Living Legends Concert Tour 2005: James Taylor

Date: July 26, 2005

Time: 8:00pm

Location: Verizon Wireless Music Center, Noblesville, Indiana

Seats: Pavilion, Section E, Row T, Seats 27 and 28

"I've been walking my mind to an easy time, my back turned towards the sun...Lord knows when the cold wind blows, it'll turn your head around." James Taylor -- Fire and Rain

Dearest V: (before you send your letters to Becky, "V" stands for Verizon, and Becky knows all about us!!)

I know you probably read the post about the Tom Petty concert, and how I said all those nasty, nasty things...I was just angry, I didn't mean them. I could never swear you off forever, and you know that, baby.

I have a confession to make. I tried to avoid you last night. I tried to sell you to another, so I wouldn't have to face the shame of seeing you face-to-face. But, no one wanted you. Don't take that the wrong way, V, they just didn't want to see you with anyone but me.

I know we've had some good times...like the Counting Crows concerts, and who could forget Bob Dylan?...and some bad times. (Do I have to mention the Dave Matthews butt grabbing incident? I swear I'm still a little upset that you didn't stand up for me!!) But all in all, it hasn't been too bad.

Even though it took me FOREVER to get to you Thursday, last night was different. Just an hour! Maybe I could forgive you, I thought. Maybe we could make it work. The crowd was smaller...the restroom was empty...and then James Taylor came out.

Fire and Rain.

I cried.

But I knew, deep down, the parking situation was looming. We can't just avoid the inevitable. So, I think we should end it here, V. Oh, I'm sure I'll be back...and I hope you take me back, even if I reek of Murat, or you find the long blonde strands from Conseco on my shirt...

I hope we can get past all of that, and be friends.

My Love to you always,

Tony

Lance Armstrong: # 7

On October 2, 1996, Lance Armstrong was diagnosed with Testicular Cancer. The condition spread to his abdomen...

...and his lungs...

...and his brain.

But Armstrong refused to let that stop him.

October 8, 1996: Lance Armstrong Press Conference

"I want you all to know that I intend to beat this disease, and further, I intend to ride again as a professional cyclist."

Lance was dropped from his sponsor.

He didn't give up. He worked harder.

He was signed to the United States Postal Service team, and in 1999, Lance not only lined up at the Tour de France, cycling's biggest race, he won it.

In 2000, he won it again...

...and in 2001...

...and in 2002...

...and in 2003...

...and in 2004...

...and in 2005.

Seven in a row.

Lance has made it clear that this will be his last Tour de France...not because the disease beat him, but because HE has decided it was time to step down.

Congratulations, Lance...you are a true champion.

No Pain, No Gain...(Actually All Pain, No Gain!!)

WARNING: In the post below, you will get a first hand account of a "Poor Me" situation, in which I will, at every turn, try to incite pity, empathy, and a strong sense of need for you to feel sorry for me (isn't that what pity and empathy are?) If you do not wish to be subjected to those things, please, go read the newspaper...

Ok, so I warned you.
..............................................................

FIRST ANNUAL BURCH VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT

My good friend, Shannon, invited me to be among 7 players who would compete in a "Kings of the Beach" format volleyball tournament this past Saturday. For those of you not in the know, a "Kings of the Beach", or KOTB, format tourney is where, in this case, the 7 people each play one game of doubles volleyball, with each of the other players as a partner. You are scored by wins/loss, and then by a points system, where if you win game one 21-11, you get +10 (because you won by ten)...

Get the idea?

Anyway, you are basically playing 6 matches, and the top 4 finishers go to the finals, where you play 3 more games (one with each of the other 3). Top score wins the whole thing.

Now that I have put you all to sleep, let's start.

I started a bit slowly, losing my first game, but picked up steam winning the next two. I really thought I was in a good position going into game 4. I had the momentum, and I was playing with a guy who was doing well, against a team that I didn't figure to be much of a threat.

unfortunately, we played extremely poorly and got our butts kicked! I was now 2-2. The heat wasn't really to big of a factor, but my hat was so wet, it was dripping in my face...that's never good. I was also beginning, at this point, to stiffen up. Also, not good. I had two more matches, just to make it to the Finals, if I were so lucky.

