Big Leather Couch

Tuesday Tidbits...

noreply@blogger.com (Bond) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 06:01:00 +0000

Congrats to the New Orleans Saints and their win on Sunday. It was a great game with a lot of back and forth until a dropped pass and then an interception to seal the fate of the Indianapolis Colts.

Peyton Manning is one heck of a QB and I figure he and Drew Brees might just meet up in the big one again within the next few years.

The commercials really have lost many of their luster, They are not a part of the event for me any longer...they are just what they are commercials.

The theme this year seemed to be that you can rag on men all you want. It felt like half the commercials made men to be idjits.

Woke up Monday morning with almost 6" of snow on the ground. It was not expected at all and began at 4:00am and was over by 7:00am. Roads were pretty bad so I stayed home and worked from here.

Began to rain in the afternoon and as I write this it seems that it will rain until the temps drop and then we will get more ice and snow, so might be working from here tomorrow also.

This is the first winter where it is like winter since I moved down here. I can do without it to be honest. I also realized I do not own a snow shovel so clearing the driveway was impossible. Have to make a note to buy one of those - and then it will not snow ever again!

I hope it went well last evening on MUSIC ON THE COUCH and to those of you who listened live and spent time in the chat room - I thank you greatly. As I am putting this post together 4 hours before show time, I am guessing it went well! LOL

LIVE BROADCAST:
February 9, 2010 @ 9 PM ET

This week on the
Radio Happy Hour:

Grace Helbig and Michelle Vargas are “Grace N Michelle“, vlogging comedy team.
http://www.gracenmichelle.com/

Troupe Gammage is the lead singer of Speak.
He’ll be kicking off their “Speak Week” album launch on the Radio Happy Hour.
http://www.myspace.com/hearspeakhere

Also this week:

Collette McLafferty, lead singer of edibleRed, cohosts

Co-host Vinny Bond sits on his Big Leather Couch to chat live with the listeners

The Burl of Annie and Burl Live works behind the scenes as pro-doucher

Shawn Amos tests our Pop Culture IQ

and we’ll take your calls at 646-652-4804

LIVE BROADCAST:
February 9, 2010 @ 9 PM ET

PODCAST AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD:
Immediately following the live broadcast

CLICK HERE! –> All from this link <–CLICK HERE!
Become a Radio Happy Hour subscriber

for free !

Musical Monday & Birthday Wishes

noreply@blogger.com (Bond) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 06:01:00 +0000

Music On The Couch is, in some ways the next step in Tuneage Tutelage as it has evolved on The Couch, and in other ways it is the return to my roots in radio.

Each Monday, I will introduce you to a musician or band earning their chops in the music industry. Playing, recording, touring, self-producing, self-promoting - whatever it takes to catch the next wave - these folks are doing it.

There is plenty of seating on The Couch and we hope you find time to join us.

PREMIER BROADCAST
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2010
10pm Eastern; 9pm Central; 8pm Mountain; 7pm Pacific

PHIL PUTNAM sits on The Couch

Phil Putnam was featured on The Couch in early 2009. Since then his single “More Than This”, from the 2008 CASUALTIES CD, was the #5 Video of the Year on MTV/Logo Network.

I’ll talk to Phil about the journey from his childhood to the 2001 release of his out-of-print HEALER to today and what he has in the works for 2010 and beyond.

You will get to hear some of Phil’s music and he has also promised a music give-away to the listeners to celebrate the premier broadcast!

The live interactive chat room opens 20 minutes before show time. Follow this link HERE and click on the Chat Now icon.

Remember, unless you take the two minutes to register, you will not be able to participate in the chat room or send me questions to ask Phil, but you will still hear the show.

So tune in on Monday evening or, you can always listen the next day from the player HERE or the one here on The Couch or download from iTunes, directly from the player.

Yesterday was the day of birth for the one and only MATT-MAN of "Bagwine Ruminations", so go over and make sure he is just drunk over there on the couch...

And TODAY...we celebrate the birth of the one and only STARRLIGHT of "Here Comes A Storm In The Form Of A Girl"!!!

GO wish them both some lovin and birthday wishes...

Politics, religion & Sports

noreply@blogger.com (Bond) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 06:01:00 +0000

So, I am sure y’all have heard about the ad Focus on the Family has submitted to CBS for airing during the Super Bowl…

The ad stars Tim Tebow and his mother and addresses the story about how, when his mom was pregnant in Panama and became ill, doctor’s advised her to abort the pregnancy as the baby might be still-born.

Focus on the Family is a strong advocate of the Pro-Life agenda and states on their website: “Focus on the Family is a global non-profit Christian organization with a vision for healing brokenness in families, communities and societies worldwide through Christ. The purpose of the ministry is to strengthen, defend and celebrate the institution of the traditional family and to highlight the unique and irreplaceable role that it plays in God’s larger story of redemption.”

I am not here to debate their mission. I believe everyone has a right to their own opinion on life, religion, politics, humor and any other subject you would like to mention.

My post today is to discuss whether this ad has a place during a sporting event and how far this whole issue could go.

The flames of the fire are burning brightly…

Already, The Women's Media Center, the National Organization for Women and the Feminist Majority and other groups have threatened to boycott the Super Bowl if CBS ran the ad.

Mr. Mike Celizic, over on nbcsports.com wondered if CBS would take an ad from an atheist group to run during the Super Bowl.

Our friend SOUTHERN (IN)SANITY wondered why the above mentioned groups were not boycotting when godaddy.com had Danica Patrick talking about her beaver, or when she was in the shower 'on demand' from some guy on the internet.

What I am curious to know is instead of an atheist group, would/will CBS take an ad from one of the groups who have threatened to boycott the Super Bowl?

Would CBS take an ad where the statistics of unwanted pregnancies resulting from rape or incest or the problems unwed single mothers have raising their children, if Roe v Wade was overturned and a woman was not given the opportunity of choice?

Would CBS put this same ad on during an episode of CSI? The Super Bowl ad is worth $2.5 million for a 30-second spot, whereas a 30 second spot on CSI costs about 1/10th of that.

We now know that CBS has refused an ad from a gay men's dating site, claiming it was not appropriate super bowl claiming it was not appropriate

In the end, the ad featuring Tim Tebow and his mom is an ad for choice...she made the choice to continue her pregnancy...

Personally, I would like to leave politics and religion out of sports.

What about you?

Queen's Meme #23 - His Name wasn't Jack

noreply@blogger.com (Bond) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 06:01:00 +0000

Off to Dallas once again this morning...will try and check in with your blogs. Have something to post the next couple of days, so don't forget to stop by and send all your friends to visit...The Couch is getting empty!

From our wonderful friend MIMI of "Mimi Writes"" she puts out a little meme each week and people play along.

Sometimes I do...sometimes I don't...today, I do!

The Blog Blizzard Meme

1. An unexpected blizzard occurs. The power goes out for 10 days. There is no food in the house, no gas in the car, no heat, no TV, no computer, nada! You are snowed in and can't get to the store for supplies. How would you survive? How would you get out of this mess?
No food in the house...bwahahahahahaha never happen, I have a freezer full of prepared meals. And there is always whiskey! Wanna come over?

