tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-114055412024-03-07T02:55:09.127-05:00Wheeler's Dog<b>Somewhere on the outskirts of reason</b>Eugene B. Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15354901442424232993noreply@blogger.comBlogger908125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11405541.post-47404017830459645032021-01-08T17:39:00.004-05:002021-01-08T17:39:42.058-05:00My Scientific Research: Flick Of The Switch<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiXyTMSbRwOX_ei0hCN0kLno1znJKFpFIdiuPZC-cDyZCWG4xxOu6RtSwrrOlpekdwV4CCEG58b2PjfPKYr4Q70SSkO93R5JymNPnbAF36lVKQ6LI_LNTgqyVB2zZQQeSNkAeTuA/s355/Flick.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="349" data-original-width="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiXyTMSbRwOX_ei0hCN0kLno1znJKFpFIdiuPZC-cDyZCWG4xxOu6RtSwrrOlpekdwV4CCEG58b2PjfPKYr4Q70SSkO93R5JymNPnbAF36lVKQ6LI_LNTgqyVB2zZQQeSNkAeTuA/s320/Flick.jpg"/></a></div>
I’ve started my scientific research into the hard rock music of AC/DC. It is my theory that AC/DC is the most crash cymbal intensive rock band of all time. This is a long-held theory of mine and I truly believe that my research findings will prove my theory correct.
<br />
<br />
Cymbal crashes on the high-hat cymbals and “ride” cymbals will not count.
<br />
<br />
Once my findings are complete, I will present them to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
<br />
<br />
Now I present the findings for the album ‘Flick Of The Switch’.
<br />
<br />
One drummer: Phil Rudd
<br />
<br />
“Rising Power” clocks in at 222 seconds.
<br />
107 total crashes
<br />
That’s an average crash every 2.1 seconds (CE _._ Sec) for an average of 28.6 crashes per minute (CPM).
<br />
<br />
“House Is On Fire” 203 seconds.
<br />
140 total crashes
<br />
CE 1.5 Sec / 40 CPM
<br />
<br />
“Flick Of The Switch” 194 seconds.
<br />
100 total crashes
<br />
CE 1.9 Sec / 31.6 CPM
<br />
<br />
“Nervous Shakedown” 267 seconds.
<br />
113 total crashes
<br />
CE 2.4 Sec / 25 CPM
<br />
<br />
“Landslide” 238 seconds
<br />
192 total crashes
<br />
CE 1.2 Sec / 50 CPM
<br />
<br />
“Guns For Hire” 205 seconds
<br />
117 total crashes
<br />
CE 1.8 Sec / 33.3 CPM
<br />
<br />
“Deep In The Hole” 200 seconds
<br />
153 total crashes
<br />
CE 1.3 Sec / 46.2 CPM
<br />
<br />
“Bedlam In Belgium” 232 seconds
<br />
106 total crashes
<br />
CE 2.2 Sec / 27.3 CPM
<br />
<br />
“Badlands” 219 seconds
<br />
68 total crashes
<br />
CE 3.2 Sec / 18.8 CPM
<br />
<br />
“Brain Shake” 249 seconds
<br />
150 total crashes
<br />
CE 1.7 Sec / 35.3 CPM
<br />
<br />
The album runs a total time of 2,229 seconds with 1,246 crashes.
<br />
<br />
The album’s overall average reveals a CE 1.8 Sec / 33.3 CPM
<br />
<br />
As you can see, this album ties ‘Back In Black’ with the highest amount of CPMs.
<br />
<br />
The Drummer cymbal crash breakdown up to this point:
<br />
Tony Currenti – 596 seconds / 191 crashes / CE 3.1 Sec / 19.4 CPM
<br />
<br />
Unknown Drummer – 286 seconds / 71 crashes / CE 2.9 Sec / 20.7 CPM
<br />
<br />
Peter Clack – 300 seconds / 55 crashes / CE 5.5 Sec / 10.9 CPM
<br />
<br />
Phil Rudd – 18,437 seconds / 6,834 crashes / CE 2.7 Sec / 22.2 CPM
<br />
<br />
With ‘Flick Of The Switch’, drummer Phil Rudd has surpassed all others! The most crashes per second along with crashes per minute!
<br />
<br />
For the latest research findings, listen to the Wheeler’s Dog Podcast. It’s free wherever you get podcasts, YouTube, and Patreon. They have an app so you won’t miss a single episode at patreon.com/wheelersdog
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://djeugene.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default</div>Eugene B. Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15354901442424232993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11405541.post-68561856807364865542020-07-05T14:10:00.000-04:002020-07-05T14:10:09.434-04:00An Appetizer For Thought<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2Wjt8Mu9-ca7pfF_eHWcGWH96-47R3FyaEwImGlrB7vAtjUF24espkW2Jz5pusVfBmHK9kIoMDfqv3aYzVvUS8bB52zTrseeI__upXpnH-eiF-RkKMlh3RxYWsGUpJQBWfVmDw/s1600/Conspiracy-WPevent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2Wjt8Mu9-ca7pfF_eHWcGWH96-47R3FyaEwImGlrB7vAtjUF24espkW2Jz5pusVfBmHK9kIoMDfqv3aYzVvUS8bB52zTrseeI__upXpnH-eiF-RkKMlh3RxYWsGUpJQBWfVmDw/s400/Conspiracy-WPevent.jpg" width="400" height="257" data-original-width="600" data-original-height="385" /></a></div>In case you weren’t aware of it, I like a good conspiracy theory. Elvis faking his death, the government coverup concerning aliens and Area 51, The Clintons, and et cetera.<br />
<br />
I’m hearing a LOT of conspiracy theories about COVID-19. <i>China loosed it to attack America… It’s here to destroy Trump, destroy his chances of re-election… It’s a Democratic ploy to attack the rights of American citizens… The Democrats are using it to destroy Trump and conservatism… It’s here to kill small businesses… They’re padding the numbers and contributing every death to the disease...</i> Blah, blah, blah<br />
<br />
Again, I like a good conspiracy theory. The Assassination of JFK is one that I actually believe. But all these COVID-19 conspiracies are ridiculous.<br />
<br />
Look, I’m not the smartest guy in the world. But where is the logic in some of these conspiracies?<br />
<br />
All right my right-wing friends… Here’s a possible conspiracy theory that I’m seeing that you’re not…<br />
<br />
The Democrats who are attacking your rights by mandating masks in public DO NOT WANT YOU TO WEAR A MASK. They want you to catch the COVID-19. They don’t want you to show up on election day. They want you to die. They want you locked away in ICUs, in hospitals, and at home. They don’t want you out voting. They don’t really want you wearing masks. Because if anyone that identifies themselves as a liberal that wants you to wear a mask for the safety of everyone, they’ll be seen as someone that doesn’t have your freedom of choice in mind. They want you to buck the system. They want you to get your conservative friends sick. They want conservative voices quiet when election day comes.<br />
<br />
Conservatives have gotten governors to fall to the Re-Open pressures. Non-mask wearing people are crowding everywhere as if there’s no threat except to their God-given rights NOT to wear a mask. They believe all the conservative outlets that masks don’t help.<br />
<br />
Perhaps those outlets are feeding you BS to help you right into the hospitals, ICUs, and self-quarantines?<br />
<br />
As I see it… If there is a conspiracy, they’re trying to kill off conservatives with the virus. LOTS of conservatives believe that masks don’t help. Everyone wants to get the economy going again, but the liberals realize that conservatives will just carry on as if the virus is merely a bad cold. The conservatives will fall victim to a greater conspiracy that they cannot even see.<br />
<br />
Now THAT’S an attack on Trump and conservatives! Say anything and the conservatives will do the opposite. America is so divided that those conservative cronies will fall like dominos. Biden wins! And Joe and Nancy will replace the stars n’ bars with a hammer and sickle!<br />
<br />
Look… If I were a Trumplodyte, I’d wear a mask. I’d be washing my hands until I’m through singing the album version of “In-A-Gadda-Di-Vida”. I’d be using hand-sanitizer until I could feel the alcohol in my bloodstream. I’d be social distancing. I’d do anything the CDC suggests in order to stay alive and healthy so that I could vote for my favorite orange moron in November.<br />
<br />
And for the record, I’m voting Jo Jorgensen in November. I’ll be at the polls with a mask on because I actually care about my fellow Americans. When this COVID-19 started I began wearing a mask in public. Why?<br />
<br />
Because if you haven’t noticed, China seems to get hit with epidemics all they time. And when they get hit, they’re wearing masks to help stop the spread of the latest virus/infection. They are 1.4 billion of them so they must be doing something right.<br />
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://djeugene.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default</div>Eugene B. Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15354901442424232993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11405541.post-52148826886881527682020-05-13T12:01:00.000-04:002020-05-13T12:01:33.412-04:00My AC/DC Scientific Research: For Those About To Rock<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLEjm-Ck9955NwvA0XQDGKpCqnsmzL8N8Zy9fMxgIjSb2AfNJtMF2P7lJnGbFtQnZdqJazNy0Rix4mUTl0nx-l6iOrht_UMq_lVrsL6BmrX4xVIEZ1Y9nnumkdQ0p5CfryVjI0Jg/s1600/acdc_for-those-about-to-rock-we-salute-you_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLEjm-Ck9955NwvA0XQDGKpCqnsmzL8N8Zy9fMxgIjSb2AfNJtMF2P7lJnGbFtQnZdqJazNy0Rix4mUTl0nx-l6iOrht_UMq_lVrsL6BmrX4xVIEZ1Y9nnumkdQ0p5CfryVjI0Jg/s320/acdc_for-those-about-to-rock-we-salute-you_10.jpg" width="320" height="313" data-original-width="430" data-original-height="421" /></a></div><br />
I’ve started my scientific research into the hard rock music of AC/DC. It is my theory that AC/DC is the most crash cymbal intensive rock band of all time. This is a long-held theory of mine and I truly believe that my research findings will prove my theory correct.<br />
<br />
Cymbal crashes on the high-hat cymbals and “ride” cymbals will not count.<br />
<br />
Once my findings are complete, I will present them to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.<br />
<br />
Now I present the findings for the album ‘For Those About To Rock’. This particular release is one of my least favorite albums by the band. It took me a few weeks to get motivated to “score” this one. Perhaps some time has passed or my critical ear has eased up, but I found that I don’t hate it as much as I thought I did.<br />
<br />
One drummer: Phil Rudd<br />
<br />
“For Those About To Rock (We Salute You)” clocks in at 344 seconds.<br />
222 total crashes<br />
That’s an average crash every 1.5 seconds (CE _._ Sec) for an average of 40 crashes per minute (CPM).<br />
<br />
“I Put The Finger On You” 206 seconds.<br />
120 total crashes<br />
CE 1.7 Sec / 35.3 CPM<br />
<br />
“Let’s Get It Up” 234 seconds.<br />
139 total crashes<br />
CE 1.7 Sec / 35.3 CPM<br />
<br />
“Inject The Venom” 211 seconds.<br />
163 total crashes<br />
CE 1.3 Sec / 46.2 CPM<br />
<br />
“Snowballed” 203 seconds<br />
113 total crashes<br />
CE 1.7 Sec / 35.3 CPM<br />
<br />
“Evil Walks” 264 seconds<br />
150 total crashes<br />
CE 1.8 Sec / 33.3 CPM<br />
<br />
“C.O.D.” 200 seconds<br />
79 total crashes<br />
CE 2.5 Sec / 24 CPM<br />
<br />
“Breaking The Rules” 263 seconds<br />
140 total crashes<br />
CE 1.9 Sec / 31.6 CPM<br />
<br />
“Night Of The Long Knives” 206 seconds<br />
166 total crashes<br />
CE 1.2 Sec / 50 CPM<br />
<br />
“Spellbound” 279 seconds<br />
113 total crashes<br />
CE 2.5 Sec / 24 CPM<br />
<br />
The album runs a total time of 2,410 seconds with 1,411 crashes.<br />
The album’s overall average reveals a CE 1.7 Sec / 35.3 CPM<br />
<br />
As you can see, ‘For Those About To Rock’ has posted the highest amount of CPMs. This makes ‘For Those…’ the most cymbal intensive album so far. Here are the top 3…<br />
1. For Those About To Rock 35.3 CPM<br />
2. Back In Black 33.3 CPM<br />
3. Highway To Hell 25 CPM<br />
All produced by Robert John “Mutt” Lange. Interesting, isn’t it?<br />
<br />
The Drummer cymbal crash breakdown up to this point:<br />
Tony Currenti – 596 seconds / 191 crashes / CE 3.1 Sec / 19.4 CPM<br />
Unknown Drummer – 286 seconds / 71 crashes / CE 2.9 Sec / 20.7 CPM<br />
Peter Clack – 300 seconds / 55 crashes / CE 5.5 Sec / 10.9 CPM<br />
Phil Rudd – 18,618 seconds / 6,999 crashes / CE 2.6 Sec / 23 CPM<br />
<br />
As you can see, drummer Phil Rudd passed the unknown drummer and has taken the high throne of AC/DC percussionists!<br />
<br />
For the latest research findings, listen to the Wheeler’s Dog Podcast. It’s free wherever you get podcasts, YouTube, and Patreon. They have an app so you won’t miss a single episode at patreon.com/wheelersdog<br />
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://djeugene.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default</div>Eugene B. Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15354901442424232993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11405541.post-10684074898172552612020-05-05T10:33:00.001-04:002020-05-05T10:33:37.076-04:00My AC/DC Scientific Research: Back In Black<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBsz1xhUzHEL-fMIHob-rW2yEr_QMLiQ3-MM1cPYvkdYQZ6yuj705N1YO_MfCEo2vGWkXTBYE2EXBUK8fInJ4UATIFuNi254ow-SNtfr4jOGHfAhbnCa2l0_4pozO3w3_O6sej_A/s1600/ACDC_Back_in_Black.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBsz1xhUzHEL-fMIHob-rW2yEr_QMLiQ3-MM1cPYvkdYQZ6yuj705N1YO_MfCEo2vGWkXTBYE2EXBUK8fInJ4UATIFuNi254ow-SNtfr4jOGHfAhbnCa2l0_4pozO3w3_O6sej_A/s320/ACDC_Back_in_Black.png" width="320" height="320" data-original-width="1428" data-original-height="1428" /></a></div>I’ve started my scientific research into the hard rock music of AC/DC. It is my theory that AC/DC is the most crash cymbal intensive rock band of all time. This is a long-held theory of mine and I truly believe that my research findings will prove my theory correct.<br />
<br />
Cymbal crashes on the high-hat cymbals and “ride” cymbals will not count.<br />
<br />
Once my findings are complete, I will present them to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.<br />
<br />
Now I present the findings for the album ‘Back In Black’, featuring the debut of new lead singer Brian Johnson.<br />
<br />
One drummer: Phil Rudd<br />
<br />
“Hells Bells” clocks in at 312 seconds.<br />
186 total crashes<br />
