Well then...

Apparently my @Starbucks #scorecard tanked.  Partly due to my busy schedule preventing Starbucks runs on some days, partly due to the fact that I got bored with it.  So, I will try to come up with a topic or to of August randomness to keep y'all interested...stay tuned.

oops...sorry

Was running late for getting up the hill and missed @Starbucks #scorecard day 4...will try again this afternoon.  Sorry.

My @Starbucks #scorecard day 3 -- Rialto (210 at Riverside Ave)

Today on the way home I stopped around 3:45 at the @Starbuck in Rialto.  I asked for a peaches and cream muffin, no luck, but he suggested a blueberry one instead, and I went with it.   I then asked for the Asiago Pretzel, and thy had it (yay).  So the overall score here was once again a 4.5 (see yesterday for explanation) 

I am beginning to think @Starbucks knows I'm reviewing them, because they aren't running out of stuff as much this week...tomorrow I think 40th and Watermen.

My @Starbucks #scorecard Day 2 Ontario (15 at Jurupa)

Well, Monday's @Starbucks visit was surprising. I went to the @Starbucks close to work.  I have had tons of problems getting what I want at this location, sometimes asking for four or more items before getting something they weren't out of.  Today at 3:40PM it looked like it might be the same as I once again asked for the Asiago & Cheddar pretzel (my favorite) and they were out of it. But then the girl asked me if I wanted the Asiago bagel instead.  Suggestive selling is a plus for sure.  Then I asked for the blueberry muffin, and they had it.  So it only took one no before I had the two items to go with my water.

So the @Starbucks #scorecard, for the Ontario (15 at Jurupa) location is a 4.5.  I gave them .5 back for the suggestive sell.  Good job.  Let's see where tomorrow will take us.

My @Starbucks #scorecard Day 1 -- Blue Jay Starbucks

I am starting my @Starbucks #scorecard with y own local @Starbucks locate in Blue Jay inside the Jensen's Supermarket.  Now let me start off by saying as a small store within a grocery store this @Starbucks doesn't get everything that a stand alone store can get, so they do not have the sandwiches, or some of the speciality baked goods.  Therefore, when I visited Sunday evening at 6:30 PM, they did not have the Asiago & Cheddar Pretzel...strike one.  They also did not have the cinnamon swirl coffee cake...strike two. So I had to settle for a chocolate chunk cookie and a double chocolate brownie to go with my water. So giving them half credit, since they can't get the pretzel to start with, and starting with a base score of 5, this location gets a 3.5, deducting half a point for no pretzels, and 1 full point for no cinnamon swirl coffee cake.

Keep checking in all week as I visit other Inland Empire @Starbucks.  And be sure to share this with all your friends.

August Randomness-- Here comes @Starbucks #scorecard week

Ok, so for my random August mini-theme of the week, I'm going to address something that has been bugging me for several months now.  I am not a huge fan of Starbucks drinks, since I am not a big coffee drinker.  I do however like their various pastries and bakery items, and a few of their sandwiches. Here is where the problem lies. almost every time I try to get something in the snack line, it seems Starbucks is out of it.  I take this as poor food ordering on the manager's part. 

So here is what I am going to do. Starting today I am going to visit various Starbucks locations, and try to order a bottled water (love there store brand) and two bakery or sandwich items. I will mix it up, so I am not always ordering the same thing.  I will keep track of how many items they tell me they are out of before I get my two items.  I will report these back to you in the next days blog.

Please share this week's blogs with as many friends as possible.  I want Starbucks to hear about me as I make my @Starbucks #Scorecard.

August Randomness-- nothing to say.

Really don't have a lot to say today. Be sure to check out @Starbucks #Scorecard week coming tomorrow and all next week. For today I'd just like to say hi to all my Russian readers. Last week nearly twice as many readers in Russia than in the United States, so please feel free to respond and comment on my blogs.  What do you think?  Are you enjoying them?

Well, tune in tomorrow as I take on @Starbucks.

August Randomness-- need your help.

As I told you yesterday there will be no big theme for August, but I will be tackling small topics, and I need your help.  Give me some ideas on what I should write about.  Something that would take a couple days, or even a week to cover.  Little mini-themes if you will.  Give me your ideas Please!!

I will be focusing next week on Starbucks, but I need some help after that.  Thank you in advance for all your ideas.

August Randomness

Okay, after several months of themed blogs, I'm going to kind of go a bit Random for August.  I will do certain themes that last a few days, or a week, but for the month the theme is "the month with no theme" or August Randomness, whatever you choose to call it. So jump aboard, we'll have fun.

July Music Challenge: Day 31 -- Top Five -- Billy Joel

As July draws to a close, I present Billy Joel. What can I say about Billy, amazing sing, songwriter, and show man.  My first rock album was 52nd street.  I love his music, can't get enough. Each album took him to a slightly different place musically, and yet he was amazing in each new place he went.  I am only sad that he has "retired" from songwriting and recording new music.  Billy, we like you just the way you are.

July Music Challenge: Day 30 -- Top Five -- Charlie Peacock

Charlie Peacock was in this litle 80's Christian Alternative band called Vector.  I liked the band.  Then he produced a record for another band I liked, the 77's.  Then this little album called Lie Down in the Grass came out, and my music life has never been the same.  Recording amazing album through the 80's and 90's.  Producing music by artist as diverse as Amy Grant, Bob Carlisle, The Civil Wars, Out of the Grey. The man is amazing.

And then last year he released No Man's Land, his first new album of vocal music in 15 years.  and once again...AMAZING.  What can I say, I love Charlie!!

July Music Challenge: Day 29 -- Top Five -- Kansas

One of the classic rock bands of the 70's and 80's was Kansas.  Full of grand classical music infused epic songs, and deep philosophical lyrics. Some people tell me they don't stand up over time, but I can still listen to them all day long (and I'm going to).  You can't deny the amazingness of the guitar solo in Carry On Wayward Son.

Through all the personnel swaps, the music is still amazing.

July Music Challenge: Day 28 -- Top Five -- Phil Keaggy

What can I say about Phil, I have over 40 CD's spanning the better part of five decades.  His guitar ork is beyond compare,and his heart for the Lord is amazing.  If I had a month to shuffle just Phil, I still wouldn't be bored.  And for today it will be just Phil.  No Glass Heart, No Phil & Randy, No Phil & Jeff Johnson, No Keaggy, King, Dente.  Just Phil Keaggy. Good thing it's a weekend day.

Now, after saying No Glass Harp in my shuffle, I give you Phil with Glass Harp on video.

July Music Challenge: Day 27 -- Top Five -- Pink Floyd

We jump into my top 5  music groups going alphabetically backward through the artists.  So we start out with the Classic rock sounds of Pink Floyd.  As I shuffle today, I have all the studio albums by Floyd to shuffle through, though I hope the shuffle favors Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall since these are my favorites.  I must confess a lot o my Floyd music was obtained thru limewire before it was shut down. But anyway, should make for a cool Saturday delivering pizza.

July Music Challenge: Day 26 -- Z is for Zooey Deschanel (and She & Him)

Before I dive into the five favorites section of my music challenge I am going to bend the rules a tiny bit for Z.  Z is for Zooey Deschanel and also her group She & Him.  I do have a few of her solo songs, but not enough for shuffling the day, and so I am adding She & Him, since her unique voice is the vocals of the group, and she wrot emost of the songs on their three albums (not counting the Very She & Him Christmas).

So sit back and enjoy Zooey's quirkiness with me or pick your own Z group for today.  Tomorrow I will kick into my top 5 (sorta of, remember U2 was moved out of top 5 to fill the U spot)  I have not picked the order 1 thru five, because their rank depends on my mood on any given day.  Instead I am paying them in reverse alphabetic order...because I'm that strange.

July Music Challenge: Day 25 -- Y is for Yes

One of classic rocks greatest bands, Yes has been making really good music with a changing line up for years.  Occasionally legal battles between band members have led to side groups like Anderson, Bueford, Wakeman, and Howe, which sounds more like a law firm than rock bad. But no matter which line up you here, there's bound to be good music.

As the alphabet draws to a close, let these guys mesmerize your ears.  Y is for Yes, because God forbid I made it Y is for Yanni. This video is from one of my favorite Yes songs off 90125, I like the acappella version even better, but I love the look of this video.

July Music Challenge: Day 24 -- X is for XM

Ok, I know XM is not a group, but I have NO X groups on my iPod, so today the iPod rests and I will listen to XM satelite radio.  The service that lets you listen to the 60's on 6 as you cross the country on route 66. The people who let you listen to deep album tracks as you drive up the PCH from LA to Frisco. The very people who gave all the MTV VJs jobs again on the 80's on 8.  Gotta love some XM.

July Music Challenge: Day 23 -- W is for The Wanted

So I really wanted today to be W is for The Who, but my daughter begged for me to put in one of her bands, and these guys are some of her least scary favorites,  so W is for The Wanted.  Dakotah, this is for you...hopefully my iPod won't freeze on these guys.

