The 12 (now 14) Songs of Christmas

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me........

Enough of that, I desire to write something a little different this year as well as offer a holiday listening treat so may I present the 12 songs of Christmas, not the typical yuletide melodies but something a little more unique, a bit out of the box and extraordinary.

1) On the first day of Christmas my editor gave to me, SisterBrother's  - "We Three Kings"
Enjoy this extremely original rendition of one of my personal holiday favorites recorded by one of today's hottest acts, SisterBrother, a unique indie duo formed by brother and sister-in law, Nathan Horst and Suzanna Espamer, produced by Nathan's studio, Attic Studios, in Harrisburg, PA.




2) On the second day of Christmas, my editor gave to me, Twisted Sister's - "Heavy Metal Christmas".  I can't help but include the world's most famous heavy metal transvestite's satire of a Christmas classic from the album, Twisted Christmas.  If you are a fan of heavy metal and can afford it, please purchase the entire album on iTunes.  You will certainly enjoy this twisted view of Christmas, particularly the mash between "Oh Come All Ye Faithful" and "We're Not Gonna Take it".



Just in case you're unable to understand all of the words, I've included them below.  This song completes any heavy metal lover's arsenal of Christmas tunes.

On my heavy metal Christmas my true love gave to me,
12 silver crosses
11 black mascaras
10 pairs of platforms
9 tattered t-shirts
8 pentagrams
7 leather jackets
6 cans of hairspray
5 skull earrings
4 quarts of Jack
3 studded belts
2 pairs of spandex pants
and a tattoo of Ozzy!

3) On the third day of Christmas my editor gave to me, Pierce Brochetti's - "Silent Night"
I recently met LA rocker Pierce through Facebook and I would certainly fill amiss if I did not include his instrumental presentation of this wonderful Christmas classic.  Please check out Pierce on iTunes or Reverbnation as he also offers a pretty cool version of Happy Birthday, which shows a bit more of his guitar virtuosity.


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4) On the fourth day of Christmas, my editor gave to me, Trans Siberian Orchestra's - "Carol of the Bells".  Last week, I thoroughly enjoyed the privilege of covering this act on assignment in Tampa , Florida and was able to obtain this video of them performing "Carol of the Bells" with a bit of "God Bless Ye Merry Gentlemen" thrown in.  Please allow this one to soak in and permeate your being.  Nothing in music compares to the spectacular extravaganza displayed by this unique band that blends classical music, heavy metal, and motown.  I still feel goosebumps every time I listen or allow one of their tunes to start playing in my head.




5) On the 5th Day of Christmas my editor gave to me, Bob Marley's - "White Christmas".  Not one of Marley's best, I included this rare recording because of the irony associated with a White Christmas in Kingston.  I would expect more of a green ganga Christmas from the rasta men!




6) On the 6th Day of Christmas, my editor gave to me, Kutless' - "Mary Did You Know".
This tune, originally written by the Gaither's Mark Lowrey, and recorded by Gary Chapman, Rascall Flats, Reba McIntyre, Hayley Westenra, Kenny Rogers, and a huge host of others stands alone as my all time favorite Christmas song.  After listening to this song performed since the early 1990's by many different artists, it still brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it as well as one time that I had to perform it live and became so choked up that I could hardly sing. Please enjoy this rocked up version by Kutless, which is now my favorite rendition.  I'm certainly glad I discovered this version.

 

7) On the 7th Day of Christmas my editor gave to me, Heart's - "Here is Christmas"
This beautiful Christmas tune from Heart's "A Lovemonger's Christmas" surprisingly receives little or no airplay during the holiday season from radio stations that promote Christmas and holiday music.  So please allow yourself to enjoy it here.



8) On the 8th Day of Christmas my editor gave to me, Jars of Clay's  - "Little Drummer Boy".
While "Mary Did You Know" is probably my favorite all-time Christmas song, Jars of Clay is one of my all time favorite bands right up there with Pink Floyd , Yes, Led Zeppelin, and Stevie Ray.  Every year, I look forward to the opportunity of hearing this incredibly unique yet tasteful version of this classic song performed in a way that can only be done by Jars.



