Author: Brent Evans

morning babble / Monday 10-03-22

This is the scribble that leads to the babble. Sometimes, it gets tidied up; but other times, not so much. When all else fails: watch the video!

I was in New York all weekend, so I’m all messed up right now. It’s in a good way. But you know – routines are out of whack. I skipped Jiu-Jitsu today because the body wouldn’t have appreciated that early morning “stretching.” I’m old – I have to listen to my body.

Anyway – it was a wonderful weekend for my daughter’s 7th birthday. There was American Doll tea parties and hair dos, delicious dinners, and Wicked. Many thank-yous to G-Dog and Caff for providing our entire family with a weekend to remember. Making memories – that’s what it’s all about.

90 days until EXIT PLAN

GOAL SETTING MONDAY & REVIEW –

Accomplishments –

Trust the routines, BUT – keep throwing things against the wall. See what sticks. See what can be added to the routine in order to get to the goals still.

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QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it.” – by Eckhart Tolle who wrote the bestselling book: “The Power of Now,”

morning babble / Friday 09-30-22

This is the scribble that leads to the babble. Sometimes, it gets tidied up; but other times, not so much. When all else fails: watch the video!

Happy Friday / Last Day of September – make it a good one.

Earlier this week, I flashed these delightful treats – Pumpkin Spice Cupkakes from Tastykake. My kids did some damage on them. We had two boxes. My mom reached out to the boy and asked if he wanted anything for her to pick up for him. He politely texted back – “No – you don’t have to do that.”

Hey Nana!

93 days until EXIT PLAN

Weezer was originally “Fall” / It was suggested to them to change it to “Autumn” because nobody outside of the US uses the term “Fall” for the season.

New Music Friday:

I put together a Spotify playlist of the songs that I talked about and thought about today for New Music Friday. Click here for that!

• My man Beck covered the classic Neil Young song “Old Man” for a “Sunday Night Football” promotional spot for this Sunday’s Chiefs / Bucs game. Via Spin Magazine: “In highlighting the song’s lyric “24 and there’s so much more,” the NBC Sports ad was meant to promote the forthcoming Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Kansas City Chiefs game on Oct. 2, and nod to the fact that both teams’ quarterbacks, Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes, won the Super Bowl at the age of 24.” (Play video clip) Even if it is just a cover. I’ll take new Beck any day.

• Slipknot – the multi-platinum alternative metal band – just dropped their seventh studio album, “The End, So Far.” We already got several of the songs from the album, but today we get all 12 for nearly an hour of new music. Some of you might still ask – Who’s Slipknot? (play the clip) That’s the video from one of their new songs “The Dying Song.” Do they scare me? Of course they do. That type of attire. Clowns terrify me. But the music – they are mad talented musicians. Corey Taylor – one of the best lead singers for that genre. If you don’t get it or understand it . . . I get that too. It’s all good.

• BoywithUke hooked up with Oliver Tree for a new song “Sick of U” – here’s what it sounds like. (play clip) Someone made that video – the guy with the white glowing eyes is BoywithUke and the guy behind him is Oliver Tree. I’m new to these guys. BUT – I enjoyed the hook and it’s making me dig deeper. I like when music makes me do that.

• Paramore is back together and officially announced a new album coming out next year on February 10th. We’ll get ten new tracks. Today, we can hear the single “This is Why” – which is also the title of the entire album. I tried to go through the rotating door of band members. They’re out, they’re in, they’re back out, but now back in. Nevertheless, we get new Paramore today and even more in February – Hayley Williams still singing though.

• Random new shtuff: There’s also a new Pokemon song from Ed Sheeran / whole new album drop from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs / and from the Netflix Film “Luckiest Girl Alive”, there’s new Elle King singing the song “I know Where I’ve Been”

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QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“Life owes you nothing. You owe yourself everything.” – by Corey Taylor

morning babble / Thursday 09-29-22

This is the scribble that leads to the babble. Sometimes, it gets tidied up; but other times, not so much. When all else fails: watch the video!

HAPPY FRIDAY EVE!

