Thuper Thong Thurthday #13: 2013...Still No Flying Cars...

Ahhh the new year, or is that The New Year?  Either way, 2013.  Big things happening in good ole Aught Thirteen.  Great Movies (the second installment of The Hobbit, and not to mention all the Marvel stuff) great fun (I'm sure that's true right?) and adventure (who doesn't have adventures?). 

I have made a modest little list for the end of the year celebration.  I have a monstrous headache so I'll be brief today.  I am going to be telling a semi "story" through song today.  Not really a narrative per se but still...


TTT #13 Playlist
TTT Mega Mix Playlist
Twitter for Spotify Playlist



Yes, them again...

Any regular reader of the blog will know that I love The Weepies.  They are truly one of my favorite mellow bands.  This is my gateway song.  That is, the song that got me initially hooked on The Weepies.  Sadly, when I saw them live they did not play it, here's hoping for next time.  I just know that 2012 did not feel like my year so I decided to start it off like this...

Not Your Year - The Weepies


What White Ladder?

I have always loved this song.  I am sure that everyone would like this year's love to last.  Whether it be significant others or just family and friends.  May all this year's love go to you and may it last all year long.

This Year's Love - David Gray


Dark Side of the Moon, Man...

This song has a long ass intro.  But this song is my jam.  I know The Eldest will enjoy it as she loves some Pink Floyd just like I do.  I do hope that The Middle Sibling will give it a chance.  Time passes. The year is ending because time passed.  Not hard to make the connection.

Time - Pink Floyd


The Love You Make...

This is The Beatles song that spawned the line "The love you take is equal to the love you make...".  See on this one I know that the Middle Sibling will like and The Eldest will be the one to convince.  Probably won't do any good, she'll skip it.  I understand.  You're wrong though.

The End - The Beatles


Times Long Past

I'm sorry.  It had to be included.  It marks the mid-point of my playlist.  See everything up to this point is leading up to the proverbial, and literal for those in NY, ball dropping marking the beginning of the New Year.  Everything after this will mark the beginning of 2013.  See what I did there?

Auld Lang Syne - Kenny G


Bono, nuff said...

Do I really need to explain why this has followed Auld Lang Syne.  Really?

New Year's Day - U2


It's been a long night...

Not I, but for some this will be their January 1st, 2013 anthem.  If you don't know it, you should.  Now you can enjoy it.

Last Night - Carolina Liar




Well that's it for this week...Next week we are done with the holidays.  I think I will do covers next week.  It's time.  May your year go smoothly and everything you wished would happen come to fruition ten fold. 

Happy New Year Everyone.  =D

KKNY signing off...

Christmas 1914

I felt I would post this story because I think it may be one of my favorite Christmas stories.  In part because it is true, and in part because I think it is the perfect example that we are all human.  We are all members of different religions, groups, countries, families, units and organizations that can lead to us becoming torn apart.  This proves that we can all come together, peace is possible.  But maybe I'm just a dreamer...


The Christmas Truce during World War I 1914

Thuper Thong Thurthday #12: CHRISTMAS!

Alright it's time for the Christmas episode of this little thing here.  You all knew it was coming so I'm gonna just dive right in.  That's what I'd look like if I were Santa.  Cats sleep in my beard now.  I hope to have it big and fluffy one day so they are more comfortable.

These are the Christmas songs that don't make me want to punch a baby.  I love Christmas it is my favorite time of year, no matter how hard Walmart tries to pummel it out of me.  I will also not be adding this to the Mega Mix list because that seems kinda...cruel...moving on...

TTT #12 Playlist
Twitter for Spotify Playlist

Nude Women

Nope not real nude women!  Barenaked Ladies!  This little ditty has been around for a while and it is one of my favorite versions of one of my favorite Christmas songs.  And see how classy that black and white pic is!!!

God Rest You Merry Gentlemen/We Three Kings - Barenaked Ladies

Please...

This is the only version of this song that should exist.  I hate every other one.  They lack feeling and soul.  Never...ever...ever...EVER will I listen to another version... If you happen to play an instrument this song has a really great chord progression.  Just a really nice blues.

