off....'Gonna keep it simple and check out the Sabres game tonight......."Nevermind the Bollocks"..

3-30-08: Last night being Saturday, I was actually sleeping by midnight, which is very strange in my world...I slept very well...I'm ahead of schedule today....What the hell is wrong with me?? ....'In action tonight with "Dirty Little Business"..

4-1-08: 'Rehearsed with "Kathleen & the Vibe Catz" yesterday evening (way cool)... But kids, turn your cell phones off during band rehearsals.. 'Took care of some crap downtown today...'Heating bills are beyond rediculious...then again, so is the price of EVERTHING!! ........Off to an acoustic forum hosted by "Vibez Inc"..Check my "papa's appearences" page if you are interested.....'Gotta run..

4-2-08: 'Thanks to everyone who showed up last night...'Good stuff!! I'm feel very focused as a musician, but every other aspect of life seems more confusing than usuall...I think I need a nap..'Need to re-charge...'Get focused on other personal issues and deal with them...Wish me luck!!

4-4-08: The Sabres didn't keep our hopes on a string till the last game of the season...Nope!! It was the second last game of the season......I guess if there's any good to come out of it, showing up at bars to play music will not include working around Sabres games.............I never cared much for quitters, but if Coach Ruff resigned when the season is officially over, I wouldn't blame him one bit...He has repeatedly gotten the best out of the players he had to work with (for the most part).Upper management continues to cut as many corners as possible..........Hey Now, It's Spring!! The snow is gone (knock on wood)...and yes, It's baseball season.....I'm not from Boston, but I am the un-official president of the RedSox Nation...ammoung other things.....Enjoy the weekend..

4-5-08: With spring in the air and my head still humming from last night....It's off to the video store....Having an off night I will watch the Sabres last game of the season tonight and the last game with "the legendary" Rick Jennerett calling the game..So many memories from my childhood to the present.....Can you say tear jerker? RJ is the real deal and I have know idea who will even attempt to fill those shoes..It just doesn't seem possible..

4-7-08: With the weather cooperating (knock on wood) I took my first bicycle ride of the season...'Stopped at a near by gas station and filled my tires....It was a great ride back and forth to "Studio Z".....and the time was spent well...Good people RULE!!

4-8-08: 'On the run again, getting crap done before I'm off to Flanagans in Hamburg for a "Vibez Inc" thang'..

4-9-08: I'd like to thank the usual suspects for showing up last night....After 4 hours, I still wanted more...What else is new??

4-10-08: Those who know me know that I was never fond of the idea of driving a car...I guess it's somekind of phobia or something..However, one of my passions in life is riding my 10 speed bicycle, unless I'm peddling up hill into a stiff breeze.LOL..Now that the weather broke, I'm at it again and loving it...other than those damned pot-holes.....It is really, really bad in here in Western New York...Instead of paying so called LAW MAKERS, there ought to be more city workers hired to fill those things..Time for some mayors to step up...........'Cousinz tonight..

4-12-08: At rehearsal last night, I played Kathleen's "talking drum". This was a first in my life...I feel like I changed religions or something...I now have a better understanding of where the "great" Mickey Hart is coming from.......Today was about bowling with my son and nephew (good time)..I broke a hundred.....The rest of the day I am off, and will watch the Bosox/Yankee game on Fox....I'll have to sneak a nap in somewhere today....'Sleepless in Lackawanna..

4-13-08: It's the wee hours again and I can't help but feel a bit of loneliness....I can't quite put my finger on why.....I guess it's like (the great) Frank Vincent Zappa said.."Shut Up and Play Your Guitar"..I guess I'll take Mr. Zappa up on his advice....Good Sunday, Good Peeps'..

4-14-08: Last night was another DLB recording session in Studio Z, which was hot....The mission continues with Vibez at Rhino's tonight..

4-15-08: 'Sunnny in WNY..."Nice to see my Bosox back in their winning ways, just a half a game behind the first place Orioles in the American League East....I kind of feel like putting together a softball beer-game....'Seems like I good excuse to get some old friends together....Hey Now!! 'Got a nice baseball park accross the street from my house.......'Vibez tonight..

4-16-08: Another Vibez Inc/Kathleen & the Vibe Catz outing is in the books.....I love performing beyond words, but I can't shake the loneliness when the show is over....John Lee Hooker said, that singing is his way of crying..I can relate.....I wonder how the "late great one" used to feel when all was sung and done for the night..For me it sucks!! I JUST KEEP WANTING MORE!!

4-17-08: Ellicott Manor is tonights stomping ground for "Vibez"....Right now, I gotta get the chain back on my little girl's bicycle.......'later..

4-18-08: 'Bosox beat the Yankees last night, which is always sweet in my book......Last night the fact came to light that it's time to move on from Vibez Inc...'Got other things cookin'....DLB for one...Not to meantion, what I'm not going to mention yet..

4-19-08: My son and I overslept bowling today...We were both awake pretty late talking about life and of course sports....It blows me away to watch all my kids grow and their perception grows right along bodies..Amazing............Hey Now, The weather is absolutely beautiful...I guess it's time for a cruise on my faithful 10 speed..

4-20-08: 4/20 would not be 4/20 without a studio tan with "Dirty Little Business"..'nuff said..

4-21-08: I'm diggin' the fact that "the Stretch Limo Ride" is rolling again.....This group is my mothership (so to speak)...We never broke up....Life just had us in other directions...I'm loving life........Stay tuned..

4-22-08: Damn it..My boy fractured his coller-bone wrestling with his friends...'Spent most of the evening in the ER yesterday...He will see a specialist today..I hate to see my little buddy in pain..................'Bokans tonight..

4-23-08: It was nice to play acoustic guitar and sing with Dean Bell again last night, and we'll be back at it again with nothing short of a fine cast of characters next week...We had fun and we won ourselves some new friends............ My son is hangin' in there and keeping a great additude...He's is one amazing lad..

4-25-08: My boy went to school yesterday, but I don't think he was quite ready....He was up most of the night last night...I decided to keep him home today, so he could rest this weekend.....BTW: I had to call the bowling center and give them the word that he was out for the remainder of the season..