That’s an average crash every 1.7 seconds (CE _._ Sec) for an average of 35.3 crashes per minute (CPM).<br />
<br />
“Shoot To Thrill” 317 seconds.<br />
144 total crashes<br />
CE 3.9 Sec / 15.4 CPM<br />
<br />
“What Do You Do For Money Honey” 216 seconds.<br />
140 total crashes<br />
CE 1.5 Sec / 40 CPM<br />
<br />
“Givin’ The Dog A Bone” 212 seconds.<br />
132 total crashes<br />
CE 1.6 Sec / 37.5 CPM<br />
<br />
“Let Me Put My Love Into You” 255 seconds<br />
113 total crashes<br />
CE 2.3 Sec / 26.1 CPM<br />
<br />
“Back In Black” 255 seconds<br />
116 total crashes<br />
CE 2.2 Sec / 27.3 CPM<br />
<br />
“You Shook Me All Night Long” 210 seconds<br />
68 total crashes<br />
CE 3.1 Sec / 19.4 CPM<br />
<br />
“Have A Drink On Me” 238 seconds<br />
144 total crashes<br />
CE 1.7 Sec / 35.3 CPM<br />
<br />
“Shake A Leg” 246 seconds<br />
128 total crashes<br />
CE 1.9 Sec / 31.6 CPM<br />
<br />
“Rock ‘n’ Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution” 266 seconds<br />
117 total crashes<br />
CE 2.3 Sec / 26.1 CPM<br />
<br />
The album runs a total time of 3,527 seconds with 1,437 crashes.<br />
The album’s overall average reveals a CE 1.8 Sec / 33.3 CPM<br />
<br />
As you can see, ‘Back In Black’ has posted the highest amount of CPMs. Drummer Phil Rudd has apparently sold his soul to the Zildjian gods. <br />
<br />
The Drummer cymbal crash breakdown up to this point:<br />
Tony Currenti – 596 seconds / 191 crashes / CE 3.1 Sec / 19.4 CPM<br />
Unknown Drummer – 286 seconds / 71 crashes / CE 2.9 Sec / 20.7 CPM<br />
Peter Clack – 300 seconds / 55 crashes / CE 5.5 Sec / 10.9 CPM<br />
Phil Rudd – 16,208 seconds / 5,588 crashes / CE 2.9 Sec / 20.7 CPM<br />
<br />
As you can see, drummer Phil Rudd’s gained .2 on the Crash Every Sec with a 1.3 CMP increase with this album. He has TIED the unknown drummer and SURPASSED drummer Tony Currenti! Mr. Rudd is well on his way to proving my theory about the music of AC/DC.<br />
<br />
For the latest research findings, listen to the Wheeler’s Dog Podcast. It’s free wherever you get podcasts, YouTube, and Patreon. They have an app so you won’t miss a single episode at patreon.com/wheelersdog<br />
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://djeugene.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default</div>Eugene B. Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15354901442424232993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11405541.post-1477627204539606042020-04-30T09:41:00.000-04:002020-04-30T09:41:25.459-04:00My AC/DC Scientific Research: Highway To Hell<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9abs_Jp3ggujGx7LknvCRoen84i2FGO2oITtvPxcfVdKUT0VbpUr_svh2bELnMPKks_0NRknexfjydRQh491Tle2RvkRxrMjyAtDsI4fcTZI_H_0JFSh3lIgKZk7LiWGb2qgiWg/s1600/HighwayToHell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9abs_Jp3ggujGx7LknvCRoen84i2FGO2oITtvPxcfVdKUT0VbpUr_svh2bELnMPKks_0NRknexfjydRQh491Tle2RvkRxrMjyAtDsI4fcTZI_H_0JFSh3lIgKZk7LiWGb2qgiWg/s320/HighwayToHell.jpg" width="320" height="320" data-original-width="500" data-original-height="500" /></a></div>I’ve started my scientific research into the hard rock music of AC/DC. It is my theory that AC/DC is the most crash cymbal intensive rock band of all time. This is a long-held theory of mine and I truly believe that my research findings will prove my theory correct.<br />
<br />
Cymbal crashes on the high-hat cymbals and “ride” cymbals will not count.<br />
<br />
Once my findings are complete, I will present them to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.<br />
<br />
Now I present the findings for the album ‘Highway To Hell’.<br />
<br />
One drummer: Phil Rudd<br />
<br />
This is the first album where the band moved away from brother George Young and Harry Vonda as producers. Robert John “Mutt” Lange is behind the board producing this album.<br />
<br />
“Highway To Hell” clocks in at 208 seconds.<br />
80 total crashes<br />
That’s an average crash every 2.6 seconds (CE _._ Sec) for an average of 23.1 crashes per minute (CPM).<br />
<br />
“Girls Got Rhythm” 203 seconds.<br />
71 total crashes<br />
CE 2.9 Sec / 20.7 CPM<br />
<br />
“Walk All Over You” 310 seconds.<br />
219 total crashes<br />
CE 1.4 Sec / 42.9 CPM<br />
<br />
“Touch Too Much” 266 seconds.<br />
81 total crashes<br />
CE 3.3 Sec / 18.2 CPM<br />
<br />
“Beating Around The Bush” 236 seconds<br />
127 total crashes<br />
CE 1.9 Sec / 31.6 CPM<br />
<br />
“Shot Down In Flames” 203 seconds<br />
97 total crashes<br />
CE 2.1 Sec / 28.6 CPM<br />
<br />
“Get It Hot” 155 seconds<br />
49 total crashes<br />
CE 3.2 Sec / 18.8 CPM<br />
<br />
“If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)” 274 seconds<br />
90 total crashes<br />
CE 3 Sec / 20 CPM<br />
<br />
“Love Hungry Man” 257 seconds<br />
121 total crashes<br />
CE 2.1 Sec / 28.6 CPM<br />
<br />
“Night Prowler” 388 seconds<br />
97 total crashes<br />
CE 4 Sec / 15 CPM<br />
<br />
The album runs a total time of 2,500 seconds with 1,032 crashes.<br />
The album’s overall average reveals a CE 2.4 Sec / 25 CPM<br />
<br />
The Drummer cymbal crash breakdown up to this point:<br />
Tony Currenti – 596 seconds / 191 crashes / CE 3.1 Sec / 19.4 CPM<br />
Unknown Drummer – 286 seconds / 71 crashes / CE 2.9 Sec / 20.7 CPM<br />
Peter Clack – 300 seconds / 55 crashes / CE 5.5 Sec / 10.9 CPM<br />
Phil Rudd – 12,681 seconds / 4,151 crashes / CE 3.1 Sec / 19.4 CPM<br />
<br />
As you can see, drummer Phil Rudd’s gained .1 on the Crash Every Sec with a 1.2 CMP increase with this album. He’s still gaining on the unknown drummer and has tied Tony Currenti.<br />
<br />
For the latest research findings, listen to the Wheeler’s Dog Podcast. It’s free wherever you get podcasts, YouTube, and Patreon. They have an app so you won’t miss a single episode. Just <b><a href="http://patreon.com/wheelersdog">CLICK RIGHT HERE FOR THE DIRECT LINK TO THE PODCAST</a></b><br />
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://djeugene.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default</div>Eugene B. Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15354901442424232993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11405541.post-36911673936637743852020-04-27T07:11:00.000-04:002020-04-27T07:11:32.211-04:00My Scientific AC/DC Research: Powerage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBGtWTLSj_SEvLcDY-fwXywkB88rCCwj0pLRUcvMWQgePkaJxGIZz54TMb1qRfRV62YOvuQnutyIO-9TvgB9cfd1QFadlt0UlKxFFMWKhxXgoshRZErslJj-j4yrM6UtuRoHHSVg/s1600/Powerage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBGtWTLSj_SEvLcDY-fwXywkB88rCCwj0pLRUcvMWQgePkaJxGIZz54TMb1qRfRV62YOvuQnutyIO-9TvgB9cfd1QFadlt0UlKxFFMWKhxXgoshRZErslJj-j4yrM6UtuRoHHSVg/s320/Powerage.jpg" width="320" height="320" data-original-width="1500" data-original-height="1500" /></a></div>I’ve started my scientific research into the hard rock music of AC/DC. It is my theory that AC/DC is the most crash cymbal intensive rock band of all time. This is a long-held theory of mine and I truly believe that my research findings will prove my theory correct.<br />
<br />
Cymbal crashes on the high-hat cymbals and “ride” cymbals will not count.<br />
<br />
Once my findings are complete, I will present them to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.<br />
<br />
Now I present the findings for the album ‘Powerage’.<br />
<br />
One drummer: Phil Rudd<br />
<br />
“Rock ‘n’ Roll Damnation” clocks in at 218 seconds.<br />
72 total crashes<br />
That’s an average crash every 3.0 seconds (CE _._ Sec) for an average of 20 crashes per minute (CPM).<br />
<br />
“Down Payment Blues” 364 seconds.<br />
62 total crashes<br />
CE 5.9 Sec / 10.2 CPM<br />
<br />
“Gimme A Bullet” 202 seconds.<br />
36 total crashes<br />
CE 5.6 Sec / 10.8 CPM<br />
<br />
“Riff Raff” 312 seconds.<br />
209 total crashes<br />
CE 1.5 Sec / 40 CPM<br />
<br />
“Sin City” 285 seconds<br />
125 total crashes<br />
CE 2.3 Sec / 26.1 CPM<br />
<br />
“What’s Next To The Moon” 212 seconds<br />
112 total crashes<br />
CE 1.9 Sec / 31.6 CPM<br />
<br />
“Gone Shootin’” 306 seconds<br />
33 total crashes<br />
CE 9.3 Sec / 6.5 CPM<br />
<br />
“Up To My Neck In You” 253 seconds<br />
85 total crashes<br />
CE 3 Sec / 20 CPM<br />
<br />
“Kicked In The Teeth” 243 seconds<br />
100<br />
CE 2.4 Sec / 25 CPM<br />
<br />
The album runs a total time of 2,395 seconds with 834 crashes.<br />
The album’s overall average reveals a CE 2.9 Sec / 20.9 CPM<br />
<br />
The Drummer cymbal crash breakdown up to this point:<br />
Tony Currenti – 596 seconds / 191 crashes / CE 3.1 Sec / 19.4 CPM<br />
Unknown Drummer – 286 seconds / 71 crashes / CE 2.9 Sec / 20.7 CPM<br />
Peter Clack – 300 seconds / 55 crashes / CE 5.5 Sec / 10.9 CPM<br />
Phil Rudd – 10,181 seconds / 3,119 crashes / CE 3.3 Sec / 18.2 CPM<br />
<br />
As you can see, drummer Phil Rudd’s gained .1 on the Crash Every Sec with a .6 CMP increase on this album. He’s gaining on the unknown drummer and Tony Currenti.<br />
<br />
For the latest research findings, listen to the Wheeler’s Dog Podcast.<br />
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://djeugene.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default</div>Eugene B. Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15354901442424232993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11405541.post-42148146594882813572020-04-23T10:33:00.001-04:002020-04-23T10:33:48.298-04:00My AC/DC Scientific Research: Let There Be Rock<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrLBub9CJsNujvcbqKsg8LgzSJg0zsQycAywbh0GctfiiE6Sq7kP2hCFg_68RzmgsxS7fcSUzGU22asmowKUtK6xBPJEooLZBLbcMQcDwDBBGxI8C-JxtpxHJU6DDIKSyQcj3GOQ/s1600/Let+There+Be+Rock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrLBub9CJsNujvcbqKsg8LgzSJg0zsQycAywbh0GctfiiE6Sq7kP2hCFg_68RzmgsxS7fcSUzGU22asmowKUtK6xBPJEooLZBLbcMQcDwDBBGxI8C-JxtpxHJU6DDIKSyQcj3GOQ/s320/Let+There+Be+Rock.jpg" width="320" height="315" data-original-width="600" data-original-height="591" /></a></div>I’ve started my scientific research into the hard rock music of AC/DC. It is my theory that AC/DC is the most crash cymbal intensive rock band of all time. This is a long-held theory of mine and I truly believe that my research findings will prove my theory correct.<br />
<br />
Cymbal crashes on the high-hat cymbals and “ride” cymbals will not count.<br />
<br />
Once my findings are complete, I will present them to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.<br />
<br />
Now I present the findings for the album ‘Let There Be Rock’<br />
<br />
One drummer: Phil Rudd<br />
<br />
“Go Down” clocks in at 331 seconds.<br />
79 total crashes<br />
That’s an average crash every 4.2 seconds (CE _._ Sec) for an average of 14.3 crashes per minute (CPM).<br />
<br />
“Dog Eat Dog” 215 seconds.<br />
58 total crashes<br />
CE 3.7 Sec / 16.2 CPM<br />
<br />
“Let There Be Rock” 366 seconds.<br />
114 total crashes<br />
CE 3.2 Sec / 18.8 CPM<br />
<br />
“Bad Boy Boogie” 268 seconds.<br />
67 total crashes<br />
CE 4 Sec / 15 CPM<br />
<br />
“Problem Child” 325 seconds (also on the album ‘Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap’)<br />
222 total crashes<br />
CE 1.5 Sec / 40 CPM<br />
(This version is :25 shorter and to prove my count, the averages for both songs came out with the same totals)<br />
<br />
“Overdose” 369 seconds<br />
94 total crashes<br />
CE 3.9 Sec / 15.4 CPM<br />
<br />
“Hell Ain’t A Bad Place To Be” 254 seconds<br />
108 total crashes<br />
CE 2.4 Sec / 25 CPM<br />
<br />
“Whole Lotta Rosie” 334 seconds<br />
131 total crashes<br />
CE 2.5 Sec / 24 CPM<br />
<br />
The album runs a total time of 2,462 seconds with 873 crashes.<br />
The album’s overall average reveals a CE 2.8 Sec / 21.4 CPM<br />
<br />
The Drummer cymbal crash breakdown up to this point:<br />
Tony Currenti – 596 seconds / 191 crashes / CE 3.1 Sec / 19.4 CPM<br />
Unknown Drummer – 286 seconds / 71 crashes / CE 2.9 Sec / 20.7 CPM<br />
Peter Clack – 300 seconds / 55 crashes / CE 5.5 Sec / 10.9 CPM<br />
Phil Rudd – 7,786 seconds / 2,285 crashes / CE 3.4 Sec / 17.6 CPM<br />
<br />
As you can see, drummer Phil Rudd’s gained .4 on the Crash Every Sec with a 1.7 CMP increase on this album. He’s gaining on the unknown drummer and Tony Currenti.<br />
<br />
For the latest research findings, listen to the Wheeler’s Dog Podcast.<br />
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://djeugene.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default</div>Eugene B. Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15354901442424232993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11405541.post-30352432562108318762020-04-22T08:49:00.001-04:002020-04-22T08:49:31.440-04:00My AC/DC Scientific Research: Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicd9qOGiWE2lgfd9PapV9zZR6EFmQhNUnKqLY7m-R60JkwganICffVowkg5tIIK78NjV-XtRRKwynC8rzl94i0WKeyUmSvO674XzrE-twfYbJJfybaXgXZtdaGpYNJD1MLkGpwwQ/s1600/DirtyDeeds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicd9qOGiWE2lgfd9PapV9zZR6EFmQhNUnKqLY7m-R60JkwganICffVowkg5tIIK78NjV-XtRRKwynC8rzl94i0WKeyUmSvO674XzrE-twfYbJJfybaXgXZtdaGpYNJD1MLkGpwwQ/s320/DirtyDeeds.jpg" width="320" height="320" data-original-width="1500" data-original-height="1500" /></a></div>I’ve started my scientific research into the hard rock music of AC/DC. It is my theory that AC/DC is the most crash cymbal intensive rock band of all time. This is a long-held theory of mine and I truly believe that my research findings will prove my theory correct.<br />
<br />
Cymbal crashes on the high-hat cymbals and “ride” cymbals will not count.<br />
<br />
Once my findings are complete, I will present them to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.<br />
<br />
Now I present the findings for the album ‘Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap’<br />
