Bring it Back, Bring it Baack Agaain!

For real, I so want to bring y'all a real post, soon I hope. For right now, I am really sick. I only get sick once every three or four years, and guess what? Well for right now I am trying to cheer myself up with Rockabilly music. While I am at it I might as well cheer you up to. Here are a few vids I found on YouTube.

Stray Cats-Bring it Back Again

Who remembers the MTV intermission with the moon landing and the astronaut planting the MTV flag in the moon?

Oh my God! Stray Cats playing Oh Boy!


Wild Black Jets - Rockabilly Boogie


Matt Hole and The Hot Rod Gang


A special treat for the boys
Wanda Jackson - Rock Your Baby (1958)


Don McLean - The meaning of American Pie (UPDATE)
Folks, grab your Kleenexes


Since I hate chemical medicine, I need to go to the store and buy some lemon and Jack Daniels to add to my tea and honey. Works every time.

Q & A for Mike Huckabee from politicsiowa.com

Ohh my, check out this Question and Answer session politicsiowa.com posed for Mike Huckabee. Here are the questions, then I will provide the link to see Mike Huckabee's answers. Some of the answers are too good not to include in my post.

Huckabee Talks About Keeping Iowa Momentum Going

• By - Justin Schardin

  

• (October 30, 2007)

• It's been a good couple of weeks for former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huc kabee (R). Following an impressive showing earlier this month at the Value Voters Summit, Huckabee became the hot item to discuss in the Republican presidential race. Could he be the one to unite a dissatisfied GOP electorate?
• It appears voters are at least giving him a second look. Though trailing badly in fundraising, his poll movement shows promise, particularly in Iowa. An oft-noted classic rock aficiona do, Huckabee was on his way Friday to playing Clear Lake's historic Surf Ballroom with his band Capitol Offense when PoliticsIowa caught up with him.

Here are some of the questions.

1. Let's start with the important question. Taking Jimi Hendrix as a given, who's the second-best guitarist ever?
2. Had you come in third at the Ames Straw Poll, where would your campaign be now?
3. With all the recent national media attention, do you feel a like the bench player who works hard in practice, and then one day the coach says, get in there and show us what you've got?
4. Given Iowa's importance, inexpensiveness, and seeming suitability to your message, why have you not spent more time here?
5. Why has fundraising not kept pace with your rise in the polls?

• "Well, that has changed dramatically in the last week. We've raised more money in the past six days than we raised in the first three months of the year... We now have a goal of a million dollars by midnight on the 31^st.

1. "What's your pitch to voters who like you, but think you might not be electable?

• "Well, I'm the only guy that really knows Hillary that well. I've survived politically in the environment of a Democrat Arkansas the Clintons created and controlled for virtually two generations. I've already proven that I can win. We've established that I can. What hasn't [been] proven is whether any of these other guys can."

1. What do you say to voters who are scared off by mixing religion and government?
2. What do you want to come to peoples' minds when they hear the word Republican?

• "Competent leadership."

1. Have you spoken to Sen. Brownback since he announced he was leaving the race?
2. Did you get a sense he would be inclined to endorse you?
3. Did you make a pitch for his support?
4. Which of your Democratic opponents do you have the most respect for?

• "I have respect for all of them. I have a respect that Hillary's going to be a much stronger candidate than people give her credit for. I appreciate that Obama has brought a freshness to the campaign and a sense of energy. I've had some fun at Edwards' expense, but I do believe that he understands the plight of many ordinary people. I know Bill Richardson probably quite well, and I am extremely fond of him on a personal level. I also find him to be extraordinarily capable individual and consider him a personal friend."

1. Is there something most people don't know about Sen. Clinton that you do from your experience in Arkansas?

• "The answer is yes. You're going to ask me what it is, and I'm going to save that for the election."

Ohh, they really saved the best last for last. Question wasn't long winded, nor was Mike's answer. But it is all good. I wonder what he knows that know one else does. Can't wait to find out. I just love surprises!

To find out all of Mike's answers to all these questions, click here.

Dissecting the Dissecting

OK, my fellow bloggers are defending Huckabee on more substantive issues against attack pieces. But this one just stuck in my craw. This is an article from Newsweek regarding Mike Huckabee and his band playing at the historic Surf Ballroom. To get my inspiration for this post I am listening to my new Ritchie Valens CD.