Hoping everyone is okay in Florida with Hurricane Ian / Last night it was learned that we lost Hip-Hop artist Coolio at the age of 59. My son had not too long ago played the junk out of “Gangsta’s Paradise” – it was to the point that I think I heard it more with my son than back in the day when it was a huge hit. Maybe I’m exaggerating, but just know it was a lot.

94 days until EXIT PLAN

With “New Music Friday” coming tomorrow . . . I really begin digging into some new stuff that’s trickling out right now. I also follow Pitchfork which helps me with a lot of the new music. BUT – just yesterday, they released their list of the 150 Best Albums of the 90s. That’s all me. So, I got lost into the list and confused. It’s like All-Star selections . . . someone is always snubbed. So – here’s my little commentary.

1. They covered Hip-Hop and did it well. A Tribe Called Quest made the list twice with one of their albums holding the #9 spot. AND – I absolutely applaud the #2 album being Lauryn Hill: The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
2. They also listed some of the artists that we lost too soon like Elliott Smith and Jeff Buckley.
3. The obscure was played out too much – Neutral Milk Hotel made the list. I like that album, but on the top 150? This occurred throughout – all the way to the #1 album spot, which went to My Bloody Valentine with their Loveless album
4. Where’s the grunge? Nirvana landed twice / Soundgarden sneaked in at #148 / No Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots, or Alice in Chains. AND – this one really bothered me – at #8 it was Hole’s Live Through This album. How is Courney Love going to be higher than Nirvana’s Nevermind album which came in at #10.
5. Personally, Beck should have been higher – Odelay is an amazing album – #1 for me.

BUT – when all was said and done – thank you, Pitchfork. You made me remember some albums that I had forgotten and gave me some happy thoughts – that’s what it’s all about.

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QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“Life is too short to not have fun; we are only here for a short time compared to the sun and the moon.” – by Coolio

morning babble / Wednesday 09-28-22

This is the scribble that leads to the babble. Sometimes, it gets tidied up; but other times, not so much. When all else fails: watch the video!

Pumpkin Spice Cupkakes via Tastykake – I was hoping that it said something about breakfast on here to validate its usage during the morning time hours.

95 days until EXIT PLAN

Welcome to AMA Wednesday –

“When’s your next 3-Day Fast?” – Not next week / The following week

“Still meditating?” – Not really. Because this question came in again – I did today.

“What race are you doing next?” – I might be done for the year. I want to run. I miss the time on the mill listening to podcasts. THAT was my meditation. I’m just going to focus on Jiu-Jitsu since that appeared to be helping me with stretching out the feet amongst other body parts.

Please subscribe on YouTube and spread the Babble wherever you can – Thank you!

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“Think progress, not perfection.” – by Ryan Holiday

His new book officially out Discipline Is Destiny: The Power of Self-Control

morning babble / Tuesday 09-27-22

This is the scribble that leads to the babble. Sometimes, it gets tidied up; but other times, not so much. When all else fails: watch the video!

Just opened this 5lb bag of coffee yesterday – got it from Bean Central and it’s called African Smoke – delicious. But – I opened it and was putting it into sealed off containers. As I was doing it, my wife came over and enjoying the coffee sniff in the air.

Yesterday, I took a quote from this guy – James Clear. I’m going to do it again, but it’s not the quote of the day. This was an Instagram post from him that he called Monday Morning Question: “If you keep doing what you are about to do today for the next five years, will you end up with more of what you want or less of what you want?”

96 days until EXIT PLAN

Quick side note – son is feeling a little better / Will still be home from school.

PODCAST TUESDAY!

Unfortunately, I don’t have a clear-cut winner to report on. I’ve been listening to some of the Jon Stewart podcast, but I know that can put some people off. I’m also listening to this local (Delaware) group of comedy guys who interview other comedians. Still getting a feel for it though. Right now, I’m just late to the party and trying to feel out their show. Learning their lingo!

Listened to ’40s Junction on Sirius XM Radio because of my son being home. He enjoys hearing that channel whenever we are in the car. So, I played it on my computer throughout the day. I really enjoyed doing all my paperwork that I knocked out to it. Need that “noise” in the background.

