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Pure garbage video makes for BRILLIANT comedy 

11/27/2013

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OK.. I finally broke down and had to watch Miley Cyrus' Wrecking Ball video. It's official, the last person on Earth with a computer or TV, has now seen it. My opinion... Well, I guess it's still true... SEX SELLS. Perhaps for my next video I can top this and be seen nude humping a small pool of green jello with a jackhammer while whip cream comes pouring from the ceiling on top of me. Nahh.. sounds like a lot work... and really sticky.

Seeing how the video has nothing creative or interesting to offer, leave it up to Conan O'Brien to at least make it brilliantly funny.
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Why I Run

11/26/2013

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I love running. I realize how strange this statement sounds to some people. When making it, I tend to get the same kind of question from non runners asking, how I could love something that causes me so much pain and discomfort. I had a friend once tell me, “I hate running. If you see me running down the street, throw a blanket over me because I must be on fire!” It can be somewhat of a challenge to express the love for running to someone with this sort of attitude and fear of spontaneous human combustion. But today, I’m digging deep and feel a need to express it. I do not expect every non runner to read this and make a bee-line for the nearest Nike outlet but, maybe just a better understanding of why we “crazy people” do this “crazy” thing.
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 I started running as a teenager out of overwhelming frustration and stress (oh those wonder years). Confused about how to deal with my then situation I pulled a Forest Gump and bolted out of the house and started running down the street… and kept running. Totally unplanned, wearing blue jeans, and no water. Forget complex carbohydrates, I had pure teenage angst fueling this run. In the end I think I only made it to the other side of the next town but it was great because I was so damn exhausted to even think about all those things that were gnawing at my brain at the time.

Gradually my runs became less spontaneous and more planned and deliberate. What started out as a way to exhaust myself from thinking had become a way to think more clearly. A running meditation if you will. No music, in tune with my surrounding, listening to the rhythm of my footsteps, awareness of my breathing, I feel like there is a real art to it and is very similar to traditional meditation in some ways.

Besides the physically fit advantages, I feel running has helped me on life’s journey and has personally shown me a path leading to better and brighter days. I’m more confident and can step out of my comfort zone more easily because of it. When I’m on those hot and sweaty long runs I kind of feel like I’m being purified and I’m recreating a better me. American Philosopher William James was quoted saying, "Beyond the extreme of fatigue and distress, we may find amounts of ease and power we never dreamed ourselves to own". 

I don’t know if running is for everybody but it works for me. I you feel like you want to give it a go, give your body some time to adapt and you might surprise yourself by suddenly subscribing to Runner’s World Magazine. Unfortunately “Most people don’t run far enough of their first wind to discover they have a second” WJ.


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Bizarre Breakfast at Starved Rock Lodge

11/21/2013

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With only 2 hrs of driving left to go before I arrive home after the Nameless to Famous tour, I decided to treat myself to a nice breakfast out at The Starved Rock Lodge in Utica, IL. There I can take a moment before getting back into the daily routine of booking gigs, practicing, etc.. But what I experienced in the restaurant there was kinda bizarre, so I had to write a little about it.

Although I snapped a picture and posted it below, let me describe the whole scene for you. I arrive at Starved Rock, a park well known for it's wildlife, waterfalls, Native American history and folklore. As I make my way into the lodge and through the main hall with it's massive double sided fireplace and old 13 star American flags I feel like I stepped back in time. I also feel the undeniable craving for pancakes and bacon. So, from there I make a right and head for the restaurant. From there I can see yet another roaring fireplace and the tree tops beyond the room's windows due to the high ridge location of the lodge. The early morning sun is shining in and Inside are many thick wooden rustic looking tables and chairs with about 15 elderly hungry patrons enjoying their breakfast. 
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As I get closer to doorway I can hear music but can't make out what the song is. It must be ending and it's fading out I thought. Anyway the hostess greets me and begins to lead me to my table where I will dine on my pancakes, sip my coffee, sit, relax and enjoy the ambiance of this great historic lodge and scenery. 


As we're nearly at my table a new song begins. Now, let me ask you.. after all I described and looking at the picture I took, what would be appropriate for this moment? Well, whatever your thinking it wasn't that. 


Here comes the song now... there's the ever increasing volume of guitar feedback... wheeEEEEE SLOW RIDE! da na na na na TAKE IT EASY! Yea, it was "Slow Ride" by Foghat. Don't get me wrong, it's a cool song but SO inappropriate for the hour and the setting. But wait, it gets better! I order my food and ponder if these folks hearing aids are on. They all have at least 30 years on me. How can I be the only one that is thinking this? Then, that song ends and I figure it was just a fluke in the mix. Maybe what's next is lighter Beatles's tune like "Yesterday". Nope, it's Dio's "Rainbow in the Dark"!! Are you f-in kidding me! It may have been a few decades since you've heard this song so I posted it below as a refresher. Hit play, look at the pic above and I bet you never would have guessed that this song was playing at that moment. Ha ha.. just so weird. 

I pointed all this out all this to my waitress thinking she would think this is as funny as I do. She had little reaction to was I was saying. So I thought. Eventually the manager came over.

"I was told you have a problem with the music Sir?" 

"What? No.. I do find that it's really inappropriate for your clientele especially for the morning though." 
 
"Well, I can't change the station Sir but I can turn it down if it is bothering you."

​Wait a second, I'm the young one here. What the hell is going on? I told her, "If you think this is all Okay, by all means crank it up. This is just pure entertainment for me at this point." 