• The Deep, Dark Secrets of Huckabee's Rock 'n' Roll Set List
• Andrew Romano

• On Friday night, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee stood on stage at the historic Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa--a Tobias bass guitar slung over his shoulder, his Little-Rock-based covers band Capitol Offense arrayed behind him--and said to the crowd that he was there to "to show that conservatives, Republicans, Christian believers can have as much fun as anybody else in the whole world... Nothing heavy, nothing political.
• "Riiight.

That's right Mr. Romano. It was nothing more than fun.

• Sorry, Mike, but when you're campaigning for president, everything is political. For starters, Friday's show--with tickets priced at $10 per person, or $25 per family--raised thousands of dollars for the cash-strapped Huckabee campaign. I (Kathy) think that the ticket prices were more than reasonable, not just to see Mike Huckabee play guitar, but to also be at the historic place. You just mentioned that he is cash strapped. He could have taken advantage of the situation, but he didn't. That's the kind of person Mike Huckabee is. He wanted everyone to be able to attend, not just some sort of snobbery event where only people with Caddilac SUVs could attend. Secondly, the Surf (site of Buddy Holly's final gig) was swarming with reporters from NBC, the Rocky Mountain News, the Los Angeles Times, the Des Moines Register, Radio France and, um, Newsweek; do you think we would've trekked to remote Clear Lake and provided much-needed media attention if not for the novelty of a rocking 'n' rolling Republican? Subtle hint: the correct answer is no. The Surf Ballroom was swarming with reporters when Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. "Big Bopper" Richardson played there. What's your point?
• And then there's the little matter of the Capitol Offense set list. On the surface, it may read like the repertoire of a typical Baby Boomer wedding band--"Roll Over Beethoven," "Wonderful Tonight," "Brown Eyed Girl." But we political junkies know better. While well-behaved supporters danced to the simple sounds of yesteryear--or so they thought--Stumper listened closely for subliminal political messaging. Below, in a Newsweek worldwide Web exclusive, are the results of our hard-hitting, no-holds-barred investigation...
• Nice try on the innocent "nothing political" routine, Gov. Huckabee. You've just been Stump'd.

Oh no, here we go.

• Only in America: The opener, say showbiz types, is always important. But when I first heard the lyrics of this Brooks and Dunn hit -- "One kid dreams of fame and fortune / One kid helps pay the rent / One could end up going to prison / One just might be president" -- I was puzzled. Then it hit me. Mike Huckabee wants to president! (Also, the entire band pointed to him at this point in the song.) "Only in America," goes the chorus. "Dreaming in red, white and blue." NB: those are the colors of the American flag, according to documents obtained by Stumper. You sly dog, you.

This is a great song. It has a great message about the fabric of America, that we all are raised different and grow up different. This choice of song for Mike to pick just goes to show that he understands the American people. I would like to think that the American people are not just going to pick a president based on what songs he likes. Sheesh.

• R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.: Track two was also, I think, about the United States of America (a.k.a., the "U.S.A."). "With the blind faith of Jesus, you know that they just might be rockin' in the U.S.A," sings John Cougar Mellencamp on the original recording. This "Jesus," sources say, is a very popular figure in this country--especially with the heartland conservatives Huckabee is courting in Iowa. Campaign aides would not comment when asked if an endorsement was forthcoming. Calls to Jesus's press office were not immediately returned.

For real, did ya really have to bring Jesus into this?

• Taking Care of Business: Does this Bachman Turner Overdrive track have something to do with America's "business" community and how Huckabee would "take care" of it? I'll let you, dear reader, be the judge of that.
  

OK, I can't stand this song. I guess because I associate it with that dumb Office Max commercial from about ten years ago. Otherwise, there is no meaning in him picking this song.

• Sweet Home Alabama: After examining a map, I discovered that "Alabama," the subject of this Lynyrd Skynyrd song, is a place in the Deep South. While I understand the importance of establishing one's credibility with rural, red-state America, a rival campaign points out that Huckabee is misleading voters by calling Alabama his "sweet home": he is actually from "Arkansas." A fine distinction, as both states begin with the letter "A," but an important one nonetheless. We urge the governor to come clean.

