CatchrsPad

Please help end the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis

2011-04-07T23:14:00.001-05:00

Dear Friends and Family,

I want to let you know that on Sunday, May 1, 2011 I will be walking in the (INSERT LOCATION) Walk MS event, which benefits the Greater Illinois Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Approximately 400,000 people nationwide, including 20,000 here in Illinois, live with this chronic, progressive, and often disabling disease of the central nervous system. Our goal is to recruit 12,000 walkers, so please join the movement and help us get one step closer towards a cure for MS.

With so many families living with multiple sclerosis, I am reaching out to you in the hopes that you will be able to help me achieve my fundraising goals. Whether you might consider walking with me, or making a contribution, I welcome your support. It is people like you-- friends and family and associates who support my fundraising goals and the goals of the more than 12,000 people who will be walking with me. You will join a powerful movement with the goal of finding a cure, while providing the crucial programs and services to those living with multiple sclerosis.

It's really easy to support me and this great cause. You can make your tax-deductible donation online by clicking the link at the bottom of this e-mail. If you would prefer, you can also send your tax-deductible contribution to me, or directly to the Greater Illinois Chapter with a deposit slip. Be sure to make checks payable to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and write my name in the check's memo section. More information about the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Illinois Chapter and its programs can be found at MSillinois.org.

Whatever you can give will help, because every bit counts. I greatly appreciate your support and will keep you posted on my progress. Please check out my personal page to learn why I'm walking. You can even check on my fundraising progress and if you've made a donation, look for your name scrolling in the fundraising honor roll. Help create a world free of MS!

Thank you for your support. Together we can achieve a cure for multiple sclerosis!

Regards,

John

https://secure3.convio.net/nmss/site/Donation2?idb=665000515&df_id=33964&33964.donation=form1&FR_ID=16751&PROXY_ID=9273905&PROXY_TYPE=20

Is anyone still reading my blog?

2011-03-13T03:04:00.001-05:00

I just can't seem to keep my blog as a prority.....this really angers me as I have a ton of great material to showcase.

There will be life here soon...I know I keep promising, and I will deliver!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Happy New Year

2010-01-06T19:07:00.002-06:00

Happy New Year everyone

My New Year's Resolution is to being posting in February 2010. As many of you may know, 2009 proved to be the best and the worst year of my life -

I married my partner of 9 years on September 27, 2009, we celebrated with many family and friends....we went on our honeymoon to L.A. (had a great time) and came back to Chicago rejuvinated and ready to conquer the world together.

In early October, my partner was diagnosed with Stage 2 Esophegeal Cancer......we went through all the testing and second opinions and began treatments in December...

We are 1/2 way through the treatments - and due to the fact that I must still work (since FMLA doesn't apply to me because I am a legal stranger to my husband...fuck!) I have no time to do anything other than work and take care of my partner....

Your prayers, your good thoughts and your well wishes are all welcomed.

Most of all ...remember -

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Our Wedding Website

2009-07-12T20:50:00.001-05:00

Just wanted to let you all know that our Wedding Website is up and running....come visit!

Our Wedding Website...

The Thrill(er) is Gone.....

2009-06-25T21:36:00.004-05:00

Michael Jackson has passed away. I am truly sad. When I first heard, I was surprised - but I thought I would be O.K. But I am really sad! I only hope that Michael as found peace - something that has certainly eluded him on earth.

God bless you Michael Jackson, may you rest in peace! I am sure you are performing on the big stage in heaven!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Fame: I wanna live forever

2009-06-15T22:15:00.003-05:00

As a kid - I was certainly taken in by the movie "Fame" and then followed the television show the way most people follow American Idol! I am so happy about the remake and am even more excited that it will premiere the weekend of my wedding.........

Here is the official trailer for the new movie -

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Thank you for your patience!

I'm Butch!

2009-05-16T19:10:00.002-05:00

I got my very first tool case! I put it together and now I have a place for all of my tools. I am so proud! And it's a CRAFTSMAN....manly!

Random Thoughts

2009-05-14T23:03:00.003-05:00

Time certainly does fly - I have been working so hard lately, that I forgot how important and satisfying writing for my blog is! More of a chance to get away from reality - my blogging is a chance for me to release some pent up energy.

Work has been great, but very busy - I am even having a harder time getting to the gym (which I don't miss) - so what has to suffer is my television watching and my blogging.

Luckily, I think I have found a new balance. I can only hope that this will lead to a great year of posting.

But with the wedding looming larger (YES! I CAN'T wait to marry my partner of 9 years!) - even though it won't mean anything "legally" in Illinois, blogging will take a back seat.....but maybe, just maybe...I will write about the wedding plans - if you would like to hear about them...

And by the way, I hate the keyboard on my new laptop - I feel like I have to beat the keys to make them work - hopefully over time the keys will loosen up a bit and I will be able to type faster, stronger, better.

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Music From The Edge: Billu Barber

2009-05-14T22:45:00.005-05:00

My first post in quite a while - so I wanted it to be special......

So, I guess just like everyone else - I was mezmerized by the movie "Slumdog Millionaire." The music from the movie made me realize that there was some amazing music that we in the United States just are not introduced to ....so I want to introduce one to start....my new favorite song (cause if you listen carefully it says..."my johnny") not really, but it sounds like it...

So it has a great beat and you can dance to it. Enjoy this track - I know I can't help but move to it!

Download:
Billu Barber - Marjaani

Billu Barber - Marjaani (Kilogram's Balkan Mix)

And I LOVE the video - the dancing - it reminds me of when videos in the US were good!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Has it been 2 months?

2009-02-19T20:31:00.002-06:00

So, the holiday's have come and gone....busy time of year. Then comes January - cold, miserable, snowy...and a busy time at work. So busy that I have to change my workout schedule and work late. That's OK too. Then comes February - even busier than January for work......and I have this huge presentation that I have to do next week.......

So before I even realize it - it is been TWO MONTHS since I have written a blog post.

The hard work that I put into this and the many readers that have discovered me are probably long gone.... :(

Well, just like Spring brings new life and we say goodbye to the old dried up plants in our garden as the new green stems begin to pop out - I shall again give birth to this blog - (for like the umpteenth time).

So - here is to 2009 and many many blog posts for all to enjoy. I did visit a great record show, where I spend about 100.00 on some great rare remixes - I can't wait to begin sharing them with you!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Music From The Edge: Taffy

2008-12-15T22:57:00.005-06:00

I love this song. I love the original even better. You are probably familiar with the late 90's remake...so here is the ORIGINAL MIX.

Download: Taffy "I Love My Radio (Midnight Radio)" 12_Inch Remix
Bitrate: 128Kbps

Tracklisting:
Side A:
I Love My Radio (Midnight Radio) {Remix}
Side B:
Amo A Mi Radio (Programacion De Medianoche) [Remix]

~~Ripped From Vinyl~~

Enjoy!
Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Music From The Edge: Mariah Carey "Joy To The World: The Remixes"

2008-12-08T22:51:00.004-06:00

Download: Mariah Carey "Joy To The World" (12" Remix)

Bitrate: 128Kbps

Tracklisting:
Side A:
Joy To The World (Celebration Mix)
Joy To The World (Flava Mix)

Side B:
Joy To The World (Club Mix)
Joy To The World (Crash Dub Crash)
Joy To The World (LP Version)

~~Ripped From Vinyl~~

Enough Said. Happy Holidays!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

PS: This is for "The Maggie" since she loves Christmas Music so much!

Music From The Edge: Updated Links by Request

2008-12-06T23:59:00.004-06:00

For those that have been so patient - here are the fixed links that you have requested!

Music From The Edge: The Jets

Music From The Edge: Smart E's

Music From The Edge: Pat & Mick

As always - report broken links to me via email and I will do my best to fix them.

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Gay Marriage Will Save The Economy!

2008-12-04T21:28:00.004-06:00

This was originally sent to me - then I heard about it on the radio yesterday. Absolutely funny sketch comedy - with a point!

See more Jack Black videos at Funny or Die

Enjoy!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Music From The Edge: A-Ha

2008-12-03T20:44:00.008-06:00

Two of my most favorite A-Ha tunes. Enjoy!

DOWNLOAD: A-Ha "The Sun Always Shines On T.V." (12" Remix)
Bitrate: 128kbps

Tracklisting:
SIDE ONE:
1) The Sun Always Shines On T.V. (Extended Version)
SIDE TWO:
2) The Sun Always Shines On T.V. (Instrumental)
3) Driftwood*

*Extremely rare A-Ha track!
~~Ripped From Vinyl~~

DOWNLOAD: A-Ha "The Living Daylights" (12" Remix)
Bitrate: 128Kbps

Tracklisting:
SIDE A:
1) The Living Daylights (Extended Mix)
SIDE B:
2) The Living Daylights (7" Version)
3) The Living Daylights (Instrumental)
~~Ripped From Vinyl~~

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

PS...Please visit WHITEKNOT.ORG to support equality in marriage!

Music Monday: Music From The Edge: Toni Basil

2008-12-01T22:53:00.006-06:00

As promised!

DOWNLOAD: Toni Basil "Toni Basil" self-titled sophomore release

Track Listing:
Side A:
1) Over My Head
2) I Don't Hear You
3) Easy For You To Say
4) Suspense
5) Go For The Burn
Side B:
1) Space Walkin' The Dog
2) Street Beat
3) Do You Wanna Dance
4) Best Performance

Bitrate: 128kbps
~~Direct From Vinyl~~

DOWNLOAD: Toni Basil "Street Beat" (12" Remix)

Tracklisting:
Side One: Street Beat (Special Club Mix)
Side Two: Street Beat Dub

Bitrate: 128kbps
~~Direct From Vinyl~~

Added Bonus:

DOWNLOAD: Toni Basil "Mickey 1999 Remixes"

Tracklisting:
SIDE A:
1) Mickey (Back To The Future Club Mix)
2) Mickey (Radio Remix)
SIDE B:
1) Mickey (Killa Klub Mix)
2) Mickey (Killa Klub Dub)

Bitrate: 128kbps
~~Direct From Vinyl~~

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Stop AIDS. Keep The Promise: World AIDS day

2008-12-01T22:41:00.003-06:00

I posted this last year - and the truth is - we are still waiting on a cure. Silence=Death. This is the twentieth year for WORLD AIDS DAY - and in 2007 another 2.7 million people became infected. Do your part.

STOP AIDS. KEEP THE PROMISE. (The slogan for World AIDS DAY 2008).

Today is a day of remembrance. Remembering those that have died of AIDS and those that are currently living with HIV/AIDS. We have not won this battle yet. 33 Million people have this terrible disease. Take a moment today to learn about how HIV/AIDS has impacted the world. The fight is not over. Silence=Death.
Here are few organizations that you can give freely of your time and especially your money. Please give generously!
46664 Foundation
AIDS Memorial Quilt
amFAR
BUY RED

This is not a day of mourning....it is a CALL TO ACTION. This is why I always sign off my posts with....
Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Prop 8 (continued)

2008-11-30T20:39:00.002-06:00

I saw this live on 11/10/2008, but hadn't seen it posted on youtube until now - it speaks words I only wish I could have come up with. Keith Olbermann's eloquent commentary is what I will consider the final word on this subject (for now..)

As my mother-in-law to be says..."I'll have to put a period at the end of that."

Amen.

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Music From The Edge....IS BACK

2008-11-29T17:37:00.002-06:00

Now that the election is over - and we have a new President...I can go back to music with a heart that is full of joy!

Though I will never totally deny myself the opportunity to discuss other issues that I find important - I want to get back to what I enjoy the most (besides my partner, my family, and my friends...) that would be MUSIC!

I have been busy ripping my vinyl to MP3 - and will be posting some very shortly -on the front side - there will be no commentary or background (in the essence of posting quickly) ...but I will get back to posting with this information in the near future.

As always - please report to me any dead links - as you may (or may not) know - zshare will shut down a link if it does not recieve any hits in I believe 30 days.

No worries....I can always repost the link.