I am a fan of the “One Song Playlist” for certain tasks. When I write, I enjoy hearing INXS “The Stairs.” When I run, I’ll sometimes listen to Box Car Racer “I Feel So” on repeat.

Please subscribe on YouTube and spread the Babble wherever you can – Thank you!

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“You are your own worst enemy. You waste precious time dreaming of the future instead of engaging in the present.” – by Robert Greene

morning babble / Monday 09-26-22

This is the scribble that leads to the babble. Sometimes, it gets tidied up; but other times, not so much. When all else fails: watch the video!

Yesterday (Sunday) – I ran in the Faithful Friends 5K / Mutt Mile. I have the link for the organization on my website – they save the lives of thousands of pets and find them new homes. So, on Sunday, we didn’t come home with another dog. The one that we saw last year – Bean – is still available. Needs a big fenced in yard . . . we don’t have that. And we have 15 year-old Charle who would be all kinds of a confused by a dog with energy again in the house.

It was great day though. I got 3rd for my age group – the last year in the 40 to 49 grouping. I’m coming for you 50+ next year. BUT – we all were winners when my daughter ran in the kid’s dash and took 1st place. She was beaming. Finally, at the end with the baskets that were raffled off – my wife won this wooden box of alcohol. 5 bottles of liquor / some beer / oh darn.

I did finish the race this year and saw where I made the mistake last year. So sad – I was so close to the end. I also saw the girl who followed me last year. She took 1st again this year for her age group.

97 days until EXIT PLAN

GOAL SETTING MONDAY & REVIEW –

My son is home sick from school today. I just want him to feel better that’s my goal.

He did make me laugh this morning – This morning, he just said YouTube is boring, there’s nothing good, and that he’s watched it all. Can you imagine? You’ve reached the end of YouTube – have a good day

Please subscribe on YouTube and spread the Babble wherever you can – Thank you!

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“The secret to being productive is to work on the right thing – even if it’s at a slow pace.” – by James Clear

morning babble / Friday 09-23-22

This is the scribble that leads to the babble. Sometimes, it gets tidied up; but other times, not so much. When all else fails: watch the video!

The other night, my family and I went out to a local brewer, Twisted Iron, and it was Music Video Bingo night. Videos from today, the 90s, the 80s, the 70s. The Rolling Stones were played with Satisfaction” and Mick Jagger came onto the screen. My daughter, Violet, promptly asked “Is that Luke Skywalker?” Movie Making Magic.

100 days until EXIT PLAN

New Music Friday:

I put together a Spotify playlist of the songs that I talked about and thought about today for New Music Friday. Click here for that!

• As mentioned yesterday, the new SZNZ album – Autumn is out from Weezer. Nearly 25 minutes of new music over 7 songs – unless you get the vinyl. Then, you get an unreleased song. The album has a dance-rock sound to it. The single being played out now is “What happens after you?” One more SZNZ album on December 21st. By the way, Weezer and I are in the same state today. They play tonight in Dover, Delaware at the Firefly Music Festival. I’m not jealous of the people who are there – not at all. Green Day on Saturday – okay, maybe just a little.

• Next month, we get the 2nd album of 2022 from the Red Hot Chili Peppers. It’s called Return of the Dream Canteen – officially on October 14th. Today, we though get the 2nd song release from the album and it’s called “Eddie” which reflects on the late guitarist Eddie Van Halen and gives off a nod towards David Lee Roth. Ever since the Chilis got back their guitarist, John Frusciante, they have truly gotten inspired. Great sounds coming out of this band.

• One of my favorites – Ben Rector – released a single today called “Wonderful World.” Not sure if this is the beginnings of a whole new album, but it’s definitely a new song. Ben teased out a video coming on Twitter, but I couldn’t find it on YouTube this morning. So, I’ll simply play out the tease that he sent on Twitter. (play clip) – You’ve got to give me more than 6 seconds.

• Full album drop today from another one of my favorites: Eve 6. This is the first full-length record in 10 years and is called Hyper Relevisation. 30 minutes over 10 new songs. They’ve already pretty much released the majority of the album, but I’ll take it all.

