My Thermos

From The Inner Groove

scott@mythermos.com (Scott Blitstein) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:00:29 -0500

It's been a busy month here in My Thermos, here is a rundown of some of what I've been tracking since I last checked in.

Earlier this month we lost our sweet and wonderful Abbey Cat. She has been with us since we moved in to our house 15 years ago and we've never lived here without her. There is an emptiness in our home now that I'm not sure we'll ever really get used to. As usual, Gina has the perfect words over at her blog.

We miss you Abbey!

--

Last month Gina and I were involved in an auto accident and while we weren't injured, our car ended up being totaled by our insurance company. I'm grateful we weren't injured but what a tremendous pain in the ass it is to deal with the aftermath of something like this. Finding a replacement car, fighting with claims departments etc. This was so not even remotely our fault but we ended up being horribly inconvenienced and put out by the whole process.

Michael Jackson passed away. I know you've likely already heard that, and may be surprised to see my writing about it, but I do have some thoughts to share.

I am not what I would call a fan really but I know the sense of loss I felt and still feel when my idols are lost. I remember the night of Dec 8th 1980 as if it were yesterday so I understand the shock, the need to gather, and the trauma that one can feel. People mocked the sadness of his fans, I understood it all too well.
I was horrified at the way that the news was spread, unconfirmed, on Twitter and other social networking sites. I understand it is a "paradigm shift away from old media" and such, but what I witnessed was just unconscionable.
I hope that one day we can move past the sensationalism and see the tragic, sad and damaged soul that he was. And remember the talent. Not my cup of tea but man I can't deny the talent.

See you on the flip side. Hopefully soon.

SB

Who Wants to Buy Me A Wii?

scott@mythermos.com (Scott Blitstein) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 16:04:03 -0500

I've gotta say, while I have been tremendously excited about this since I first heard the news, having now seen the trailer this is just going to be crazy good.

I just need to figure out how to get a Wii between now and 9/09/09.

What about you - looking forward to Beatles RockBand?

One Artist - Elvis Costello

scott@mythermos.com (Scott Blitstein) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 16:17:36 -0500

Using only song names from ONE ARTIST, cleverly answer these questions. Try not to repeat a song title. It's harder than you think (especially if you really think about it...)

Pick Your Artist: Elvis Costello

Are you male or female: "Man out of Time"

Describe yourself: "Uncomplicated"

How do you feel about yourself: "Brilliant Mistake"

Describe where you currently live: "Home is Anywhere You Hang Your Head"

If you could go anywhere, where would you go: "Room with No Number"

Your favorite form of transportation: "Lovers Walk"

Your best friend is: "God's Comic"

Your favorite color is: "Almost Blue"

What's the weather like: "Tokyo Storm Warning"

Favorite time of day: "Last Boat Leaving"

If your life was a tv show, what would it be called: "Deep Dark Truthful Mirror"

What is life to you: "Waiting for the End of the World"

What is the best advice you have to give: "Accidents Will Happen"

If you could change your name, what would it be: "Stalin Malone"

Your favorite food is: "So Like Candy"

Thought for the Day: "Hurry Down Doomsday (The Bugs are Taking Over)"

How I would like to die: "Let Him Dangle" or "Kinder Murder" - I couldn't choose

My soul's present condition: "I Can't Stand Up for Falling Down"

The faults I can bear: "20% Amnesia"

My motto: "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love & Understanding"

So that is my take on Mr. McManus - how would you have answered?

Photo via Wikimedia thanks to Tim Duncan

On Twitter... and Douchebaggery

scott@mythermos.com (Scott Blitstein) — Tue, 26 May 2009 16:39:48 -0500

Just the other day, fed up with the Social Media whores and blatant promotionalism I'm seeing on Twitter, I mentioned that "There is a fine line between promotion and douchebaggery. Some step way over it."

Douchebaggery.

I think it's a good word - and I'm glad to see it become sort of the standard term for the folks who are bastardizing Twitter. The folks at Tweetsum even provide you with a DBI, or Douche Bag Index of your followers so you can determine if they are worth the effort to follow back.

I've always been pretty vocal about my disdain for folks gaming the system, the mass follow / unfollow schemes, the auto Direct Messages, the perception that all follows need to be reciprocal etc - in general the douchebaggery of a large portion of the Twitter population.

