Friday, March 31, 2006

Gina stole this MI-5; from whom?

1. If your life were a movie, what would it be rated and why?
Well, whatever normal life would be. PG, I guess. Nothing outrageous. No adult language to speak of. Some brief nudity, no real violence.

2. If the power was out for 24 hours, what would you do to carry on?
There's so much I could do without power! I think I'd rather like it! It would give me an opportunity to read, play some drums, clean house, stuff like that. I'd have no computer and no TV, and that's ok by me.

3. Which is more important, the ends or the means?
That has too many variables. Generally, though, I'd say the means. Kant said, though, that we should treat people as ends unto themselves, and never as a means. Also, never act on any mean that you wouldn't want to see become universal. I like that idea. This has been philosophy 101 with Billy Rhythm.

4. Everyone has their own thoughts about this - Are our personalities formed by nature or nurture? Explain your thoughts.
I think just about everything is nurture. I think you're pretty much a blank slate at birth. One third of babies have to be taught how to suck. If that's not built in--the ability to eat to sustain life--what is? Sex, hair color, eye color, fingerprints, that sort of thing is nature. The rest falls to the environment.

5. Who was president when you were born?
Nixon. I wasn't too old before Ford came in. One of my earlier memories is being at Aunt Dee Dee's and Uncle Roger's and watching the election returns for Ford/Carter.

According to the prophecy of: Billy Rhythm [Link]

Wednesday, March 29, 2006

I Thought I Had Something To Say

But I guess I don't. I've been working on a site for a friend. I made supper again. Nat's up, not feeling well. I think I sound like a broken record.

According to the prophecy of: Billy Rhythm [Link]

Monday, March 27, 2006

Week-End Wrap Up

Hey, loyal readers! Are you looking for the weekend wrap up? Of course you are!

Friday. Office. Then to GVHS to play The Music Man. I played five of the seven shows--I only missed last Saturday, when I had those other two gigs. That went fine, no big whoop.

Saturday morning, back to the office for the Saturday shift. At noon, Julia and Susan (the boys were at Grandmas) met me at the office. Julia has been craving vanilla soft-serve, and DQ is the only place open. So we went and had lunch there, then went down to the public landing to eat it. After that, it was time for me to head to the Saturday matinee. That audience was the best of the run, and usually matinees are a little, well, blah. Not this crowd! And the kids performance was the best, as was mine. I had about an hour and a half lay over before the next show, so I came home and worked on a friend's computer. Then back to the show for the final performance.

Sunday morning was church. Nat and Matt were both sick, so Susan stayed home. After church, I went to a cousins house to help him hook up his plasma TV. That took a little longer that I thought. I couldn't get sound, for some reason, even though I was positive my connections were right. There was something going on with the TV. You know what it was? It needed to be restarted! For real. Turn the power off, then back on, and boom! Apparently, when you turn the TV on, if it doesn'f find and audio signal, it mutes the speakers. Since, when I arrived, it wasn't hooked up right, the speakers were on auto-mute. And all I needed to do was turn it off. Argh! If it had been a computer, it would've been the first thing I tried. In the afternoon, I came home and went over the taxes. I went to lie down and listen to Click and Clack, and I ended up falling asleep for an hour. In the evening, I went back to evening church.

Monday was back at the office. I wanted to show Susan how much I loved her, and told her I'd make dinner--whatever she wanted. What did she want? Hamburgers! Up. A loaded burger. Ketchup, mustard, onion, pickle, lettuce, tomato, mayo, and cheese, on a toaseted sesame seed bun. And they were fantastic!

Now, Nathaniel is up, and not happy. He's still got his fever, and the doctor diagnosed him with croop. The poor kid is miserable. I'm going to help Susan. Good night!

According to the prophecy of: Billy Rhythm [Link]

Friday, March 24, 2006

Paddy's MI-5

1) What's the hardest thing you've ever had to tell somebody?
I don't know. I guess I've never really had to say anything too hard. I guess it would be confessing some lie to my parents.