July Music Challenge: Day 22 -- V is for Vince Gill

Despite that fact that I have passed over such obvious Country music choices as G is for Garth, M is for Martina or T is for Taylor, I do enjoy country music.  Not sure actually why I didn't pick more country artists.  But here we are on the 22nd, and I give you the marvelous voice of Vince Gill.  I love Vince's voice, but besides his Christmas album, I have only two albums.  But I will have no trouble having enough music for the day today, since one of the albums is his brilliant 4 disc set These Days.

Here is a video of Vince at the Grand Ole Opry doing one of my favorite of his songs.  Be country today...V is for Vince.

July Music Challenge: Day 21 -- U is for U2 (of course)

Well, I ran into a little hitch when I was making my alphabet list. When I hit you, I had only one group that I had enough music by to get more than a 40 minute shuffle going, and that was U2.  Trouble was I was trying to save U2 for my top 5 artists (coming beginning the 27th (presented in no order, since I don't want to pick any one of the 5 above another, they're all great.). So I'm letting you know now that one of the artists in my top 5 is really number six, but I won't tell you which one.

But onto today's group, U2.  I first heard U2's song Gloria on an alternative Christian music radio show back in Chicago in the 1980's.  I was grabbed right away, and they've really never let go.  Powerful rock, great social commentary, raw emotion and powerful images of faith and questioning, both of which I feel are vital to one's life and relationship with God.  I think U2 has helped me more vitally in my Christian walk than any traditional Christian band.

I saw them in concert twice.  Once in Chicago when I was in college, and from our seats we could not see the band at all.  The second time (where this video comes from) at the Rose Bowl on my Birthday.  Amazing show.  Amazing Song, the point of view of Judas after his betrayal of Christ.  Also The Edge is amazing here.

July Music Challenge: Day 20 -- T is for Tonio K.

And for T, I return to the more obscure artists. T is for Tonio K.  I first heard Tonio K. im my brother David's collection.  There was a song he did called "H-A-T-R-E-D" which contained just about every curse word you could think of (yes I memorized the song, so what?).  So I was surprised several years later to see his name pop up in the credits of albums by Randy Stonehill and Mark Heard among other Christian artists.  Then he released 2 amazing albums on What records to the Christian market.  Most of my songs I'll listen to today will be from those 2 albums, but "H-A-T-R-E-D"is in there too.

If you haven't heard Tonio K. please find his music and listen.  This video is from an unplugged set at Cornerstone 88, and I was at this show.  Was reall yimpressed with his standing bass player. I'd never seen that at a pop music show. Very cool.

July Music Challenge: Day 19 -- S is for Simon & Garfunkel

Yesterday for R I went obscure, today for S I'm going with obvious.  One of the earliest music memories I have was my brother David loving Simon & Garfunkel.  I remember as a small child the summer they broke up, David was working at Pine Trail Camp for the summer, and we went up to see him one weekend,and we had to let him know they had broken up.  He was quite upset.

The music of Simon & Garfunkel has always been special to me, partly because it is amazing music, but mostly because it reminds me of David, who we have not heard from since 1983.  I miss my brother (one of my main musical influences) and pray that he is well, and that someday he may be Homeward Bound.

July Music Challenge: Day 18 -- R is for Rachel Sweet

There are a lot of obvious choices for R...Rush, the Runaways, Randy Stonehill just to name a few.  I chose a more obscure selection, the lovely and talented Rachel Sweet.  I first heard Rachel sweet as  young  Jr high student.  I liked her voice, and dang she was cute!! and only a few years older than me.  Her first two albums, on the Stiff/Columbia label were an edgy combination of Country and Alternative, and really great albums.  Her third and fourth, just on Columbia without Stiff were more commercial pop, but still pretty good.  After those albums she faded into almost obscurity, though she did do music for Hairspray (the original movie, not the Broadway redux) and Cry Baby, as well as the theme song for Clarissa Explains it All.  I really wish Rachel would decide to return to the studio and make more music.

July Music Challenge: Day 17 -- Q is for Queen

Really, what else could Q be for.  The royalty of classic Rock.  I'll let the video say it all.

July Music Challenge: Day 16 -- P is for Prince

Those of you who know me will are no doubt surprised to find his Purpleness as my artist for the letter P.  Never fear, my more obvious choices my indeed appear in my top five coming July 17-31.

Prince was always an enigma to me growing up.  I found his music very interesting and artist, but his lyrics were often vulgar and sexist.  As I have aged, my appreciation of his artist talent has surpassed my misgiving about his lyrics, so I should survive one day of just Prince.

July Music Challenge: Day 15 -- O is for Orianthi

I was first introduced to Orianthi's amazing guitar work, as many were, in Michael Jackson's This Is It movie. The young Australian girl could shred with the best of them, and she had landed a spot with Michael Jackson on the tour he would never make.

Since this time Ori (as her friends and fans call her) has done a lot of solo work. Opened for Adam Lambert's first tour, and is currently playing with Alice Cooper.  Make no mistake, this is no acoustic coffe house guitar chick.  This girl can rock.

My daughter Dakotah wanted me to make O for One Direction, but I had to tell her no, O is definitely for Orianthi!!

July Music Chalenge: Day 14 -- N is for The Nylons

Another group I came to know while at Wheaton, thanks to Dawn and Dwight Reifsnyder.  The Nylons brought accappella music into the spotlight.  Whether singing a standard Like Happy Together or The Lion Sleeps Tonight, or one of their original songs, their harmonies are flawless, and their energy is unmatched.

My N is the Nylons,  who's your N?

Rest In Peace Cory Monteith

I am deeply saddened by the loss of this talented young man.

July Music Challenge: Day 13 -- M is for Michael Card

It was tricky picking an M artist.  to be honest, it was hard narrowing down all the Michaels on my iPod.  But Michael Card's immense body of poignant songs made him the obvious choice. Over the years Michael's songs, most pulled straight from stories and lessons in Scripture, have come to be favorites of mine.

I have sen Michael in concert many times, and he is as much a teacher as a musician.  I am glad he falls on a Saturday, so I will be able to enjoy much of his music as I drive around delivering pizzas

Here is a video of Michael performing WHY with the help of Sara Groves.

July Music Challenge: Day 12 -- L is for Leigh Nash

Leigh Nash has been one of the most recognizable voice of the past two decades. Whether sing lead for Sixpence None the Richer, or as a soloist, her voice has a smooth, light quality that makes you smile when you here her, even if the song lyrics are deep and thoughtful, or at times brooding.

I have had the pleasure of meeting Leigh on more than one occasion, and she is one of the sweetest, most down to earth artists you could ever want to know.  Today I will only be featuring her solo work, not her work with Sixpence or Delerium.

Here is a video from her 2012 album of Hymns and Sacred Songs..enjoy.

July Music Challenge: Day 11 -- K is for Katy Perry

So this one may be one of my most commercial and "pop-y" entries in the music challenge.  But I can't help it, I like Katy.  I liked Katy before she was kissing girls and liking it.  I like her back when she was Katy Hudson, and singing about Jesus.  As I shuffle through Katy today I will be playing both her CCM music, and her fluffy, sexy pop stuff.  The video is from her Katy Hudson release.  The first Katy song that caught my attention.

July Music Challenge: Day 10 -- J is for Jeff Johnson

I was first introduced to the music of Jeff Johnson while I was at Wheaton College.  My friend Ty Warner played his Through the Door album, and I was hooked.   Jeff Johnson is to keyboard music what Phil Keaggy is to guitar (and in the last few years they have recorded a couple CDs together).

On his vocal albums Jeff combines intellectual lyrics, and tradition praise songs to draw the listener in.  His instrumental albums draw heavily on Celtic influences.  Wishing today was a weekend day because I have a lot of Jeff to listen to  I had the pleasure to meet Jeff once. He is a wonderful person as well as a musician and songwriter.

July Music Challenge: Day 9 -- I is for Imperials

The Imperials have been a force in Christian music for several decades.  Most notably during the 1980's when Russ Taff and then Paul Smith handled lead vocals.  They are still a force in the southern gospel market with a younger crew handling the music now.  But now and then the classic line-up in various forms shows up at events, such as this video from the 2013 nas convention.

July Music Challenge: Day 8 -- H is for The Hawk in Paris

The Hawk in Paris is a side project for Jars of Clay lead vocalist Dan Haseltine (sp).  They have only released two EPs with a total of ten songs, although they are promising a full length CD soon. But the musicis so good, I know I won't get tired of the ten songs repeating today.  If you don't know them yet, check out The Hawk in Paris.

P.S.-- imagine te song in this video played over clips from Doctor Who:

July Music Challenge: Day 7 -- G is for Genesis and Gabrial

Well, for the first Sunday of our music challenge I decided to go kinda biblical, and will feature the music of Genesis, along with original lead singer Peter Gabriel.  Genesis was one of the coolest progressive rock bands under the guidance of Gabriel.  Albums followed themes, and grand stories.  This is epitomised in the two disc set The Lamb Lie Down on Broadway (Gabriel's last studio effort with the band).  After Gabriel's departure the groups music took a commercial pop turn under the lead of drummer Phil Collins.  As far as radio play, and album sales, the band was much better of under Collins, but as for really creative music, the Gabriel era was the winner.

For me G is for Genesis and Gabriel...who is G for you??