4-27-08: Good Sunday Friends, It's nice to be able to play guitar on the front porch again....I wish it could be spring all year long in these parts...That'll never happen..'Just another passing thought...I'm going to be my son's waiter again today (who is still a hurting unit)...and gonna record with DLB tonight..

4-29-08: Life has me spinning like a top.....But I will spin my way into Bokans tonight..

4-30-08: 'Endless paperwork, deadlines, and all that crap.....However, there is always time for music in between naps..

5-1-09: It's "May Day", ...'Growing up, I remember it being a Russian holiday...They had a very large military parade every May Day in Moscow.....I can also remember the communist people in front of Buffalo's Broadway Market pushing there literature.......Yes the times have changed.... Now a days, our children celebrate it in school...What a differerence a few decades make..

5-2-08: 'Glad to have the evening off after a very long day of running around on very little rest...I have some phone work to do (scheduling rehearsals ect) that I'll put off till tomorrow...I need to give my brain a rest, and the rest of my body too...I guess it's that ole burnin' the candle at both ends thing again....I'll recharge and will be firing on all after an evening of meditation tonight and a serious snooze needed to recharge for tomorrow..............'Good weekend Kids..

5-4-08: Good Sunday Everyone...My youngest daughter has dance pictures to be taken today, which means she gets her costume today as well...She loves it all, and gives our house-hold a special vibe...when it comes to dance, which is ever so dear to her heart her smiles to me are beyond words..................Tonight, I'm back in "Studio Z" with "The Dirty Little Business"..

5-6-08: 'Got a meeting with my broker today...I'm not quite sure which one...I'll find out when I get to the coffee shop, I guess.........However, Tonight I will indeed join "the great" Dean Bell at Bokans Pub..

5-7-08: Well after meetings with my my brokers I learned that I was broker' than I thought..................Last night at Bokans was a beauty....'Had a blast...'Will do it again next week..

5-9-08: Yesterday I took a ride on my 10 speed to Kmart to pick up bedding for my rabbit. On the way back I was riding my bike one handed, carrying the bunny bedding with my other hand. It was rush hour traffic so I was riding very close to the curb. All of a sudden I hear a horn right behind me, so I took a quick look over my shoulder and saw blue newer model sports car passing the car along side of me on the right side. The bastard ran me off the road, up the curb, dumping my bike and somehow, after doing a dance, I managed not to fall on sidewalk. As I looked to get a plate number a passer by in a pick-up truck yelled "rock & roll" and showed me the Gene Simmons hand signal. This was literally a brush with death. If I didn't ride up the curb, I would have been road pizza. Anyway I didn't catch that morons plate number. However, I'm still alive and well and ready for another weekend of "rock & roll"..

5-11-08: 'Did a good old fashion basement jam yesterday that was very loud, but lots of fun...But I can't speak for the dude's neibors, but I was out of there by 11pm....I know nothing, other than the fact that it's back in "Studio Z" with "The Dirty Little Business"......and of course it's Mother's day and Zappa is on the juke..

5-13-08: 'Got to get motivated..Doc appointment today, though routine, I still hate going.......One place I like to go is Bokans in Lackawanna and making some music with my friend Dean and that happens again tonight..

5-14-08: It's a rainy evening in Buffalo...I have the evening off...Do I want to watch American Idol? NOPE...There should be no age limit...I call it discrimination!! Age should not be a factor..Though some of these people are talented, I've been around the local music scene here in the Buffalo Area has a number of people, who are over 30, that would blow any of these "Idol Canidates" right off the stage, and these locals continue to sing for their supper, while these premodonna idol kids are getting big fat recording contracts handed to them...most of which are Karoke singer pretty boys and girls.....They can shove that show where it doesn't shine...Hovever, Gotta' spare Paula Abdul..Just because..

5-15-08: I just got home from beautiful Downtown Buffalo..'Needed some help with my gas bill...I shouldn't complain...At least I'm getting help, but it shouldn't be that way...The price should be affordable...I'm still playing catch up from the cold months....During Winter, it costs more to heat this place than the cost of my rent....I think I need a nap..

5-16-08: I've been working on the music and story-line for a rock opera for quite a number of years. The overture is finally taking form, as I presented it to DLB and we worked out a solid arrangement and layed it down un Studio Z...Rick Angle (drums) and a brilliant arranger gave it a bit of a twist...I kept an open mind and Mike Zilka (guitar/vocals) came through with some sizzling guitar hooks and Jim Wynne (multi-tasker) came up large as well....This project is finally making it's way out of my basement..I love being a part of this band even more now.............Good Weekend to All..

5-17-08 Woe is my boy again....He slipped on the damp grass and his face met our neighbor's sidewalk...One of his front teeth ended up broken and his tounge was cut requiring it to be stitched at the ER, from the ER we made our way to the dental clinic where the denist performed a root-canal.....Further work is scheduled for next week....Meanwhile he is still recovering from a fractured collar bone from a few weeks back......My boy reminds me too much of myself growing up..

5-18-08: Well Junior is displaying another generation of family resilionsy...He is still hurting but carrying on, playing computer games, watching hockey, and speaking much clearer..........Me, I felt a sore throat coming on, and sure enough, I can barely talk which forces me to cancel out on this evenings recording session with DLB......I guess everything has a purpose....I guess I was meant to stay home and hang with my boy..

5-20-08: During the day, It's follow ups for my son's injuries...He's doing a lot better, thank God.......I'll be a Bokans again this evening with Dean..

5-21-08: It kind of feels like autumn here in Western New York being that we already had 90 degree weather, but I remind myself that Memorial day Weekend (Not Labor Day Weekend) is just a couple of days away....If you realy on weather as a time referance in these parts, than you'll be ready for a bowl of soup fror beakfast (Whatever the hell that's supposed to mean..... Anyway, It was a nice gathering once again last night at Bokans, and Dean was bein' Dean on the 12 string and many thanks to Rockin' Robin who showed up and stole the show with were stunning vocals....I totally dig nights like these.......'More tomorrow..

