bbryon's blogger

Father & Son Motorcycle Trip pt. 1 (video included)

2012-01-25T09:41:00.001-05:00

Over the next bunch of posts I will be talking about my motorcycle trip to N.C. with my father.

We were fortunate enough to plan and take a trip to a little town called Sylva, N.C. where we would spend 4 full days riding in the beautiful mountains and generally enjoying one another's company at the Mountain Brook Cottages. This was in the beginning of October 2011 so that we would see some of the fall changes.

I highly recommend doing this to anyone. Go somewhere with one or both of your parents. Get to know them as an adult and document the occassion.

My dad is somewhat of a character. So I'll also be introducing him to you as I write these posts.

He just retired in September 2011 at the age of 61. He is Kenneth Gus Beck, now going by Kenny when he is being funny, "Kenny Beck" mimicking William Shatner's character "Denny Crane" from Boston Legal.

My father rode up from Port St. Lucie, FL to my place in Orlando the day before we would leave on our trip. We would be taking two days to get up to our cabin rental and we would be riding the whole way. Taking pretty much back rodes, so once in Georgia all the way to our destination would be on U.S. 441.

The videos will be uncut but I think you'll enjoy. Here's my pop on my porch the evening before our journey begins:

100_0030.MP4 Watch on Posterous

Share some of your stories with me about any adventures you might have shared with one or both of your parents. As always I love hearing your thoughts!

~bbryon

Tis the Season... a scam by ProFlowers & Easy Saver Rewards

2011-12-21T11:38:00.001-05:00

Never really thought that I'd become some kind of online advocate about scams that companies pull. I promise I'll get back to the music, hockey, racing and marketing posts after the holidays.

So ProFlowers. I've used them and apparently too well. Signed up for free shipping or something and got SCAMMED for $14.95/month. The complaint board linked to ProFlowers goes back to 2009.

The affiliate they use is Easy Saver Rewards. I don't actually know what I was paying for since 2009. Here's my complaint to the BBB:

So now the only thing I can really do, since being refunded and having the interest taken off my statement; is to make my post public.

I'll also ask anyone reading this who feels slightly P.O.-ed by this type of thing to NEVER use ProFlowers again. Tell your friends and family too! Use the local florist in the neighborhood. Give the small business the money.

Any scams you've found or have been a part of lately?

~bbryon

Direct Marketing - Continuity/Subscription Scam: Synapse Group, Inc.

2011-10-14T14:27:00.001-04:00

We all know I love hockey, marketing, music, & NASCAR. So at times I use a brand we all know to purchase tickets to many events: aka Ticketmaster.

In April of 2010 I made such a purchase. Wouldn't ya know at the end of this transaction here's an offer to get four magazine subscriptions for $2 each. I'm like o.k. buyer-beware; but still I'm curious. Good magazines of which I read: Fortune, Inc., Time, & BusinessWeek. I read over everything... no other obligations and no disclosure about cancelling at any time.

I'm a pretty decent consumer and I purchase the special offer. I trust Ticketmaster and most brands who are large and recognizable that operate online, whom I use. I don't believe they are (for the most part), using sneaky tactics anymore to take my money. I also didn't believe they'd use or allow sneaky companies to operate on their behalf.

Without further adieu here's portions of the letter I wrote to the Better Business Bureau about how Synapse Group, Inc. is currently operating. (Wouldn't ya know it, Synapse Group, Inc has the BBB Reliability Program logo on their site).

Synapse Group, Inc. is a Direct Marketing - Continuity/Subscription. I purchased tickets through Ticketmaster in April of 2010. Synapse Group, Inc. is the company responsible for offering four magazine subscriptions for $2 apiece for one year with no other obligations. The terms in the email I received, never stated that I would be charged once a year for the full price of those magazines in subsequent years.

This all occurred without knowing I signed up to a direct marketing - continuity/subscription. The state of Florida is cracking down on companies such as Synapse Group, Inc. because they tend to take advantage of an older demographic. If I hadn't checked my credit card statements from earlier this year I wouldn't have known they were charging me (and would continue to do so for as long as that credit card was open).

So once a year Synapse Group, Inc. was starting to charge me full price subscriptions on all four magazines I purchased. $12 dollars for all > now became $188; that's a 1566% increase.

