A House Not A Home...again
Talking to friends in the area whom describe their abode as a "second" home seems about right. What was I thinking calling mine a "vacation house" which now makes little to no sense to me. Both, whether you call it a vacation or second home are money pits or the back hole of time. I now spent the second of two days cleaning the yard. A small piece of property but it was filled with leaves and acorns, millions of acorns which have accumulated the last few weeks. A total of six large plastic bags filled to the brim with leaves and acorns.This after a few days of ripping up rugs, removing water from the floor, etc, etc, due to the hot water heating experience (previous blog).
I'm still working on removing or attempting to rid the air of the stench left from the hot water fiasco. During trips to the various markets in the area I purchased a few GLADE air fresheners, a few too many RID-X boxes to aid in the removal of the humidity floating in the air, and various other gadgets and devices to help us out.Mostly to no avail.
Now, the master carpenter arrived to estimate the cost of repairs to the walls.His schedule is booked until mid April which gives us the opportunity to save up a few bucks for that project after we pay for the hot water heater and installation as well as the new rug installation. I did learn a lesson from a conversation with a friend the other day, describe the home as not a vacation home or second home but rather as your future full time residence. Funny how after the cost of all the projects in the last few months, this might be my permanent residence, or....the only one I can now afford.
Saturday, February 6, 2016
Friday, February 5, 2016
AND THE STARS LOOK VERY DIFFERENT TODAY...
David Bowie passed away. It appears by all reports that he was ill for quite some time, and being very private kept the information regarding his condition away from the public's eye and ears. I'm still processing what his death means, he as the artist and cultural icon will be missed. Yet, his influence on the world is more demanding for us to reflect about. Bowie was an astute business man. Many do NOT know of how he became , I believe, the first artist to sell (Limited 10 year) bonds for his future earnings of his "art". What does that mean?
David Bowie passed away. It appears by all reports that he was ill for quite some time, and being very private kept the information regarding his condition away from the public's eye and ears. I'm still processing what his death means, he as the artist and cultural icon will be missed. Yet, his influence on the world is more demanding for us to reflect about. Bowie was an astute business man. Many do NOT know of how he became , I believe, the first artist to sell (Limited 10 year) bonds for his future earnings of his "art". What does that mean?
Bowie Bonds are asset backed securities of current and future revenues of the 25 albums (287 songs) that David Bowie recorded before 1990. Bowie Bonds were pioneered in 1997 by rock and roll investment banker David Pullman.[1] Issued in 1997, the bonds were bought for US$55 million by the Prudential Insurance Company of America.[2][3] The bonds paid an interest rate of 7.9% and had an average life of ten years,[4] a higher rate of return than a 10-year Treasury note (at the time, 6.37%).[3] Royalties from the 25 albums generated the cash flow that secured the bonds' interest payments.[5] Prudential also received guarantees from Bowie's label, EMI Records, which had recently signed a $30m deal with Bowie.[3] By forfeiting ten years worth of royalties, David Bowie was able to receive a payment of US$55 million up front. Bowie used this income to buy songs owned by his former manager.[4] Bowie's combined catalog of albums covered by this agreement sold more than 1 million copies annually at the time of the agreement.[3] However, by March 2004, Moody's Investors Service lowered the bonds from an A3 rating (the seventh highest rating) to Baa3, one notch above junk status.[6][7] The downgrade was prompted by lower-than-expected revenue "due to weakness in sales for recorded music" and that an unnamed company guaranteed the issue.[8]
The Bowie bonds liquidated in 2007 as originally planned, without default, and the rights to the income from the songs reverted to David Bowie.
NY TIMES: At the time it was a good deal for Mr. Bowie. He got upfront cash for a decade’s worth of royalty and licensing revenue without having to give up ownership of his songs. Originally rated A3 by Moody’s Investors Service, Bowie bonds were later downgraded to Baa3, just above junk status. By the early 2000s, Internet file sharing had become a factor, and musicians were generating less income because album sales were declining.Still, Mr. Bowie’s Wall Street collaboration inspired other celebrities to cash in while the getting was still good. Edward Holland, Brian Holland and Lamont Dozier, the Motown hit songwriters, did a deal, as did James Brown and Rod Stewart. In 2002, DreamWorks SKG entered into a $1 billion deal involving its film catalog.
