Below are the 18 most recent journal entries recorded in jimm_motyka's LiveJournal:

Saturday, May 6th, 2006
7:39 am	I'm a Green Lantern Hmmm...other than the hot headed (must be Seraphim related), I agree with this. Or, would that be righteous anger? Hmmmmmm (again) Jimm Your results: You are Green Lantern Green Lantern 90% Hulk 80% Iron Man 80% Spider-Man 75% Supergirl 75% The Flash 70% Wonder Woman 65% Superman 60% Robin 55% Catwoman 35% Batman 35% Hot-headed. You have strong will power and a good imagination. Click here to take the "Which Superhero are you?" quiz... Current Mood: awake (Comment on this)
Tuesday, March 28th, 2006
12:53 pm	I'm an Iron Chef...very cool! Your celebrity chef match is Iron Chef Who's Your Celebrity Chef Match? So maybe you've never had a face-off in Kitchen Stadium, but we'd guess that it's your knack for cooking improvisation that could top any competition. In cooking, as in life, you're probably very resourceful and able to make quick fixes with creative solutions. Whether it's taking an afternoon to search for hard-to-find ingredients or coming up with your own substitutions for an ingredient you don't have, you like exploring and discovering new things. To you, cooking is as much about the fun and challenge of spending time in the kitchen as it is about the finished product. Sure, you like to eat, but you also enjoy everything that goes into getting that meal to the table. You may never end up in a cooking competition — it might not even be your style — but we'd guess you get a kick out of topping your own last meal — especially if you had to improvise along the way. Brought to you by Tickle Current Mood: bouncy Current Music: Listening to Alex Jones online (1 Comment |Comment on this)
Monday, December 26th, 2005
10:00 am	It's the day after Christmas and all through the condo... Well, I'm happy the holiday has concluded. It's been an exasperating year, to say to very least. I cannot remember so many highs and lows all occurring in such rapid fashion. If anything, I've been well-schooled in the things called life in 2005. I just finished a goals list for 2006 and hung it on the refrigerator. Happily, I'd noticed that I accomplished 9 of my 12 goals for last year. Not bad, especially with my procrastinating tendencies. Well, at least I admit the tendencies. :) The main thing, everyone will be happy to know, is the fact that I will start recording the "S&P" follow-up, starting in February. The songs have finally taken on lives of their own and I'm very happy, musically and lyrically, with this set of songs. I've taken the unique, but familiar idea to another level. And, there's going to be a lot more vocals on this one. The songs are written in a comfortable key, as not to embarrass myself all too much. *laughs* The inaugural, new list was played at the Candlelight Winery in Garrettsville a few Saturdays back. And, AND, the new songs were very well-received. I cannot wait to share them with the rest of you. Meanwhile, more marketing is being done with "Moonlight Reflection" having been chosen in the finals for the New Age Song of the Year (Independent Music Awards). Any of you near the Borders by Southpark Mall (Strongsville) can now obtain a copy of the CD there. I'm working on setting up a CD signing session there (as well as other Borders), so stay tuned for future announcements about these in 2006. I've made some submissions to venues in the Pittsburgh and Chicago areas for live dates. Again, I'll keep everyone updated about what transpires in 2006. And look out Summerfest! I certainly have that event pegged on my calendar. Hopefully (and God willing), I make it from the "On Call List" to an actual appearance. I'll check in (hopefully, one more time) before the year comes to a close. Don't forget to play nice in the sandbox today! ~Jimm Current Mood: cheerful Current Music: Grapes of Wrath CD "These Days" (1 Comment |Comment on this)
Thursday, December 22nd, 2005
1:00 pm	Independent Music Awards results I'm included the e-mail I'd sent to everyone about the awards. Read on... "The upside was that I was a finalist in the awards. The downside is that I didn't win in my category. The the best news is that I made it this far on my first, solo release. I'm grateful for that, and am eying next year's awards. Look for the new CD in late-Spring of 2006. Now that I've had a "little taste" of success, I'm hungrier! ;) Thanks to all of you for your support in 2005. Good things (and new music) will be happening in 2006." Anyhow, that's how I posted it to all those on the e-mail lists. It's been an exciting and exhausting year, musically and personally. Those who know, simply KNOW what sort of year this has been. I enjoy the growing pains though. It means progress, at least on some level. And, I'm still part of a lot of promotions associated with the awards in 2006, so that is far from being a bad thing. And, I have the push to make me create an even better release in 2006. Current Mood: and can finally breathe again! Current Music: Actually listening to Alex Jones' radio show (Comment on this)
Saturday, December 10th, 2005