But while I have shared scattered thoughts on message boards and on Twitter itself, it's Adam Darowski that presents what is the definitive guide on the subject - How To Use Twitter and Not Be a Douchebag

As if I wasn't already a big fan of Adam and his insane markup skills, this fantastic article should be required reading at registration.

If you use Twitter, you should read this. If you are thinking about using Twitter, you should read this. If you think you might be a douchebag - you should definitely read this.

SB

Thank You

scott@mythermos.com (Scott Blitstein) — Mon, 25 May 2009 12:09:54 -0500

We owe so much to the brave men and women of our armed forces who have sacrificed to preserve the principles of freedom and democracy.

"Memorial Day Order"

I. The 30th day of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form or ceremony is prescribed, but Posts and comrades will, in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit. (via)

I'm Only Going To Ask You Once

scott@mythermos.com (Scott Blitstein) — Wed, 20 May 2009 20:13:06 -0500

On June 6th, I will be participating in a local American Cancer Society Relay For Life Event.

In the Relay, our team (The Panda-moniums) will camp out at a local school and take turns walking or running around the track. Relays are an overnight event, up to 24 hours in length and we'll have a team representative on the track at all times during the event.

Relay For Life is a life-changing event that brings together more than 3.5 million people to:

Celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer. The strength of survivors inspires others to continue to fight.
Remember loved ones lost to the disease. At Relay, people who have walked alongside people battling cancer can grieve and find healing.
Fight Back. We Relay because we have been touched by cancer and desperately want to put an end to the disease.

My mother is a cancer survivor so I am grateful to be able to participate in this event with her.

Thank you for your good wishes and for your support - however you wish to offer it.

Scott

Tuesday Tunes - Week 82

scott@mythermos.com (Scott Blitstein) — Wed, 20 May 2009 11:33:48 -0500

I've ignored the Musical Meme Mistress for too long so here is her mission from yesterday.

Its time for a fun little game of 5 and 10

Pick 10 of your favorite artists and list 5 songs they do that you like:

This seems like a great way to introduce any new readers to my Build Your Own Best Of (BYOBO) series - in it I pick an artist and list 10-15 songs that would appear on their best of release.

These aren't greatest hits, and I sometimes get a lot of grief about what I don't include, but I make no apologies. Feel free to add your thoughts to the comments.

So here goes - Click the artist name to get to the full list:

Peter Gabriel

"A Wonderful Day In A One Way World" - Peter Gabriel (2)
"The Drop" - Up
"Family Snapshot" - Peter Gabriel (3)
"Here Comes The Flood" - Peter Gabriel (1)
"Home Sweet Home" - Peter Gabriel (2)

Elton John

"All the Girls Love Alice" - Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
"Amoreena" - Tumbleweed Connection
"Burn Down The Mission" - Tumbleweed Connection
"Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy" - Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy
"Grey Seal" - Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

Lyle Lovett

"Creeps Like Me" - I Love Everybody
"Fiona" - The Road To Ensenada
"Good Intentions" - Lyle Lovett & His Large Band
"Her First Mistake" - The Road To Ensenada
"I Know You Know" - Joshua Judges Ruth

Paul McCartney

"Back Seat of My Car" - Ram
"Every Night" - McCartney
"Golden Earth Girl" - Off The Ground
"Here Today" - Tug of War
"Junk" - McCartney

Wilco

"At least that's what you said" - A Ghost Is Born
"Box Full of Letters" - A.M.
"Either Way" - Sky Blue Sky
"Handshake Drugs" - A Ghost Is Born
"Impossible Germany" - Sky Blue Sky

Supertramp

"Ain't Nobody But Me" - Crisis! What Crisis?
"Asylum" - Crime Of The Century
"Brother Where You Bound" - Brother Where You Bound
"Child Of Vision" - Breakfast In America
"Crime of the Century" - Crime of the Century

Steely Dan

"Aja" - Aja
"Any Major Dude Will Tell You" - Pretzel Logic
"Any World (That I'm Welcome To)" - Katy Lied
"Bad Sneakers" - Katy Lied
"Bodhisattva" - Countdown To Ecstasy

Yes

"And You And I" - Close To The Edge
"Awaken" - Going For The One
"City Of Love" - 90125
"Close To The Edge" - Close To The Edge
"The Gates Of Delirium" - Relayer