At least we still have his body of work.
NY TIMES: At the time it was a good deal for Mr. Bowie. He got upfront cash for a decade’s worth of royalty and licensing revenue without having to give up ownership of his songs. Originally rated A3 by Moody’s Investors Service, Bowie bonds were later downgraded to Baa3, just above junk status. By the early 2000s, Internet file sharing had become a factor, and musicians were generating less income because album sales were declining.Still, Mr. Bowie’s Wall Street collaboration inspired other celebrities to cash in while the getting was still good. Edward Holland, Brian Holland and Lamont Dozier, the Motown hit songwriters, did a deal, as did James Brown and Rod Stewart. In 2002, DreamWorks SKG entered into a $1 billion deal involving its film catalog.
At least we still have his body of work.
Sunday, January 31, 2016
When A House Is Not A Home...
Traveling south on I-95 is usually a joyous trip. Leaving behind about 20 inches of snow on a dead end street, a street where some neighbors don't even acknowledge when you wave hello, was definitely a plus for the need for this outing. A few minor delays, a few too many times turning the windshield wipers on to clear my visibility, and only a slight rise in temperature led me to believe this might be a curious journey.
Arriving at, what I loving call our vacation home, all bags were unloaded from the car and our visitation began. Twelve hours, exactly, door to door, 703 miles, with our dog, cat, and bird as traveling companions. Then, it happened.
My bride said that the bottom of her bag which was placed on the master bedroom floor only a short time ago was wet. Then, another. bag, and another was found wet. I walked over and there it was, a squishy feeling around my shoes; WATER, soaking water, filling the carpet with water. Thinking it had to be a leak penetrating the bedroom window from the recent heavy torrential downpours, I was resigned to getting good night's rest. My thoughts in my sleep led to me to a temporary insomnia so I pondered the water question. Hearing a drip, my hypothesis of window leakage went out the proverbial window. Next up, it could be the outside faucet leaking in the flooring.
The next morning the plumber was called after I moved the refrigerator, finding water behind the unit. Ah, the ice cube maker was broken and probably shooting high pressure water on the wall before seeping into the carpet in the adjoining room. At least that would give the plumber a purpose.
Not to be. The line for the ice maker was perfect, and the outside faucet was okay. However the plumber did hear a drip. Removing the skirting around the house the plumber with his flashlight found water, and a major leak coming from the house. We searched the kitchen water line, the main line, etc, etc, etc. Until I said, could it be my hot water heater "under the house" to which he said, "you don't have a hot water heater under your house". Embarrassed I responded that I did not know where the hot water heater would be then, to which he removed a few screws in a panel in the master bedroom and found not only the hot water heated but the source of the leak.The hot water heater was cracked and spewing water, rusted water.
Using about 15 towels, I started to sop up the water while he, the plumber checked for the availability of a replacement. Being late in the afternoon, we arranged to start work in the morning. Meanwhile, I continued to wring out the towels, wash each (in cold water), and dry before using again. Contemplating what this would cost got worse as the panel which originally hid the hot water heater collapse and disintegrated from the weight of the water. Now we would have the extra expense of replacing the panel in the master bedroom.
The water heater was replaced the next morn and a huge fan and a smaller one were strategically placed in the room hoping to dry out the rugs. But to no avail. So now I ripped out the carpeting and the padding beneath it, which was the true villain here. Cost will be a new carpet, padding and installation. And while we are at it let's re-carpet the guest room where we are now sleeping due to the horrendous odor of mildew in the master bedroom.
Adding this all up we have the cost of the initial plumber visit, the purchase of a new hot water heater, all the necessary materials needed to install said heater which includes new tubing, a pan, new electric line, new water lines both intake and out flow, new carpeting and padding, a measurement cost,and a carpenter with all materials to replace the wall. All this for our "vacation" home.
Arriving at, what I loving call our vacation home, all bags were unloaded from the car and our visitation began. Twelve hours, exactly, door to door, 703 miles, with our dog, cat, and bird as traveling companions. Then, it happened.
My bride said that the bottom of her bag which was placed on the master bedroom floor only a short time ago was wet. Then, another. bag, and another was found wet. I walked over and there it was, a squishy feeling around my shoes; WATER, soaking water, filling the carpet with water. Thinking it had to be a leak penetrating the bedroom window from the recent heavy torrential downpours, I was resigned to getting good night's rest. My thoughts in my sleep led to me to a temporary insomnia so I pondered the water question. Hearing a drip, my hypothesis of window leakage went out the proverbial window. Next up, it could be the outside faucet leaking in the flooring.