12:00 pm	Different Christmas thoughts for the season... I'm looking at the calendar, hoping for this year to come to an end on an upbeat. It's been quite a trying year. One that's had both some incredible highs and some "hold on for your life" lows. All in all, I do think God has created the right path for the year. I guess Ecclesiastes would term it as a time and season for everything that's happened. I even lived through, what I now term, the "Season of Angels and Demons". Those who are completely curious, and I know who you are, just call some time, as it's too much to place into words here. I know that there's a book related to that whole event and I may write it at some point. Let me tell you, first hand, the separation of light and dark has never been stronger. Another thing that always comes to mind, especially around Christmas, is what if Mary was pro-choice? It makes me shudder to even think this, but let's take this incident in modern terms. A teen, unmarried, and pregnant. In modern day, that would be the formula for "me"-ism and an abortion. I could hear people today saying, "Well, it's a woman's body and she should do with it as she wants." Literally, thank God that He had chosen the right person to bring Jesus into the world. Mary certainly demonstrated faith in action. "Thy will be done" has never been so uncompromising and evident. That is what faith precisely is. Trusting God, regardless! Let me take this story down another path. Imagine Joseph saying to Mary, "Having that child will embarrass me and make me look bad, since we are a couple. Therefore, you need to get an abortion. I don't want to deal with what people might say about me at work. You could ruin my career with this baby. Anyhow abortion isn't killing if it hasn't been born yet." Yeah, you may think "no way", but I know of a person, mean, egotistical, and vindictive enough to force someone to get an abortion. And if one person is evil enough to force someone to get an abortion, there must be other evil ones out there. (As a side note, "that evil person" is also the subject of the new song, "And So" on my upcoming CD in 2006. I'm making sure something good occurs from that incident by donating all the royalties from that single to local, Christian adoption agencies.) Back to my original thought, prior to the ranting. Anyhow, if Joseph was an egotistical, pride-filled, worldly, image-driven person, this could have happened. Again, Joseph (thankfully) was a faith driven person also. I'd say a huge "amen" for Joseph! Again, God's plan worked again, getting the right two people in the right situation. Hey, don't forget. He DID give us free will, so this didn't have to happen. I cannot even begin to think of a world of complete evil and darkness. See, with me, as bad as things may appear sometimes, I'm very certain God has a reason for making things happen as they happen. There's a master plan and reason to all of it. I'm convinced of this. How? We'll it's nothing tangible or anything I can grasp, but it's the intuitive nature of faith. As I say in the lyrics to "Little Dreams" (which will be on the upcoming CD), "Just say a simple prayer and that prayer will lead you home." And so we have Christmas. I always lament that it's not really during the birth of Jesus, but nonetheless, I'm more grateful that we still celebrate his coming to the world. We get so caught up in the worldliness of the season, so I certainly think it's time to get back to basics. Remember, if this whole event was in modern times, we might not be celebrating any of this. So, thank God that He found the two right people, at the right time, in the right moment. And there's not been a better time to remember that than here in the present! Can I get an amen? AMEN! Current Mood: contemplative Current Music: The Jethro Tull Christmas Album CD (Comment on this)
Sunday, November 13th, 2005
11:40 am	I Had An Incredible Music Week Alright, since I’ve probably been getting too far off into my political ideologies, I thought today’s entry would be a good time to get back on track, musically. As many of you may not know, “Moonlight Reflection” has been accepted into the finals of the Independent Music Awards. Admittedly, I’m beyond happy this track was chosen for the finals in the New Age category. The awards are sponsored by Borders Books and Music. Winning in the category could create a very nice jump in my music career. On the same level as being selected as a finalist in playing Summerfest, this year, I’d have to say that my solo career is finally meeting my expectations. How ironic things are happening once I stopped pushing and started to allow Divine Intervention to come into play. The awards come out in December and I will let everyone know how things came out. Regarding “Moonlight Reflection”; it was, by far, my very favorite track that was recorded for the “S&P” CD. I think that song, “Glitter Fades Away”, and “Winter Melts Into Spring”, showed quite a bit of the direction I’m intending to go. Although, I can say that the next CD is going to have more of a 70’s AM-radio pop edge sound to it. Hmmm, that’s a great and proper segway to the second half of my news. As many of you are aware, I played this past summer at the annual “Art By The Falls” festival in Chagrin Falls. My ongoing joke to people was that maybe Eric Carmen will be walking through the festival, and I can finally share my music with him. I’m aware that Eric is from around that area, but I’m not quite sure how “around” he is from