The really sad part is they are a wholly owned subsidiary of Time Inc.

Then the BBB asks for a "desired settlement description." So I gave them mine:

I would like a full refund from Synapse Group, Inc. I would also like the Better Business Bureau to remove Synapse Group, Inc. from this "Reliability Program BBB Online." The Better Business Bureau protecting consumers from businesses that take advantage of people and their information.

Aren't companies past this? Why would you want to take advantage of a customer? If you make me happy I'll be with you for life; probably. Keep my trust. The scariest part of this is knowing this is happening as my parents (baby boomers) are getting older; and that's right folks, living in FL where these scams run rampant.

It's not always perfect marketing for a university, but at least I'm pushing accredited education.

As always I'd love to hear your thoughts/comments.

~bbryon

Phishing Trip

2011-06-23T15:50:00.001-04:00

Got to connect again with one of my best friends from MI and OH! Of course I was jumping out of my seat since March or so when I won the Phish ticketing lottery! Living in central FL I'm usually more apt to travel in the state to see concerts. But since Pete made the offer I was able to stay in Cleveland.

Not since 2000 in Atlanta have I seen my favorite jamband on their epic summer tours. I consider myself somewhat of a New Year's snob; having seen them for the first time at Big Cypress (1999-2000), then Miami (2003-2004) 3 of the 4 nights, and lastly this past New Year's at Madison Square Garden in NYC! I've been blessed, what can I say.

This summer I got to see the boys play 6/3 (Mike Gordon's Bday in MI), 6/4 Cuyahoga Falls OH, & 6/5 in Cincinnati OH! Plus because Phish is so awesome you get a download of the shows with your ticket stub's UPC!

What an awesome experience, so here's some pictures to help tell the story:

See the full gallery on Posterous

Any other tour stories from the summer to share thus far? Doesn't have to be Phish...

~bbryon

What's your business thought?

2011-06-14T10:02:00.001-04:00

So I finished the article "Steve Jobs' iCloud: The View from 10,000 ft" by Philip Elmer-DeWitt from Fortune magazine.

There was one anecdote that stuck out to me after reading this article. Jobs tells a story, apparently if you're an Apple employee you've heard the story more than once.

The story is about a janitor that doesn't empty the trash. The janitor is asked why the trash wasn't emptied. His response was that the locks to the office were changed and he didn't have the new key. There's a reason why something didn't get done. Jobs' makes the comment that at this level "reasons" matter. Jobs' goes on to comment that somewhere between the janitor and CEO, reasons stop mattering. He says; that Rubicon is crossed when you become a V.P.

I love this story for a few reasons:

The first being that I feel I'm part of the tail end of Generation X; and I'm one of the few who doesn't feel that he is entitled. The whole hard work, dedication type mentality that I was brought up with. Though I don't necessarily feel any loyalty toward a particular organization.

The second is that in my career at points I know that I've had "reasons" that were valid as to why a task or project was not up to par.

The third is that even where I am now within the hierarchy of my organization, I have responsibility and accountability.

Why then do I see more people around the same level, or demographic, in mine and other organizations still looking for "reasons?"

When you're courteous and pleasant in business no matter at what level it goes a long way. Couple that with doing your job and a winning combination starts to manifest itself. Sometimes it does take a steadfast leader to steer an organization. It also takes employees who want responsibility and accountability.

So my business thought for myself is Be Responsible and Accountable. It has also served me well in life.

What's your business thought?

~bbryon

My Ending Music

2011-04-26T11:03:00.001-04:00

Why? Why make a post about the music I want played when my time is up? Some take it as morbid. I don't look at it that way at all.

Heck, my parents have told my sister and I to "sticky" note the stuff we want when they go. That's how our inheritance will be divided; by "sticky" notes. As a stocking stuffer for Christmas one year they gave us a few packages each of "sticky" notes.

Ever since I read "Be Here Now" by Ram Dass about ten years ago; I'm good. I really have a phenomenal existence. I appreciate my life and try to just be a better "me."

I told the story of my grandfather's passing recently. I'd made him a mix cd sometime ago; probably around the same time I read "Be Here Now." It consisted of the music he loved and was passionate about; what moved him. He requested in his will that the cd be played at the memorial service we had for him.

