Concert Sunday

I wanted to let you all know that there is a fabulous concert going on this coming Sunday. I have talked about him before, but I am talking about him again. His name is Scott H Biram and he plays alone with his dirty sounding acoustic guitar, a harmonica, and a stomp box. He will be playing the 7th Street Entry in Minneapolis on Sunday night and I will be there. I am, of course, having trouble getting commitments out of my friends but I don't care. Anyone in Minneapolis this Sunday the 19th, be there!

Dissapointed...

My plans fell through. Our annual trip to Road America in Elkhart Lake Wisconsin got canceled. My brother, due to his new job, had to skip it due to a trade show in Salt Lake City, and Tom decided not to go for a few reasons. I was very excited about this trip, but instead will have to stay home and try to get our deck pushed along. I also missed the Hank 3 concert last week because all of my friends have kids and suck. The good thing is, we will be able to go to the Carver County Fair this weekend in our hometown. It is fun to see the weird people that show up for this. Anyway, Hank (our dog) is doing very well adapting to life with the Sams'. He is growing up and really showing his personality. I will get some more pictures for you soon. Have a great weekend.

I found this picture...

in my photo album and thought it should be posted. It is Ground Zero in New York City taken on our trip in 2005. It was pretty emotional standing in that spot. I thought I would share it with you. Wow, what a crazy couple of weeks it has been. We spent last weekend framing a deck on our house. Apart from a few injuries (picture me doing an unwanted aerial flip while banging my knees on a wheelbarrow), everything went great. We will begin finishing work on it soon as well. The new puppy is coming around and figuring out that peeing on his old man's bed will get him a small ass whooping. Jessica is having her sister and a bunch of her friends come down next weekend. She is hosting a bachelorette party for her sister. So, that leaves me with no home for the weekend. I am unsure where I will go, but am open to suggestions. Have a good week.

Hank IV

Jessica and I are pleased to announce the newest member of our family. His name is Henry "Hank" Sams. He is a two month old Cockalier (half Cocker Spaniel, half Cavalier King Charles). He is extremely calm and very cute. Please come over and visit him as we want him to get to know all of you! He is very good with kids and other dogs. Enjoy your sleep.

It has been a while

Hi and apologies for the long absence. Jessica, Mom, Ed, and I spent 5 days traveling from the cabin in Brainerd up to Superior Shores (a little north of Two Harbors MN) for some much needed downtime over the long 4th of July Holiday. We don't have the opportunity to see Mom and Ed as much as the other two do, so we had a great time. The winds of change are blowing right now it would seem. Cub is changing career paths in a few weeks and he is very excited about it. Jessica and I will be adding a new member to our family on Sunday (obviously not a baby). I will post more on that soon. It seems as though everyone is looking for something new right now. I got some new marvelous hard rock albums (thanks Joe). Velvet Revolver and new Queens Of The Stone Age are my favorites right now. Smashing Pumpkins has a new one out too that I like. There are many concerts coming up so stay tuned for some reviews coming up. Jess and I will be around this weekend so call or stop by if you can. Have a good weekend.

Scott H Biram - CLICK HERE!

Some of you may know who this guy is many of you may not. Scott H Biram is one of my favorite musical artists and the horrible thing about it is, not enough people in Minnesota know who he is. His site describes him best like this: "Rock 'n' Roll ain't pretty and neither is Scott H. Biram. The self proclaimed 'Dirty Old One Man Band' successfully, and sometimes violently, lashes together blues, hillbilly and country precariously to raucous punk and godless metal." He is coming in concert to a few venues up here and I want to get the word out. I want all of you people to come down to 7th Street Entry with me on August 19th at 8:00 p.m. for a fantastic live show. Pass it around to everyone and call me or email me for more details. Have a safe and wonderful weekend!

NEW NIECE!

Introducing the newest member of our family! Cub and Amber had their second daughter this weekend. Her name is yet to be determined, but I will post it as soon as I know. She was born on Saturday, June 23rd at 11:04 am. She was a big kid at 9 pounds, 7 ounces. Amber and the baby are doing great. We are all very excited to have her with us.