5-23-08: First off 'Best Birthday Wishes to my baby sister Carol who is a true pollock, and she's very good at it...........Me I have a bunch of running around...Doc appointments for my banged up son, who is hanging in there well...I can't help but feel his pain...I guess that's part of papa-hood...............I'm sure the cost of gas has crimped a lot of peoples travel plans for this holiday weekend......I don't drive, but the cost of gas makes it more difficult to bum rides....Boy would I be screwed without my bicycle........Don't forget to toss some extra prayers for our troops..

5-25-08: Haiku invades Mohawk Place this evening in Downtown Buffalo...That's where I will be..

5-27-08: Haiku about blew the doors off of Mohawk Place Sunday night...Not with loud volume, but with pure musicianship......As for me, I can be found once again tonight on the Deans List at Bokans..

5-29-08: There was nothing quite like the Griffin administration, If you lived in Buffalo in the 70s and 80s. Like him or not, he was true to form....."Politically Correct" wasn't even thought of whenever he took the podium...His on going verbal warfare with James Pitts (who I believe was commom counsil leader at the time) was spirated (to put it lightly)....I'm surprised those two never through down and got it on...........I remember him publically slamming the gay community, calling them fruits, which led to hundreds of fruit baskets sent to city hall....I met Jimmy a bunch of times over the years and his he was a true professional with his wit and charm...I didn't agree with him a lot of the time but Jimmy always had an answer, though off the wall at times, he had answer for everything....He was kind of like every white boys dad..I guess.....Rest in Peace Mr. Griffin..

6-1-08: We are almost half way through 2008 already....Time zooms on bye when your having fun or not, I guess.......However real life resumes back in the studio tonight with "Dirty Little Business" or is it "The Dirty Little Business"?? .....BTW, We collectively invented Grunge in 1985...Seattle was still doing "glam metal" back then....I was in Ambush....If that wasn't grunge then Edgar Winter is black..

6-2-08: The day was going great yesterday and I was about to leave for the recording session, only to find that my bike was robbed from my porch....I called my friend Rick Angle (drums) who was the guy who provided me bike in the first place....and he drove me there and back from studio Z.....Not only was the bicycle my main sourse of transpo', I've always got a lot of enjoyment taking rides to nowhere in particular......'Gotta get me another, and use the lock...DUH..

6-3-08 Early this morning Wifie and Kev Jr. left for Washington DC on a trip with the school....I had no trouble waking Kevin up this morning as opposed to trying to wake him on a regular school day...He's been counting the days for a while now...This has me grounded from some musical activities....I will not be performing at Bokans tonight, but I will be back at it again next week. ..................Hey, Anybody got a 10 speed bike they want to sell for cheap? ...If so call "stretch line" or drop me an email..

6-5-08: My wife and son are due home anytime now from their big DC adventure....I just finished running around the house and cleaning trying to give the impression that the house was squeeky clean the whole time they were away..Hey a dude is a dude!! .......I'm also wating for it to rain as it is sticky hot here in Western New York..

6-7-08: Best birthday wishes to my dad, who is an old war horse that keeps on kickin' along....."Off Track Betting" should start a "walk of fame" and my dad should cut the ribbon.....I gotta see what he's up to today....The Redsox are a sore subject after last nights loss and the brawl the night before..Team mates fighting in their dug out...Not good..........Dang!!! it's hotter today than yesterday..

6-9-08: Wee Doggie, It's another steaming hot day in the making in these parts...The sun is beaming down like a deep fryer...DRINK WATER!! KEEP YOU AND YOUR KID'S SKIN PROTECTED.....Speaking of hot, DLB had yet another recording session last night till nearly the break of day...'Gotta make a run to the post office and tighten up some copy rights on another batch of songs.....First I must find my shades....I'm still awake from last night...Business MUST be taken care of before I turn in for a while.......................Oh!! Incase you forgot, THE REDSOX RULE!!

6-10-08: It's like a million degrees in the shade......Back to the front porch with my guitar......'Bokans tonight..

6-11-08: I'm not liking people much today..

6-13-08: It's Friday the 13th.....My luck is bound to improve...............Dick Fuller -Rest in Peace..

6-14-08:

 
Hey Now!! 

busy, busy is me, 
helps me keep my sanity, 
at times it's on a string, 
sorrow had it's way with me. 
for days way too long, 
joy has found it's way back, 
So on and on along.. 

I have found may way "oh yeah" 
"salvation lies ahead" 
I have found my way "oh yeah" 
to cherish every moment, every minute any day "oh yeah" 

I think I'm finally feeling better 'bout things.. 
I don't care, what you thinking, 
not a single thing, 
let the phone ring, 
so on and on along.. 

'cause I'm on hold, 
nothin' more needs to be told.. 
I'm on hold................from you..

6-16-08: 'Had a great session with DLB last night......Another original song composed and recorded and a whole lot of bantering ammong our peers....I'm not sure why, but bantering seems to follow where ever I go.....Even my kids give me the business.....I'm feeling a lot better about life lately.....Last week pretty much sucked, but after cool weekend, and that good vibe seems to be back in place as the new week begins........YAY!!

6-18-08: I spent most of the morning making my rounds, stopping at the gas company to work out yet another payment plan, as we continue to play catch-up........Hey, The sun is now shining brightly, and it's time I watered the plants and fed the bunny and kitty-cat..

6-19-08: 'Got me some running around to do, then it's off to see our old pal Jim Wynne perform with Gamalon (opening for David Sanborn) at "Thursday in the Square"..

6-20-08: Well we hung in there through the heavy rain and grooved to Gamalon...But when Gamalon finished their set, reality set in that I was soaked to the bone like just about everyone there..So, many of us bailed on David Sanborn......Me, I ended up in "Studio Z"...Where good things happen, and they did.........'Great Weekend to All..

6-24-08: 'Been all kinds of busy with various projects but with the passing of George Carlin, there is a gigantic hole left in the entertainment industry.....There was no one I ever met that had such a brilliant perspective, and always made the touchiest subjects funny....George Carlin made a thinker out of anyone who took the time to listen....Without George, the world is a lot less funny place...Rest in Peace..