After losing game 5, my chances of making the Finals were very slim. I had to not only win my last match, but I had to do it BIG. I was playing against the man who stood between me and the Finals, and I was determined not to let him steal the coveted "last spot."

All I wanted was Fourth. Forget winning the would tourney, if I could make the Finals, I felt I had accomplished my goal. I hadn't, after all, played in 3 months.

Luckily for me, the other team served my partner, and my setting just happened to start clicking. I would throw it up, and he would knock it down. Victory!!

A final tally revealed that I had made the 4th spot in the finals...barely.

The #1 seed, Toby, and the #2, Sean, played Shannon (#3) and I in the first game. We felt like underdogs, but came busting out of the gates like champions. We switched sides up 17-13, and feeling invincible. Then our house of cards came crumbling down.

Toby and Sean started to heat up, digging and pounding the ball consistently, leaving only sand in their wake. We still held a 19-18 advantage, when Shannon rolled the ball mere inches off the net. Toby made a grand charge, dove and popped the ball up. Sean rolled it to the back line, and our fate was sealed.

We lost 22-20 (games were to 21, win by 2).

In game 2, Sean and I held court until 11-11, then Toby and Shannon pulled the plug, defeating us 21-12. I was out of the running to win, but I wasn't finished playing. Toby had helped me win a similar tournament a few years back, and I was determined to repay the favor.

The game was neck and neck all throughout. At 17-17, I called a sand timeout, to clean myself off.

"Come on, Tony, you have to do this!" I told myself. With a newfound 5th Wind, I received the next serve and hit it at Shannon harder than I had hit a ball all day long. 18-17. The score went back and forth, each time I mustered the strength for one more hit.
19-19.
20-20.
21-21.
22-22.

They went up 23-22, and the serve came to Toby. His pass was excellent, and I broke fast to set. Instead of the great sets I was putting up, this one was a bit too far off the net. Toby hit it, but it was dug. Shannon passed to Sean, and then Shannon rolled it in front of me for the game.

We lost 24-22.

Shannon and Toby ended up tied with a +9, and Shannon tried in vain, to give the title to Toby (Toby is way too modest to admit he was taking us all to school!!) Sean and I finished with -9, but he had 2 wins, so I came in 4th with my ZERO wins.

I only wanted 4th.

Today, I can barely walk. My legs are swollen from the knees up. I feel like Barry Bonds took a home run swing at my right knee, and followed it up with a Grand Slam on my left. My knees are so swollen, I can barely bend them, and the pain is so intense, I slept for 15 minutes at a time last night, because everytime I turned over, I would wake up.

It's agony. Was it worth it? I could say no, but I know I'd do it again, so I guess that answers it. I love the game...and I had a great time with the guys. I hope to be able to walk by weeks end, but I'll make no promises!!

Living Legends Concert Tour 2005: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

Date: July 21, 2005

Time: 7:00 pm

Location: Verizon Wireless Music Center, Noblesville, Indiana

Seats: Pavilion Section G, Row AA, Seats 21 and 22

"There's Pigeons there in Market Square, she's standing in her underwear." Tom Petty - Last Dance With Mary Jane

It's been a few years since I swore off Verizon. It was the Dave Matthews Band show. The show was sold out, it was absolutely packed, and it was miserable. Parking sucked...it took three hours to get out of the parking lot at the end of the show.

As the years ticked by, we started to make amends with the venue. But never again in the lawn (as we were for the Matthews show). We saw a few shows there, and it was ok...

Then came Tom Petty.

We left Columbus at 4:45. The venue is roughly an hour away. At about 7:00, we were still 1/2 mile from the exit. Stopped in bumper to bumper traffic. For 45 minutes! We finally entered the venue in time to see the Black Crowes play 2 songs from their set. It was, after all, nearly 8:00 at this point.

It had briefly rained, also, and our "pavilion seats", were not really under the pavilion. Needless to say (but I'm gonna say it anyway) the seats were soaked. Becky and I decided to make an exit strategy, because of the sold out nature of the show, and the impending second coming of rain, which loomed ever present during the night.