That is why I'm writing this and creating my playlist for "My Ending Music." It's my list of tunes, I want played. I promise there will be a ton of music played when I'm gone and hopefully it will be a celebration, not a mourning. But these are my personal choices. They're for me to leave for my friends, family and everyone who's touched my life.

(I'm fine, there's nothing wrong, don't worry)

~bbryon

A phenomenal weekend & the NHL's regular season ends

2011-04-12T13:13:00.001-04:00

This is really more of a "Life" post for me.

No, I'm not talking about just hockey or that the Masters was played, or NASCAR at Texas this past Saturday night.

Personally for me it was the best weekend of 2011 thus far, for many reasons.

Yes, yours truly is quite happy with a lovely lady who's passions include music and hockey. I've struck gold you say; more like I was mining and found a diamond.

Friday April 8 began as we traveled to the Dali museum in St. Pete, FL. Some culture is always in order. There's nothing like walking with someone special through a gallery of your favorite artist's works and sharing insights about them. Those moments are priceless. Of course lunch was in order so we headed to the Colombia for a meal over-looking the bay. Apparently, a man is not to drink a mojito there, so I told our waiter not to look. Ft. De Soto was next for a stroll down one of the most gorgeous beaches I've set foot on (technically I was in sneakers but we'll let that slide).

When two people share a good majority of passions it's quite a good time. Insert hockey game! Lightning vs. Panthers for Tampa's last home game of the season! 14 rows back from the visitor bench! Guys, there is nothing like your gal watching the game as intensely as you. Also, having my "hockey voice" (which for me is a mix of mid-western and Canadian, of which I'm neither) pointed out when I'm yelling "let's go boys;" gave us both a great laugh! Tampa played a great game where its stars shined (St. Louis, Stamkos, Lecavalier). As I've adopted the Lightning as my 2nd team, so has she.

Saturday April 9 we ventured to downtown Orlando for the Florida Music Festival where her favorite band, Better Than Ezra, was playing. We got 2nd row for the awesomeness that ensued! She shared her musical love with me as she knew every lyric to every song they played! The encore was our cue to get to the front row as some silly people left their spots. The energy was simply incredible! Here's her 4 choicest tunes:

Sunday April 10 we returned to the Tampa area for a boat outing with her friends. Relaxing on the water with good food, music, and people cannot be beat. All culminating with watching the sun set on the beach.

Though I've tried, words don't give our weekend justice. The moments were incredible in this paradise in which we live. So here's some pictures that captured those moments for us:

See the full gallery on Posterous

Citizen Cope (Solo Acoustic) St. Pete

2011-03-29T08:52:00.001-04:00

This was my first show in quite a while that I went to by myself. Of course knowing me I'm no introvert and quickly made a few friends. You must do this if you are a "single" at a concert especially when you've snagged a primo front row spot.

One of the gals that I met was on her own as well. We chatted about how it's quite enjoyable to go to a show by yourself sometimes. No worries, no going with someone to the restroom, only have to buy drinks for one etc...

Yes, it also makes being up front very easy! This was my 3rd time seeing Clarence. The first two times was with the full band behind him.

Up close and personal for solo acoustic was absolutely phenomenal. His presence and playing brought up a well of feelings from the gut of everyone in the crowd. You could see the emotion as he poured from his soul to all of us who were present.

See the full gallery on Posterous

This was what my new found friend had to say when she heard "Holdin' On." - "I wanna treat you like you wanna be treated". I'm such a girl :) & that song...I know just what he's saying. The lines surrounding those lovely lines let me get it.

I have a friend who explains it well when you feel the emotion like this at a show. You feel it in the bottom of your lungs, it pushes up, and then you catch your breath.

It was a special night. Those of us in the front who were a little more vocal than others (eehhhmm) did ask for our song. I asked for "D'Artagnan's Theme" and he obliged. He looked right at me and started the first few cords and nodded.

Here's some of my choices from Citizen Cope, though in the music widget they are with the whole band; Enjoy!

My Saving Grace on a Sunday Night

2011-03-07T12:10:00.001-05:00

There's nothing like going to a great concert. Even when that concert is on a Sunday evening and you dread your alarm before you even leave for the show.