I can't wait to go to the record shows that are coming to my area soon- I hope I can find some gems I have been looking for!

As for recording my vinyl - I have been using Audacity - but I am looking for a better bit of software - so anyone that has recommendations - please let me know!

As always!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

In Response to Prop. 8 (CA)

2008-11-07T23:43:00.003-06:00

Happy day. Sad day. But I had a great little laugh thanks to Roy Zimmerman (former member of the Foremen)....and was equally happy to find his website where he really goes after ignorance, war, and greed. Here is his song, "Defense of Marriage"

LISTEN TO THE WORDS...so true and so funny!

Oh. And by the way. He's straight - and married.

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Change Can Happen

2008-11-04T22:24:00.003-06:00

Yes we can! Yes we did. A MANDATE!

I believe again. My faith in our democracy is restored. I am overwhelmed with joy.

Congratulations President-Elect Obama! I wish you well!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

The First Results are in.....

2008-11-03T23:11:00.002-06:00

Well, the first election results are IN!

Dixville Notch, NH.

Grampy McSame: 6 votes

Obama: 15 votes

Usually a strong republican area...kinda wiped the floor up with blue!

Check!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Hope. Peace. Believe.

2008-11-03T22:55:00.002-06:00

My mother sent this to me - I was so uplifted. We only have one more chance to make this change happen. If you haven't already, YOU MUST GET OUT AND VOTE NOVEMBER 4.

Don't worry about long lines....change is coming.....don't fret about long lines....change is coming....don't fear long lines.....change is coming.

When you feel like you can't wait any longer - think of this song and this video....

Vote! Vote! Vote!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

My Thoughts: Plus other Intresting Tidbits

2008-10-28T22:59:00.003-05:00

So here it is. Plain and simple. Interesting information.

The current Republican Strategy for the economy: "Privatize the Profits, Socialize the Losses"

Now - Let's talk about what else is bothering me.

"From Each according to his abilities, to each according to his needs."

This is not Karl Marx. It simply is not. Yes, he USED this line in Critique of the Gotha Program but it was borrowed from Louis Blanc in 1840, who actually borrowed it from Henri de Saint Simon, whom I am sure got it from the Bible (YES, the BIBLE - see below). So - for the news anchor in Florida - get your friggin' facts right before you try and "gotcha politic" Biden. Here's the video:

Now - on to an extention of this quote of quotes........What does the BIBLE say about this???? Hmmmm...Let's see - there is the McCain/Palin ticket "claiming" to be the party of the religious - and in the same breath, screaming that Barack Obama is a "SOCIALIST!"...."SPREADS THE WEALTH AROUND."

ok. So. How do they reconcile those attacks with this???

The Acts of the Apostles:
Acts 2: 44-45
"All the believers continued together in close fellowship and shared their belongings with one another. They would sell their property and possessions, and distribute the money among all, according to what each one needed."(Quoted from The Good News Bible Catholic Study Edition)

AND....

Acts 4: 34-35
"There was no one in the group who was in need. Those who owned fields or houses would sell them, bring the money recieved from the sale, and turn it over to the apostles; and the money was distributed to each one according to his need."(Quoted from The Good News Bible Catholic Study Edition)

Sounds to me like the word of God is being ignored by the right. and truly....Jesus was a Socialist....a Marxist.

I say this because the "chief purpose [of Acts] is to tell how Jesus' early followers, led by the Holy Spirit spread the Good News about him..." and that "The Acts of the Apostles is a CONTINUATION (emphasis added) of The Gospel according to Luke." >(Quoted from The Good News Bible Catholic Study Edition)

So Republicans - be sure to check where you REALLY stand. Do you stand with Jesus (and Barack) or do you stand with McCain?

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

The Truth Seems to Fail the Right (and my brother)

2008-10-27T23:50:00.003-05:00

Ok. My brother has prompted me to post. He insists that he has the facts when he posted the youtube video of excerpts of a 2001 interview Barack Obama gave a local public radio station.

Here is the response to the inaccurate representation of this radio interview:

Barack Obama’s Radio Days

(taken from The Chicago Public Radio Blog)

Monday October 27, 2008 by Josh Andrews, Director of Internet Strategy

I came into work this morning to find the radio program I once produced, Odyssey, on the front page of Drudge. Over the weekend, someone posted audio clips on YouTube from a 2001 program we produced with Sen. Barack Obama as a guest. While we are happy to have our work in the spotlight, we want to provide full context for these remarks. Odyssey was an hour long talk show with a very conversational tone, and Obama, then a State Senator and Senior Lecturer at the U of C Law School, appeared a number of times and spoke at length on a variety of topics (we have been highlighting a number of these clips this fall here on the blog - examples, here, here and here). In the interest of full disclosure, here are links to all of the Obama appearances from the program. These lead to an archived Odyssey website with Real Audio links, so forgive the 2001 aesthetic and audio quality. We hope to get mp3s up later today.

The Court and Civil Rights Jan 18, 2001 (The YouTube audio is found in this show)

Slavery and the Constitution Sept 6, 2001

The Right to Vote Feb 27, 2001
We had some trouble converting the end of this show. We’ll get the complete mp3 up later today)

Redistricting Apr 23, 2001

Then Ben Calhoun followed-up this report with this report:

In 2001, Chicago Public Radio interviewed then Illinois State Senator Barack Obama about civil rights. Over the weekend, someone posted excerpts of the interview, edited to misrepresent Obama's statements. The item is now catching national attention.

The clips are taken from an interview that aired in January of 2001. Then State Senator Obama is one of three legal scholars interviewed for a show about civil rights. Over the weekend, someone pulled excerpts of the show and posted them to You Tube—and today, the posting caught fire on political blogs, the Drudge Report, and Fox News.

The 4 minute spliced collection of clips portrays Obama as advocate a redistribution of wealth through the power of the Supreme Court. That folds in with some allegations by the McCain Palin campaign.

The twist here is that, when heard in the context of the whole show, Obama’s position is distinctly misrepresented by the You Tube posting. Taken in context, Obama is evaluating the historical successes and failures of the Civil Rights movement—and, ironically, he says the Supreme Court was a failure in cases that it took on a role of redistributing resources.

The McCain campaign told ABC News it plans to use the material to bolster its criticism of Obama.

I’m Ben Calhoun, Chicago Public Radio.

The truth is hard to walk away from. The only things the right has left is to fabricate and distort the truth to fit their agenda. If you should "beware" of anything..."beware" of the right and their false talking points...they are desperate, and will do anything they can to retain power.

It's just too bad that my brother has bought all of it hook, line and sinker.

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

20 Minutes North of Where I Grew Up

2008-10-09T14:35:00.003-05:00

Oh, God. I guess I would expect this kind of stuff in Western Ohio, even Southern Ohio....but NORTHEAST OHIO??? Geez - these folks are the VERY PEOPLE that need change ...that need a break - yet for some reason, they have fixated on believing FOX NOISE and the republican blow-hards that have somehow convinced them that Barack Obama is, indeed, a terrorist. I am amazed that people will most certainly vote against their VERY OWN INTERESTS without as much as a thought. 8 years of the Crime Family should have been enough reason for Ohio's to rise up against the Republican party....let us not forget how powerful the media is -STAND UP PEOPLE!!! READ!! EDUCATE YOURSELVES!!! Geez!

This youtube video was emailed to me by my friend John (who is also, originally from Ohio).......sad...sad...sad...sad...sad...

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Now That's What I Call Truth Tellin'! Maverick Smaverick!

2008-10-07T16:51:00.002-05:00

My friend Shakespear sent me this. So true.

The Nation
New York Time
Who You Callin’ a Maverick?
By JOHN SCHWARTZ
Published: October 4, 2008

There’s that word again: maverick. In Thursday’s vice-presidential debate, Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska, the Republican candidate, used it to describe herself and her running mate, Senator John McCain, no fewer than six times, at one point calling him “the consummate maverick.”

But to those who know the history of the word, applying it to Mr. McCain is a bit of a stretch — and to one Texas family in particular it is even a bit offensive.
“I’m just enraged that McCain calls himself a maverick,” said Terrellita Maverick, 82, a San Antonio native who proudly carries the name of a family that has been known for its progressive politics since the 1600s, when an early ancestor in Boston got into trouble with the law over his agitation for the rights of indentured servants.

In the 1800s, Samuel Augustus Maverick went to Texas and became known for not branding his cattle. He was more interested in keeping track of the land he owned than the livestock on it, Ms. Maverick said; unbranded cattle, then, were called “Maverick’s.” The name came to mean anyone who didn’t bear another’s brand.

Sam Maverick’s grandson, Fontaine Maury Maverick, was a two-term congressman and a mayor of San Antonio who lost his mayoral re-election bid when conservatives labeled him a Communist. He served in the Roosevelt administration on the Smaller War Plants Corporation and is best known for another coinage. He came up with the term “gobbledygook” in frustration at the convoluted language of bureaucrats.

This Maverick’s son, Maury Jr., was a firebrand civil libertarian and lawyer who defended draft resisters, atheists and others scorned by society. He served in the Texas Legislature during the McCarthy era and wrote fiery columns for The San Antonio Express-News. His final column, published on Feb. 2, 2003, just after he died at 82, was an attack on the coming war in Iraq.

Terrellita Maverick, sister of Maury Jr., is a member emeritus of the board of the San Antonio chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas.
Considering the family’s long history of association with liberalism and progressive ideals, it should come as no surprise that Ms. Maverick insists that John McCain, who has voted so often with his party, “is in no way a maverick, in uppercase or lowercase.”
“It’s just incredible — the nerve! — to suggest that he’s not part of that Republican herd. Every time we hear it, all my children and I and all my family shrink a little and say, ‘Oh, my God, he said it again.’ ”
“He’s a Republican,” she said. “He’s branded.”

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Ali Velshi: Cuteness in the world of finance

2008-10-07T14:09:00.003-05:00

Yeah, I think he is SO CUTE! and smart! and cute!

Don't know if he's gay or not...but my friend The Maggie (Bess) says he is. Just wanted to let you all know, while I am sitting in my hospital room, I have nothing better to do than to obsess over a CNN Financial Correspondent....isn't that enough reason for me to be released????

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

"Lil' O'Reily" .....the way things became

2008-10-07T12:37:00.002-05:00

Ok, I laughed at this. Absolutely hillarious. Showed it to The Maggie...she nearly peed.

Love the one liners. Thank you to my dear friend John (who wants to stay out of the political arena 'whimp')...but I love him anyway!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

War on War: Sam Harris

2008-10-06T23:44:00.003-05:00

Being tied down to a bed lately, I have finally been able to catch up on some of my "you-tubing." One of my most favorite artists, Sam Harris, has done amazing things with the new medium, including VLOGING.

But what I was really impressed with was a contest that Sam developed where he gave people footage of him singing a new song from his NEW CD "FREE" (dowload now on Itunes) called "War on War." Each person's entry was uploaded and voted on by viewers until it came to the Top 8 videos. From there, Sam had a variety of his people choose the winner. Needless to say, what a great choice. The song is EXTREMELY powerful, and the images that the winner chose simply speak to the power of the lyrics.

I ask that you listen to the words, then go back and listen and watch. Powerful. If there isn't enough reason for change to happen now...I don't know if it ever will!

Enjoy the video!

Sam Harris: War on War

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

In case you wanted to know.....

2008-10-05T22:50:00.002-05:00

So, I was bored, I looked up the information on bank failures. It is interesting.
So far this year 13 banks have failed including one of the largest Washington Mutual. There is a complete list of failed banks since 2000 listed HERE

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Can You Say..."Flip-Flop?"

2008-10-05T15:21:00.004-05:00

McCain is no Maverick....He is an opportunist. He will say and do anything to get elected...he does not believe in "Country First"....Just see a few examples below.

And for all of you "Joe six-pack" and "Hockey mom's" out there...voting for McCain is voting against your very own interests. Get informed. Stay Informed. and DO SOMETHING.