<br />
One drummer: Phil Rudd<br />
<br />
“Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” clocks in at 232 seconds.<br />
64 total crashes<br />
That’s an average crash every 3.6 seconds (CE _._ Sec) for an average of 16.7 crashes per minute (CPM).<br />
<br />
“Love At First Feel” 191 seconds.<br />
44 total crashes<br />
CE 4.3 Sec / 14 CPM<br />
<br />
“Big Balls” 159seconds.<br />
45 total crashes<br />
CE 3.5 Sec / 17.1 CPM<br />
<br />
“Rocker” 171 seconds.<br />
31 total crashes<br />
CE 5.5 Sec / 10.9 CPM<br />
<br />
“Problem Child” 346 seconds.<br />
236 total crashes<br />
CE 1.5 Sec / 40 CPM<br />
<br />
“There’s Gonna Be Some Rockin’” 198 seconds<br />
35 total crashes<br />
CE 5.7 Sec / 10.5 CPM<br />
<br />
“Ain’t No Fun (Waiting Round To Be A Millionaire)” 414 seconds<br />
135 total crashes<br />
CE 3.1 Sec / 19.4 CPM<br />
<br />
“Ride On” 350 seconds<br />
4 total crashes<br />
CE 87.5 Sec / .7 CPM<br />
<br />
“Squealer” 327 seconds<br />
52 total crashes<br />
CE 5.5 Sec / 12 CPM<br />
<br />
The album runs a total time of 2,388 seconds with 660 crashes.<br />
The album’s overall average reveals a CE 3.6 Sec / 16.7 CPM<br />
<br />
The Drummer cymbal crash breakdown up to this point:<br />
Tony Currenti – 596 seconds / 191 crashes / CE 3.1 Sec / 19.4 CPM<br />
Unknown Drummer – 286 seconds / 71 crashes / CE 2.9 Sec / 20.7 CPM<br />
Peter Clack – 300 seconds / 55 crashes / CE 5.5 Sec / 10.9 CPM<br />
Phil Rudd – 5,324 seconds / 1,412 crashes / CE 3.8 Sec / 15.9 CPM<br />
<br />
As you can see, drummer Phil Rudd’s average took it up a slight tick with a small gain on the unknown drummer and Tony Currenti. I think the bluesy number “Ride On” definitely drove down Mr. Rudd’s cymbal intensive playing with only 4 crashes in the entire song. I still maintain that my research will prove my theory.<br />
<br />
For the latest research findings, listen to the Wheeler’s Dog Podcast.<br />
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://djeugene.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default</div>Eugene B. Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15354901442424232993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11405541.post-44997375322956822992020-04-21T09:15:00.001-04:002020-04-21T09:15:20.034-04:00The End Of My Tradition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJ8TqXp1U1zFsPJs2JJ0snDUh21fB7RPuHK102ECbmE_g5GnXcggoE9YG9x5jUBrugPJnUtQRROnuHtpvLIXepWBTEG-Txi1hC6L0gXwv5vrOdwFeVJnZg6dKjvNkVIq0XVaQ0A/s1600/Ed_Dawson1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJ8TqXp1U1zFsPJs2JJ0snDUh21fB7RPuHK102ECbmE_g5GnXcggoE9YG9x5jUBrugPJnUtQRROnuHtpvLIXepWBTEG-Txi1hC6L0gXwv5vrOdwFeVJnZg6dKjvNkVIq0XVaQ0A/s320/Ed_Dawson1.jpg" width="320" height="283" data-original-width="340" data-original-height="301" /></a></div>Tom Lester died yesterday.<br />
<br />
I found out with a message from Leanne Petty. With the guy being up there in age, I knew that it was just a matter of time before he died. As a matter of fact, I was just thinking about him a few weeks ago because I’m watching episodes of ‘Green Acres’ from seasons 4 through 6 on Amazon Prime. I don’t own those on DVD. Yet.<br />
<br />
Tom Lester portrayed Eb Dawson, Mr. Douglas’ hired hand and mild irritant. Lester was the last surviving cast member from the ‘Green Acres’ series. The series aired from the fall of 1965 to the spring of 1971. I have vague memories of watching the show live. I was always drawn to it. And when it went into reruns, I would adjust my schedule to watch them no matter when they aired.<br />
<br />
When the VCR came into our family’s affordable existence, I started recording them. I still have them today… for some reason.<br />
<br />
Those tapes came in handy in January of 1994 when Pat Buttram “Mr. Haney” died. And a tradition was born.<br />
<br />
Since then, I’ve celebrated the work of the ‘Green Acres’ cast members after their passing with beer, bourbon, and laughter.<br />
<br />
So, last night the Chigs and I watched some episodes featuring the character Eb Dawson with beer and bourbon in the game room. The MIL decided to opt out even though she knew that I was in mourning. Don’t worry… She’ll get her payback when, not if, she takes a fall. I’ll be there to remind her as I contemplate how long to leave her lying on the floor.<br />
<br />
I KID! But this Scorpio will find a way to pay her back for what I have deemed being insensitive to my emotional needs.<br />
<br />
I would have continued watching deep into the night like I did when Eva Gabor died in 1995. But I’m counted on to wake the Chigs so that she’s on time for her work-at-home day. Gabor died on July 4th and so, I didn’t really have anywhere to be the next day since I have always made long weekends with vacation time when possible.<br />
<br />
There’s still one cast member living from the big brother of ‘Green Acres’… Max “Jethro” Baer Jr. is the last surviving member of ‘The Beverly Hillbillies’. I’m a big fan of that series, but I’ve never kept home recorded video cassettes of the series nor have I purchased any DVDs. I have received a few DVDs as gifts, but just haven’t pulled the trigger on buying them. In my mind, I have a feeling that they’re still being aired on MeTV or some other network easily available as a digital sub-channel of a local television station. Plus, the real cutesy Ellie Mae scenes with animals always turned me off.<br />
<br />
I missed meeting Tom Lester back in the 80s. He did evangelical work and traveled around the country. He was bringing his message to Hillcrest Baptist Church on Pisgah Church Road in Greensboro. I found out too late to get time off from work to attend. But thankfully, my parents went and got me an autograph. I have it packed away safely, but I have no idea where it is exactly. It’s just one of those things that I’d love to get framed.<br />
<br />
My cousin Dan summed it up well on my post about Tom Lester’s passing… “It’s like losing a family member.”<br />
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://djeugene.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default</div>Eugene B. Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15354901442424232993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11405541.post-48613894795737166822020-04-16T08:59:00.000-04:002020-04-16T08:59:22.488-04:00My AC/DC Scientific Research: High Voltage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8w0F5RXtTxC7NMEGOLX5gwoJEj8llsnLDsfvsFV220P_mJpr4RzS_sS-t1l9u7rspncujeh9OD426cpDrZigcj_6SW25aE51435PcUDxSmv7I2jekCxm-irk5Rwq3WAEgOnsjw/s1600/High+Voltage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8w0F5RXtTxC7NMEGOLX5gwoJEj8llsnLDsfvsFV220P_mJpr4RzS_sS-t1l9u7rspncujeh9OD426cpDrZigcj_6SW25aE51435PcUDxSmv7I2jekCxm-irk5Rwq3WAEgOnsjw/s320/High+Voltage.jpg" width="320" height="292" data-original-width="1500" data-original-height="1367" /></a></div>I’ve started my scientific research into the hard rock music of AC/DC. It is my theory that AC/DC is the most crash cymbal intensive rock band of all time. This is a long-held theory of mine and I truly believe that my research findings will prove my theory correct.<br />
<br />
Cymbal crashes on the high-hat cymbals and “ride” cymbals will not count.<br />
<br />
Once my findings are complete, I will present them to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.<br />
<br />
Second, the album ‘High Voltage’<br />
<br />
One drummer: Phil Rudd<br />
<br />
“It’s A Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll)” clocks in at 301 seconds.<br />
39 total crashes<br />
That’s an average crash every 7.7 seconds (CE _._ Sec) for an average of 7.8 crashes per minute (CPM).<br />
<br />
“Rock ‘n’ Roll Singer” 304 seconds.<br />
57 total crashes<br />
CE 5.3 Sec / 11.3 CPM<br />
<br />
“The Jack” 286 seconds.<br />
55 total crashes<br />
CE 6.4 Sec / 9.4 CPM<br />
<br />
“Live Wire” 349 seconds.<br />
133 total crashes<br />
CE 2.6 Sec / 23.1 CPM<br />
<br />
“T.N.T.” 215 seconds.<br />
101 total crashes<br />
CE 2.1 Sec / 28.6 CPM<br />
<br />
“Can I Sit Next To You Girl” 251 seconds<br />
51 total crashes<br />
CE 4.9 Sec / 12.2 CPM<br />
<br />
“Little Lover” 338 seconds12.2<br />
62 total crashes<br />
CE 5.5 Sec / 10.9 CPM<br />
<br />
“She’s Got Balls” 291 seconds<br />
89 total crashes<br />
CE 3.3 Sec / 18.2 CPM<br />
<br />
“High Voltage” 254 seconds<br />
52 total crashes<br />
CE 4.9 Sec / 12.2 CPM<br />
<br />
The album runs a total time of 2,655 seconds with 639 crashes.<br />
The album’s overall average reveals a CE 4.2 Sec / 14.3 CPM<br />
<br />
The Drummer cymbal crash breakdown up to this point:<br />
Tony Currenti – 596 seconds / 191 crashes / CE 3.1 Sec / 19.4 CPM<br />
Unknown Drummer – 286 seconds / 71 crashes / CE 2.9 Sec / 20.7 CPM<br />
Peter Clack – 300 seconds / 55 crashes / CE 5.5 Sec / 10.9 CPM<br />
Phil Rudd – 2,936 seconds / 752 crashes / CE 3.9 Sec / 15.4 CPM<br />
<br />
As you can see, drummer Phil Rudd’s average dropped lower than the unknown drummer and Tony Currenti. I think the bluesy numbers like “The Jack” and “Little Lover” drove down Mr. Rudd’s cymbal intensive playing. I still maintain that my research will prove my theory even though ‘High Voltage’ shows a slowdown for Rudd.<br />
<br />
For the latest research findings, listen to the Wheeler’s Dog Podcast.<br />
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://djeugene.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default</div>Eugene B. Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15354901442424232993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11405541.post-80891027220179685592020-04-10T15:25:00.001-04:002020-04-10T15:25:50.388-04:00My AC/DC Scientific Research: '74 Jailbreak<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXJenLMCpnu4xJIB3s86093S8FlRwaWD05Hx4QUTyyB0E-zeB19YSv-gzjBN6m7xKfTkuh6yWH2zxDPMFkKtdlrh42-2NtdOELaZKEcOijgi2h7BZztf4QfQYHdzM1rHJDw_IunA/s1600/ACDC+Jailbreak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXJenLMCpnu4xJIB3s86093S8FlRwaWD05Hx4QUTyyB0E-zeB19YSv-gzjBN6m7xKfTkuh6yWH2zxDPMFkKtdlrh42-2NtdOELaZKEcOijgi2h7BZztf4QfQYHdzM1rHJDw_IunA/s320/ACDC+Jailbreak.jpg" width="320" height="320" data-original-width="600" data-original-height="600" /></a></div>I’ve started my scientific research into the hard rock music of AC/DC. It is my theory that AC/DC is the most crash cymbal intensive rock band of all time. This is a long-held theory of mine and I truly believe that my research findings will prove my theory correct.<br />
<br />
Cymbal crashes on the high-hat cymbals and “ride” cymbals will not count.<br />
<br />
Once my findings are complete, I will present them to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.<br />
<br />
First up, the EP ‘Jailbreak ‘74’<br />
<br />
“Jailbreak” clocks in at 281 seconds. Phil Rudd on drums.<br />
113 total crashes<br />
That’s an average crash every 2.5 seconds (CE _._ Sec) for an average of 24 crashes per minute (CPM).<br />
<br />
“You Ain’t Got A Hold On Me” 211 seconds. Tony Currenti on drums.<br />
59 total crashes<br />
CE 3.6 Sec / 16.7 CPM<br />
<br />
“Show Business” 286 seconds. Drummer unknown.<br />
71 total crashes<br />
CE 4.0 Sec / 15 CPM<br />
<br />
“Soul Stripper” 385 seconds. Tony Currenti on drums.<br />
132 total crashes<br />
CE 2.9 Sec / 20.7 CPM<br />
<br />
“Baby Please Don’t Go” 300 seconds. Peter Clack on drums.<br />
55 total crashes<br />
CE 5.5 Sec / 10.9 CPM<br />
<br />
EP runs a total time of 1,463 seconds with 430 crashes.<br />
The EP’s overall average reveals a CE 3.4 Sec / 17.6 CPM<br />
<br />
The Drummer cymbal crash breakdown:<br />
Tony Currenti – 596 seconds / 191 crashes / CE 3.1 Sec / 19.4 CPM<br />
Unknown Drummer – 286 seconds / 71 crashes / CE 2.9 Sec / 20.7 CPM<br />
Peter Clack – 300 seconds / 55 crashes / CE 5.5 Sec / 10.9 CPM<br />
Phil Rudd – 281 seconds / 113 crashes / CE 2.5 Sec / 24 CPM<br />
<br />
As you can see, drummer Phil Rudd’s averages are higher than those of the other drummers. And since he was the drummer for the majority of their studio recordings, the research should prove my theory. That AC/DC is the most crash cymbal intensive hard rock band of all time.<br />
<br />
For the latest research findings, listen to the Wheeler’s Dog Podcast.<br />
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://djeugene.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default</div>Eugene B. Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15354901442424232993noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11405541.post-43998457305808071872020-03-25T11:25:00.002-04:002020-03-25T12:41:42.746-04:00Something To Bitch AboutWe got 2 notifications in the mail last month about the dogs being due for some tests and vaccinations. They’re due every spring for these. And with the current situation with COVID-19, I decided that we better get on the stick and get it done. You know, because in just about every post-apocalyptic film and television series, there’s one character with a dog to alert them to danger or cybernetic organisms.<br />
<br />
I called and they’ve changed how they see patients. I accepted the changes with the ease of a gazelle leaping over a fallen tree. We’ve got to do everything we can, you know?<br />
<br />
I made two appointments because our bitches can be a handful. The little one, Lucy, gets very territorial and growls like a 10-pound hound from Hell at the bigger one, CJ, that’s as sweet as honey. So, Lucy got the first appointment at 10:20 A.M. We arrived a few minutes before the appointment. I was instructed to phone the front desk to let them know that we had arrived. 25 minutes later, a young lady came to the car to ask a few preliminary questions. Lucy hasn’t exhibited any issues other than those related to her 18 years upon this planet.<br />