"God's Own Little Light Show"

When Tom Petty took the stage at 9:00, the thunder and lightning was crashing all around.

"Let's leave at 11," Becky said.

"I think we'll look at things at 10:30." I responded.

Well, we listened to about 6 or 7 classic Petty songs (and one Traveling Wilburys tune), when I turned to Becky and said, "Let's hit the road."

It was just before 10:00.

We got to the car, out of the parking lot (very quickly...duh, we left early!), and no sooner did we hit I-69, the rain hit us.

Hard.

We couldn't see the road. Cars pulled to the side. Not Becky, of course, cause she was unafraid. We got home around 11:45 or so, and hit the sack. The Black Crowes were really good (what we saw) and Tom Petty was excellent. It's just that damn Verizon. I'm going on record right now...unless someone else is driving, I will not return there. PERIOD. (it's too bad really, we had James Taylor tickets for this Tuesday...)
....

The next day, we found out the rain knocked out the power at the show, not 10 minutes after we left. Petty was mid song when it happened, and I guess the crowd kept singing the song. Tom was proud. He tried to play some more when the lights returned, but it wasn't happening. The power went out again, and the show was cancelled, leaving a sold out shows worth of people scrambling, wet, to the exits.

I bet that was fun.

Thank goodness we left when we did.

Run, Fat Boy, Run!!

It was hot Sunday...or maybe I'm just lazy, yeah, that's probably more the truth. Well, whatever the reason was, I decided to put off mowing the grass until Monday. It seemed like a good idea at the time...

Monday at work, the sky was bright, the sun was hot, and there was no indication that a storm lurked. I got home around 5:20, threw some shorts on and headed to the basement for my mowing shoes. While I was there, I made what I now realize, was my fatal mistake.

Laundry.

What does laundry have to do with mowing grass? Keep reading, and it will become clear.

As I was bouncing up the stairs, mowing shoes and a basket of towels in tow, Becky arrived home from work.

"What are you doing?" she asked, as it was odd I was actually doing laundry, and that I was thinking about mowing with the impending storm (which at this point, I still was unaware of.)

"Just thought I would grab these towels, and then go mow the grass like I promised I would."

She said the storm was racing our way. It relentlessly doused her on her trip home, and she suspected it would be hitting us very shortly.

I should have scrapped the plan, but at this point, I was pysched for mowing (oh, yeah...I have to get pysched up to mow...I'm lazy, remember?) I got the mower out and began.

The sky still looked clear. In the back of my head, I was laughing at the craziness of the thought of rain. I finished the back yard, and pulled the mower to the front, when I heard the crash of thunder in the distance.

I looked to the sky, and saw the black clouds rolling, slowly in my direction...I panicked. I started to jog the mower around the front yard.

"Come on, Tony, you can beat this..."

As the clouds got closer, my pace quickened. I made my way down the last row of grass, killed the beast, and made my way for the back. I was going to win. As I jogged, I noticed a tuft of grass I had missed. In a split second, my options were clear:

1. Forget the grass, no one will notice.
2. Fire up the beast and swipe that missed area.

I looked at the small section, and even though that grass was like a soldier, begging for me to save myself, I couldn't. I pulled the chord to the mower, and made the cut. Just as I had killed the beast, the first drops of rain started to fall, large and slow at first...

I made my way quickly across the front yard. With a mighty pull, I picked the beast up the stairs to the side porch and into the back yard. The sky opened up. The rain beat down fast and furiously down on me. I gave thought to ditching the mower, but it was pointless...I was going to get wet, I may as well go all the way.

I slammed the beast into the shed, and pumped my legs towards the house.

"Run, fat boy, run!!"

The house seemed so far away. I ran hard. I ran fast. (Ok, I don't run fast, who am I Carl Lewis?) I opened the door to the house and bounded into the towel draped arms of Becky, who had a compassionate look on her face...even if she was thinking "I told you so." I thanked her...not for being right about the rain, but for the towel. Come to think of it, if I hadn't brought those towels up from the laundry, I would have been greeted with only arms, because:

1. I wouldn't have needed a towel, because I would have beat the rain.

and

2. The towels would have still been in the dryer!

I ended up just slightly wet from the rain, but more so from the sweat. It took me a minute to catch my breath (the house is, like, 40 feet from the shed, people!!!) but then I muttered to Becky...