July Music Challenge: Day 6 -- F is for Fleming (& John)

Husband and wife team Fleming & John created one of Christian Alternative music's most original and unique albums, Delusions of Grandeur. Their next album, I'm just starting to listen too.  It hasn't grabbed my attention quite like the first, but is still pretty good.

When making my list for the July Music challenge, I chose Fleming and John because I like their music, not realizing that F would fall on a Saturday, when I am spending lots of time n the car listening to music.  Imay be tired of F&J by the end of the day, but here we go!!

This vieo is a lyric video for my favorite F&J song.

July Music Challenge: Day 5 -- E is for Erasure

I decided to skip the obvious classic rock choices for E of the Eagles or Emerson Lake and Palmer.  And I passed on the current rush of girls named Ellie (Goulding, Holcomb and Lawson), and planted myself firmly in the late 80's dance pop that is Erasure.  So please join me if you'd like and spend today reliving the late 80's

I first heard Erasure and their Innocents album at a strike party at one of the shows at Arena Theatre in Wheaton, as my workout friends and I broke the pledge by dancing around the theatre like the crazy young fools we were.  I still hold Erasure close to my heart because of the wonderful Wheaton Theatre connection.

July Music Challenge: Day 4-- D is for Daniel Amos

I was about 14 when I saw this picture staring out at me from an ad in Campus Life magazine.  I had never heard of these guys, but I somehow knew this album would change my life, and my musical tastes.  I was not wrong, and for the last 33 years, the music of Daniel Amos (a band, not a person) has been a huge part of my musical journey.  Along with the solo work of front man Terry Taylor, and spin off bands The Swirling Eddies and Lost Dogs, their body of work is huge.  Today as we celebrate July 4th, I will be listening exclusively to the music of Daniel Amos, from their first two country flavored offerings, through the four volume Alarma series, right on up to the kickstarter funded project Dig Here Said The Angel (Not available for sale yet).  I will be skipping Terry's Solo albums, and the other band because the 16 albums I have should provide plenty of material.

Here's a video of a live performance of Sanctuary, one of my top ten DA songs

July Music Challenge: Day 3-- C is for Christina

My love affair with Christina Perri began, as so many people's did with a dance routine on So You Think You Can Dance.  The song Jar of Hearts instantly became an iTunes success story, leading to the seemingly overnight transformation of this waitress into a music superstar. As we await her second full album of original music, we still have plenty to shuffle through on this third day of July.  Here is the official music video of Jar of Hearts, choreographed by the woman who choreographed t for the show, and starring several SYTYCD dancers.

July Music Chalenge: Day 2-- B is for Bourgeois

In the mid 80's there was an under-rated group from Sacramento named Bourgeois Tagg. They had a few moderate hits.  Then one half of the title duo, Brent Bourgeois became an under-rated solo artist who released 2 albums to critical success, but not huge sales.

In the mid 90's Bret released his one and only album to the Christian music market. "Come Join the Living World" was my number two album in 1995 and made last years list of my desert island album.

For the second day of my July challenge I will be playing on my iPod on music by Brent Bourgeois and his band Bourgeois Tagg.  If you haven't heard his music yet, I suggest you try and find it.

Here is a video from MY "B" artist...who is yours?

July Music Challenge: Day 1-- A is for Amy

Kicking off July's music challenge we give you the letter A. And representing A this morning is Amy Grant/  Throughout the day today I will be playing music exclusively by Amy Grant.

I first discovered Amy's music at Summer Camp while in Jr High, or maybe High School. The album they played music from was Age to Age  This album, and Amy Grant were my gateway into Christian music.  I have discovered much more to Christian music than just Amy, nut it is always nice to come back home.

Not the greatest voice on the planet, but always smart enough to sing music in her range. With a new album for 2013, Amy proves she still have it. Amy Grant is my "A" artist...who is yours.

July Music Challenge...an introduction

Welcome to July.  Wedding month is over, and now we will concentrate on music.  Last summer I had you pick your desert island albums, and listen only to them for a month.  This July I am challenging you to give me the alphabet.   From July 1st through the 26th each day will take one letter of the alphabet, and pick a group or artist that starts with that letter, and play only that artist for that day.  For individual artist you may choose to go by first or last name (i.e. David Bowie could be "D" for David, or "B" for Bowie) but I ask you as much a possible to choose one way or the other.  I personally will follow iTunes nomenclature and go by first name.

For the last 5 days of the month, pick your top 5 groups or artist.  I will be giving my top 5 in no particular order.  My "A" blog will be coming in a few more hours.  Hapy July, get your iPods going!!

Wedding Month: Day 30 The Vow.

Finishing off the month of weddings with the fun and quirky wedding from The Vow.  Super cool movie that I liked a lot.

Wedding Month: Day 29 Father's Day

Almost forgot there was a wedding going on in this Doctor Who episode.  I love the part in this scene where the creature comes swooping down on the Bride, and she screeches at it and scares it off.  Final Doctor Who scene for wedding month.

Wedding Month: Day 28 Brady Brides

Not an actual clip from the wedding...couldn't find it, but found when Marcia and Jan tell mom & dad about their wedding plans. Gotta love some Bradys.

Wedding Month: Day 27 Four Weddings and a Funeral

I first saw Four Weddings and a Funeral after I was best man in my friend Brian's wedding. I admit, I didn't like it much the first time I saw it, but after a few viewings, it grows on you.  Here is a funny wedding scene (1 of 4).

Wedding Month: Day 26 Father of the Bride

Steve Martin in Father of the Bride is amazing.  I absolutely LOVE this movie, and fear that when my daughters get married I will be as emotional and conflicted as Steve Martin is here.

Wedding Month: Day 25 Different World.

Another Hilarious runaway bride scene....

Wedding Month: Day 24 Friends...again?

Okay, so Friends was a source of A LOT of weddings...this one was one of the fastest...but also funniest...

Wedding Month: Day 23 Water into Wine again

THis is a more contemporary version of the Water into Wine miracle.  From the Rock Opera Hero.  Yeah, Jesus was a rapper for shizzell...

Wedding Month: Day 22 Pond Wedding

Okay Who fans, admit it, this is the best wedding ever.   Wish the clip went on longer, but enjoy!!

Wedding Month: Day 21 Water into Wine

Not sure which film version of Christ's life this is from, but probably one of the most famous weddings of all time...Jesus' first public miracle.

Wedding Month: Day 20 Wedding Song

Noel Paul Stookey of Peter Paul and Mary wrote this beautiful song for the wedding of a friend.  Still one of the best wedding songs ever.

Wedding Month: Day 19 - Another Friends Wedding

FRIENDS was a ground-breaking show in many ways.  Here is clip from "The One with the Lesbian Wedding" a first for network TV.

Wedding Month: Day 18 Royal Wedding (#3)

My final installment of Royal weddings, Kate and William.  By far the most beautiful royal bride.  Enjoy the clip.

Wedding Month: Day 17 Royal Wedding (#2)

In 1986 Prince Andrew married Sarah Ferguson (Fergie) and America's obsession with the British royals continued.  This is what I remember about this wedding.  It happened on the day I was having knee surgery.  I was wheeled into the operating room where the nurses had the wedding playing. I remember telling them that they needed to pay attention to the patient, not the TV.  But I had already had the shot of anesthesia, so I don't know if that memory is something I really said, or just what I said in my head.  Needless to say I remember NONE of the ceremony.  Here is a clip of part of it.

Wedding Month: Day 16 Royal Wedding (#1)

In 1981 the Wedding of Prince Charles to Lady Di began America's fascination with the British Royalty and their marriages.  I remember very little about this wedding, though I think I watched it.  This is just one section.

Wedding Month: Day 15 Runaway Bride (Doctor Who style)

The first appearance of Donna Noble, and an amazing chase scene on the way to her wedding.  Happy Saturday... enjoy.

Wedding Month: Day 14 REturn of the King

The fantastic wedding near the end of Lord of The Rings.  Liv Tyler is stunning as Arwyn, the elvish bride.  My all time favorite movie (all three of them really)

Wedding Month: Day 13 Runaway Bride

Julie Roberts, one of the leading romantic comedy actresses, is wonderful in this film about a woman who repeatedly leaves men at the alter.  Her she is, doing it again.

Wedding Month: Day 12 Billy Idol

No comments needed...Greatest Rock wedding ever...

Wedding Month Day 11: Harry Potter

Ok, not really Harry's wedding, but the wedding reception of Bill Weasley and Fleur Delacour.  I like Luna (the blonde girl), and the crazy dance she does with her father.

Wedding Month: Day 10 Love Stinks

Adam Sandler's Wedding Singer is a hilarious look a a wedding singer, who loses his love, and then finds a new love.  This is a clip from his first time singing at a wedding after being dumped at the alter.

Wedding Month; Day 9 Just a Dream

Carrie Underwood's Just a Dream video is a sad look at love, life, etc. as her wedding is transformed into a funeral.  A sad, but beautiful video. Sorry for the late posting.

