Please help end the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis

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?

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

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

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.....

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

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!

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

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

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?

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

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"

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

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!

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

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

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

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)

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

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)

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