<br />
I think she’s going deaf or she’s gotten very choosy about what she hears. Her arthritis is making her apprehensive about using stairs and jumping. The young woman scooped her up out of the car and Lucy’s eyes got wide. She looked at me as if she was saying, “Where in the hell are they taking me?”<br />
<br />
I tried to get back to my AC/DC research while I waited, but it didn’t last too long. The same young woman brought Lucy back to the car in about 15 minutes. I rolled down the window and said, “I’m sorry. But that’s not my cat.” She blinked a few times and then realized that I was joking with her.<br />
<br />
But Lucy is in overall good health and strong as little horse. The woman handed Lucy to me through the window and hair came off as if I were blowing a dandelion flower’s seeds into the wind.<br />
<br />
Lucy didn’t want me out of her sight for the rest of the day. If I went into another room and the door was closed, that little hellhound whined her ass off. She’s sitting at my right foot as I type this right now almost 24 hours later.<br />
<br />
A few hours later, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NCLeanne/">Leanne Petty</a> alerted me to a situation near our home. As more news came to light, there was a vehicle chased by police that led to a multi-car crash and a law officer involved shooting. It turned out that this had transpired in front of our grocery store and Thursday Hampton Hellcats drinking establishment. They had shut down the 5-lane street for the investigation.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1HIUx2BGoKcLMbCn48HKxvK4qST0H0xGCqctHpch5CCMBLH4cI9Jzvr12FAsuc-gpAwBkR-WbFmSgjbkj3Htb0aGYhsTXvVoBapUqUxx2Ql441hdsVIP6p9tJ-xaKBN1RNhyphenhyphenPWw/s1600/Lucy+CJ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1HIUx2BGoKcLMbCn48HKxvK4qST0H0xGCqctHpch5CCMBLH4cI9Jzvr12FAsuc-gpAwBkR-WbFmSgjbkj3Htb0aGYhsTXvVoBapUqUxx2Ql441hdsVIP6p9tJ-xaKBN1RNhyphenhyphenPWw/s320/Lucy+CJ.jpg" width="320" height="297" data-original-width="666" data-original-height="618" /></a></div><br />
CJ had an appointment for 4 P.M. Since the street was shut down, I didn’t know what to expect. I left at 3:30 P.M. for a 10-minute trip to the vet’s office. I knew where to turn to avoid the sealed off area, but as expected, there was a long line to speak to the officer where they had the artery shut off two blocks away at Brewer Ave. He had the majority of motorists turning right onto Brewer. My turn to avoid the area was just a few hundred feet away on the left. The officer asked where I was headed, I told him and he said, “Go” and I took off cautiously.<br />
<br />
I called to the front desk and they came out to the car within minutes. I went over the preliminary questions with the same young woman from my earlier visit. Since CJ weighs over 50 pounds, she opened up the passenger side back door to take CJ inside. CJ led her around to the driver’s side of the car, sat down, and refused to go any further. I stepped out of the car and CJ got right up. I told the young woman that I’d keep a safe distance to help coax CJ inside. She took right off with the young lady. But when she opened the side door to go inside, CJ sat down and refused to enter. At this point, I was at the end of the building watching. I took a couple of steps towards them and CJ got right up and went inside.<br />
<br />
Ten minutes later, she brought CJ back out to the car. The doctor was going to call again with information and questions. CJ is getting a little heavy since someone in this house constantly feeds her things like bread, chips, and other foods high in carbohydrates. But overall, she’s in good shape.<br />
<br />
I feel like CJ, a dog that we acquired from a rescue group, thought she was being sent away from us. I don’t know how many hands that she’s passed through in her short amount of years on this planet, but I can’t help but think that she thought her time with us was up. She’s the sweetest dog that I’ve ever met and gets hurt feelings very easily.<br />
<br />
When CJ was being brought out, she was pulling that same young lady through the parking lot directly towards the car. She got into the back seat and gave me a dry lick from the bottom of my chin to my temple. She calmed down and took a nap on the way back home.<br />
<br />
CJ and I arrived back home to find something WONDERFUL awaiting us which will be covered in the next podcast that I hope to have out over the weekend.<br />
<br />
Also, in that podcast, I will reveal the winners from the last Turtle Taste Test gathering from a few weeks ago. We did a Ranch dressing test this time. I'll also reveal the winners from previous Turtle Taste Tests. And I’ll give an update on my home-quarantine sanity project involving the rock band AC/DC.<br />
<br />
You can find the podcast available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Breaker, YouTube (once they’re rendered to MP4), and just about anywhere you can get podcasts.<br />
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://djeugene.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default</div>Eugene B. Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15354901442424232993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11405541.post-68280538677860298252020-03-05T08:47:00.000-05:002020-03-05T08:47:06.031-05:00Many Thanks!Now that my podcast is finally off the ground with 5 episodes, I’m going to stop hounding you with it on my personal Facebook page. But if you like the reminders, by all means give the Wheelers Dog Facebook page a like!<br />
<br />
Five freebies are in there as the preview. This sixth episode will ONLY be available on the Patreon website so, if you like what you’ve been hearing you need to jump on that joker.<br />
<br />
I have a few supporters right now on Patreon and it’s GREATLY appreciated. I want to get a subscription for Adobe Audition. That’s the production tool that I’ve been using for over 20 years. I know it inside and out.<br />
<br />
I’m using Audacity now. It’s free. It does the job, but it just isn’t as user friendly. I spend a lot of time trying to figure it out more than actually getting the job done. But hey… Baby steps.<br />
<br />
I want to thank everyone that has given the podcast a listen. I want to thank Jeff Kay from The WV Surf Report podcast for giving me a plug on his latest episode. I want to thank Bob Richardson for the great opening that he composed, performed, and produced. And I want to thank Tim Beeman for his incredible help and patience with me.<br />
<br />
A lot of the Patreon episodes will feature stories and events about the MIL. I don’t want to put too many out there where she could find it on YouTube. I don’t want to wake up to find her creeping into our bedroom with a large kitchen knife. She’s a great lady and the house would fall apart without her. She just has her moments that baffle, delight, and sometimes infuriates the rest of us in the Big House. Hell, she had quite a baffling anger just last night. But the wife and I realized that she’s the one with the issue and we weren’t going to be baited into her Bud Light Seltzer fueled anger. We slept soundly as the MIL most likely tossed and turned with asinine conspiracy theories spinning in her head.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJmC8dXYqBxrrRkL8AfiHJ6uFHA9R_aPEI1N5BSewI_GXt5AOQjP-VU7WFeZ4npZCJojy1OX3v50XQnopQLFo8xoVw7LBo0fSBbKKo6zWcQwmMwi_h4VX6ELkkgaq3vMNPM8jStA/s1600/20200305_083635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJmC8dXYqBxrrRkL8AfiHJ6uFHA9R_aPEI1N5BSewI_GXt5AOQjP-VU7WFeZ4npZCJojy1OX3v50XQnopQLFo8xoVw7LBo0fSBbKKo6zWcQwmMwi_h4VX6ELkkgaq3vMNPM8jStA/s320/20200305_083635.jpg" width="263" height="320" data-original-width="702" data-original-height="855" /></a></div><br />
Again, I just want to thank all of you. I honestly didn’t realize how much I have missed doing this sort of thing. I hope that you all got some laughs and continue getting some laughs from Wheeler’s Dog.<br />
<br />
If you want to show support for my endeavors… <b><a href="http://patreon.com/wheelersdog">JUST CLICK ON THIS BIG OL’ LINK</a></b>.<br />
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://djeugene.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default</div>Eugene B. Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15354901442424232993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11405541.post-47718141587121041152020-02-23T11:02:00.000-05:002020-02-23T11:02:44.269-05:00Thank YouI open up this blog post with a THANK YOU to everyone that has liked my Wheeler’s Dog Facebook page and those that have taken the time to listen to my first podcast on YouTube.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGtmi_dTzpfi67_Wvd_DFMGMSBXAvRDpG7AdkH_QSI0ghmfGZhoBSBl9IbGtBRPajYKipqoA1EctIpU1ZJG2j_p0VIPOJq8iDlIT-ax5MToGoBizL4H2H75H4OYMOQEkrMLz7x6g/s1600/thank-you.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGtmi_dTzpfi67_Wvd_DFMGMSBXAvRDpG7AdkH_QSI0ghmfGZhoBSBl9IbGtBRPajYKipqoA1EctIpU1ZJG2j_p0VIPOJq8iDlIT-ax5MToGoBizL4H2H75H4OYMOQEkrMLz7x6g/s320/thank-you.jpg" width="320" height="214" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1068" /></a></div></a></b><br />
After listening to the podcast, I could tell that I was nervous for some reason. I’m not usually nervous before cracking open a microphone. I think that I was feeling the pressure from myself to make it “good”. Sure, there’s room for improvement. Adjustments will be made over time. Features added. Etc.<br />
<br />
The first five episodes will be available to everyone. Then there will be 2 episodes per week. One available to everyone and the other will be on Patreon for a donation of just $4 or more.<br />
<br />
I stole the idea from Jeff Kay and his podcast <b><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4lGoQKb9W6nQOnAgIfoEKo?si=bnz-Lc_aRxWeCkq5TLpvIQ">THE WEST VIRGINIA SURF REPORT</a></b>. It seems fair to me because it’s difficult to find sponsorship. He gave me his blessing.<br />
<br />
The Wheeler’s Dog podcast is part of <b><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/33KtZwlAY51vWRiKCSo9Nx?si=L1769YFuTW2zgTthuWAv1Q">The Less Desirables Network</a></b>. It’s great being a part of podcast network along side other great podcasts like The Less Desirables, Fan Interference, The Man Who Ate The Town, The Beer Dads, Apartment 5B, and Beeswax Vinyl & More.<br />
<br />
My podcast is only on YouTube right now, but soon it’ll be available on Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, and all the other places you get podcast from. I’ll keep them on YouTube. I want them readily available for ear consumption. I want listeners to find them under any rock they may turn over.<br />
<br />
And if you haven’t heard it… <b><a href="https://youtu.be/kEUedLzZYMg">Click this!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://djeugene.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default</div>Eugene B. Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15354901442424232993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11405541.post-92034734722610624272020-02-04T10:56:00.000-05:002020-02-04T11:03:37.311-05:00I'm Becoming A Dust BowlThe other night in bed, I asked my wife to scratch my back. The itch was between the shoulder blades. Unless you’re a contortionist, you cannot get that itch scratched fast enough. You’ll use a barbed wire wrapped baseball bat to scratch that itch if that’s the nearest tool to use. Even a flaming piece of wood.<br />
<br />
She was scratching and I was practically kicking my leg like I was starting a dirt bike because it felt so good. She said, “Honey, you’ve got dry skin.” And she stopped scratching.<br />
<br />
“Well, don’t quit scratching,” I said.<br />
<br />
Then she said something about my skin coming off.<br />
<br />
“Wait… what? My skin is coming off? Is it coming off in sheets? Is it flaking off? How much am I losing?? Dammit, I need my epidermis!”<br />
<br />
“Stop being a baby,” She said. “It’s been cold and your skin just got a little dry. You’re getting older.”<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD3ubycDWEE5sqVwtdSg-tvxho8azjgTc382xskMMWqMv8TL1Zo9X2JhvNzfpB9weBvoio6_oOIoLCv3ztvNj6Wdzo2fGPBNY-ipEs2BLy_HGlExvUP72cHzsqM0FgNB3ssoQpXQ/s1600/lead_720_405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD3ubycDWEE5sqVwtdSg-tvxho8azjgTc382xskMMWqMv8TL1Zo9X2JhvNzfpB9weBvoio6_oOIoLCv3ztvNj6Wdzo2fGPBNY-ipEs2BLy_HGlExvUP72cHzsqM0FgNB3ssoQpXQ/s320/lead_720_405.jpg" width="320" height="180" data-original-width="720" data-original-height="405" /></a></div><br />
How can my skin get dry between the shoulder blades? How does that happen?<br />
<br />
I keep a shirt on most of my waking hours. I produce heat and humidity under that shirt. What the hell? How am I suddenly becoming too arid??<br />
<br />
After visions of me cracking up like drying mud in the desert, I eventually fell asleep. But how can this happen? Is this why women are constantly slathering up with lotion?<br />
<br />
I’m just into my 50s and I’ve only experienced dry hands during the colder months. I’m drinking nearly a gallon of water every day now. Is this a sign of things to come? Do I now need regular checkups with a dermatologist?<br />
<br />
I NEED to keep my skin soft and supple. Do the makers of Oil of Olay offer daily capsules to take orally?<br />
<br />
I don’t want to stain my clothing or become slicker than an eel. I’ve seen the way women slather up. It’s like they’re greasing up a damn axle for a big ass truck. I had a girlfriend that would get out of the shower, grab a 5-gallon bucket of Aveeno daily moisturizer, and a start applying that stuff onto her body with a bricklayer’s trowel.<br />
<br />