Visit: THE REAL MCCAIN for more information

Disaster Politics....and Flip-Flops

Drill..Baby...Drill

Tax Cuts...and Flip Flops...

Anti-Choice

Pass these videos to everyone! Don't stop! This isn't an election We The People can afford to lose!!!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Thank you Christian!

2008-10-02T15:37:00.002-05:00

Ok, so most of you know I have been under the weather. I have been bored during the day so I was on facebook - my friend Christian (can you believe we have know each other for 28 years??) just happend to post the most funny video ....believe it or not, we don't talk that often - but needless to say, he certainly hits it outta the park when you need it (and he didn't even know I needed a pick-me-up!). So here's the video that included his added soundtrack. Thank you Christian! I needed a laugh today!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

So Angry!

2008-09-25T22:02:00.002-05:00

I love my brother. I really, truly do. I know he doesn't believe it...we try hard to work through things...to see the same side of the road....but for some reason, we have managed to move further apart on things that really have little to do with "us" as brothers. We are both passionate about our positions...so much so...we will never be able to appriciate each other's point of view - and that is sad...so I try not to involve myself with these types of conversation with my brother....and it's been working (until the past few days....).

My brother and I do not see eye to eye on very much. Ok-we don't agree on anything really...but we do agree on one thing...the bailout that is currently being considered is WRONG. That said, we disagree as to how we got to this point (nothing new there. To put it in perspective, you should read his posts as of late....blame the democrats ...and oh, yeah, by the way Bush wasn't strong enough to stand up to the bullying Democrats...so he is a little to blame as well...(whatever!)

So I read his blog...even though it really angered me to my core (so I'm an emotional, sappy, liberal)....and I made a few responses,. My brother then stated that I was being "pompus" (but he used the big word "bloviate" ...and i'm elitist???)and accused me of not reading through his analysis to the end. So...angered, yet again, I responded (DAMMIT!!)..and here is my response:

We do agree on this. But as I stated earlier - you still want to lay blame with the Democrats. Your President has presided over some of the most disasterous policies this country has ever seen....he has been a FAILURE. Yet, Obama (and McCain aren't leaders -they are populists?) What does that make Bush..besides the obvious IDIOT and FAILURE?

This economic "SHOCK" as Naomi Klein aptly describes it, is a scare tactic devised by the same people that gave us the buildup to war with Iraq. "Grave Danger" "Impending Doom"...etc, etc...fear fear fear. Ridiculous!

The fact that we are even discussing a "bailout" has me ready to burst at the seams. So - while we agree that the bailout is the wrong answer to this problem - we disagree on how we got to this point in the first place...

And why is it the Democrat's fault that they didn't "push back" enough on the ruling party when these changes took place in 1999? IT WAS YOUR PARTY THAT WAS IN CONTROL!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yet again, the Republican Party bears no responsibilty for what has happend. And yet again I say...shame on them.

The buck stops with the current administration...one you faithfully helped get elected and re-elected....one that you so staunchily defended on several occassions....let's really see who is taking from the the middle class .....sounds like your argument of redistribution of wealth (that you always preach to me) has been going on ...just in the opposite direction - and with all of us holding the bag!

I am sorry that you think I am the pompus one here ...interesting considering that you are always pontificating the merits of the Republican Party ...well - your party is the party that brought us to the table where we currently sit...so Cheers!

Yes, you do slightly blame Bush, but he is only guilty of "not being stronger" on the issue..What?

I did read your complete analysis....I respectfully believe that you look through glasses that paint a one-sided view of the entire situation. There is enough blame to go around. But the blame ulitmately lies with this administration. So, I will not apologize for speaking out....I love you Jimmy - but you stand on the wrong side of the "blame" issue here.

I promised myself that I would not get ensnared in these arguments with you - I really try...but I am sick and tired of this administration and the Republican party not taking responsibility for what has transpired over the past 7 years.

Our country is in dire straits. you can continue to believe that 40 years of Democratic rule has caused this (funny considering that the republicans have run Congress since 1994 until 2006...12 years! With a number of those years having the White House and the Supreme Court as well.) But this mess lays squarely on the policy positions of your party...."free markets"....no government regulation. This is where that gets us.

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

The Shock Doctrine: It is coming true

2008-09-24T23:26:00.002-05:00

IF YOU HAVEN'T READ NAOMI KLEIN'S BOOK THE SHOCK DOCTRINE YOU NEED TO NOW. Don't stop to think for a moment that the words she writes aren't based in serious research and fact. Her detailed accounts bring to light what is REALLY happening. If you LOVE this country...you need to read this book.

Disaster Capitalism in Action
Now is the Time to Resist Wall Street's Shock Doctrine
Naomi Klein, Huffington Post, September 22, 2008

I wrote The Shock Doctrine in the hopes that it would make us all better prepared for the next big shock. Well, that shock has certainly arrived, along with gloves-off attempts to use it to push through radical pro-corporate policies (which of course will further enrich the very players who created the market crisis in the first place...).

The best summary of how the right plans to use the economic crisis to push through their policy wish list comes from Former Republican House Speaker Newt Gingrich. On Sunday, Gingrich laid out 18 policy prescriptions for Congress to take in order to "return to a Reagan-Thatcher policy of economic growth through fundamental reforms." In the midst of this economic crisis, he is actually demanding the repeal of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which would lead to further deregulation of the financial industry. Gingrich is also calling for reforming the education system to allow "competition" (a.k.a. vouchers), strengthening border enforcement, cutting corporate taxes and his signature move: allowing offshore drilling.

It would be a grave mistake to underestimate the right's ability to use this crisis -- created by deregulation and privatization -- to demand more of the same. Don't forget that Newt Gingrich's 527 organization, American Solutions for Winning the Future, is still riding the wave of success from its offshore drilling campaign, "Drill Here, Drill Now!" Just four months ago, offshore drilling was not even on the political radar and now the U.S. House of Representatives has passed supportive legislation. Gingrich is holding an event this Saturday, September 27 that will be broadcast on satellite television to shore up public support for these controversial policies.

What Gingrich's wish list tells us is that the dumping of private debt into the public coffers is only stage one of the current shock. The second comes when the debt crisis currently being created by this bailout becomes the excuse to privatize social security, lower corporate taxes and cut spending on the poor. A President McCain would embrace these policies willingly. A President Obama would come under huge pressure from the think tanks and the corporate media to abandon his campaign promises and embrace austerity and "free-market stimulus."

We have seen this many times before, in this country and around the world. But here's the thing: these opportunistic tactics can only work if we let them. They work when we respond to crisis by regressing, wanting to believe in "strong leaders" - even if they are the same strong leaders who used the September 11 attacks to push through the Patriot Act and launch the illegal war in Iraq.

So let's be absolutely clear: there are no saviors who are going to look out for us in this crisis. Certainly not Henry Paulson, former CEO of Goldman Sachs, one of the companies that will benefit most from his proposed bailout (which is actually a stick up). The only hope of preventing another dose of shock politics is loud, organized grassroots pressure on all political parties: they have to know right now that after seven years of Bush, Americans are becoming shock resistant.

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Words to Live By

2008-09-24T23:18:00.001-05:00

Quote: "And to preserve their independence,we must not let our rulers load us with perpetual debt. We must make our election between economy and liberty, or profusion and servitude." -Thomas Jefferson

Enough said.

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Umm....Yeah....DUH!

2008-09-23T22:29:00.003-05:00

As if it wasn't plainly obvious. Yes, dear Claymates! Clay is Gay!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Excellent Analysis

2008-09-19T20:46:00.001-05:00

My mom sent me this.....it is so clear now....WOW! I guess I was all wrong - I can totally see why I need to vote for McCain/Palin (NOT!)

By Roger Freedman

I'm a little confused. Let me see if I have this straight...(hope I'm not offending anyone)

* If you grow up in Hawaii, and are raised by your grandparents, you're "exotic, different."

* If you grow up in Alaska eating mooseburgers, you're a quintessential American story.

* If your name is Barack, you're a radical, unpatriotic Muslim.

* If you name your kids Willow, Trig and Track, you're a maverick.

* If you graduate from Harvard law School, you are unstable.

* If you attend 5 different small colleges before graduating, you're well grounded.

* If you spend 3 years as a brilliant community organizer, become the first black President of the Harvard Law Review, create a voter registration drive that registers 150,000 new voters, spend 12 years as a Constitutional Law professor, spend 8 years as a State Senator representing a district with over 750,000 people, become chairman of the state Senate's Health and Human Services committee, spend 4 years in the United States Senate representing a state of 13 million people
while sponsoring 131 bills and serving on the Foreign Affairs, Environment and Public Works and Veteran's Affairs committees, you don't have any real leadership experience.

* If your total resume is: local weather girl, 4 years on the city council and 6 years as the mayor of a town with less than 7,000 people, 20 months as the governor of a state with only 650,000 people, then you're qualified to become the country's second highest ranking executive.

* If you have been married to the same woman for 19 years while raising 2 beautiful daughters, all within Protestant churches, you're not a real Christian.

* If you cheated on your first wife with a rich heiress, and left your disfigured wife and married the heiress the next month, you're a Christian.

* If you teach responsible, age appropriate sex education, including the proper use of birth control, you are eroding the fiber of society.

* If, while governor, you staunchly advocate abstinence only, with no other option in sex education in your state's school system, while your unwed teen daughter ends up pregnant and if you try to make victimized women pay for their own rape kits, you're very responsible.

* If your wife is a Harvard graduate lawyer who gave up a position in a prestigious law firm to work for the betterment of her inner city community, then gave that up to raise a family, your family's values don't represent America's.

* If you're husband is nicknamed "First Dude", with at least one DWI conviction and no college education, who didn't register to vote until age 25 and once was a member of a group that advocated the secession of Alaska from the USA, your family is extremely admirable.

OK, much clearer now.

There is no one like: Sam Harris

2008-09-07T23:34:00.003-05:00

Sam Harris is just amazing. I can't even do justice with my words to describe his voice, his personality, his charm....he is just amazing.

Add to that - he has recorded my most favorite song of all time "I can't make you love me" from his new CD entitled "FREE".

"This song is especially emotional to Sam, and hard for him to get through, so he insisted that what you hear (and see) is what you get the first time around. Therefore, what you are hearing here is the actual recording you will hear from the album. Does not get anymore raw than this!"

I know how he feels - because this is what happens to me when I listen to this song - whether it is Bonnie Raitt, George Michael, or now Sam Harris - the song is so pure, the lyrics so profound.

Here is Sam Harris recording "I can't make you love me" Please visit his website and purchase the full length - you won't regret it!!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Something to remember before you vote

2008-09-07T22:10:00.001-05:00

A friend of mine sent this to me....how appropriate:

While walking down the street one day a U.S. Senator is tragically hit by a truck and dies.

His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance.

'Welcome to heaven,' says St. Peter. 'Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we're not sure what to do with you.'

'No problem, just let me in,' says the man.

'Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from higher up. What we'll do is have you spend one day in hell and one in heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity.'

'Really, I've made up my mind. I want to be in heaven,' says the
senator.

'I'm sorry, but we have our rules.'

And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell. The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him.

Everyone is very happy and in evening dress. They run to greet him, shake his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the people.

They play a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster, caviar and champagne.

Also present is the devil, who really is a very friendly guy who has a good time dancing and telling jokes. They are having such a good time that before he realizes it, it is time to go. Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator rises...

The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens on heaven where St.Peter is waiting for him.

'Now it's time to visit heaven.'

So, 24 hours pass with the senator joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a good time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns.

'Well, then, you've spent a day in hell and another in heaven. Now choose your eternity.'

The senator reflects for a minute, then he answers: 'Well, I would never have said it before, I mean heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better off in hell.'

So St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down,
down to hell. Now the doors of the elevator open and he's in the middle of a
barren land covered with waste and garbage. He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags as more trash falls from above.

The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulder.
'I don't understand,' stammers the senator. 'Yesterday I was here
and there was a golf course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and
caviar, drank champagne, and danced and had a great time. Now
there's just a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable.
What happened?'