9) On the 9th day of Christmas, my editor gave to me, Black Label Society's - "The First Noel".
One man band, Black Label Society, and guitarist for front man Ozzie, the intimidating and scary looking  Zak Wylde, records an unusual and incredibly virtuositous rendition of the First Noel with clear, clean melodies, and blazing signature guitar riffs without Zak's typical overuse of tremolo.  It pleased me to realize that Zak donates every dime from the sale of this tune on iTunes to charity so please step up and buy this one.  The scary man possesses a real heart for humanity.



10) On the 10th Day of Christmas my editor gave to me, Ronnie James Dio's - "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen".
Because of it's slightly ominous nature, I debated over including this rendition but when I heard the unaltered words sung by the now deceased accused Satan worshiper, I'm forced to include this one.  The words of this song carry a huge Christian message and I find it amusing being carried by Ronnie James Dio.  Beware members of Westboro Baptist Church in Los Angeles, who protested at his funeral.  As messengers, God has used stutterers, prostitutes, tax collectors, adulterers, murders, and even an ass.  So why not, Ronnie Dio.  I love Tony Iommi on guitar during this one.



11) On the eleventh day of Christmas, my editor gave to me Jethro Tull's - "Greensleeves"
This beautiful rendition from the rock icon featuring the crisp flute playing of Ian Anderson flanked by a full arrary of back up instruments stands tall as a somewhat traditional yet fresh version of a very old classic.



12) On the twelfth day of Christmas my editor gave to me Third Day's - "Do You Here What I Hear"
From a Christmas special from one of today's top grossing Christian Bands, please listen to Mac Powell and Third Day performing a very unique and touching version of another holiday classic.



13) On the thirteenth day of Christmas, my editor gave to me Jeff Taulton's - "The Precious Day." After originally publishing this article including 12 songs corresponding to the twelve days of Christmas I received this one, perhaps the best of all, from my friend Jeff Taulton in Boonsboro, Maryland. Please listen closely as the words say it all!




14) On the fourteenth Day of Christmas my editor gave to me Bon Jovi's - I Wish Every Day Coud Be Like Christmas
After my worst reporting faux pas to date, the incorrect message that Jon Bon Jovi had died earlier today, and out of respect for the man who stands as a rock icon, I'm now adding another song to the list as it keeps growing longer.  Please enjoy this clip as the man who is still alive performs this wonderful original Christmas tune.

Trans Siberian Orchestra Live in Tampa

Imagine a sensory smorgasbord, a buffet of auditory and visual delicacies, a journey where fantasy becomes reality as you allow yourself to witness peace over persecution, joy over darkness, and imbibe in overwhelming pleasure. Words simply cannot describe the spectacular event know as a Trans Siberian Orchestra (TSO) show.  This spectacular musical extravaganza brings utter amazement to the senses as they strive to maintain pace with the multitude of simultaneous events occurring on stage and all around the arena as guitars and violins wail, a dozen singers harmonize, dazzling lights blaze from all angles, fog pervades and fire erupts.

This event lives as the vision of legendary producer, lyricist, and composer, Paul O'Neill, who, in 1993, formed the band that blends classical and rock into a unique fusion, able to entertain fans of virtually all ages.  O'Neill managed to form this unparalleled band as a marriage between his experience producing metal bands, Aerosmith and AC/DC, with his admiration for the progressive music of Yes and Pink Floyd, and his love for the beautiful R&B harmonies of the Four Tops and the Temptations.  What emerged exists as one of music's top drawing live and top selling recorded acts.

Last night, I enjoyed the rare privilege of witnessing TSO live in Tampa performing a two part show in which they enacted Christmas Eve and Other Stories, a rock opera included in their Christmas trilogy, and then continued with a mixture of songs from the remainder of their albums, but primarily devoted to Christmas. Prior to the opening act, band leader and MC for the night, guitarist Chris Caffrey, handed local DJ, Mason Dixon, a check made payable to the Mason Dixon Charitable Foundation, for over $8,000, representing $1 for every ticket sold.  To date, the band has donated over $10 million to local charities.