Wedding month Day 8: River Song

As Saturday is Doctor Who Day here in America, I thought we could celebrate the Wedding of River Song and the Doctor:

Weding Month: Day 7: Happy Days

As Happy Days ended, Joanie married Chachi, and the ill fated spinoff Joanie Loves Chachi began,  This wedding scene was also featured in the first season of FRIENDS as Rachel watches in tears and says, "But Joanie loved Chachi, that's the difference"

Wedding Month Day 6: Up on the Roof

As unlikely a couple as they may seem, Howard and Bernadette on Big Bang Theory pulled off one of the coolest weddings in recent TV history, right on the roof of a Pasadena apartment. Enjoy this clip:

Wedding Month: Day 5 the Bachelor

this isn't really a wedding scene, but a preview of a great movie centered around a wedding.  The Bachelor with Chris O'Donnell.  I was in Frisco on my honeymoon when they were filming the bride chase scene.  Very fun to watch them all run by.

Wedding Month Day 4: Friends

For ten years Friends came into our house every Thursday, and gave us joy and sadness, laughter and tears, and a whole lot of weddings. Who can forget THIS one?--

Wedding Month: Day 3 Breaking Dawn

What look at weddings would be complete with out Bella and Edwards vows.  Okay, you either love or hate the twilight movies.  And the walk down the aisle takes forever, but the vow section is pretty cool, and I like the song during the vows.  My favorite thing about this is when they are kissing, and it pans to the seats, and they are empty, showing that to Bella and Edward at that moment, no one else was there.

Wedding Month: Day 2 Princess Bride

I was planning to put this great scene further into the month, but you tube is missing several of the best screen weddings. So here is my all time favorite screen wedding. Peter Cook is amazing.

Wedding month: Day 1 Luke And Laura

June is a month where a lot of people get married, so for this month I will be looking at some classic screen weddings, from both the big and little screen.  I would love to hear your suggestions of the best on screen weddings. To kick things off, one of the earliest on screen weddings I remember.  Luke & Laura from General Hospital:

Things I May Do, Day 31; Predictions, Part 2

As a long time Whovian, but recently come to all the Who pages on the web, I May be a bit behind.  I watch all the wild predictions about the show.  I May even laugh at them.  But as we are now in the lull between The Name of the Doctor and the 50th Anniversary special, I find my mind May wander into predictions of there own.  I May make some predictions of my own. 

So if you have not seen Name of The Doctor yet, stop reading now.  Other wise you May enjoy my predictions.  You May even comment on them.

1). John Hurt is definitely the Vallyard. You can tell by the silhouette when he first appears.
2).  In the coy, top secret way the show operates, the previous Doctors have all been bluffing, and will at least in a small way, be in the 50th.
3). I predict that the Vallyard has somehow trapped the earlier regenerations of the Doctor, and only 10 and 11 remain free, and they will be busy trying to free the earlier thems, while all the while keeping the universe safe.....

I May be crazy, but we'll have to wait till November to see.

Things I May Do Day 30; Change

So...here we are two days from June, and I have a huge set of Blogs for June...a Cool Juney theme....But suddenly today I decide I May change it....So here's what I want, I want your input.  Should June focus on Movies, or Music.  Let me know...you May change thecourse of my blog///choose now,Movie of Music.

Things I May Do Day 29: Galifreyone

It seems ever more likely to me that by 2015 I will likely attend GalifreyOne with both my lovely wife, and my daughter.  For those who don't know, Galifrey One is the LA Doctor Who convention.  The 2014 convention is sold out, so hoping I May get ticket for 2015 when they go on sale next year.

Though my family made fun of my Doctor Who addiction for several years, now, thanks to Dakotah's friend Lauren, both Dakotah and Bekkee are now hooked on the show.  This May make me happier than anything else that has happened this year!

Things I may do, DAy 28: OOPS

I May have missed Day 28!! sorry.

Things I May Do, Day 27; Predictions part 1

We are nearing the end of May, and getting ready to dive into June. And today I May make some early predictions.  As you May know, every year I do a Year end countdown of top 5 CDs, Top 5 Movies, and some other third category, that changes from year to year.  Today I am stepping out on a limb saying that, from previews I've seen we May have movie top 5 consisting of a majority of Sci-Fi and fantasy films.  I admit, I thought the same thing earlier last year, and was wrong. But this year I am pretty willing to bet that there May be 3 or more sci-fi or fantasy films in my top 5.

Things I May Do, Day 26; Paradox

Today it is about what I May NOT do. I May not buy the Avril Lavigne album.  When Avril hit the scene as an angry teenager, I enjoyed her first album.  It was young, fresh and surprisingly clean cut.  With each successive album, the music has not changed, the vulgarity level has risen.  She is now nearing 30 (she's 28) and singing about how she isn't going to grow up.  Well, she needs to.  I like her music, I Love her voice , especially on the occasional slow song.  But she needs to mature.

And here is a paradox, the group Paramore, fronted by 24 year old Hayley Williams has a new song Grow Up, talking about how everyone eventually grows up.  Hmmm, I guess I May have to replace Avril with Paramore...we'll see.

Things I May Do, Day 25; mis"quoting"

Sorry  to be posting so late...busy day.  What I May do today is I May scream my head off.  I am so tired of people misusing quotation marks ("these things"). There, I just did it.  There are only two proper uses of the quotation mark.  The original intended use is in a fictional or non-fiction narrative when someone says something; you enclose what they say in quotation marks. For example: "Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition," said the cardinal as he burst into the room.

The second acceptable use is when you are stating something and trying to imply that you do not feel a word is appropriate, but others tend to feel it is.  For example: Snoop Dog is a well known rap"musician". (this implies that I do not consider rap music, but other "experts" do..there I did it again.)

But lately I have been seeing quotes used for emphasis.  A sign at work says: Did "You" SH2.  And an announcement sent out by work says: We are "not" hiring family members at this time.  Neither are correct uses of quotation marks.  For emphasis you may underline, boldface, or use italics, but never use quotes for emphasis unless you're an utter moron.

I May be done venting, but the grammar police May be back again at a later date.

Things I May Do, Day 24: Amazed

Yesterday, I May have to admit, I was amazed.  I went to see Star Trek: Into the Darkness.  I May have to admit, it was great.  I May have to say, my favorite Star Trek ever.  And the fact that J.J. Abrams directed it, and he is at the helm of the new Star Wars movies as well, this May give me hope that the new Star Wars movies May not suck.

A great day at the movies, and we near the end of May  And May I say, I think I have a fun theme planned for June.

Things I May Do, Day 23; brainfreeze

I had a great idea for today's blog yesterday at work.  I May be losing my mind.
I May have had a massive brain freeze.  Or maybe the power outage affecting Lake Arrowhead shorted out my brain. 

Anyway, today's blog is kind of a blank....so hopefully my idea will come back to me soon.
in the mean time, enjoy a kiss...

Things I May Do, Day 22; decisions

Every year I pick my top 5 CDs and post them here on the blog.  The first half of this year has already been full of great music.  So I May have to ask for help making some decisions.  I know it is early, but I want to give you time to check some of the contenders out, so I'll give you a list.  And a few months from now I May ask you to help pick a couple albums for the top five. 

The nominees so far are:
1) Colton Dixon---A Messenger
2) David Bowie---The Next Day
3) Ellie Lawson---Resonate
4) Holly Williams---The Highway
5) The Milk Carton Kids---The Ash & Clay
6) Orianthi---Heaven In This Hell
7) She & Him---Volume 3
8) Sweet Comfort Band---The Waiting is Over

go give a listen and consider which ones you May vote for.

Things I May Do, Day 21: Controversial

Today, I May get controversial, so please don't be offended by my post.  I'm only spouting opinion, please don't hate me.

I was reading online today about an 18 year old girl in Florida who is being charged with lewd and lascivious acts with a minor.  The minor is her 15 year old girlfriend. The gist of the story was that she was being persecuted because she was a lesbian.  PLEASE, you are being charged because you are an 18 year old having sex with a 15 year old.  If it was an 18 year old boy facing the same charges, everyone would be applauding.  If gay people want to be treated the same, they have to be willing to face the same penalties when they have sex with a minor!!  A three year gap in age as a teenager is way too much. when you're mid-to-late 20's, that gap is not so much, but the maturity level between a 15 year old and an 18 year old is too much. Straight or gay, any 18 year old touching my daughter better hope the police get to them before I do.

Things I May Do, Day 20: Celebrate

Today I May celebrate, just a little, the fact that I have a good job, which I have now held for 17 years as of today.  I work for Toyota, and I have to say it is a great place to work.  I love the fact that even thru the rough financial climate of the past six years or so, I have had a secure job, one that keeps me comfortable in life.  S yes, I may celebrate a little for the blessings I have, but not till after work.

Things I May Do, Day 19: Dance for joy

So yesterday my wife and daughter sat for t least three hours watching Doctor Who marathon on BBCAmerica. This makes me happy, so today I May Dance for joy.  It is much happiness.  Very cool that my wife now embraces the show she once mocked me for. LOVING IT!! Happy Happy Joy Joy

Things I May Do, Day 18; Unfriend

Today what I May do is to unfriend someone.  Today I was surprised and shocked to get a message I was tagged in that was a note about a possible audit coming through at work.  It was work instructions...on my Facebook.