Please Come Home For Christmas - Charles Brown

KEVIN!!!

I shouldn't have to tell you what this song always reminds me of, but if you are unaware let me inform you.  This version of White Christmas will always remind me of Kevin McCallister bouncing in a towel.  Great Christmas movie.  Iconic 90's scene.

White Christmas - The Drifters

Is that a star??

This is my favorite Christmas song.  This is my fav version of it, so far.  The first time I ever heard of Josh Groban was him singing this song.  I like opera.  I am kinda eh on his opera.  I like some of his pop stuff in that adult contemporary kind of way.  This song I love though.  Plus look at that pic, it's like you can hear him saying "tell me all about it..."  He wants to help you...

O Holy Night - Josh Groban

Why do I want all of these things?

I still do not understand this song for the most part.  It really sounds like the most insane hillbilly, yet fancy, Christmas present ode.  I really can't listen to it BUT I listen to this version solely for number 9.  I laugh every time I hear it and if I'm in public it always makes me smile (can't laugh, people will think you're crazy...)

Twelve Days of Christmas - The Muppets & John Denver

Not The Beatles?

I know what you are thinking.  That's not Paul McCartney and I'm pretty sure Martin Short wasn't in Wings.  See, I couldn't find a picture of Macca that I liked.  For some reason though amidst hundreds of pics of Paul there was a single lonely pic of Martin Short.  Since I love Captain Ron, he gets to be up top.  Don't judge.

Wonderful Christmas Time - Paul McCartney & Wings

Nina, Pinta, and the what again?

I have been listening to The Hobbit soundtrack a lot lately so you are gonna get two Celtic-y Christmas songs.  One would have already been on this list.  This isn't it

I Saw Three Ships - Orla Fallon

It means Silent Night

This one is.  I love both songs.  But there will always be a special place in my heart for Enya.  It reminds me of so much.  My dad, being a kid, high school.  Love Enya.

Oiche Chiun - Enya


BONUS TRACK TIME!!!!

I have decided to toss in a couple of bonus tracks.  This first one is my favorite track from a Christmas CD I recorded with a good friend from way back.  We recorded in one afternoon (you can tell) but it was fun.  Great memories.  Plus the end gets me every time... Also that's the way Breanna ends it, not me screwing up the timing on the ending chords to the song for the millionth time in my life.  Here is (no video) Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree - Breanna Fye & Kenny Tarver

Lastly I will be placing this song in honor of New Years (that's what next ya see).  If these two aren't dating, they need to be.  They make a damn cute couple.  That is coming from a guy.  Enjoy.  *shakes head* too cute...

What Are You Doing New Years Eve - Zooey Deschanel & Joseph Gordon-Levitt




That's it folks.  A little lengthy, but worth it.  Hope you listened to all of it, or if you didn't, I hope you didn't skip too many tracks.  Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all.  Stay safe out there.

KKNY Claus leaving you wishing...

A few of my favorite things...(sing it)

I've decided to give a list of a few of my FAVORITE things...not sure if you are interested, but here goes. (you should listen when I speak, just saying)

1. Urban Decay eye primer (this one's for the girls)

This stuff is so much more than awesome! my eye makeup as literally NEVER stayed on. I  bought this stuff a few weeks ago in an effort to maintain some makeup on my face. It works wonderfully. Beware...once you put shadow and liner on, that sh@* is staying there, no "wipe it off and start over-ing" You've been warned.

2. Recipe for Italian Spaghetti and meatballs (FOR EVERYBODY...grab a fork)

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/italian-spaghetti-sauce-with-meatballs/detail.aspx

I've tried homemade meatballs numerous times over the years to no avail. They were bland or cooked to death. These here balls are magnificent! When you get on this site, the best thing to do is to read the reviews for the recipes. These people have already tweaked the recipe and it usually pays off. I added Italian spices (basil, oregano, parsley, garlic powder) with the regular ingredients and they are always great. They would also make fantastic meatball subs. The sauce is great too, but really needs to cook for 4-6 hours in a crockpot. I've had balls with ready made and home made sauce. both are yummy. You're welcome.