During the first part, narrator, Brian Hicks, wove an incredible tale of a young man, portrayed by heavy metal vocalist Ronny Munroe, who wanders into a bar on Christmas Eve where he encounters a mysterious old man who tells him a tale about the magical effect of Christmas day on the human race. The band interlaces theatrically embellished music along with the story, accompanied by an incredible assortment of lights,  pyrotechnics, and moving, animated trusses and catwalks. With no intermission, only a brief introduction of the vocalists by Caffrey, the band immediately commenced the second half performing Christmas classics like "Christmas Canon", "Faith Noel" and "Carol of the Bells" with the unmistakable heavy metal touch that only TSO delivers.

O'Neill only allows the band to perform Christmas music only during November and December, so to encompass as many venues as possible, the group splits into two separate touring units thus enabling them to hit most major cities during the hectic holiday season. From now until Christmas, the split band will perform 4 shows day per day, an exhaustive schedule, particularly when the stage crew needs 15 hours just to set up the elaborate special effects. TSO merges back into one cohesive group for touring and performing the remainder of the year. With this wider span of calendar, TSO launches on another tour right after New Year's Day performing Beethoven's Last Night, enabling them to slightly slow the pace and hit many smaller cities and venues. I witnessed the east crew, featuring Caffrey and Night Ranger's Joel Hoekstra on guitar, David Z on bass, violinist Roddy Chong, and drummer, Jeff Plate, who has been with TSO since their formation in 1993, as well as a host of vocalists, and members of Tampa's local symphony orchestra. 

Trans Siberian Orchestra stands at the forefront, propelling and evolving a genre created by Emerson, Lake and Palmer, Yes, and King Crimson, continuing to amaze and astonish their fans with every theatrical trick in the book.  If ever presented the opportunity, please do yourself a favor and witness this spectacle first hand. I've attended 10-20 concerts per year for the last thirty years and have not observed anything like it.  After the finale, I sat in my chair, in awe, unable to move, until the crowd slowly dissipated.

Enjoy this clip from last night as TSP performs "Carol of the Bells"

Obama'a Golf Swing

I recently received this email from my friend, Matt Romney with the following message:

Since taking office, President Obama has repeatedly promised he would “not rest until every American who is able and ready and willing to work can find a job.” And 1,584 holes of golf later, the President has stayed true to this promise by staying busy on the links.

This figure doesn’t bode well with the twenty-five million Americans who are currently unemployed, underemployed, or have stopped looking for work.


It’s time to have a president whose idea of being “hands on” doesn’t mean getting a better grip on the golf club.

Donate $18 to help me put President Obama on a permanent vacation:


At first glance, this seemed incredulous to me!  With our country in the midst of fiscal and civic ruin, and while fighting wars on two seperate fronts, our beloved leader and Commander-in-Chief gallivants across the green, whacking small, white balls, on our dime and our time, for 1,584 holes smiling the entire time like the Cheshire cat.  This dude hit more holes than Bill Clinton!

Mitt's ad  initially elicited the expected reaction from me.  Our president putts around the course as the country sinks, surrounded by the enormous presence of expense of the Secret Service.  My overactive imagination flashed images of Nero fiddling while Rome burned.

I sat in utter astonishment, then reality sunk in and I simply performed the math.  1,584 divided by 18 holes per round equals 88 rounds of golf.  The President assumed office in January of 2009 which was approximately 148 weeks ago.  So, Barack Obama plays one round of golf on average once every 13 days weeks or approximately twice per month.

Regardless of our opinion of him, it appears to me that the man performing one of the globe's most stressful professions should have an opportunity to unwind and relax on occasion.  Personally, I require much more down time than two rounds of golf per month.

Mitt, will you start attacking him for reading a book, shooting a few hoops, or playing with the kids?  How would you enjoy criticism for running every day or the occasional hunt?

While Barack Obama spent valuable time playing 1,584 holes of golf, Mitt Romney spent a similar amount of time running 3,108 miles.