Here's the thing...I work two jobs, putting in between 45 to 60 hours a week. Facebook, Twitter and Blogger are my escapes.  These are my safe places, where work can't touch me.  So I say Do NOT tag me in posts that are instructions for work on my Facebook.  If you want to get me a message about work, you have my phone number, call or text me; but stay the heck off my Facebook with work.

Next time I'm tagged in a post about work, I'm unfriending...sorry.  I May be a bit picky, but I need my safe place away from work, even if it's just a virtual place.  Love ya. :-)

Things I May Do, Day 17: A&F where's the up roar?

I have remained mostly silent over the past week or so, but I must now express further feelings about the outrageous comments from the Abercrombie & Fitch CEO.  What I find most appalling is the lack of public outcry from Hollywood.

About a year ago, the CEO of Chick-Fil-A made the comment that he supported traditional marriages.  That was all he said.  He didn't say he hated gays, he didn't say he wanted no gays in his stores, or no gays working for him.  He simply stated that he supported traditional marriages.  The media and Hollywood elite pounced on this man and his stores, calling for boycotts.  Calling him a hater and a bully.

Now the CEO of A&F comes out and says flat out, we don't want fat people buying our clothes, we don't want ugly people in our stores, if you don't look like our models stay away.  Where is the Hollywood outcry against this bullying.  I've seen a few articles on the internet, but not from Hollywood.  And aside from 5 or 6 tweets from Kirstie Ally, no one in Hollywood is coming to the defense of the fat and ugly.

As an overweight person from a young age, I was frequently bullied.  This used to bug me, until I figured out that I am a good person no matter my size.  But comments like those made by he A&F CEO are hurtful, and can really have an effect on he young insecure teenagers who are struggling with self-image issue.

I want to call out Hollywood: Kirstie Alley--how about a call to boycott; Valerie Bertanelli-- you struggled with wait; Ryan Murphey-- lets work this into GLEE.  Lets make the out cry against bullying apply to size and appearance issues as well as sexual orientation.

If you agree with me, please comment, and share this post on your twitter and Facebook pages.

Things I May Do, Day 16: Delete

I am looking at my Tivo, and I think one thing I May have to do is delete a few shows without watching... I hate to say it, but I might need to skip some things...now to decide what.  Thanks for reading my blog, even if it is dull today. I May love you all!!

Things I May Do, Day 15: late

Today I May post late.  It has been a crazy busy few days, and I may not have gotten things set up for my normal early morning post. My other computer May be dying, which is taking on all my time.  So sorry for posting so late.

Things I May Do, Day 14 Virus

Today is actually a thing I May have rather than a thing I May do. I think my #2 computer May have a virus.  It is running slower than slow, and will not do a darned thing.  Very frustrating.  I May boot it out the window.  Or I May reboot Windows. (clever word play, eh?)

Things I May Do, Day 13: Incompetence

Incompetence is something I can't stand. And I May adopt a new policy of just slapping the crap out of incompetent people.  I hate to say that, but the last few days I have been dealing with a boat load of incompetence. This has put me in a cranky mood, and I actually forgot what I had intended to blog today. So once again I say, if you are in incompetent boob around me, I May slap the crap out of you...I' just saying.

Things I May Do, Day 12: Moms

Happy Mother's Day.  Today I May take a break from this months of things I May do, and just wish all the moms out there a Happy Mother's Day.  If your mom is far from you, give her a call and brighten her day.  If she doesn't answer don't just leave a message, call her back!!! If your mom lives close, go see her!!

Things I May Do, Day 11: Protest

After comments this week from Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries stating that they only want thin customers with washboard abs. I MAY get some of my less than thin friends together to protest this idiot and his stupid store. I May also go so far as to say, "Hey Mike, you ain't beautiful, stay out of your own store."
Anyway, stay posted to see if I can organize this protest.  Comment if you want to help.

Things I May Do, Day 10: Love

Ten days into May, and I must admit, this is getting hard.  Today I will say, I may someday find someone who loves me unconditionally.  Don't get me wrong, I love my wife, and I believe she loves me.  But I often don't feel the deep, fully committed love that everyone longs for.  I know that when I get to heaven, I will have this love.  Someday I May find this...but I doubt it.....please don't think I'm being negative, I think just realistic.

For an example of a committed kind of love, check out the lyrics of this song by Phillip Phillips:

Things I May Do, Day 9: Crazy

One thing I may do right now is go crazy.  If I don't go crazy, I may be back with another post tomorrow.  We will see.

Things I May Do, Day 8: the Gym

Someday I May join a gym again. When I started at Toyota I joined Balley's, and was starting to feel healthy.  I need to feel healthy again. I also need to get my muscles in my leg built up again; after the broken hip, they need help.  So I May join a gym again...oh wait...Just did!! Be proud of me.

Things I May Do, Day 7: My Novel

For at least the past decade I have been working on my novel.  I have time issues, due to two jobs.
But someday before I die, I May get around to finishing it.  In the mean time I work on short stories, and of course my blog.  If you would like a free copy of one of my short stories, comment in the comment section of the blog with your email address, and I will send you a word document or pdf file of one of my stories.
Tell me what type of stories you like, and I'll try to get as close as I can. Also tell me which file type you prefer.

Things I May Do, Day 6: Comic Con

I May Someday have the money andf guts to register for the ultimate geek celebration.  The annual ComicCon in San Diego.  I have friends who have gone, and they enjoy it.  I really want to join the geekiness...and someday I May do it.

Things I May Do, Day 5: Cinco de Mayo

Things I may do.  I May go out celebrating Cinco De Mayo, and get drunk off my butt, and be totally hung over at work tomorrow. ...Or more likely I May go to work at Domino's and deliver pizza to all the non-Mexicans who are still using Cinco de Mayo as an excuse to get drunk off their butt. Just another fun day.

Things I May do, Day 4: 42

I am hoping someday I May truly grasp, as Douglas Adams obviously did, the full significance 42, and why we come across it so many places.  What is the only number retired from all teams in major league baseball? "42" (learned that at the movies today...saw both "42" and IronMan3).  How many eyes are in an ordinary deck of playing cards (excluding jokers)? 42 (count them yourself if you don't believe me). What version of IronMan suit is featured in IronMan3? Mark42. The list goes on, but you can see what I mean.
 So while I feel I am a long way off, someday I May understand 42.

Things I May do...day 3: Hero or "Hero"?

Well today I May go to a movie. Oh, heck, I'm going to go to a movie. I'm skipping work and going to the show.

I May go see "42", the story of Jackie Robinson.  Forget the whole 42 thing, this is the true story of an America sports Hero; and everyone I've talked to says it's great.

Or I May go see Iron Man 3.  I love Robert Downey Jr., and I haven't seen a good comic book action film since last year's Avengers.  And this is one of my favorite "Hero" franchises.

Or I May go see both.  Yes, I might pull off a Steve double feature, and watch both Hero movies.  Not sure what I'll do, but I'll let you all know in a future post.

Things I May do...Day 2: U2

I first saw U2 in concert in around 1985 or so, on the Unforgettable fire Tour.  In 2009, nearly 25 years later, I saw them again on the 360 tour.  They are an amazing band, and I would like to say that I May see them again.  Hopefully it won't be 25 more years, as I would be pushing 70.  Also I would need to start saving now because I'm sure I won't be able to afford ticket prices in 25 years....But some day I may see them again.

Things I MAY do...Day 1: Still Running

For the month of May I will be exploring the topic "things I May do".  This topic was suggested by my friend Dan from Toyota.  The grammar police in me would like to point out that what I am actually exploring is things I "MIGHT" do, since "may" implies they are things I have permission to do.  But screw the grammer police, this month is May, and so my topic will be "thing I MAY do"

Starting the month off, I may, someday see Still Running in concert.  This is an amazing Duo from Michigan, so seeing them in concert would require either A) me hopping on an airplane, flying to Michigan, finding a place to crash for a few days, and enjoying some great music; or B) Still Running making a trip to Southern California to perform some shows out here.

Either way, this is something I may do, because one half of Still Running is my friend from College, Jenna Reed, who has a great voice, and who I would very much like to see again and catch up with her and her family.  Oh, and did I mention that I chose to feature Still Running today because it's Jenna's birthday today?
So happy Birthday Jenna!! May your day be filled with Happiness and Music.

Check out Still Running here

April Foolishness Dat 30: The Kiss

For the final day of April Foolishness I get a bit foolish myself. I am playing my favorite Doctor Who clip (again) because any excuse is good to see this scene.

April Foolishness Day 29: Steven Wright

One of the funniest dead-pan comedians is Steven Wright.  Enjoy this tidbit of his wit.

April Foolishness Day 28: Bohemian Rhapsody

From the classic comedy Wayne's World, the ultimate car jam (lovin' the Pacer):

April Foolishness Day 27: The Two Ronnies

Yet another of the BBC's great and foolish comedy shows, the Two Ronnies always featured a news segment which was my favorite part of the show:

April Foolishness Day 26: Dead Mouse part 2

Okay, not a dead mouse, but a live Rat really. A scene from Basil the Rat. The final Fawlty Towers episode.