Jackson Browne

"Call It A Loan" - Hold Out
"Chasing You Into The Light" - World In Motion
"Cocaine" - Running On Empty
"For A Dancer" - Late For The Sky
"Hold On Hold Out" - Hold Out

The Rolling Stones

"2000 Light Years From Home" - Their Satanic Majesties Request
"Can't You Hear Me Knocking" - Sticky Fingers
"Dead Flowers" - Sticky Fingers
"Hand of Fate" - Black And Blue
"Love In Vain" - Let It Bleed

Wordsmiths

scott@mythermos.com (Scott Blitstein) — Wed, 06 May 2009 15:46:51 -0500

Heartbreak A Stranger
(Bob Mould)
Virgin
Bob Mould / Workbook

Days come, days go by
So it matters, so you say
But it's all coming back in a way
And nothing will ever change
The words exchanged for revenge inside
You know these things take time

Now and then, these words
Make me laugh so powerful
Going through several lies
They've never been so true

I know that I'm used to time
You know what it is, don't you?
Some words make us all cry
It's so talented

If anybody could read my mind
And share with me these thoughts
Of all the enemies left behind
And friends that time forgot
Pretending nothing could ever faze you
Well, some things never change
Tell me why do these words ring home
How can you heartbreak a stranger?

Days come, days go by
So it matters, so you say
But it's all coming back in a way
And everyone knows a way
And everybody runs away
From somebody who cries

Think I can also put this post in the "Holy shit this album came out 20 years ago" category.

Nice photo by Gaelen Hadlett (via)

One Artist - The Allman Brothers Band

scott@mythermos.com (Scott Blitstein) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 21:28:29 -0500

Using only song names from ONE ARTIST, cleverly answer these questions. Try not to repeat a song title. It's harder than you think.

Pick Your Artist: The Allman Brothers Band

Are you male or female: "(I'm Your) Hoochie Coochie Man"

Describe yourself: "Old Friend"

How do you feel about yourself: "Old Before My Time"

Describe where you currently live: "Whipping Post"

If you could go anywhere, where would you go: "Southbound"

Your favorite form of transportation: "Kind of Bird"

Your best friend is: "Desdemona"

Your favorite color is: "Blue Sky"

What's the weather like: "Bad Rain"

Favorite time of day: "Dreams"

If your life was a tv show, what would it be called: "Good Clean Fun"

What is life to you: "Just Ain't Easy"

What is the best advice you have to give: "What's Done Is Done"

If you could change your name, what would it be: "Little Martha"

Your favorite food is: "Jelly Jelly"

Thought for the Day: "Can't Take It With You"

How I would like to die: "Instrumental Illness"

My soul's present condition: "Sailin' 'Cross the Devil's Sea"

The faults I can bear: "Wasted Words"

My motto: "Ain't Wastin' Time No More"

Photo Via - Thanks Steve

Godfather of Groove - Chuck Rainey

scott@mythermos.com (Scott Blitstein) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 12:26:38 -0500

Carol over at Bass-ically Speaking adds another to her great series of interviews with some astoundingly talented masters of laying down the deep end.

This time around it's Chuck Rainey in the spotlight. If you don't know his name, you sure know the songs he has played on and the musicians he has worked with.

Head on over and read her interview with The Godfather of Groove.

Also, don't miss her previous interview with the magnificent Carol Kaye from her sister site!

Thanks Carol!

(Photo Via the Official Chuck Rainey Site)

On Lazyness

scott@mythermos.com (Scott Blitstein) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:27:10 -0500

When did we reach the point where it is too much fucking work to reach down and flip on a turn signal?

You know who you are.

SB

Photo (Via)

From The Inner Groove

scott@mythermos.com (Scott Blitstein) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 11:06:34 -0500

Of the many joys of blogging, not only do I have a place to share my own thoughts, but I also have the opportunity to share some other great stuff that I find in my online adventures.

Here is what you should be reading:

Cultural Offering recently shared some Crowded House while Eclecticity offered up a really nice Wondermints track. Both excellent choices and just samples of the great stuff I find there on a regular basis.

Good Old Days? While we all like to think about the Good Old Days and remember the past fondly, Kelly reminds us that a little perspective is a good thing.

A huge thanks to Mark Czerniec for sharing a treasure in That April 4 at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis

In 1993, NPR anchor Liane Hansen traveled to Memphis and the museum, and she spoke with the Rev. Samuel "Billy" Kyles, at whose home Dr. King had planned to eat dinner that evening.