"Damn that laundry!!"

Living Legends Concert Tour 2005: Mark Knopfler

Date: July 14, 2005

Time: 7:30 pm

Location: Murat Theatre, Indianapolis, Indiana

Seats: balcony Center: Row U, Seats 13 and 14

"I can't do everything, but I'd do anything for you." Mark Knopfler - Romeo and Juliet

For those of you not in the know, Mark Knopfler was the lead singer/lead guitarist of the '80's band Dire Straits...you know, "Money For Nothing," "Sultans of Swing,"...ok, if you don't know Dire Straits by those two songs, then let's just move on.

The night opened in the beautiful Murat Theatre with the musically stylings of Bap Kennedy, an Irish singer noted for his song "Moonlight Kiss" on the Serendipity movie soundtrack. Never heard of him? Yeah, don't feel bad, I haven't, either. His 30 minute set included songs about, custom written for and tributed to Hank Williams and Elvis Presley. He also had a weird penchant for singing on the off beat of the music...not that I really know what that is, but it seemed odd.

Since he was on stage with his acoustic guitar, and accompanied only by a musician with an electric guitar, it was rather cool. Anytime someone can hold an audience without a backing band, they get my respect.

Mark Knopfler took the stage a little after 8. A greying/balding man with a black tee shirt and fresh blue jeans, Knopfler looks like your dad, but is probably way, way cooler. (Unless you are me or my brother...cause we all know my dad's the BOMB!!) The concert was very musically pleasing, maybe the most musically pleasing show I've ever been to. The Show was mixture of stunning piano arrangements, accompanied by Mark Knopfler's husky British voice, and smokin' guitar work. Some Blues, some Easy Listening, and some Rock and Roll. I would like to go on record as saying Knopfler is HIGHLY UNDERRATED as a guitarist. He is very skilled in making his axe sing.

The set list included several songs from Knopfler's solo career, interspersed with classic Dire Straits tunes. Some of the songs were lengthy...but the pureness of the music made them worth the pain in my knees from the lack of leg room. Knopfler definitely entertained, even though I wasn't familiar with his solo work. I must admit, I went on the basis of his Dire Straits catalog, but was pleasantly surprised with the concert as a whole.

After the concert, we walked across the street to our car, got out of the parking lot and on the road in less than 10 minutes. The Murat is not only a pleasing, intimate venue for a show, but it is also very easy to get into and out of. We were home, in bed, by Midnight. I highly recommend YOU go to see a concert at the Murat.

Becky and I have been waging our "Living Legends Concert Tour" for several years now, and I was reluctant to include Knopfler into the catergory of a "Living Legend." However, after seeing the show, I am proud to include him along the ranks of Clapton, Springsteen, Sir Paul McCartney, Dylan, and the ever increasing list of Legends we have had the pleasure to have seen.

BONDING

Bonding.

No, not bondage, you sicko!! Bonding...something so easy to accomplish, but yet, so hard to find time to do. This past Saturday, Becky, my brother (Andy) and I made the time for some Grade A bonding.

We started with some golf at Par 3 (where I shot a 72 to follow up my impressive 69 a few day before.) After we finished golfing, we ate some lunch and tried to figure out what we were going to do in the afternoon.

"We could go bowling." I suggested, even though I've only been bowling once in the past year...or two. The idea was quickly shot down. I pleaded for any other suggestions, when Andy finally spoke up.

"Let's go get tattoos!!" I slumped in the chair, knowing that wasn't going to happen, when something strange occurred...Becky said she was in.

I shook my head in definance. No way was I going to go to a tattoo place, or get myself poked a thousand times by a needle. No thanks. But they were persistant. Andy really wanted a tattoo with his youngest child's initial (as he has the rest of the kid's already) and Becky said she had wanted one for a long time.

I agreed to go, but not to get the ink. They smiled and bounced out the door as I drug myself from the chair to join them.