2) What's the best news you've ever had the chance to break?
I guess I got nothing here, either.

3) Were you in a click in high school? (eg: brains, stoners, jocks, etc.)
Not really. I liked just about everyone, but I guess I was mostly in the musicians and brains.

4) Do you have a secret that you will never tell? How long have you kept it?
Never is a long time. I have one secret a friend told me, and he asked me not to share it with anyone--not even Susan. Since it concerns only this other person, and since it was very personal, I've not shared it with anyone. Nor do I have any plans to.

5) Have you ever had a secret you told, and then regretted?
When I was in Junior High, I dated this girl. We broke up, and I started dating the girl's best friend. Why? To make the original girl jealous. Yes, I know, that's horrible, but I was like 13 at the time. When we (the second girl) broke up, I told her the truth--I wasn't really into her that much. It cost me a friend, and my integrity. Every time I see her, I wonder if she thinks about how mean I was to her. It was something I should've kept quiet. Actually, it was something I never should've gotten into.

According to the prophecy of: Billy Rhythm [Link]

Wednesday, March 22, 2006

Man, what a busy week.

I had three gigs this weekend, and helped with a fundraiser on Sunday. There's the weekend wrap-up for ya!

I've been helping some friends with their computers. Suzanne's machine is all messed up. It's some crazy Dell built into one of those little cases I hate so much. Nothing is standard size. It needs a video card. Usually, I call Rockbound and have parts by lunchtime. Not this time. Nope. It's got to be ordered. Mom needed some real renovation on her machine, so I put a new hard drive and more memory in it, and put XP on it. Kate's Mac needs a virtual PC installed. But the software she bought doesn't include the actual Windows OS. So you buy Virtual PC from Microsoft, but Windows XP doesn't come with it?! You're only buying the ability to run Windows on a Mac, but not Windows itself. Lame.

The kids slept last night. That was nice.

I'm taking another online course through Barnes and Noble. I've already taken Grammar Fitness, Bible as Literature, History of Jazz, and Business Etiquette. Now I'm taking The Poetry and Life of Emily Dickinson. You know, if I could be a professional student, I would be. Anyway, part of the course is to read a biography on Emily. 900 pages? When am I going to read this? Let's see if I can get through it. Something interesting I've learned is that there is only authenticated picture of Emily. There is a second one, perhaps, but there's still some discussion. It sorta reminds me of Robert Johnson, the blues guitar player. There are only two known photos of him, too. Only at billyrhythm.com to Emily Dickinson and Robert Johnson end up in the same paragraph.

Drums, must get drums in here... Oh, I got a great deal on some K Zildjian Mastersounds. A guy on a drum forum wanted $100 for the pair. Darn right I scoffed them up! I think they'll be here tomorrow. They got shipped yesterday from New Hamster.

Reading: A 900 page biography
Listening to: Diana Krall, Live in Paris

According to the prophecy of: Billy Rhythm [Link]

Tuesday, March 21, 2006

All I Want From Life Right Now...

...is for three children in the Batty household of Rockland ME to sleep one whole night from 10:30pm until 6:30am. Is that too much to ask?

According to the prophecy of: Billy Rhythm [Link]

Friday, March 17, 2006

St. Patrick's Day MI-5, From My Sis

1. What are you wearing right now? Do you have on any green?
I'm wearing a blue MIS shirt, tan painters cords, tan socks, brown boat shoes, and some kind of boxer/briefs. I think they're black. No green.

2. What is your favorite shade of green? Kelly? Mint? Teal? Pine? Some other shade?
I'm partial to sea foam and sage.

3. Do you enjoy eating the traditional Corned Beef and Cabbage? What other "Irish food" do you enjoy?
I like corned beef, but I don't like it the "traditional" way. I like it on sandwiches. I like it in hash. I like that stuff in a can with onions and black pepper on soft white bread, like Mom and Dad used to eat. Other Irish food? I enjoy a Guinness now and again. Lemon curd ROCKS! Irish stew is tasty; I like lamb. I like mashed potatoes, and a little drop of Baileys in my coffee at Christmastime.