The audio is now available via NPR and is an amazing listen.

Gina describes what is thankfully No Ordinary Day in our house. It's a stirring tale of broken windows and odd radishes. Hope you enjoy.

Scareware Spreads: Michael Wade discusses the ever increasing spread of scareware. I see this all the time in my biz and it's nothing more than extortion in my book.

Make A Wish: The Live Music Blog shares how the band Umphrey's McGee worked with the Make A Wish foundation to give a very special fan a very special day.

Cheers!

SB

Friends Seen & Unseen - Gov't Mule

scott@mythermos.com (Scott Blitstein) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 21:30:58 -0500

9 years ago this evening Gina and I experienced our first Gov't Mule show. There have been many more (approx 20) since then but, as they say, you never forget your first time.

Stellar show with a great set list including some amazing covers. It was also the only show we saw with original bassist Allen Woody.

I have some nice legally taped copies to share - leave a comment if you are interested and I'll send a couple out to the first takers.

4-15-2000
Chicago, IL
Vic Theater

Set: Wandering Child, Lay Your Burden Down, Bad Little Doggie, Left Coast Groovies, Far Away, She Said, She Said > Tomorrow Never Knows jam, World Gone Wild, Tastes Like Wine, Kind Of Bird > Wind Cries Mary tease > Kind Of Bird, Drums > Matt/Warren > jam > Larger Than Life > Earache My Eye +*> Madman Across The Water, Life Before Insanity, War Pigs
Encore: Lucky **, Dazed And Confused

Setlist Notes: * Brodie Hutchinson on spoken word (Mule soundman); ** Mike Brenner on lap steel (Marah); + first time played

Thanks to Joe Madonna for making his photo available - not from the show I saw but a sweet photo just the same.

Wordsmiths

scott@mythermos.com (Scott Blitstein) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 14:08:25 -0500

Coffee Song
(Adam Hood)
BMI
Adam Hood / 6th street

She came from the middle of nowhere
A sleepy Pennsylvania town
Her mother held her guilty for so long
She finally put those burden’s down
He spent his whole life on city fare
His window played the evening sun
It’s hard to believe for a strong man
He sure was a lonely one

She took the morning shift downtown
Strange to be his favorite place
After every single customer was cruel enough
He was the only one to smile and say

Thank you for the coffee
A simple conversation
Thank you for the light shining in your eyes
It’s taken such a long time to find someone to talk to
I know it ain’t much but thank you for your time

It’s hard to find a kindred soul
People are so unkind
Little things can drive you crazy
And stay locked away in your mind
And so they say that….Frankie and Johnny were lovers
Just like Romeo and Juliet
Time never listens to fairy tales
And so love had met the bitter end

He went back to his city life
Pennsylvania call her name
You keep on living and trying to find
Someone with the time to say

Thank you for the coffee
A simple conversation
Thank you for the light shining in your eyes
It’s taken such a long time to find someone to talk to
I know it ain’t much but thank you for your time

Photo from, and more info available, on the Adam Hood home page.

One Artist - Joe Jackson

scott@mythermos.com (Scott Blitstein) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 00:46:35 -0500

Using only song names from ONE ARTIST, cleverly answer these questions. Try not to repeat a song title. It's harder than you think.

Pick Your Artist: Joe Jackson

Are you male or female: "I'm The Man"

Describe yourself: "Sentimental Thing"

How do you feel about yourself: "Good Bad Boy"

Describe where you currently live: "Evil Empire"

If you could go anywhere, where would you go: "Down To London"

Your favorite form of transportation: "The Uptown Train"

Your best friend is: "Geraldine and John"

Your favorite color is: "Bright Grey"

What's the weather like: "Stranger Than Fiction"

Favorite time of day: "Amateur Hour"

If your life was a tv show, what would it be called: "The Other Me"

What is life to you: "A Slow Song"

What is the best advice you have to give: "Don't Wanna Be Like That"

If you could change your name, what would it be: "Five Guys Named Moe"

Your favorite food is: "Too Tough"

Thought for the Day: "What's the Use of Getting Sober (When You're Gonna Get Drunk Again)"

How I would like to die: "Blaze of Glory"

My soul's present condition: "The Best I Can Do"

The faults I can bear: "The Band Wore Blue Shirts"

My motto: "You Can't Get What You Want (Till You Know What You Want)"