And... OUT HE GOES!!!

I just got the word yeasterday from my landlord, the nefarious Uncle Nemo, that the house is going to be sold and I have to leave, like in 30 days. I have no idea where on earth I'm gonna go. Pray for me, readers! :-O

A mini-tribute to Jim Croce

Yesterday, as I was resting at Camp Shoehead (with electricity), my oldies station happened to play "Operator (That's Not the way it Feels)" by Jim Croce. I was actually moved by the song, and I reflected upon what an amazing piece of musical work it is. Not only does it have a catchy melody, but the songwriting is brilliant! Mr. Croce conveys love, pain, and betrayal--giving us a complete story all in a man's attempt to get directory assistance. His thanking of the operator, and offering her to "keep the dime" demonstrates a pure and giving heart. Simply a beautiful, near-perfect example of good songwriting, story telling, and musicianship in under 3 minutes.
Like major events marking people's lives, I happened to remember where I was when I heard the radio report of his death. I was driving with my family late at to a Revolutionary War re-enactment (being the Bicentennial era, and all!). It was late friday night, September 20 1973, and we were in our family's Griswold-style station wagon drving through Pennsylvania to get to the gig, possible Valley Forge, or the Daniel Boone homestead. Further radio reports speculated that Jim Croce's pilot might've had a heart attack, but the small plane took off and failed to clear a tree at the end of the runway. All aboard were killed, Croce and his long-time guitar accompanyist, Maury Meuhleisen, as well as several others.
Jim Croce's death ended a short, but brilliant career. Who knows where his career might've taken him, but his short time as a recording artist gave us some of the most beautiful and poetic music ever.

They're changing the rules of Scrabble???

I can't believe it. Is nothing sacred? The makers of Scrabble™ are changing the rules for the first time. They'll now allow proper names, backwards words, and non-connecting words! What's next, make up your own imaginary words?
I believe this will go over kinda like "New Coke" did in the 1980's. People will reject it, and then "Classic Scrabble" will come out, and the new configuration will quietly away. I hope...

A quick blog...

Just a quick hello to my legion of readers... I'll have a pretty good post this Saturday; I've been working on one.
Have a great day, friends!