there. Anyhow, after two days of excruciating temperatures in the high 90’s, I’d not blamed him to come out and walk through that festival either. Honestly, I’d been seeking a Leinies and had looked for a cooler local to veg out. Back to my thought, I didn’t even know if he was in town, but hey, we all have to have little wishes some time, hmmm? Anyhow, I had tickets for the Raspberries show in Cleveland, and I’d finally get to see his live performance. Now that the stage is set, let me jump forward to yesterday, early evening. While in the Lyndhurst area, I decided to stop up at Sam Ash Music, and drop off a copy of “S&P” to an energetic guitarist I’d met the week prior. Colin, once you read this, rest assured, I’d like to see how we could use that energy for some great music. Anyhow, I was joking with a friend of mine (Sue) that my CD has become, more or less, my business card, prior to walking into the store. She had mentioned that it was quite an expensive business card, but who knows, some day it might pay off. Walking into the keyboard area, I did a double take. There before me, obviously looking like he was buying gear was Eric Carmen. Yes, it was a momentary surreal moment for me. The guy whose music was (and still is, once you read further) part of my life (via WOKY-AM in Milwaukee) was standing right before me. I turned around to Sue and commented that it was Eric Carmen. As Sue typically does, she commented with something like, “Yeah, I know” while beaming that I was face to face with Eric. Stunned, I said Eric’s name in a questioning voice. I introduced myself, while trying to maintain some semblance of composure, and took some time to chat with him. And instead of giving the CD to Colin, I handed it to Eric instead. I’d mentioned to Eric that I always thought it would be great to have him produce my music. Honestly, I’m certain he could help pull out some of the ideas I “just miss” when I’m recording. I did mention seeing the Raspberries at the Scene Pavilion, saying that I thought the performance was good, but that the sound was somewhat off. Well, Eric went into explaining how and why the sound was off. Regardless, I mentioned that I was glad to finally have seen the band and wondered what was next. He’d mentioned to me that they were taking the winter off, then who knows? Well, I thought my visit was long enough, for obviously I interrupted his purchase, but he seemed to be genuine and exactly like the person I thought he would be. Which is a very good thing, especially when I’d been a listener and fan for so long. I mentioned to Sue, as we were leaving, that he’d never believe that I had his “Essential” collection in the car, that very moment. I’d found it in my CD library, and pulled it out to listen to this past week. Consequently, I’m still miffed that the short version of “All By Myself” is on the CD (which is why I still have my copy on vinyl). Gee, if I know I’m going to meet my influences by keeping them in the car, I’ll start riding around with Paul McCartney, David Bowie, and Kevin Cronin (REO) CDs. Sarcasm aside, I was happy to finally meet Eric and really do hope he considers the producing idea. Since I’ve always wanted to do a version of “Desperate Fools” (with the harmonica part as a sax solo) for a future CD release, it would be fitting to have him as the producer. Anyhow, it was a great week. And as the Beatles say, “It’s getting better all the time.” Thanks for reading and keep coming back! Current Mood: chipper Current Music: Dave Koz "Lucky Man" CD (Comment on this)
Thursday, November 10th, 2005
12:30 pm	China...most favored nation? Maybe if you're Wal*Mart... I love how the government and news media keeps thinking that all of us are really “that stupid”. Let me roll in Exhibit A for today’s analysis, the largest trade deficit in the history of the United States. “They” would like us, the gullible, 30-second-thinking public, to believe that the deficit is the result of all the storms and bad weather that’s hammered away at the States in the past year. People, if you buy this load of crap, then you’re playing right into the hands of the nation’s one party system. Remember, both Democrat and Republican administrations have made China, “Most Favored Nation” for longer than I can stomach or even remember. People that we elect (elect? yeah, right…subject for another rant, another time) hold China higher than the United States. Oh, you want proof? When was the last time any United States politician, who’s now elected, gone before the American people, demanding that WE are our own favored nation? Who’s stepped forward and said that enough is enough and no more? Who has stepped forward and said that our money is OUR MONEY, and we should stop giving US dollars away to other countries? Who has stepped forward and called the UN a corrupt organization and demanded the UN to be thrown out of the US? Certainly, the answer is no one who’s currently in an elected office. Meanwhile, the wonderful government of China is working to restrict internet freedoms, puts baby quotas on families (boys are favored BTW with China), and are an atheistic society where Christians are imprisoned. I’m certain, if I knew people like that, I’d certainly want them to be the most favored friends I have. Please people, note the sarcasm. Here’s the end