We went to three different places before ending up back at the first place we visited. Becky was up first. She chose the Japanese Kanji symbol for "peace" to go square on the top of her wrist, with some tribal bands coming from each side around her wrist, like a bracelet. The prep took a half hour, but the tat was inked out in about 10 minutes.

I have to admit, it looks pretty darn cool. I wouldn't have chosen the wrist to put it, but whatever. Andy was next. He picked his poison, a large tribal looking tattoo to go above his previous one on his right arm...a "C" in the middle. For those of you not in the know, his son's name is Chandler. Before the art began, the tattoo guy had to run a quick errand.

While we waited, Becky and Andy began the attack.

"Come on, Tony, you know you need to get one!!"
"Yeah, mine didn't hurt at all, you wuss!!"

I did see an appealing image, a shamrock with the green, white and orange of Ireland's flag in the center that I considered getting...their encouragment convinved me. I had one reservation. The price. I told them, if he wouldn't do it for $xxx, then I was out. Thinking there was no way he would go so low, I thought I would be spared.

I was in.

The tattoo artist returned, and I asked him quickly how much the shamrock would cost, hoping to go ahead and crush the promise I made to Andy and Becky.

Wouldn't you know it...without me reveiling my price, he named it. I couldn't back out now.

Andy was ready for his ink, but the guy announced he had to leave on some family emergency. He promised to knock $25 off the already cheap tattoo if Andy would return the next day. Andy, of course agreed.

Too bad I had promised to play golf with Dad and the guys Sunday...looks like I was saved at the zero hour!! Andy and Becky tried to get me to cancel, but I couldn't...or wouldn't.

They returned Sunday and Andy got his tat. They told the guy I would be back in to get mine, and I really think I will follow through. I don't think I could break the promise I made to them, in our moment of bonding. I'll update you, and let you know...maybe I will get some pictures up here, too.

Last Train to Clarksville

Thursday, DAY 4:

After my big win, I decided to find some place to spend my windfall Thursday. I found an Antique place in Clarksville...or was it Clarkville? Ah, potato...po-tot-o.

Anyhoo, I dropped Becky at work, and headed the 11 miles to Clarksville. The town, once again, was small, and besides a nice looking sit down restaurant and the Antique center, the town had nothing to offer. I pulled into the drive at the Antique center and...you guessed it, OPEN AT 10.

It was 8:30.

Ugh.

I continued down the road, through the small towns of Missouri, encountering nothing but an occasional grain silo, or beat up pick up truck (reminded me of home, actually...ha ha) I drove for about a half hour, and found a Dollar General Store. Of course, it was 8:50, and the store opened at 9 (at least it wasn't 10 like every place else!!) At 9, I finally went in to kill some time.

By 9:06 I was back on the road. It seems the Dollar General doesn't have much in the way of time killers. Plus, everyone was looking at me kinda strange. I was, after all, the only non-overall wearing person in the store.

I took a loop around Clarksville that ate the rest of the time up. Was it worth my wait? Not really. I found a few records (one nice Beatles "She Loves You" on Swan...which I bought.) Overall, I'm glad I went, but could have took it or left it. I met up with Becky for some lunch, and went back to the hotel.

Friday, DAY 5:

Becky drove herself to work, and I packed up the hotel room. She only worked until 10:30, so we had the day free. We went to Sawyers Creek and hit the mini-golf course. I was determined to beat her...but, as usual, she took me to school.

Damn non-regulation courses. I swear the greens sloped!!

We hit the road, Indiana bound. It was a nice week. Hot, but nice. It's always good to get away from work, even if your destination is the small towns of Missouri.

High Roller

Wednesday, DAY 3:

When I was at the grocery store Tuesday, I bought a lottery ticket and won $10. Then I went to the hotel and bought a Coke...the cap reveiled I had won a free 2 litter. My luck was good, so Wednesday, I deceided to throw caution to the wind, and drive 90 miles to Terrible's Mark Twain Casino in La Grange, MO.

I'm not a big gambler, but I do enjoy the occasional riverboat excursion. Apparently, gaming is legal in The Big MO, so there was no boat involved. Just walk in, and give them your money. Easy.