4. Have you ever looked for a 4-leaf clover? Did you find one?
Yes I have looked, but I have never found one. In fact, I've only seen one once.

5. Do you believe in luck? Why, or why not?
No. I believe it's all in The Big Guy's plans.


Feeling: Sleepy
Listening to: Reggae

According to the prophecy of: Billy Rhythm [Link]

Wednesday, March 15, 2006

Photo Blog Entry

So Amy decided she was going to take some photos, and wanted to know if anyone had any requests. Well Zoot said he/she (I don't know where Zoot falls) could tell a lot about person by seeing photos of some very specific items. Here are mine. Digital camera owners, feel free to play along.

Purse. Well, I don't have one. But I do have a wallet, black, given to me by Cousin Dave for Christmas two years ago.

The contents of said wallet, to include $20-something dollars, various coffee club cards, a few credit cards, many receipts, and pictures of my family.

The floor board of my car. I took a picture of the seat as well, as I think it's more telling. The blue bag is where I keep my Bible and stuff. You'll see some CDs there, to include Ephraim Lewis and Shawn Colvin. (They're the ones out of the case, and on the seat.) You'll also see an egg muffin made by the handy machine Jim gave me.

Also car related, the dash of my car.

Here's my desk at the office. Things to note? The picture of my wife next to my monitor. My Palm Pilot in front of her. A picture of Julia in a red frame to the right of my monitor. The Fat Albert DVD box set Jim gave me (Jim gives me lots of stuff!), and on my calendar on my cubby wall you can just make out Nat.

Now, this is what I consider the weirdest request: my spice rack. Actually we have two. They sit to the left and right of the window over our sink. You'll also see vinegar, sippy cups, and various cooking tools.

Now, what does all this tell you about me? Leave a comment, would you?

According to the prophecy of: Billy Rhythm [Link]

Tuesday, March 14, 2006

Chocolate!

Jim Thompson is my chocolate pimp, and I can proove it! He's like a pusher! He's always trying to get me to take more, more, more!

According to the prophecy of: Billy Rhythm [Link]

Weekend Wrap Up

You know what? I didn't turn the computer on all weekend. Ok, I did once just long enough to retrieve a phone number, but that's it. It was nice. So here's the weekend wrap-up.

Friday night, I was playing in Waterville at the Midnite Blues Club. It was the same as we're seeing all over the state; the crowd is good until 11pm or so, then it thins out quickly. Why? Is it people going home earlier? Afraid of OUI? The lack of smoking in clubs? Who knows. In any event, we stopped about 12:30, and I gave Blind Al a ride home. Based on his driveway, I can announce that mud season has officially begun in Maine.

Saturday morning I had practice for a pit band I'm working in. GVHS is putting on "The Music Man," and I'll be playing drums for the second weekend (four shows). I'm not playing this weekend (two shows) as I already have a gig this Saturday. So I went to the rehearsal from 9:30 until 1pm. Then I went home, and Susan and the boys and I went to the library and the grocery store. In the evening we had nachos for supper. I was tired and in bed by 9pm.

Sunday morning, and the schedule was already thrown out the window. The boys were up really early, and they were supposed to attend a birthday party at 2pm. How would they get a nap in before that? Susan thought we should take seperate cars to church. Then, after Sunday School, she and the boys would slip out. Julia and I would stay for the morning worship service, and then go have lunch, just the two of us. At first we thought we'd hit McDonalds, but I remembered she'd been asking to go to the Chinese restaurant. So we went there. After lunch, I went to Goodwill and picked out some clothes for '70s theme band "Groove Machine." Julia said I looked "dorky." I guess that's what I'm looking for! What says 1974 better than "dorky"? In the evening, I went back to evening church, then home, then again in bed by 9pm.