game. Ready? Bankrupt America, create a single monetary system, kill the borders, end Christianity, create a police state, and end the Republic as we know it. Well, that’s exactly what the Democrats and Republicans are doing to all of us, while maintaining how elite and superior “they” are. We are dying due to out of control, unconstitutional federal spending, an insane rate of taxation, and political correctness (disguised these days as the Cloak of Diversity). If we’re all vanilla, desolate, and controllable, we’ll be just like our most favored nation, China! Oh joy! Someone wake me up when the nightmare is over… Meanwhile, all of you happy-go-lucky slaves, keep shopping at Wal*Mart, whom is #8 on the list of countries that China exports to. Current Mood: nauseated Current Music: Paul Young's "From Time To Time" CD (Comment on this)
Tuesday, November 8th, 2005
12:30 pm	Luciferians own the Cuyahoga Falls City Hall In starting my rant, on this day, I will begin once again with my favorite quote. "They who give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety, " is a quote from Benjamin Franklin. Obviously, our country's founders were aware that the abuse of this would lead to tyranny. In Cuyahoga Falls, the city council has sided on tyranny over liberty. One part of siding with the dark forces from the Book of Revelation, and the other part giving the Fourth Amendment in the U.S. Constitution the finger, Cuyahoga Falls is officially the first city in Ohio with a Police State. The rampant vandalism in the downtown area is the root reason for enslaving the city's citizens and its visitors. As a person who lives in the downtown area, it's unusual to even find people on the Falls River Square when it's non-festival season. If occassional trash can tipping and skateboarders are the reason for this, then the citizens are being completely misled by this administration and it's cohorts. Basically, council is insulting the city's police force too, since they obviously think that the police aren't doing their job well enough. Here's something I really love though. The mayor can be all concerned about vandalism in the downtown area, but please, site me an actual fact that installing "slave cam" actually has reduced this activity. I mean, we have cameras in the prison yards, and still Texas had a person on death row succeed in his jail break. I've looked around the Natatorium in downtown Cuyahoga Falls, and low and behold, cameras installed all inside the Nat. Where is the ACLU on this one? Who only knows what they are capturing, but I'm certain that vandalism is at an all time low inside the Nat. You know, where the vandals are, that's where the cameras should be in Cuyahoga Falls. At least that's what the mayor says. Sickly, the Democrats will scream that the cameras will help by "watching out for and keeping our children safe". Sadly, the Republicans will say that cameras will ensure safety and keep justice, you know, keep down crime. Amalgamate the lies, and all these Republicrats want to do is enslave us and make sure they know what we're doing. Play both sides of the argument, worse than professional wrestlers do, and maintain the illusionary paradigm of two parties. The end result is "the end result". Ironically, the cameras installed along the streets in Cuyahoga Falls were placed there to help maintain traffic. So, why did they install the vehicle detectors, under the pavement, near the lights, to trigger when a car is near, thus triggering a response from the light? Weren't the cameras in place to maintain traffic? And who exactly is watching all of the cameras? Someone is lying to us about the reasons for doing this. And since when does the federal government dictate its will over the rights of the states? Alright council, what's next? Retinal scans and microchips embedded in our skin to come and go in Cuyahoga Falls? Metal detectors and German Shepherds for all the festivals? Occassional taser zaps to keep the crowd orderly? Maybe a glorious RFID in the City "One" Cards? Gee, Hitler would've only dreamed of having this group as part of his reich. This is ridiculous and an obscene act in wasting the tax dollars from the citizens of Cuyahoga Falls. Truly, the best place for these cameras would be around the houses and workplaces of the members of the city council. Even cameras to monitor the corrupt school board would be another excellent use. Maybe it will help the citizens of the city keep a closer eye on those who want to violate Constitutional law and label it "for our safety". We are not your reality TV, dear Luciferians of City Council. This is not Communist Russia or China. How sad that people are outraged by the price of gasoline jumping in price, but could care less about compromising (losing) the liberties that formed this nation. Devo was sincerely right. De-evolution is now in place. But unlike the monkeys, our bars are not of steel, but are maintained by cameras, ignorance, and frequent shopper cards. Current Mood: aggravated Current Music: The Cure's "Disintegration" CD (Comment on this)
Tuesday, August 16th, 2005