A couple songs later in was Glen Frey's "The Heat is On"...    I left.
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Home!

11/20/2013

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(Yesterdays post.. posted TODAY)
Today will be the last long day of driving for the tour to CA and back. We'r heading out now to play a show in Peoria Heights, IL tonight and then a home town show at The House Pub this Sunday. With it all winding down I started thinking about all the folks we met doing this. The majority have been so generous and nice it's made the tour really worth doing. What has kept it interesting are the crazies. Like the conspiracy fueled mind of Charlie the bigot who also claims to be a descendant of Pocahontas. Then there's the oh so memorable eye patch wearing, crotch grabbing guy who liked to practice his Karate moves at Starbucks. They all have there place in this world and what a wonderfully colorful world it is. John and I are a little road weary but are already talking about other possible tours in the near future. Cheers to all our venue hosts, new and old friends and fans. Thanks for welcoming us into your town/club/home.

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Nameless to Famous Tour, Final Episode "Hollywood!"

11/16/2013

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See what happens in the 5th and final episode of our mockumentary when we finally make it to Hollywood. Hollywood, The land where dreams come true and stars are born. 
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LA

11/14/2013

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Well, we made it to LA. I think these pics some it all up... friends, weirdness, and The Foggy Mountains. Going up the steep hills to the Hollywood sign proved to much for the van. It's OK now.. making our way to Phoenix for the next show. 
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Turnstile V.i.p. House Concert "Making Tracks"

11/14/2013

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House concert

11/11/2013

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Friday night’s Turnstile VIP Event was a huge success thanks to Suzanne Bayles and all the volunteers. Thanks to Dave and Mary Ann for hosting the party and letting a bunch of strangers come into their beautiful home. All the hard work Suzanne put into this show paid off in the form of great food, laughs and of course music.

Suzanne, John, Lydia, Erin and Dante the dog were all kind enough to put us up for the night. What a treat it was to sleep in a bedroom and be able to actually stand up to put your pants on in the morning. And guess what? They had indoor plumbing too! We took showers, washed some clothes and Lydia and Suzanne made us breakfast in the morning. We’re so spoiled now! Who needs Hollywood, we’re staying here! OK OK… heading out now. Hollywood, here we come!


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Nameless to Famous Episode 4 "The Heist"

11/11/2013

1 Comment

 
See what happens when we get desperate for gas money.
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Nameless to Famous Tour, Episode 3 "Arches"

11/7/2013

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Our first of two vacation days of the tour at Arches National Park in UT. See arches from the view of my video camera as I run through the park on primitive trails with steep drop offs and of course breathtaking views.
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November 05th, 2013

11/5/2013

2 Comments

 
OK folks, here is your personal tour of the van we've been living in while out on the road. It's cozy to the extreme! 
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Day 2: “Kleptomaniac”  Rochester to Hays

11/3/2013

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Day 2: “Kleptomaniac”

Rochester IL to Hays KS  

One of our goals on this tour is not only to become rich and famous but also to not leave any of our gear behind. I can’t tell you how much money I’ve spent on re-buying items like cables, harmonicas, etc. After a good night sleep at the winery we played last night, we loaded up the van the next morning being very careful not to forget anything. We locked up as instructed and were on our way. A few hundred miles down the road I get a phone call from Loren, the owner of the winery.

Loren - “Jim, this is Loren. Did you guys take a back bag with all my cables and microphones because I don’t see it here?”

Jim – “No, but I’ll look in the van just in case if it makes you feel better.”

The first thing I see… a black bag.

Jim – “John, is this yours?”

John – “Oh no! I thought that was yours so I grabbed it.”

Spending 3 weeks on the road with John I expected to learn a lot about him, but him being a kleptomaniac is not one of them. So anyway, we quickly made our way to the nearest UPS store in Kansas (which is not close cuz, it’s Kansas) just before they closed and had the bag shipped back to the winery. Catastrophe one, solved.

When this trip is over I’m really going have to check my bags to make sure I got everything. John can no longer be trusted. I see how he has been eying my capo.


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After a long day of driving we decided to sleep at Campground Walmart. Somehow we were able to sleep among the howling wind and the rattling of shopping carts. Boy that store was big! Out of all that merchandise to choose from, I bought .34 cents of bananas.

Okay, Boulder CO here we come! Really looking forward to this gig tonight.

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Day 1: "The Note"  Chicago to rochester

11/3/2013

3 Comments

 
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Day 1: “The Note”

Chicago IL to Rochester IL

We finished our first show on the way to fame and fortune last night at The Walnut Winery near Springfield, IL. There weren’t a lot of folks there surprisingly. Seeing how it’s the beginning of the tour, I guess word hasn’t got out about how we’re going to be big stars once we reach Hollywood. Otherwise, I’m sure there would have been droves of fans lining up to get in. I’m sure that’s going to happen as the tour continues. I can’t wait! I’m really looking forward to roughing up a paparazzi photographer and smashing his camera. I’m also preparing for a very vicious Twitter fight with Miley Cyrus.

Seriously though, the show went great. There was a nice supportive and fun crowd there, we sold some cds  and our host Loren, set up a couple cots and let us sleep among the many bottles of wine. As we fell asleep, one of the employees Mckinsey, was finishing cleaning and locking up. Before she left she surprised us by leaving some money with this note. 


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    Jim Green - musician, runner, cyclist, vegan, tax payer.

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