Milestones: 300,000 views and climbing

 My blog hit 250000 pageviews in late April and has surpassed 300000 pageviews by late December. I am wowed that 50000 plus people (or bots) visited my blog in eight months. I'm surprised and humbled that people visit my blog at all. I am thankful for my visitors, my readers for taking the time to visit.

I guess it is safe to say this blog has an audience.  A purpose, probably not a defined one. Perhaps it is truer to my ramblings. At one point it was more as I phrased it as shameless, self-promotion of my other writings at the time. I have my struggles with the blog but the blog itself continues. I struggle with balance. I constantly struggle with balancing content. Someone called it a music blog and that offended me! (Not that it is a bad thing to be labeled that) It wasn't labeled that online, and who or where isn't important. You will certainly find posts about music here. I like music, it is a big part of my life so obviously it is strongly represented here. However, other topics that cross my mind are also blogged about. The other struggle is time. I can time manage my day job just fine. However, the blog time creates a struggle. Finding the time to write a post, time to visit other folk's blogs, that is the challenge. The day job takes up time, living an adventurous life takes up time, other hobbies and pursuits take up time. 

What's next for the blog? The blog with continue. The struggles will continue. The blog might find purpose or just wander around the interwebs aimlessly. Maybe my audience like trainwrecks? Perhaps my blog is a wonderful trainwreck reflecting the trainwreck I call life.

R.I.P John Madden

"Madden Football" was probably the most iconic football game ever.  The man the game was named after has passed away at the age of 85. John played the game, was a successful coach, and one of the best commentators on the NFL.

A clip of his best announcing bits...

He will be missed by the sport, his fans, friends and family may he rest in peace.

Monday's Music Moves Me: Third Day of Christmas

 One more round of Christmas Music. It is still Christmas time. The 12 Days of Christmas and a lot more started on Christmas Day.

                                               Pentatonix "12 Days of Christmas"

If you like this one, they have a new album out and a tour in 2022

"Light of Christmas Day"

Billy Porter "Go Tell it on the Mountain"

Monday's Music Moves Me: Christmas Week Edition

 I'm back with another Monday's Music Moves Me. It is the Holidays, and the theme is Christmas Songs, and I am going with a Christmas Week version.

What am I getting for Christmas?

Stan Freberg "Nuttin' for Christmas"

Gene Autry "Here Comes Santa Claus"

Bing Crosby " Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer"

Chuck Berry "Run Rudolph Run"

Celtic Woman "Silent Night"

I wish you all a Merry Christmas!

R.I.P Anne Rice

 Anne Rice who has sold over 150 million books has passed away at the age of 80. She is probably best known for "Interview with a Vampire." 

                                              Here she gives some advice on writing:

She was obviously a very successful and popular author.

Tribute video:

What were your favorite novels by her?

She will be missed by her family, friends and fans.

Monday's Music Moves Me: Christmas Songs or maybe not

 It is the Holiday's and I decided to give Monday's Music Moves Me a shot. The theme is Christmas Songs and I kind of put the twist or not on it. 

J.J. Grey "Santa Claus, True Love & Freedom"

Really any excuse to share J.J.'s music is a good one. The song got me thinking about Christmas songs that might not be Christmas tunes.

Fleet Foxes "White Winter Hymnal"

from Neptune's Daughter "Baby, It's Cold Outside"

Dean Martin "Let it Snow"

                                                                                           

What are some other Christmas Songs, might not be Christmas Songs?

Hope you enjoy and Happy Holidays!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

Battle of the Bands Results: Jamey Johnson All My Tears

 One vote for the songwriter Julie Miller, on for husband Buddy Miller and for for Jamey Johnson. 

                                                    "High Cost of Living"

"In Color"

I'll be back with a new battle, in a new year, Until then Happy Holidays!

R.I.P John Miles

                                                     "Music"

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John Miles passed away. He was an English singer, musician00 re0ally, he was known to play the organ or guitar as well. I open the post with one his 70's English hits "00Music." Music is how I became aware of him. It was 1988 and I was into the music of Led Zeppelin and Jimmy Page had released his solo album "Outrider."

"Wasting My Time"

Alan Parsons Project "Shadow of a Lonely Man"

Thought I would throw in a video of John Miles working with The Alan Parsons Project.

John Miles willl be missed by his fans, friends, family and fellow musicians.

                                

My 2021-22 NCAA Football Rankings After Week Fourteen

 

My NCAA Football Rankings after week fourteen:

1) Michigan Wolverines (12-1) crushed Iowa 42-3

2) Cincinnati Bearcats (13-0) beat Houston 35-20.

3)Alabama Crimson Tide (12-1) beat Georgia 41-24

4) Georgia Bulldogs (12-1) lost to Alabama 41-24

5) Notre Dame Fighting Irish (11-1) did not play.

6) Baylor Bears (11-2) beat Oklahoma State 21-16.

7) Ole Miss Rebels (10-2) did not play

8) Oklahoma State Cowboys (11-2) lost to Baylor 21-16

9) Ohio State Buckeyes (10-2) did not play.

10) Oklahoma Sooners (10-2) did not play.

11) Utah Utes (10-3) beat Oregon 38-10.

12) Michigan State Spartans (10-2) did not play.

13) Pittsburgh Panthers (11-2) beat Wake Forest 45-21

14) Clemson Tigers (9-3) did not play.

15) BYU Cougars (10-2) did not play.

16) Iowa Hawkeyes (10-3) lost to Michigan 42-3

17) BYU Cougars (10-2)

18) Louisiana Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns (12-1) topped Appalachian State 24-16.

19) Houston Cougars (11-2) fell to Cincinnati 35-20.

20) Oregon Ducks (10-3) was crushed 38-10 by Utah.

21) Wake Forest Deacon Demons (10-3) lost to Pitt 45-21

22) Utah State Aggies (10-3) beat San Diego State 46-13

23) Kentucky Wildcats (9-3) did not play.

24) Arkansas Razorbacks (8-4) did not play

25) San Diego State Aztecs (11-2) lost to Utah State46-13.

Battle of the Bands: All My Tears

 I've used a Julie Miller song before. As I recall some (most) didn't like her vocals. We like different things. Apology or warning. Well with that on with the program.

The song: All My Tears

All right the contestants. 

Contestant One: Buddy Miller

I think this is the first time I have featured a songwriter's spouse as a contestant. Buddy is her husband.

Contestant Two: Jamey Johnson

You know the way it works. I pick a song. You tell me which one you like the best in the comments. I count them up and announce the winner in week, before the Winter Solstice, before Christmas, or before the next Battle.