Travel Tips

Here's our dog, Chloe. We took her from an abusive family when she was 4 months old. Although her wiring will always be a little screwed up, she is the sweetest dog anyone could ever own. She still has problems warming up to people, but would never bite unless grabbed by surprise. For a little dog, she's extremely athletic & loves running in the back yard & fetching frisbees. We have had her nearly 8 years now (as of 2007).

Throw it again Dad!!...pant, pant, pant.

The rest of my chapters are dedicated to my other love, music. I enjoy a very diverse array of musical selections. Here is a shot of Black Label Society, a band formed in 1998 by Ozzy Osbourne's guitar prodigy, Zakk Wylde. I've been following Zakk for 17 years. The first time I saw this guy play live, my jaw almost split in half. His merciless style of metal guitar will blow your head off. But, it isn't just the metal...Zakk's melodies and "softer" tunes are just as amazing. I saw him play this acoustic piece that perplexed me. He's not just fast, but incredibly accurate and his song styles are all about SDMF attitude. It stands for Strength, Determination, Merciless, Forever....a creed that Zakk lives by every day. I also admire his reason for living...God, Family, Country, Beer (in that order...gotta have the beer in there for Zakk.) He's definitely one of the craziest people I've ever seen, but one of the coolest, down-to-earth guys I've met.

I always thought "Creep" was a great song...but I never anticipated Radiohead evolving into the music pioneers that they are today...after their debut album, Pablo Honey. When I heard The Bends, I was very impressed. Then, "OK Computer" was released. I was floored! This album, in my opinion, is one of the greatest masterpieces ever created. It took music to a previously untouched level. Thom Yorke's haunting vocals are so powerful. He & fellow bandmate Jonny Greenwood have created some amazingly beautiful songs...however sad or dark they may be. To see them live is nothing short of spellbinding.

Dubbed as a "freaky little girl" after her tyrade on MTV's Music Video Awards after her "Best New Artist" award acceptance, Fiona Apple forged forward with a landmark sophomore album, "When the Pawn...." Recently, she released her long awaited third album, "Extraordinary Machine." Yes, she is a little crazy, but you would be too if you went through what she endured as a child. You can read it for yourself on your own time. Her voice is strange, beautiful, & penetrating. She can pull off any musical style and does it with ease. The fact that she is eccentric coupled with her natural talent for writing music creates a melting pot of enchanting songs. I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to see her perform twice in concert....one time was front row!

Ok...anyone a guitar freak? I sure as hell am. Joe Satriani is among the elite in this world when it comes to guitars. Of course, there are others I love...Steve Vai, John Petrucci, Kirk Hammett, Eric Johnson, Lindsey Buckingham, & countless classic guitarists like Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Tony Iommi, Randy Rhoads, Eddie Van Halen, & Jake E. Lee...just to name a few. However, Satriani's style & creativity marks him as one of the Godfathers of electric guitar. Ever want to see a guitar clinic? Go see Joe play live.

These last two chapters are dedicated to some lesser known musicians. I have some friends that play locally in the Indianapolis region called The Woomblies. These guys are so incredibly talented that anyone one of the four members could be in a HUGE national act. They opt not to due to their family lifestyle. If you're ever in the Indy area, check www.woomblies. com for show listings. They are fantastic!

As much as I love my rock, blues are my second love. Tad has been in the Blues scene forever it seems. This guy's smooth vocals and amazing harmonica jams are what true blues are made of. No offense to Steve Ray Vaughn, but this is what REAL blues is all about. Tad's unique soul-inspired Chicago-style blues are nothing short of spectacular. Tad has left a large imprint on the Blues world and is very well respected amongst his peers. Visit the Slippery Noodle in Indianapolis sometime when Tad is playing...you won't regret it.