2. Tell us about your last snowball fight.
Way too long ago ... have not had a snowball fight since probably 2005.

3. You have been asked to make a snowman. What is his name?
Whitey...well, he certainly would not be called anything else...well, unless he was in Manhattan and after a few days he would be covered in grime that comes from the cars and stuff, so then we might rename him.

4. I have mountains of snow outside my door. I would like to make snow soup. What is the recipe?
Two scoops of snow and 2 ounces of whiskey. Warm it up slightly and sip away

5. It is Day 5 of the Big Blog Blizzard. You have been hunkered down for a very long time and in danger of losing your sanity. Your blog neighbors (that would be us) come callin' to see if you're OK. We peek in the window. What do we see? What are you doing in there?
Stop looking at Nancy and I..this is private!

6. Who is the flakiest snowflake in your life? Past or present.
Simple question...even simpler answer....ME!

7. You are Snow White. Which dwarf is your favorite and why?
Dopey..go on you figure it out...pssst, Dopey stoke one up dude!

8. What is the most fun you've ever had inside during a snowstorm?
If you would stop staring in the window, I might just be able to answer this question.

9. What was Jack Frost nipping at?
My whiskey, which is why he met my blow-torch.

10. Due to blobal warming (that's blog + global for all you non-blog speakers) your snowman has prematurely melted. What was his last request?
Some whiskey of course!

And of course his name WAS JACK...GENTLEMAN JACK...silly Queen!

Tuesday Tidbits...

noreply@blogger.com (Bond) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 06:01:00 +0000

Just a little common sense information on the upcoming census I received and thought I would pass along...

With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft. The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country. Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United States and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race, and other relevant data.

The big question is - how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist? BBB offers the following advice:

If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a hand-held device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions. However, you should never invite anyone you don't know into your home.

Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information. Do not give your Social Security number, credit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. Census.

REMEMBER, NO MATTER WHAT THEY ASK, YOU REALLY ONLY NEED TO TELL THEM HOW MANY PEOPLE LIVE AT YOUR ADDRESS.

While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, YOU DON'T HAVE TO ANSWER ANYTHING AT ALL ABOUT YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION. The Census Bureau will not ask for Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers, nor will employees solicit donations. Any one asking for that information is NOT with the Census Bureau.

The Census Bureau has decided not to work with Acorn on gathering this information. No Acorn worker should approach you saying he/she is with the Census Bureau.

Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at home. However, the Census Bureau will not contact you by Email, so be on the lookout for Email scams impersonating the Census.

Never click on a link or open any attachments in an Email that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.

For more advice on avoiding identity theft and fraud, visit www.bbb.org

I am flabbergasted by these member of the Central Valley Baptist Church in Meridian, Idaho, and the East Side Baptist Church in Twin Falls, Idaho who thought they had a right to take 33 children and try and get them out of Haiti.

They say they were helping orphans, but some of these kids still had parents who were alive. They did this without the proper authority and without any paperwork whatsoever.

Their detained spokeswoman, Laura Silsby, conceded that she had not obtained the proper Haitian documents, but told the AP from detention that the group was "just trying to do the right thing" amid the chaos.

The 33 kids, ranging in age from 2 months to 12 years and with their names written in tape on their shirts, were being sheltered in a temporary children's home, where some told aid workers that they have surviving parents. Lassegue said the Social Affairs Ministry was trying to find them.

"One (9-year-old) girl was crying, and saying, 'I am not an orphan. I still have my parents.' And she thought she was going on a summer camp or a boarding school or something like that," said George Willeit, a spokesman for the SOS Children's Village.

Now, because of the dismantled court system in Haiti, they may be sent to the US for trial. I am hoepful they all get some sort of discipline other than a mere slap on the wrist and I also believe they should all lose their passports so they can't go on any other 'charity missions' in the future.

LIVE BROADCAST: February 2, 2010 @ 9 PM ET

This week on the
Radio Happy Hour:

Ayla Brown is a former American Idol contestant, current senior guard
on the Boston College Eagles woman’s basketball team and was
recently declared “available” by her father, newly-elected
Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown.
Ayla has just released her latest EP Circles, on Thursday,
three months earlier than planned!
www.AylaBrown.com

Charles Horn is an Emmy-nominated comedy writer (Robot Chicken) and a
Princeton PhD. He just released a new iPhone app called Comedy Vocab
to help adults expand their vocabularies through comedy.
www.learningisfunny.com

Also this week:

Collette McLafferty, lead singer of edibleRed, cohosts

Co-host Vinny Bond
sits on his Big Leather Couch to chat live with the listeners

The Burl of Annie and Burl Live
works behind the scenes as pro-doucher

Shawn Amos tests our Pop Culture IQ

and we’ll take your calls at 646-652-4804

LIVE BROADCAST: February 2, 2010 @ 9 PM ET
PODCAST AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD:
Immediately following the live broadcast
CLICK HERE! –> All from this link <–CLICK HERE!
Become a Radio Happy Hour subscriber

for free !

Musical Monday On The Couch

noreply@blogger.com (Bond) — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 06:01:00 +0000

A new edition of The Couch...Each Monday I will be all about MUSIC. Introductions to new artists, reviews of new albums being released, news from the music industry, and beginning next week it will include our new BlogTalk Radio show, MUSIC ON THE COUCH.

My guest for the premier show is Mr. Phil Putnam. I featured Phil's music last May HERE. Since then he has had much happen in his career and we will explore that and where he is going. I selected him as my guest on the first show because he has sent other artists our way.

Anyone trying to make it in the business, who also promotes friends is A-1 in my book.

A few weeks back, I told you about some great sites on the internet and one of them was Wolfgang's Vault.

If you did not take the time to go over there and check them out, it is NOW time. You will have to register (it's free) to hear this, but it is true musical history.

It is July 16,1969, the Newport Folk Festival and Muddy Waters is introduced to the crowd. No backing band, just Mr. Waters and an acoustic guitar.

Muddy was not scheduled to perform and was actually filling in while they wait for the next guest, his mentor, a delayed Mr. Son House.

As the notes state: "In the midst of his most experimental era, having recently explored psychedelia on his controversial Electric Mud album and soon to record the now legendary Fathers And Sons album (both of which featured younger disciple musicians), here is Muddy Waters returning to the core elements of his 1941 plantation recordings."

It is 6 songs long...a mere 14:37, but what you will hear is pure Muddy Waters.

The great thing about this performance is that you can keep it forever for a tiny fee of $4.98 ($3.49 for Vault members). Even if you do not buy the download, this is one not to miss!

Muddy Waters Live Concert at Newport Folk Festival (Newport, RI) Jul 16, 1969 - WolfgangsVault.com

Let's leave you with a little taste of one of the bands we have coming up in May on MOTC. This is Ten Year Vamp from the Albany, NY area. Straight ahead rock and roll...This is ROCKSTAR from their debut album entitled "Don't Act Like You Know Me".

Let me know what you think...