Is this a normal thing as we age? Or has my lack of moisturizing caught up with me? Does this kind of thing happen to you?<br />
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://djeugene.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default</div>Eugene B. Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15354901442424232993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11405541.post-32091187925086572442020-02-02T16:16:00.000-05:002020-02-02T16:16:36.812-05:00Don't Sniff Me Until Further NoticeWho purchases the soap in your home?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirGxdAPo2b8KHkWekOCM7YFplTuQQge15qTEhdl34vRjAN2KCqaFObP_SPJ8VI2YrlokMuRp_H4p8VHVqTL7nifIwl-LSlgI3iP8mOyjgpUHHYUL3yHpvs4x1l_DowaXT_PJLgiw/s1600/bath-soap-500x500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirGxdAPo2b8KHkWekOCM7YFplTuQQge15qTEhdl34vRjAN2KCqaFObP_SPJ8VI2YrlokMuRp_H4p8VHVqTL7nifIwl-LSlgI3iP8mOyjgpUHHYUL3yHpvs4x1l_DowaXT_PJLgiw/s320/bath-soap-500x500.jpg" width="320" height="320" data-original-width="500" data-original-height="500" /></a></div><br />
Here in the Big House, the MIL has taken it upon herself to keep the soap stocked up. It’s greatly appreciated. Soap is one less thing to agonize over when doing the weekly shopping. She keeps us stocked with bar and liquid soaps. Regular and anti-bacterial. She also keeps up with our family toothpaste demands.<br />
<br />
But lately things have gone slightly awry in the shower department. At least for me, that is. The current bar of soap doesn’t have a pleasant scent. I use it, but I ain’t crazy about it.<br />
<br />
For over a month, I ignored the unpleasant bar of soap. It was there, but the handmade soaps that Jamie purchased for everyone EXCEPT me were readily available for me to use. They made me smell pleasant. I was a deliciously fragrant beast. A pleasure to sniff.<br />
<br />
I wasn’t too crazy about one of them though. There were like little wood chips in the dang thing. I could feel them scratching my skin. I just got a feeling that the soap was making microscopic cuts and I can’t have that. It could lead to some kind of infection, right??<br />
<br />
Jamie says that the little wood chips were actually pieces of oatmeal. But they didn’t look like any Quaker Oats that I’ve ever seen.<br />
<br />
But now the fancy handmade soaps have come to a sudsy end and I’m left with that white bar of funk. Sure, I could check the MIL’s stash for a better smelling bar, but I’m a man dammit! I need to man up and use that bar until there are no more suds to produce.<br />
<br />
I want to ask where she got the soap, but I’m afraid of her follow up questions. She CANNOT answer a question until she questions your question. And she takes EVERYTHING so damn personally. The slightest critique becomes a major stick for her craw to get stuck on. Then her little passive aggressive button gets pushed and she’s no longer purchasing the soap. And if soap doesn’t make it to my grocery list, then the wheels come off the train and things are majorly derailed.<br />
<br />
My favorite mass-produced soap is Zest. But the MIL gets whatever the hell she’s gonna get from the Dollar General “sale bin”. So that bar of funky soap is probably called Sezt or Etsz. I don’t know.<br />
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://djeugene.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default</div>Eugene B. Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15354901442424232993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11405541.post-59576475713549855082020-02-01T11:57:00.000-05:002020-02-01T11:57:10.792-05:00Crickets, Crickets, CricketsHave you ever interviewed for a job where you walked out thinking <i>“You know, that went well. By the way the interviewer was talking, I feel like I aced it.”</i>?<br />
<br />
Well, that was the case for me last week. I was actually called in for an interview and I thought it went well. As I was leaving, I was told that if I didn’t get a call by Friday, yesterday, that the position was filled.<br />
<br />
They didn't call me.<br />
<br />
The job really wasn’t a big deal. Just a part-time gig with more stability than I’m seeing at my current part-time job. And what I mean by that is there have been major changes. I feel that it’s just a matter of time until a change occurs where it involves someone telling me that my services are no longer needed.<br />
<br />
I worked out of Wake Forest, NC and it was great. I could expect to work at least 3 out of the 4 days that I told them that I was available. I enjoyed it. I enjoyed the people. I learned how to hook up trailers. Then someone made some cuts and changes. I was one of the cuts.<br />
<br />
I was offered to keep my job by working in the office on the phones. It took me and them one week to realize that it wasn’t going to work. In my defense, I wasn’t really given the materials needed to understand what the hell I was doing. Customers had questions that I didn’t have answers to. I actually had to tell a customer, “I’m sorry. I don’t have an answer to that question. And I don’t have a supervisor around to help me find that answer.”<br />
<br />
As you can imagine, I got a bit of an earful from that customer even though I offered to call them back with an answer. At that moment, I felt like nothing was actually being done to help me transition into that position. Since changes were affecting them in the office as well, they were a little green too. I was so frustrated that I nearly said “Screw this noise” and walked out. But having worked for Jack Murphy and the Murphy in the Morning show, I knew that I could carry on. I just had to get over my frustration of not being fully prepared by people that aren’t fully prepared for the roles they’re now in.<br />
<br />
Thankfully, someone realized that I wasn’t cut out for the office and put me back in the field as some kind of clandestine driver. They put me there because things were backing up because of the overall changes. I was back to a happy place, but the hours were lacking.<br />
<br />
I’ve been applying for full and part-time jobs since September of 2017. I’ve only gotten three responses for interviews. It’s very disheartening knowing that I have experience and possess the knowledge to do lots of things but I hear only crickets when it comes to callbacks. And keep in mind, I must have applied for over 200 jobs. So, 3 out of 200??<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4irx9KHhhwjNI8PV5YxpVHvg0PTF8AFN55CpZLzRyEyRydlp6zhBb4Hyv8WVeS9ga7wt6jd4IrnUp4Qs-90fJMPNiFPd2Yxqk5r-u0t6olUCuELsQq8jC5EggTtHmxVeWm61iw/s1600/tumblr_n0akp95Pua1qbin21o2_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4irx9KHhhwjNI8PV5YxpVHvg0PTF8AFN55CpZLzRyEyRydlp6zhBb4Hyv8WVeS9ga7wt6jd4IrnUp4Qs-90fJMPNiFPd2Yxqk5r-u0t6olUCuELsQq8jC5EggTtHmxVeWm61iw/s400/tumblr_n0akp95Pua1qbin21o2_1280.jpg" width="400" height="225" data-original-width="1280" data-original-height="720" /></a></div><br />
I keep applying and I keep hearing crickets. And now that a BIG CHANGE has occurred, the boss of the area was offered the immediate opportunity to pursue other employment options, I feel that my job will eventually be phased out. I’m the roach in the darkness and when the light hits what I’m actually doing, I’ll be snuffed out under a boot heel.<br />
<br />
Right now, I’m good. I’m needed. Some major things are backed up. But I feel that it’s just a matter of time. I’m not panicked. There’s no nail-biting or loss of sleep. It’s just a feeling. And I could be wrong.<br />
<br />
I think that my radio background keeps people from taking me seriously. But there’s not a whole lot that I can do about that. I’d like to use my skills by working from home, but it takes money to buy the necessary equipment. I just don’t feel right relying on the wife to bankroll my efforts since I’m only making a dent in the family expenses.<br />
<br />
But on a happier note, the podcast is shaping up. I’m just waiting on a couple of pieces to fall into place to get it rolling. I’m very excited about the podcast. It’s gonna be a lot like this blog, but I’ll be riffing more. It’ll be more like a standup comedy routine because I’m better at telling stories than writing them. And I’ve got TONS of crazy stories to fall back on along with my daily observations. I hope everyone will give them a listen.<br />
<br />
And it’s not too late to get onboard with sponsorships!<br />
<br />
Sorry, I gotta find a way to monetize my podcast.<br />
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://djeugene.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default</div>Eugene B. Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15354901442424232993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11405541.post-87818133026289953092020-01-22T11:46:00.001-05:002020-01-22T11:54:01.595-05:00Into The Great Wide OpenIf you’re not a social media kinda person, you may have missed my recent announcement.<br />
<br />
I’ve decided to join the over-populated world of podcasting!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpxtLRMnRxNxfq39B9HlkJmbHDHGKaO1gT9w85-Ag5gtM-73mFc9H3iVDXdYWXOxGzd9bGvL8ZwctWTA2KMe15W8sX6bP4ME2HJL8alui9CNpgUQKIXt4YcsikCIC_h16kTvswlQ/s1600/jpg-02-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpxtLRMnRxNxfq39B9HlkJmbHDHGKaO1gT9w85-Ag5gtM-73mFc9H3iVDXdYWXOxGzd9bGvL8ZwctWTA2KMe15W8sX6bP4ME2HJL8alui9CNpgUQKIXt4YcsikCIC_h16kTvswlQ/s320/jpg-02-02.jpg" width="313" height="320" data-original-width="1563" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><br />
That’s right! The world needs more podcasts and I’m finally ready to add my two-cents. I’m aware that no one really wants it, but the calling is there. The kind of calling that feels like a large toothless dog trying to take a chunk of flesh from my forearm. I feel it, but it’s not exactly urging me to jump out of bed, step into some turnout gear, slide down a pole, and hop aboard a wailing fire engine.<br />
<br />
I’ve missed being on <i>The Less Desirables</i> podcast. I got to meet some folks from Winston-Salem were doing great stuff. I got to crack wise. And I got to talk about one of my greatest loves… Television.<br />
<br />
Kristen Daukas and I toyed with the idea of taking the Tar Heel Taps radio show to podcasting, but my heart just wasn’t in it. Sure, it was great interviewing all of the brewers and owners, but it would be on our dime since finding sponsors is difficult. Why a sports radio station general manager didn’t see the value of keeping that show on the air is beyond me?<br />
<br />
But then again, we couldn’t understand why they went with sports after so many have come and gone over the last couple of decades. So, apparently someone has money to burn or money to launder. You know, if the Netflix show ‘Ozark’ has taught me anything.<br />
<br />
I see podcasting as the next step for this award-winning blog. Traffic to this joker isn’t what it used to be. It’s like folks don’t really care for reading anymore. That’s cool. I get it. Hell, I’m finally getting on this great podcasting thing. I’ve been enjoying the ever-loving snot out of the <i>Hit Parade</i> podcast. And I’ve been listening to Jeff Kay’s <i>The West Virginia Surf Report’</i> podcast as well as <i> The Less Desirables</i>.<br />
<br />
I plan on keeping them around 30 minutes so they’re easy to digest. And most people can listen to in the car on the way to work or on the way home. Or while they’re in the Hardee’s drive-thru. I just thought about these ideal moments… Listening while waiting at the doctor’s office or exercising at home, the gym, or the Y.<br />
<br />
There’s more to come about the Wheeler’s Dog podcast. I got the artwork from some dude on Fiverr.com. I think it turned out great! Now I’m going through my royalty free sound library for a few things that could be considered an opening theme and closer. For those, I want to keep them short. People just can’t seem to sit through things more than 5 seconds. And sadly, I’m like that too.<br />
<br />
My attempts at raising some funds by offering a custom t-shirt to offset the cost of the equipment to do it at home fell short of the mark. But hey, that’s cool. There are more pressing things to spend your money on during the holiday season.<br />
<br />
The Wheeler’s Dog podcast ball is rolling. It’s just a matter of time to take this award-winning blog to the next level. And thank you to everyone that takes time out to read my ramblings. It is greatly appreciated.<br />
<br />
If you really want my serious appreciation, feel free to give this blog a vote for the best in the Triad <b><a href="https://yesweekly.secondstreetapp.com/The-Triads-Best-2020-by-YES-Weekly/gallery?group=337157">RIGHT HERE</a></b>. It would be nice to add a second award when the podcasting is in full swing. I don’t like to campaign for such things because they always seem to backfire and I’ll look like a schmuck. So help me look like a schmuck, thanks!<br />
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://djeugene.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default</div>Eugene B. Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15354901442424232993noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11405541.post-89213056173113287272020-01-08T10:36:00.000-05:002020-01-08T10:36:35.897-05:00A New Year A New TraditionI hope your holidays were fantastic and law enforcement free like ours. We started out the year with a tradition that I’m hoping takes hold in our home.<br />
<br />
There was a time when Jamie and I cohabitated in King, NC. I would usually get out of bed before Jamie and the boys. Most of the time I would turn on some music and start preparing a late breakfast type meal. The music was just loud enough to tickle sleeping ears awake so the nose would be alerted to eggs and bacon frying in the kitchen. I would usually assemble a sandwich of eggs, bacon, and cheese on toasted bread.<br />
