Ska

I didn't go looking for it.  I actually don't know what happened.  Late last night after hockey I stumbled on a video.  It's long.  An hour and 24 minutes.  It stirs excitement deep within me.

The video is of a concert that happened earlier this summer.  The Mighty Mighty Bosstones played outdoors in Boston for their lead singer Dicky's 50th birthday.  It is awesome to me.  Let me try to express why....

I knew "about" the Bosstones before I heard them.  I listened to them before I saw them.  And then.....I saw them.  A few friends and I drove into Pittsburgh early my freshman year to see them....and guess who opened up?  Wax and Face to Face.  To see that same concert now I'd give an appendage for.

There was just something about these guys.  Energy.  Stage presence.  Power.  Humor.  A guy who's soul job was to dance on stage.  They were magnetic to me.  I can't even begin to tell you how many times I've seen them over the years.  Quite a few.  And each time I come away smiling.  They opened doors to me musically.

See back in the early 90's grunge was still king.  Ska hadn't hit it's peak yet.  So the Bosstones set in motion something for me that I knew I wanted a piece of.  They (along with some other bands) were the impetus for Planet 612.  The idea of playing dance music that drives and grinds and makes you shake your butt, was super appealing.

As time went by Ska had it's day in the sun.  A few bands like the Bosstones made it to radio and Mtv (remember when videos were actually a thing on MTV?).   Some people said they "sold out".  Those people had never seen them before they made it to radio.  I saw them when they were playing little clubs, and I saw them when they were playing for thousands at a giant festival.....they were the same band.  Sold out, just means getting paid for what you do.

This video reminds of times of my youth, sure.  But it reminds me of times when what I was listening to amped me up.  Have I gotten old?  Has music changed?  Perhaps both.  Perhaps not at all.

So what?  Good question.  I don't know what this means.  However I did have a dream/nightmare that P-612 was doing a reunion show and I got up on stage and forgot all the lyrics and music to my own songs.  What would be the result of that though?  We weren't big when we were big.....who would come see us play if we did a reunion show?  HA.

So I leave you with the video that started this.  Note that it's Not Safe for little ears.




NATE ALBERT plays at the end of their set!!! How cool.

How to Dad

You all have TV.  I don't.  So you've probably seen this commercial already.  I just wanted to take a moment and talk about it.   So take a second.....watch it...again....and then catch back up with me below.



Ok my gut reaction was that I love this. 

Let me give you the positives here first.   The fact that a dad was portrayed as anything other than a bumbling idiot is a step in the right direction.  The fact that dad can be cool and yet keep the house moving in the right direction is awesome.  I really loved that he gives his wife coffee as she's leaving...clearly dressed for work...the main day job.  LOVE IT.   I actually really like that he calls his wife "hot" too.  Whether you like that term of affection or not, it's good to have kids hear you say that you like your spouse.  Good on them. 

One thing I really love is his use of the phrase "just a suggestion" when talking to his son about his hat.  He doesn't tell him how to wear it.  He shows him what is good and bad with how he's wearing it and leaving it up to him.  Awesome.

The bad.....I don't buy Cheerios very often because they're not cheap....particularly their flavored kind (4+ dollars a box)...and they last about 2 mornings at our house.  (however the Banana Nut Cheerios are the bomb....they were on sale once) Also, I like Peanut Butter enough....and the boys love it....but the idea of peanut butter Cheerios grosses me out. 

Also...at no point in my recollection was I ever asked if I gave my consent to this product being the official cereal of dadhood.  I'm pretty sure I should've got a vote in there somewhere. 

Finally......if a kid jumps on me and wakes me up in the morning my response is NOT going to be "of course I'm up" and i"m not going to be calm and mellow about it.  Particularly if they scare the crap out of me wearing a horse mask.  Let's be a little honest here...right?

Love the positive vibes.  Love the "real" family feel.  I love the idea that it's fine to break some traditional family stereotypical roles and still be a good family.  Thank you Cheerios.