UPDATED TO INCLUDE A LIST OF THE WINNERS IN THE MAJOR CATEGORIES FROM LAST NIGHT'S GRAMMY AWARDS:

Record of the Year: "Use Somebody," Kings of Leon
Album of the Year: "Fearless," Taylor Swift
Song of the Year: "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On it)," Beyonce Knowles
New Artist: Zac Brown Band
Pop Vocal Album: "The E.N.D.", The Black Eyed Peas
Female Pop Vocal Performance: "Halo," Beyonce Knowles
Male Pop Vocal Performance: "Make It Mine," Jason Mraz
Rock Album: "21st Century Breakdown," Green Day
Rock Song: "Use Somebody," Kings of Leon
R&B Album: "BLACKsummers'night, "Maxwell
R&B Song: "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)," Beyonce Knowles
Rap Album: "Relapse," Eminem
Rap Song: "Run This Town," Jay-Z, Rihanna and Kanye West
Best Rap/Sung Collaboration: "Run This Town," Jay-Z, Rihanna and Kanye West
Country Album: "Fearless," Taylor Swift
Female Country Vocal Performance: "White Horse," Taylor Swift
Male Country Vocal Performance: "Sweet Thing," Keith Urban,
Latin Pop Album: "Sin Frenos," La Quinta Estacion
Contemporary Jazz Album: "75," Joe Zawinul & The Zawinul Syndicate
Classical Album: "Mahler: Symphony No. 8; Adagio from Symphony No. 10"
Traditional Gospel Album: "Oh Happy Day," various artists
Dance Recording: "Poker Face," Lady Gaga
Electronic Dance Album: "The Fame," Lady Gaga
Alternative Music Album: "Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix," Phoenix
Spoken Word Album: "Always Looking Up," Michael J. Fox
Comedy Album: "A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All!" Stephen Colbert

On to the weekend....

noreply@blogger.com (Bond) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 06:01:00 +0000

Ice and snow expected here overnight Thursday into Friday...brought home the power cord for the work laptop...have whiskey in the house and propane for the grill in case we lose electricity and have to cook any meats in the freezer...

This Monday I will bring back music to The Couch,with MUSICAL MONDAYS. Not going to call it New Music Monday any longer as we will be doing a mixture of music news...reviews of music by new artists as well as established acts...stories from our years of concert going and interviews I did during my time doing over the air radio...anything music.

If you have suggestions or requests, let me know and I will try and accommodate y'all

I have established a presence on a new site where I am getting up to three submissions a day from new acts, so there is a lot of music stacking up to share with y'all...and I am going to expand the styles of music we feature here.

And of course, a week from Monday I begin Music On The Couch over on BlogTalk Radio. If you want, you can go over there and if you just register, and favorite MOTC, you will get a notification each week about an hour before show time.

I hope y'all try and come over and check it out on Monday's...but remember you can always download the show from iTunes or listen from the player here on The Couch.

I am real excited by the response I have been getting from many of the artists I have contacted, including a few from here in the Memphis area.

In fact, I just received an email from the leader of a very cool band out of Chicago who do some smokin' hot blues and they have agreed to appear on the show!

I appreciate the comments on yesterday's post and admit that I was taken to task for the mere part of texting while stopped at a light. Today, my phone went off while I was driving home and I did not even reach for it...so even a old dog CAN learn new tricks.

Like I said the other day...these just make me smile...

Have a damn fine weekend all...

A Birthday & a VERY Important Video...

noreply@blogger.com (Bond) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 06:01:00 +0000

Please join me in wishing one of the dearest people
in the bloggosphere a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

#30, right Songbird?

Much happiness to you DESERT SONGBIRD of "The Ice Box"

I will admit that in the past I have sent text messages while driving. Now, I will do so if I am stopped at a traffic light only.

If you are guilty of this, if you know someone who does so, if you have teenage children, nieces, nephews, friends of your kids...hell, if you can stop strangers and show them this, then do it.

It is the best PSA (Public Service Announcement), I have ever seen.

Why it is not playing on television stations every evening during prime time television is beyond me.

Maybe it is because the cell phone companies spend so much money on commercials...maybe it is too graphic...if either of those are the reason, then shame on every freakin network executive alive!

How about running THIS spot during the Super Bowl????

Please send your friends over here to watch this - embed it on your site - whatever...just let's spread the viewing of this to as many people as possible, because this is what is going on today and it is so very wrong.

The blue eyes of the baby will visit me in my sleep...I know it.

This is some of the information provided with the video:
Tredegar Comprehensive School and Gwent Police (Gwent is located in south-east Wales,UK) present a half hour drama entitled 'COW' --The film that will stop you from texting and driving," with SPECIAL EFFECTS BY ZIPLINE CREATIVE http://www.ziplinecreative.co.uk (this is a trailer video)

** The four-minute sequence involves British student actors and crews -- and is part of a larger 30-minute drama produced and directed by Peter Watkins-Hughes -- (visit http://bit.ly/AeYB4) -- an award winning former BBC producer who is also a lecturer for the Documentary Film & Television department at the Newport School of Art, Media and Design in Wales. This drama was made for -- and with -- the Gwent Police Department, located approximately 150 miles west of London.

** WARNING the graphic clip is professionally staged -- but does a fine job hammering its message home. In my view, it should be seen by every parent -- and imported/licensed for broadcast or school use throughout the United States from Mr. Watkins-Hughes. His contact information is available above.

COW: Its all about Cassie COWan a nice girl from a Gwent Valleys family who kills four people on the road because she used her mobile and lost her concentration for a few seconds. Gwent police is proud to have helped Brynmawr filmmaker Peter Watkins- Hughes in the production, which stars local drama students Jenny Davies as Cassie, and Amy Ingram and Laura Quantick as her friends, Emm and Jules.

It is hoped this film will become part of the core schools programme across Wales and the UK and ultimately worldwide.

Gwent Police facilitated the films crash scenes because we want to stop ALL drivers, but particularly young and new ones, from causing accidents.

 Over 300 teenagers from all over Wales were auditioned to take part in the film, nine police vehicles were involved and both the police and air ambulance helicopters featured.

State of the art digital special effects were utilised to show the impact of what would happen inside the car during impact.   Lyn Samuel, School Liaison Coordinator for Gwent Police said: We worked closely with the production team including the University of Wales Newport, Tredegar Comprehensive School and local partners including the council and Probation Service. The result is a very impactive road safety educational tool to help reduce the number of collisions involving young drivers across Wales. Chief Inspector John Pavett from Gwent Police Roads Policing Unit hopes the serious message in this film will hit home to viewers:  Making and receiving calls and texting whilst driving is still happening on roads not just in Gwent but all over the country"

Seeing a scenario, like the one Cassie goes through, played out right before your eyes makes you realise how extremely dangerous it can be and what devastating consequences it can have.  I hope that after watching this film motorists will think twice before picking up their mobile phone when behind the wheel and realise that a quick reply to a text message or answering a phone call is never worth putting theirs and other peoples lives at risk.

It should be noted that here in Wales, we use the word "taster" instead of "teaser" as we're giving you a "taste" of what the full 30-minute video is like.

Back To Basics...

noreply@blogger.com (Bond) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 06:01:00 +0000

With the wedding (WOW coming up on 5 months) and then into the holidays, I have strayed from the music love that I have always shared here on The Couch...so today some cool music news and then our first song posting in almost five months!

This came up on the Radio Happy Hour last night and I think it is the coolest thing in the world...