1:00 pm	I read the news today, oh boy... In reading the news today, I’d noticed that our national puppet leader has yet to veto anything that’s passed onto his desk. How interesting. I used to be disgusted about all the crap Clinton signed into law. But now, we have W (which must stand for Wuss), who’s attitude seems to be, “Let’s spend every dollar we can steal from the American public.” Gee, I’m so glad he cares about us. With his policies, could you imagine if this Christian wannabe actually had an ounce of an idea of being a Compassionate Conservative? If not, let me take you for an adventure. Let’s all jump onto the trolley and venture into the Land of Make-Believe, shall we? If I were a Compassionate Conservative: 1. On current gas prices: Suspend all state and federal taxes on what Americans pay per gallon for gasoline. Think about this. The Republicrats (Republicans and Democrats) don’t give a crap about the average American. If so, they’d cast aside their skyrocketing spending and suspend the taxes, to give YOU a break. But, they’re too darn greedy, with their self-interests, to do that. Instead, instead of letting you keep more of the money you make, they’re happier to tell you the solution is to drive less or carpool. So suffer happily, all of you slaves. You keep electing Republicrats and this is what you’re going to keep getting. Two party system, my butt! 2. Our Borders: Bring our National Guard home and place them to the north (along Canada) and to the south (along Mexico). Last time I checked, Iraq, Bosnia, and Afghanistan were not the 51st, 52nd, and 53rd states, so what does the word National really mean in National Guard? The new law I would pass, regarding illegals in America, would be you have 24 hours to leave. On the 25th hour, you are considered part of an invasion on America and should be dealt with accordingly. The motto for that action would be, “Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes.” Tell the National Guard not to be afraid to fire at illegals. Again, if that globalist, puppetboy, W, really cared about America and Americans (especially after the 9/11 antics), we’d have the National Guard back in OUR nation and keeping watch on America, the way they were originally intended to be used. Both Bush guys and Clinton were WRONG to send any of the National Guard out of our country. Oops, I keep forgetting the one party system in America. 3. The Patriot Act: First, abolish that Constitution shredding document. Second, impeach and bring to trial anyone who signed this into law, especially the second time through. Treason and the obliteration of the Constitution would be ground enough to begin this process. Hitler, Mao, and Stalin could’ve only fondly dreamed of the Patriot Act. We didn’t have to wait for another country to take us over and enslave us. We have Congress and a willing White House who’s all more than anxious to do that. Oh well, most Americans are too caught up with ATM fees (now gas prices), celebrity trials, reality TV, and sporting events to even care that the country has submitted to being a police state. Anyone who doubts me should visit Chicago. Scanners at the toll booths to monitor the coming and going of people. More surveillance cameras in downtown than you can shake a stick at. Technology that allows the police to listen to conversations through walls of your personal property. I don’t think most prisons are this locked down. Here’s the deal though. When they finally decide to let a nuclear device go off in the downtown area, how will they explain how it happened with all of this slave controlled technology in place? Hmmm, maybe it wasn’t enough. You’ll need to take a microchip, be retina scanned, fingerprinted, and placed into a national database. Gee, and Hitler could only get away with an IBM database and tattoos to round up the Jews. BTW, why do we really need FEMA camps to be built in all the major cities? That’s a tough question to “concentrate” on. Well, I have more thoughts, but you most undoubtedly get where I’m going with this. America is down to one party of Republicrats, who obviously hate you, but are willing to keep stealing your money. The politicians are the slave owners and you are the willing slaves who keep electing all this. So slaves, just have another Bud, watch some NASCAR or football, keep trying figure out what went wrong in the Michael Jackson trial, get set for the next season of Desperate Housewives (in which Laura Bush LOVES that show) and by all means, run out and get your National ID card. The politicians knew exactly what they were doing when they began to dumb down America, so don’t let them down. Enjoy your ignorance! Current Mood: aggravated Current Music: Anna Nalick: Wreck Of The Day (2 Comments |Comment on this)
Monday, July 25th, 2005