April Foolishness Day 25: Dead Mouse part 1

Welcome to the Great White North. Bob and Doug McKenzie. These two were always funny with their foolishness.

April Foolishness Day 24: Steve Dahl

If you grew up in Chicago in the late 70's and early 80's you knew Steve Dahl.  His name was synonymous with bad taste, warped humor, and the end of Disco.  His warped humor, and bad taste can be heard in this parody song:

April Foolishness Day 23: Geraldine

For today's April Foolishness we take on the time honored tradition of Female Impersonators.  As I child I loved the Flip Wilson show,  Here is a classic scene with Geraldine (Flip) and Ray Charles...Enjoy!!

April Foolishness Day 22: Yo-Yo Man

For today's foolishness, the Smother's Brothers present Yo-Yo Man.  I love these guys:

April Foolishness Day 21: Weather

Here is a look at a very young George Carlin as the hippy dippy weatherman...gotta love George:

April Foolishness Day 20: Great Dictator

Today's foolishness, isn't really foolishness at all.  Today we look at a serious clip from one of the greatest comic minds.  For years Charlie Chaplin silently made us laugh.  In the Great Dictator (one of I believe two talkies Chaplin made) he gives this wonderful speech.  In light of the recent bombings in Boston, and on the Anniversary of Hitler's birth, April Foolishness takes a serious break.  Please feel free to comment.

April Foolishness Day 19: Bowling

Okay, this foolishness is just kind of silly, but I always loved it when Fred Flintstone bowled.

April Foolishness Day 18: John & Yoko...almost

From The Rutles, here is Nasty and Chastity.  Not super duper funny, but foolish enough.

April Foolishness Day 17: Pond

Todays April Foolishness comes from Comic Relief Doctor Who special clip where Amy Pond runs into herself in a time loop. Very funny.

April Foolishness Day 16: Dave Allen

No look at April Foolishness would be complete without a visit from Dave Allen. Every Sunday he would visit between Monty Python and Doctor Who.

April Foolishness Day 15: Wedding Rehearsal

Today our April Foolishness looks at Julia Roberts and Richard Gere in Runaway Bride, as a wedding rehearsal does not go as planned.

April Foolishness Day 14: She's a Witch

Returning today to the comic mind-meld known as Monty Python we present today's April Foolishness, the Witch scene from Monty Python and The Holy Grail.

April Foolishness Day 13: Song of Solomon

Today for our April Foolishness we look to the Bible.  In the song Baby Why Not Me? Mark Lowry looks at the beautiful woman(?) described in Song of Solomon.

April Foolishness Day 12: Iron Lady does Python

With the recent passing of Margaret Thatcher, my good friend Stacy posted this video on facebook, and I thought I'd share it.  Maybe not as much of a gut buster as some of this month's posts; and definitely nothing to rival John Cleese's original presentation, but still quite funny, and better than a lot of political mumbo jumbo.

April Foolishness Day 11: Oingo Boingo

Before Danny Elfman propelled Oingo Boingo to Cult music superstar status, they had humble beginnings on the Gong Show.  Thanks to my friend Glenn for sharing this with me.

April Foolishness Day 10: "Squirrel"

I believe it was my good friend from college, Dwight Reifsnyder that introduced me to Ray Stevens' classic song about a squirrel getting looser in a church service.  I'm sure it will leave you laughing.

April Foolishness Day 9: Planes, Trains and Pillows

Steve Martin, John Candy sharing a bed...what could possibly go wrong?

April Foolishness Day 8: Ferris

What April Foolishness challenge would be complete with out a look at everyone's favorite high schooler, Ferris Bueller:

April Foolishness Day 7: Everybody Dances

A classic today from the Seinfeld vault...Elaine Dances... Enjoy:

April Foolishness Day 6: Mawwiage

As we enter into Springtime our thoughts turn to love and marriage.  For our April Foolishness today we look at the humorous wedding scene from Princess Bride featuring Peter Cook as a clergyman with a slight speech impediment.

April Foolishness Day 5: Baseball

As we begin baseball season, and continue April Foolishness, I am pleased to present one of the classic pieces of comic foolishness. Abbott and Costello's Who's on First.

April Foolishness Day 4: Spam

Can't get much farther into April Foolishness without a visit to Monty Python and the Spam cafe.  Try not to laugh, I dare you.:

April Foolishness Day 3: Kissing Girls

Katy Perry caused a bit of a music stir with her song I Kissed a Girl.  Karen Gillan (aka Amy Pond on Doctor Who) gave the song an April Foolish twist in this parody video:

April Foolishness Day 2: Dracula Song

Although I am a huge Kristen Bell fan, forgetting Sarah Marshall is not my favorite movie.  But this seen fits perfect in the April foolishness theme:

April Foolishness Day 1: The Germans

As we celebrate foolishness, we must present the funniest man alive. John Cleese from one of the BBC's funniest shows, Fawlty Towers.  Here is my favorite clip:

New Month New Challenge

Well, the Doctor Who Challenge was a lot of fun. Hope you all enjoyed it, and enjoyed last night's episode of Doctor Who.  But tomorrow we kick off a new month, and I think it is time to start a new challenge.  And since April starts with April Fools Day, I think it will be time to extend that to all of April.  Our new challenge will be 30 Days of April Foolishness.  I will be sharing daily pictures and videos designed to make you laugh.  I have no set pattern as I did for March. It will just be random silliness.

As a foolish preview, here is the meet the meat segment from Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, BBC TV version.  The meat is played by Peter Davison (Doctor #5) and Trillian (the blond) is played by his wife at the time, Sandra Dickerson (mother of Georgia Moffet who is married to David Tennant...sorry must tie everything to Doctor Who when possible).

Doctor Who Challenge Day 30: When did you become a fan?

I became a fan the first time a friend from high school told me about the show,  I tuned to channel 11, PBS for Chicago at the time late one Sunday night, and nearly crawled out of my skin watching Talons of Weng Chiang.  This is a longer episode, so cut off mid story for a cliff hanger. Of course I was hooked, and came back week after week.

Don't forget to tune in tonight as season 7 continues!!!

Doctor Who Challenge Day 29: Favorite Guest Star

Well  friends it is almost over.  We have only one more day of the challenge and only one day until season 7 resumes.  for today's task we search for favorite Guest Star.  I define a guest as someone who appears in only 1 or 2 episodes.  For me, my favorite guest star was in the episode A Christmas Carol.  The guest star is the lovely and talented Katherine Jenkins.  Her song at the end of the episode is stunning and beautiful.

Doctor Who Challenge Day 28: Favorite Collectable

Okay, so in the challenge I stole my challenge from, day 28 was illegible, couldn't make it out at all, so I made this one up.  There are so many great Doctor Who collectables.  I have several, and my list is growing, but my all time favorite was my original Doctor Who Scarf, I had this from High school, and through college and beyond, then stupidly sold it on ebay.  Hope to have one again soon.  I have no picture of mine, but you know the scarf... Here's one from EBay:

Doctor Who Challenge Day 27: Favorite Interview or Press Appearance

All right, this is a fun one. Here we got to see the cast as themselves.  I have never been to comic con, or to a Doctor Who convention.  Did do a Star Trek convention once.  But of course with YouTube you can have the fun of a convention, without having to go to one.  In This clip from comic con 2012 Matt Smith, Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill perform an impromptu version of Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody.

Doctor Who Challenge Day 26: Favorite Gadget

Well, the TARDIS alone is a pretty nifty gadget...but is so much more.  We've already dealt with K-9, and Chameleon we really never got to fully so how he worked.  So of course the best gadget is the Sonic Screwdriver.  This has been around since Doctor #2, morphing a bit with each new Doctor.
Here we see #11 using it. Note in some scenes he still has #10's screwdriver...the one with a green light is #11's own model.

Doctor Who Challenge Day 25: Favorite Doctor Catch Phrase

Although I love Matt Smith saying "Bow ties are cool" (or Fezzes, or Stetsons), there can really only be one answer to Favorite catch phrase.  You figure it out from this clip.

Doctor Who Challenge Day 24: Favorite Quote

Well heck, give me 11 days for this, one for each Doctor, and I'd still have problems choosing.  But for the purpose of this challenge I'm going to pull a quote from my favorite episode.  One that always makes me cry.  This is the Pile of Good Things scene from Vincent and the Doctor.

Doctor Who Challenge Day 23: Favorite Spin-off

With only one week to go, and anticipation getting high for new episodes, we continue the challenge.  Today's is favorite spin-off, with only three choices, I'm going to pick the least obvious.  Most are probably picking Torchwood, but Since I have Captain Jack avoidance issues, I'm not going that way.  That leaves Sarah Jane Adventures or K-9 and Company, both starring the late Liz Sladen.  I'm going with the short lived K-9 and company...just because I want to.

Doctor Who Challenge Day 22: Favorite Friendship

There have been some great friendships on this show. It was hard to pinpoint one as a favorite.  And then it came to me as i watched the scene I chose below.  It's like the saying says, "Dog is man's best friend" and of course K-9 is the Doctor's best friend.  The Doctor has liked, loved or cared for in some way all of his companions.  But the bond with K-9 is special.  My favorite friendship is that between Doctor #4 and K-9.