Mitt, as a hunter, why are you unable to realize the relative ease in finding shots to fire at Obama in regard to a poor understanding of economics, health care reform propaganda, high unemployment, favoring importers over exporters, and the very real likelihood that he is not an natural born citizen of the United States?  Do you really think that you will garner support, in the polls and financially, by attacking golfers, a hobby practiced by a skewed percentage of conservatives?

A country club only a few miles from my house is currently running a pre-season special to attract extra business from non-members.  I believe that rather than sending my $18 to the Romney campaign, I will invest in 18 holes of fun for myself.  And Mitt, if you are counting, that will give me a tally for the year of 54 holes of golf as I have desired to squander my valuable time on motorcycling and playing music!

During my time on the greens, I think I'll focus a bit on the attributes of Michele Bachmann, a woman of impeccable character and integrity, who is in the primaries against you.  I will find it much more difficult to criticize or pick on her but I'm sure I'll find something interesting to write!

"We Three Kings" by Sister Brother"

Eventually, I will review their full length freshman LP, but until then, enjoy this fresh version of a Christmas classic recorded by one of today's hottest acts, SisterBrother, featuring one of my all-time favorite musicians and producers, Nathan Horst.

Back to the Political Circus

I know it appears odd, particularly to my readers from several years ago, that I've dabbled little in politics and the hilarity behind it.  Many remember during the 2008 election year, I, along with a few others, first exposed the possibility that Barack Obama may not be a natural born U.S. citizen, one of the few requirements necessary to obtain the position of President.  The story gained some ground, hit mainstream news, and then surprisingly disappeared beneath the rug that we figuratively sweep things under.  I have no intention of re-hashing that story now although I may plunge into it  again as we more closely approach the actual election.  If one would like to read more on the Obama birth certificate scandal, please look at my blog archives and read the stories from that period in time.

Since the last presidential election, I blogged little as life consumed me, then returned to write but chose subjects that I personally find more interesting like music, concerts, and motorcycles. I've also attempted to adopt the discipline of simplicity which has led me to almost entirely abandon television so I am not the least bit up to date on current events or the details of where we stand right now in the 2012 election process.  So today, I have the distinct advantage of writing from a vantage of naivety and innocence which may cause me to appear stupid or ignorant, or on the other hand, allow me to offer a fresh, fairly unbiased perspective.  But I heard bits and pieces of news today that struck my funny bone so hard that I felt compelled to write something tonight. 

Continue to keep in mind that I've not followed politics at all for the past three years so in my research to brush up, imagine my amazement as  I discover a list of 16 Candidates for the Republican nomination for President of the United States.  I understand that as the incumbent, protocol dictates no Democrat may compete for the ticket against Barack Obama, so please let's look at this list and allow me the opportunity for naive comment.

Herman Cain

Knowing little of the man, I instantly liked him as a potential candidate when I heard his view of the political system and realized the long list of qualifications on his resume.  I understand that days ago he withdrew from the race because of allegations of sexual misconduct.  I don't quite understand that.  I observed the same behavior from a Mr. Clinton many years ago and it actually propelled his popularity to a whole new level. Not that I condone any of it but I guess what's good for the goose (Democrat) may not be equally good for the gander (Republican).  Or maybe it's a racist thing?  I would love to stir that pot!

Newt Gingrich

I thought this man disappeared from the political scene many years ago after his tenure as Speaker of the House of Representatives?  Now apparently out of retirement and the purported front runner for the nomination, is a man that has already buried the stories of his sexual misconduct.  But I did hear that Herman Cain was a possible running mate for Newt so that would make an interesting ticket of the Two Players, bigger skirt chasers than Al and Bill?

And the story that caught my attention today and forced me back into blogging politics was the leak that Newt Gingrich used tax payer dollars three times for anal bleaching. Who has their ass bleached?  Why is anyone staring at it?  How expensive is the process?  I'm quick to follow trends so I am now interested in this anal bleaching. Who performs this procedure?  Endless questions enter my mind so it's unlikely that I will let this story cool for a while.

John Huntsman

Maybe not this year but very soon speaking Chinese will be a prerequisite for the candidacy.  So Mr. Huntsman, maybe you're too early.