The sister and I headed to Grace Potter & the Nocturnals with gleaming eyes and ready ears. This was to be my sister's first time seeing her live, and oh did she bring it! A very descriptive blog about this can be found here from Radio Potato!

It was a night where two friends also had their experience with Grace for the first time. It makes me feel so good when folks actually take my music opinions seriously and on top of it have their minds blown!

See the full gallery on Posterous

The Nocturnals came out first to start the rocking, really envoking the musical muse for the evening! Then with a sparkley little black dress came my generation's most phenomenal female rocker! Yes, she is truly a Diva! I've described her as the perfect mix between Grace Slick and Jannis Joplin. I say this because I grew up in a house where those were my father's two favorite female rockers.

Now if any one knows please let me know if she's ever covered "Crazy On You" before? That was the encore and it was insane!

Part of what made the night so special was that I got the set-list from off of her organ (kudos to the stagehand for that one)! And though I didn't get to meet her, the manager did get her to sign it for me = Boo Freakin' Ya!!

Thoughts, opinions, who's going to the next concert with me?

~bbryon

Speedweeks...they're here!

2011-02-09T11:15:00.001-05:00

Since November there's been something missing. The sound of V8 engines alive on Sunday (or Saturday night). Many changes have occurred over the NASCAR offseason. For three months all I've had has been "The Morning Drive" on Sirius radio, of which Pete Pistone is a co-host.

Some of the changes include the drivers' having to pick which division they will drive for championship points in. This means they must declare whether they will be racing for points at the Sprint Cup level, Nationwide level, or Camping World Truck level. The point system at the Sprint Cup level has gone from a confusing system to a less confusing one. In which 1st place gets 43pts, 2nd 42 pts, etc... I will not try and tell you about bonus points here.

Another change specifically for the Daytona 500 this year is the fact that the track has been re-paved. I work in Daytona Beach and I've seen since mid July the track go through the overhaul of re-paving. Sometimes during lunch I would drive by the backstretch to see the equipment that is used for such a massive project. It's also been pretty impressive to walk outside my office and the the cars testing on the new asphalt since the completion of the re-pave.

Last year's 500 was simply breathtaking; at least the big finish helped everyone get past the pothole issue.

This year the Daytona 500 will be momentous, not only because the track has just been re-paved (which should make for great racing), but also because it marks the 10 year anniversary of Dale Earnhardt's death at this race in 2001.

Rebecca Gladden has written "Three Drivers Could Deliver Momentous Daytona 500 win." Though I'm sure the other 40 will have something to say about it. The Preseason top 30 from SceneDaily.com is here. One of the writers Kenny Bruce is a must follow.

All of this being said; it was said best by a caller that was on The Morning Drive this past Monday. "I don't give a care about the rule changes, the speculation, the point system, or the changes to the cars. At this point I only care about going racing!" < My sentiment exactly!

Because no matter that I am personally a part of Jr. Nation, I love racing. I love the thrill of being at the tracks when I can be. I love that it is a community, not so much different than "Deadheads" or motorcyclists (of which I'm also a part of). I love the smell and the sound. I love listening to the drivers' channels at home on satellite radio during each race.

What do you love about NASCAR? What do you hate or despise? Maybe you don't like that I support a sport that you consider (insert negative vibe here)? Got a prediction of whether Jimmie Johnson will continue as champion or your pick as to who will dethrone him?

~bbryon

Adventures on Dec. 30 & 31

2011-01-10T15:18:00.001-05:00

I set out for CT & NY for my holiday vacation. My parents along with my sister & I all meet to be with our family that resides in those two states. This year my sister, and two other friends would also be venturing on a phishing trip.

We got tickets for Phish at Madison Square Garden for two of the three night run; December 30 & 31. Now we did end up with extras because of the Phish lottery system. My sister & I are inherently lucky so we had 4 extras to each night. The benefactors of our luck were: @dopeburger, @TylerCurtis & @ohkeepahblog.

Unfortunately, I never got to meet up with Justin (@ohkeepahblog), but he assured me he had a phenomenal show. We did meet up with Pete & Tyler before the first show on the 30th; so it was cool to have a Phish tweet-up!

My sis & I had never been to MSG so it was amazing to see how intimate the show can be for 20k people.