2:45 pm	My thoughts on the Patriot Act Alright Matt, you've gotten your wish about my political commentaries here. The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel was asking for people to write in about the Patriot Act. Of course my reply wasn't printed, yet I sent the follwing thoughts: "They that can give up essential liberty, to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." Benjamin Franklin The words hold true in 2005. The Patriot Act violates the 1st, 2nd, and 4th Amendments. It was steamrolled through the House and Senate in 2001, without anyone getting a chance to read the long, yet well-thought out, document. We should be concerned that this document was fabricated quickly, punishes Americans, not our enemies, doesn't protect America or its borders, and strips away rights guaranteed by the Constitution. If the Patriot Act remains in place, the Republic is certainly dead, and those who died to defend the Constitution, died in vain. Both Bush and Kerry (during the 2004 Presidential campaign) defended the Patriot Act. The two men, who could take a Presidential oath to defend the Constitution, began shredding it slowly by their support of this legislation. If we give up our freedoms and liberties now, it will be a matter of time before we are microchipped, thumb and retina scanned, and living in a police state in the United States. It’s time to defeat the Patriot Act, defend our borders, and stop acting like average Americans are the enemy. Nothing, NOTHING, in the Patriot Act goes after the terrorists. If anything, it enslaves the American public in ways Hitler and Stalin could only have dreamed of. As an addendum: Beware of CAFTA. It will destroy America and the American way of life! Petition your representatives to not let this animal pass or we'll certainly lose the borders forever. Current Mood: infuriated Current Music: I Robot CD: Alan Parsons Project (Comment on this)
Monday, May 23rd, 2005
1:00 pm	Too long without an update... I think, like every prolonged entry begins, this one will be the same. First and most important, thanks to everyone who’s e-mailed me, and talked to me at the shows, who’d mentioned they actually follow my little rants and thoughts here. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I love keeping everyone informed with what’s happening and this allows me a little more of a personal touch to the web site. The base of listeners is building and there’s been quite an amount of positive feedback about the CD. I wish I had a nickel for the comment of “it’s always in my CD player”. I’m hoping most of you will check out the upcoming shows I’ve planned. Check with the Sonicbids calendar on my home page to get the exact info of where and when. And, the calendar is finally linked to the web site. Anyone living in the Falls, you’ll see a feature article on S&P in this weekend’s Cuyahoga Falls News Press. I’ll try to get the article posted to the news area of the Sonicbids site later on, so those who aren’t close can read what’s been in the press. Legalities, you know. Regardless, I’m appreciative to Sue Todd (at the CFNP) for her interest and assistance in helping all of you know just a bit more about my music. I’m more taken that Sue, being a reporter, completely was on target with her assessment of my music. I'm certain a comfy chair could've been provided to read that article though. Anastasia Pantios, from the Free Times (Cleveland) wrote an incredible piece prior to the CD release party. I’d like to take the time extend a thanks to her also. *bows* I was reminded (by a person who took me vicariously through the women’s bathroom during a current Styx/REO show in Canton via CD) that she’s taking care of the fan base down in Canton. Roberta, thanks for the work down in the Canton area, and in your help in getting S&P out to more people. You can mention to the people down that way that the S&P is finally available on the CDBaby site. Hmmm, perhaps this is more of a head’s up to everyone…hahahahahahaha! Anyhow, to find the CD on that dot com site, type in a search for Motyka, and it should appear. There’s nothing like a little gratuitous self-promotion…because I can! Hahahahahaha! I’ve also had a few people request reprints of old articles I wrote in my journalistic days of the Patrol Music Magazine. Trust me, I’m hunting for the articles. And those who know me, know the archive is pretty darn extensive. So, my commentaries on the microchipping of dogs, sea monsters in Lake Erie, and the Inner Pig will come back to light, soon I’m hoping! Lastly, my good friend Matt Hutter has suggested I post some of my political insights here. In that instance, I will forewarn everyone I’m a Constitutionalist, so the big two headed monster known as our House and Senate, beware! Happy, happy, joy, joy! Thanks for reading! Jimm Current Mood: chipper Current Music: MSB: "Right Back At Ya" CD (Comment on this)
Monday, April 4th, 2005
8:00 pm	Things can only get better...quoting HJ I think the weekend was one of yin and yang (literally). The balance of good to bad was amazingly uncanny. I finally got a few days off. You know, some people call that a vacation. This was far from a vacation. What happened? I'll fill in the blanks. Tuesday night...perfect! Began the vacation by seeing Duran Duran with my friend Kevin. I couldn't find Byron and Cammie, but they were there. The evening was far from a "Careless Memory". Wednesday morning, I dropped my car off to have the self-imposed ding taken out of the hatch. Yes, the brilliant one I am, I was trying to avoid hitting one of the cars in my condo's parking lot, and consequently was not watching where my butt end was going. It's amazing how loud that "thud" resonates when it happens. After saying the obligatory OS (and I'm not saying Operating System), it was too late. Anyhow, time off to fix the car and do some music things. The working holiday. It started off great. And then the virus struck. Typically, I never get those, but I was curious about how things were going at work, and logged onto IE instead of Firefox. Ding! The virus was just launched the minute I got pinged. Nice! Anyhow, an hour with tech support and I was trying everything, not knowing this was a virus. Changed settings, user name, password settings, all that fun sort of tech stuff. Little did I know, I was slowly hosing myself with a capital F. Short lessons learned here were, if I'm on vacation don't check in on work and IE is plain evil incarnate. Funny how those viruses only seem to tag IE. Enough about that. Needless to say, the upside is that I purchased a new Sony Vaio (#4 that I've owned). Another great thing occurred. I was accepted to play at the Cleveland Music Festival this May. The meeting for which venue and what date is on this Wednesday. I'll keep everyone posted. ...