6-27-08: 'Got me some running around today...Still playing catch-up with National Fuel Gas.....I just wanna get this trip downtown, so I can get this crap out of the way, so I can enjoy my weekend....Living in another resession, I know there will be plenty of people in line.....Something's gotta give.....I can't help but get the feeling that a revolution coming.....Yep, It's THAT bad..with no light at the end of the tunnel in sight..

6-29-08: Another Saturday of jam is in the books, as the rain comes down in these parts....I have yet to touch base with "Dirty Little Business" headquarters, So I am not clear on the game plan for tomorrows recording session......But I'm sure it will be hot!!

6-30-08: Last nights DLB session carried on till the sunrise of a new day breaking through (birds chirping and all)....We as a group have one of those good problems...We are stock-piled with original songs and are falling behind in our final mix-downs....I'm wondering at this point in time if it is worth the time, effort, and money for an official CD release or just sell them on Itunes....Then again, I should not lose sight of those who don't have computers and buy their music old fashion way.....I guess I also shouldn't lose sight of record stores which are struggling to stay in business...Then again, What the hell do I know??

7-1-08: Happy Birthday to my "old" friend Mike Borowiak..

7-4-08: It's late afternoon and I slept through some phone calls and woke up to the RedSox/Yankee game, after some strong dreaming....It's always feels strange when an old friend is in a dream who is dead...I kind of feel like I had some bonus time with this friend.......................God Bless America...We need it........"Bozo the Clown"..Rest in Peace..

7-6-08: It was a great gathering of the tribe in West Seneca on the evening of the forth....We were not short of musical talent...I met up with many cats that I haven't seen in quite a few years and most of which did not change a bit....There must be a fountain of youth somewhere in West Seneca............Today has another "Dirty Little Business" session on tap....For me, That's what Sundays are made for..

7-7-06: Back to the Monday Thang...After last nights/wee hours DLB session...More songs, some final mixes....We put in a good sessions work....Everyone in the group is pleased......I hope....Anyway, the mission is moving forward..

7-9-08: Made a trip to Bokans last night and had a blast...There was a good crop of musicians there and they were fun to play with..'Can't put a price tag on that....Today, my son and I did some grocery shopping...Time well spent..

7-10-08: Right off the top, Best Birthday Wishes to Mike(Duggay) Lubecki, Mike(best man at my wedding)Rodas and to the lovely Michelle Bandpix.....Rock On with your bad selves!! Me,...I got me a lot on the table today..

7-11-08: I had a job interview for a graveyard shift position last night at midnight. There was no bus home and nobody that I could think of to call, so I had an estimated fifteen mile walk home...However the interview went very well and I feel good about my chances of getting hired....But I aint counting my chickens yet....Life is full of surprises..Aint it??

7-14-08: Another stellar weekend in the books....I performed solo acoustic for Mike Lubecki's surprise birthday party in the town of Marilla....Lubecki was pleasently shocked..and Mike Rodas was there too, who shares the same Bday...It was nice actually having a sit down with Rodas which was long over-due...He's a great friend who also and served as best man in my wedding...There were so many old friends I was blown away............Saturday was my darling daughter Melinda's birthday...She was glowing with happiness..Priceless.............Saturday evening I served as a rodie for Jim Wynne & Lauren Dragon....Lauren is a top notch jazz vocalist who was in Buffalo in between trips to New York City for session work....I guess it's just Jim being Jim introducing me to yet another fantastic musician from his ever-growing musical family tree of musical bomb-shells....When I woke up from all of that, I was behind schedule for my regular Dirty Little Business recording session...We got us yet another new song and as always, hangin' with that group provides a great working envirement with non stop side-splitting humor........These guys just aint right..

7-15-08: No happy stuff today....I just got back to dealing with Government agencies (fun wow!)....Matters appear to be back on track in that regard......I will try like hell to attend Bokan's open mic (hosted by Dean Bell) in Lackawanna.....I need more jam..

7-17-08: It's the wee hours and I can't sleep....I feel I'm failing as a family man...Kind of like it's all coming to a head....I've tried about every avenue as a musician that I can think of but I am not able to provide for my family like I should be.....I don't get it....I hear it from many that I should have hit the big time and all of that stuff...There something inside me that says that my best years as a performer are still ahead me....I feel myself growing as a musician every day...But it aint paying the bills...I am really down on myself for not being Mr. Normal, working 9-5 and providing a decent living for my family.......Being broke and way behind on my bills totally sucks...I feel like I'm getting burried alive..

7-18-08: It did me some good to go to Thursday in the Square yesterday evening to catch "The Mickey Hart Band"....It was a good show and I learned a few new percussion tricks watching and listening to Mickey do his thing.....It was also great hangin' with Mike Lasek and company for this event...'Got me a busy weekend ahead...Enjoy yours..

7-25-08: It doesn't seem like a week since the last time I updated this....I ran into a few bumps in the road, but life has settled back into the para-normal state that I've grown acustomed to....RedSox/Yankee game tonight........I also have a song to tighten up that I will present to dlb come Sunday.....GO REDSOX!!

7-27-08: Well it's like this...There are many things that I'm unsure of other than the fact that it's my turn to present an original tune to dlb tonight and it aint finished yet...Being the wee hours with everyone here is sleeping, now is the time for me to get to work on it...I'm pretty close but no cigar yet....Oh yeah, Best birthday waishes to my cat, who turns one today....Good Sunday to you the faithful and enjoy my cat's Bday..

7-28-08: Another great weekend is in the books capped off with a dlb recording session with an un-expected twist...We did our warm up family jam and the program changed....Two new songs were written in the process and my song was put on hold till next week..which is fine with me......Also fine with me is finally getting to catch the Gov't Mule at Artpark tomorrow...I haven't caught the Mule in a couple years....I'm well over-due..For sure..