The devil looks at him, smiles and says, 'Yesterday we were campaigning.. .

.... today you voted!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Oh...and another thing...

2008-09-03T22:37:00.002-05:00

"The only difference between a pit-bull and a hockey mom...lipstick."

Are you seriously kidding me? This is the pick for VP on the RECON side?

Not to mention the many, many LIES she told tonight.

Joe Klein commented on these lies and the bullying that the press is taking from the McCain campaign as follows:

"This is a smokescreen, intended to divert attention from the fact the very real and responsible vetting that is taking place in the media–about the substance of Palin’s record as mayor and governor. …There is a tendency in the media to kick ourselves, cringe and withdraw, when we are criticized. But I hope my colleagues stand strong in this case:

it is important for the public to know that Palin raised taxes as governor, supported the Bridge to Nowhere before she opposed it, pursued pork-barrel projects as mayor, tried to ban books at the local library and thinks the war in Iraq is “a task from God.”

The attempts by the McCain campaign to bully us into not reporting such things are not only stupidly aggressive, but unprofessional in the extreme."

Read the full commentary here

So - check the facts...get the facts....but certainly don't buy the bullshit that the RECONS are selling without checking whether or not you can return it first.....

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

The Republican Convention

2008-09-03T22:24:00.003-05:00

How do we get through the next four years if McCain is elected?

As Palin put it.....

"WITH A THUMBS UP AND A SMILE.....!"

and that is literally ALL you will get.

Amazingly disastrous. Amazingly cynical. Amazingly predictable.

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

For an even more enlightened viewpoint - you just must check out my dear Maggie's blog!

Reflections

2008-08-27T23:56:00.002-05:00

A restless night - not able to sleep, and I produced a profound piece of work.....

At the beginning of this month, I celebrated a milestone with my fellow graduates from ..Stow High School, Class of '88. 20 years have past since I left the building I chose to call the "clone factory." And it was 20 years later that I realized I had nothing to fear about going back to celebrate and participate in my reunion...

Different paths we all took - but all these paths seemed to have crossed, a whole 20 years later to bring us all back together again. Some things (it was noticeable) never changed......but others had - and for the better.

Grand connections were made with many a good friend, and sadness as well for those we have lost and those who either couldn't or didn't want to be found.

The most valuable tool I took away - reconnecting with my past. For a lot of reasons I wanted to kill my past, never have it rear its ugly head - but, I am a different man now - more confident, more self-aware, more at ease...

I am the man that I never thought I would ever become. Cliché'? Possibly - but unbelievably true. I no longer regret my past, what happened, what didn't, the path I chose, the path I didn't.....they all led me to where I am supposed to be now....

I now have the courage to complete a project I thought I would never get to - working on my book. I have spoken of it before - I have attempted to work on it before - but I feel now is the time. To move my words from my journals to a bound book for all to read.....(we'll see...........)

20 years have past.........they seem as a brief moment in time - not so long ago, I recall....as fresh in my mind now as ever - but not as painful as I remember. 20 years.

To those I reconnected with - I wish, hope, and pray we remain connected...for those of you that I didn't see (Ken Johnson, Jeff Bradbury, Angie Canter, Dawn (Hurst) Myers, and Kenny Wilson)...I am thinking of you, and hope to reconnect soon...

Life is much too short - I wish I could have learned this lesson 20 years ago! But 20 years brings with it much wisdom and solitude. I carry them both - for they are partners in my journey.

The fond memories of my past have come to greet me - they are colorful, blissful, sorrowful, painful, wonderful, silly, weird (it was the 80's), but most of all intense...

Life is much quieter now....much more important...I do stop to smell the roses, to listen to the birds, to hear a child laugh. I appreciate life - what it offers and how I live it. Life is too short not to embrace.

Peace.Love.Live.

JPB

Oh Blog Oh Blog How I have abandoned Thee

2008-08-27T21:55:00.003-05:00

Ok, shut up already. This is the busiest time of my year. Chill out. I will be back after the holiday....if not sooner...

Topics to discuss -
My 20th High School Reunion
Body Image Revisited
Music From The Edge
The Democratic National Convention
My Friend "The Maggie"
The journey to marriage (yes, Steve and I are in the final planning stages)

I miss you all my wonderous readers - I have let you down - but I know you all understand....bigger and better when I return!!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Paris Hilton For PRESIDENT!!!

2008-08-05T23:15:00.005-05:00

Ok, so I need to be less concerned. I need to be more like....well, more like the 'general' population. I saw this video on Jay Leno, and I KNEW! I KNEW! I have to vote for Paris Hilton for President. It all makes so much sense now. Geez, I guess I need to just, like, you know...be HOT.

Paris Hilton Responds to McCain Adfunny videosFunnyOrDie.com

See more funny videos at Funny or Die

So, like, I am ....OMG, believing, like ...I dunno, um, that ....you know.....Like, Paris is like.....yeah! "See you at the debate Bitches!"

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

The Chicago Storms Part Duex

2008-08-05T22:45:00.003-05:00

I know most of you saw the pictures of the storms from a few weeks ago - scary yes...

not as bad as the storm that came through last night. I saw the funnel cloud while I was in my car, but before I could take a picture, the transformer right in front of me blew up and the winds decided that 90 miles an hour was satisfactory. The lightning was amazingly frightening (storms don't usually scare me, but the lightning was so intense and the winds so bad ...I was ready to pee my pants...)

I kept saying..."thank god my homeowners insurance is paid?!" Luckily we survived, the house survived, the neighborhood survived.......but my wireless modem died. The severe electrical currents in the air somehow fried it ....(that's what they said at TigerDirect.com ...so cool, we have the actual store by my house!!)..

So, this year has been the mark of HUGE storms - I don't have any of this one - but check out some of the pictures sent to our local NBC affiliate.

So, I will have to repair my computer network, so my blogging may be spotty for a while.....keep checking back!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

McCain Smear Ad: "The One"

2008-08-04T21:26:00.005-05:00

You know, I am about done with dirty politics. It sickens me that McCain has gone negative (after promising a "clean campaign"). It sickens me even more that there are Americans who buy this crap hook, line, and sinker ....like sheep going to the slaughter.....The latest Gallup polls show McCain neck and neck with Obama? ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME???????????????????? It really goes to show how silly Americans are - they will believe any thing that they see on T.V., without questioning...(FoxNoise), or hear on the radio (Limbaugh, InSanity..et.al.) or even Air America for that matter...WAKE UP! Learn! Understand!

Are you serious? Can people start getting informed? Are you not living in the U.S. now? Are you ready for 4 more years of this crap? Are you seriously kidding me????

I can't even begin to explain the level of disgust that I feel right now - the ad that follows....safe to say, is trying to entice those of the religious right to believe that Obama is the "anti-christ"....ushering in the "end of days" so they must vote for McCain (who they really can't stand either...)

Using "the code" made famous by the devil himself (Karl Rove), people across this country are buying the shit that McCain is selling....it is fucking amazing.
...and Moses? Really? Are you kidding me?

This is still a free country (I think), I would love to hear what you all think about this.....

I apologize for my vulgarity - but it seems only fitting considering how deep the shit is getting already...

Watch the latest McCain smear ad:

That's all. I don't even know what else to say here....seriously....no wonder this country has started its downward spiral. Geez.

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

30 Days: Same Sex Parenting

2008-08-02T21:14:00.002-05:00

Morgan Spurlock is amazing. His "30 Days" series on FX allows us to face some very serious issues head-on. His approach is amazing. The episode on Same Sex Parenting was frustrating to watch....very frustrating. But at the end - I guess I shouldn't have been suprised.

You can watch the entire episode below ....I would love to hear your comments - I find it is a topic that should enlist some very interesting conversation.....

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

7 years....

2008-08-01T22:12:00.002-05:00

7/31/01. Changed me. 7 years later - I'm still a product of that change. Sometimes, you are offered a chance to change your path - a path that for some reason leads down a wrong road -

What I have learned over the past 7 years has made me a better person. A better friend. A better son. A better brother. A better partner. I embraced the change that entered my life on that day...I continue to embrace that change.

Life is a wonderful gift. We only get this one chance. That is why I always end my blog post with "Peace.Love.Live." becasue that is what it is truly all about.

So here's to my anniversary of change....and to many many many more.

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

I Know I've Been Away...But I Had A Good Reason!

2008-07-30T23:09:00.007-05:00

I just thought I should explain my absence as of late....besides becoming a gym rat, I have been working on a new project. I decided that it was time to start practicing my refinishing hobby. I have this desk that was my grandma's that I have been dying to refinish and repair - but I wanted to make sure that I could do it first. My first attempt is pictured below.....

Stupid me - I forgot to take a picture of this bedside table prior to sanding ....so you don't get to see the "real" way this table looked.

Background - the table was my Aunt Daisy's....she gave it to my mom, and then it was given to me....

Here is the newly sanded table...wow - that was HARD!

and the finished product....and if I may say so myself....it is quite good for a "FIRST PIECE!"

Let me know what you think!
Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

The Garden

2008-07-18T23:02:00.005-05:00

My partner Steve found that he has a green thumb. He really does...unlike me, I kill plants, flowers, fish...whatever. I have to say, Steve does a great job in the garden and chose some great flowers that bloom throughout the spring and summer. Here are just a few for you to enjoy!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Congratulations Olivia

2008-07-16T21:06:00.006-05:00

Well, Olivia got married!!! Congratulations! She married long-time health guru John Easterling, whom she had been dating for a few years. Well wishes to them both and congratulations!!!

And our Livvy is also doing a commercial for Nintendo in Australia - here is the commercial.....enjoy!

OOOOHHH....and don't forget to catch Olivia's new sitcom on the LOGO channel "Sordid Lives" it starts next week (I CAN'T WAIT!!!) Here is the video for one of the original new songs for the television show....ENJOY!!!!!

Don't forget to check the official website for everything Sordid and be sure to watch the premiere Wednesday, July 23rd!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Music From The Edge: BONUS: Republica

2008-07-15T23:06:00.003-05:00

No long story - I just love this song!
There is an interesting story that goes with this song - I will share at a later date.........in the meantime - ENJOY!

Download: Ready To Go (Single)
Bitrate: 320 Kbps

Tracklisting:
1) Single Version
2) Original Mix

Extra Bonus: Ready To Go (Video)

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Music From The Edge: Take 5

2008-07-15T21:40:00.005-05:00

Elektra Records was dying to get in on the boy band craze, and had no success until Take 5. Another Louis J. Pearlman creation, Take 5, formed in 1997, was set to take on the music world like its predecessors Backstreet Boys and *Nsync. They followed the Pearlman formula...releasing numerous singles across the ocean in Europe and Asia where they toured extensively (3 years!)trying to make a name for themselves.

All 5 members of Take 5 had their roots in the entertainment industry....TJ Christofore won Star Search in 1995, Clay and Ryan Goodall were both classically trained pianists as well as accomplished actors, Steve Schulthorpe was a model and actor, and Tilky Jones was a former member of the SKA band User Friendly.

Though they found moderate success in Europe and Asia, their success in the U.S. was not to be....a little late to the boy band parade, Take 5 was victim of the boy band backlash that the millennium had brought. By the time Elektra Records got around to "introducing" Take 5 to the US market, the ship had sailed.

Releasing their one and only CD "Against All Odds," (prophetic actually) 8/29/2000, they only managed a showing on Billboard's Heatseeker's Chart peaking at #26.

The lead-off single "Shake It Off" did not chart. This is a special PROMO ONLY version of the single.

Enjoy!

Download: Shake It Off (PROMO ONLY)

Bit Rate: 320 Kbps

Tracklisting:
1) Radio Edit
2) Radio Version
3) Extended Mix
4) Audio Bio
5) Call-Out Hook

Enjoy the video for "Shake It Off"

Side note: Band Member TJ Christofore was the first in a line of former Pearlman boy band members to allege sexual abuse by Pearlman.