*Distration* An old Debbie Gibson video is on for "No More Rhymes". Hey, I'll always be distracted by attractive, blond, female, piano playing songwriters. Hahahahaha! Debbie...grrrrrrrrrr. Back to this entry... I got to eat at Aladdins (Middle Eastern) in Hudson and at Babushka's (Polish) in Northfield Center. Great food in each ethnic respect. Unfortunately, the meal at Babushka's was the last one for the next two days. I was feeling a bit woozy on Friday night and Saturday afternoon it hit me. Having a 100+ degree fever set me on my butt for two and a half days. In between the creeping death, I was troubleshooting the computer due to that bloody virus. Sleeping was the only option. Huh, two viruses in a weekend. Lucky me! A true upside to the weekend was seeing the one known as KK in the label credits to my new CD. We met at the Borders on the Strip in North Canton for coffee. Well, she had coffee and I had company. I was also privilaged to meet little Hudson, her son. And because of Hudson, I learned what the bubble dance and sticky dance looked like. It's all a matter of headshaking my friends. Actually, it reminded me of a mosh pit for one. It's amazing to see old friends again. I think KK termed it as surreal. That was a great choice of words. I gave her a copy of "S&P". I think the only regret I had from that visit was the wish of a missed opportunity of getting to have and raise a kid. Oh yeah, it typically helps to find someone who wants to have that kid with you...hahahahaha! I know, men aren't supposed to lament not having kids, but hey, this was "a moment". Hudson is a gift from God and I'm certain KK is quite aware of that! So, after having to take off today (Monday) due to this stupid, physical virus, everything seems to be evening out. I'll get some early sleep and check in with all of you later on. Be good and play nice in the sandbox! Jimm Current Mood: tired Current Music: Things Can Only Get Better: Howard Jones (Comment on this)
Sunday, March 27th, 2005
7:00 am	Happy Easter to All! It's Sunday, Easter morning. I still love this time of year for multiple reasons. To me, it's a reminder that you can always get a "do over" from God, regardless of your past actions. It's amazing, always. Anyhow, the CD release party was a success. I thank everyone for stopping out. when you release something, like art or music, that can be interpreted in many ways, it's always great to hear people react in the same way that the creation made was intended. And, I cannot say enough about the incredible people at the Cashmere Cricket. This group of people really put a professional touch to my event. I'm very appreciative of that. Many commented that they'll be coming back, so all of you were definitely on the mark. As for Jason and Danielle of Noble Images, you certainly gave me a very special gift. The photo collage is amazing (I think I say amazing too much). Take that as a compliment on the highest order! Well people, enjoy your Easter with your friends and family today. Enjoy your "do over" and put the rest of your past in the past! Jimm Current Mood: calm Current Music: VH-1 is on (and actually playing videos) (Comment on this)
Tuesday, March 15th, 2005
12:00 pm	Well people, today is the official launch of my new web site. I’m pretty jazzed about it. Byron, at Pacifica Design, did an awesome job on it. And, I still cannot say enough about Jason’s work (Noble Images) with the fantastic pictures. And then, Mary “edits” my Sonicbids info and turns it into something completely classy and professional (the b’fast offer is still open). I’ve been truly blessed on how all of this has come together. I think God assembled this dream team while I was sleeping. If so, I should sleep more. :) Remember “team”, I’m already writing music for the next CD. Since I last checked in, I’d been accepted to play at the Chagrin Falls’ “Art By The Falls” event in June. Sonicbids will have more info in the calendar section once I get set times for the event. I’ve made other submissions to other events and festivals. I’ll keep you all apprised of any new news. Oh, as a side note, I’m on the Top 50 of Most Viewed Artists at Sonicbids. How cool is that? I’m still keeping focused on the Summerfest gig. To play in the area where I grew up would be completely surreal. Well, I’m excited and overwhelmed at the same time. Thanks for checking in. Jimm Current Mood: thankful Current Music: Roy Orbison's "King Of Hearts" CD (Comment on this)
Friday, March 11th, 2005
