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!
Hi everyone - Been extremely busy with the holidays! It is my solemn promise to have a few great posts by this weekend for your enjoyment.
Preview: Big Pig Full Length LP (FINALLY!)Big Pig 12" Remix/ Sam Harris 12" Mix /Street Heat 12" Remix (may have to be postponed)/Thoughts on Thanksgiving/President Bush Does it Again.
I was watching a Conan O'Brien repeat, and Patricia Heaton was being interviewed. As a native of Cleveland Ohio, she worked for WEWS television - the first station in Cleveland, (I always prefered this channel to any other). Anyway, she was talking about one of the "promo ads" for the news, and stated that WEWS was the first news in the nation to have its own "jingle," then they showed the clip....well, bells went off in my head - I REMEMBERED THESE! I youtube'd it - and it was there! I have to share it cause it is so funny and dated...but it was the 70's. So enjoy!
Now - my interest was so piqued that I had to find out more - and WEWS has a history of firsts.....
Steve and I had to go downtown 2 Saturday's ago so he could pick out new frame for his glasses. As he was fettering about the eyeglasses, I decided to walk around the famous Marshall Fields (now Macys) and see what wonderful things they were doing for the holidays. Here are some pictures of my walk.
The window displays are based on the Nutcracker theme. Unfortunately, this weekend was warmer than expected and people kept stopping in front of the windows...I was never able to make a shot quick enough!!! I will have to go back late in the evening (maybe) to see if I can get better pictures.
These pictures are taken from the fourth floor looking down.....these are two different atrium's ....the second atrium has a tile roof (last picture) that is absolutely amazing.
I know I promised the full length AND the 12" Remix...I still plan on delivering that. I am currently waiting on my FedEx package to arrive from Portland. I went online to see when it would be arriving (and estimated time was WEDNESDAY.) Well, if it doesn't come by Tuesday, you will all have to wait just a bit longer since I will be driving back to Ohio for the Thanksgiving Holiday.
I promise, though, that it will be worth the wait!
My sister is another year older today. I know I needed to start doing the birthday blog post with my brother (cause he is the oldest and it would make the most sense) but I didn't have the wherewithal to make it happen until now.
So going forward, I plan on wishing my family members happy birthday via my blog in my own special way.
My sister Jodi is 7 years younger than me....youngest of the family - and as we were growing up - the BIGGEST tattle-tale known to man. She mentioned in a post on her blog "Figuring It Out" that she didn't feel close to me as she was growing up.
I think I have an answer for some of that. As Jodi was getting to the age of "understanding" her surroundings, I was getting into trouble. Knowing that she was a tattle-tale to the Nth degree - it was to my benefit not to be in her line of sight...or in earshot....
Well, I always loved my little sister - she was cute as a button and just so darn lovable. But being a teen-age boy that was more interested in not getting caught, a strong relationship with Jodi was like a moth to a flame. I knew that my brother Jimmy was near and dear to her, and so was my sister Jenny - so I guess I felt OK with this decision. Jenny (my other sister that is 4 years my junior) was a bit easier to work with -though she was "sneaky"....I know this cause she used to sneak in my bedroom when I wasn't there and look at my dirty magazines (and they were all of men) - I don't even know how she reconciled this in her mind.....anyway, I knew that I had to be a bit OK with Jenny since she knew this fact about me but didn't tell mom....I guess she didn't want to dry up her supply of porn?!
So that is my little story about my little sister Jodi (and my little sister Jenny).....I love them both so dearly - I am so glad that I was able to build a very strong relationship and bond with both of them as I got older.
SO....here is a picture that happened to fall out of my album (literally) as I was cleaning up my office - I figured it was a sign and that I had to use it...
From left to right is me, Jodi, and Jimmy (Jenny was busy getting her first communion - so she's not in this picture) but we were all there supporting her big day in the rites of the Catholic Church.... I believe I was 10 or 11, which makes Jodi 3 or 4, and Jimmy 12 or 13. I don't have the memory that both of my sisters have (I think it may be because of ......well, we won't get into that here)....anyway here is the picture...
And now for a "now" picture of my sister Jodi. I didn't ask permission - but I loved this picture so much I had to....
The very first song that I bought with my employee discount at Camelot Music was LaTour's "People Are Still Having Sex." It still remains one of my favorite songs to this day as it reminds me of my "dream job!"
William LaTour, a Chicago transplant, came to fame in 1991 with his controversial hit song. Many people were upset that the lyrics of the song stated that "This AIDS thing's not working." Pressured, the label forced a change to the lyrics for the radio edit. The change resulted is a less than acceptable "This SAFE thing's not working."