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Most of the time, these breakfast Sunday mornings were on special NASCAR race days like the Daytona 500, Martinsville, Talladega, Bristol, Darlington, Watkins Glen, and Sonoma. And the non-NASCAR related Sundays were because the Washington Redskins game was being broadcast on the local television station. So, these breakfast Sundays were usually because I was excited about the events that were to take place that day. And I was trying to spread the cheer by making everyone hot, delicious late breakfast foods.<br />
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It wasn’t uncommon that beer started flowing as soon as I waddled into the kitchen. Especially on race days. 100% flow on Watkins Glen and Sonoma race days! I LOVE the road courses!<br />
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A breakfast tradition began in our current home in Clemmons decades ago with my father-in-law and his buddy Bait. They would all gather at 7am for the communal reading of the newspaper and the general discussions of current events.<br />
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This tradition continued to where my father-in-law lives now. His place is maybe 200 yards away from what we refer to as “The Big House”. We moved into the Big House back in May of 2016.<br />
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Bait usually arrives first around 7am and everyone else just kinda filters in. I’ll slap on some clothes and show up. My brother-in-law Andy will eventually get out of bed to join us. The newspaper tradition has been dropped and the cast of characters have changed over the years. Hell, I resisted going for a long time because it just felt too damn early for me. I keep the same sleep schedule as my wife and 2 days without an alarm clock seems very appealing. But I eventually dragged myself out of bed for breakfast with the Hampton Hellcats.<br />
<br />
I like the Hampton Hellcats breakfast mornings. I like the discussions. I like the camaraderie that it promotes. It’s usually the same cast of characters every Sunday morning… Jim, Bait, Andy, Randy, and myself. There’s also the usual cast of guest Hellcats like Tom, Matthew, Sam, Jamie, Rick, Bobbie, and Connie.<br />
<br />
So, I thought that I would try it at the Big House with my family. But it would be a monthly event that takes place on the first Sunday of the month.<br />
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The plan: I get home from the Hampton Hellcats breakfast between 8:30 and 9. I turn on some music just light enough to tickle the ears awake and loud enough that I can hear while cooking. NO TV until Noon! Take a seat at the dining room table. Talk. Eat. Be social.<br />
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Of course, the ONLY person that pushed back immediately with an exasperated sigh… The MIL. It was like telling a child that they were to take the worst tasting cough medicine whether they had a cough or not. This one-day once a month event was going to ruin her life. I’m sure that if she were in good physical condition, she would have flopped onto the floor to wail like an animal caught in a beartrap. It was humorous and yet annoying.<br />
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It goes a little something <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGgfDPEba8w">LIKE THIS</a>.<br />
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At first, I thought it was her inability to turn on a television.<br />
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She is the Creature of the Black Lagoon of habits. If you disturb her routine, things can get ugly. She gets mopey or it fuels an anger that will manifest in some ridiculous way.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz95C_AXrnCjGNM76pjXbSqIGYLJ6BnkYLDaNPE3zGOYcI_DqZ5bQJZhxnL3ch5p7RQ24-dpidsbKYpmq7qJiCIiC5YI7n6hCh8I9_zbt9yl5EUP5Z0IecUlO6EoF7X8O4jECKsw/s1600/creature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz95C_AXrnCjGNM76pjXbSqIGYLJ6BnkYLDaNPE3zGOYcI_DqZ5bQJZhxnL3ch5p7RQ24-dpidsbKYpmq7qJiCIiC5YI7n6hCh8I9_zbt9yl5EUP5Z0IecUlO6EoF7X8O4jECKsw/s320/creature.jpg" width="320" height="182" data-original-width="715" data-original-height="406" /></a></div><br />
I have tried reviving the Sunday morning late breakfast on race days before… turning on some music and just loud enough. And believe it or not, the MIL would plop right down in her usual spot, turn on the TV, and start watching some of her usual choice of programming.<br />
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I would give in to her passive-aggressive BS and just switch off the music. The old dog has her habits. There was no reason to start a fight. Just prepare her sandwich and pray the bread was properly choke worthy.<br />
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Her latest and thrilling TV viewing habit is watching people shop on YouTube. Yes. People shopping in stores from Dollar Tree to Macy’s and that’s what she’s watching. And those videos have thousands of views! WHY?!<br />
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I gave warning of the new monthly breakfast plan 2 months before it became a reality. NO TV until Noon. I had originally planned on cranking up this tradition in December, but I thought that the new year would be a better starting point.<br />
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So, to further pacify the 73-year-old toddler in the house I decided to kick things off musically with the Chris Stapleton Radio feature on Spotify. It’s really a playlist instead of an actual randomness of related artists. And that seemed to calm her down a bit. She’s not the most adventurous woman when it comes to music. She’s ALWAYS complaining that the Big House Mix playlist on Spotify never plays anything that she likes. Yet at some point you’ll see her bopping along to some melody that she seems to be enjoying. Go figure.<br />
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Oddly, almost every time she verbalizes the “never plays anything that I like” complaint… She’ll then step out of the room or into the house to freshen her drink or powder her nose and MISS one of her favorite songs in the world by one of her many “men” like Stapleton or Lionel Richie. It has become a regular moment that should be acknowledged by every witness immediately downing of the rest of their alcoholic beverage.<br />
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But she managed to live through the new tradition Matthew has coined Second Breakfast Sunday. Or SBS for short.<br />
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After two full plays of the Chris Stapleton Radio playlist, I went seamlessly into the Big House Mix. It more or less went unnoticed as we air-fried tots, fries, jalapeno poppers, and buffalo chicken bites. And the MIL has set the bar that may never be reached again! She went 2 hours and 36 minutes past Noon without turning on the television.<br />
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We had a great time with our guests Bait and Bobby. I think their presence made the MIL a little more social than usual. But as soon as everyone stepped outside to “look at something”, the MIL in comical fashion went straight to her spot to flop down and turn on the TV.<br />
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I just closed the game room door and when everyone came back from looking at whatever it was, the MIL rejoined us. Only a few minutes had elapsed, but the Creature of the Habit Lagoon was loosed for a quick TV fix!<br />
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://djeugene.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default</div>Eugene B. Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15354901442424232993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11405541.post-174526627858722702019-12-04T10:15:00.000-05:002019-12-04T10:15:33.339-05:00Raising The White FlagI got home from work yesterday and found the MIL watching ‘To Die For’. I couldn’t believe it! She was actually watching a quality film and one of my favorites!<br />
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It is VERY unusual to see her watching any quality film or TV series. For example, here are the most recent things besides the QVC app (she’s been banned from shopping but still watches) that she’s been watching on our streaming sites…<br />
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Movies:<br />
Welcome to Paradise<br />
They Wait<br />
Shark in Venice<br />
King Kong (the recent viewing of the remake was an eyebrow raiser)<br />
The Apple<br />
Killing Spree<br />
The Horror of Party Beach<br />
Weather Wars<br />
American Gigolo<br />
The Uninvited<br />
Leviathan<br />
My Teacher’s Wife<br />
Raging Sharks<br />
Rats<br />
C.H.U.D.<br />
<br />
She’s kind of strayed away from series. She was all over ‘Grace & Frankie’. We got her into ‘The Haunting of Hill House’ and ‘Stranger Things’. And from what I’ve seen her watching by herself, quality in a series is of no matter to her.<br />
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And if you know me then you know my personal philosophy about watching television… “If you’re going to waste your time watching television, make it quality television.”<br />
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Let’s face it… Watching television is wasted time. My wife tells me that all the time. BUT I’m a fan of great storytelling. A fan of comedy. And television has never let me down with either. From ‘Green Acres’ to ‘Big Mouth’… ‘Lost’ to ‘The Boys’… ‘The Twilight Zone’ to ‘Stranger Things’… ‘Malcolm in the Middle’ to ‘Parks and Recreation’… etc. Television has entertained me and has me wanting more. And missing all the great series in the future has me bummed out that I’m not able to live forever.<br />
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I wouldn’t consider myself an addict. I’ve gone a day or two without turning on a TV. I’ve been up for three hours now and haven’t watched a single TV show. I haven’t even turned the TV on. I’m not sneaking in an episode of a show on my phone while I’m working like an alcoholic with a bottle in the car.<br />
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I adore TV and I always have. That’s not going to change.<br />
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Back to the MIL… From her viewing habits, you can tell that she likes the horror genre. I’ve made suggestions and they are pretty much ignored. I feel like it’s a passive aggressive thing. We have to physically sit down with her in order to coax her into something that we KNOW that she’ll enjoy. That’s how we got her into ‘The Haunting of Hill House’ and ‘Stranger Things’. She loved those series.<br />
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I’ve tried and tried to get her started on ‘The Walking Dead’, but she resists. When we watched as a family (now down to Jamie and myself) she saw the episode where Negan killed a couple of important characters. She immediately had a dislike for Negan… where she’s supposed to, really… But that tainted it for her or at least I think so.<br />
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I suggested that she start from the beginning, but she’d rather watch some crap involving sharks in ridiculous situations. Or some bad horror film… Or QVC.<br />
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My wife picks on my sedentary lifestyle, but at least I’m not wasting my time watching crap that offers nothing in return.<br />
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I’ve kind of gotten to the point where I don’t care what the MIL watches. It’s apparent to me that she’s content with wasting her remaining days on this Earth in a housecoat watching mind-numbing programs and movies on the TV.<br />
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She opted out of our neighborhood viewings of ‘Buffy The Vampire Slayer’ recently. She did it in a roaring fashion… Jamie told her that the neighbors were coming over to have a day marathon of Buffy with us. She huffed because… As much as she likes the show when she’s watching, she'll passively aggressively huff as if she's child staring down a spoon of foul-tasting medicine that'll make her feel better. And there was also the matter than she’d have to get dressed and hang up the daily attire of the nightgown, bedroom slippers, and housecoat for a few hours. The neighbors were kind enough to host that afternoon so that we could get out from under that wet blanket.<br />
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So, it has been noted. She doesn’t want to watch Buffy. She doesn’t want to be social. We’re not going to make her. AND we’re no longer going to involve her in anything else. She says that’s the way she wants it, but it will become a sticking point sometime in the future. I’m through trying to lead a horse to water when she’d rather be in the barn watching crappy television.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-SO09TjDzPzwOeCXjj11pwJk1qO6moq9qXoWUco4CMJFOg7PKGfD_SYZMoxg2K5DwQB4f0mZhE79QUIwGGO4R9_rMJf4XjR5U0uuF98P4OQ4XZFgNYEz5tqH8Z5JdC9OS6ThdLg/s1600/Mr.+Ed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-SO09TjDzPzwOeCXjj11pwJk1qO6moq9qXoWUco4CMJFOg7PKGfD_SYZMoxg2K5DwQB4f0mZhE79QUIwGGO4R9_rMJf4XjR5U0uuF98P4OQ4XZFgNYEz5tqH8Z5JdC9OS6ThdLg/s320/Mr.+Ed.jpg" width="320" height="241" data-original-width="720" data-original-height="542" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://djeugene.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default</div>Eugene B. Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15354901442424232993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11405541.post-19051487973634378262019-11-19T12:17:00.000-05:002019-11-19T12:20:59.062-05:00Putting Money Where Part Of My Mouth Used To BeI went into the kitchen last night and made a lighthearted search for something filling without a whole lot of prep trouble. I settled with a rice cake. I pulled it out, thought about adding a thick layer of peanut butter on it, but then just bit into it. Something didn’t feel right in the bottom front of my mouth. I didn’t even bite through the stale rice cake. So, I pulled that joker away from my mouth and sure enough… My tongue immediately found the problem as to why something didn’t feel right. I looked at the bottom of the rice cake and there it was… My bridge had come loose and was stuck into that rice cake.<br />