See the full gallery on posterous

Let me just say the energy on the 30th made it the best Phish show I've seen (single event, because let's be honest Big Cypress was unforgettable)! MSG was just pulsing; the start of the New Years run, NYC, phans, it all = AWESOMENESS! So after the first set on the first night, we were all just trying to catch our breath. That's when my friend Caleb says, "Your mind has just been blown. While you recover please enjoy set two."

Here's 40 seconds of Golgi Apparatus to show you what I'm talking about:

Click here to download:

MOV00065.3gp (396 KB)

I had a great 2010! I ended it & started 2011 with all the pomp & circumstance anyone could ask for! I've grown, found new meaning in things/life/friends, & have generally just had a blast. Without a doubt Tweezer Reprise will always be my favorite encore!

We just completely enjoyed ourselves into 2011!

Click here to download:

MOV00081.3gp (241 KB)

How about you? Were you there? If not how was your NYE celebration?

A Decade of Fun & Adventure

2010-12-01T16:38:00.001-05:00

As I started this decade; I will end it in similar fashion; seeing Phish for New Year's Eve. Though this time instead of being sorrounded by patchouli and BO in a field on an Indian reservation it will be in Madison Square Garden.

When this decade started I was a young whipper snapper with wide eyes heading off on adventures pursuing a life of youthful exuberance. Now much the same just three decades into life and enjoying the ride.

A friend of mine asked me the other day what would I tell my former younger self. I really had to think about this. My whole life has been quite fun and interesting, and I think I've learned a lot. Though maybe this is self-sexest talk, but I don't feel my basic make-up changed since about 16. Music, hockey, the ladies, food, drink, basically good times with good people (not necessarily in that order). Just more responsibility and "big boy" pants. But let's focus on just this past decade.

I've spent more money on concerts (the list is long but distinguished) and sporting events (mainly hockey and college football) than I would care to admit. But the experience and the good times far out-weigh the cost of going to a festival like Rothbury or seeing the John Butler Trio in a small venue.

I ride a motorcycle and have traveled out of state on it. Next year my father and I are planning a trip; just the two of us guys.

I've loved and lost; and have opened myself up again. Truly I've gone through this and I am hopefully better person for it.

I really try and be the best me possible; sometimes the best me is a cocky SOB < ::leads to friends throwing dumbells down in your living room and storming out:: Yet, I can control only my actions and so my reputation is quite a positive one when I do check in on it.

As far as shit my dad actually says "that'll build character" and "be excellent" (yes he liked Bill and Ted like the rest of us).Though at one time I did have in my posession 3 copies of "Bio Dome" (that's for another time).

I'm a pretty lucky and blessed guy (with a hint of boyish charm). So what would I tell me you ask? After much talk with my friend and mulling over the bad, good, and great that I've experienced (because let's face it life can be pretty tough and yet still so fulfilling), this is what I would say:

"Keep doing what you love, keep finding passion in whatever you do. You're going to be just fine. Maybe bumped, bruised, and scraped, but you're going to enjoy yourself."

So now I ask any and all who happen upon this post: "What would you tell your former self of a decade ago?"

Lightning home-opener = Awesomeness

2010-10-15T09:42:00.001-04:00

Let me be clear that you may know me as, and yes I am a Devils fan. However, if a guy can have a second choice mine is the Tampa Bay Lightning. Particularly because my parents moved us to FL from NY when I was just a boy. My father took my whole family to an inaugural season game. So there will always be a special place in my heart for the Bolts.

If you don't know the story, the Lightning won the Stanley Cup in 2004. What an accomplishment for a team below the Mason-Dixon line. And then the next year the lock-out happened. The energy was sucked right out of the city by the bay.

So this year's motto "Bring It Back!" & "All In!" Obviously meaning the Stanley Cup not another screw up CBA debacle. They must be "All In" this year. There's no way to explain how you had a 50 + goal scorer in Stamkos who tied Sidney Crosby last year for most in the NHL and not make the playoffs.

Tampa Bay is buzzing this year for hockey and the addition of Stevie Y helped. Simon Gagne has been added to the roster this year which helps solidify the Bolts' veteran core.

I was there on opening night against the Chicago Blackhawks Atlanta Thrashers. It was just electric walking up and into the St. Pete Times Forum. The whole area around the stadium was just oozing with excitement for a hockey game (yes, in FL).