Cash Cab RULES - click here

Hi everyone. If you clicked on the link above you will find yourself at the home page of the newest and greatest game show on Discovery. There is a link on the site to take a quiz which can be fun if you need a break from working. It actually tests your brainhole (copyright Cody)! Check it out! Jessica and I are fairly wide open this weekend. We may do some outdoor work around the house, but not much else. Looking forward to relaxing and enjoying time with my wife. Have a good weekend

This is what happens...

when the three siblings get together to make an attempt at family photos. On a side note, I met Carl Eller at Floyd's Bar on Saturday night. He was there watching a reggae band. In case you don't know, he was a defensive lineman for the Vikings in the 70's and now an NFL Hall of Fame inductee.

It's Friday

I cannot emphasize enough how ready I am for this weekend, it has been a rough week. Jessica got to take yesterday and today off and plans to sit in a boat in the sun. I get to work. Anyway, I was just told by my friend Joe that Hank Williams III is coming back to town this August. We have seen him a few times and it is tons of fun. Speaking of fun (nice transition), there are negotiations in our house ongoing to get a dog. For those of you not in the know, this has been a swirling topic in our house for quite some time. Jessica and I are gone from the house quite a lot and we will have to rely on a little help for a few months. Thus, the negotiations. Stay tuned on this. On a different topic, I am really enjoying watching Twins Baseball this year. They put on a great show. Check it out if you have time. Last topic: I HATE, HATE, HATE, reality shows. With all of the good shows on hiatus, the only thing on TV are reality shows like "America's Got Talent." Oh well, more time to read a book or work out. Have a spectacular weekend!

Happy Friday

Clear as a bell! Who gives a rat's ass about her! Why are we being bombarded with this junk! I cannot stand the American Media. Also in the news, President Bush is reportedly "suffering from a stomach ailment." Once again, why is this news? He is in Germany, 13 should have been his limit on Schnitzengruben. Anyway, it is supposed to be great in Minnesota this weekend. The guys may hit happy hour tonight. We will see if the guys with the wives and kids even show up. My buddy Joe delivered some great new music to me yesterday that I have really been enjoying. New Queens of The Stone Age is fabulous. Everyone have a great weekend!

Big Plans (if you like to paint)

Looks like the fun is officially over everyone. I will be spending the majority of the weekend painting our living room. This was a project I would have liked to get done over the cold winter but never got to. Jessica would like it done so like every good husband, you stand and salute. SO, I have that going for me which is nice. Also, we have some original West "By God" Virginians coming to town to see all of us. We used to live there as kids and this particular couple were wonderful and helped us put food on the table and keep us warm. Anyway, have a great weekend and come on over if you want to paint.

Thursday Thoughts

- It is Memorial Day this coming Monday and in case you don't know why we celebrate it here is the reason: "This holiday commemorates U.S. men and women who have died in military service to their country." So, thank you to all of the men and women who have passed in service of the greatest country in the world.
- The long weekend coming up is much needed and I hope to take advantage of it and the weather is nice. Maybe some fishing and golf is in order.
- The Indy 500 is also this weekend, but who cares!? Down with the IRL (crapwagons), up with Champ Car!
- My neighbor just went out and bought the same truck that I have. Mine is better however, it has leather and all of the options.
- My wife, Jessica, is wonderful.

Concert Reviews

As promised, here you go:

Friday: Blackhawk at the Medina Ballroom.

This may be the 15th time I have seen them, and it never tires. They have two new band members that really make them sound like the original Blackhawk. Their harmony was spot on again and the music was wonderful. We ran into a few old friends that we only see at these shows which was fun. Overall, if I have to give it a 1 out of 10 number, I would give it a 7.5.

Saturday: Lynyrd Skynyrd/Hank Williams Jr. at the Target Center.

Well, this show was interesting. Jessica and I stayed at a great hotel (a little trendy, but whatever) called Graves 601. We went to the pre-concert gathering at Champps downtown and found A LOT of drunk cowboys. Anyway, our seats were great and the opening act (Chris Jansen Band?) was a lot of fun. And then, the fun really started. Skynyrd came out and absolutely rocked the joint! The three guitar sound Skynryd made famous lives, and lives to please. Wow, were they playing to the crowd. A TON of fun. 10 out of 10. The, Hank Jr came out. Now, I have been listening to him for a very long time and prefer Hank 3, but he can play to the crowd too. I was a bit disappointed in not having an encore and he was a bit boring at times, but overall still fun. 8 out of 10 on this one. Have a great week.