Whether it was the hard driving beat, or the controversial nature of the song, itself, LaTour managed to hit #1 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play, #3 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Single Sales, and #35 on Billboard's Hot 100.
I was perusing my favorite blogs when I came across this post from a fellow blogger on his site ... "I am a TV junkie"
I have re posted the video for my visitors to view for themselves. I caution you that some of the scenes may be considered offensive to some (and I was certainly surprised). So view at your own risk.
What I find most interesting about this is the HYPOCRISY of FOX NOISE (I mean news). For an organization that is trying to portray itself as "Fair and Balanced," it most certainly leans "Conservative and Right".....
As one of the major tenants of the Conservative Right, pornography is right up there with gays and guns. Interesting how Fox Noise (I mean News) tries to titillate its viewers with TRASHY news stories.....
I am in Portland,OR....just got back from Everyday Music. (I love this place!!) Let's just say I spent another 85.00 on 12" Remixes from the 80's to share with all of you....(this is starting to get expensive and I really haven't even begun yet!!)..
Well, as I am sifting through the bins I found the FULL LENGTH LP of Big Pig's "Bonk". How awesome. So, even though I promised you all the 12" remix of "Breakaway".....as soon as I get back from Portland....I will be giving you the ENTIRE LP + the 12" remix.
Just thought I would let you all know (and give you a bit of a teaser...)
I am going back to the OTHER Everyday Music (on the northside of Portland) to see what they have...I know I will be surprised and impressed....hope you will be to!
It is hard to believe it's been 5 days since I posted anything. I promise that I will do better - but honestly, things have been crazy. Just when I thought I was finally over Strep Throat (from TWO Weeks ago) - it came raging back with a bad sinus infection to boot....Well thank God for drugs - I got some really good antibiotics that my doctor promises will kill the bug for good...(thankfully.) So, though I don't feel "sick", I must honestly say that I haven't been this ill in many a year......No worries - I should be back to full force in a few more days.
So, even though I haven't been writing in my blog - I have been busy! I decided that I needed to catalogue my 12" remix collection...so that I know what I have - and so that I don't buy any more duplicates! (I got really upset when I bought Big Pig's Breakaway 4 times...I guess I just got excited cause I love the song so much).
(Yes, I will post the 12" Remix of this soon - way too tired tonight!!
Also, on the political front - I have yet another new conspiracy theory.....crazy as it sounds I don't put it past this administration.....so stay tuned!!
I am trying these "teaser" subjects to keep you all coming back! And speaking of you all....I know you are out there - I see the hits each and every day....who are you? I would love to know who is reading my blog.....so do a shout out!
In honor of my sister's 30Th birthday, I sifted through all of my remix vinyl and remix maxi cassettes to find a song that she loves. Well, I looked for about two days - and finally found it!!!
Smart E's was a rave group founded by Luna-C (a well known British DJ and producer), who found some success in the US with their single "Sesame's Treet" (a remix of the theme song from Sesame Street). This success was due in large part to KISS FM and DJ Steve Jackson who picked this song to play on his radio show. This is a perfect example of how radio DJ's influenced the music scene (which is now completely sterile - and for those that care generic).
Anyway, Jodi - this is for you, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!
When it was all said and done - Smart E's reached #1 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales, #20 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play, #39 on Billboard's Rythmic Top 40, and #60 on the Billboard Hot 100.
And just to cap it off for everyone - here is the video for Smart E's Sesame's Treet. Enjoy!!
Sneaking into the local gay bar at age 19 got a lot easier. I had actually been doing it since I was 16....So, 3 years later I was a "fixture" in the local gay dance club and had even been given a spot on the 'coveted' box. (Yes, I was a box boy). One of my fondest memories when I was anointed with this honor was hearing the song "Use it Up & Wear It Out" blast through the speakers on the dance floor....the place went NUTS. So as my tribute to these early days - I give you the entire Maxi-Cassette of Pat & Mick.
Use It Up & Wear It Out (7:13) I Haven't Stopped Dancing Yet (6:13) Let's All Chant (Something For The Kids Mix) (6:28)
Side Two:
Star Teaser (4:59) You Better Not Fool Around (4:23) On The Night (6:23) ~~Ripped From Cassette~~
Pat & Mick, The British Duo comprised of Pat Sharp & Mick Brown managed to make a small ripple on the US pop charts with the help of uber-dance-producers Stock, Aitken, & Waterman (Remember Rick Astley?). Producing the entire maxi-cassette as well as taking writing credits for the entire Side Two, the dance floors of gay bars throughout the country were brimming with hot bodies dancing to the famous "One, Two, Three...Shake Your Body Down..."