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

I'm Back....!

2008-07-13T21:19:00.008-05:00

So, I've been searching for the week-and-a-half that I "lost" somewhere. Then, I realized that I lost another week...then another........somewhere lost in the black hole of time......

This next week promises to be as busy as the previous weeks (where I seem to have lost time), but I am committed to bringing you some music...but you will have to forgive me when I do not bring you any editorial content to join with the tunes (I figure, the easiest part of the post is the music....)

Today, however, I want to share some pictures that I took with my camera phone on Thursday when some really severe storms crossed my path on the way home. I thought I would send them into the local news channel (they put weather pics up when they are doing the weather), but seeing as though I cannot manage my computer time well, I didn't get them uploaded quick enough...so i thought I would share them with you!

It was quite frightening - I thought a tornado would drop down on my and wisk me away like Dorothy......

This line of storms came so quickly - each of these pics were taken within minutes of each other....right before the wind and the rain came.....there was a lot of damage in the area, but it was over almost as soon as it began...very weird!

Here's to next week!
Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

YIKES!

2008-07-02T22:21:00.001-05:00

Ok, ok....so I somehow lost a week and a half somewhere......can anyone find it for me?????

On Vacation

2008-06-18T23:01:00.001-05:00

No worries all - I am taking a short break to head back to Ohio and be with my family as we celebrate the wedding of my cousin Tasha.

See you next week!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Happy Blogaversary to ME!

2008-06-17T23:08:00.004-05:00

I noticed that a lot of people have been celebrating the anniversary of their first blog post. I wasn't even sure when I started...so I looked - and would you believe it? My first post (albeit boring and stupid) was on 6/1/2004. MAKING MY BLOG 4 YEARS OLD THIS MONTH!!!!

So Happy Anniversary to Catchr's Pad, and to me for managing to make something out of it only 4 years after I started!!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Music From The Edge: Jennifer Paige

2008-06-17T22:33:00.004-05:00

Jennifer Paige has managed to beat some terrible odds. Missing the "teen scene" boat (almost entirely), the release of her self-titled debut album on Edel America (August 11, 1998) saw the release of "Crush" as its lead off single.

Radio fell in love with Jennifer christening her as the next artist to watch. Amazing vocals and a well written track propelled Jennifer to the top of the charts (Billboard Top 100 #3, Billboard Top 40 Mainstream #3, Billboard Top 40 Tracks #7).

The release of "Always You" didn't fare as well, in fact it failed to chart (but managed a strong showing on the dance charts - #6 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play). This was a disappointment to Edel America, as they were hoping the second single would propel the full-length album up the charts....it stalled out at #139 on The Billboard 200 (Heatseekers #39).

But the strength of "Crush" gave Jennifer a pass - and a chance at a second album. Fate would not be as kind the second time around. The release of Jennifer's sophomore album "Positively Somewhere," filled with a more mature sound, was released on 9/18/2001, exactly 1 week after the horrific events of 9/11/2001.

No one was in the mood to buy music. The album lacked a strong lead off single and the release disappeared without so much as a blip on the Billboard Charts.

Edel America had signed a 3 record deal with Jennifer - so to fulfill this contract, they released "Flower: The Hits Collection" on 10/05/04 and promptly dropped Jennifer Paige from their roster. Amazing how 2 full-length albums and 1 HIT song constitute having a "HITS COLLECTION???"....labels are a wonderful beast aren't they?

Not to worry....Jennifer Paige has completed what she hopes will be her comeback album on her own imprint Glor-Paige records, titled "Best Kept Secret." It was released world-wide (except the U.S.) on 04/25/2008, with no U.S. release date set as of today.

Download: "Crush" (US/CD5)

Bitrate: 320 Kbps

Tracklisting:

1) LP Version
2) Dance Mix
3) Instrumental

Bonus Bonus Bonus

THE VIDEO

Enjoy!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Music From The Edge: She Moves (Take Two)

2008-06-17T22:14:00.006-05:00

I was perusing my collection of CDs and CD singles trying to figure out what I would feature next, when I came upon the first single from She Moves titled "Breaking All The Rules." This was originally supposed to be the post for my She Moves blog entry - but I couldn't locate it...which is what happens when you are an audiophile like myself and have over 10,000 CDs), so I had to settle for the second release, "It's Your Love"

Not much else to really add about the group, but I like the song!

Download: "Breaking All The Rules" CD5

Bitrate: 320 Kbps

Tracklisting:

1) LP Version
2) Radio Mix
3) Bass Rules Mix
4) Berman Brothers Dance Mix

Enjoy!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Music From The Edge: Junior Vasquez

2008-06-16T23:29:00.008-05:00

Junior Vasquez is by far a god. I love him. His mixes are fresh and contemporary (even 10 years later). "Come Together" [yes....the Beatles tune reworqued for the dance floor!!!] was released in 1998 (Rank: Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play #15 Billboard Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Single Sales #23)as a lead track from his Junior Vasquez Live Volume 2 double CD compilation.

Some speculate that the controversy surrounding Junior and Madonna prompted him to release "Come Together" as a sort of 'peace offering' to Madonna. Well, Madonna can be an unforgiving diva...... not to mention, if Junior was truly trying to apologize to Madonna....why would he name all of the tracks "Junior's Revenge?" ....we may never know!

Be sure to check out track 1...(the BEST track).

Download: "Come Together" CD5

Bitrate: 320 Kbps

Tracklisting:

1) Junior's Revenge Mix
2) Junior's Revenge Organ Mix
3) Junior's Bootleg Mix
4) Junior's Revenge Radio Mix

BONUS BONUS BONUS BONUS BONUS BONUS BONUS

A little background: Madonna has sworn to never work with Junior ever again, after he released "If Madonna Calls," (Released 7/29/1996...Rank: Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play #2, Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Single Sales #8) which features her voice on his answering machine. Basically, this song is a "dis" towards Madonna for not following through on her promise to appear for a surprise performance @ one of his parties. To this day, even though Junior has remixed her work (none officially), she has kept her promise and has not worked with him.

BONUS BONUS BONUS
Download: "If Madonna Calls" CD5

Bitrate: 320 Kbps

Tracklisting:

1) X-Beat Radio Edit
2) JR's House Mix Radio Edit
3) X-Beat Mix
4) Tribal Break
5) JR's House Mix

Enjoy!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Music From The Edge: Denine

2008-06-14T18:09:00.006-05:00

Denine started her music career as a backup singer for the popular freestyle group Collage in the early 1990's. Wanting to be the center of attention, Denine convinced Collage member Adam Marano to help her get her own recording deal on their record label Viper Records (Collage's imprint for Metropolitan Records).

Denine's debut full-length CD hit the record stores October 14, 1994. The label had big hopes as Freestyle was making a minor comeback. But, nothing happened. Nothing. For two whole years.

Then after the CD was dead and buried, a local L.A. deejay decided to add "All Cried Out" to his "hit or miss" segment.....the song exploded on the predominately Latin station and began a crossover to the pop stations in L.A.

Soon, program directors across the country began to pick up the song. Denine's carreer was revived enough to re-release "To Be Continued" and to release "All Cried Out" as a CD5 with what the label hoped would be a second hit "I Only Wanted To Love You."

The single stalled on the Billboard Hot 100 chart at #72, but did manage a respectable #33 spot on Billboard's Rhythmic Top 40. These stats convinced Denine's label to go for it one more time (only with a CD5 instead of a full-length CD) titled, "Love of A Lifetime." It failed to chart.

Download: "All Cried Out" (CD5)
Bitrate: 320 kbps

Tracklisting:

1. All Cried Out
2. All Cried Out (Quiet Storm Mix)
3. I Only Wanted To Love You (Radio Mix)
4. I Only Wanted To Love You (Club Mix)
5. I Only Wanted To Love You (Jeep Beats)

Enjoy!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Just a Random Thought

2008-06-11T23:31:00.002-05:00

To be honest, I am trying to figure out where I want my blog to head. I am awed by the work that some of my fellow bloggers do - and the amount of time they commit to their craft....kudos!

Me on the other hand, I am "fly by the seat of my pants" with my blog - not purposeful for the most part. Maybe I should change that?

I post what I feel at the time.....and that usually surrounds music. Though I am not, for the most part...purposeful in posting, I certainly choose my musical tracks carefully.

So, that is my thought for the night. I appreciate all that come to my site and visit - I hope you find it comfortable and welcoming!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Music From The Edge: MTS

2008-06-10T22:28:00.003-05:00

Real McCoy - they're not. Not even close! But MTS wanted to capitalize on the success of the genre of dance music that Real McCoy made popular. A studio group formed by independent record producer Tolga Katas (one of the founding fathers of "freestyle" who has produced tracks for Stevie B and Linear among many other freestyle artists), MTS had little but a CD5 to show for their efforts.

Not much more is known about this group, though they managed to get their track on several "DJ Only" pressings and dance compilations like Pure Energy Volume 4.

Download: "I'll Be Allright" - MTS (CD5)

Bitrate: 320kpbs

Tracklisting:
1. Extended Dance Mix
2. Radio Mix
3. Club Mix
4. Instrumental Mix
5. Sythapella Mix

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Music From The Edge: She Moves

2008-06-08T22:37:00.004-05:00

The Berman Brothers were trying very hard to recreate the success of their early nineties stars (Real McCoy & Amber) with a similar formula - sugary sweet, pop dance music. They felt that the combined efforts of Carla Duren, Danielle Flora, and Diana Bologna (all former New York Nicks City Dancers) would be the secret ingredient to great chart success.

The Berman Brothers (on their name alone) were able to get the girls signed to Geffen records in 1997, before they even had a name...eventually the trio settled on "She Moves"...and move they did to their first (and only) album, "Breaking All The Rules." (Released November 18, 1997). This was also the name of the lead off single from the album, which peaked at #32 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Even the moderate success of the first single did not move the album. Geffen decided that they would try a second single, and chose a ballad, "It's Your Love". Despite having remixes by the Berman Brothers and Love To Infinity (and a CD5 for the price of a CD Single), the track stalled out at #67 on the Billboard Hot 100.

She Moves failed to chart the album and Geffen, hurting from two unsuccessful attempts to break this artist gave up and walked away.

She Moves broke up soon after they were released from their recording contract, and have all found great success in other arenas.

Interesting sidenote - Tim McGraw and Faith Hill released "It's Your Love" in 1997 to Country Radio, where it not only was a #1 smash on Billboard's Hot Country Tracks & Singles Chart, but it also reached #7 on Billboard's Hot 100, receiving a Grammy nomination and multiple ACM awards.

Download: "It's Your Love" (CD5)
Bitrate: 320kbps

Tracklisting:
1. LP Version
2. Love to Infinity Radio Mix
3. Love to Infinity Classic Paradise Mix
4. Love To Infinity Groove Mix
5. Berman Brother's Dance Mix
6. Every Time You Touch Me (I Get High)

Bonus Download:

"It's Your Love" - Tim McGraw & Faith Hill
Bitrate: 128kbps

Enjoy!
Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Music From The Edge: Chris Gaines

2008-06-07T00:24:00.005-05:00

As Garth Brooks retired (for, I think, the 4th time), he realized he couldn't stand to be away from music. He decided that he wanted to explore his "rock" roots and separate himself from his country identity.

In walks his alter-ego Chris Gaines. Originally conceived as a concept album, "The Life Of Chris Gaines,", [released September 28, 1999] (Peaked at #2 on Billboard's Top 200) was meant to be a starting point for a whole new career path for Brooks. This album was meant to serve as the "GREATEST HITS" of Chris Gaines and set the stage for an upcoming movie that Garth wrote about Chris Gaines' life, called "The Lamb."

The lead off single from the album was "Lost In You." Produced by Don Was and having that "Babyface" flair, the single was the only bright spot in the experiment of Chris Gaines. A massive ad campaign was started to promote the whole idea of Chris Gaines - trailers for the movie, a full page bio in Billboard Magazine, and even a VH1 Behind The Music Documentary (amazing!). But not all things Garth Brooks turn to gold....The movie deal went bust, the album flopped, and Chris Gaines went back to where he came from never to be heard from again. Many people had assumed that Garth Brooks had simply gone crazy, wanting to become another person and trying to start a new music career under an alias with an entirely new look - I personally think it was Genius.