The next morning the plumber was called after I moved the refrigerator, finding water behind the unit. Ah, the ice cube maker was broken and probably shooting high pressure water on the wall before seeping into the carpet in the adjoining room. At least that would give the plumber a purpose.
Not to be. The line for the ice maker was perfect, and the outside faucet was okay. However the plumber did hear a drip. Removing the skirting around the house the plumber with his flashlight found water, and a major leak coming from the house. We searched the kitchen water line, the main line, etc, etc, etc. Until I said, could it be my hot water heater "under the house" to which he said, "you don't have a hot water heater under your house". Embarrassed I responded that I did not know where the hot water heater would be then, to which he removed a few screws in a panel in the master bedroom and found not only the hot water heated but the source of the leak.The hot water heater was cracked and spewing water, rusted water.
Using about 15 towels, I started to sop up the water while he, the plumber checked for the availability of a replacement. Being late in the afternoon, we arranged to start work in the morning. Meanwhile, I continued to wring out the towels, wash each (in cold water), and dry before using again. Contemplating what this would cost got worse as the panel which originally hid the hot water heater collapse and disintegrated from the weight of the water. Now we would have the extra expense of replacing the panel in the master bedroom.
The water heater was replaced the next morn and a huge fan and a smaller one were strategically placed in the room hoping to dry out the rugs. But to no avail. So now I ripped out the carpeting and the padding beneath it, which was the true villain here. Cost will be a new carpet, padding and installation. And while we are at it let's re-carpet the guest room where we are now sleeping due to the horrendous odor of mildew in the master bedroom.
Adding this all up we have the cost of the initial plumber visit, the purchase of a new hot water heater, all the necessary materials needed to install said heater which includes new tubing, a pan, new electric line, new water lines both intake and out flow, new carpeting and padding, a measurement cost,and a carpenter with all materials to replace the wall. All this for our "vacation" home.
Friday, October 9, 2015
1965: The Most Revolutionary Year In Music by Andrew Grant Jackson
What a cover. The psychedelic poster colors, the swirling letters, the flowers, all that is what caught my eye. And the reviews weren't too shabby either. So I bought a copy for my new Kindle Fire and away on a journey back to 1965 I traveled. The author, Andrew Grant Jackson, makes a bold hypothesis' surmising that 1965 IS the "most revolutionary year in music". Debatable, to say the least but interesting as hell.
Jackson starts off with a 1965 "SELECTED" TIME LINE (the quotation marks are mine), one which helped to pique my interest and excitement about what the author may offer to prove his theory. He then sections his book off to four seasons (not the singing group fronted by Frankie Valli); Winter , Spring, Summer, and the better choice than fall, Autumn. Each section title tends to lead the reader to believe the author will offer a chronological approach at a proof. While filling each section's subsequent chapters with anecdotal information, Billboard like charting data, followed by a political climate overview of that time, the author offered his proof thematically, using a musician(s) as the anchor to each chapter. This model of presentation sometimes confused me ,as I then needed to "post-reference" his said reference AKA I needed to backtrack too many times.
The overall reading experience DID spark some nostalgia in me, having me traveling back in time to that ever present AM radio and/or the small screened black and white television the kind that needed time to warm up) circa 1965. However, Andrew Grant Jackson's thesis that 1965 was the "most revolutionary" year in music, while exciting and interesting, was not proven to me.
Jackson starts off with a 1965 "SELECTED" TIME LINE (the quotation marks are mine), one which helped to pique my interest and excitement about what the author may offer to prove his theory. He then sections his book off to four seasons (not the singing group fronted by Frankie Valli); Winter , Spring, Summer, and the better choice than fall, Autumn. Each section title tends to lead the reader to believe the author will offer a chronological approach at a proof. While filling each section's subsequent chapters with anecdotal information, Billboard like charting data, followed by a political climate overview of that time, the author offered his proof thematically, using a musician(s) as the anchor to each chapter. This model of presentation sometimes confused me ,as I then needed to "post-reference" his said reference AKA I needed to backtrack too many times.