Gary Johnson

He does not attend church, is pro-choice, pro-immigration, and an outspoken opponent of the war on drugs who favors the legalization of marijuana.  I don't agree with much of his ideology except he is anti big government and I like the idea of buying weed at the store.  But shouldn't this guy be on the other party's ticket?

Fred Karger

God smacked me with this one years ago so gay bashing is no longer part of my routine.  I admire the man for being openly gay and still aligning himself with Republican rhetoric.

Andy Martin

I remember Andy from many years ago as he was one of the leaders in the pursuit to expose the citizenship status of Barack Obama, and I still correspond with him occasionally by email.  But unless I'm wrong, I thought Andy was a Democrat.  Did he party switch?  This smells a little fishy to me. And after Blagovich and Obama, do we want another Chicagoan? 

Jimmy McMillan

Another former democrat and member of the "Rent is Too Damn High Party", as well as a Viet Nam veteran and karate expert, I like this guy.  Not that he has a chance but he looks very cool and like he'd be a blast to hang out with.  I will have fun blogging him in the future. And Jimmy, if by chance you read this, please contact me.  I'd love to interview you!

Tom Miller

This man is a career flight attendant.  I respect the profession but how does that qualify one for the presidency?

Ron Paul

You can't help but like this Libertarian leaning medical doctor and congressman. He believes in reform and he believes in himself and his supporters are dogmatic about all of it.  This type of man could live in that big, white house in the capital and actually make a difference instead of just talking about it.

Rick Perry

I admire the things that he stands for but didn't we already try an evangelical, good looking, grass roots, smiling, millionaire Texan?  What is Einstein's definition of insanity?  Look it up if you don't know.

Buddy Roemer

I know nothing about him other than he is another former Democrat.  Why all the ship jumping this campaign?

Mitt Romney

This man appears solid, has a tremendous resume, and apparently the ability to address our economic woes.  And I understand that he along with Newt Gingrich are the current front runners.  I don't need to flip a coin on that one!

Rick Santorum

Shouldn't he just be supporting his friend Mitt?

Matt Snyder

This man claims that he is a representative of the people.  I thought that was the entire concept!  What am I missing?

Vern Wuensche

Contractor and businessman, this man appears to be another capable of assessing and addressing our financial woes.  But how could he ever unseat Obama?

Michele Bachmann

I saved the best for last!  Why is this upstanding woman not the front runner?  She maintains impeccable character, shows integrity on every level, stands firm on conservative issues, displays superior intellect, speaks articulately, and shows absolutely no signs of dishonesty or abuse of power.  Anyone reading this article, please take the time to learn more about this incredible woman.  Besides, if you ask me, she's a lot hotter looking than any of the other goons!  

My Choice!

A Night at Porky's - JJ McCoy

Last Saturday, accompanied by my two closest friends, I embarked on a visit to Porky's Roadhouse in Port Charlotte for some fine chicken wings and one of the best entertainers that country music has to offer, Mr. JJ McCoy, and his band the Chillbillys.

I certainly invite anyone who's never had the opportunity to visit this establishment to find the time.  The Roadhouse offers a great menu containing fair priced, tasty meals, excellent service, two pool tables, a large bar, and serves as an excellent entertainment venue with high ceilings, a large stage, and a semi-private VIP type loft, which is a great place for groupies to goggle or to down a few shots with the band.

Musician friends, I have no idea whether the pay is decent, but I would seek gigging opportunities from this establishment if only because of it's sound friendly, cavernous environment.

We arrived early and observed the band setting up while we dined on chicken wings and fries washed down by ice cold brews.  A leading poultry connoisseur, I proudly offer the opinion from my discriminating palate in regard to the delicacy served at Porky's. Their buffalo style wings, served sans breading, better known as naked, were plump and juicy, cooked to perfection and rolled in sauce, just a tad shy of cayenne. On the other hand, the accompanying fries tasted less spectacular.  I cannot be certain but they looked and tasted like the restaurant vendor bought frozen and fried variety rather than the tastier chopped from potatoes on site version.  Our waitress performed flawlessly ensuring that both our bellies and beer bottles remained full. Although at first shocked by the $5 cover, I realized the bargain of obtaining the wrist band after enjoying the benefits of $1 bottles of Miller Lite throughout the entire evening.