Interestingly enough, for all of the many hits that Garth Brooks has had - this is the ONLY song to make the Top 5 in Billboard's Hot 100 - landing at #5 for 2 weeks. Two other tracks from the album managed some chart activity, "It Don't Matter To the Sun" (peaked at #24 Billboard's Hot Country Singles & Tracks), and "That's The Way I Remember It," (peaked at #26 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary Chart).

Download: "Lost In You" (Single)
Bitrate: 320 kbps

Bonus: Chris Gaines - Right Now

Enjoy!
Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Music From The Edge: Bananarama

2008-06-03T23:18:00.004-05:00

I picked this track because it seems like the end of the road for Hillary Clinton. And "blue" is how I feel!

After a five year hiatus, Bananarama (Keren Woodward and Sarah Elizebeth Dallin) got back in the studio to record what they hoped would be their comeback album. Their 7th studio album titled "Ultra Violet" was your basic Euro-pop fare - nothing extraordinary, and certainly dated by today's standards. Without a record label, they duo shopped around various indie labels to promote and release "Ultra Violet." In Europe (sans United Kingdom where the album was never released) it was ZYX (one of the best dance labels EVER!), and in the U.S., it was a predominantly country label Curb Records (home to Lee Ann Rimes, among others...).

The lead off single was "Every Shade of Blue". Unfortunately, besides a minor blip on the U.S. Dance Singles Chart, this single flopped, as did the album and both disappeared as quickly as they had arrived. (Personally - I love this track, and think it was clearly overlooked!)

Fans of Bananarama believe it was the lack of promotion that killed any chance of this making a splash - but the release of a CD5 with no less than 7 mixes proved that to be false. There was definitely some money spent here - with remixes by Armand Van Helden and Lenny Bertoldo.

Bananarama's latest effort "Drama" was released in 2005. They are currently on the "Here and Now Tour" in Europe. Rumour has it...(I heard a RUMOUR!!!) that they are also working on a new album to be released in fall 2008 or early 2009.

Download: "Every Shade Of Blue" CD5
Bitrate: 320kbps

Track Listing:

1. Radio Version
2. Lenny B's Radio Mix
3. Mix I Vox Hi
4. "12" Fab Four Mix For Cleveland City
5. X-tended Club Mix
6. Armands Ruffneck Mix
7. Alternative mix

and as added pleasure....the video:

and a bonus ....the remix video Vox Hi

ENJOY!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

RapidShare

2008-06-02T21:52:00.002-05:00

Can anyone tell me why they choose to use Rapidshare as their uploading source? For the life of me - I can't understand it. personally, I think zshare is the best -

I am sincerely interested in knowing why Rapidshare is so popular....your thoughts are appriciated!

Peace.Live.Love.
JPB

See you Tuesday!

2008-06-02T21:06:00.002-05:00

I can't believe that it has been two weeks since I have blogged! I promise to re-appear tuesday, thank you all for your patience!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Music From The Edge: Meja

2008-05-13T21:09:00.006-05:00

Meja (pronounced May-a) had her first chart success as a member of the HiNRG group Legacy of Sound and their dance hit "Happy" in 1993.

Chart Info:
Hot Dance Music/Club Play #20
Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Single Sales #7
Billboard Hot 100 #68
Top 40 Mainstream #29

Music Video: HAPPY -Legacy of Sound

Wanting more, Meja (born Meja Anna Pernilla Beckman in Stockholm Sweden) broke out on her own hoping to capitalize on the success of her Swede-pop counterparts Ace of Base and The Cardigans. Success did happen.................IN JAPAN...........

But in the U.S. her carreer stalled. Meja released her debut CD "Seven Sisters" (1999) to little more than a Billboard mention. Though this album sold over a million copies in Japan, it failed to chart in the U.S., despite having a catchy lead-off single in "All 'Bout The Money."

Chart Info:
Top 40 Mainstream #37
Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Single Sales #36

(interestingly, Meja had more success on the Latin Radio [Latin Pop Airplay #28, Latin Tropical/Salsa Airplay #31], which helped Meja secure a duet with Ricky Martin called "Private Emotion" - produced by Desmond Child).

Download: Meja - All 'Bout The Money (The Remixes)

Bitrate: 320 Kbps

Track Listing:
1) Album Version
2) Hector's Radio Mix
3) Galaxy Of Stars Remix
4) Pierre J's Extended Version
5) DJ Zeb & Sezam's Radio Mix

An artist truly talented and truly overlooked here in the U.S. - Meja continues to make music and delight fans overseas.

Check out her Official Myspace (as her website is currently under construction).
Enjoy.

I actually dedicate this song to my Brother ....who constantly reminds me that it really is "All 'Bout The Money." (Love ya Jimmy!!)
Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Music From The Edge: Alpha Team

2008-05-09T11:07:00.007-05:00

Released during the early techno craze in late 1992 early 1993, "Speed" is the only track from Strictly Hype Recording Artist ALPHA TEAM. Not much to the song, but definitely will remind you of clubbing in the 90's.

Chart history: Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play #43, Billboard Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Single Sales #16, Billboard Hot 100 #74.

The single can be found online selling for as much as $30.00 used.

Here is my tribute to the release of SPEED RACER: THE MOVIE out in theaters today...
Enjoy!

DOWNLOAD: SPEED - Alpha Team CD5
Bitrate: 320Kbps

Track Listing:
1) Speed (Club Mix)
2) Speed (Radio Edit)
3) Speed (Hardcore)

The Video (forewarning - the sound quality is pretty bad).

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Music From The Edge: Bette Midler

2008-05-07T22:12:00.005-05:00

I would have to turn in my card if I didn't give fair mention to the Divine Miss M. You just gotta love her!

In 1995, after a 5 year studio hiatus, Miss M revisited her AC sound with the wonderfully produced album "Bette of Roses (Peak position Billboard Top 200 Albums #45-but still interesting to note the RIAA certification of 2x Platinum!). Though there were many songs on this album that could have been released, Atlantic wanted something that would cross-over to the clubs. The best track, they felt, was "To Deserve You."

Interesting choice, as the song is really about a woman who believes that her one and only can't possibly love her. She pleas desperately for his love...

I would die for you.
Could you ever love me that much?
How I want, how I want to deserve you.
Yes, you tell me this,
and I want to believe that it's true.
Aah, how I want, how I want to deserve you.

Pretty heavy for a club song, right? Well, add a bit of Bette spice with a hint of Arif Mardin and Steve Skinner and PRESTO....Instant Club Success!!!

Going through my own personal struggle with break-up and relationship disaster, this song certainly allowed many a tear to flow down my cheek. To hear it at the club, helped me down another beer and dance my heart out.

I look back on this, now, older and wiser - I can visualize myself in the role of that woman (or in my case man)- wanting and deserving someones love and feeling as if I could not possibly ever be worthy.....it was telling...it was truthful....haunting if I might say...and extremely sad as well.

Then I was able to understand. I was worthy, I was deserving...no more wanting necessary! 1995 was a period of transition in my life, I began to grow up. I was that person singing "How I want to deserve you...." to being the man I am today singing...."I am what I am...." and being loved for that just the same...! I realized that my "want" to be loved was not the same as actually "being" loved. It can't be forced, it can't be wished...it just has TO BE. I had to love myself enough to know it would happen, but not on my terms....but in time....and it did.

Download: To Deserve You CD5

Bitrate: 320Kbps

Track Listing:
1) Arif's Dance Radio Mix
2) Bonzai Club Mix
3) Bonzai's "Die 4" Mix
4) Arif's Club Mix
5) MK Mix
6) Album Version

Video Fun....
To Deserve You - Album Version

To Deserve You - Club Mix

Peace. Love. Live.
JPB

Music From The Edge: Kim Richey

2008-05-05T22:34:00.006-05:00

By accident - you come across an artist that just "grabs" you. Kim Richey is one of those artists. A native of Ohio (go Buckeyes!), Kim Richey (more famous as a songwriter for artists like Trisha Yearwood and Lorrie Morgan) was destined (for me) to end up in my pile of artists that I would eventually get to but never do. Then I was introduced to the song "Come Around"

Released by Mercury Nashville in 1999, "Come Around" was supposed to be the lead-off single for Richey's 3rd album "Glimmer"....but for some reason (at the last minute) was replaced by "The Way It Never Was." Neither song charted. So much for promotion.

A departure from her previous two albums, "Glimmer" focused more on a popular sound - a way for her to break out as an artist. Well, for some reason it didn't work......while Ms. Richey's first two albums managed to make the Top Country Album Chart (72 and 53), "Glimmer" didn't chart at all, and now the CD is out of print. But thankfully you can still download the full length CD on Itunes.

If you are into singer/songwriters with a Sam Phillips flair- you need to check out this artist.

DOWNLOAD: "Come Around" Advance CD Single

Bitrate: 320Kbps

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Music From The Edge: The Human League

2008-04-29T23:27:00.005-05:00

80's new wave/synthpop band The Human League was ready to reclaim their position as an international sensation when they released their 7th full-length album "Octopus". It was a re-birth of sorts, as The Human League had been released from their long-term contract with Virgin Records after the album"Romantic?"** failed to garner a single hit ("Heart Like A Wheel" managed to reach #32 on the Billboard Hot 100).

With a new record label, East/West, The Human League was ready explode back on the music charts. The lead off single from "Octopus" was a catchy upbeat song reminiscent of their earlier work in the 1980s (prior to "Human"). "Tell Me When" was a return to their roots, so to speak, with a more mature approach to song lyric and more attention to the musical layering. Originally recorded as a demo in 1991 for Virgin records (who promptly rejected the song before releasing the band of their contract), Philip Oakey was determined to make this the focal point of a new album.

The video, filmed entirely in Prague, also provided proof of a more mature message the rich scenery replaced the substantive 80's flair. "Tell Me When" went on to reach #6 on the UK Singles Chart, #31 on Billboard Hot 100, #15 on Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play and was their biggest chart success in 9 years.

Unfortunately, The Human League was unable to repeat the success with their follow-up singles "One Man In My Heart," and "Filling Up With Heaven" (both failed to chart in the US but "One Man In My Heart" managed a Top 20 showing in the UK). With the music industry beginning to show signs of weakening, East/West Records went through a roster shake-up resulting in The Human League without a recording deal.

Download: "Tell Me When" CD5

Bitrate: 320Kbps

**A side note - the failure of "Romantic?" and the loss of the record contract with Virgin Records almost doomed The Human League, but a stubborn and extremely positive Joanne Catherall managed to keep the group together.. (and they are still together in 2008!)

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Music From The Edge: Hal

2008-04-28T21:18:00.005-05:00

Capitalizing on the electronic/ambient craze of the mid-to-late 90's, and coming off her extreme popularity as Agent Scully on the X-Files, Gillian Anderson lends her sensual voice as the back drop for this rare track by Hal.

Not only did Gillian lend her vocal talents to this track, she personally selected all of the songs featured on the release, "Future: A Journey Through The Electronic Underground." This 2CD set was a collection of music inspired by the BBC television Future Fantastic,(which Gillian hosted).

"Extremis" was the first track released. Interestingly - Hal was virtually unknown in the electronic/ambient movement, whereas William Orbit, Brian Eno, Chemical Brothers, and Air all had some name recognition...Sometimes you must wonder why labels choose the lead-off tracks they do?

DOWNLOAD: Hal featuring Gillian Anderson "Extremis" CD5
Bitrate: 320Kps

So enjoy a piece of 90's obscure electronica!