I sat at the video poker machine with $100, my allowance for gambling. I was doing ok. Whenever I won a sizable amount, I would cash out the ticket, and put in in my pocket. I was down to my last playable $20, and I had $110 in tickets in my pocket, so I knew I was going back with a little more than I came with. I sat down at the poor man's machine...the Nickel Video Poker, for some Three-Hand Deuces are Wild Poker. 15 credits at a time (.75 cents) with a progressive Jackpot running for a Natural (no pairs) Royal Flush.

I played for awhile...winning some, losing some. I was almost busted, when I was dealt the 10, Jack, Queen, and King of Spades. Four cards to the natual royal!! My pulse quickened.

I held the four, took a breath, and crossed my fingers...my toes...my legs...and my eyes. I hit the deal button.

The first hand popped up a Deuce. ROYAL FLUSH!! Unfortunately, it wasn't natural, so the pay out was 125 coins ($6.25). The second hand popped up the ACE OF SPADES!!! The screen flashed JACKPOT!! I couldn't believe it, I hit the jackpot!! Payout...4800 coins...$240 DOLLARS!! Sweet baby Jesus, $240 !!

The third hand popped up, but I don't know what that card ended up being, and who cared?!? I had won $240 bucks. So, I cashed out, took the tickets to the window and made off with my $350 in cold hard cash. ($250 total winnings...I started with $100, remember?)

I slapped on my new Terrible's Mark Twain Casino hat that I got free for being such a high roller (ok, they gave it to me at the door for being new to the casino, so what?) and I treated Becky to a nice dinner at the Lighthouse restaurant overlooking the Mississippi River.

...to be continued...

Missouri is for Late Sleepers

When you work hard for a living, the greatest time of year is vacation time. Even though I don't work hard, I also enjoy vacation. I hope you didn't miss me too much...

...you didn't notice did you?

Anyway, Becky and I whisked ourselves to the lush tropical landscape of far off Missouri!! Ah, yes, Missouri. What do you mean Missouri isn't lush? Not tropical, either? I bet you're wondering why we would choose Missouri. Well, it chose us, actually. Becky had to go there for work, so, since the hotel, gas, and her food were all paid for, it seemed like the perfect cheap vacation. So, off we went.

Monday, DAY 1:

I dropped Becky off at work and set off for Hannibal, MO to do a wee bit'o Antique shopping (ok, record shopping). I arrived at 9:00 ish, but alas, the antique store didn't open until 10. For those of you not in the know, Hannibal is small...and there aren't a lot of things to do there, so I deceided to tour Mark Twain's boyhood home.

I've never been a Mark Twain fan, too hard to read the dialect, but I'm always thirsty for some knowledge, so I went. It was really rather informative and neat. Who knew Mark Twain was so witty? You did? Well, sorry Einstein, I guess I'm not as smart as you are!!

When I finished there, the Antique place was opened. I found a bag full of records, and made my way around town to a couple of other places, ate a bite at Sonic, and returned to the hotel. My plan was thus...

1. Hook up the X Box
2. Play the X Box
3. Pick up Becky at 5.

Damn, it's hard to hook up an X Box to a hotel TV, especially when you're in a town the size of my car. After a good hour, I finally got it hooked up, played a few games, and had to leave.

Tuesday, DAY 2:

The plan for day 2 was simple enough. Drop Becky at work, pick up Cokes and rent a game...X Box all day long. (Like I said, the town was small, and I wanted to pace myself.)

I grabbed the cokes and headed for the rental store.

OPEN AT 10:00

"What the...what's wrong with this part of Missouri?!? Can't open anything before 10?" I looked down at the clock...9:02. Shit.

So, I drove down the road a bit, and found a pawn shop. I stopped in, looked at the CD's...picked out Simon and Garfunkel's Greatest Hits. Cool. Talked to the counter help a bit...then found the XBox game I wanted to rent in the case for $10. Screw you 10 o'clock opening rental store, I'll just buy the game!! So, after waiting another half hour while some whiny ass customer tried, in vain, to pawn a car stereo for $300 (are you kidding me?) I was able to check out, and return to the room...


...to be continued...