As I got to my seat, I was able to watch the end of the warm-up skate. I thought to myself, boys let's take it off the paper and make it reality on the ice. Marty St. Louis, Vinny, and Stamkos are the core. Now there's a new GM in town with Yzerman. In all honesty this team is quite capable of reclaiming Lord Stanley's Cup, maybe not this season, but very soon.

The lights went down:

Tampa took the game 5-3. Now they did blow a 4-0 lead in the 2nd & that is in part because of who Atlanta acquired in the off season, namely ex-Cup winning Blackhawks. However, the core that must lead the Bolts all had great games. Especially Stamkos who got 2 goals opening night. This is an example of what the Lightning need every game. This is what Tampa and the state of FL need to keep hockey on the minds of all of us who live here. Hey, I got my 10 game weekend tickets (2 tix to 10 games), at a bargain price and it's probably the best entertainment purchase I've made for myself. Nothing beats hockey live.

Phish with a side of Phun

2010-10-07T12:11:00.001-04:00

I haven't seen Phish live since New Year's Eve 2003. I attended three of the four shows (29, 30, & 31). So it's been a while. My best friend and my sister where at those shows with me. Side note: my first show was Big Cypress! 10th anniversary this year!

Needless to say, when my sister called the other evening with absolute excitedawesomeness in her voice that she had gotten the lotto for Phish's NYE at Madison Square Garden this year; I promptly checked my email. There it was confirmation that I also won so we got our tickets to the 30th & 31st this year!!!!!!

So not only will I be seeing one of my favorite bands for my 8th & 9th Phish show, I will be seeing them on the 10yr anniversary of my first Phish experience! The really cool part is again my sister and best friend will be joining me; and I will have a very special awesome friend with me that has never experienced a Phish NYE! The candor, the excitement, and basic carnival atmosphere!

CHEESECAKE!!!!!

Without further adu here's the setlist & Grooveshark widget (songs are not the actual performance but you'll get the idea! Also for the 2nd set I didn't make it Chalkdust > Slave > Chalkdust, so Slave to the traffic light ends the set) from the last show I was at December 31, 2003:

Sister's Birthday weekend & Xavier Rudd

2010-09-07T12:00:00.001-04:00

The last time Xavier Rudd was in the Central Florida area I was blessed to see him at a small club called the Social. Actually, my sister was with me at that show as well.

Congrats Xavier, for moving on up into the House of Blues venue category!

People ask, cause I've been known to be a music snob sometimes (see High Fidelity), so are you kinda miffed that this guy and his band you really love are playing in a bigger place which in turn means more people and closer into mainstream music?

My answer:

No. First, I love the fact that more people are tuning into other music than what is just on the radio. Second, I have this grand plan that everyone will absolutely love the music that I listen to and to me it's the more the merrier. Third it's the natural progression of an artist who becomes popular (how many bars/clubs would Dave Matthews have to play on a tour to accommadate his fans, answer-he'd never be able to take a break).

Besides, I still get to have the nostalgia and say, "well I saw Xavier when he was still playing tightly packed hole-in-the-wall places..."

So my sister and I head out to House of Blues Orlando to kick off her birthday weekend celebration with some awesome live music.

[[posterous-content:pid___0]]Now, it was not a "packed" house and the balcony area was not opened. Having said that, this crowd did fill up the main floor pretty well. And it was an extremely kind crowd.

We talked to people around us, they talked back and when the music was going we were quiet and spellbound.Except when we were yelling for "Land Rights" with Tom, Wade & their gang (we were basically right in front of the soundboard), and only yelled during respectable pauses between songs.

The first thing I noticed was how mature Xavier has become musically. Improvisation was much more prevalent at this show than when I'd previously seen him. Anytime a guy is playing a guitar with all of his soul and a didgeridoo, well it just blows your mind! He was having so much fun and we (the rabble) fed off of it.

Finally, it was time for the encore. Xavier comes out by himself and starts in on "Land Rights" which meant that my sis on her birthday weekend got to hear/see the first time performance in the U.S.! Then they did 3 more tunes ending with "Let Me Be." Even got my sister a setlist from a very cool crew member after the show (Gosh I'm a good big brother, ::pats self on back::).

Here's a listen of my favorites from Xavier:

Let me know if you like.