• More music I like – Awolnation – they released a new single today called ‘Freaking Me Out’. I searched and searched for details on a new album but didn’t find anything . . . today. I’ll keep looking.

• And finally . . . new Shania Twain – her first single since 2017 – that’s 5 years – the song is called “Waking up Dreaming”. And there’s a video. (clip) Nice eye lashes. No news on a full album but she did just sign with her new label partner Republic Nashville, which is a division of Republic Records. So, I anticipate something bigger on the horizon.

• Next month – October is a big month: Arctic Monkeys / The 1975 / Red Hot Chili Peppers / and some woman by the name of Taylor Swift

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Lastly, I’m running this weekend! On Sunday the 25th for Team NCCL – little school in Newark, DE. The race is the Faithful Friends 5k Run at Bellevue State Park

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“I am able to accept criticism because I am my biggest critic” – by Jalen Hurts

morning babble / Thursday 09-22-22

This is the scribble that leads to the babble. Sometimes, it gets tidied up; but other times, not so much. When all else fails: watch the video!

HAPPY FRIDAY EVE! But, more importantly – Happy 1st Day of Autumn!

101 days until EXIT PLAN

So, yesterday, I talked about Weezer and that they would be releasing their seasonal album today and yes . . . it is officially out. Now, we’ve had Spring, Summer, we’ll get Winter on December 21st. But today . . . we get Autumn – not Fall – but Autumn.

Love Autumn

My daughter’s birthday is October 2nd – we almost named her Autumn. Instead, we went with Violet which I think is much more appropriate. Some people will say “aww” because she’s sweet like flower. To that I say, hmm . . . that’s interesting, but not what I was thinking. I see Violet and I see one letter away from Violent.

Anyway – new Weezer today – nearly 25 minutes of new music over 7 songs – unless you get the vinyl. Then, you get an unreleased song. Lead singer, Rivers Cuomo, says that this album has a dance-rock sound similar to artists such as Franz Ferdinand and The Strokes

Please subscribe on YouTube and spread the Babble wherever you can – Thank you!

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“With each step I take, I see that my ability to perform gets a little better. So until it starts getting worse, I’m going to keep moving forward.” – by Rivers Cuomo

morning babble: Wednesday -9-21-22

This is the scribble that leads to the babble. Sometimes, it gets tidied up; but other times, not so much. When all else fails: watch the video!

Happy Autumn Eve – tomorrow is the official 1st Day of Autumn or is it Fall? We also get the new seasonal album from Weezer – we’ll see what they call it too.

102 days until EXIT PLAN

Welcome to AMA Wednesday –

“Wasn’t that the race you made the wrong turn?” Yes. What are they talking about? Well, last year, I ran in the Faithful Friends 5k Run at Bellevue State Park which is this Sunday, September 25th.

“How’s Cushion Fart?” He’s good. 2 good stories.

Please subscribe on YouTube and spread the Babble wherever you can – Thank you!

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“Anxiety, the illness of our time, comes primarily from our inability to dwell in the present moment.” by Thich Nhat Hanh (Tick Not Han) via Ryan Holiday

morning babble / Tuesday 09-20-22

This is the scribble that leads to the babble. Sometimes, it gets tidied up; but other times, not so much. When all else fails: watch the video!

103 days until EXIT PLAN

PODCAST TUESDAY!

Overused terms in the podcast world: 100% / Circle Back / Put a pin in it / Bookmark

A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs by Andrew Hickey – click here

He “looks at the history of rock and roll music, starting with a few pre-rock songs that clearly influenced the burgeoning rock and roll genre, and ending up in 1999”. First episode begins in 1939 with “Flying Home” by the Benny Goodman Sextet. Currently, we’re only at Episode 153: “Heroes and Villains” by the Beach Boys. There’s a lot more to go.

This guy Andrew Hickey – at first – his voice caught me off guard. I honestly didn’t know what to think, but then I started really liking it.

Clip

I learned about this podcast via one of my favorite newsletters – Recomendo

Please subscribe on YouTube and spread the Babble wherever you can – Thank you!

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“Re-examine all that you have been told . . . dismiss that which insults your soul.” – by Walt Whitman