OMG, Mike Huckabee never said he was from Alabama. What a dork. This is a great song. No political meaning in it.

• Money: Stumper can exclusively reveal that the lyrics to this early Motown hit--"You're lovin' gives me a thrill / But you're lovin' don't pay my bills / Now give me money / That's what I want"--mark the launch of a new effort by Huckabee to translate his growing support in Iowa polls (or "lovin'") into increased campaign contributions (or "money"). No word yet on whether this innovative "give me money" fundraising strategy is working.

Again, another great song. There was no hidden agenda in this. If there was, perhaps he was making fun of Mitt Romney.

• I Want to Hold Your Hand: An early version of the Capitol Offense set list obtained by Stumper includes another Beatles song--"Why Don't We Do It in the Road?" Apparently, campaign manager Chip Saltsman intervened at the last minute and insisted, much to Huckabee's chagrin, that the band play "I Want to Hold Your Hand" instead, claiming that the original number's impassioned support of public intercouse would offend social conservatives. Where does Huckabee stand on "doing it in the road," then? Your guess is as good as mine.[Source]

Well, Mr. Romano, I do have to agree on this. "Why Don't We Do It in the Road" would have been a terrible choice. A big huge hat tip to Mr. Saltsman for intervening on that. No offense, but eeewww gross, no band who has even one member over the age of 40 should be allowed to play that song. Hang on a while. I gotta scrub my brain with bleach. The image, oh God the image.

Well I am now awaiting a piece from Mr. Romano about the teaming up of Buddy Holly, who was married to a Hispanic woman, and Ritchie Valens , who was dating a white girl, had to do with the public awareness of interacial dating. Sure, it makes sense now. That's why Ritchie Valens played Donna, a song about the white girl, for the commercial for the "Winter Dance Party." Perhaps, it was because they were great musicians. Just like Mike Huckabee likes to play music. What's the difference if Mike Huckabee were to play a concert or Mitt Romney were to play golf at a fancy country club? Or maybe he could go out and kill rabbits and small varmint, snicker, snicker.

Onscener, Mike Huckabee

Mike Huckabee and Capitol Offense to Play at the Surf Ballroom!

Check it out, all you cats and chicks. Mike Huckabee and Capitol Offense will play at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa on October 26. Average ticket rates, $10 ind and $25 family, are very reasonable. There is also options to be a platinum sponsor for $2300 (and lotsa goodie) or silver sponsor for $1,000 (quite a bit of goodies).
Click here for more details. Be there or be square, daddy-os. Check back later, on this blog for some Rockabilly poetry.

Now playing...The Coasters! UPDATE

Originally I posted this article on July 31. Since it has instructions on how to sew the coasters I thought I would re-post it. Remember tomorrow is the Debate on ABC. So, for good luck you might want to quickly make some coasters. I am almost done with my bag. I am going to have teacher friend, who is also the school's play director film my "I Like Mike" vid, soon.
Hey check out these Mike Huckabee articles. Huckabee: No Contradicting Pro-Life Position and
Huckabee Vows to Work on Bridges, Highways. Click on to www.mikehuckabee.com to get info direct from the campaign itself. I will be back to actual blogging soon enough. Hopefully, I get at least one post in before I go to Iowa.

As promised, I will now talk about the coasters. No, not the doo-wop group, the coasters I am making. Dang, ever since I saw the video of Mike Huckabee at the Surf Ballroom I can't get out of this time machine.

So now I shall give step-by-step instructions for making felt coasters.

Supplies: All purpose thread, scissors, small snippers, 3 or 4 inch square piece of felt, small ruler, bias tape; single or double fold, marking pencil, embroidery floss.


Cut felt into a 3 or 4 inch square. If ya got large drinking glasses you will definitely want to cut the felt at 4 inches, possibly 5 inches.
After you have cut the square you will want to attach the bias tape. Some packages have easy to understand instructions. Don't purchase the extra-wide. While it is easier to attach to the felt, it won't look as good, due to the fact that it's width will be too much and the balance won't look right.
Each edge of the bias will be folded towards each other in the center, this is the part that won't be seen on finished project. Always attach with the wider half on the bottom of the coaster's edge. The edge of the felt should come to the center of the tape, whether it is single fold or double fold. Now you will bring the shorter half over the edge.
If you are sewing with a machine have some of the bias end piece hang over the crossways edge of felt at the beginning of sewing it on. Do not pin bias to felt. Just keep your fingers holding it as you slowly sew the pieces together.
If you hand sew the bias on you can pin it to the felt. Attach using a backstitch. I can't explain a backstitch, so I will direct you to this link.
Sew one edge at a time. When you are done with an edge, clip the remaining bias and repeat. With machine sewing only reverse stitch on the very last edge.