Check this out...get a bracelet made from the guitar sting of your favorite musician...not cheap, but the money goes to the charity of choice of the artist...find out more at WEAR YOUR MUSIC

Great birthday, Valentines Day, Christmas gift! Comes in a recycled CD case with a certificate of authenticity!

This in from Marvel Comics, Sony Records and those bad-a** rockers, AC/DC:

Through a unique collaboration between Marvel Studios and Columbia Records, AC/DC’s music will be featured in Marvel Studios’ “IRON MAN 2,” the sequel to the 2008 blockbuster film. In addition, Columbia Records will release the album AC/DC: Iron Man 2 on Monday, April 19, 2010. AC/DC: Iron Man 2, features 15 classic AC/DC songs selected from ten of the band’s studio albums, ranging from 1976 to 2008. The complete track listing can be found below.

Pre-orders began yesterday, January 26th, at Walmart.com for the AC/DC: Iron Man 2 CD and at Amazon.com for a deluxe version of AC/DC: Iron Man 2 – CD+DVD and two LP vinyl packages. The film opens internationally beginning on April 28, 2010. In the U.S. , the film will be distributed by Paramount Pictures and is scheduled for release on May 7, 2010.

The debut video from AC/DC: Iron Man 2 is the AC/DC’s classic album cut “Shoot To Thrill,” which was filmed live last month in Buenos Aires during the band’s highly acclaimed Black Ice World Tour, the second highest grossing world tour of 2009 according to concert industry trade publication Pollstar. The video also incorporates exclusive footage from “IRON MAN 2” and debuts today worldwide. Check www.acdc.com and www.marvel.com for more information. “Shoot To Thrill” was originally recorded for the band’s 50-million selling album Back In Black, one of the best selling albums of all time.

“Jon Favreau’s vision and passion for AC/DC’s music blend seamlessly into this incredible film” said Steve Barnett, co-chairman of Columbia Records.
"The music really underscores the high energy and excitement of the film.”

“Music is an integral part of the Tony Stark and Iron Man experience, and we are pleased that Columbia and AC/DC are taking part in the franchise’s phenomenon. Through this relationship, the band is delivering fans supercharged Iron Man branded music through all our combined consumer touch points, from the movie to retail outlets and even virally with the debut of the new video,” said Tim Connors, Chief Operating Officer, Marvel Studios.

Jon Favreau returns to direct “IRON MAN 2,” with Robert Downey Jr. reprising his starring role as the larger-than-life leading character, along with Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Scarlett Johansson, Sam Rockwell, Mickey Rourke and Samuel L. Jackson.

AC/DC: Iron Man 2 Track Listing:
1. Shoot to Thrill
2. Rock ‘N’ Roll Damnation
3. Guns for Hire
4. Cold Hearted Man
5. Back in Black
6. Thunderstruck
7. If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)
8. Evil Walks
9. T.N.T.
10. Hell Ain’t a Bad Place to Be
11. Have a Drink on Me
12. The Razor’s Edge
13. Let There Be Rock
14. War Machine
15. Highway to Hell

The Avett Brothers announced their 2010 spring tour dates. With their album I and Love and You debuting at number 16 on the Billboard charts and selling over 40,000 units during the first week alone, these North Carolina rockers haven’t shown any signs of slowing down.

On the heels of an extremely successful 2009 year with their critically acclaimed Rick Rubin produced album I and Love and You, and an extensive electrifying US tour, The Avett Brothers gear up to remind fans just how powerful a musical force this quartet is. Beginning their spring tour on February 4th in Athens , OH the band will travel throughout the US and end up in Cumberland , MD on May 28th

Tour Dates are:
2/24 - Athens , OH - Ohio University
2/26 - Ithaca , NY - State Theatre
2/27 - Cleveland , OH - House of Blues
2/28 - Indianapolis , IN - Egyptian Room @ Murat Centre
3/02 - Columbia , MO - Missouri Theatre
3/03 = Midwest City , OK - Rose State PAC
3/05 - Minneapolis , MN - First Avenue
3/06 - Milwaukee , WI - Turner Hall Ballroom
3/07 - Chicago , IL - House of Blues
3/09 - Ann Arbor , MI - Michigan Theater
4/17 - Oakland , CA - Fox Theater
4/18 - Reno , NV - Grand Sierra Theatre
4/20 - Boulder , CO - Boulder Theater
4/21 - Boulder , CO - Boulder Theater
4/23 - Tucson , AZ - Rialto Theatre
4/24 - Mesa , AZ - Mesa Arts Center/Ikeda Theater
4/25 - Indio , CA - Stagecoach Festival
4/27 - Sacramento , CA - Crest Theatre
4/28 - Santa Barbara , CA - Arlington Theatre
4/29 - San Diego , CA - House of Blues
5/02 - Wilkesboro , NC - MerleFest
5/28 - Cumberland , MD - Del Fest: Allegany County Fairgrounds

One of my all time favs from the genius that was Frank Zappa...

Tuesday Tidbits...

noreply@blogger.com (Bond) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 06:01:00 +0000

Having your lunch made by the one you love, who then puts a little note on your napkin, is a wonderful thing...

Time heals all wounds, until someone rips the wound open again and again...

All I can say is...'whatchutalkinboutwillis?'
Yup, he is in trouble with the law again...

OK, so I understand when myspace and Facebook began kids loved to put stuff up there to be seen by their friends, not thinking of the consequences. Then school officials began monitoring the sites to see what their students were doing and took actions against those who were showing themselves to be three quarts shy of a gallon...

Parents caught on and began watching what little Johnny and Janie were up to...even local police opened up accounts using false names to see who might be causing trouble or breaking laws in their town.

So you think that after so many years, kids would learn - HECK-A-DOODLE, not only kids, but young adults.

Folks, employers look at your Facebook and myspace accounts like 3 seconds after your resume hits their desk.

And the latest advent of 'let's make fun of these knuckleheads' is LOLONMYWALL.COM. Here the authors of this site repost the most ridiculous posts on facebook and make sure you don't miss one of them...

Keep posting pictures of yourself drunk and peeing your pants...or talking like you have a 2nd grade education cause it be hip and all dat...I hear Jack in the Box is hiring...

LIVE BROADCAST: January 26, 2010 @ 9 PM ET

This week on the
Radio Happy Hour:

Jessica Sierra was a tenth place finalist in the fourth season of American Idol. She later appeared on Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew after pleading “no contest” in a Tampa, FL courtroom to assault and cocaine possession.

Now, with two years of sobriety under her belt, Jessica is back in the studio recording music
and recently gave birth to a new baby boy, Kayden Cash, on December 5, 2009.

www.JessicaSierra.com

Jason Sadler returns to the Radio Happy Hour,
once again wearing a Got Blogstein? T-shirt.

As he did in 2009, Jason, now with his t-shirt buddy Evan White, is spending 2010 getting paid to wear shirts. Each day of the year is sold at face value, so January 1 was $1 for Jason and $1 for Evan and December 31 is $365 for Jason and $365 for Evan.