The most successful track off this maxi-cassette was, of course, Use It Up & Wear It Out (surprisingly the SECOND release from the same titled cassette), making The Billboard Hot 100 and peaking at #81 (#40 on The Billboard hot Dance Music/MaxiSingle Sales). The first single released, "Let's All Chant" failed to chart.
Interestingly, I was unable to locate a video for either of these tracks, but was able to find one for their third and final single from the album "I Haven't Stopped Dancing Yet." Again, "Dancing" failed to chart...but the video remains iconic of the late 80's hair and fashion...what a blast.
Though Pat & Mick worked through the early 90's they were unable to re-create the excitement and panache of their earlier work.
I haven't had a lot of time to watch TV as of late,(hard to believe, I know) - but starting a new job and trying to find time to continuously hit the gym, keep up with my blog, work on converting record albums and cassette tapes to MP3's, finishing up cleaning the garage, and making sure that I still have time for my partner make TV watching a bit difficult.....(THANK GOD FOR DVR!)
As I stated before, I don't' have time for much TV - but I Tivo'd Pushing Daisies because it looked interesting......and it is exactly that. I know that it finished 2nd behind FOX and the World Series - so all can't be bad - not to mention that this show is just "different."
If you haven't had a chance - click the link above and go to ABC and view a few episodes for yourself.....I know you will enjoy it.
As for Bionic Woman - I LOVE IT.....but for some reason, it has been fading terribly in the ratings since its debut week. I am confident that NBC is working hard to build the audience (there is gonna be a love interest)...we'll see - it would be awful to see that show fail... :(
Before I get started, I would love to invite you all to see my brother's blog. In his latest post, my brother accuses me of suffering from BDS or Bush Derangement Syndrome. Well, I commented (he suckers me into it), but I can assure all of my great readers that I suffer from no such syndrome- I only suffer from the REALITY that Bush is, in fact, our President.
On a lighter note, I have found all of my cassettes from my club days. Some were made for me, some I made myself. My latest hobby (I have a few now), is to transfer these to MP3 format and to share with all of you. Some of the mix tapes are better than others, but all of them contain rare remixes. So for my inaugural post I give you, DJPB Presents: Hott Grooves '96.
I recorded these mixes from my personal collection of music - we didn't have IPods back then. I loved to put stuff together so I could listen to it when I was in the car (or getting ready to hit the clubs....) Knowing me - there is a story behind the songs chosen for this mix tape (but for the life of me I don't know what it is...I might make something up later.)
This mix tape was recorded as a single MP3 file for Side A, and then a single MP3 file for Side B.
James Brown Is Dead – LA Style I’m In Love With You – BKS All or Nothing – Miisa Keep Me Hangin’ On – Reba McEntire One More Try (Junior’s Factory Mix) – Kristine W. Hot Stuff (Hott Mix) – DJ Miko I’m Your Man – Lisa Moorish Feat. George Michael Gimme Luv – Pulsar Tell Me – Activate Baby Baby (Extended Mix) –Corona
Input – S50 If Madonna Calls – Junior Vasquez Sky High – Newton No More Tears - KD Lang & Andy Bell Freedom – DJ Bobo I’ll Be Alright – MTS Fastlove - George Michael Return To Innocence – Enigma
Click on the SIDE A or SIDE B link(s) to download). Enjoy. Download it to your IPod. But most of all let me know what you think!!!
I am in Portland, OR for work this week. The weather has been wonderful: 75 degrees and sunny (how unusual for Portland?!). Exciting as this is, I am here for work...training really. But as I found out this afternoon, I am forced to be isolated in my hotel room for 24-48 hours. Why? Because I somehow contracted Strep Throat...I went to the clinic here Tuesday afternoon and got the news. I am miserable.
There is nothing worse than being sick. But...that is not true. There is NOTHING worse than being sick (bedridden sick, isolation sick) than being sick in a town where there is no family and a hotel with a bad mattress.
I so much want to be at home in my own bed, snuggling up with my body pillow while my partner rubs my back. (Oh, did I tell you that I am a BIG baby when I am sick...?)
So I have slept the majority of the afternoon, and now I can't sleep because my throat is RAW. I am exhausted. Guess I am going to try and count sheep or something.
