brent evans

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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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

morning babble / Monday 09-19-22

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 Monday! Push it through and make it that – a happy day.

I already Jiu-Jitsu’d today. A little bit of a struggle this morning though. I ran twice this weekend. First time – on the mill. Second time – outside. Plantar Fasciitis – still there.

I will be running with the team from my kid’s old school – NCCL – in the Faithful Friends 5k Run at Bellevue State Park this Sunday, September 25th.

104 days until EXIT PLAN

GOAL SETTING MONDAY & REVIEW –

Learned from Derek Sivers

Two ways of setting goals for yourself

1. Driven by dissatisfaction – raise the bar / Accept the dissatisfaction until the goal is hit
2. Or lower the bar to feel satisfaction throughout until you hit the overall goal

Struggling to get something done . . . if you’re at home, this is easy. Fold clothes and put them away. A sense of accomplishment will be achieved and will help propel you onto the next task. Put dishes away that are now clean from the overnight dishwasher cleaning.

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QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.” by Marcus Aurelius

morning babble / Friday 09-16-22

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!

My first win of the day – I didn’t hit snooze to begin. I fought it and stood up. I didn’t really want to begin today. Why? Well, minutes before my 3-Day fast was about to end, over a glorious dinner of chicken fajitas and the beverage of beer, I was notified that my employee was calling out for today and that threw me back on the road. That was a punch. I had to miss jiu-jitsu because of the early start. A whole lot of work has now been pushed to the weekend, which is never fun.

So, how am I going to get out of this? I didn’t hit snooze – that was my first win. Next, I already checked on my family and I’m so fortunate to have them here for me. And finally, music. Lots of music.

107 days until EXIT PLAN

Let’s go!

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!

• Death Cab for Cutie – the band’s 10th album – Asphalt Meadows has fully dropped. Little over 40 minutes of new music spread out over 11 songs. This is going to be a good album for me to catch up on today. I need some of that chill sound adding to my day’s thoughts.

• This was a pleasant surprise today – Father John Misty revealed a new Live at Electric Lady EP. It’s a Spotify exclusive recorded at Jimi Hendrix’s famous New York City studio. With this EP, you get five songs from his most recent album Chloë and the Next 20th Century, as well as a cover of Stevie Wonder’s “I Believe (When I Fall In Love It Will Be Forever).” That Chloe album has never seen the record cabinet for me. It stays out, so I can keep playing it.

• A big album that dropped today that I have to mention is the one from the reigning queen of K-pop: Blackpink. Their album Born Pink is out – only 8 songs. Don’t blink – it’s all over in 25 minutes. Not necessarily my flavor for sound, I can still tell good pop-sounding music. Oh – and this might be it – like the END for Blackpink. Solo albums apparently are in the future for the foursome.

• Alright this confused the junk out of me today. Kenny Wayne Shepherd – amazing guitarist and sadly an artist I forget about at times, but should so go back and tap in to. Anyway, Spotify had listed under its new music the song “True Lies”. I listened and was like, I really like that but I thought he did that already. He did. It’s off his album, “True Lies . . . “. He’s touring celebrating the 25th anniversary of this album. So, I believe this was a redone version of the song in order to simply draw attention to the album . . . again. I anticipate a 25th anniversary album or something, but sadly couldn’t find anything written up on it. I’ll reach out to his reps, maybe he needs Babble interview. Back in my radio days, I played songs from this album from my new music show “Breaking & Entering”. See Kenny – you and me are getting old together. I’ll celebrate that 25th with ya.

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

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“We can’t always choose the music life plays for us, but we can choose how we dance to it.” – by somebody (unknown)