For an added bonus - here is the video!.....all I can say is it puts new meaning to the term "cyber sex".....!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Do You Remember? 90's Edition

2008-04-27T23:51:00.002-05:00

2000 Malibu Road
Aired Wednesdays 9pm on CBS...first airdate 08/23/1992 ...last airdate 09/09/1992

I could have loved this show...! Drew Berrymore, Jennifer Beals, Lisa Hartman, and (ohhhhhhhhhh) Brian Bloom (hotttttt)!!!

Do you think there is a chance we will ever see this on DVD????

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Music From The Edge: Sunday Edition

2008-04-27T22:39:00.007-05:00

Well, as promised I am bringing you more, more, more. As many of you know (but most of you don't....) I love music. It truly is my passion. I was lucky enough to spend many years in the music industry (until it all came crashing down)...and honestly have to say that I had found my "dream" job. Well - reality hits pretty hard - and even though I am no longer in the industry - I continue with my passion. So much so that I began to create mix CD's. For my own purposes - yes - but I did pass them out to family and friends from time to time.... My mix CD's are similar in nature to those wonderful 80's mix tapes we used to all make. No way professional, but full of music we certainly love.

In my mind (and boy does it work overtime sometimes) I created my own music label...(as you will see below), and created graphics for my CD's....ok, maybe I took it a bit far - but I was having fun!

This Mix CD is the 2nd in a series titled "Illicit Material Enclosed"

DOWNLOAD: DJ CatchR Present's: Illicit Material Enclosed II
Bitrate: 320Kbps

I converted the file to RAR so I could upload the entire file at once (I really got sick of doing it one by one...).....if anyone has trouble with unzipping - you can download a free unzip program called Rarzilla

So let the music play. Enjoy.

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Music From The Edge: Meco

2008-04-23T23:44:00.004-05:00

1977 was a banner year if you were a young boy like myself. Star Wars! What boy didn't go see this like a bizillion times?? I know I must have begged my mom to let me go see it every weekend - I even tried very hard to be good!

Along with the delicious memory of watching Luke Skywalker rescue Princess Leia, I fondly remember the musical score. Amazingly (or maybe not so), a genius of an artist (or maybe not), came up with an idea to make a disco version of the Star Wars Theme.

I remember this being my favorite song for a very long time - and Hippo Records finally re-released the track in 1999.

Meco's original claim to fame was as co-producer for Gloria Gaynor's "Never Can Say Goodbye" in 1974. His brilliant idea, was founded in a keen obsession with all things "Star Wars." His obsession lead to the re-working of John Williams' masterful score into a campy disco version. "Star Wars Theme/Cantina Band" made it all the way to #1 (Billboard Pop Singles Chart) and #8 (Billboard Black Singles Chart) in June-July 1977.

Meco went on to do disco covers of other memorable film scores like, "The Wizard of Oz," "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," and "The Empire Strikes Back."

STAR WARS AND OTHER GALACTIC FUNK

1) Star Wars (a. Title Theme, b. Imperial Attack, c. The Desert & The Robot Auction, d. The Princess Appears, e. The Land of the Sand People, f. Princess Leia's Theme, g. Cantina Band, h. The Last Battle, i. The Throne Room & End Title)

2) Other Galactic Funk

3) Star Wars Theme/Cantina Band (7" Edit)
4) Star Wars Theme/Cantina Band (Promotional Only DJ 12" Mix)

Bitrate: 320 Kbps

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

I'll Be Back! Tomorrow!

2008-04-22T22:19:00.002-05:00

Thank you all for your kind words, and your concern! I have been super busy lately with life - something had to give. I really don't want my blog to suffer! I just need to budget my time a bit better so that I don't lose my audience! (PLEASE TELL ME YOU ARE STILL OUT THERE!!!).....

I have been spending my time working out at the gym (noble I know!) and I plan to make my transformation a part of a future blog entry - so watch for it.

For my amends, I will be linking some great songs I found while perusing my collection - some I am sure you will all enjoy and remember! That will be coming in the next few days.

Then it will be off to my mom's for her birthday - not sure how much I will be able to contribute during the weekend. Then back for the workweek ....with a few more interesting tidbits that you will be happy to have tuned in for!

In the meantime, please accept my sincerest apologies - know that I am well...just super duper busy!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

A Sad Day, Indeed

2008-03-25T21:24:00.006-05:00

Hot off the presses....and I am depressed!!!!!

Jericho Cancelled Again
It's the end of the road for the resurrected series.
by Eric Goldman
March 21, 2008 - Last year Jericho got a lot of attention when CBS cancelled the series, only for the fans to rally behind it. The ensuing "nuts" campaign was a very impressive one, and resulted in the series achieving the incredibly rare feat of being un-cancelled, as CBS renewed it for a seven episode second season.

Unfortunately for Jericho fans however, the publicity surrounding the show's resurrection didn't result in increased ratings for Season 2, leaving its fate very much in doubt once again. And indeed, CBS has now announced that this coming Tuesday's Season 2 finale will serve as a series finale.

CBS Entertainment President Nina Tassler has released the following statement:

"The March 25th episode of Jericho will be the series finale. Without question, there are passionate viewers watching this program; we simply wish there were more. We thank an engaged and spirited fan base for keeping the show alive this long, and an outstanding team of producers, cast and crew that went through creative hoops to deliver a compelling, high quality second season. We have no regrets bringing the show back for a second try. We listened to our viewers, gave the series an opportunity to grow, and the producers put a great story on the screen. We're proud of everyone's efforts."

It had previously been revealed that two different endings were shot for the Season 2 finale - one to be used if the show was coming back, one if it was not. Clearly the producers will now be using the more definitive ending version.

I guess it would be too much to ask for another network to pick this GREAT show up.....and cable - from everything I am hearing, this show is way too expensive to produce for a cable network to pic it up....(SCIFI???? CAN YOU HEAR ME?????)

Tonight's episode is the final episode. Luckily I have the first season on DVD and the second season Tivo'd.

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Bush= Buffoon: A ludicrous or bumbling person; a fool.

2008-03-19T23:20:00.005-05:00

I know I talk a lot about the Prez, and what a real boor (a crude uncouth ill-bred person lacking culture or refinement)he is. I am sure one day the history books will reflect what is the sad truth - he IS the WORST President EVER.

That being said, I would just love to leave you with a quote from GEORGIE talking about his "job" as President of the United States.....

"In this job you've got a lot on you plate on a regular basis; you don't have much time to sit around and wander, lonely, in the Oval Office, kind of asking different portraits, 'How do you think my standing will be?'"

-George W. Bush, Washington, D.C., March 16, 2005.

WHAT?????? What????? Are you serious???? I challenge you, my readers, to make sense of this.....what does that statement SAY to you?

308 DAYS LEFT AND COUNTING......!!!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

TV on the Internet .....FOR FREE

2008-03-17T23:52:00.004-05:00

I was reading the USA Today a few days ago in my hotel room (yeah, I actually picked up a paper and got my hands filthy with print ink!!!) and I came across an article about a new website that is offering television shows and movies for free....

I thought - I don't want to be caught up in some illegal downloading thing - but decided to check it out - and wouldn't you know it...it's LEGIT!!!

The major television and movie studios have utilized this "network" to promote their shows on DVD (I would assume) and offer a variety of shows....I personally got caught up watching episodes of Charlie's Angels as I was working on my taxes last night (no - they aren't done yet!!!)

But it helped pass the time.

I also thought about my sister Jodi...she doesn't own a TV...(I know...I know...) It's ok though, I have enough TV's in my house for about 5 people.....(I am a junkie). I give her mad props for being able to avoid the boob-tube. But even my dear sister has fits about not having a television - and this site can help - you can browse til your heart's content!
For action .....The A-team, Heroes, Charlie's Angels, Chuck - and the list goes on...

So here is my gift to you! ALL of my wonderful readers!

Visit HULU NOW!!!
Enjoy!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Sorry about the delay.....

2008-03-17T23:41:00.002-05:00

So, even though I promised that I would spend more time "blogging" - I find myself having a difficult time getting it done.

I must say that the gym has taken the front seat (as I prepare for my 20th reunion in August)...I am trying my darnedest to be the best I can be and i am having a whole lot of fun doing it. It is amazing to me the transformation in my body shape....I just love that hard work can pay off at the gym.

The interesting thing is that I don't spend HOURS a day there - nope - just 1 to 1 1/2 hours per day for 5 days a week.....focused workouts and cardio where I monitor my heart-rate to be sure I zone correctly.... My optimal fat burning heart rate is 124 and I reach Zone 3 at 133. Knowing these two key elements (and having a rocking Polar Heart Rate Monitor) has made the difference! I am shrinking inches and putting on muscle....WIN WIN....I never thought I would be a gym rat - but I gotta tell you - it is ADDICTING....

Considering that I no longer have any bad habits (I don't drink, I don't smoke, I don't do drugs) I must honestly say that I am healthier today than at any point in my adult life!

My advice - it's never too late...all it takes is about 3 weeks of making it a habit - and seeing some immediate results and then your own will power will take it from there....

So here's to a healthier way of life!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

David Hernandez: REVEALED

2008-03-06T19:23:00.003-06:00

VOTE FOR THE NUDE STRIPPER ON AMERICAN IDOL.

Just in case you didn't know - David gave lap dances to a mostly male clientele at a strip joint. These lap dances were done completely naked!

Hmmmm......I can't wait for the clothes to come off!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

R.I.P. Lawrence King

2008-02-26T22:17:00.004-06:00

I am too upset to write on this right now.

Lawrence, you are in God's hands now, sweet child. I mourn your loss, even though I didn't know you.

I promise to write on this later. In the meantime, please follow this link

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

I Hate BANKS!

2008-02-25T22:57:00.002-06:00

My little sister wrote "Straight to the top" on her blog, where she decided to take a complaint straight to the top......I fully understood her reasoning - and JUST TODAY, found myself doing the same thing....

Here is my letter to my credit card company about their new "benefit" of charging a re-occurring "account maintenance fee" to all account holders. Let's see if I even get a response!

Dear XXXXX,

I am writing to you to file a grievance. I have been a customer in good standing since June 06, 2005. I have received numerous credit line increases “because of [my] good payment history.” I have been extremely responsible in my use of credit, and the use of your credit card.

Until today, February 25, 2008, I have been extremely satisfied with my relationship with XXXXXXXX. I opened up my monthly statement – looking forward to seeing that $0.00 balance for paying this credit card off! Imagine my surprise when I opened my mail today and noticed a $6.50 “account maintenance fee” listed on my statement. I was confused and figured that it was just a mistake. I immediately contacted your customer service department to explain my situation. I entered in my account information and was greeted with the wonderful automated operator giving me my account balance. I was astonished to hear that my balance was now $13.00! I asked myself, how could I get my bill which states a balance of $6.50 (closing date of 2/19/08), and 6 days later, have a balance of $13.00?

The gentleman that assisted me during my initial conversation stated, and I paraphrase, that there was no mistake, and that the $6.50 charge was legitimate, and the reason that I owed $13.00 was because the $6.50 noted on my bill was for “last” month. I then challenged that philosophy and asked him, if I simply paid the $6.50 by the due date of March 15, 2008, would I have a zero balance on my card. He stated that I would still owe another $6.50 account maintenance fee for the “current” bill (to which I learned was the bill that isn’t printed yet). Which basically means I would always be in arrears of $6.50.

I then asked why I was being charged a $6.50 account maintenance fee for an account that had a zero balance. The gentleman simply stated that there was always a fee regardless of the balance. I referred him back to my card member agreement which clearly stated that there was only an account maintenance fee if there was a balance on the account. He stated that I was incorrect. I then asked him if $6.50 was worth losing a good customer over, to which he responded, “...if that is what you choose to do, sir.”

I then asked him if there was someone else that I could speak to regarding this issue. Again, the gentleman stated, “Certainly sir, but they are going to give you the same answer that I am giving you.” I told him that was fine, but I would like to find out for myself.

