Hourglass Heights New Book Blitz

Ian David Noakes is back with his new erotic, horror, thriller Hourglass Heights.


The author...




The new book has been nominated for the People’s Book Prize in the United Kingdom and it is a contender for the National Book Awards.

IT was originally his first novel but two others have been published as this one was being tweaked and published.

Join Hourglass Heights Facebook event for a chance to talk with the author, Ian David Noakes about his exciting novel. Hang around and chat for some chances to win some signed paperbacks and some exclusive Hourglass Heights swag prizes on February 1st . The event takes place at 11:00AM EST. Here is a link to the event.

Interested in the book check it out on amazon.

Sharing about exciting new books and rising authors!

R.I.P Joe Cocker

Singer Joe Cocker passed away today at the age of 70 due to cancer! A Woodstock veteran, a Grammy Award winning singer and a legendary vocalist who the music world will miss.

From Woodstock to beyond...

Joe Cocker got bye with a little help from his friends...

He could do ballads "You are so Beautiful"

Taking us on a musical journey "Up Where We Belong"

His heart has finally been unchained..

With Eric Clapton he performs "Worried Life Blues"

Joe Cocker was a one of a kind entertainer, who had a distinctive voice, a great career, and leaves behind a great legacy!

Remembering Frank Zappa on his Birthday

Today is Frank Zappa's birthday. We celebrate it with legacy which is his music he left behind.


Starting off with a little "Cosmik Debris"

"Muffin Man"

Since it is winter "Don't Eat the Yellow Snow"

Just a brief salute to Frank Zappa as I have been swallowed up by the busyness of the season..

Farewell Norman Bridwell

Clifford the Big Red Dog is a series of books and shows that was beloved by both of my children. Considering one of the children is a grown man of 18 and my daughter is 7 that is quite a gap but they both found common ground with Clifford.

Norman Bridwell was the man who created Clifford the Big Red Dog. Clifford created a career for Norman that included 40 best selling books, two television series, a live musical and of course merchandise.

Here is a clip from the show..

Quoting Bruce Weber in the New York Times stated Bridwell is "a figure who looms as large in toddler lit as the great white whale does in the American canon." I  have never heard of toddler lit before but certainly Bridwell was a master of the genre. 

He will be missed but he does leave behind one big red legacy!

Happy 71st to Keith Richards!

One of my favorite birthdays to celebrate on this blog is Keith Richards! Here is a link to last year's post celebrating his 70th Birthday.



I also celebrated his 69th  and 68th Birthdays as well. I am sharing the links to share more music!

I couldn't resist this! Two legends! Keith Richards performing Nadine with Chuck Berry. I love how Keith stays in the background and gives the spotlight to Chuck Berry!

Here Keith performs "How I Wish" with The X-pensive Winos!

"Still A Fool" Keith Richards performing with the blues great Hubert Sumlin...

I don't think any of these are repeats. Obviously the fame and fortune from being in the Rolling Stones has enabled Keith Richards to have some great musical moments. Hopefully he will have a few more! Happy Birthday Keith Richards!

Support the Arts for Great Performances Now and in the Future

My son had his Holiday Concert last night with his his high school orchestra. The concert was held at a local church known for having some of the biggest Christian concerts and entertainment performed at their venue. In other words a venue with great sound!

The show highlighted the choirs and orchestra of the high school. The seats were filled. The Super Attendant of Schools showed up for the concert. It is no secret school systems across the country are cutting costs in this economy. Arts and music is one area that is often hit hard by these cuts.

If the large crowd from the local community and the many standing ovations meant anything at all, they  meant that these school programs are important to the community! They are also important to the students as the learn to develop their talents, they learn the discipline required to learn a musical instrument, they learn dedication, and they also develop self esteem. Studies have also shown music helps students to become smarter.

I was awed by how well these students sounded! I was proud by the show of community support. Of course I am concerned if arts and music will continue to be available in schools.

I urge you to attend your local schools concerts, dramas, and other events! Show the schools what is important. Help them financially. They could be your kids, your neighbors and friends. Encourage the next generation!

Battle of the Bands Number 11: Happy Xmas The War is Over !

Welcome to my Battle of the Bands number 11! This month I will be trying to keep it with a Holiday theme for the entire month.

Listen to the song clips in the blog post. In the comment section vote for the one you like the best. Feel free to explain why you voted the way you did. The battles take place on the first and 15th and winners will be announced on the 7th and 21st. I will normally post the winner in the comments. Of course have fun and enjoy!

If you are still looking for more musical fun after you vote, you can check out these sites for more battles:

Far Away Series

Your Daily Dose

DiscConnected

Tossing It Out

STMcC Presents "Battle of the Bands"

A Writer's Life in Progress

Curious as a Cathy

The Creative Outlet of StratPlayer

The Sound of One Hand Typing

Alex J. Cavanaugh

Original Song: John Lennon's Happy Xmas (The War is Over)

Christmas is just around the corner so this song is quite timely. Last time I used a legend in Chuck Berry and this time I picked another legend John Lennon.


Challenger One: The Corrs

Challenger Two: Sheryl Crow

I have seen both of The Corrs and Sheryl Crow open up for the Rolling Stones. Just a connection between the artists.

Vote in the comments! Happy Holidays! Next Battle of the Bands next year!

Stay Tuned!

Stayed tune to Mike's Ramblings! The December 15th Battle of The Band post will be posted late tonight! Hopefully it will be worth the wait!

Interview with author Kia Carrington-Russell and review of SIA

*Free E-Copy given for review"

REVIEW 4 STARS

Honestly stars may have been hired if I was the more the target audience, which is young adult, fantasy romance. The author Kia Carrington-Russell does let her imagination run wild in this novel. Fantasy wolf people, phantom wolves. The story has trials and tribulations, violence, love, betrayals, and Sia has to make tough choices. Stay alone, kill, be hunted, trust, love are just some of the choices she has to make. Internal, external struggles and sacrifices help create quite a tale. In the end she defines herself.

Fast pace, 191 pages, imaginable twists will capture your imagination as the author pours her's on the page. If you like fantasy, romance, twists, or violence in your reading you can't go wrong with Kia-Carrington-Russell's Sia.

If interested you can check out the book on Amazon here.

Interview




Mike: What is the most memorable experience you’ve had throughout your time as an author?

KCR: Probably talking in front of a small business group that wanted to know who I was. They wanted to know about my books and experiences thus far. It was my first time speaking in front of strangers and it was an interesting experience. I hope to do it again sometime soon.

Mike: Tell us something about yourself that your readers would find interesting.

KCR: I am a huge anime and cosplay fan. I love dressing up for the Supanovas and fancy dress parties, and I love anime. Also, Japanese cartoons. They are so awesome to watch and the storylines are even greater. I have a lot of respect for the artwork as well. This is why I want to visit Japan so badly. I plan on spending a few weeks there next year; it’s something I truly can’t wait for.


Mike: What do you want your readers to walk away with after reading Sia? Is there an underlying message throughout the story?

KCR: Yes—to define yourself. Sia thought she knew who she was as she rebelled against the impression others had of her. I hope that readers will think more about themselves, and not act like someone else because of the impression others have of them. This was a costly lesson for Sia. We all deal with this every day of our lives. I would hope that somewhere in amongst Sia’s adventure, readers can find a part of themselves, and be proud of who they are.

Monday's Music Moves Me: Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer

I had fun signing up for this blog hop last Monday. I hope the links will guide you if you want to join in or visit some other sites. Okay, on behalf of the lovely Dancing Queen, Marie @XmasDolly, and her Solid Gold dancers ~ Callie @JAmericanSpice, Stacy @Stacy Uncorked, Becca @Everyday Life, & myself thank you for joining us for another week of Monday’s Music Moves Me.

Now, it’s time for you to ask us to step out on the dance floor with you. By linking your musical post (all non-music link ups are labeled or removed) URL (not your main blog address) below you are inviting the 4M crew to boogie down to your tunes.

If not all the information is here. Keeping it going with a Christmas theme. This is probably my all time favorite Christmas Song,,,

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer which started like this...

A really retro Christmas selection!

December 7: "a date which will live in infamy."

On this date in 1941 Japan conducted an air raid on Pearl Harbor.

The results included 2300 Americans killed, 12 ships sank or beached, 9 others left needing repairs, 160 destroyed aircraft, and 150 left needing repairs.

President Roosevelt stated today is "a date which will live in infamy."

My Rankings After week 15: My Top 4 and more

The end of the regular season has come to an end. The contenders showed why they were contenders. Florida State stayed undefeated with another close win. Oregon, Alabama, TCU, and Baylor flexed their muscles.

I moved Ohio State into 4th placed and dropped TCU back a spot. Ohio State surprisingly crushed Wisconsin 59-0 to win a conference championship which was more impressive than Texas Christian University who crushed Iowa State.        

Here are the rankings:

1) Florida State University Seminoles (13-0) nipped Georgia Tech 37-35.

2) Oregon Ducks (12-1)  crushed Arizona 51-13 to win the PAC-12.

3) Alabama Crimson Tide  (12-1) rolled over Missouri 42-13 in the SEC Championship game.

4) Ohio State Buckeyes (12-1)  shutout Wisconsin 59-0.

5) Texas Christian Horned Frogs (11-1) stomped Iowa State 55-3.

6) Baylor Bears (11-1) beat Kansas State 38-27.

7) Michigan State Spartans (10-2) did not play,

8) Mississippi State Bulldogs (10-2) did not play.

9) Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (10-3) fell to FSU 37-35 in the ACC Championship game.

10) Kansas State Wildcats (9-3) fell to Baylor 38-27.

11) Mississippi Rebels (9-3) did not play.

12) Georgia Bulldogs (9-3)  did not play.

13)Missouri Tigers (10-3) was whipped by Alabama 42-13.

14) Arizona Wildcats (10-3) lost to Oregon 51-13 in the PAC-12 Championship,

15) Clemson Tigers (9-3)  did not play

16) Arizona State Sun Devils (9-3) did not play.

.

17) UCLA Bruins (9-3)  did not play.

18) Wisconsin Badgers (10-3) lost to Ohio State 59-0.

19) Louisville Cardinals (9-3)  did not play.

20) Marshall Thundering Herd (12-1) bounced back to win a conference title with a 26-23 win over Louisiana Tech.

21) Boise State Broncos (11-2) stopped Fresno State 28-14.

22) Nebraska Cornhuskers (9-3)  did not play.

23) Northern Illinois Huskies (11-2) crushed Bowling Green 51-17.

24) Colorado State Rams (10-2) did not play.

25) Auburn Tigers (8-4) did not play.

Farewell UAB Blazers Football

Time will tell if the University of Alabama Birmingham made the right choice to shut down their football team. Athletics are important to fans. Athletes do earn an education on being on a team. However, to a University education should be the most important things. I know it was a financial decision.

I'm not judging the decision. I sympathize with the fans, athletes, the coaching staff and all involved with their program. I will heap praise on the coach.

Bill Clark fought for his team to exist after this season. He coached his team to a 6-6 record which was great for the Blazers. Besides how the team played on the field, from what I read in the past month he fought for his team, College football where wins and losses often decide the fates of coaches. Great men fired because they didn't win enough.

He was a a coach about his players and that is commendable. A level down at Jacksonville State he went 11-4 and 6-6 with UAB which are not bad records. 

R.I.P Ian McLagan

The week is only half over and the rock world has lost a sax legend and now a renowned keyboardist. Ian McLagan has passed away at the age of 69.

You can read the official announcement at his website. Ian is a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee. He was a member of the Faces and Small Faces.


Here he performs "Never Say Never" on David Letterman's show with special guest Patty Griffin..

Here is a vintage video of him performing in The Small Faces "Tin Soldiers"

A video from 1972 The Faces featuring Rod Stewart...

Peace and prayers to his family. Ian McLagan thanks for the music!

R.I.P Bobby Keys

Bobby Keys is best known for his over 44 years of playing saxophone for The Rolling Stones. You have surely heard him play his sax as he played on so many classic rock chestnuts. He played with Joe Cocker, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Chuck Berry, BB King, John Hiatt, Warren Zevon, Eric Clapton and so many more.

A musician I was fortunate enough to see perform live with The Rolling Stones several times. 

Here is a report about his death...

Here he is with The Rolling Stones...

Mixing it up he plays with Ronnie Lane below..

Bobby Keys is a legend who will be missed by the music world!

Battle of the Bands Number Ten: Chuck Berry's Run Rudolph Run

Welcome to my Battle of the Bands number 10! This month I will be trying to keep it with a Holiday theme for the entire month.

Listen to the song clips in the blog post. In the comment section vote for the one you like the best. Feel free to explain why you voted the way you did. The battles take place on the first and 15th and winners will be announced on the 7th and 21st. I will normally post the winner in the comments. Of course have fun and enjoy!

If you are still looking for more musical fun after you vote, you can check out these sites for more battles:

Far Away Series

Your Daily Dose

DiscConnected

Tossing It Out

STMcC Presents "Battle of the Bands"

A Writer's Life in Progress

Curious as a Cathy

The Creative Outlet of StratPlayer

The Sound of One Hand Typing

Alex J. Cavanaugh

Chuck Berry- Original Artist Not in Battle

Yes, I went to a pioneering artist to pull a song for this competition. Back to the early days of rock and roll. The song written by 

First Challenger Keith Richards

Well Keith Richards wasn't to far behind Chuck Berry and here is his take on the Holiday Rock Classic...

Second Challenger Lynyrd Skynyrd

Keeping it in the classic rock, guitar genre here is Lynyrd Skynyrd's take..

Enjoy the battle. This time I have two studio versions against each other. Vote in the comments and enjoy! Hope it helps to get you in the Holiday spirit. Not into the Holidays well I hope you enjoy the retro-rocking old school sounds!

Edit: Found out from Curious as a Cathy there is a music bloghop on Mondays and I am game!

Here are the details from Cathy's site:

Okay, on behalf of the lovely Dancing Queen, Marie @XmasDolly, and her Solid Gold dancers ~ Callie @JAmericanSpice, Stacy @Stacy Uncorked, Becca @Everyday Life, & myself thank you for joining us for another week of Monday’s Music Moves Me.

Now, it’s time for you to ask us to step out on the dance floor with you. By linking your musical post (all non-music link ups are labeled or removed) URL (not your main blog address) below you are inviting the 4M crew to boogie down to your tunes.

Enjoy!