The overall reading experience DID spark some nostalgia in me, having me traveling back in time to that ever present AM radio and/or the small screened black and white television the kind that needed time to warm up) circa 1965. However, Andrew Grant Jackson's thesis that 1965 was the "most revolutionary" year in music, while exciting and interesting, was not proven to me.
Monday, September 15, 2014
Rock and Roll: The Trivia Game- Game#1
Can not believe I have not written anything in over a year. Call it writer's block or just sheer laziness but the fact is there WAS and IS plenty to comment on, with what is happening in the world. However, I do not want to do that today for today is an all new idea. Just a little Rock and Roll trivia for you to ponder. The game goes like this. I'll put down a few questions for your brain to zero in on. Get 'em correct and you are a winner, get 'em wrong, you still win as no one will ever know. So here goes, GAME #1...Good luck
MUSICAL TRIVIA
1)It was the
third of June, another sleepy, dusty delta day...Name that tune....
2)April
Four, a shot rings out in the Memphis sky...Name that tune..
3)Give The
date mentioned in the title of this Earth, Wind and Fire November 1978 hit:" Do
You Remember the.........."
4)The
TEMPTATIONS informed us that PAPA WAS A ROLLING STONE, and that Papa died
on this date........
5)In THE
BAND'S historical masterpiece THE NIGHT THEY DROVE OLD DIXIE DOWN, according to
Robbie Robertson's recollection "In the Winter of 65, we were hungry, just
barely alive......on which date did Richmond fall?
6) 1959
RECORD OF THE YEAR was THE BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS by Johnny Horton. In what year
did they take "a little trip along with Colonel Jackson along the mighty Mississippi...?
7)The
following year of 1960 Johnny Horton had another smash hit with SINK THE BISMARK,historica
accurate, what month and year does he mention?
8)Originally
an 11 verse B-Side written by Miss Bobbie Gentry, this 1967 classic song was
trimmed in half and re-released as an A side winning 4 Grammys and recognition
as #412 of Rolling Stone Magazines TOP 500 GREATEST SONGS, ODE TO BILLIE JOE
has Billie Joe McAllister jumping off which bridge?
9) The first
TOP TEN hit for Gary Lewis and The Playboys was actually recorded by the
legendary Wrecking Crew with heavily overdubbed vocals added to very weak
vocals by Gary Lewis and of course The
Playboys were nowhere near the record(s). Actually arranged by Leon Russell,
this hit was written by Bob Brass, Irwin Levine, and another famous keyboardist
who also provided the organ parts for Bob Dylan's LIKE A ROLLING STONE. Name
this artist.
10)The
Shangri La's had a hit June of 64 with THE LEADER OF THE PACK. What was The
Leader's name?
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
It Still Hurts: Six Weeks and Counting
It definitely still hurts, even after six weeks of medication and being restrained by a sling. The emotional and physical pain comes with bouts of sleep depredation, with not having permission to drive even locally, and then enduring 12 sessions of physical therapy (non-weight bearing). Even with all that the worst part is being on Home Lockup. Don't get me wrong, I love my home and everything that goes with it but hey....being told that for six weeks I was to avoid crowds. End result,the weight comes on. Oh, yea, a good 10 pounds of spare tire has developed. My pants are now officially too tight. Not the new skinny jeans tight either. No, belly bulge tight.
The large electric ice box has become like a friend. There is always something in there to gain my attention. And most items found there if not already opened can be opened with one hand, very conveniently I might add. The refrig also serves as a night light during the long extended bouts of insomnia. So after putting a nice snack together and grabbing a cold refreshing beverage it is off to the TV set, my other late night buddy.Try to get comfortable, which is an adventure in itself at the sofa and then click the on switch while simulataneously changing the channel from NEWS12, I then proceed to faithfully watch "five seconds of everything" as my bride has exclaimed on more than one occasion. It should be noted that my bride has become like my own personal butler by helping me dress, loop a belt, tie my shoes, and of course drive me to my many appointments. She's a keeper and she prays for my medical clearance every moment...or at least that is what it sounds like.
After the morning sun and having my coffee it is off to the showers. Try washing your hair one handed or toweling off. Missed a few spots. You bet I did. Shaving is non-existent so it's off the Sal The Barber once a week for a HOT TOWEL SHAVE. I look almost human again. The bride smiles.
