That Ain't My America

I know, I know, Lynyrd Skynyrd already has a song with a title like that. But, that was the feeling I got on Sunday, the 4th of July. Now, let me just say that it wasn't becuase of something serious, like disrespecting the flag, or disrespecting someone in uniform. If that were the case, I'd still be in jail! I said this to myself when I tried to buy some fireworks for my daughter. She's 2 years old and this is probably the first Independence Day that she could somewhat comprehend the meaning. So, I thought, like most other dads, that I'd go down to the local Dollar General and get some legal fireworks. When I was a kid, you could get one of those variety packs that had mostly sparklers but also some fiery, multi-colored projectiles. Well, not anymore. At my local store, you couldn't even buy sparklers! That Ain't My America! I had to settle for smoke bombs and several variations of the same confetti-popping thing. My daughter was still impressed but that's not the point. Have we really come to the point where we can't even buy sparklers? Jeesh.

West Virginia, Wild, Wonderful, and taken for granted

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to travel into the mountains of West Virginia. A friend of ours has a family house in Randolph County, just outside of Elkins. When I say, "just outside", I mean, down a gravel driveway, in the mountains, with a locked gate. In fact, the house is the only thing on the drive. My wife and I, along with our daughter, spent the entire weekend there, along with our friends, and their two sons. It was kind of like camping, without really roughing it. There was no cable or Internet service. There was running water, though. Like I said, not really roughing it. Anyway, let me say that that particular area of West Virginia is absolutely beautiful. Since I work in Huntington, I take for granted, as I'm sure other people do, that there are, in fact, mountains here. Real mountains! We had a great time, saw some great scenery (Bickle Knob, Blackwater Falls, just to name a few places we visited), and enjoyed some great company! Thank you, Harris family! I highly recommend a trip to that area of the Mountain State!

On a sad note, I'd just like to add, RIP, Senator Robert C. Byrd. He was a great American. This comes from a man who does not even live in WV.

Good News!

Episode 4 of Guys Drinking Beer is posted and ready for your listening enjoyment! Here's the link, in case you forgot: guysdrinkingbeer.podomatic.com

Guys Drinking Beer, Episode 4

Great news! The fourth episode of Guys Drinking Beer has been recorded. I will begin editing today and hopefully will have it posted later this week! It's gonna be a good one!

Guitar Lessons and the Best Political Ad Ever!

All right, I know it's been awhile. I know I've been promising album reviews (those are still coming). But, I thought I'd let you know about some other things going on with me. Cause I'm just that damned interesting.

First of all, I've been taking guitar lessons at Rt. 60 Music in Barboursville. A big shout out to my teacher, Scott, by the way. Now, I admit that these lessons were offered to me as part of a promotion related to my job. However, I'm telling you something, I'm HOOKED! After just three lessons so far, I can already play some stuff that's recognizable! I'm totally shocked. I've always thought of myself as a rockstar, but now I might be able to back up some of that claim. My lessons are coming to an end but I totally plan on sticking with it. I'm really counting on self-dicipline. We'll see!

Secondly, here is the best political ad ever made:



Even though I despise everything about this guy, I LOVE THIS AD!

Slash. . . .

has a new album in stores. I picked it up yesterday but have yet to unwrap it. When I do, you can expect an official review right here. Being a huge GNR fan, you can imagine how excited I am. Now, we all know (okay not all, but GNR geeks) that Slash doesn't sing. This album features a who's who list of guest vocalists. It's along the same lines as Santana's "Supernatural" from a few years back. The list is very diverse, from Fergie to Lemmy. The Planet is playing the first single right now. It's a little ditty called "By The Sword", featuring Andrew Stockdale from Wolfmother on vocals. Can't wait to listen to the whole thing! An official review will follow. Maybe I should use it for a solo episode of "Guys Drinking Beer". What do you think?

The Next Episode

of "Guys Drinking Beer" is now available for your listening enjoyment, guysdrinkingbeer.podomatic.com. Remember to let me know what you think.