The band began promptly at 9:30 and performed some covers unrecognizable to me since I listen to virtually no popular country music and really only enjoy the outlaw variety of which we did happily witness a fair amount of in the second set.  JJ's original music serves as the centerpiece and highlight of his live show.  His songs paint vivid mind pictures that range from a lonely, homesick soldier on patrol in Iraq, the difficulties in raising a family and distancing yourself from kin, to the joy in living a simple life and enjoying the pleasures of country life.  JJ's huge frame whips his seemingly tiny telecaster around, attacking it with the down home version of shredding, showing amazing virtuosity as a musician while accompanying his booming, rich baritone voice. Fortunately, JJ's band, the Chillbillys prevent him from standing as a one man band.  They provide competent back up with steady drumming, thumping bass, a twangy acoustic, and the unmistakable wail of the pedal steel guitar. Bassist, Leo August, with his versatility, adds a dynamic often missing from country music with his ear for nuance and the addition of tasteful fills. Charlie Brown, on pedal steel, offers parallel diversity with a style that ranges from Hank Sr. twang to the alluring scream of the Allman Brothers.

If you've never heard or seen JJ McCoy, please do yourself a favor and pick up his EP "Redneck, White and Blue" from iTunes for the incredible price of $2.97 then go catch a show at your earliest convenience. His tunes, written deep from his heart, will stick in your head and you'll find yourself humming them all day.

JJ McCoy is the "Real McCoy"!

Enjoy this video clip of that night of JJ and his band performing their original hit "Sunshine State"

Susan L. Shoemaker Auditorium at Island Coast High

Tonight, the Lee County School Board, along with faculty from Island Coast High school in Cape Coral, renamed the school's auditorium and dedicated it in memory of recently deceased guidance counselor, Susan L. Shoemaker.

 On August 7, at the age of 69, Ms. Shoemaker passed away from the ravaging effects of cancer. She spent 47 years as an educator, garnering respect from students, the community, faculty, staff, and school board members.  She received the Golden Apple award numerous times and earned the title "Counselor of the Year" at the elementary, middle and high school levels.

During the night's ceremony, in the newly named auditorium, students and faculty honored Susan by performing a variety of musical, dance, and dramatic presentations.  Ms. Shoemaker's husband, Edward Pritchard, accepted the award on her behalf.  Few eyes remained dry during the evening.

Enjoy the clip below of rising star, Lauren Rae Roberts, performing "Because You Loved Me" as a tribute Ms. Shoemaker.

Oh What a Month - My Rock Star Awards

Another day .....another dollar....., "The Highway Song" from 1970's band Blackfoot echoed through my head as I completed yet another day working for a psychologically abusive boss in an environment foreign to me, an alien lost in a world where chaos ruled over clutter and menial tasks ranked higher than actual accomplishment.  I felt a beer and a steak, shared with an accomplice in this insanity, satisfied a need to plant a stake acknowledging the end of another chapter in the days of drudgery. Yet unfortunately I asked this treasured friend to help with a small task at home and in return I'd spring for the night's tab.

"Please help me change out this ceiling fan in the vaulted family room, my friend, and food and drink are on me", I boldly proclaimed only hours before destiny met reality.  I asked my colleague only to steady the 18' ladder as I undertook the simple task of removing the old worn out and presumedly installing the more elegant and efficient new cooling mechanism.  I shut off the power supplied from the breaker, cautiously climbed the ladder, removed the screws from the decorative cap, and untwisted each of the three wire nuts to allow the easy dis-assembly of the old, rusted unit.  Nothing difficult, I thought, as I pushed the fan up and over the mounting hooks, enabling what I assumed an easy feat to lower each part to the ground.  Surprised by the weight and slightly disabled by my awkward vantage, the fan motor let loose without warning and struck me violently across the face, knocking me backward off the ladder and onto my friend before my head and left shoulder slammed impetuously into the tile floor. I only faintly remember anything from those first few minutes as I sat stunned, gasping for breath and fading in and out of consciousness.