Since Tuesday is Got Blogstein? Day, Jason and Evan will spend the day blogging, twittering, facebooking and making videos all about Dr. Blogstein’s Radio Happy Hour
and all in their Got Blogstein? T-shirts.

www.iWearYourShirt.com

Also this week:

Collette McLafferty, lead singer of edibleRed, cohosts

Co-host Vinny Bond sits on his Big Leather Couch to chat live with the listeners

The Burl of Annie and Burl Live works behind the scenes as pro-doucher

Simone Sinclare of EstablishedMen.com and HDNet’s “New York Confessions” discusses Do’s and Dont’s for Valentine’s Day Gifts

Shawn Amos tests our Pop Culture IQ

and we’ll take your calls at 646-652-4804

LIVE BROADCAST: January 26, 2010 @ 9 PM ETPODCAST AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD: Immediately following the live broadcast

CLICK HERE! –> All from this link <–CLICK HERE!

Become a Radio Happy Hour subscriber

for free !

Brother Rich and Now on to Miami....

noreply@blogger.com (Bond) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 06:01:00 +0000

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BROTHER RICH!

Within the last few weeks, Rich was named Features Editor
of the San Antonio Express News.

He is a loving husband
a terrific dad to his two daughters
a wonderful uncle
a caring son
and one hell of a brother!

He also gets identified as Rahm Emanuel all the time!!!

IMHO..this is the Super Bowl that was meant to be this year...Saints vs Colts...the two best teams facing off in a no holds barred match. Two excellent quarterbacks...two tough defenses..

Looking forward to 60 minutes of hard hitting and quite a bit of scoring...

Have to give it up to the NY Jets, who proved they are on the cusp of greatness...a great rookie coach and a rookie QB with a bright future. The played the Colts real tough for the first half, even going into the locker room at the half with the lead. In the end Mr. Peyton Manning proved his superiority and ability and took his team to the big game.

Look for them in the future and would it not be tremendous to have a NY Jet/NY Giant Super Bowl in the next few years! Well for me and my fellow NYer's it would and I think it would hold a certain watch-ability for the rest of the country.

heheheh Maybe we could have another NY Met / NY Yankee World Series and have the Jets and Giants follow it up with a Super Bowl battle...

OK OK, I am dreaming here...but sports is about dreaming, is it not?

So the rumor is that Reggie Bush and Kim Kardashian have decided if Reggie wins the Super Bowl he has to follow it up with a walk down the aisle...Reggie Reggie Reggie, NEVER make wedding plans around a bet dude!

Personally, it did not bother me to see Brett Favre walking off the field and his season ending. At one point I enjoyed him as a player but his antics the last few years with retiring, un-retiring, retiring, un-retiring..playing around with teams and causing them to make plans and then change them...no sorry...He made a bonehead play to end his teams dreams...

ride off on your tractor into the sunset Brett...

So...who is you pick in the big game? Are you more excited about the game or the commercials? Have a party to go to or host?

Personally, I think the commercials have been overblown the last few years and they are not as huge a part of the day as they were for so many years.

At this point we do not have a party to go to..but that could change I guess...

See y'all tomorrow...

Much more betterer...

noreply@blogger.com (Bond) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 06:01:00 +0000

So it was a frustrating day Wednesday into Thursday when something here went kablooey...

COUCH NOTE: OK, so I went to google (NO I will not capitalize it) to find a visual for Kablooey...and found these two...

BUT I ALSO FOUND THIS...

Now how is that KABLOOEY???? I am sure JAY of "Cynical B**tard" will be able to tell us all, since he is a expert on cheerleaders, and sexy young Asians, and well..unfortunately he is becoming an expert on Luke Wilson too...but we will not hold that against him.

SO, anyway...it all ended up being caused by a stat counter I had installed about a year or so ago...It was the second one on the site, but I was trying to verify the other counter...any whoodle, I kept seeing that "waiting for 088 dot free-counter dot co dot uk" message on the lower left of my Firefox window, so typed it into my address box and was told that it was leading me to the server for this stat service but it never connected.

So...over to my html and delete the code and open a new tab and HECK-A-DOODLE The Couch loaded right up.

As a matter of fact LU' of "PA Greenery" told me The Couch has not loaded that fast in like forever. (or maybe since I added that second counter?)

So, does it load faster for you?

I sent an email to a couple of people who have told me they can not come to comment because the page never loads for them...I am hopeful this fixes that issue...

So...I am feeling better...now if I can just solve the wireless printer issue at the house...but that is a whole other issue!

Have a grand weekend all....

Weirdness

noreply@blogger.com (Bond) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 06:01:00 +0000

REVISED TO ADD:

So, it seems it was one of the stat counters that has been on The COuch for over a year...once I removed it everything got better...maybe the company closed their server and that was the hang-up...

Nonetheless, I thank all of my loyal Couch-sitters who wrote telling me of the problem and who helped me get a feel for what happened by answering some questions.

You guys ROCK!

OK, so I am still not sure what happened here yesterday and whether it is going to happen today, so maybe my writing this is a waste of time.

The damn page took up to 5 minutes to load most of yesterday. I have done nothing different to it in the last week.

I did research, as it seemed to be stuck loading and the little message area on the lower left said 'waiting on csi.gstatic.com'.

I did some research on this and it appears to be a google thing ---GEE SHOCK SURPRISE!

Here is what I found out...Seems most people have this problem when they are trying to access their igoogle home page - Guess what? I have one of those, but never even knew it, I have never been there before today!

On all the boards I read, it appears if you disable CHAT, the problem goes away...well...I found chat over there, at that place I have never been and guess what? My chat WAS disabled!

So...I am hopeful this dang thing will fix itself and I will be left alone. It is really scary how many things google is now intertwined with and how they have so much of our information...

And when my spell check tells me that google should be Google, I just ignore it...

So maybe that is why they are giving me crapola and making my life miserable, as only a few people seem to have taken the time to let this joint load (JOINT?...maybe that would help...)

If the problem is still occurring, you are not reading this anyway...so you can't respond or give a good crapola I guess.

If the problem is gone, my post yesterday addressed a situation I think is important, so y'all might want to scroll down.

Haiti NOT like Katrina

noreply@blogger.com (Bond) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 06:01:00 +0000

Yes, yesterday's post was total fluff...

Today - not so much...

I was over visiting my friend BARBARA of "Writing From The Inside Out - Again" and she had a post up written by a friend entitled "Katrina Deja Vu" which was equating the disaster and help efforts with what happened in new Orleans after Katrina.

The post talked about the food and supplies not getting to those who need it and pointed the finger at the US Military and our government.

It asked why reporters could get to these areas and our military could not.

Go on over and read it, I will wait.

I left my comment there and have a feeling I will get some backlash because of it.

I will share it here, so y'all can also come at me...or maybe agree...:

I ask the question...this is not our country.
The Haitian Government should be slapped for this
situation, not the US and the US Military.

It is not our country. We can not just take over to move supplies.

We bring it into the country, it is then the responsibility of
the HOST NATION to do what is correct.

If they are not, should we then have a coupe and take over Haiti?

Sorry, but I see this as a no win situation for the US
and any other country trying to help.

I pray that aid gets to the people who need it, but I am reluctant to
start blaming our President and Military...

Let the bashing of me begin.

What are your thoughts? Is it the responsibility of our government to go into another country and ignore the wishes of their government?

To not access the situation and put aid workers and soldiers at risk?