8-1-08: Greetings friends, It's a nice hot Summer day in these parts....'Been making a bunch of rounds taking care of every bit of business on the beating path...........It's bitter/sweet as a RedSox fan to see Manny gone from the team....Yeah, I know he was a hot dog, but make no mistake...Manny Ramirez was a major ingredient in the Bosox World Series wins in 2004 and 2007, but nobody is larger than life...and Manny heart was not with the Sox this season...The guy has been a manager's nightmare and frankly, I'm glad he finally out of here, and after all the red tape of a three way trade the Sox end up with Jason Bay, a stellar outfielder with 22 homers this year....Sure he's not Manny..Nobody but Manny himself is Manny Ramirez (a future hall of famer)... But you can bet your rear axel this guy will show up to play baseball with that element of passion that Manny has forgot to bring to the ball park recently....Thanks Manny for your some of the greatest memories I ever experienced in all my years as a Boston Redsox fan...............Also, Today is the the late great Jerry Garcia's birthday....Jerry taught me that I need not perform a song like the original artist and to let songs breath........and on a sad personal note, my second cat in 2 years died yesterday....Everbody was crying here but today is better...My cat's name was "oreo"...Rest in Peace...........More about life tomorrow as Summer is zooming by quickly as it always does..

8-4-08 The sun is shining brightly in Lackawanna as a stallar weekend is in the books, capped off by yet another monumental "dlb" recording session that lasted well into the break of day....I haven't slept in a long time as I waited for our local supermarket to open...So my last order of business of getting food in this house is complete (for now) and I can finally get some sleep....YAY!!

8-5-08: 'Another hot one in these parts....Gotta go pay some bills....and hit Bokan's open mic tonight.....Gotta run..

8-6-08: It was a fun night at Bokans....There was a fine bunch of musicians that came out last night...I made some new friends...Good vibes were in the air.........Today I went on another job search...I'm running into too many brick walls and now I'm giving serious consideration to going back to school..Yep school..

8-8-08 My oldest daughter and her older cousins will be off to California today and will be staying with my sister Joann and family for a little vacation....This will be the longest time we've beem appart...Though I will miss her, I know this will be a fantastic experience for her.............As for me, I got a couple of calls from potential employers and have interviews scheduled for Monday....Wish me luck...Enjoy your weekend..

8-10-08 Saturday off!! I pretty much had last night to myself and found myself tinkering with my acoustic and found myself playing parts of songs that I used to mock out... as in some "Lobo" songs and there is new found respect from me to him (like he cares ;-) Lobo had wrote, recorded and performed hits as in "I'd Love you to Want me" and "Me and You and a Dog named Blue".. The musical arrangements are brilliant and the vocal harmonies from the heart..Man, everything compliments....I guess I'll chalk it up as another mode to the the charming arsinal.... ..The more more I learn from my peers the more I respect many styles of music that of which I also poked fun as a kid/young adult.....Make no mistake ..Todd Rundren is one of my favorate vocalist/songwrite/intrumentalist/producer/live performer....He's had a great carreer for a long time and maintains a creative edge to this day ...with albums that he continues to pump out with various artists...and had the honor of performing with (the great) Richie Havens....How cool is that???? DLB later on..The walls are gonna melt..'Happens every time.....Good Sunday! Good People!.....Best birthday wishes to Leanna..

8-12-08: Rest in Peace Issac Hayes AKA Black Moses........Bokans in Lackawanna tonight..

8-14-08: I'm STILL without a job, but I have a few prospects...One is looking to be a strong possibility, but I aint counting my chickens just yet....Tomorrow brings a blood test because one of the jobs I'm shooting for requires shot records....I wonder if my pediatrition is still alive?..YIKES!! Also it's that and another trip to the gas company, for what will hopefully be another payment arrangement....I'm so sick of dealing with all this crap as the price of everything continues to rise.....I know it just aint me because many times I see people I knew from years passed that I would never have thought would be in the same boat now climbing aboard......It's so frustrating to wake up everyday to another bill that I can't pay....I'm concidering going back to school, but I need a quick salution now....A good paying job with benefits....I'm a hard worker...I've exelled at almost every job I ever had......I haven't given up on music, though the going is tough there too, but it's probably the only thing keeping me out of a straight-jacket and out of a padded room..Then there's our lovely government..No not today..I'm agrivated enough..........Thank God for "Haiku" who will be performing at Broadway Joes tomorrow night (Friday)...There's a few hours that I won't dwell on my problems..

8-17-08: Nader for president!! Too bad it will only serve as a protest vote. The presidental election has the fix on like everything else...Big money speaks large!! ............dlb in studio tonight..

8-20-08: I have an orientation for a new job today....My bloodwork came back showing that I needed only to be vaccinated for Rubella (which I will do tomorrow)...The big concern was Mumps....Health care formalities.....Last night will probably be the last night that I'll be able to perform at Bokans on a Tuesday for a (which doesn't exactly sit right with me)....Life goes on..

8-21-08: Today is about prepping for a yard sale....We must downsize....This appartment is way too small for all of our belongings..

8-22-08: Today is all about the yard sale....Sorry no credit cards......How about some prayers for my hero growing up "Carl Yastrzemski" Boston Redsox hall a famer who had trple bypass surgery yesterday...He is known as "Yaz"..One of the great left fielders to ever play the game...With an arm like a cannon and an eye at the plate....A big no no was to for opposing players to hit it off the green monster in fenway and assume they hit a double...Yaz would send these guys back to the duggout..scratching their heads in dis-beleif..

8-24-08: Go fugure that the yard sale was a bust...We had the best junk for sale of any for sale in previous years, but next to nobody showed up....I guess it's another sign of the time or something? It's Sunday (the day that I like best) and anyother dlb session is on!!

8-26-08: Will, that job I had went south....or maybe I should sat ALMOST had....Winds of change are blowing...........Bokans tonight..

8-28-08: It's the wee hours again after yet another tricky day....I recently got me a nice second hand 10 speed bike to replace the one that was stolen.......Today, on the way back from some food shopping, me and my groceries went over the handle-bars...I landed on the side walk..Bumps, bruises, and scrapes....My ribs are bruised again!!....I tried riding my bike to the store a few hours later it didn't work.......I'm having another one of those bad luck streaks at dancing school..

8-29-08: First off, I got a letter from the city of Buffalo telling me that it is illegal to post signs advertising a yard sale on city property....This includes utility poles....What a joke!!..If I do this horrific act again, I could get 15 days in jail and/or a 250 dollar fine...........Well, I'm still banged up here but will make the best of my holiday weekend.....and you do the same..