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My tongue could feel the posts sticking out of my gums. <i>Wonderful</i>, I thought to myself.<br />
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I retrieved the bridge and took it to the bathroom with me. I took a little look at the posts and my bridge. I pushed it back into place and decided not to bite into anything else. Hopefully, I could make it until morning when and if the dentist could take me in for a light emergency visit.<br />
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I managed to sleep with it all night without it swallowing it or waking up choking on it. I also knew that I wouldn’t get a wink of sleep without it back in place because my tongue and brain would absolutely spend all night feeling and thinking about the empty area.<br />
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I contacted my dental hygienist friend about costs and what to expect. In my mind, I saw our bank account starring as one of the car crashes on the old TV series <i>CHiPs</i>.<br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/afjxD_ywvS4" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
There was going to be screaming, covering of eyes, objects sailing through the air, and things bursting into flames.<br />
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She had some good news, but I still had a nagging feeling.<br />
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I called my dentist’s office as soon as they opened this morning. They could squeeze me in at 8:50.<br />
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So, I jumped in the shower and got dressed like the house was on fire. I made the office at 8:43 and they took me back before I could place my flabby, pasty-white buns onto the couch in the waiting room.<br />
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They cleaned it all up, slapped on some cement, and pressed that joker back into place. And the realistic picture is… It will eventually have to be replaced with a new bridge ALL THE WAY across the front bottom of my mouth. OR, I could get a partial denture.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrwGC1mAcGIQGrXJjEFcqoUVTEXTH8fzTgJov9b7RDrzik8WlQDFr0EqCSXf1LM7hafm3-FA-vbREJm7M5QfncC_ZgDm92GOnj4pkK-5mJG34LrHPaqIAR1DxXwymkYGSRj0fPog/s1600/moneymouth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrwGC1mAcGIQGrXJjEFcqoUVTEXTH8fzTgJov9b7RDrzik8WlQDFr0EqCSXf1LM7hafm3-FA-vbREJm7M5QfncC_ZgDm92GOnj4pkK-5mJG34LrHPaqIAR1DxXwymkYGSRj0fPog/s320/moneymouth.jpg" width="252" height="320" data-original-width="313" data-original-height="397" /></a></div><br />
I have taken in consideration my age, our bank account, and my possible remaining years above ground. If, and I stress IF, I manage to keep breathing for 25 more years then a partial denture is the way to go. All my pretty years have been behind me since Clinton was in office. And I have fully accepted that my biting into food years are gone too. I had a good run with what I got when I had to have a bridge put in after a car accident in 1987.<br />
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I noticed that my bridge felt loose MONTHS ago. I backed off eating things that required me to bite or pull foods that required the use my front teeth. I started using my fingers to pull foods apart. I was eating more foods in nugget form. I felt like that I could nurse and carry my bridge along to the grave with me.<br />
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But here we are and I’m still going to do less biting. I just don’t like putting 5 to 15K into my mouth at such a late time in my life. ESPECIALLY when my wife is the major bread winner in our home. She didn’t ask for this when I knocked my teeth out in February of 1987. She is adamant about having something done about it. She doesn’t want me to live life with her like a toothless hockey player. Oh no! Having front teeth is important to her.<br />
<br />
My father knocked out an upper incisor out years ago, but refuses to do anything about it. My wife likes a toothy mouth. She cannot accept that kind of thing. But I can’t see putting something into my mouth that could cost more than a brand-new Kia Rio.<br />
<br />
I think that I can live out the rest of my days with a partial denture that costs the same as a new Kawasaki Ninja 400. I can live with that.<br />
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://djeugene.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default</div>Eugene B. Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15354901442424232993noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11405541.post-88916506443276448112019-11-13T16:56:00.000-05:002019-11-13T16:59:52.761-05:00Finally Scratching That ItchI knocked something off my to-do list yesterday. It was nothing great or spectacular. I didn’t ride a bull or cure a disease. I finally ate at a Jack in the Box.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOEe7e-SJZZ-z2JlIzyJlURbIT044JEQUJ6dL_f3mImsw7gcXymoWpnnaLpGjw0prLE1j9wwKf6G9tKgXJ1i_BPeAxrs_ahUf6IjldJIBvTfPM4SEDbWEI1_82PS6ThjrEPETgmw/s1600/c67998569be909841889898e6f1bf317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOEe7e-SJZZ-z2JlIzyJlURbIT044JEQUJ6dL_f3mImsw7gcXymoWpnnaLpGjw0prLE1j9wwKf6G9tKgXJ1i_BPeAxrs_ahUf6IjldJIBvTfPM4SEDbWEI1_82PS6ThjrEPETgmw/s320/c67998569be909841889898e6f1bf317.jpg" width="242" height="320" data-original-width="320" data-original-height="424" /></a></div>Yep. I tried a fast food restaurant for the first time ever.<br />
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I’ve always heard them mentioned in things pertaining to California. I’m guessing that they’re based in California and making their way across the country. Ever since hearing about them, I’ve wanted to have a Jack in the Box experience. I’ve never been to California so, I had to wait for them to come to me unless I happened upon a “radically” placed JITB.<br />
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A few years ago, I had to go to the Charlotte Motor Speedway to pick up my media credentials. I had to do it in person during my workday. And I haven’t been to the speedway in over a decade. There was a time where we had to get off of I-85 and wind our way through woods and neighborhoods to get to the speedway. Now you just take Exit 49 for Bruton Smith Boulevard and CMS is just a mile or so away.<br />
<br />
I’m sure that it feels 60 miles away on race day. Race day traffic can be a harsh mistress.<br />
<br />
Back to getting my credentials… I’m on the boulevard and I saw a Jack in the Box! I didn’t get a good look because I was driving and the light there in front of the restaurant was green. My heart was racing. The question of what I may have seen kept running through my mind. Did I? Did I see a Jack in the Box??<br />
<br />
I got my credentials and started back to work. Again, I had a green light but I saw it. I saw it! Lo’ and behold there was a Jack in the Box! And it was only 2 hours away from where I live!<br />
<br />
I didn’t have time to stop that day nor the days since discovering it. But since I’ve been driving to Charlotte for work on a regular basis, I made a promise to myself that I was going to visit that Jack in the Box. I’ve been passing the exit, but none of the signs leading up to that exit have the JITB logo posted with all the other restaurants. I kept having questions… Is it still there? Did it close? Why isn’t such a rarity in these parts advertised on a sign? Was I hallucinating all those times that I <i>thought</i> I saw it??<br />
<br />
I did some online research. The Jack in the Box was indeed there. It was easy to get to and out of. It’s open 24 hours a day.<br />
<br />
So yesterday, Tuesday the 11th of November, I finally pulled into the Jack in the Box. I was worried. It was 10:40 A.M. Were they still serving breakfast foods? Will I have to sit around waiting until they changed the menu over? What was I going to do with 20 minutes?<br />
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It was rainy and cold, my friends. But I got out of that truck, pulled my hoodie over my head, and made a beeline for the door. I stepped inside this new wonderous place, pulled down my hoodie, and looked around like Dorothy in Oz. There was a hive of activity in the kitchen and that gave me time to check out the overwhelming number of combos offered.<br />
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A young woman came up to the counter and said, “Welcome to Jack in the Box.”<br />
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I nearly giggled like a Japanese schoolgirl. But I kept my excitement under wraps. “Are you guys serving burgers this early?” I asked.<br />
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“Yes, sir,” she answered. “What can I get you?”<br />
<br />
I settled on a bacon double burger. And when she asked for my choice of side, I had to ask what my choices were. After hearing them, I went with fries. “French or curly?” she asked.<br />
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Inside my head… <i>“THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF FRIES?!”</i><br />
<br />
I asked what she preferred and I went with her choice of curly fries. And they had one of those great Coca-Cola drink machines with the seemingly limitless choice of flavors. I went with the Cherry Coke Zero or whatever they’re calling the stuff now. And since they were cooking up my burger fresh, I got a gander at the WHOLE menu. The breakfast items were posted on the wall at the counter. And breakfast items are available 24 hours a day!<br />
<br />
I saw the usual fare of sides and items. The tacos surprised me a little but wait… What?! There are egg rolls available??<br />
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Damn, I could’ve gone for an egg roll like a drunk after vodka. But I didn’t see it in time. BUT! There will be a next time.<br />
<br />
The curly fries were fried up to perfection. Crunchy, hot, and not a limp fry in the bag! And the burger was delicious!<br />
<br />
To be totally honest, I’ve heard people rag on Jack in the Box and the quality of their offerings. I felt that it was a great value with great flavor. It certainly exceeded my expectations. I even participated in their feedback online. They deserved some praise because I’m sure that 95% of those giving feedback do nothing but complain.<br />
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Like I said before, I will be visiting them again real soon.<br />
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://djeugene.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default</div>Eugene B. Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15354901442424232993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11405541.post-91485669511974139202019-11-08T11:26:00.000-05:002019-11-08T11:28:20.218-05:00Giving Fund Raising A ShotI have done some voice work in the past and with the small prodding of a colleague, I’m seriously thinking about doing it from home. Sure, I could do it with <b><a href="http://uselessthingsneedlovetoo.com">Tim Beeman</a></b> at <b><a href="http://thelessdesirables.com">The Less Desirables</a></b> studio, but working from home would be easier. Why drive 25 minutes to the office when I can walk downstairs?<br />
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Plus, if anyone needs a redo or add a line or etcetera, take that little trip downstairs.<br />
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And I’m thinking of starting a podcast or two. Yeah, I know… the world needs another podcast right?<br />
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Since hearing <b>The Jeff Kay Show</b> and <b><a href="http://thewvsr.com">The West Virginia Surf Report</a></b> it seems to be the next logical step for the evolution of this here award-winning blog. You’d actually get to hear my voice, the tones if you will, and how worked up I can get about the stupidest of things. And when I’m usually riffing on something, my rants usually turn into what I would consider some good standup comedy. I never run “tape” or record these rants. So, I have lost comedic gold many times in the past.<br />
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And there’s also a desire to do a right-wing parody podcast featuring a character that I’ve been toying with, <b><a href="http://facebook.com/jimmyrightside">Jimmy Rightside</a></b>. You don’t ever have to be factual when dealing with politics whether you’re the President or debating Democrat contemporaries. Have you ever looked at the fact checks after the debates??<br />
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Why would a podcast host need to be held to such a strict standard if those running for office are stretching the truth?<br />
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They don’t and Jimmy Rightside could be some fun to do.<br />