I refused my friend's plea to call for an ambulance and attempted to gather my wits as an oblong pool of blood formed around me.  Clutching my chest fearing heart failure, I found breathing nearly impossible.  I quickly realized that blood poured from the back of my head and left temple and one side of my body remained nearly paralyzed.  I witnessed my friend also bleeding and clutching his right arm and realized neither of us fit to drive to the hospital. In a brief moment of clarity, I dialed my cellular and asked my inamorata to please pick us up as quickly as possible for transport to a medical facility.  She arrived promptly and rushed us to the emergency room as we soiled her car seats with blood.

After ten hours in the emergency department, my friend, and now lifesaver, as I realized that my death had been prevented by his breaking of my fall,  paid the price by fracturing his right arm, an awful predicament for a graphic designer.  Suffering a deservedly worse fate myself, I spent, in a shared hospital room, the following week diagnosed with severe lacerations to the back of the head and face, four broken ribs, a fractured clavicle, and a partially collapsed lung.  The attending physician assistant in the ER placed fourteen staples behind my left ear, stitches across my face, and suture glue across my nose.  I found myself, a week after discharge from the hospital, returning to have an orthopedic surgeon install a titanium plate to reconnect the broken portions of my left clavicle.

An eternal optimist, seeker of the half full glass, and believer in making lemonade from lemons, I quickly recognized this blessing in disguise. Lying virtually incapacitated, relying solely on help from others, forced me into distancing myself from a horrific work environment and allowed me ample time to pursue my dreams of freelance writing, in which I quickly earned blogging notoriety. This accident also enabled me time to learn about the sophisticated network behind electronic social media.

I published many articles, learned how to effectively use Twitter and Facebook, enjoyed the company of new found friends, established solid business relationships, and ticked off a famous celebrity.

Please allow me this opportunity to recap November's blogging highlights from my perspective and award those who deserve special recognition. Today's sophisticated internet technology enables easy evaluation by recognizing the number of readers of each particular article.

I composed and published over 20 individual pieces and a few stand out deserving a renewed highlight, not for my accomplishment but by the actions of those I chose to write about.

So..........drum roll...........Please allow me the opportunity to recognize:

PATRIOT OF THE MONTH - J.J. McCOY
http://ramblingsofjohn.blogspot.com/2011/11/ep-review-jj-mccoy-redneck-white-blue.html
Nothing I've seen recently epitomizes the heartbeat of the heartland, and encourages one to accept pride in Americana like J.J.'s new EP, "Redneck, White, and Blue", particularly the tune "Sunshine State" which paints a glorious yet bittersweet picture of life from the perspective of a soldier overseas anticipating his safe return home.

SPINE CHILLER OF THE MONTH - LISA PROULX
http://ramblingsofjohn.blogspot.com/2011/11/book-review-king-of-shadows-by-lisa.html
I witnessed horror personified deeply in the plot of Lisa's newest novel, "King of Shadows", a disturbing tale of a young boy raised by the demonic spirit of his deceased father.  This month, Lisa re-releases her first novel, "Puncture", a vampire story that I plan to digest and review early next week.

CONCERT OF THE MONTH - NIGHT RANGER
http://ramblingsofjohn.blogspot.com/2011/11/night-ranger-at-cape-coral-coconut.html
http://ramblingsofjohn.blogspot.com/2011/11/99x-mas-ball-2011.html
http://ramblingsofjohn.blogspot.com/2011/11/fort-myers-music-walk-november-2011.html
http://ramblingsofjohn.blogspot.com/2011/11/eddie-money-plays-ballyorney-irish-pub.html
Nursing my wounds, it's hard to imagine the number of concerts that I had the privilege to attend.  The fiery skull bat backdrop during Avenged Sevenfold's set amazed all and the genre bending skill displayed by Hollywood Undead seemed impossible, while Eddie Money forced the reminiscing of high school days.  With a more than ample budget, few could attain the hype of A7X, particularly when fortified by strong lyrical content accompanied by guitar virtuosos in harmony, except the heavy presence of security at Germain Arena dampened the overall effect.  As a result, the crisp, clear, heavy metal presented outdoors at the Cape Coral Coconut Festival by 1980's rockers Night ranger captured this award.  Few guitar players rank with Brad Gillis and Jack Blades is both a talented and entertaining front man. And I'd like to give a special thanks to Tristan Avakian who filled the shoes of Joel Hoekstra while he tours the holiday season with Trans Siberian Orchestra, an event that I will feature later this month.