3. Homemade Tortillas

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/authentic-mexican-tortillas/detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Title&e11=authentic%20mexican%20tortillas&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e7=Recipe%20Search%20Results
I made these last night. As you may or may not know, I make homemade tortillas when we eat mexican dishes. I've tried lots of recipes, this one was great. Make sure you let the dough rest for an hour or so. This is the key to buttery deliciousness. Try it you WILL like it!! (did I mention I saw a trainer at the gym today, I'm well on my way to losing 30lbs, can't you tell?)

4. Express skinny jeans

You may be aware that I have a distinct lack of a**. What little bit I did have has started to slide down the back of my legs....( beware Kenny you have the same butt- you have been warned). These jeans are the only ones that don't become sooo hangy and loose in the netherworld that I have old man ass. Which, on girls is super attractive!! AND  I was able to buy a size smaller which gave me an added (although false) ego boost. I DO NOT have a favorite shirt... Idk what that means...I think it's some sort of omen that I haven't figured out yet...maybe it's to do with the mayans...?

5. (what number am I on) Sliders...one more recipe ( don't judge me)

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/slider-style-mini-burgers/detail.aspx

These are simply wonderful! they are so small you can eat a ton of them...which could be good or bad depending on the size of your waistband. If you have skinny friends and you want to help them gain a little weight (heh) then this is the recipe for you. ***You must use Hawaiian rolls for these, they make them a little bit sweet, therefore addictive. (This is how you suck the skinny people in) They are crazy easy, quick and delish (say it like your one of the cast of Clueleess)

6. Bose MIE2 headphones

Hubby bought these (in orange, cuz I'm a girl) while shopping at the mall the other day. Total surprise, very sweet! ;))   They make music sound so much better. I can actually block out all other noise. LOVE LOVE LOVE...






7. This commercial

This is the best commercial in the history of commercials. My favorite part is when the girl on the right is trying to pour the yogurt into her mouth faster. Bahahahaha!!!

That's it for now everybody. The recipes are tried and true! Enjoy and you're welcome. I'm obviously more than addicted to allrecipes.com.  Happy Humpday!

It's Christmas time.......

Here we are at Rockefeller Center this weekend. It was a complete madhouse. Everyone was asking..."can anyone take our picture"...It was a lot of fun.

We went to an entirely over rated steakhouse in NYC. Food was meh...bill was ridiculous, and we expected expensive. If food was DELICIOUS it wouldn't have mattered. But it wasn't fantastic, it was good, just not wonderful...$200 worth of dinner. You live and learn though. One more activity knocked off the list.

What is going on with my face up there? I think I need to put some time in, in front of a mirror trying to figure out what my "good pic face" is. Cuz that ain't it!

Missing everybody for the holidays. Love you all bunches. I leave you with a few pics from our night out.

 Johns work buddies....

Atheists billboard in Times Square

Christmas Tree at skating rink in park ....had the best popcorn I've had in a long time here.

TTT #11: Hobbitses Precious...

THE HOBBIT IS FINALLY UPON US!!!!

As you can see I am really jazzed for The Hobbit.  I have been waiting 10 solid years for this movie to come out.  For a long time it didn't seem like it wasn't actually going to make it to theaters.  With MGM and New Line Cinema duke-ing it out for so many years and no one willing to give ground.

That's neither here nor there because it's HERE.  In 3.5 hours I will be sitting watching it.  Be jealous.  So ready. 

Anyway in honor of the theatrical release of the hobbit I have made a playlist in commemoration of the genius of Howard Shore and all the music associated with J.R.R. Tolkien's world of Middle Earth.  I hope you listen even if you don't necessarily like stuff like this.  I have also chosen many songs (all except the first actually) that have lyrics.  So it won't just be instrumentals.  Enjoy.