~bbryon

Hockey is almost back!

2010-09-01T15:24:00.001-04:00

Let me start by saying what amazing hockey we (as the world) got to witness last year! It's wonderful to see hockey on center stage since in Canadian terms I come from south of the border and we Americans tend to not always pay attention to the game. Maybe we're turning it around friends to the north. I hope we do.

We witnessed the U.S. beating CAN only to watch Sid score the gold medal winning goal one week later.(The video of the goal is actually from a fan in the arena)

Then we saw the city of Chicago bring home the Stanley Cup, something 49 years in the making.

I've been jones-ing for hockey basically since the day after the Blackhawks won. At least The Production Line keeps it going pretty much through the summer, though I'm not a Redwings fan. Hockey Night in Canada with my boy Jeff Marek takes a summer hiatus. The only real taste was catching some of th draft when I was in NJ and hanging out with my friend from college.

So my need of something cool, crisp, and refreshing...yes hockey, was quite hard to quench this summer especially living in Central Florida.

Then: I met someone through Twitter who started a phenomenal cause: The Flammable Stanley Cup for Cancer Survivors

As I write this she is on her way to Burning Man. She is an awe inspiring individual who I'm quite happy to have met. She will then put the Flammable Stanley Cup into the fire when they "Burn the Man."

My only connection was letting her pick my brain about social media. But it was great watching her go through the motions of doing this crazy cool project. I feel like not only was that hockey need fulfilled but I also got to connect with a total stranger through social media and a friendship has been planted. A side bar here, Marissa is a Blackhawks fan, so it was fun talking to someone so excited about Chicago winning and who she likes and going to games.

October is so close and we will again be blessed with: The Sport of the Gods - Michelle Kenneth

~bbryon

All Covers

2010-08-11T10:41:00.001-04:00

I've always enjoyed it when a band, especially a good one, pulls out a cover. Maybe it's because most of my musical ear is bent toward the rock and roll/jam band sound. These musicians tend to play a fair amount of covers over the span of say a summer tour.

So this post is a long comment to a blog Allison wrote, "RadioPotato Goes Under the Covers." I will say reading RadioPotato and having shared some music back and forth; she has gotten me to step out of my familiar musical doldrums (yes, I had to look that up).

I won't do least favorite covers because I've no desire to create a shitty music widget.

Some of the tunes are live cuts. That is what's near and dear to my heart; musicians connecting in the moment. As per Allison I won't list the original artist. I think if you don't know it helps you take an insightful musical journey finding the answer.

"Baba O'Reilly" - Pearl Jam, "It Makes No Difference" - My Morning Jacket, "Paint it Black" - Vanessa Carlton, "Waste" - Dave Matthews, "Big River" - Grateful Dead, "Don't Bring Me Down" - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" - Peter Frampton, "The Night They Drove Ol' Dixie Down" - Black Crowes, "What'd I Say" - John Scofield, "Bad Company" - Tori Amos, "White Rabbit" - Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, "You Can't Always Get What You Want" - Rusted Root, "Carry On" - Alana Davis, "Fields of Gold" - Eva Cassidy, "Imagine" Blues Traveler, "Across the Universe" - John Butler Trio, "Boogie on Reggae Woman" - Phish, "30 Days in the Hole" - Gov't Mule, "Burning Down the House" - Bonnie Raitt, "Fortunate Son" - Donavon Frankenreiter, "Bring it on Home" - Led Zeppelin

*Eva Cassidy will always be on a phenomenal covers list, it had to be in mine Allison.

I do enjoy a good case of familiar especially with a sweet jam washdown. Let me know what you think and what you would add.

~bbryon

I miss you Jerry :'(

2010-08-09T12:01:00.001-04:00

Jerry Garcia August 1, 1942 - August 9, 1995

I believe many people remember, not just Deadheads. - That's how I started my comment on: "Jerry Garcia's long, strange trip rolls on 15 years after his death, Grateful Dead leader's influence ingrained in culture."

I started trading tapes of Grateful Dead shows in 1995. Yes, that's cassette tapes, usually from master DATs.