 BREAKING NEWS OF THE MONTH
http://ramblingsofjohn.blogspot.com/2011/11/at-1115-this-morning-lee-county.html
Although I fancy myself a journalist, the only real event that I captured live exclusively before other media was an evacuation of the Lee County Courthouse after a prisoner in transport smacked an overhead sprinkler triggering the alarm.  I felt especially amazed that my new titanium clavicle did not trip the metal detectors upon entering the facility.

HOLIDAY OF THE MONTH
http://ramblingsofjohn.blogspot.com/2011/11/in-honor-of-our-vets.html
http://ramblingsofjohn.blogspot.com/2011/11/thanksgiving-blessing.html
Fortunately, we celebrated two in November, Thanksgiving and Veteran's Day.  I refuse to allow either a day celebrated eating turkey and watching football with loved ones, or a day in which we pay respect for those who gave their best so we may enjoy freedom, to outrank the other so please consider this one a tie.

RECORD OF THE MONTH
http://ramblingsofjohn.blogspot.com/2011/11/kore-ionz-world-war-free.html
http://ramblingsofjohn.blogspot.com/2011/11/ep-review-jj-mccoy-redneck-white-blue.html
I reviewed many audio recordings during November so with it too close to call, I declare another tie between the peaceful, loving, Pacific reggae smoothness of Kore Ionz "World War Free" and the hard hitting, emotion evoking EP by J.J. McCoy, "Redneck, White and Blue".

LEAST AFFECTED BY ME
http://ramblingsofjohn.blogspot.com/2011/11/album-preview-nickelback-here-and-now.html
Regardless of my opinion, Nickelback's "Here and Now" will hit platinum although I did notice increased readership of them from fans in both Russia and Turkey so hopefully sales in those remote markets increased slightly.

PRIMA DONNA OF THE MONTH
http://ramblingsofjohn.blogspot.com/2011/11/ep-review-brian-howe-emotions.html
During my brief career as a freelancer, I encountered many classy, polite, professional entertainers from the music, acting, comedy, and writing industries and only observed one big cry baby, Brian Howe, formerly of Bad Company, and now a solo artist claiming retirement. Although I displayed complete respect for Brian, he attacked me publicly, sicced his British publicist on me, and "unfriended" me on Facebook, all in reaction of what he considered a negative review by me of his grand finale, "Emotions". I clearly see why Ted Nugent and Bad Company both fired him. He just doesn't play well with others.  So, sorry to say this Brian, but just pack up your toys, leave the sandbox to us big boys, and go home and cry to your mommy.

ROCK STAR, PROFESSIONAL, and MAN OF THE MONTH - KALEB BROWN
http://ramblingsofjohn.blogspot.com/2011/11/book-review-big-m-by-kaleb-brown.html

Kaleb, a nine year old diagnosed with autism, displayed more maturity than many of those more chronologically advanced.  Kaleb's first book, "THE BIG M" , soon to be be an animated series just all out ROCKS.  I'm proud to be associated with such a consummate professional. God Bless You Kaleb and enjoy a long and prosperous career!

QR Code - Unraveling the Mysteries

Created by a Toyota subsidiary to track vehicles during the manufacturing process,The QR Code, an abbreviation for Quick Response Code, first gained popularity in Japan begining in 1994, later gained popularity in Europe, primarily the UK, and only started gaining ground in the United States within the last 3 or 4 years. The code is a matrix barcode that can be utilized to encode many types of information including personal information, links to websites, email and text messages, phone numbers, and electronic business cards.

Apps that serve as readers can be downloaded for any smart phone.  I prefer either I-nigma or Red Laser.  One can also access numerous generators online to create original QR codes.  QRstuff.com proves itself fun and easy to use. 

Scan the code above to see one possible easy to use application.