TTT#11 Playlist
TTT Mega Playlist
Twitter for Spotify Playlist

The Shire

This is one of the first songs you hear when you start watching Lord Of The Rings.  It also happens to be one of my favorites.  It sets up the theme for the hobbits with a nice little pennywhistle solo which is just grand.  I also have a pennywhistle just so I could learn how to play this.  Yes I'm a nerd, bite me.

Concerning Hobbits - Howard Shore

Enya Is A Goddess

I love Enya.  I don't care how anyone else feels about her, I love her.  I have listened to her albums for as long as I can remember (thanks Dad).  Her association with LOTR just brought her into the stratosphere with me.  This is one of my favorite Enya songs AND one of my favs from the Fellowship of the Ring Soundtrack.

May It Be - Enya

Faramir Is Not Dead...Yet...

This is the song that Billy Boyd, also knows is Peregrin 'Pippin' Took, sings to the Steward of Gondor, and Faramir and Boromir's father, in Return Of The King.  I always liked it because it was haunting and set up that scene, where Denethor had sent his only living son off to win an unwinnable battle.

The Edge Of Night - Billy Boyd

Looooove

This is the song that plays when Arwen and Aragorn are gettin' all snuggly.  They are the ultimate love couple.  To hell with Romeo & Juliet or even Triston & Isolde.  Arwen & Aragorn.  Elf and Dunedain.

Aniron - Enya

What's Taters Precious??

The overlying theme throughout all of the scenes with Gollum is pity.  Howard Shore wants you to pity him.  Not hate, pity.  So this song is almost like Gollum's lament.

Gollum's Song - Emiliana Torrini

Breaking of the Fellowship

This will stand out as my second favorite song from the entire Lord Of The Rings Trilogy.  Edward Ross' voice is just so perfect for this.  The slight accent behind the vocals.  Just a beautiful song.  It played over the closing credits of Fellowship of the Ring.  Frodo and Sam went off on their own.  Gimli, Aragorn and Legolas gave chase to the Uruk Hai.  Merry and Pippin were captured.  Boromir fell to the enemy...

In Dreams - Edward Ross

To Valinor

The theme at the very end of the trilogy.  This is where the elves, Gandalf and Frodo are leaving Middle Earth to go to Valinor, which is essentially Heaven on Earth.  A very heart rending ending to the whole adventure. I'll let Annie do the talking here.

Into The West - Annie Lennox

A Company of Dwarves

I don't know much about this track honestly.  Other than the Dwarves sing it in Bagend during their meeting in the shire.  I DO know that in 3 hours I will know =D

Misty Mountain Song - Howard Shore



That's it folks.  I hope you enjoyed my list.  I am super excited about the opening tonight.  I have my cloak out and ready to be worn, I know, I'm a nerd. 

KKNY signing off and teeming with excitement...

Thuper Thong Thurthday #10: Dead Too Soon...

I can't really explain this week's theme. Well I CAN explain the concept easy enough but WHY I chose it, I have no idea.

This week's theme will be artists that I feel died before their time. Who knows what could have come from these people if they had more time under their belts? I just got to thinking about how some artists die too soon and who knows if they had peaked or not? Well this is my homage to that idea. These are just some of my favorite songs from dead artists, or bands with dead members. Macabre, yes, morbid, maybe, but I have to do it so I can move on.

Now some of the artists on this list are "typical" when it comes to died to young lists and some are not. But these are MY favorites. So...on to the list.

TTT#10 Playlist
TTT Mega Playlist
Twitter for Spotify Playlist

Jeff Buckley

On May 29, 1997 Jeff Buckley was in Memphis where he was working on his newest material.  He decided to go swimming in Wolf River Harbor while fully clothed and singing the chorus of Whole Lotta Love by Led Zeppelin.  Jeff had gone swimming here many times before.  A roadie from his band was on shore.  When the roadie moved a radio and guitar out of the reach of the wake of a passing tugboat he lost sight of Jeff.  They looked for him all that night and on June 4th his body was found by two locals.  He was only 30 years old.

I chose this song because it is my absolute favorite of Buckley's.

