September 10, 2010 Class Blog Number One

These past few weeks have been hectic.  Labor Day was a much needed day off from work, as well as from school.  I spent the day grilling and spending time with close friends and family.  We grilled shrimp, rib-eyes, kebabs with purple onions, bell peppers, and fresh mushrooms.  They were so delicious!  Also, some Coors light was consumed. Later in the day, I went to visit a friend I've known since Kindergarten- and we had a big time. We played Rock Band for hours. I am terrible at the drums, and I want to play better, so I practice whenever possible.  I'd like to have The Beatles version of the game at home, because The Beatles are the greatest band of all time. The Beatles are also my favorite band. I dig them because they were innovators and they have influenced many people.  John Lennon and Paul McCartney evidently shared the same brain. They were on the same page and shared what seems to be some sort of telekinetic link between one another. I have never been able to develop it; though my oldest friend and I can communicate without words, but if they were words, they would be short. It is difficult to choose a favorite contributing member, as everyone wants to choose Lennon, because he wrote the best songs, but Ringo Starr has the most unique sound. Also, drummers who can sing at the same time as they are playing are admirable.  I hate that they broke up before they could make any more music. In seven years, they wrote and recorded only 12 albums, most of which, on the early albums, were covers.  My favorite album is Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.  I read in The Beatles Anthology that some of the craziest things were put into that album. For instance, on the very last track, John suggested that a 15 kilocycle whistle be added for the track, "in case any dogs might be listening". ( http://math.mercyhurst.edu/~griff/sgtpepper/sgt.html)  Also, four french horn players were employed for the album. I am a teacher's aide, and the teacher I work with and I have many years separating us. One thing we both agree on is The Beatles. I work mainly with elementary kids, and when they are well-behaved and follow directions, I play music for them.  I find that they all love The Beatles.  They don't get much of the convoluted meanings and references that are buried in the songs, they simply take them for what they are:  catchy pop tunes. Since last Christmas, I have begun collecting records. I have a pretty good selection so far, with a few Beatles albums, only one is the original pressing, however, because their albums are the highest in demand and can be very pricey.  The Holy Grail of these albums would be a first pressing of Sgt. Pepper in mint condition.

This weekend, my girlfriend and I are going to see Avatar in 3D, or possibly Resident Evil 5 in 3D. I am a sucker for the rebirth of the 3D craze. I keep every pair of glasses, as well as the tickets. I am looking forward to a very relaxing weekend.