One of my favorite artists from the 80's, Stacey Q, left her mark on the pop world with the hits "Two of Hearts" and "We Connect." Though the songs seem quite gentle in nature, "We Connect" as I came to realize a few years later was full of suggestive lyrics:
"We connect, when we're together It's so perfect, boy you shock me with your wide hot love, I start to overload, I explode when we connect..."
Of course I thought (and still think) it says:
"We connect, when we're together It's so perfect, boy you SHOOK ME WITH YOUR WHITE HOT LOAD, I start to overload, I explode when we connect..."
Guess you have to listen and figure it out for yourself...
Though often considered a one hit wonder, Ms. Q has had a very successful career in music, movies, and television. (You may remember her from Facts Of Life as Cinnamon, as herself in Full House, or on Mama's Family as Ciji [the blond] in the "Bone Crushers" - see below)
Alas, most of her success remained in the dance music scene. With the release of "Nights Like This" (out of print) came the single release (1989) of "Give You All My Love" which peaked on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play @ #16 and on the Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales Chart @ #8. Check out the video then sample the 12" mixes.
Listen carefully - you will hear the distinctive voice of Martha Wash (Weather Girls/Black Box), and Jocelyn Brown (Snap [they stole her voice "I got the power" and Bizzare Inc. [who sampled her again, "I'm Gonna Get You"} and is most recently associated with Todd Terry)....also of note, this single was produced by the superduo David Cole and Robert Clivilles (of C+C Music Factory fame).
Ms. Q is still working! Rumour has it that there is a new CD in the works, and for those wondering what she looks like now......
If I hear more - I will let you all know!! Peace.Love.Live. JPB
Well, I am happy to report that I have made it through 22 days - NICOTINE FREE!!! Interestingly enough, I thought it was going to be much harder than it was. Word on the street is that if you can make it past the first 21 days- then you can consider yourself FREE!!
So here's to my freedom. I hope that this is only the beginning of my life after nicotine!
I have been watching my site numbers increase each and every week. With all of these new "unique" visitors to my blog, I have to wonder why no one makes any comments? I encourage everyone to leave me some feedback. How else will I know if I am just writing this for myself? I guess you could call it "needing to be reassured"
So, if you are kind enough to visit, just drop a simple "HI" in the comment section - or more if you'd like.
I am dying right now with allergies (funny - my brother and sister were always the ones with allergy issues - I never had them till this year and it sucks.)
Could I be MORE excited????????? I was a HUGE fan of both V: The Miniseries and V: The Final Battle, and then the television series V. Growing up in the 80's I can remember that these miniseries were an unbelievable ratings success. Both miniseries aired during May sweeps and did so well that NBC ordered 19 episodes to bring it back as a television show...unfortunately, the TV show didn't do as well (it was on FRIDAY?!)....
I never lost hope that some day there would be a major movie release based on the TV show or mini-series.....I figured - if I was still interested in this program, there were others (not to mention that all three are STILL available on DVD). Well, in a general search on Kenneth Johnson (the writer/producer/creator), I came across his new book: "V: The Second Generation", which is to be released on November 27, 2007.
I dug even deeper to find that Warner Brothers has been in talks to develop "V: The Second Generation" as a mini-series. (At this time, I can find no other information about the project, but I will assume that NBC will be first in line to pick it up - otherwise I would guess The SciFi Channel.) I am continuing to look for more information on this and will post it as soon as I get some responses.
For your enjoyment: Here is the opening credits from V: The Series
Here is a fan video of all things "V" including some great pictures of the symbols involved in the Visitors project.
At some point, I think I would love to talk about the symbolism in "V" and how it parallels with Nazi Germany. I am sure others have done this already, so I think I will need to do some more research.
So for now, keep your fingers crossed and keep watching here for future updates.
I started a new job recently. This is the second week - and I love it!!! Most would think that just starting a new job is enough. But this new job - it opened up some closed doors from my past. I had to submit a number of references, all former supervisors. I had some digging to do. It has been a while since I had connected with anyone from my employment past. The great thing was - I had a unique opportunity to RECONNECT with those that had an influence in my work life. Sadly, my mentor Rich has failed to return any calls, or respond to any emails that I have sent. (I know that he has just started a new job and moved to a new state - here in CHICAGO, so I am going to cut him some slack for now)....but everyone else has come through and helped to give my new employer a better picture of what they were getting. THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU. Well, re-connecting is a wonderful thing. I am so happy that I can now keep those that influenced me in my future. Such an awesome thing!