CONCERTS!

Hi everyone. Cub, myself, and our two buddies made it to Brainerd for some fishing last Friday and there was a ton of fun ahead. We caught our limit of Sunfish the evening before walleye opener and went in for a few beers. We then woke up at 0500 on Opener morning and a few Walleye were caught. THEN, we spent the day lounging and fishing for sunfish again. It was just really nice to get out of town with the guys for a few days. So, this coming weekend the fun continues. Jessica, Ed, Carrie, Tom (good friend), a few others and myself are going to a small venue to see a band called Blackhawk on Friday. This has been an annual occasion since Cub and I got out of the military (Cub will not be there due to Amber's impregnated condition). They are a great southern-rock/country band. THEN, on Saturday Jessica and I are going to see Hank Williams Jr. and Lynyrd Skynyrd at the Target center and staying at an amazing hotel in Minneapolis. I am really excited for both shows. So, let the party continue. I will write full reviews next week.

Walter..we are coming for you

We made it out of Chicago mostly hung over a down a bunch of money. But, wow did we have fun. The highlight of the trip was watching the Cubs play at Wrigley Field. It is a complete culture shift down there in that people are actually vocal (and drunk) at sporting events. Anyway, this week is creeping a little but this weekend will be a ton of fun. Almost a state holiday, this weekend is Walleye fishing opener and we will be going on a man-vaction for it. Something like 1 million people make it to the lake and we will be 4 of them. Cub, myself, and 2 buddies are going to a cabin for some fishing a few beers. We are all excited and hope to catch a few fish. Have a great weekend!

Giddy with Anticipation

Well, outside of the brand, this picture pretty much encompasses our upcoming extended weekend. If you haven't been apying attention, Jessica and I are heading to Chicago to visit our friends Bill and Melissa. We leave Thursday and come home on Monday. While there, we are gonna take in a Cubs game, go to Second City Theater for some comedy, and be tourists. Tons of fun to be had and the weather down there looks great. Cub and I got out and spent a few hours on the lake yesterday (Sunday). We caught a few fish and had some good conversation with locals. Have a good week!

The State of the State

Here are a few of the local headlines from a Minnesota News Outlet, Kare 11, from 04/24/2007:

Minnesotan killed in Missouri plane crash
• Teen charged with sexual assault of child
• The annual war on mosquitoes has begun
• House bill ramps up Capitol tax debate
• Virginia Tech student touched by home state support following shooting
• St. Paul woman mauled by pit bulls

I take a few minutes out of each day to look at what is happening both globally and locally. The world is not looking great, but what's worse, Minnesota looks to be spiraling along with it. I read to stay educated and am starting to feel as though news outlets report only horrible stories and sensationalize them for effect. It is simply depressing. I want to stop reading these headlines but feel as though I will be left behind in conversation and knowledge of the happenings in my state. I should stick to The Onion for news, at least you get a laugh. The State of the State: Not so much. What do you think?

Random Mumblings

* I want to go golfing right now.

* Joe cannot hit a homerun in softball, ever.

* Does anyone know what a chemical peel is? I don't.

* I spent 4 hours in 1 meeting this morning. Imagine what I was thinking at hour 3.

* We are wide open this weekend and open to suggestions.

Ready for the lake

Wow, has the climate changed around here form my last post. It is going to be almost 70 and sunny here in the great white north today. I realize that all I have been posting about lately is the damn weather, and I am committing to stop now. Last weekend was relatively calm. Jessica and I drove 3 hours for a 40 minute wedding ceremony. The groom works for me and they actually sang their vows. Interesting. My siblings and their families came up to our house on Sunday. We had a good time and I am working on getting better at being around screaming children. They usually push my panic button. My cousin Blake is in town from the U.S. Air Force (my beloved Air Corp). He is stationed in Italy and hopefully will spend some time out in the SW Minneapolis Suburbs. Susan, Ed's sister and our Aunt, is flying into town soon too. So, that is the news from here. We are hoping to get out and do some fishing and golfing shortly. Go Twins and Wild.