Coming here at Billy Rhythm: a photo blog entry!

Reading: Mark
Watching: Franklin (with the boys)

According to the prophecy of: Billy Rhythm [Link]

Friday, March 10, 2006

Amy's Badgroove MI-5: Cars and Guitars

This was my first time asking the questions for the MI5: so I apologize now if they have been asked already. Here are my questions:

1. What was your first concert? Did you like it?
David Lee Roth with Tesla as the opening act. I think I was a Freshman in high school, maybe a Sophomore. I liked it very much, but I didn't like being in the crowd in front of the stage. I just got totally squished. Since then, I've always sat in a seat. Interestingly, by the time I went to this concert, I had already spent two years playing in a country band in clubs.

2. What was your first car? Did you have a name for it? Are there any wild or special memories about it you can share?
My first car was an '82 Chevy Citation. It did not have a name. There are no wild memories that I can share. There are some special memories though. I remember listening to James Brown in the school parking lot with the hatch up, jumping around like a fool with Nate Butler to "Gravity." And one time someone needed a ride, and I was full. But they were willing to pay gas money. My brother Mike was with me, so I made him ride in the hatch so I could pull in some extra coin.

3. If you could see anyone in concert that you haven't seen yet- who would it be?
I'm going to assume you're implying the artist is still alive. As I look at all the artists that I really, really like, I've seen most of them: Lyle Lovett, Sarah McLachlan, Harry Connick Jr. The one who is noticeably absent? Counting Crows. And they came to Maine with Dogs Eye View, another band I like. And I heard about the concert the day after it happened.

4. If you could own ANY vehicle what would it be and why? (money is no object of course)
I have two choices: an Audi TT and an Ahrens Fox. Why? 'Cause they're both cool!

5. What kind of car do you drive now? Do you love it? Are there any wild or special memories about it you can share?
I drive a '95 Ford Taurus Wagon, known as The Green Hornet I've had it two years, and I love it. No wild or special memories, though. Just good, comfortable transportation for me and my drums.

Feeling: not so great
Listening to: Country music on the radio

According to the prophecy of: Billy Rhythm [Link]

Wednesday, March 8, 2006

Tea

OK, for some reason a while back, I felt like some tea. After three cups in the morning, when 3pm rolls around, sometimes you want something other than coffee. And, being winter, here in Maine I want something hot. What's that leave us with? Right. Hot cocoa or tea. Paddy and I have recently decided we'd start drinking tea in the afternoon. I started off with Lapsang Souchong. This stuff is yummy: smoky and unique. That got finished off today, so we bought some new stuff. It's called Dragon Moon. My first cup was eh. It was not much different than Lipton. I guess next time I shall let it steep longer. Paddy bought Nilgiri Blue Mountain. His had much more flavor, as he let it steep longer. We'll continue to taste...

According to the prophecy of: Billy Rhythm [Link]

Tuesday, March 7, 2006

Babies and Chocolate

Last night, Matthew slept through the night. Yea! Normally, he's been sleeping through for 8 months. But for the last week or so, he's been getting up three times a night or so. Why? Who knows! We tried adding music. That didn't seem to help. Night light? No difference. Last night we put the vaporizer in their room. Was that the answer? We'll see, but if that's the answer, I wonder WHY it's the answer. In reality, though, I don't care. I'm just glad he slept!

I need to thank my buddy/pusher Jim. Lately, he's been hooking me up with the chocolate. This is some serious gourmet stuff! Usually, I would be happy with some freeze-dried Hershey bars, but he springs this serious GOURMET stuff on me!* I mean, really good stuff. Champagne truffles? He got me some. Lindt? Check! In fact, I have it in a couple of different strengths! Not only do I have the 70% in the drawer, but the unbelievable 99% cocoa! (Review to follow.) Scharffenberger? Sure thing! Heck, Paddy brought me some little Scharffenberger one-bites too! I've gone off the high brow chocolate deep end!

Thanks also to the dudes at Northern Kingdom Music. They ordered a Zildjian K Constantiople Light Ride for me. It sounds fantastic! They actually ordered me two cymbals: this one, and a A Zildjian and CIE ride, and they were going to let me choose between the two. This one sounded so good, I told them it wasn't coming back. Who knows, I'll probably buy the CIE too, once it gets here. And the price? It was sooo right, I don't even dare post it. But they're the people to see for good deals on drums, cymbals, and any other musical instruments.

*Thanks to Jules from Pulp Fiction


Listening to: Clap Hands, Here Comes Charlie, Ella Fitzgerald

According to the prophecy of: Billy Rhythm [Link]

Sunday, March 5, 2006

The Education MI-5

My sister asked today if I did my own MI-5. It was done, but I forgot to post it! And I was online a bunch yesterday, working on websites. And yet I still forgot. Oh well, here it is, two days late...

1. What was your favorite subject in grade school? High school? College?
In grade school my favorite subject was Reading. I was an early reader, and could read the newspaper in Kindergarten. My parents tell the story of how the teacher would send home notes saying "Billy can't cut straight, and he doesn't color in the lines." And they would reply "But he can read!" Then towards the end of the year, the teacher "caught" me reading to another kid. She sent home a note that read "Billy can read!" Um, right! In high school I liked band and chorus, science (biology and chemistry; I wasn't into physics), and English. In college I tended to like the "funkier" classes. Biomedical Ethics is one I really liked, as well as the Tragedies of Shakespeare and Victorian and Romantic Era Poetry.

2. Let's say you had the opportunity to take an evening class. What subject would it be?
I'd really like to find a class on Greek. Also a hands-on workshop for CSS.

3. Would you tell us the name of your first school crush?
Heather Sewall. In fact, we used to kiss each other goodnight before we got on the bus!

4. What was your favorite "hot lunch" (lunch served in the cafeteria)? What was your favorite "cold" or brown bag lunch?
Owls Head Central School made a mean scrambled hamburger in brown gravy over instant potatoes that I loved. The chicken nuggets were good too. I usually didn't take a bag lunch, but when I did, tuna would probably be the sandwich. The milk in the thermos never got cold, so I didn't dig that. On field trips Mom would always let me have a can of Fresca, wrapped in tin-foil to help keep the cold in. MMmm. Love that Fresca!

5. Tell us about some cool high school field trip/dance/outing/fling you participated in, or some cool memory like that...
There was this one time that the band played the opening of the Maine senate. You know, Star Spangled Banner from the balcony, that kinda thing. After we were done, we went to McDonalds for lunch. For some reason, a bunch of us (Tish Gagnon, Trisha Watts, Rob Bailey, Jason Wilcox, Alison Murray, et. al.) decided it would be cool if we stole every salt and pepper shaker on the tables. So we did! When we arrived back at the school, there was Vice Principal Russo waiting to talk to us. You could tell from the expression on his face that a) he thought it was funny, b) he didn't really care about such a silly prank, but being the administrator, he had to do something. So he said "Why would you steal the salt and pepper shakers?" And I answered "Because the napkin dispensers where chained down!" (And in fact, they were! And I know this because I figured we ought to take one of those too! Apparently, though, that had happened before, thus the chain.) Anyway, if you look in RDHS yearbooks from 1988 - 1990, you'll see references to the "Salt and Pepper Shaker Caper." That was us, baby!

Reading: In Harm's Way, I forget the author
Listening to: Diana Krall, Live in Paris

According to the prophecy of: Billy Rhythm [Link]

Wednesday, March 1, 2006

Is it almost supper time?

It's 9:30. I've been in front of this durn computer for three hours. Yikes! Tomorrow night I'm teaching an ebay class for 18, and then I've got a gig Friday. Saturday I'm off; I can't wait for it to get here!

I need to throw out some props here for Jimmy T, my chocolate pusher. I'll tell you why soon.

According to the prophecy of: Billy Rhythm [Link]