Lover, You Should Have Come Over - Jeff Buckley

Stevie Ray Vaughan

On August 27, 1990 Stevie was on his way to Chicago via a helicopter trip over a 1000 ft. ski hill.  It was reportedly hazy, foggy and instances of low hanging clouds.  Even though the conditions were not right for flight the pilots were instructed to fly over the hill anyway.  Shortly after takeoff the helicopter crashed into the hill and killed all four passengers instantly.  He was 35 years old.

I chose this song because it is one of my favorite Vaughan tracks.  It isn't one of his most known tracks but I think it is very fitting given the theme.

Life By The Drop - Stevie Ray Vaughan


Patsy Cline

 "Friends Dottie West, June Carter Cash, and Loretta Lynn recalled Cline telling them during 1962-63 that she felt and impending doom and did not expect to live much longer.  On March 5, 1963 she boarded an airplane bound for Nashville.  Her pilot was trained in instrument flying and they encountered inclement weather around 6:20 pm.  The plane was found crashed about 90 miles outside of Nashville in Camden, Tennessee.  She was only 30 years old.

I chose this song because whenever I think of Patsy Cline I think of my mom.  I remember her playing this tape in her big yellow monstrosity of a car.  This song will always remind me of mom, which is sort of weird but whatever...

Back In Baby's Arms - Patsy Cline


Otis Redding

On December 9, 1967 Otis and his band where flying to Madison, Wisconsin to play a night club near the University.  The weather was poor and heavy with rain and fog.  Against many people's advice to postpone the flight, they continued.  Four miles to Madison the pilot asked for permission to land.  The plane crashed shortly thereafter into Lake Monona.  Ben Cauley, who was a member of The Bar-Kays was the only survivor.  He wasn't a swimmer and was using a seat cushion to stay afloat.  He was unable to save any of the other passengers, who had not died on impact.  Otis Redding was only 26 years old.

I think one of the saddest parts of this story was that he died just days after recording Dock Of The Bay, which would be his biggest hit.  He didn't live to see his success.  I chose this song because I believe it to be one of the greatest love songs ever written.

These Arms Of Mine - Otis Redding

Buddy Holly

Charles Hardin Holley, or Buddy to his friends, was doing a three week tour of the Midwest with other notable acts such as Dion & The Belmonts, Ritchie Valens and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson.  After a performance in Clear Lake, Iowa on February 2, 1959 Holly chartered a plane for the next stop on the tour.  Buddy Holly, Ritche Valens, The Big Bopper and Roger Peterson, the pilot, were killed in a plane crash soon after takeoff from Mason City, Minn.

Waylon Jennings at this time was Holly's bass player.  Jennings gave up his seat on the plane due to the snow storm.  This caused Holly to joke "I hope your ol' bus freezes up!" to which Jennings replied "Well, I hope your ol' plane crashes!"  It was a retort that would haunt Waylon Jennings for decades.  Buddy Holly was 22 years old, Ritche Valens was 17, J.P. Richardson was 28 and Roger Peterson was 21.  A wreck that claimed many young, talented lives.

Dearest - Buddy Holly


Eddie Cochran

Ray Edward 'Eddie' Cochran was riding in a taxi during his UK tour.  On April 16, 1960 his taxi blew a tire and lost control, running into a lamp post on Rowden Hill.  A plaque now marks the spot where Cochran died.  Cochran was seated in the center of the back seat and threw himself over his fiancee Sharon Sheeley to shield her from the wreck.  Cochran was thrown from the car when the door flew open.  He was the only fatality.  Eddie Cochran was only 21 years old.

I chose this song as it is his most well known and one of my favorites.

Sumertime Blues - Eddie Cochran


Jim Morrison

Jim Morrison was in Paris, France in 1971.  On the night of July 3, 1971 Morrison died.  In the official account of his death he was found dead in his Paris apartment bathtub.  According to French Law when no foul play is suspected no autopsy is performed.  As a result exactly what killed Jim Morisson may never be known for sure.  He was only 27 years old.

I chose this song as it is the first Doors song I learned to play on guitar and has remained one of the few that I will never get sick of.

