Grandmother's Passing

Yesterday, Feb 23rd, we held a memorial service for my Grandmother, (my father's mother), who died from a stroke she suffered on Sunday, the same day my mother suffered a seizure (she is all right now). All of her children were there and my cousin Brian spoke for only a few minutes but said everything we were thinking and said it wonderfully.

This is one of those situations where the cause is terrible, but one of the results has been that our family has connected again, including the grandchildren. Hopefully, as we all come together to remember our grandmother and take care of our grandfather, I think that bond will be stronger. Most of the work had been done by my grandmother in the past, and we need to re-establish that network individually.

We spent a few hours going through boxes of old photos, and that went a long way towards that reconnection, even with everyone spread around the country. Maybe something good will come out of this after all.

Later

Night of the Storm

Don't know how you are doing, but I am safe at home, watching an awful basketball game. State is not playing real well and Michigan is playing awful. I like what Tommy Amaker has done with the team off the court, but his Michigan teams just do not seem to improve from year to year and during the year. I think he has got to be on a short leash, where maybe he must make the tourney next year or is gone. Thinking of Michigan coaches makes me wonder about the last big game that Lloyd Carr's team has won and I don't think you can count Notre Dame this year.

Another thought, that I thought I had thought of, but apparently Jason did first, was that it seems The Daily Show has become the new breeding ground for comedic talent. It used to be Saturday Night Live, then stand up, now the people for the Daily Show seem to be heading out and doing other work.
Kilborn - Late Late Show
Colbert - Colbert Report
Carell - Office, 40 Year Old Virgin
Black - Started stand up, really big now
Corddry - The Winner
Corddry - Studio 60
Rachael Harris - TV commercials and shows
Ed Helms - Several episodes of The Office

The interesting thing is that the current crop of correspondents is top notch - John Oliver, John Hodgman, Jason Jones, Samantha Bee, Rob Riggle, Asif Mondvi, all damn good.

So, until next time, later

Hello again and Winter Blast

Hello again, it's been a few months since I posted, but I thought I would try a little.

First: Current Song - Wandrin' Star - Lee Marvin from Paint Your Wagon Soundtrack - 4 stars

Few interesting things - last night I went with my friend Kathy (and we met her friends Kate and Lisa) down to the Detroit Winter Blast - and we had a blast. Sorry, had to use it.

At the Michigan Lottery stage, I watched ? and the Mysterians just rock the heck out of the place. I tell you what, if you like having a good time, like mid-sixties rock done right, with some soul and R&B, check these guys out. You can't take your eyes off of ?, he is so dynamic on stage. On the link above, you will see information regarding how to help ? out since his house burned down in January. Once you see him live, you will want to help. It's hard to say it more, go see him.

Kathy and her friends went and saw a Zydeco band that she said was pretty good.

Current Song - Puff the Magic Dragon - Peter, Paul and Mary - 4 stars

Later, one of my new favorites bands, although I had seen them years ago, but I am now digging them a lot more, got on staged and blew the flaps of the tent, The Twistin' Tarantulas. They play fun, dancable Rockabilly, with some heavier stuff thrown in, like covering Blitzkreig Bop and Ace Spades. Just watching Pistol Pete on the upright bass is nearly worth the price of admission, but the guitar player, who looks 16 years old and Pete says he is still 15, is astounding. Unfortunately, I can't remember his name. Pete, update the web page for his name, especially when he turns 16. I would feel guilty if I didn't mention the drummer, but not that much - just kidding, he provides a great backbone for the guys to run with the music.

There was a lot of people downtown, and we hung out in the food tent (mashed potatoes in martini glasses from one booth, hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps from another - I spose if I was a better, more responsible blogger, I would have gotten names better). Then we hit the Town Pump, which had a live blues band (who need to learn not to screech the mike as much) and was pretty busy. Eye candy was top notch.

Anyway, great night

Current Song - Stand Up Comic - Ray Davies, from CD Other People's Lives - 4 stars

Well, it appears my laundry is done, see you again soon

Sean