I am sorry, but there are security risks and to just go in and drop crates WILL cause riots and people will be killed. The argument is that people are dying anyway. So if we go in and drop relief, against the wishes of the Haitian government and the news reporters, who can get anywhere it seems, show pictures of children trampled by adults trying to get the food and water, will the US then not be blasted for doing so?

If our soldiers just go out without a plan and are attacked by people who are starving and they have to defend themselves, will the US then not be blasted for doing so?

We are damned if we do and damned if we don't it appears.

As far as this being Katrina Deja Vu...sorry, I do not buy that crap.

Katrina and New Orleans are in the USA. There is no other government which we must listen to. Hell there is more aid on the ground in Haiti then there was this many days after Katrina...

The infrastructure in New Orleans - even after the hurricane - is 200% better than the infrastructure in Haiti.

Katrina was the failure of FEMA...which had been dismantled by the Bush administration to make sure cronies had jobs.

I ranted on FEMA once which you can find HERE

FEMA was pretty unknown for the first 12 years of it's existence, though it responded to Love Canal and Three Mile Island.

Under Clinton, FEMA was elevated to Cabinet rank and was a well run machine with people in charge who knew how to handle disasters.

When it became a part of Homeland Security (a mistake) under Bush 2, it turned into an old boys clubs illustrat4d by the appointment of Michael Brown as it's director. Prior to FEMA, Brown was the Judges and Stewards Commissioner for the International Arabian Horse Association.

Most certainly a job with experience to run an agency such as FEMA.

Now we are asking military personnel with little training in rescue mission to deal with this disaster.

If we want to be a major player in assisting poorer countries when they are decimated by natural disasters, we should build an Emergency Response team that would be first feet on the ground.

This could be a part of the military, but trained in emergency response and not on waging battles.

I am not uncaring about the disaster which occurred. Yes, Haiti is a poor country with many problems even before this disaster...but are we to blame every time something goes wrong around the world and we try to help, but do not immediately solve all problems?

What are your thoughts?

Scattered Thoughts...

noreply@blogger.com (Bond) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 06:01:00 +0000

Did my test for my new BlogTalk Radio program this past weekend with help from Doc Blogstein and everything went fine, so I am ready to roll on February 8th.

I have had decent response from those artists I have contacted and have shows scheduled through the end of March at this time.

I have an idea for a show which will be more of a round table discussion with some blogger friends who are music fanatics like myself.

If you think you are to be included in that show, well you should be receiving an email in the next few days to confirm my desire to have you on.

Unfortunately, my sweet angel Nancy had to work yesterday, so I was all alone. Got some laundry done, scanned about 100 slides for my Mom and Dad project and digitized 3 hours worth of music...so it was not a total loss.

But I would have preferred to have spent the day with her. The weather was actually pretty nice...

So, are you a fan of 24? The show kicked off Sunday with two hours of non-stop action.

Introduced the show to Nancy and she enjoyed watching with me...always nice to watch with a loved one.

This week on the
Radio Happy Hour:

LIVE BROADCAST:
January 19, 2010 @ 9 PM ET

Actor Larry Manetti is best known for his starring role as Orville “Rick” Wright on the long-running CBS television series Magnum P.I. which starred Tom Selleck
as the title character.

He is the author of Aloha Magnum: Larry Manetti’s Magnum, P.I.
which is part autobiography, part Magnum, P.I. episode guide.

http://www.larrymanetti.com/

Comic Impressionist Rich Natole does over 300 celebrity impressions including
every US President starting with John F. Kennedy.

Natole performs Tuesday – Saturday at 8:30pm with Wayne Newton in his new show
“Once Before I Go” at The Tropicana Hotel in Las Vegas.
For tickets call the Tropicana box office at 1-800-829-9034.

http://www.richnatole.com/

Also this week:

Collette McLafferty, lead singer of edibleRed, cohosts

Co-host Vinny Bond sits on his Big Leather Couch to chat live with the listeners

The Burl of Annie and Burl Live works behind the scenes as pro-doucher

Shawn Amos tests our Pop Culture IQ

and we’ll take your calls at 646-652-4804

LIVE BROADCAST: January 19, 2010 @ 9 PM ET

PODCAST AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD: Immediately following the live broadcast

CLICK HERE! –> All from this link <–CLICK HERE!

Become a Radio Happy Hour subscriber

for free !

His Dream Lives On...

noreply@blogger.com (Bond) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 06:01:00 +0000

Though his actual birthday was Friday
today we celebrate the life of one
of our greatest Americans

Martin Luther King, Jr. (January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968)

This is the "I Have Been To The Mountain Top"
speech he gave at the Mason Temple, the
world headquarters of the Church of God in Christ
on April 3, 1968, the evening before he was
murdered by the coward James Earl Ray.

UGH

noreply@blogger.com (Bond) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 06:01:00 +0000

Home

exhausted

headache

see ya Monday

Did I mention my new BlogTalk Radio Show
MUSIC ON THE COUCH???
Shows are being listed every day

Trying to schedule a real special show...

Hopefully I will have news about it soon

Thursday Tidbits....

noreply@blogger.com (Bond) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 06:01:00 +0000

What's a poor boy to do when work gets in the way of real life?

You keep moving forward. I love what I do, but sometimes the hours can get to you. It also is difficult when you do not get the cooperation of your vendors...

OK, all done.

Did not watch live, but had to go to foxnews.com to see the video of Sarah "I can see Russia from my front porch" Palin's first appearance on the O'Reilly Factor. I was floored by her declaration when talking about the 60 minutes piece done on her the Sunday before, which you can hear, HERE and finding the link to "Palin Fascination". About 5 minutes into the chat, Palin states that the American people are tired of the one-sided media outlets and that is why they are coming to Fox News!

No, I am not kidding. The woman is delusional. She also spoke about being part of a "tea party" in Nashville. Now, if she is to be taken as a serious analyst -

Sorry...I had to stop laughing at that last statement before I could continue

- how can she be involved in these political statements. O'Reilly even asks if she will be running in 2012 on the Tea party Ticket and - in one of her more lucid moments - states that, at this time there is no Tea Party Ticket...

So, makes me think even the Republicans realize she has no power to run on their ticket...

Hell, Fox News is going to get grand ratings when she is on...it is very similar to a scene recreated in the movie "Private Parts" where NBC Radio executives talk about a poll they took to find out why Stern's ratings were so high.

In the poll they found out that people who loved Stern listened for an hour a day. The reason most given was "so they could hear what he said next".

They also found that those who hated Stern, listened TWO hours a day. The reason? "To hear what he would say next"!!!!!

Same thing will be happening with Palin, until the haters get tired of the drivel.

Sending wishes to those in the devastated country of Haiti. What a horrible thing.

The worst disasters always seem to hit the poorest countries. The pictures of the destruction bring chills to me.

Entertainment News...Conan O'Brien has told NBC he WILL NOT move his show to 12:05am to allow them to put Jay Leno on at 11:30 for a half hour. GOOD FOR YOU CONAN..it is evident that Leno has lost all appeal with this new show which has crashed NBC's nightly ratings, the affiliate ratings for local news, the late night ratings and also the morning ratings - as people fall asleep with another station on and do not switch over to NBC for news.

Ride into the sunset Jay.