9-1-08: Welcome to September and the tail end of Labor Day Weekend........'Feeling much better and back to riding my bike again....I would say I'm about 90 percent..'Still a little sore....BTW: I forgot what my New Years Resolution was, so I have a new one...I WILL DO MY BEST TO AVOID GETTING INJURED!!..........Enjoy the day!!

9-3-08: 'Seems like the making of a hot day in these parts. I sent the kids off to their first day of school...They were actually exited...Wondering who is their teacher? Who are their classmates? etc.. Last night was open mic again, which turned out to be a fun night....Anyone who's been hangin' with me of late knows that I have drums all over Western, New York.....Well I had two of them returned to me last night that I haven't seen in or played (for that matter) in a long time....It was great playing them last night...Like long lost friends, they are back........and they are within arms reach right now..

9-4-08: Hey kids, Today I am asking you to send along players to my good friend Chris Linestrom, who is currently residing at Roswell....I'm lost for words at the moment..

9-7-08: Though the Buffalo Bills showed some signs of life, I still see Trent Edwards as a back-up quarterback at best....The Bills appeared to be playing a Seahawk team on downhill slope....They are not the same Seahawk team of yester-year..I love the Bills, but they haven't had a real test yet....The Bills have gotten my hopes up too many times over the years, only to find themselves solved...............dlb tonight..

9-9-08: It's been a difficult few days...Money (or lack of) can bring the worst out of people....I'll be the first to admit that I haven't been my jolly self of late....Unless I'm on stage..Speacking of which....My friend Dean is going on the road and tonight at Bokans will be his going away party, which will run from 8-midnight...One can expect a stellar cast of local musicians.............and me..

9-11-08: I can't help but entertain the thought that Micheal Moore's take on the horriffic events that transpired on this date make more sense to me than the crap Bush has been handing us...Sooner or later, the truth will surface and hopefully there will be no one in the oval office to pardon Bush who continues his wrath of deception to the American people and the world....I think we are about out of allies....I grew up being proud of what "Old Glory" stood for...."stood for" as in passed tense...........Meanwhile, My old pal Joe Palczak is celebrating his birthday today...Best birthday wishes to Joe....as the Yankees are fading way out of the play-off picture..

9-12-08: 'Just got back from food shopping and beat the rain by a matter of seconds......The end of Summer means the end of outdoor parties.....It's always nice to perform where free food is in the equation...Free food is me......Right now there is nothing slated for this evening....But as always, I've got the itch to play..

9-13-08: It's bowling season again for my boy, and I had some concerns that he might not be physically ready after his broken coller bone, but all is well. His new bowling partner appears to be a nice kid...COOL..

9-14-08: 'Got a call yesterday for a good old fashion basement jam....It was very load but lots of fun.....Today I sat down to watch the Bills game and fell asleep shortly after the opening kick-off...Then woke up to the final gun and learned that they won...Cool!!.....'Recording with dlb tonight..

9-16-08: It's the wee hours again...I purposely cut myself short on sleep attemping to alter my sleeping habits...This isn't my first try at getting my snooze time on track...Everytime I try to lay down, I get carried away in thoughts of being on stage...I get would up thinking about it and I'm back to square one......Guitar is calling me again......and that feeling never goes away..

9-17-08: HOLY GIG BAGS BATMAN!! Mike Lasek Jr. showed up at open mic last night and played his ass off...It was great to perform with him again.....It'a all so strange..Long hours of practice, composing, etc appear so time consuming. But that three hours on stage seems to flash by with a blink of an eye..

9-18-08: I went to a tempory job service today...Filled out paperwork, was interviewed...One problem, When the receptionist asked me for my ID, I discovered that I FORGOT MY WALLET!!..I'm going back tomorrow..

9-19-08: Well I have everything straight with the temp agency (or so it seems)....'Got some jam sessions slated for tomorrow and lyrics to finish up and some yard work which includes taking down the pool...........Have a dandy weekend friends..

9-24-08: The RedSox Nation is ready for another play-off run and the Yankees will not be in the play-offs for the first time in recent history....Yankee manager Joe Gerardi will likely be sent packing, and will be back in the broadcast booth again...I hope Gerardi lands a job with another team so next year I don't have to watch Yankee/RedSox games with the volume muted..

9-25-08: All this talk about the aud going down saddens me...As I've stated in days gone by, Memorial Auditorium was like a second home, with a ton of fond memories attached......HSBC is mearly a replica of many other arenas in North America.....Memorial Auditorium had character beyond words....You can bet your ass that I will be there when the wrecking ball strikes..

9-26-08: Lackawanna is a world in itself...To think so much madness and sadness could be packed in a city this size....Jeeeze, Lackawanna is like one big melting pot, which is no stranger to national news....If you happen to be moving here or just visiting, Don't drink the water!!........Have a smooth weekend all..

9-27-08: In all fareness, I must give credit to Lackawanna High School's athletic program. Their football team totally rocks!!! As for me, So far on todays agenda is taking my son to bowling....Not sure what else today has in its plans for me..

9-28-08: As I look into my crystal ball, I see the Buffalo Bills walking away with a 16-14 over the Rams....Remember kids, 4pm start............Paul Newman Rest in Peace..

9-29-08: It was a fun football game to watch, but the Bills have to 60 minutes of football if their gonna make a serious run at the big dance.....They are a young team...I hope management can keep this group together...If so, I see some good years ahead....BTW: Jason (the hold out) Peters looked like a big pylon...At least when Bruce Smith missed training camp, he showed up ready to play..

10-1-08: Last night at open mic was way cool...'Jammed with some new friends and some old friends as well....Tonight is play-off time for the Bosox!!