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But when I do bring <i>Wheeler’s Dog</i> to the podcast world I’m going to use Jeff Kay’s model. I like what he’s done because it’s hard to monetize those things unless you get HUGE! I’d love to have sponsors, but finding them is not an easy task. A lot of them don’t mind working with podcasts for trade, but I need actual cash to fund the machine. Ya know?<br />
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Jeff Kay puts out 2 podcasts a week. One for the masses and the other for a select group that fund his efforts on <b><a href="https://www.patreon.com/jeffkay/posts">Patreon</a></b>. I am one of the people that helps to fund his efforts and I have recently caught up with every single podcast available. <b>The West Virginia Surf Report</b> all access show can be found on Spotify, but you gotta listen to the others on Patreon. I think that it makes great sense to do it that way. It’s brilliant.<br />
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<iframe src="https://open.spotify.com/embed-podcast/show/4lGoQKb9W6nQOnAgIfoEKo" width="100%" height="232" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe><br />
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First step for me is to get a good computer and a really good microphone in order to do these things at home. I’m about to pull the plug on financing the computer, but I thought for a minute… How about fundraising?<br />
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It seems to be the way things are done these days. But just begging folks for money on a crowdsourcing website just doesn’t seem right to me. So, I borrowed an idea from local musician <b>Clay Howard</b>. He has designed t-shirts to fund his recordings. I jumped on board with that! I got a cool unique t-shirt and he got some cash to fund his recordings that I enjoy. It’s a win-win kinda sitch!<br />
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A few months ago, I started thinking about the goofy riffings my cousin <b>Dan Lively</b> and I would do to entertain ourselves. I remember the time that we were riffing about restaurant names. We would answer the phone at his house or our grandmother’s… “Barney’s Burger Bungalow. What you can I put between your buns?” or “Peggy’s Pizza Palace home of the pricey pepperoni pie, how can I help you?”<br />
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Oh yeah, we were clowns. We flew around the lofty heights of comedy like eagles.<br />
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So, I hit the <b><a href="http://customink.com">Custom Ink</a></b> page and designed a t-shirt for Peggy’s Pizza Palace and offered it up starting at $15 bucks. I could make more from it at a higher price, but I don’t want my friends to make a big commitment. It’s a unique shirt, I think. And I’ve always wanted to make and design t-shirts. Even if I don’t make the minimum of 11 to even get them printed, I got to check something off the bucket list.<br />
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I have a couple more shirts planned… Barney’s and one for a made-up strip club. And then someone suggested that I make one up for the Stankwell Falls Cocktail Lounge with the Stankwell Falls Fizz recipe printed on the back. It’s a fictitious place in the <i>Green Acres</i>/Hooterville universe. Brilliant!<br />
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If you’d like to help me with my endeavor and score a true one-of-a-kind t-shirt for a fictitious pizza joint… Here’s the <a href="https://www.customink.com/fundraising/help-me-fund-my-dreams-by-ordering-this-cool-shirt-that-i-designed">LINK</a>!<br />
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Thanks to those that have already signed up to get a shirt. And BIG thanks to the one person that donated money on top of purchasing a t-shirt! He’s helping me restore my faith in humanity.<br />
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I just need 6 more to make it a reality and have them printed up. So hopefully, they’ll make it to reality. My goal is 50… lofty eagle huh?... but realistically I am shooting for a dozen.<br />
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And if I haven’t thanked you for reading my sometimes entertaining ramblings… Thank you!<br />
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://djeugene.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default</div>Eugene B. Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15354901442424232993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11405541.post-50328946381418673462019-10-27T11:22:00.000-04:002019-10-27T11:32:37.326-04:00I'm Not A Good TravelerI don’t travel much. I don’t particularly care for it. If I can see most landmarks in pictures or on television, that’s about all I need. Really. My favorite places or places where I’d like to go are more or less experiences and involve race tracks. And since NASCAR has moved the Cup race at Sonoma closer to our anniversary date, Chigs and I will eventually go out west. I’ve never been further west than Cincinnati. So, all you travel snobs go ahead and look down your nose at my uncultured ass. I don’t care. It all seems like a huge hassle to me.<br />
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I meant to write about this earlier this month, but I got lazy…<br />
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Chigs and I took some furniture to the oldest in Wilmington, NC. We packed up the CR-V with everything he requested and a few things he didn’t. We have usually crashed at his place even with the roommates, but my experiences with that weren’t exactly my idea of fun. So, we got a room at the Hampton Inn close to Waterman’s Brewing. We didn’t plan that. It was just a happenstance. Sweet, sweet happenstance.<br />
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The A/C in the room just couldn’t hang with my hotel ideals. When I’m not paying for the A/C, I want it COLD. I want to be able to chisel marble with my nipples. I set that baby at 65 and it could only manage a low of 68.<br />
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I have trouble sleeping in unfamiliar beds… Another issue that I have about traveling. I get a back ache that lasts until around lunchtime. But if the room is colder than a frozen ill-fated Mount Everest climber, I can sleep all snug and swaddled with warm blankets.<br />
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I like the breakfast gatherings in the morning. You get a nice mix of the peppy, washed, and clean travelers along with folks like me… Slipped on shoes and no concern about your hair looking as if you brushed it with a shotgun. But getting to actually eating breakfast can be an exercise in patience and understanding.<br />
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The first person that I encountered was dressed to the nines in a suit. He said, “If your looking for all the good stuff, it’s gone.”<br />
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I couldn’t understand what he was talking about. There was plenty of breakfast meats, omelets, and etc. As far as I could tell, they were out of muffins. Maybe that’s his trigger for disappointment.<br />
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I got myself a bowl and box of Kellogg’s Rice Krispies. I don’t eat cereal very often, but after having what they call an omelet the day before, I was having some cereal. The milk was in a small refrigerator unit about 10 feet away from where I procured the cereal and bowl. I navigated my way through clueless folks wandering around like <i>The Walking Dead</i>. Then this pale 90 some year-old bat with flaming auburn hair stepped right in front of the milk fridge. She took her sweet time getting the proper amount of oatmeal and then she broke out a plastic bag. She struggled to open the bag. Then she started opening pouches and pouring them onto her oatmeal. She pulled out some capsules, opened them, and poured them onto her oatmeal. A family member saw me behind her and said, “Maybe you can that at the table.”<br />
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I smiled even though inside I was screaming <i>"Yeah, you perfumed old hag! Do that crap at your table where you’re not bringing someone else’s life to a screeching halt!”</i><br />
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And then there’s the coffee jerks. The ones that act as if they’re at the Build-A-Bear Workshop attempting to make the best cup of coffee humanly possible. They get their coffee and “play” with the many flavored non-dairy additives and they’re usually in pairs. They compare notes. They sip. Compare notes again. Get a squirt of this. Add some Stevia. Compare notes again. Good God people! Keep it moving!<br />
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I made a proclamation during that trip… I will continue being friendly to the folks at the breakfast food stations. But any of my attitudes and phrases may come out when encountering the coffee jerks. I have grown tired of them. Just get your coffee and move on. Move your chemistry experiences to maybe three to six feet out of everyone’s way.<br />
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So, yeah… Traveling is fun.<br />
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://djeugene.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default</div>Eugene B. Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15354901442424232993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11405541.post-20323171165833808812019-10-26T10:24:00.000-04:002019-10-26T10:24:41.783-04:00Motorized MoronsThe motorized scooters are back in downtown Winston-Salem. I think they’re great! People have the option of moving quickly through town.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__Kd9AmcW06-cxkGkmh3xmBV6h4EsM7tRYg8ijCHTzGZVGqroJNJbKa2kNaFni2GmTGZIwidMfI99_Q3_AyLRG08Vyj2yADeyXTXDlCe7TgqNwb1mX4ircsd4X_bNoTOA8wEdeQ/s1600/scooters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__Kd9AmcW06-cxkGkmh3xmBV6h4EsM7tRYg8ijCHTzGZVGqroJNJbKa2kNaFni2GmTGZIwidMfI99_Q3_AyLRG08Vyj2yADeyXTXDlCe7TgqNwb1mX4ircsd4X_bNoTOA8wEdeQ/s320/scooters.jpg" width="320" height="240" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="899" /></a></div><br />
BUT! Some people are oblivious, selfish, and downright stupid. They don’t realize how dangerous and ILLEGAL it is to ride those scooters on sidewalks. I’ve even seen some of those idiots riding against traffic on the roads. I’ve even seen one moron driving down the center line on a busy Trade St early one evening.<br />
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And it’s those morons that ruin it for everyone.<br />
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I was driving down Seventh St the other day going to Trade St. As I’m sitting in my truck at the light at Seventh and Trade, I witness three morons riding scooters on the sidewalk. They crossed Seventh in the crosswalk and continued north on Trade.<br />
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I parked my truck between the old Miller’s and the Silver Moon Saloon. I’m walking up the lot and here zips the lead moron on his scooter. I shout, “GET OFF THE SIDEWALK!” We locked eyes. And I was showing my displeasure as seriously as I could. The lead moron zipped right by a guy that was visibly surprised and I shouted, “RIDING ON THE SIDEWALKS IS AGAINST THE LAW!”<br />
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He shouted back without looking at me, “I DON’T CARE!”<br />
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“THAT’S BECAUSE YOU’RE A SELFISH DUMBASS!”<br />
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And then I heard two other folks yelling “GET OFF THE SIDEWALK!” People were joining to fight these morons with me. That’s exactly what everyone should do when they encounter one of these lawless idiots riding on the sidewalks.<br />
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I tweeted the Winston-Salem PD and after two days, they have yet to respond. I tweeted this morning that they probably don’t care until someone gets hurt.<br />
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The first time the scooters were in town, I witnessed some motorized moron riding down the sidewalk in front of Finnigan’s Wake. A lady came out of the main entrance turned around to say something or react to what was being said behind her and BOOM! The motorized moron plowed right into her. As they both tumbled to the ground the unsuspecting victim hit her head on a table. The moron seemed incredibly apologetic and things were exchanged as a waitress brought a clean towel to the woman. She was bleeding. Some guy helped her up and they disappeared presumably to go get some stitches.<br />
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We should all shout and shame these motorized morons when we see them on the sidewalks. I don’t care about the dumbasses riding against traffic. They’re the ones that could get hurt so that works out. Sure, their heads might dent cars or break some headlights, but they deserve to be injured with such dumbassery. Hell, I’m even tempted to drop marbles onto the sidewalk “by accident” if there’s an opportunity that no one else would get hurt.<br />
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“GET OFF THE SIDEWALK!”<br />
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Join the fight.<br />
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://djeugene.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default</div>Eugene B. Simshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15354901442424232993noreply@blogger.com0