Love Me Two Times - The Doors


Jimi Hendrix

James Marshall Hendrix was in London on September 17th with girlfriend Monika Dannemann.  Around 4am that night Hendrix was having trouble sleeping due to amphetemines he had taken earlier.  He asked Dannemann for sleeping pills to help him sleep, she refused.  In the morning she awoke to find Jimi sleeping normally.  She left to purchase cigarettes.  When she returned an hour later she found Hendrix breathing though unconscious and unresponsive.  She called an ambulance and he was declared dead at 11:45 am on September 18th 1970.

The official coroner's report stated that Hendrix had asphyxiated on his own vomit due to barbiturate intoxication.  He was only 27 years old.

I chose this song as it just a jamming track =)

Crosstown Traffic - Jimi Hendrix


Cliff Burton

Clifford Lee Burton was the bass player for Metallica.  During their Damage Inc. tour in support of their legendary Master of Puppets album.  The band believed their bunks in the bus to be uncomfortable so they had devised a game where they would play cards to see who slept where.  Cliff won and chose to sleep in Kirk Hammet's bunk.  On the morning of September 27th around 7 am the bus skidded off the road and flipped into the grass in rural Sweden.  Burton was thrown from the bus through an open window and the bus fell on top of him.  They tried lifting the bus with a crane but before they could retrieve him the weight of the bus became too much for the crane and the bus slipped back to the ground again.  He was only 24 years old.

I chose this song because it was Cliff Burton's favorite that he had recorded and one of the pinnacle of Metallica's long career.

Master Of Puppets - Metallica


Well there it is.  A sad list this week but one I think is one of my best.  I am proud of this one.  A few of the videos are poor quality but I wanted live where possible.  So I apologize if you are watching just the videos.

If we have learned anything this week it is this:

1.  Don't ride in airplanes.
2.  Don't swim.
3.  Drugs are bad.
4.  Always give up your seat.

KKNY signing off.  Stay safe out there.

Monday...Blah!

The above caption is exactly how I feel, only the cat has a more comfortable chair to sit in.
This week, I vow to possible go see Christmas lights or do something vaguely Christmas-y. We probably won't purchase a full size christmas tree this year. I think the short 2-footer might be the tree for us this year. (I have no ornaments, so it gets pricey QUICK). I'll ponder it for another few days (a week) cuz that's how I roll. I'll have something in the christmas orientation sitting somewhere in this place come saturday. Have you guys decorated? Did the holidays sneak up on anybody but me? I bought a transmission for christmas...what are you guys getting?

I now am addicted to this beverage

I went in search of diet cherry 7-up...but things are just a bit different here, so it was a no go. I got this on a whim, thinking it maybe didn't sound too great but it was the right color.  It was DELICIOUS! I now am in need of a 12 step program to stop ingesting the fizzy yummy in a cup. If you can find it, I recommend it highly!

It's going to be slightly warmer this week.. Today and tomorrow might actually reach 60. It's like summertime!! The other day, I went across town to nail salon. Once finished, I got in my car, started her up and started the heater....nothing. I turned it on and off again...cuz this should work in my mind. I hear nothing. I just got the damn thing out of the shop due to my christmas transmission....now this. It took 30 min for the car to warm up ( at 2pm it was about 39 degrees outside) THEN the heater kicked in. APPARENTLY, after reading my car manual, heater won't blow until car able to produce heat (go figure) and it's never been cold enough to take it so long to get it going. I thought I was going to freeze...no gloves, only 1 pair of socks on (not enough)...but ALAS IT WORKS!!

So I was warm again, and thanking Jesus for the heater fan...again. Amen.

Just found out my son got first place in his company for Soldier of the Year!! He beat out 220 other people.  He was second place for the whole battalion. Now, I don't know how many soldiers constitutes a "company" and a "battalion" but it sounds like a bunch to me. He's awesome and obviously doing a great job!!

Congratulations Bubba! We Love You. 

Happy Monday folks 4 more days and counting. you can do it!!