A musical about Barack Obama's "Yes we can" election campaign premieres in Germany this weekend, including love songs by the president to his wife Michelle and duets with Hillary Clinton.

Even John McCain and Sarah Palin are given stage time, with actors portraying the losing Republican candidates and belting out songs on their behalf.

In all, 30 singers, actors and dancers are to perform in the musical "Hope — the Obama Musical Story" when it opens at the Jahrhunderthalle concert hall in Frankfurt in a bilingual mix of English and German. The audience may recognize that many songs quote from the politicians' stump speeches during the 2008 U.S. presidential campaign.

Freakin' incredible!

Shortest Post Eva!

noreply@blogger.com (Bond) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 06:01:00 +0000

So, my Tuesday began at 6:00am and will eventually end at 4:30am on Wednesday...and my flight home on Wednesday is not on Thursday...

This is my post for today...

Hope your days are going better...

YAWN

This Just In...

noreply@blogger.com (Bond) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 06:01:00 +0000

Go say HAPPY BLOGGOVERSARY to

JAY of "Cynical B**tard

Keep going dude...you rock!

In our continuing effort to make sure our loyal Couch sitters are up to date with things going on in the world:

Mark McGwire has admitted to using steroids

The sun rises in the east

Amelia Earhart's plane is still missing

A red light means stop

Sara Palin and Fox News have similar political leanings

Mark McGwire admits to using steroids

Video killed the radio star

You need to remove your shoes when going through security at the airport

Kristin Shepard shot JR

Milk comes from cows

Mixing yellow and blue makes green

1 plus 1 equals 2

Mark McGwire admits to using steroids

Chickens lay eggs

Tiger Woods cheated on Elin

Rain turns to snow when the temperature drops below 32 degrees

We hope this clears everything up

This has been a pubic service posting

Minutia Monday...

noreply@blogger.com (Bond) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 06:01:00 +0000

Today - a new post:
Part 3 "Saturday In The Kitchen" -
Ground Beef & Macaroni Medley
and Stuffed Flank Steak

Come Take A Seat At My Table

This coming Sunday, Jack Bauer returns to our televisions with another season of 24! Looking forward to it with great anticipation. The show shifts to New York City, so that should be fun.

Before the season begins, let's see what Jack has been up to over the last month or so...

So I am back in Dallas on press printing some collateral material. In the past, I have not had to do these press runs, but the CMO has asked I get involved with all of his print now...

Long story, but an honor in the end, so here I am!

Not sure I will be available for the Radio happy Hour tomorrow, but if I have a window of opportunity, I will be calling in from the road.

Been booking guests for Music On The Couch and am beginning to focus on Memphis area guests as well as national artists. I like the idea of featuring artists from the Memphis area and am working on one specific guest that will amaze all y'all.

The cold that has gripped the entire country seems to be pulling back up north. Today - Sunday as I write this - we will even get a tad above freezing for the first time in a week and today - Monday as you read this - it is supposed to be in the mid 40's and mid 50's in Dallas where I am (will be? - LOL)

A shout-out to Mom Joan, who took a spill this past weekend as she was watching her grandson Joe at his swim meet at the University of Scranton. Feel better mom!

Love you!

Spent Saturday with Nancy and I cooking two big pots of gravy and meatballs and sausage in preparation to make Lasagna to be served at her mom's 85th birthday party in two weeks.

Love having all the help in the kitchen and we are a well-oiled macheine when we get going!

Friday fleeting thoughts...

noreply@blogger.com (Bond) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 06:01:00 +0000

Thanks to all for the suggestions regarding the text spam...good friend DANA from "Amid Life's Crisis" did remind me that as a Verizon subscriber I can go onto my account and block the phone numbers I do not want to receive text messages from...all is good and safe in the world again!

So, it seems that Little Ms. Annie of ANNIE & BURL LIVE on BlogTalk Radio has challenged me to a ~~duel to the death~~ contest of Name That Tune. The two kids were doing their show last evening and The Burl (he is know to all his friends, relatives and creditors as THE Burl) mentioned my new show "Music On The Couch" which will premier on February 8th at 9:00pm central time (shameless plugs will continue!) and Annie feels like she can beat me in this musical trivia contest...

The challenge has been accepted and now we await a time and place for me to show the world that she can not compete with me....

y'all know I am now going to lose this contest by a landslide and look like a dang fool...but what the heck-a-doodle - it should be fun anyway.

So, yesterday I was working on booking some additional guests for the show and stopped by the website of a gentleman we reviewed here on The Couch last year...Mr. Charlie Morris, who is one hell of a musician and songwriter.

I knew Mr. Morris spends time in Switzerland each year and was looking at his schedule when something on the front page caught my eye...

I was really floored to see it and it made me smile!

Since it is that time of year, let me announce I will NOT be giving up meat or bread or pasta or anything else for Lent...

Just needed to clear the air on that...

Traveling back to Dallas on Monday and will be there through Wednesday, but this trip is not as intense as the last one, so I should be visiting and posting the whole time...I just hope it gets a little warmer before I go.

HAVE A DANG FINE WEEKEND ALL

Sharing The Music

noreply@blogger.com (Bond) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 06:01:00 +0000

We have not spoken much about music the last few months so I thought I might go on and share some internet sites that will bring you some incredible music and all for free.

Bill Graham was the concert promoter all other concert promoters tried to emulate. His concerts are legendary, running shows at both the Fillmore West and East, The Cow Palace in San Francisco, and so many other venues.

It was Bill Graham who worked his magic to put on The Watkins Glen Concert..a one day affair with The Allman Brothers, The Grateful Dead and the Band.

Mr Graham was born Wolodia Grajonca in Berlin and given the nickname Wolfgang by his family early in his life.

He was a brilliant promoter and he was also a touch mean son of a b**ch. You loved or hated Graham, you did not feel ambvilent about the man.

He left us in 1991 and when he did, he left behind thousands, if not tens of thousands of hours of live music he had collected from his concerts over the years.

The story of Bill Graham will be told in another post...today we just want to bring to your attention that these rare concert tapes as well as many many more are aailable for you to stream at the site WOLFGANG'S VAULT".

The vault is a private music-focused company established in 2002 dedicated to the restoration and archiving of live concert recordings and music memorabilia in order that music fans can access the complete live music experience of the past fifty years. It began with the collection of the late promoter Bill Graham, and added eleven other music and memorabilia archives. It was called " the most important collection of rock memorabilia and recordings ever assembled in one business," by The Wall Street Journal, Dec 13, 2005. All 2500+ concerts are streamed free.

There are selected concerts which you can download and keep forever and the price is normally under $10.00 - about the price of a ticket back in the day...

You are allowed to stream up to 10 hours/month free. There is also a VIP membership, costing $49/year, and you immediately get a $50.00 credit to use on the incredible merchandise for sale...vintage music posters, t-shirts, photos, vintage concert tickets...you also get to stream as much as you want at 192kbps, a fine sound quality indeed.

And do not think this is just 60's and 70's...they have concerts from 2009 also...how about the one I am listening to now...U2, 1981 California Hall...so cool, before October was even released!

The site began with the Graham collection and then they bought Crawdaddy the legendary rock magazine and their collection of live videos. You can also read issues of the magazine going back to its inception in the 60's...yes that is Mr. Zimmerman on the cover of issue #4!

They have also bought the rights to Daytrotter...

Daytrotter is the web site for Horseshack Studio in Rock Island, IL. The whole concept is that bands - many indie bands in particular - stop in to the studio and record some tracks live.

Think about your cool radio station, when a band would come in, strap on guitars and a small keyboard and a minimal drum set and just let loose for an hour. This is Daytrotter and there is some wonderful unknown artists there.

X1FM is the latest thing in radio and the internet. Radio on your computer with - on two of its channels at the moment - a live stream from the control room. You can intereact with the DJ...send them a 'text message' which they will respond to...make a request - they will play it.

The live streams are on their alternative channel and their Spanish channel, but you can also stream music from their other channels - classic rock, disco, electronic, 80's hits and 90's hits.

This is Sirius or XM on your computer with live interaction...

Hope we were able to introduce you to some new music venues on your computer....enjoy!

Cold...weird ads...spam...and a Birthday

noreply@blogger.com (Bond) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 06:01:00 +0000

OK, I know so many of my guests live where it is cold all the time, but HECK-A-DOODLE!

11 degrees when I left for work today and it is still only 23 at 5:30pm...this is way to dang cold...I live in the South...

AND they are predicting snow tomorrow! Now the total amount being called for is only 1", but if you do not know the South, that means that every grocery store within 100 miles is just about out of bread and milk.

I have said this before, but sheesh folks...if you think you are not going to be able to drive, buy some REAL FOOD!

One inch of snow in Memphis equates to 10 inches up north as far as driving ability is concerned. Cars will be all over the road...drivers will continue to drive 60mph as they skid across the black ice and turn the roads into a real life version of bumper cars...

Man, I love bumper cars at amusement parks...seeing someone on the other side of the oval and gunning (LOL 1.2mph is gunning in those things) aiming right for their rear bumper and SMASHING into them causing their brain to ricochet around in their skull and their spine to reverberate like a window pane in a hurricane...

What says fun then trying to cause physical damage to an opponent in a bumper car?

Have you seen these new banner ads - talking about President Obama wanting mothers to go back to college to get their degree, or lowering insurance regulations?

When they first began, there would be a picture of a normal person saying "I did it, so can you"...

Well now they are using people who look like they have modeled their lives after Charlie Manson...I mean, seriously, do they expect us to be enticed with these scary dudes? Just two examples I was greeted with today:

shivers....

Have you been violated by spam text messages yet? It began for me the other day. I have received about 5 of them - all from a New Jersey number (well my cell phone still has a NJ area code), all offering money at low interest rates.

I am fuming over them and keep hitting reply and typing STOP as they request if you want them to leave you alone.

Now, I wonder, if by doing so am I just validating that the cell phone number is correct or will they actually stop. My next move is to jump all over Verizon to make them stop these messages.

Thanks to y'all who are boosting my hits over at Mangia Y'all..the last two days have been my highest hit counts so far (well 15 is a high number for me over there). If you can continue to do so, I appreciate it, and HEY...the food I am offering recipes on over there is pretty darn good if I say so myself.

Finally today...Go on over and visit
MS. KIMMIE of "Pretty Amazing Grace"
who is celebrating a BIRTHDAY TODAY!
Tell her Bond sent ya...

See y'all tomorrow!

2010...The planning has begun...

noreply@blogger.com (Bond) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 06:01:00 +0000

At some point this last month I began thinking about what I wanted to do with The Couch in 2010. Did I want to change the overall look once again? That would mean changing URLs so the formatting of older posts would not - once again - be affected.

Did I want to break the music posts away from the main blog, as I have done with my food posts?

Did I want to change the overall theme of The Couch to just music? Would I begin writing fiction again and making that the focus?

In the end - at least for now - I have decided to keep everything the way it is. I have also decide to stop wondering why certain people no longer visit..why some people only come by after I have stopped at their blog and why some people only seem to stop by once a week.

Anyone who blogs goes through these periods...it is, by nature, part of the blogging process.

What does 2010 hold then...well I want to increase readership over at Mangia Y'all because, quite frankly there is a revenue stream associated with that blog.

By being a part of The Food Buzz Network, I do earn pennies for each visitor.

So, if you want to help out a friend, PLEASE GO OVER AND VISIT ME ONCE A DAY and get my hits up...I will report if there is a difference after Q1 is complete.

I am going to launch a Blogtalk Radio program within the next 6 weeks. It will be entitled "Music On The Couch" and it will be a 1/2 hour each Monday evening at 9:00pm Central (time is still not solidified), featuring one music artist per show. They will be live with me on the air and we will feature their music and learn about them as a person and an artist.

Basically, taking the "New Music Monday" theme from here on The Couch and moving to a broadcast medium. I hope y'all find time to listen, either live or in archives or from iTunes (where the shows will be made available)...and I can get back to doing radio once again.

I will continue to be a part of The Dr. Blogstein Radio Happy Hour each Tuesday evening at 9:00pm Eastern time, as I thoroughly enjoy the show and the excitement we present each week.

I am in the middle of a project for Mom Joan and Dad Vince, where I am scanning all of their slides in preparation of creating a DVD for them to have as a memory of their life.

The continuing saga of digitizing my music continues. As I sit here writing, music is being transferred over and my iTunes library continues to grow (currently at over 7,000 songs - with the final total be be at least 10 times that much).

Once I am done with the DVD for mom and dad, I have the wedding DVD to produce. I have a few hundred pictures from the wedding and honeymoon and three individual videos of our first dance to edit.

I also began transferring the VHS tapes I have of Matt's life last year and I need to complete that task to ensure my son has his life to share with his future off-spring.

All are intense projects and I know they will not all be completed this calendar year, but I want to spend time trying to get as much done as possible.

Nancy and I are talking about a trip up north this coming summer so I can show her my life before I moved here. I want to show her my New York, the beaches of Long Island that I miss so much and to allow her to meet the friends and relatives who were not able to make it down for our wedding.

We also have the Blogfest in Atlanta in July this summer.

Will we be able to do both? Time and finances will tell that story...

Do you have plans for your blog for 2010? What about your personal life? These are not Resolutions...because that is a BS concept in my mind...

When you really want to change something in your life, you do not wait for a certain date to make it happen...you just do it...

Having goals is important. Striving to achieve those goals is what keeps us all focused on the future.

This week on the
Radio Happy Hour:

Funny guys Dave Ahdoot and Ethan Fixell created an internet phenomenon, challenging pairs of women to double date them, and documenting the hilarious results for YouTubers everywhere.

www.daveandethan.com

Prentice is the morning DJ at X1FM, an innovative new way to enjoy music on internet radio. A fusion of audio and visual, X1FM emanates from San Diego, CA.

www.x1fm.com

Also this week:

Collette McLafferty, lead singer of edibleRed, cohosts

Co-host Vinny Bond sits on his Big Leather Couch to chat live with the listeners

The Burl of Annie and Burl Live works behind the scenes as pro-doucher

Shawn Amos tests our Pop Culture IQ

and we’ll take your calls at 646-652-4804

LIVE BROADCAST: January 5, 2010 @ 9 PM ET

PODCAST AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD: Immediately following the live broadcast

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