Doctor Who Challenge Day 21: Favorite Couple

I had to put a little thought into this one, but in the end I think my favorite couple ever on Doctor Who has to be the young hippy couple of Jo Grant and her Biologist love, Doctor Jones as they run off to explore the Amazon at the end of Green Death.  And you can see how hard it is for the Doctor to let Jo go.

Doctor Who Challenge Day 20 Favorite Writer

Ok, so this is a no-brainer.  There can be no favorite writer for Doctor Who other than the AMAZING Douglas Adams. Although officially on 1 episode that aired bares his name as writer (Pirate Planet), he co-write City of Death under the pseudonym David Agnew, and he wrote the unaired episode Shada.

He was also Script editor from Armageddon Factor through Shada.  The man was a comic genius and Tom Baker had just the right comic sense to pull off what Adams could write.  Today's clip is rather longish...it is the first part of the first episode of Shada.  I think you can piece together most of Shada on YouTube, but it's in chunks.

Doctor Who Challenge Day 19: Least Favorite Actress

Seems like all my acting awards come from the Baker Era and this is no exception.  My least favorite actress is Lalla Ward (aka Mrs. Tom Baker at the time).  She played the second Romana, and to me always seemed second string.  The Lovely Mary Tamm decides she needs to leave the show (I think to have a child??) and so the producers say, "hey, how about Tom's wife?"

I never could bring myself to like her. I found her mostly whiny and annoying.  watch for yourself, and you decide.

Doctor Who Challenge Day 18: Favorite Actress

I believe I am stuck in the Tom Baker Era...not a bad place to be.  For favorite actress I choose the classically trained Louise Jamison as Leela.  Trained to perform Shakespeare, she has the difficult task of playing a primitive warrior, encountering technology for the first time.  I think she is just amazing...(and she looks good in the little costume.

Doctor Who Challenge Day 17: Least Favorite Actor

Once again going to the Tom Baker years for this one.  I choose Ian Marter as my least favorite Actor. His portrayal of Harry Sullivan always seems very weak to me...or Harry is just a dull as dirt character...either way, he wins today's prize.  I think the Doctor says it all in this scene.

Doctor Who Challenge Day 16: Favorite Actor

This one seemed tricky to me.  Are we talking as the Doctor?..No we did favorite Doctor...and favorite companion.  The I remembered that Actor is not the same as the character.  We are looking at the persons ability to act...or at least I am.

So for favorite Actor I chose someone who has been with the series through several Doctors.  The late Nicholas Courtney (aka Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart).  In this scene we see his ability to hold a straight face in the face of Tom Baker's comic genius.

Doctor Who Challenge Day 15: Most Annoying Character

This was an easy choice for me.  Since I have been replaying the new series season one.  The characters who just annoy me to death are the Slitheen (hope I spelled that right.  These blubbery aliens, who squeeze themselves into human skins and pass gas the whole time, are by far the most annoying thing in the Who universe (especially the female).

On an up note, one of my favorite Christopher Eccelston quotes is in this clip. Guess which one.

Doctor Who Challenge Day 14: Character You Like that Everyone Else Hates

Ok, I have thought long and hard on this, and i feel I pretty much hate everyone that everyone else hates, so I am reversing this one (because it is my challenge, and my blog, and I can do what I want) and I am presenting the character I hate who everyone else loves.

The character I can't stand, who everyone seems to love (on and off the show) is Captain Jack Harkness.  I find this immortal womanizer/manizer to be cocky, arrogant, and completely annoying.  His charming grin may work on everyone he encounters, but it just pisses me off.  So here he is. Like him if you want, because I don't.  As I like to say, he likes himself so much, he doesn't need me to like him.

Doctor Who Challenge Day 13 Favorite Episode Ever

Okay, in the original challenge day 13 was favorite theme song. I thought that was dumb, since the theme song is the same song, just updated for time. And I noticed it had no spot for favorite episode ever, so I changed day 13.

My favorite episode ever is Vincent and the Doctor, where the Doctor and Amy go back in time to get rid of a monster they see in a Van Gogh painting.  Once again this one is music with clips from the episodes, but this one is really good.

Doctor Who Challenge Day 12: Scariest Episode

I was all set to list my scariest episode as Talons of Weng Chiang.  A classic episode from the Tom Baker with Leela era; and I have to admit it scares the Bejesus out of me.  But then I was watching the first season of new Who and came across a two episode story that really freaked me out also.  It is Empty Child/ The Doctor Dances. It is the episode where the people look like they all have gas masks and the keep asking "Are you my mummy?"  The fact that the gas masks are melded and part of the people just gave me the willies.

Doctor Who Challenge Day 11: Funniest Episode

Although many episodes have humor scattered throughout. For funniest episode, The City of Death, we must turn to the funniest man who ever wrote for the show...and yes he will turn up again in this challenge...the amazing Douglas Adams. Also adding to the funniness was a cameo by John Cleese.

For City of Death Adams was a co-writer, with two others writing under the pseudonym David Agnew; but you can tell it was Adams to the core, as in this hilarious scene.

Doctor Who Challenge Day 10: Saddest Episode

For me there are several episodes that tug at my heart strings. Vincent and the Doctor brings a tear. The Doctor's Daughter, when Jenny dies. Terminus when Nyssa is left behind. Logopolis, when the 4th Doctor falls to his death.

But the episode that tugs at my heart the most is A Good Man Goes To War.  In this episode Amy gives birth to Melody, and then loses her, only to find out that River Song is Melody, and Amy has missed out on the entire life of her child.  This is such a sad and painful thing for a mother to deal with.  I'm not a big fan of the "Doctor Who clips with music" videos, but this one is the best I could find for this show,

Doctor Who Challenge Day 9: Favorite Master

Having already established the Master as my favorite villain, now I must pick a favorite?? Well, the first time I met the Master, it was Anthony Ainley throwing Tom Baker off the giant telescope in Logopolis.  And I thought he did evil pretty well.  But when I went back, and saw some of the Pertwee episodes, I realized that Roger Delgado was even more the perfect, evil Master.  Probably no episode showed this better than The Daemons, where the Master literally raises a little Hell.

Doctor Who Challenge Day 8: Least Favorite Season

My least favorite season was pretty easy to pick. Once again it is a season from the classic series.  It is season 23 (1986). This is the season known as The Trial of a Time Lord.  Colin Baker (my least favorite Doctor) is put on trial for his interfering in time.  This season came after an 18 month hiatus, and a time when many stories that had been in the works were scrapped.  The BBC cut the episode length & the number of episodes per season. It was a sad time in Who history.

Doctor Who Challenge Day 7: Favorite Season

I've seen other versions of this challenge that are only using the New who, but that doesn't give you much to play with, especially when pick favorite seasons.  So of course I dove back into the classic series and chose for my favorite season the 16th season (1978-79).  This is a classic Tom Baker season, and is known collectively as The Key to Time.  It features the Lovely Mary Tamm as Romana I (much more likable than Romana II).  It also features the Douglas Adams penned story Pirate Planet.  And Adams took over as Script Editor at the end of the season.

Today's video features a tribute to Mary Tamm, who passed away last year.

Doctor Who Challenge Day 6: Favorite Special Episode

Well, my lord, aren't they all special?  But I know they are referring to the Christmas specials, and other "off season" episodes that have become part of the norm during the new Who years.  And so I have made my choice, although Snowmen almost edged it out, I choose Christmas Carol as my favorite special episode.  It feature Dumbledore (my son recognized the voice right away) and the lovely Katherine Jenkins.  Plus it was just a great story...and we got to see Pond in the police girl outfit again.  Here is a look at the trailer.

Doctor Who Challekge Day 5: Favorite Alien

Well, I took this to mean not The Doctor, since he is probably everyone's favorite alien on the show.  I further eliminated the companions that are aliens, since they are covered in the companion section.  I have further narrowed it to the not recognizably human aliens.

There are several aliens that reoccur throughout the show.  Several of them are quite likable.  But for my favorite alien I chose a member of a species that, as far as I know only appear in 1 episode.  They are from The Doctor's Daughter episode, and it is a member of the Hath. Now it is not the whole Hath species I like.  They are actually quite strange to me, and generally warlike. But one of their member, Peck sacrifices himself to save Martha Jones.  I found that very cool, so he earns the title Favorite Alien.

Doctor Who Challenge Day 4: Favorite Villain

This is a very simple one, the only villain that comes close to being a match for the Doctor is of course The Master.  Being a Time Lord himself, he is on an even playing field with the Doctor. And even though we know he has used up his 13 given lives, he somehow keeps coming back, cheating even the limit that is part of being a time Lord.  I know some will say the Daleks, or Cybermen should be in the best villain category, or even the weeping angels.  But as far as I'm concerned, the Master and his evil plans top them all.
Here is a look at the Master, in all his incarnations.

Doctor Who Challenge Day 3: Least Favorite companion

For me this was easier than choosing a favorite, although I will present you with my 2 least favorites, pretty much a tie.  First is Adric, the boy math genius the Doctor and Romana pick up in E-Space.  I find he is a bit whimpy and whiny quite a bit of the time.  He redeems himself a bit when he goes down with the ship against the Cybermen, but still found him rather annoying.