My best friend from a little coffee house in Stuart, FL known as the Java Joint gave me my first show: 5/5/77 New Haven, CT. My favorite tune from the show is Estimated Prophet. We'd ride around down-town Stuart in his car when he was on break and I just remember how magical it sounded to me. I had listened to "Skeletons in the Closet" before and a few other best-of albums, but this wasn't an album. This was listening to history (a live concert recording).

My father who grew up during the counter-culture 60's - 70's didn't care for the Grateful Dead. He loved Janis Joplin, Jefferson Airplane, Led Zeppelin. (He just never go into the Dead). He became an over-the-road truck driver in the early 2000's. By this time I had digitized my entire tape collection either to CDs or on a hard drive. Now he's a huge fan. That's an example of generational love for the Grateful Dead in reverse.

Some people get it, some don't. Even though I cut the long hair; when I go to any type of jam band concert now, I still get the "knowing" nod from "Deadheads" who are strangers. I think we can just sense each other.

It's unvelievable to me now that it has already been 15 years since Jerry passed.

I believe Chuck Palahniuk said it best, "We all die. The goal isn't to live forever, the goal is to create something that will."

So with a tear in my eye, I stand up and applaud you Jerry. Wherever you are, you helped create something so very special and the songs are still filling the air.

For myself and many, many others, I thank you from the bottom of my heart and the depths of my soul.

~bbryon

My younger days of music

2010-08-05T15:49:00.001-04:00

This is a follow-up to one of my earliest posts "My listening when I was younger," which received a great response from some seriously awesome folks: @Ironshef and @dopeburger. These guys also added some gems I missed. Not because I didn't listen to some of the bands they mentioned, but sadly I had just forgotten some of them.

Yes, most of what I listen to now somehow or usually revolves around the "jam band" type genre.

Growing up and during adolescence most of us who love music believe, and I know for me it's true, that moments and life experiences are associated with the music we listen to.

Like breaking up with your 7th grad girlfriend (you know, the one you basically held hands with around school and maybe went to the movies with). I remember getting home and listening/seeing "November Rain" on MTV.

Or, standing right by the speakers at dances (middle & high school) head banging to "Cryin'."

So continuing the trip down musical memory lane (1990-200) and of course sharing it with all of you, here's what's in store ( a side note - this list definitely goes past 11):

1. Pearl Jam: Who didn't/doesn't love this band and their epic album "Ten"?

2. Blues Traveler: Remember not the Hooty video, but "Runaround" off of "Four."

3. Smashing Pumpkins: Before "Melancholy & the Infinite Sadness" there was "Siamese Dream."

4. Guns N' Roses: Of course Slash's epic guitar playing on "November Rain" is a solo to remember.

5. Nirvana: I think this anthem helped sell more plaid shirts than any other song, "Smells Like Teen Spirit."

6. The Black Crowes: I don't believe there's a better cover of this song by another band, "Hard to Handle."

7. Ben Harper: Did anyone else see him on the H.O.R.D.E. tour? In case you forgot "Fight for Your Mind" came out in 1995, his last solo album before adding the Innocent Criminals.

8. Blind Melon: Nobody can forget the bee girl, yet "Change" was so soulful and haunting, especially in lieu of Shannon Hoon's death.

9. Aerosmith: "Get A Grip" was an awesome comeback on the scene album and Alicia Silverstone with that navel piercing made us guys "Cryin'" with joy.

10. Soundgarden: Chris Cornell has one of the best rock voices of all time and it was out there on "Black Hole Sun."

11. Primus: Gotta love Les Claypool and I was lucky enough to see "My Name is Mud" performed live.

12. Tribe Called Quest: when it came to hip hop/rap, these guys were on.

13. Digable Planets: "Rebirth of Slick was my favorite bass line to play for warm-up in jazz band.

14. Sublime: "40 Oz. to Freedom" has six covers and their self-titled "Sublime" was their only album to produce a top hit.

15. Green Day: Hell, now they even have their own Broadway show.

16. Red Hot Chili Peppers: Probably "Blood Sugar Sex Magik" was one of the first explicit lyric albums I had to hide from my parents.

17. Live: "Throwing Copper" was even produced by Jerry Harrison of the Talking Heads.

18. R.E.M.: I think everyone knew the lyrics to "Losing My Religion."

19. Counting Crows: They were/are just so much fun and of course everyone loved Adam's stage presence.

20. U2: "Achtung Baby" was the first CD I ever owned.