I was then placed on hold and was transferred to XXXXX(Operator #2XXXX), who stated that he was a “manager.” I thanked him for his time and began to explain my dilemma. He stated that he would look into my concern and placed me on hold. When XXXXX came back, he stated that the card member agreement was changed, and customers notified in October 2007, that the $6.50 account maintenance fee would be charged to all accounts regardless of balance. I, of course, had a balance in October 2007, so I understood the $6.50 maintenance fee was being charged. It wasn’t until I paid off my balance in December 2007, that I noticed this fee re-occurring. I paid the $6.50 fee for the January bill THE DAY I RECEIVED THE BILL in the mail (1/29/2008). I again challenged XXXX on this, and asked him if $6.50 was worth losing a good customer over. He had no answer. I asked him to remove the fee as a courtesy, to which he stated he was unable to do that.

I then told him, I want to close my account effective immediately. XXXX then tried explain to me the “benefits” of having the XXXXXXX card. I stopped him and stated, “How can you even say that? Please explain to me how it BENEFITS me to pay an account maintenance fee of $6.50 monthly when I have a zero balance?” XXXX said, we offer you convenience……… I cut him off and told him, “There is absolutely NO WAY that you are going to convince me that paying XXXXXX an account maintenance fee of $6.50 every month on a credit card that has, for all intents and purposes, a ZERO balance, is a benefit to me! I want you to close my account, and make sure that the account is listed as ‘closed by consumer.’” He assured me that this would happen.

Now, let me remind you of the definition of the word, benefit. According to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of Law; a benefit is “something that provides an advantage or gain.” In other words, the benefit that XXXXX was describing was not MY benefit – but XXXXXXX card's benefit.)

I then told him that I wanted to pay off the $13.00 balance right now, so that I would not receive another bill. I asked him if I paid this right now, would I still incur any fees, or would I have a zero balance. XXXX replied that he, “thinks that it would be zero,” but he could not say for sure.

So, here is my grievance: I do not like to be treated unfairly. I do not like to feel taken advantage of. I do not want to pay for something for which I am receiving NO BENEFIT. XXXXXXXX card, has done all of these things. My resolution is to take my business elsewhere, but I would be remise if I did not voice my displeasure with your business practices. I just feel it is a shame that XXXXXXX card believes that $78.00 ($6.50X12) is more important than a customer, not to mention -retaining a good customer.

I also want to bring to your attention what appears on the back of my February 19, 2008 bill under the heading PAYMENTS. “You may at any time pay more than the minimum payment, or the entire unpaid balance (the New Balance), without incurring FURTHER CHARGES…” There is no explanation of what “further charges” are – but to me that means any form of charge or fee. If this does not, then I feel you need to revise your statements to more accurately reflect your intent in this message.

I look forward to your response.

So there you have it......what do you think? I will let you know if I recieve and response!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Electoral Compass

2008-02-14T23:10:00.004-06:00

Well, I'm not really suprised by where I landed - however, I am suprised that I am more closely aligned to Obama than Clinton. That is o.k., though....I am flexible enough to make sure that Ms. Clinton hears my point of view.

If you look at my brother's site you will see we are almost polar opposites. So opposite, if you circled the graph we would almost be touching....intresting, huh?

So thanks again to Charissa....she always has some great ideas! Take the test and see where you land.

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

My Store is Open for Business

2008-02-14T22:30:00.004-06:00

Well, it started out as a favor to a friend...and will soon blossom (hopefully) into a full-fledged side business......be sure to Come visit my store on CafePress!.

(Thank you Charissa for the idea!)

Currently there are only six items available, 4 of which are exclusive to my friend Chuck. He is a personal trainer (and was a finalist to be on the new Big Brother 9 - but didn't make the final cut - shame too cause he would have made it interesting.)

The other two items are political buttons. Basically, I figured I could sell these forever since it will take that long to fix what the Bush adminstration destroyed.

So take a look....let me know what you think .....ideas are always welcome.....and purchases are nice too!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

I'm Extremely Disappointed

2008-02-13T23:03:00.003-06:00

Ok, first - Big Brother Sucks! The hottest guy is nothing but a sweat bucket...the other guys....well, not worth my time. I was so excited about having an extra season of Big Brother - but now not so sure!

On my second disappointment ......Jericho didn't do so well in the ratings last night...though it managed a second place finish in the Key Demo 18-49.....over at Marc Berman's television blog....he wrote:

"Season two of Jericho dipped slightly from Big Brother, with 7.15 million viewers (#3) and a second-place 2.5/ 7 among adults 18-49 at 10 p.m. But given it did not have to face American Idol, the results should have been better. Keep in mind that Jericho debuted with a considerably stronger 11.66 million viewers and a 3.4/10 in the demo on Wednesday, Sept. 20 at 8 p.m. ET. CBS might have been better off airing Jericho earlier."

Honestly - I think Jericho will be ok........but it is hard to get people back to CBS after watching Idol...... Lots of promotion (during key shows CSI, etc...) should do the trick - I only hope that CBS is smart enough to do that!!!!

So that is all I have to say.

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Jericho is BACK!

2008-02-13T00:02:00.003-06:00

My favorite show is back and it DID NOT disappoint. I can't wait to see how well Jericho did in the ratings!! Smart move not to put in on during IDOL (even my old stand-by Big Brother had to take a backseat to IDOL.)......

Stay tuned - I will give you the (hopefully) good news on the ratings tomorrow!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

I WAS HACKED

2008-02-12T23:59:00.003-06:00

I don't know how....I don't want to know. But my blog was hacked today. Such a violation! Thank you John for noticing and letting me know. The hard part was changing all of my online passwords.....that SUX! More to come later. I hope that this did not impact any of my readers!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Music From The Edge: Corey Hart

2008-02-10T21:08:00.000-06:00

"I wear my Sunglasses at night"....singing this at the top of my lungs as I wore my sunglasses at night swinging on the swings of the resort at Lake Milton with my friend Jeff. Life was so innocent then.....

This song meant a lot to me growing up. In tribute to this great song - and fantastic LP, I perused my collection to come upon the first release from Corey Hart titled "First Offense."

Of Canadian grit, Mr. Hart added "Sunglasses at Night" at the last minute, to his debut LP in 1983. He was so popular by the release of his second LP "Boy in the Box" with the #3 Billboard Hit "Never Surrender" he was offered the role of Marty McFly in "Back to the Future." Corey turned down this offer - and the rest is history. Corey's career began its downward trend after "Boy in the Box," - maybe he should have taken on that role, who knows what would have happened?

Corey continues to write music, and though he now is in the background continues to influence the masses, including writing and producing for fellow Canadian Celine Dion.

So...my tribute to 1983....and wearing sunglasses at night...here is his Corey Hart's debut LP, "First Offense."

Sunglasses at Night
Peruvian Lady
Lamp At Midnight
She Got The Radio
It Ain't Enough
Does She Love You
Cheatin' In School
The World Is A Fire
At The Dance
Jenny Fey

"First Offense" peaked at #31 on the Billboard 200. The single "Sunglasses At Night" peaked at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100, the follow-up single "It Ain't Enough" peaked at #17 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Enjoy!

Video for "Sunglasses at Night"

Video for "It Ain't Enough"

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

The Idiot's Final State of The Union

2008-01-28T22:31:00.000-06:00

The end is nearing for the Idiot. No More State of the Union's from this bozo. I am counting down the days.......

Did anyone else feel as if he was regurgitating previous SOU's? There was nothing new here. But then again, did anyone really expect anything new?

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Thank You Dennis!

2008-01-24T18:26:00.000-06:00

Dennis-

Thank you for making this an exciting time to be a Democrat. I am so happy that I got to promote you and your campaign. Your candidacy will not go unnoticed. It is with great appreciation that I bid you a sincere so-long to your run for President. I am so glad to say I come from the State of Ohio! Good luck on your re-election bid to Congress - you will succeed!!

At this time, I have decided that my vote will now go to Sen. Clinton on Feb. 5th. As I stated back in 1992 - I wanted Hillary to have her chance, and now she does!!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Sordid Lives: Ain't It a Bitch!

2008-01-23T22:28:00.000-06:00

I have to show this again. This movie is a riot! If you haven't rented this - point your mouse towards Netflix and rent it NOW.

Here is Olivia Newton-John portraying Bisty Mae singing "Sordid Lives"

and HEADS UP!! The Logo Channel has OFFICIALLY picked up Sordid Lives as a 12 episode series to begin Fall 2008. Production has begun in Louisiana. There isn't much information on the Logo site just yet, but you can read more about it here

The series will see Olivia Newton-John, Bonnie Bedelia, and Leslie Jordan reprise their roles. Joining them will be Rue McClanahan, Caroline Rhea, and Margaret Cho. IT is gonna be an EXCITING FALL!!!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Ad Washer Fluid!

2008-01-23T21:33:00.000-06:00

My car talks to me. It also beeps at me when something isn't right. It also spells it out for me on my dash, and finally puts up a symbol for me to figure out.

Needless to say, I need washer fluid. It's January in Chicago - of course I need washer fluid!! But it's to damned cold to put it in!!! So I am stuck with the car talking, beeping, displaying a message on the dash - and, of course, that awful yellow icon that shows up under my RPMs. What does it remind you of? And who thought of that symbol to represent FILL YOUR FRIGGIN WASHER FLUID?????

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

War On Greed

2008-01-20T15:59:00.000-06:00

We need to END welfare to the rich, and welfare to corporations. Let's put our tax dollars where they belong - in the hands of HONEST working people. I am sure this will get my brother all in a tisy - but there is something seriously wrong with the amount of wealth that is being accumulated at the top, while the middle class continues to shrink and take on the burden that should be shared by the wealthy. I see a class war on the horizon.....

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

And IT was mistaken for a GUN?

2008-01-19T22:20:00.000-06:00

I think the video speaks for itself....

At least it could have been a "cute" cop?!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Music From The Edge: M

2008-01-17T19:23:00.000-06:00

When I was younger - much younger we had a babysitter named Carrie Kovach (last thing I heard, she was in the marines and living in Hawaii - but that was over 15 years ago...).....anyway, there were certain songs that I associate with her, there are several that come to mind - the one I want to highlight today was one that you can't get out of your head once you hear it.

"Pop Muzik" by M was released in 1979, and reached the pinnacle on Billboard's Hot 100 (that would be #1). Often considered one of the first pop/new wave songs - this song was played virtually on the hour on every major radio station in the US. My babysitter used to turn up the radio when this song came on, and we used to dance around the living room singing "Pop.Pop.Pop Muzik" over and over again.

Even though it was originally released in 1979, the song had legs well into 1980. Robin Scott, the mastermind behind "M" has actually had an amazing career in music dating back to the late 1960s and culminating in a retrospective of his work titled "M:The History-Pop Muzik The 25th Anniversary," a 2 CD set that revisits all of his work (even the obscure work never released!). This can be ordered at Union Square Music.

Mr. Scott is still hard at work today, branching out into painting.

His impact on the music world is definite and worthwhile. Please join me in celebrating this enigmatic character with a visit to the past.....

Pop Muzik (89 Reshuffle Mix)

Pop Muzik (Original Nik Launary 12" Version)
Pop Muzik (Steve Osborne Remix)

Pop Muzik (Hip-Hop Mix)

AND THE VIDEO:

Enjoy!!!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Johnny is a Man......

2008-01-15T22:33:00.000-06:00

My dear friend John - who doesn't write, doesn't call, and has basically decided that his life in L.A. by far is more interesting without his good friends in the mid-west.....(can you tell I am a bit bitter that he hasn't called....or written...??)

Well, anyway, my dear friend John decided to VLOG. Interestingly enough - I watched it (supposed to be 5 minutes - ended up being 5:28).....and though I can honestly say I didnt' learn anything really "new" about John - I did discover ....or re-discover that he is a geek at heart. (Much love to him though...) And I hope BC is feeling better.

So, becuase I am so lazy right now (not really- just spending a heck of a lot more time at the gym and at work - and don't feel like doing much blogging) - I am reposting his VLOG for you all to see....for those of you that know me - yes..that is "the John."..........

So, enjoy this guest spot - and visit him at his blog to give him some mad props!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB