Z is for Zorro

                 
I remember watching reruns of this show when I was a child. Mostly when I would visit my Grandparents over the Summer. I'd watch this show along with several other classic Westerns.

That show started out in the late 50s, before my time, but the legend of Zorro was older than that in Hollywood. A clip from the 1940 movie "Mark of Zorro"

Probably my generation knows Zorro best from this movie.."The Legend of Zorro"

Where do you know Zorro from? Do you have any Zorro memories? Feel free to share in the comments.

Apparently there was a cartoon series as well.

Thanks for joining me on the A to Z Challenge.

A to Z Challenge: Yesterday Songs

A to Z Challenge is winding down. Time for some songs about yesterday.

"Yesterday's  Song" Hunter Hayes..

"Yesterday "  The Beatles...

"Song of Yesterday" Black Country Communion...

Foreigner "That was Yesterday"...

Hilary Duff sings "So Yesterday"

Hope you enjoyed. What yesterday song did you like best? What is your favorite Yesterday song I didn't post? Feel free to join the fun in the comments.

A to Z Challenge: X marks the Haiku

My post today will be short and sweet. My busy schedule catching up with me. Anyway April is National Poetry month and as a nod to that I am creating a Haiku.

The X marks the spot

Please sign your name at the X

X is the target


There you go pretend the comments is the X, sign you were here to let me know. Happy Friday.

A to Z Challenge: Weir and back to the Deadheads

I was blown away when I went to my first Grateful Dead concert 25 years ago this Summer. The adventure of me working my way to the front row, the Steve Miller Band opening up, the special guests (Bruce Hornsby), the lights, the music and the fans. It was a magical event that happened each summer until Jerry Garcia passed away. I went to Furthur, Phil Lesh & Friends, but they fell short. There were some other versions that might be pretty cool including the current Dead & Company.

We had our separation. Then I heard Bob Weir released an album of Cowboy based songs. My first musical experience was old cowboy songs on vinyl.

I was ready for an evening of escape. I made the drive. There was even a small collection of vendors in the parking lot. Not as cool as I remember for the old Stadium shows, but something. I missed vendors.





The opening with just Bob and his guitar for a few songs was more intimate than any stadium show. His band was good with a strong Americana vibe to it.

Below he performs a couple days later at Wanee covering Little Feat..

Another from Wanee with his touring band "Cassidy"

"Playin' in the Band" a week earlier in Austin..

Yes a member of the Grateful Dead, not quite the same as the old shows, but a touch of magic. Just enough to send me back home.

A to Z: Visitors and visiting

First off to my visitors, I want to say thank you for visiting my site. Your visit is very important to me. If you visit my site and leave a comment I try to reciprocate. Even when there isn't a bloghop going on I try to visit blogs I follow. It is very random and I usually hit the ones showing in my reading list. Sometimes, I try to look up bloggers who in my mind have been special to me and I haven't seen in a while. Some vanish without as trace and I haven't seen them on milk cartons.

I don't respond to comments very well. I read them all. I approve them all. I don't censor. I do it because I had issues with captcha crap that was upsetting my visitors. I like it when you tell me something doesn't work or isn't there.

So, no I don't respond to every comment, I respond to a few once in a while. Sometimes I'll quote it in another post. Sometimes I'll write a blog entry on it. I like to do shot outs once in a while. Sometimes, if I am visiting your site I'll get lost in your site.

My goal was to visit 300 posts during the A to Z Challenge. I'm over 200 so I am going to meet my goal. I also usually check out some in May and do some Road trips later. I haven't been good about posting my posts on the official blog or facebook page. However, I have used them to find some new blogs quite regularly.

I'm surviving! It is challenging enough for me with Easter and my daughter's birthday falling in this  month. Add in the fact I've been working close to 60 hours a week and trying to either spend time with family, do the non-fun adult things, and play hard. Not complaining. My off days have been pretty epic. Example yesterday, my day included watching the Navy Blue Angels, the Air Force Thunderbirds, a beach, and a shark encounter. Then I had a nice dinner date with my daughter. Having a job is better than having no job when you rely on paychecks. Just saying I've been busy.

Again thanks for visiting and I look forward to visiting your blog.

A to Z Challenge: Unbelievable the Woman's Basketball Championship

Continuing on in the A to Z Challenge, I am staying with college basketball this time I am going to write about the woman's tournament.

What was so unbelievable? UConn lost. The Huskies hadn't lost in a few years, they rolling along, and then boom they were upset. Then the team that upset them lost in the finals. That is unbelievable!

Above are highlights of Mississippi State upsetting Connecticut and snapping the Huskies 111-game win streak. That ride was amazing and I don't think anyone was thinking they would get upset. Nothing against the Huskies but I am glad they lost that kind of dominance wasn't good for the woman's game. It was like there was the Huskies and then everyone else. On the flip side I am sure they brought in some fans to the game as well.

Then in the finals the South Carolina Gamecocks took out the Mississippi State Bulldogs...

If you are a fan of woman's basketball are you glad UCONN's streak came to an end? Do you find it unbelievable that they lost? Do you find it unbelievable that South Carolina won their first championship?

A to Z Challenge: Tar Heels NCAA Basketball Champions

I blog about sports from time to time on my blog. I try to do this after someone wins a National Championship. Well with today's letter starting with T it is time to give the University of North Carolina Tar Heels their due for winning the 2017 NCAA Men's Basketball Championship.

Here are some highlights from the game..

Gonzaga deserves kudos as well. They had a great season, an awesome tournament, and came close to being /champions.

Here is how North Carolina was able to get to the finals.

The Tar Heels crushed Texas Southern 103-64

Then they beat Arkansas...

Next they pulled away from Butler...

The Tar Heels edged past Kentucky to reach the Final Four...

UNC nipped Oregon to reach the Finals..

The NCAA Tournament is a lot of fun for basketball fans. Congratulations to the Tar Heels for winning the Championship. Who will win it in 2018?

A to Z Challenge: Snakes

I live in Florida so snakes are common. You can run into snakes almost anywhere. This snake decided to join us in the Church yard for Easter..



It was a non-venomous snake. The snake was treated properly, everyone was able to get a good look and then everyone left the snake alone.

My daughter last held a snake about two years ago. This Spring she was able to hold a few more at our trip to Alligator Alley.



They even let me hold the snake...





This snake was a tickler...





Notice the smiles on her face. My daughter has been able to hold alligators, birds, kangaroos, monkeys, snakes, and even fed a baby tiger. I've been lucky enough to fill her life with adventures and still hope to add a few more adventures into her life.

My wife is not a fan of snakes. Two years ago, I had someone comment that wrapping a big snake around a  young child wasn't a good idea, that the snake was stronger than I thought and could squeeze at anytime. Yes there is some risk to it. Even if a smaller snake decided to bite it would upset my daughter, which would surely earn me an earful from my lovely wife and her Irish temper. So yes there is risk. However, look at the smiles!



I win she is happy, she is learning to respect snakes (and other animals), she is making memories and having adventures. As for me I'm spending quality time with my daughter.

A to Z Change: Robert Smith's Birthday

It is R day on the challenge. R is for Robert, like Robert Smith of The Cure who turns 57.

R day lands on a Friday so this song is a perfect way to start our birthday celebration..

It's "Just Like Heaven"...

"Pictures of You"...

"Close to me"...

That should be a good way to spend your Friday with some great hits from the 80s and 90s.

Happy Birthday Robert Smith!

A to Z: Queen Quiz

It is a good think  I'm not in school anymore this might have been my answer...



If you were the teacher would you mark it wrong?
Would you give credit for creativity or heck even knowing who Queen is?

I stumbled on this in facebook so I don't know how if this was a real quiz.

Ever answer a quiz with an answer like that?

The student is a Champion..

It's a miracle...

Stay tuned for the next A to Z post coming tomorrow....

A to Z: Prefer the paperback

I wonder if there are any paperback writers left. The Beatles probably thought there song was timeless.

We live in a digital age, books on PCs, Kindles and even Smart Phones. I most be old fashioned, out of date, perhaps even out of place.

Give me the old dog eared covered, yellowed page, paperback novel that even smells aged. Watch the dust when you open it!

Ah, the old adventures you will find where the typed words meet your imagination. The magic of the story within the vintage paperback.

Just remember the batteries never die in the old paperback.

What kind of books do you enjoy?

A to Z Challenge: Orioles, Baltimore Orioles

Baltimore the city where I watch my first Major League Baseball game. I came to the area at the right time for some great talent.

The place I saw my first game and several more through the years...

Eddie Murray provided many memories..

Of course there was Cal Ripken Jr..

Here are some highlights from 2000-2015...

Do you like baseball? Where did you see your first Major League Baseball game?

A to Z Challenge: Night or Day?

Starting off the second half of the A to Z Challenge. I'm keeping my post simple and short.

My title Night or Day satisfies for the letter N.

When do you write more Night or Day? I write more at night. I am more nocturnal by nature. Most days I am working so it is hard to write in the morning. Night time after the kids are sleeping and the wife is doing her thing provides a better opportunity. Unless I am not working that day then it could be night or day.

Neat fact, this is the first challenge in about three years where I am working a day shift. It hasn't been a big difference since I have been working so much lately it has been day and night shift.

What has been working for me during the challenge is writing the post at night, saving it and then publishing it during the day. What works best for you, or do you just publish it when you finish writing it?

When do you read other blogs? I tend to do both night and day. Smart phones help since I can scan a blog during a break or lunch at work.

See a quick post on blogging. I wish you the best on the second half of the challenge and tune in tomorrow for an O post.

Half Way Through the A to Z Challenge

Half way through the A to Z Challenge. How is it going for you? I've been good at keeping up with the writing part pretty well. I'm behind on my pageview/comments for visiting other blogs. However, I am not that far behind on it.

There have been a lot of changes this year to the A to Z Challenge. I completely understand the changes. However, what do you think about them? Like most things there are some pros and cons.

I've been using the facebook list for the days to find interesting blogs to visit. When I have time. I have posted a few posts in there. Again it has been when I have time, which has been at a premium this month.

Anyway if you are a usual reader of my blog, or a newcomer who has read a few of my posts do you have any recommendations for blogs for me to visit? Don't recommend your own, I will visit your site just for commenting, but play it forward. Whose blog do I need to see?

Well it is about time to start the second half. Are you ready?

A to Z: Maybellene Battle of the Bands

Today's A to Z letter is M which fits nicely for music! Speaking of music it is time for the Battles of the Band! 

It is a simple game to play. I pick a song and then I pick to covers. You tell me which one you like the best. I count them up and tell you the results in another post. The post will be on Sunday, April 24. If you like the game check out the other players here.

Chuck Berry recently passed away so it is fitting he would show up in a Battle of the Bands. Besides being one of the first rock songs "Maybellene" the song also starts with a M fitting in perfectly with the A to Z theme.

Here is Chuck's version. It is for your reference and entertainment. Please don't vote for it.

Vote for one of the contenders below!

Contender One: Marty Robbins

The co-founder of the Battle of the Bands had  a battle not to long ago featuring Marty Robbins against Marty Robbins. I'm not going to do that with this battle, but chalk up another M to this post.

Contender Two: Gene Vincent

Which one gets your vote? Marty of Gene? Please vote in the comments. Pretty good music post featuring three legendary artists. 

A to Z: Lizard Adventures

So last year I posted a video about lizards that chill. Staying on that theme I thought I would share some lizard adventures.

This lizard wanted to fish..





This one made friends with my daughter..



At least we don't have lizards like this..



Wonder what M will bring?

A to Z: Kevin Eubanks beyond the Tonight Show

Kevin Eubanks became know to many as the bandleader, guitarist, for The Tonight Show during the Jay Leno years. Seeing him play in that band and with guests one was able to get a small glimpse of his talent.

He has recorded with a who's who list of jazz giants including Stanley Jordan, Art Blakey, and Jean Luc-Ponty to highlight a few.

Let's jump into the music..

"Morning Sun" with Stanley Jordan...

Here he is with Art Blakey, Wynton and Bradford Marsalis...

A new piece from hi just released this month "Time Line"...

What are some of your favorite Kevin Eubanks moments from the Tonight Show? Did you know about his music outside of the show?

Thanks for visiting and I will have a new post up soon as the A to Z Challenge rolls on!

A to Z: J. Geils may you R.I.P

John Warren Geils better known as J. Geils  the guitarist/songwriter for the J. Geils Band has passed away at the age of 71.

The song was probably no the most appropriate song for a 11-year old to like, however "Centerfold" became one of my earliest favorite rock songs.

Another favorite from them is "Love Stinks"

"Most of Got Lost" was one of their early big hits..

Here issome blues from his band Bluestime...

A talented musicians who leaves behind a string of hits and passionate covers. May he rest in peace.

A to Z: Iggy Pop

Iggy Pop the rock and roll Hall of Fame musician who influenced Punk music. Nice simple, rocking post for I on the A to Z.

Come along for the ride.."The Passanger"

Let's add in Kate Pierson for "Candy"

He was a "Wild One" here he is on Letterman..

Does he make a good pet.."I wanna be your Dog"

"Search and Destroy"...

Well I hope that rocks up your Tuesday. I'll be back soon with a J-post!

A to Z: Hemingway

Hemingway is my favorite classic author. I thought I had read all of his works but while checking things out I discovered there are a few I have missed. I hope they are good.

My two favorite Earnest Hemingway books are similar yet different. My favorite is "The Old Man and the Sea."



My second  favorite...



"Islands in the Stream" is more of deep track pick, However, it is more of that Tropical Adventure that I am drawn to like Benchley, Bob Morris and others.

Again doing this blog I found there is a movie version of the book, is it any good?





Not only has Hemingway influence authors I like he has influenced artists like Guy Harvey..



What is your favorite Earnest Hemingway book?

Battle of the Bands Results: The Winner is me!

The results of my Battle of the Bands battle for April 1 are in and the winner is me! No my readers didn't vote me in as the winner as an April Fools prank. Trust me my version of "Amazing Grace" would sound more like fingers scratching down a chalk board than Charlotte Church or Celtic Woman.

No, I say I won because I had a new voter. Thanks Jz! I also say I won because the results came in as a tie. Sure, I could vote but I don't. My readers determine the results not me. I also win because I get to celebrate both groups.

so lets start . . .

Charlotte Church "Dream a Dream"

Celtic Woman "The Call"

Keeping it short on the celebration since there is a lot of blogging to do. Join me on the 15th for another Battle of the bands. Will it be a tie, shutout, close, or a blowout? Come vote and help to decide.

I will be back tomorrow with another A to Z post!

A to Z: Gators

Near the end of last month my daughter had her Spring Break. I knew she hadn't had a big Spring Break but I had a day off during the week to make her Spring Break special. A day that would feature, Gators big ole Alligators!



She is always happy to hold a baby..



My advice on handling alligators: It is better to hold an alligator, than to have a Gator hold you!



The alligator  pictures came from Alligator Alley in Alabama. If you are in Southern Alabama check them out. There site is here. More A to Z on Monday!

A to Z Challenge 2017: Fishing

It is a repeat topic from last year but hey it is what I do. Working out time to go fishing is the biggest challenge. Don't worry I will get my fish time in sometime. Squeezed in with other great adventures.

Even squeezed in a fishing trip this week. This was my view earlier this week..



I did catch an interesting fish...



It's called a Trigger Fish. The bite was slow and the fishing was disappointing. That happens.

So is a bad day fishing better than a good day at work? Sometimes. Even in rough seas, there is something relaxing about being on a boat. I did get to see a ton of dolphins. You don't get to do that in your cubicle. You have to realize there is more to fishing then catching fish. I've been lucky to see sea turtles and other cool things.

I did get a day to me. Still got back in time to pick up my daughter and go on a dinner date.

I did better at the catfish farm last month..



Kind of cheating. But the sure thing of catching is good sometimes.

My boat trip squeezed between two stormy days may not of helped my efforts. However, looking at my calendar I had to go when I could make it work.

Stay tuned to my blog after the A to Z challenge, because I have been known to post a fishing post or two on here,

A to Z Challenge: Eddie Murphy

I came of age in the 80s and 90s which coincided with the peak of Eddie Murphy's career. Needless to say he was popular with me and my peer group. Some of his work was well received earning great awards and some earned him Raspberry Awards.

He was among the entertainers who helped make Saturday Night Live so fun to watch.

Some forget he was stand-up comedian, here is his first appearance on Johnny Carson's show...

Of course there were the movies! "Coming to America"

A clip from "Beverly Hills Cop"

How about Eddie as a donkey..

What roles did you like Eddie Murphy as? Do you have a favorite movie he was in? Feel free to share in the comments.

A to Z Challenge: D is to Dumpstaphunk

A great thing about the A to Z Challenge is that is gives you a chance to write about some of your favorite things. Yesterday I wrote about one of my favorite musicals and today I am going to post about one of my favorite bands of this millennium.

Today's post is about Dumpstaphunk, a funk rock band out of New Orleans. You may not of herd about them, which is fine I certainly will introduce the to you. The band features two generations of one of the best known musical families from New Orleans the Neville family. The band was founded by Aaron Neville's son Ivan Neville who has played with Neville Brothers, The Rolling Stones, Bonnie Raitt, and more. Ivan has his cousin Ian playing guitar with Dumpstaphunk.

Sometimes you just have to "Put it in the Dumpsta"..

Here the are the first time I saw them performing James Brown's "Camel Walk"..

Let's "Turn This Thing Around"...

Here is some fresh Funk, featuring the talented Trombone Shorty

Hope you enjoyed my funky little post and stayed tuned for an exciting E post coming soon!

A to Z Challenge: Chicago the Musical

Today, I'm switching over to musical theater. At one time I did write about theater for this site. Why am I picking Chicago besides the fact it starts with a C? It was the first National Touring musical that I ever went to see back in 2002. I won tickets from a fabulous record store (remember them?).

What's not to like the musical has catchy songs, an easy to follow plot, eye candy, and "All That Jazz". We caught the show at The Lyric, a beautiful venue in Baltimore, Maryland.

It was back on mind since, I just watched another touring version of the show in February in Pensacola.

That tour is playing sat The Kennedy Center now through  April 16, with Grammy Award winning singer Brandy Norwood portraying Roxie.

 I notice there were some small differences since the last time I witness the performance, which was nice. Seeing the show before, watching the movie version you do get used to the show.

This is just a quick post on /c and /i will be back with a D post soon.

A to Z Challenge: B is for Lonnie Brooks

Today's letter for the A to Z Challenge is B. My post fits the letter in two ways. One Lonnie's last name starts with a B and this is about the Blues. Lonnie Brooks was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2010. Sadly he passed away on  April 1.

I actually was able to see Lonnie Brooks perform 15 years ago at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Form. He performed in the Blues Tent which was a very intimate setting to experience an artist perform.

Lonnie passed way at 83 and had started his career in the 1950s. Two of his early singles where recorded by The Fabulous Thunderbirds.

Here is The Fabulous Thunderbirds cvering Brooks' "The Crawl"

Here is Lonnie with "Voodoo Daddy"

Here he is live...

The Blues world lost a great one. He will be missed and I hope he can Rest in Peace. His family legacy lives on with his sons Ronnie Baker Brooks and Wayne Baker Brooks.