As a reward for both of us I suggest going out to dinner. Forgetting I only have one hand and can not cut steak, I order a Aha Tuna. Oh well. However, I do apply ice faithfully to the wound and throw a few down while I'm out to dinner. Both relieve the pain somewhat and aided in sleep that evening.
Six weeks and counting. Jazzbus@gmail.com
The large electric ice box has become like a friend. There is always something in there to gain my attention. And most items found there if not already opened can be opened with one hand, very conveniently I might add. The refrig also serves as a night light during the long extended bouts of insomnia. So after putting a nice snack together and grabbing a cold refreshing beverage it is off to the TV set, my other late night buddy.Try to get comfortable, which is an adventure in itself at the sofa and then click the on switch while simulataneously changing the channel from NEWS12, I then proceed to faithfully watch "five seconds of everything" as my bride has exclaimed on more than one occasion. It should be noted that my bride has become like my own personal butler by helping me dress, loop a belt, tie my shoes, and of course drive me to my many appointments. She's a keeper and she prays for my medical clearance every moment...or at least that is what it sounds like.
After the morning sun and having my coffee it is off to the showers. Try washing your hair one handed or toweling off. Missed a few spots. You bet I did. Shaving is non-existent so it's off the Sal The Barber once a week for a HOT TOWEL SHAVE. I look almost human again. The bride smiles.
As a reward for both of us I suggest going out to dinner. Forgetting I only have one hand and can not cut steak, I order a Aha Tuna. Oh well. However, I do apply ice faithfully to the wound and throw a few down while I'm out to dinner. Both relieve the pain somewhat and aided in sleep that evening.
Six weeks and counting. Jazzbus@gmail.com
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Over 100 Years Experience
Just left a retirement party, one which celebrated local educators. Quite a gala event I might add, with over 170 paying guests. What is truly amazing is the sheer numbers represented this evening. Four teachers individually represented by 21 years of experience (26 overall), 31 years (33 overall), 33 years and lastly 34 years, totalling the 4 teaching in one building working for 129 years, 136 if you count prior experience elsewhere.
Not a math student but I will attempt the data: 129 years x 183 working days= 23607 days. Remove a few sick days, snow days, conference day and whatever days, let's round it off to 23500 teaching days. Now each performs at least 5 teaching periods a day, sometimes classes of multiple levels, different grade levels, etc, but still equalling a staggering 117500 class periods. That's 117500 lesson plans.
Each year budgetary concerns can influence an administrators determination for class size. Some districts have limits set by teachers contracts; this district does not. However, classes will never be under subscriped (less than 15), and over 32 is pushing it big time. So let's conservatively state average class size at 26. So 117500 classes taught times 26 students per class...3,055,000 student contacts. Homeworks corrected, tests written and graded, voluntary extra credit, extra curricular events, PTA meetings, Graduation, Prom Chaperon, trip organizer, cafeteria/ hall duty, attendance/homeroom, arrival bus duty, dismissal bus duty ...more student interaction time, some with additional day but most not.
This celebration was for only four people....of a school consisting of 123 teachers. Whew...my hat goes off to those in the "trenches", and to those who say "teachers are overpaid, cry babies"...well, another time.
Not a math student but I will attempt the data: 129 years x 183 working days= 23607 days. Remove a few sick days, snow days, conference day and whatever days, let's round it off to 23500 teaching days. Now each performs at least 5 teaching periods a day, sometimes classes of multiple levels, different grade levels, etc, but still equalling a staggering 117500 class periods. That's 117500 lesson plans.
Each year budgetary concerns can influence an administrators determination for class size. Some districts have limits set by teachers contracts; this district does not. However, classes will never be under subscriped (less than 15), and over 32 is pushing it big time. So let's conservatively state average class size at 26. So 117500 classes taught times 26 students per class...3,055,000 student contacts. Homeworks corrected, tests written and graded, voluntary extra credit, extra curricular events, PTA meetings, Graduation, Prom Chaperon, trip organizer, cafeteria/ hall duty, attendance/homeroom, arrival bus duty, dismissal bus duty ...more student interaction time, some with additional day but most not.
This celebration was for only four people....of a school consisting of 123 teachers. Whew...my hat goes off to those in the "trenches", and to those who say "teachers are overpaid, cry babies"...well, another time.
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