10-2-08 Hello Again Friends, Being a long time RedSox fan It was worth taking the late night off from practicing music here at home and kicking back and watching my Bosox defeat the Angels in the AL division play-offs in game one. Growing up in Buffalo, I took a lot of abuse from Yankee fans for a lot of years but remained and still remain loyal to my team. My dad was the one who got me started as a fan as a youth. I'm proud to say that my son is carrying on the family tradition of Boston Redsox loyalty....I have a number of Bosox collectables on my TV...The same ones I kept there through the 2004 and 2007 play-offs....I'm normally not a superstisous person. But I didn't have them on my set in 2003 and the Bosox suffered an ugly elimination that year to those "Damn Yankees"........and I'm not talking Ted Nugent and Tommy Shaw..

10-3-08: We've had this jammin thing going on for a while now at Bokans....Sadly one of our great supporters Richard "Dutch" Hartnit has passed away much to all of our surprise...He appeared to be a picture of health till Monday when he went in for a routine check-up only to find out the following day that his vital organs were full of cancer....Dutch is the father our regular Tuesday night drummer Scotty....My prayers go out to all friends and family....I just talked to Dutch last week Saturday and he was his usual energetic and chipper self.....Man oh Man....I am stunned.....Rest in Peace Dutch...You will always be missed by many..

10-4-08: It's so cool watching my son improve every week at bowling...Well, I's great watching all my kids improve at everything except testing my patiance...They seemed to have mastered that art. But I really can't complain when I compare them to other kids who are just plain bad....Most of which grow up in either broken homes or poor envirements.....I guess we are all products of our own envirements...But I must add, that when a kid lives his life surrounded with troubled family members and rises above it all and makes it in life...He or she deserve extra praise............Now, On the jammin front..The Bokans Tuesday night crew is getting together for an appartment jam this evening (dedicated to Dutch)..I will bare my soul.....Tomorrow is a Bills game on channel 4 which has been vanished from our cable TV system...Oh well, I usually fall asleep watching them anyway....Not because of their play...I'm just a cat-napper by nature..

10-5-08: Well I managed to wire up a make-shift antenna and I have the Bills game on with a half way decent picture....BTW: The Sabres preseason game is also om MSG (if you're in the Buffalo Area).......Last but not least, I'll be recording with "Dirty Little Business" tonight..

10-7-08: 'Stayed up and watched the Redsox win the devision series against the Angels last night so it's on to face the Rays of Tampa Bay for the A.L.C.S....Then it will be on to the World Series again.......I took an un-timely nap today, so I have the crap to do before doing Bokans again tonight..

10-8-08: It's been another trying day....On top of all the usual financial woes....My washer took a dump.....It appears to be something electrical..But I don't know....I guess I'll try to shut my problems off but it aint getting any easier.....I need music!!

10-11-08: Though I missed the band "Haiku" last night...I can't complain about sports on the personal front. Last night, The Lackawanna Steelers High School football team was victorious, which is great for the moral of this area which has been haunted by negative press of late. Also victorious was my favorate National Baseball Leauge, The Phillies, my Boston Redsox and of coarse the Buffalo Sabres.....Yay!!!...Got me a jam session tonight...But not after a trip to the laundermat..

10-13-08: After a jam filled weekend and Columbus Day upon us...I'm chillin' and watching both the Sabres and Redsox games...With the Buffalo Bills on a timely bye week...After a crushing start the Bills need some time to regroup and get their quarterback situation situated.......The best thing about national holidays is no mail which means none of the other bills in my mailbox...YAY!!

10-15-08: Ouch!! The Redsox have taken a pounding the passed two games and they are now down in the ALCS series with Tampa 3-1....Before you Yankee fans laugh too loud, remember 2004.......(the undefeated) Buffalo Sabres on the bube-tube tonight..

10-17-08: Last night made it more evident that the Bosox will not be denied. I never lost hope in yet another nail biter........Sabres on the tube tonight........Good weekend to All!!

10-19-08: Good Sunday Friends, First off I'll be rigging up the make-shift antenna to watch the Bills game today...I predict the Bills will trounce the Chargers 48-3...and further more the Redsox will complete their come-back in the ALCS tonight (In story-book fashion) and will go on the play the Phillies in the World Series....As far as the Sabres go, the story is on my son's page linked below....Another DLB recording session caps off my weekend..

10-20-08: Well, It went like this...I went to record again with dlb while the Bosox game was on....We kept the TV off and worked on two new songs and had a great time hangin' out afterwords...And left the TV off....It was when I arrived home in the wee hours that I turned on and got the news that it was over...The Rays beat the Sox and the season is over for the defending world champs....But Hey!!!, The Phillies are my favorate National Leauge team and I look forward to a great World Series..........I feel asleep during the Buffalo Bills power outage...But was happy to wake up knowing that the Bills won....Man!! It aint exactly easy to watch a Bills game at home these days..

10-21-08: 'Got a super-jam goin' on at Bokans in Lackawanna from 9-12 tonight....Time to bust out with that Winter coat....................BTW: Sabres on the tube..

10-23-08: Today has a trip to the dentist with both of my daughters and I..But the appointments are for them.....I should see a dentist but I'll do that once I get around to joining the "procrastinators club".......I'll have two TVs crankin' out some sports....World Series game 2 and the Sabres are in action as well....Phillies won a nail-biter last night...COOL!!

10-25-08: If you were ever a fan of the Grateful Dead, I'm sure you remember Merl Saunders....Merl played keyboards with Jerry Garcia in various configurations and was Jerry's best friend...Merl sang to Jerry at his hospital bed while Jerry layed in a coma...Merl had his own band that played in Buffalo a number of times and I had the pleasure of meeting him many times over the years. Another kind soul has joined the "great gig in the sky".. Merl suffered a stroke a few years back which forced him to quit touring and left him confined to a wheelchair but always kept his sense of humor....Merl was also known to perform at many festivals as a guest with many including the likes of "Hot Tuna"....."Merl's Funky Friends" included his son Tony on bass.....I could go on with a bunch of stories, but at the moment I am very sad...I send out my prayers and best wishes to everyone who was close to him....I guess he's been reunited with Jerry....Anyway, Rest in Peace Merl....You will always be missed by all thse whos lives you touched..

10-27-08: Another action packed weekend is in the books. I basically lived session to session and managed to sneak moving job in too....Today is a day-off and my plan is to watch some hockey in my stately home..