Second half of the tie is Turlough.  He is the Ginger who spends the first part of his tenure with the Doctor trying kill him for the Black Guardian. Even when he comes around to the Doctor's side, he's still pretty whimpy.  Here are clips of both, you decide.

Doctor Who Challenge Day 2: Favorite Companion

Okay, 1 A.M. on day 2 of March, and the Doctor Who Challenge.  This one is not so easy.  Favorite companion is tougher, because there are more than 11 choices.  I could almost give you a favorite for each Doctor...probably 2 or 3 from the Tom Baker years.

But when push comes to shove, the companion who has touched my heart most, and made me cry most, and laugh often too, is the girl who waited...Amy Pond.

This scene is from the DVD of season 5 a deleted scene, but very funny, and shows why it is so hard to pick a favorite companion, as we flash thru all the women of the Doctor's past,

Doctor Who Challenge Day 1: Favorite Doctor

Well of course this is an easy one.  My Favorite Doctor is of course Tom Baker.  Who else could it be. The 4th doctor was the first one I met/  My first episode I remember seeing was Talons of Weng Chiang.  This was from I believe his third year as the Doctor. Leela was his companion at the time.

Tom's floppy hat and ever changing scarf were the Doctor for seven seasons...longer than anyone.  He was a perfect blend of smart and smart Alec.  His humor and wit made the show a joy to watch.  Below is a small sample of the wonders of Doctor #4...forgive the sappy music.

The Doctor Who Challege: 30 Days of Who

Tomorrow marks the first of March, and on March 30 we get the next new episode of the greatest science fiction show ever, Doctor Who. So for the next thirty days I will be counting down to that new episode with a little challenge I stole offline.  I changed a couple of the days because I couldn't quite read what the tiny print said on it or it made no sense, so here is the list, if you want to play along.

Day 1: Favorite Doctor
Day 2: Favorite Companion
Day 3: Least Favorite Companion
Day 4: Favorite Villain
Day 5: Favorite Alien
Day 6: Favorite Special Episode
Day 7: Favorite season
Day 8: Least Favorite season
Day 9: Favorite Master
Day 10: Saddest Episode
Day 11: Funniest Episode
Day 12: Scariest Episode
Day 13: Favorite Episode ever
Day 14: Character you like that everyone else hates
Day 15: Most annoying character
Day 16: Favorite Actor
Day 17: Least Favorite Actor
Day 18: Favorite Actress
Day 19: Least Favorite Actress
Day 20: Favorite writer
Day 21: Favorite couple
Day 22: Favorite friendship
Day 23: Favorite Spin Off
Day 24: Favorite Quote
Day 25: Favorite Doctor Who Catch phrase
Day 26: Favorite Gadget
Day 27: Favorite interview or press appearance
Day 28: Favorite collectable
Day 29: Favorite guest star
Day 30: When did you become a fan
 

So join me starting tomorrow and give me your choices!!

2012 The Year in Review Part 4: Top 5 most attractive new female characters on TV

Okay, it is mid February and way past time to be done with 2012. Excuse my laziness and apathy.  Healing from a broken hip is a real pain, and distracting, I'm sorry I have neglected you all.  Today's blog is  fun category I made up for this year just because I found some very interesting new women in the latest TV season, so I thought you might enjoy this.

5.) Janie on Go On played by Christine Woods.  This is a very interresting character. It is the ghost of Matthew Perry's wife.  She turns up to from time to time to help him along in his recovery from the grief of losing her.  The first time she appears she is wearing one of his old shirts....great scene.


4.) Juliette Barnes on Nashville played by Hayden Panettiere. This character is a bitch to say the least.  But is very cute.  Great to have Hayden back after a few years.  She is no longer the cheerleader you fell in love with on Heroes.  All the other women in this countdown are attractive as characters as well as attractive looking.  This entry, I admit has nothing to do with the character, and is purely based on looks...sorry.


3.) Marley Rose on GLEE played by Melissa Benoist.  The new girl on GLEE this season (the NICE new girl). She is the daughter of the obese cafeteria worker, and struggles with her self image. She is sweet as can be, and did I mention...of course...she can sing!!


2.) Clara/Oswin on Doctor Who played by Jenna-Louise Colemen. Clara has some big shoes to fill, replacing Amy Pond as The Doctor's latest companion.  So far we have seen her in two very different characterizations in two episodes...and she died in both.  In this scene from The Snowmen episode, I think we can see she will be a great addition to the show.


1.) Charlie Matheson on Revolution played by Tracy Spiridakos.  Trying to survive in a world that has lost all power, this girl kicks but, and will do what it takes to save her family.  And she looks good doing it.  A strong and attractive character.


Well, that concludes my long overdue 2012 in review section of my blog.  Hope you enjoyed it.

2012 The Year in Review: Part 3--Top 5 Movies of 2012

Sorry for the long lapse in posting.  A broken hip and Hospital rehab stay will do that to a blog. So, as the Oscars approach I want to take a look at the top 5 movies of the year.  I think you will find this an interesting mix.
5.) The Odd Life of Timothy Green-- This is a family oriented Disney film.  To be honest, I only went to see it because Jennifer Garner is in it.  But I was so surprised by how moving it was,  It actually made me cry.  It is an important lesson in a) accepting what life gives you, and b) accepting people the way they are, Kids will like it, but adults should see it too.

  4.) The Hobbit-- I knew this movie would be in my top 5, but actually expected it to be higher on the list.  It is a great film, as are the original LOTR trilogy.  I just felt that Jackson brought in too much extra back story that was not part of the original book.  Part of the greatness of the Hobbit is the ability to draw you into Middle Earth without quite so much of the darkness of LOTR.  But in order to get three movies out of it, Jackson has added too mucch.  Great movie, but too much.
3.) Silver Linings Playbook-- This movie is an Oscar Favorite, and deservedly so.  I must say, as I was watching it, I kept telling myself I didn't like it much.  At the same time I kept saying to myself how good the acting was.  I'm still not sure I like all of the storyline, but by the end of the movie I so wanted a happy ending for Cooper and Lawrence's Characters.  I really think this movie could sweep the Acting categories this year.  Love this dance scene.
 2.) Blue Like Jazz-- This amazing little independent movie is something you really need to see.  The story of a Texas raised Christian boy who becomes disillusioned with the faith he was raised on, and goes in search of meaning in his life.  This is a film that almost wasn't made, until a kickstarter project saved it.
1.) The Hunger Games-- Huge teen megahit.  Although I usually don't include such trendy films on my top 5, I had to put this movie at #1 because, my lord, it amazed me.  I was moved to tears several times during this show, It was amazingly good story telling, great acting, and really well made.

So there's my top five, hope you like them.

2012 Year in Review Part 2: Top 5 CDs of 2012

2012 started out as a pretty pitiful year musically.  The first half of the year did not offer a lot to a guy like me who is trying to make a top 5 list.  In fact when you see my top five, four of them came out in September or later.  The last third of the year offered some amazing music though, so let's dive into the top 5.

5.) Phillip Phillips-- The World From The Side Of The Moon.  This debut album from 2012 American Idol winner is pretty amazing.  The best Idol Winner debut since Carrie Underwood's Some Hearts. Phillip's voice is quirky, and not always perfect, but his style is great and his melodies infectious.  He wrote or co-wrote over half the songs; and this collection really reflects an artist on the rise. (This December release bumped Taylor Swift off y top 5).

4.) Chelsea Moon-- Hymns Project, Vol. 2.  Imagine getting a call from your metal-head brother-in-law telling you to go listen to this artist who is so great.  Then imagine hearing the folk/bluegrass infused hymn arrangements of this CD.  Couldn't believe the cool styles of this young woman's second collection of hymns.  Even more surprising that my brother-in-law loved it,  Not sure how early in the year this came out, but it is the only pre-September release on the countdown.

Now we come to the top three.  These have been floating around as the top three for a couple months, trying to be put in order, but it really depends on my mood.  All three are from veteran Christian artist that have not released a full studio album of original vocal work in over 10 years, and all are amazing comebacks.  This is there order in my mind today, but lets just call them the top 3.

3.) Bryan Duncan-- Conversations.  This project came about because of a group of fans (myself included) who pledged money through kickstarter to put this CD out.  I am sure none of the backers are disappointed.  Bryan's vocals are as smooth as they were back in the Sweet Comfort Band days, and his lyrics are more heartfelt and personal than ever.  I could play this CD over and over for hours.

2.) Sixpence None The Richer-- Lost in Translation.  When Sixpence broke up over a decade ago I was sad.  They had always brought the alternative Christian music scene an aura of intelligence and beauty in their music that really couldn't be matched.  When they got back together for a Christmas album a few years ago I was hoping a new project would follow  I was not disappointed.  These are some of the catchiest tunes the band has delivered, without losing any of the intelligence of their message,

1.) Charlie Peacock-- No Man's Land.  After spending the last decade concentrating on producing other artists, and releasing a pair of jazz CDs, Christian music's thinker, Charlie Peacock, returns with an amazing collection of tunes infused with cajun and blue grass influences.  So glad he is back.  You must buy this album and play it often.