12:16 pm	A Sigh of Relief! How can life be even more amazing, as far as yesterday goes? “Subject & Predicate” finally hit my door. Farve said that he’ll come back to play another season (Go Pack, Go). And, my robotic arm program, for my class at Akron U, had minimum tweaks, which allowed me to get over to the Cricket for a celebratory brew an hour early. God is soooooooo good! And BTW, happy birthday wishes to my Uncle Mark! Of course, my Aussie Shepherd (Emily) made it very well known that the UPS guy had finally arrived. I’m not sure why he didn’t take it as a sign of playfulness as she lunged at the door to greeting him, barking in her low bark, and teeth gleaming in the sunlight. LOL After locking Em in the bathroom, I helped the still shaken UPS guy unload the discs. I’m certain that the motto was “Look what Em can do to make one ‘brown’”. Anyhow, the final release looks awesome. I certainly was surrounded by some very talented people to get something that looks this incredible. I must thank God for placing the right people, at the right place, at the right time. I’m very grateful and thankful for those who assisted me in this release. Oh yeah, I’m already working on the follow-up. There’s no need to worry though. “The moment now won’t be here tomorrow…we try to own all of the things that should be borrowed”. I’m enjoying this “now” moment! Jimm Current Mood: relaxed Current Music: Tori Amos' "The Beekeeper" CD (Comment on this)
Wednesday, March 9th, 2005
12:35 pm	Finally...The CDs ship tomorrow I finally got the e-mail today with the UPS tracking number. "Subject & Predicate" is finally completed! Talk about a long time coming. I do find some irony in this date though. I'm happier that it's arriving before the CD release party. Talk about panic there. Many of you, who've read my EPK (electronic press kit), know that I have an influential uncle who introduced me to the music that formed my composing foundation. Ironically, tomorrow is his birthday. Go figure. The other tie in is that my Grandma Jesski (whom I dedicated the CD to) is linked there too, with my Uncle Mark being her son. It's amazing! I'm certain Grandma is looking down and smiling, especially since I'm doing this neo-classical/jazz/pop thingy. She lived through my new wave and metal eras. I'm certain this is a sigh of relief somewhere in heaven. Indirectly, there's more of a emotional tie, for me, to this release. It's like having the icing finally placed on the cake. I'm digressing, hmmm? Anyhow, all in all, it's great news. I'll check in tomorrow after I see the final product. Until then, I wish God Smiles and God Moments to everyone! Jimm Current Mood: bouncy Current Music: Sonicflood: "Sonicflood" CD (Comment on this)
Tuesday, March 8th, 2005
4:12 pm	CD Release Update I was in contact with Oasis Manufacturing this morning. "Subject & Predicate" is shipping in two to three days. Supposedly, I'll get the confirmation and tracking number in my e-mail in the next day. I guess this is what expectant fathers feel like...LOL! Meanwhile, I send an EPK (Electronic Press Kit) to the people at Summerfest. Pray for this one people. I'd love the opportunity to return to the area where I first began playing the keys. It would be the sweetest homecoming yet. Summerfest is possibly the largest music festival in the States. Again, all prayers are appreciated here. I made another submission through Sonicbids.com, but will discuss more about that in due time. Meanwhile, the CD listening release party appears to be firming up little by little. Everything is still on for the Cashmere Cricket in Cuyahoga Falls on the 25th of this month. I'm having a few trays of baked ziti and salad prepared for all of the guests. Everyone over at "the Cricket" has been awesome. I'm grateful for their help and support in hosting the party. Well people, that's the update for today. Thanks for checking in! Current Mood: anxious Current Music: The Flower King's "Adam & Eve" CD (Comment on this)
Thursday, March 3rd, 2005
12:00 pm	The countdown is on! There's some positive news coming from Oasis, the company manufacturing my new release, "Subject & Predicate". The finished product should be available next week. Meanwhile, the website is being updated with new pics, music, and future show announcements and appearances. My wish is to keep a direct link to everyone through this journal. As the very least, it will give you a glimpse into my thoughts of the day. Check the journal in a few days and I'll get more info about the availability of "S&P". Even though "S&P" is readying for its release, I've begun working on music for the next CD. I can give a small hint that the music will be an extension of the current release, hopefully with a few surprises. So, along with songs from "S&P", you just may hear some test songs from the next untitled CD when the live dates occur. I'm setting up shows as I write, so please stay tuned. Anyhow, I hope to see everyone at the CD Listening Release Party at the Cashmere Cricket in Cuyahoga Falls on the 25th of this month. The party starts at 8:00 PM and I will offer 25 CDs free to the first 25 attendees. If you've just read this, then you are cordially invited. It's a public listening, so bring all the guests your heart desires. Until the next posting... Jimm Current Mood: artistic Current Music: Arena's "Pepper's Ghost" CD (Comment on this)