10-29-08: Back to Winter weather again...Not for me.....What about that World Series that could very well go into November...Could you imagine being a hard core Phillies fan with up 3-1 with a few innings away from being champs...I bet you their fans are ready flip....As I said Before, the Phillies are my favorate National Leauge team....I can't help but wonder about about a possible momentum swing.............Dress those kiddos warm..

10-30-08: Congratz to all Phillies fans...Way cool!!! Got some prepping for a Halloween gig tomorrow....And check out the Sabres game on the tube.....Us Time Warner suscribers got our channel 4 back..YAY!! No more rigging up antennas to watch Bills games..

10-31-08: Off to play....Happy Halloween Yall'..

11-1-08: Well the outside of the house is still very well decorated for Halloween...The best part about it was that nobody was home here for the trick or treaters....When life makes sense, Sombody please let me know.........Got me another session today....I think the Sabres are playing tonight....Gotta run!!....Oh yeah, Don't forget to set your clocks back tonight..

11-2-08 In the studio with dlb tonight..

11-4-08: Election Day!! and we're totally screwed no matter who the next president is....I'll vote for some unknown which I imagine will serve as a protest vote......I'm looking ahead to 2012 when Jessie Ventura throws his hat in the ring..

11-6-08: Looking back on Election Night, I had just finished performing at a bar and was watching the Obama celebration...I felt like I was re-living the O.J. Simpson aqtittal.....My head was still humming from loud amplifiers and my brain was on it's way back to earth at the time..........I think Obama will do well in world relations (which we need badly) but I hope morons like Sharpton don't send racial relations back 40 years or more..

11-7-08: Ahhh Yes!! 'Got some jammin' going on pretty much the whole weekend..YAY!! Tonight we'll be checking out the Sabres during our breaks....Speaking of the Sabres, For the first time as long as I can remember every member of the team is healthy and Coach Ruff will have some difficult decisions choosing which players to sit out tonights game....That my friends is a good problem.....'Good Weekend to All..

11-10-08: It was a crappy weekend for local sports.....The Bills appear solved after their grand start to the season.....The Sabres simply left their game faces in the locker-room......Other than that, I look back at this passed and see it as one that rocked..

11-11-08: Salute to all vets!! Bokans tonight..

11-14-08: I'm kind of sad...We lost the last member of the Jimi Hendrix Experience....Mitch Mitchell who was a very creative drummer, raising the bar for drummers at time...Well I bars were raised in the whole world of rock & roll with the coming of Jimi..Rest in Peace Mitch...The band has been reunited.. Last night my son and I watched a special on Memorial Auditorium...I guess the place is pretty much gutted...There are a ton of memories attached that will remain long after "the aud" is knocked down....The HSBC Arena is a very nice building but there's that certain little something missing....For starters if I yelled at a hockey or basketball player while no music playing...I was heard..

11-18-08: A very busy weekend seemed to carry over into Monday...After last nights session I came home to a Bills game with like three minutes left...Even after the Trent Edwards quarterback sneak touchdown late in the game to bring the Bills ahead, I knew they would find a way to lose....I could just feel it.....I think I've been a Buffalo Bills fan for too long..

11-19-08: 'Gonna keep it simple...Eat pizza and watch hockey...............Hey!!! Don't forget to dress those kiddos warm..

11-22-08: Well with the Sabres and Bills currently stinking up Western New York, it's extra gratifying to watch my son improve his bowling skills every week......'Got some jam tonight..

11-25-08: Last night my oldest daughter and I went to catch a band of youngsters called "All Time Low"....It was a sold out show, didn't have tickets..But where there's will, there's always a way.....I'm glad to report that with this generations new crop of bands...Rock is far from dead..

11-26-08: Sometimes it doesn't seem like there's a lot to be thankful for..But if you think real hard, there are blessings to count......After losing five straight, I'll be thankful for a Sabre win tonight.......Happy Thanksgiving All..

11-28-08: The one thing about holidays is getting on the horn with lots of friends and relatives that I'm seldom in contact with now a days....The news isn't always good......'Got session work tonight..

11-29-08: Can the Sabres make it three in a row tonight? That team will drive you nuts, if you let it...............'Another session tonight for me..

11-30-08 I got word yesterday night that an old friend of many of us Karen "Schwinn" Majchrzak passed away at the age of 49 after a bout with cancer....My prayers go out to her family....Rest in Peace Karen...You will always be missed..

12-4-08: 'Been crazy lately in so many ways....Well I got me a new band called "The Whipper Snappers".....Hey!!! Jammmin' with cats half my age, helps keep me in my youth..

12-5-08: Hmmm, With OJ in prison, who's gonna find the real killer? ..........Good weekend my friends..

12-7-08: It's those wee hours again...Still unwinding from rehearsal....Hoping the Toronto Bills can pull off a victory and squish the mammals..

12-8-08 Upon further review, the Bills sucked so bad, Toronto probably won't want them anyway......As the snow continues to fall in these parts..

12-9-08: Life is a revolving door of musicians....Speaking of...Best Birthday Wishes to my good friend and rippin' guitarist, singer, songwriter Toddd Willard of .."Just Cause" ..who turns 29 today..

12-10-08 Wee Doggie!!....'Had a smokin' rehearsal with "The Whippersnappers" last night....I live for this!! ..To hell with professional sports..

12-12-08: Well, as it turns out, I'm still a sports fan...But I won't get emotionally involved (yeah right)...The Sabres are actually looking to win their fourth straight tonight....However, I'm waiting on a phone call, with the possibility of a jam session happening..

12-13-08: Best Birthday Wishes to my loving mother (who is ageless) and to my sons Godfather Jim Wynne, who was 29 at last count..

12-15-08: After 40 years of being a Bills fan, I've had enough...Yesterdays game was yet another one of a long list of games filled with blunders....We as fans were led on again with a great start, only to give coach Fred Rodgers a contract extension and it's been down hill ever since....I don't care if they move that team to South Africa..Let alone Toronto..

12-17-08: With the snow and all, Christmas is in the air, in the form of snow and small miracles......'Jammin' tonight....and will check on the Sabres during breaks..