Thunderbolt

I know what you're thinking: I got this new Kindle/Nook for Christmas and I want to kill some time while I wait for the New Year's Eve's activities to begin. Might I suggest a book? How about BASEMENT SONGS? Both Kindle and Nook editions of the book are available for $5.99 and all proceeds go to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Kindle edition can be purchase here: Nook edition can be purchased here: And of course, you can order the paperback from Lulu Happy New Year!

Julie and went out for our anniversary tonight and stopped at Two Bucks in North Olmsted for a night cap. The jukebox was loaded with more music than I've ever seen, one of those digital machines that has access to nearly everything under the sun. Highlight of the night was hearing Springsteen's "Book of Dreams," (our love song) followed by this Los Lobos deep cut that was also played at our wedding. Happy Anniversary to my beloved wife, Julie. 19 years have flown by.

Some very nice reviews of BASEMENT SONGS from readers have begun to pop up. There are three over at Amazon, one at Goodreads, and then there is this one by my colleague Ted Asregadoo. Ted and I have known each other for several years, first through blogging, and then as a part of the Popdose staff. We've collaborated on some cool projects (including a Lost/Peter Gabriel experiment) and finally met in 2011 when I was in San Fran. Ted just got the book this past week and he just finished it. This review appears on his blog, Py Korry. Please read the review pump up the numbers to Ted's site!  Leave a comment it you like. http://pykorry.com/?p=2745

As per the request of my good friend, Ted Asregadoo, here is the only known photograph of the Whomobile (together with the North Olmsted Boys Cross Country team), taken the summer of 1987 (if I'm not mistaken). As I try to convey in BASEMENT SONGS, this Whomobile was more than just a car, it was a statement of individuality. It's incredible that after 25 years the thought of that machine still brings happy thoughts to my mind. Thanks to my old friend, Phil Sprague, for sending me this photo several years ago. If anyone knows the names of the other fine fellows in the picture please let me know!

Thanks to my friend, Rob Smith, BASEMENT SONGS is now listed on Goodreads. For anyone who has read the book, a quick review on the site would be greatly appreciated!  Same goes for Amazon, if you've had a chance to read BASEMENT SONGS, your thoughts will help draw up interest. Here's a link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17157742-basement-songs

It's difficult to put into words how I feel about Friday's tragedy. I was at work when the news broke in Los Angeles, and the busy events of that work day suppressed any anger, sadness and fear that I had. It wasn't until just a few minutes ago, with Sunday winding down, that it all came out. I just want to cry and punch something at the same time. When something of this magnitude happens, all I want to do is grab my children and wrap them in my arms. To have either Sophie or Jake ripped from my life would devastate me, as I'm sure it would do any parent. My thoughts and prayers go out to those grieving families in Connecticut. The world is with you, not that that will bring you any comfort anytime soon.

Once upon a time, we went to Hawaii. In 2003 our family took a trip to Hawaii so I could run the Honolulu Marathon. I raised over $10K for the CF Foundation training for that race. Here's the chapter from Basement Songs that explains how we wound up there and why the music of Bruce Springsteen has become so inspirational to our family. BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN SOPHIE’S SPRINGSTEEN TAPE Bruce Springsteen released his 12th studio album, The Rising , in July 2002, beginning a creative streak that has not let up in ten years. With the U.S. still reeling from the 9/11 terrorist attacks and stories of fallen soldiers in the headlines, the Boss recorded a masterful reflection on loss, sorrow, love, hope, redemption and trying to find one’s way through the darkness.  Each song stands up with his finest material from an extraordinary career that dates back to 1973. Making the album even more compelling was the fact that Springsteen recorded The Rising with the fabled E Street Band for the first t...