This is what your coaster will look like after you have attached the bias, clip any hanging threads.

For the lettering, backstitch. Unless your sewing machine has zig-zag. If your sewing machine has zig-zag, but ya would prefer to have straight stitches on you lettering, that's fine. I promise the Craft Police won't get ya. Now wasn't that fun!

NOW FOR ONE OF THE MANY REASONS "I LIKE MIKE"

I figured that with my little projects that I am making, this would be the perfect time to talk about one of many reasons why "I Like Mike." He wholeheartedly believes that schools should teach extensive Arts and Music Education. His theory is that it helps kids learn with both the left and right side of the brain. His thought is that these subjects should not be considered extra-curricular, but required, like math and science. I agree!

While I am obviously out of high school and don't have kids in school, I support that issue. Why? He also says that school kids are taking the most expensive naps in school, because they are bored. Well, those naps are at mine and other tax-payers expense.

When I was in school I was not the best student, a Rebel without a Clue. During my Senior year of high school I took a sewing class. Now some people may think this is part of home-ec. Yes and no. With the sewing clothes, it would be considered that way. But with basic sewing knowledge ya can make crafts and home-decor using the knowledge ya learn from making clothes.

Even though I never took an actual art class, crafting is an art. It really brings out the creative side in people. Whenever I go to the fabric store I really wake up and get excited. I love to look at the patterns and fabrics. Even if I can't afford some of it, it is fun just to look. I would assume that it is the same way for students of music and arts when they go to a music or arts supplies store. I think the best time for them to learn arts and music is in school, while they are still young.

Well, gotta "Shake, Rattle and Roll!" and God Bless from the Upper Peninsula in Michigan!

More YouTube Vids!

Of the few things of modern technology I like is YouTube. I have figured how to upload vids. I knew how to before, it was just that my computer is so slow that it would automatically sign off, after being online for about 4 to 5 hours, before I finished uploading. And these were 3minute videos. So I figured to make vids not more than 2minutes.
Here are some of my videos I made about sewing my "I Like Mike" bag and talking about Mike Huckabee. Get a load of the great music! They just don't record 'em like that anymore. It was all I could do to keep myself from dancing in the video.
Ned Williams made a comment on my first video that I should put the music source farther away from the mic. I wish I could. I live in an old house, so electric outlets are scarce.

Well enough of my blabbering, here are the vids!







I just looked at my bus route, online, for when I go to Iowa. On the way back I will be going through Clear Lake, Iowa! That's where the Surf Ballroom is. Unfortunately, I will only have a 5min layover in Clear Lake. If the bus passes by the Surf Ballroom I will definitely take at least one pic from the bus. Click on the link in the post below to see Mike Huckabee standing in front of the memorial to Buddy, Big Bopper and Ritchie.

Well gotta "Shake, Rattle and Roll!" and God Bless from the Upper Peninsula in Michigan!

RAVE ON!!!!

HELLOoo BABY! Yeah this is the Michigan Redneck speaking. HaHaHaHa! Oh you sweet thing. Do I what? Will I what? Oh baby you know what I like. Mike Huckabee and Rockabilly music and capri slacks-cropped up!!!



As y'alls fave resident mid-century historian I thought I would bring this to y'alls attention. Check this video out of Mike Huckabee, standing in front of The Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake Iowa. That was where Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P "Big Bopper" Richardson performed their last concert during the Winter Dance Party Tour. They then went on to die in a plane crash that Don McLean called "The day that the music died," In the immortal song "American Pie".




On a side note, Waylon Jennings was a member of Buddy Holly's band. He won and lost a straw poll that kept him off the plane that fateful day of February 2, 1959. Instead, he took a bus that had no heat. In interviews, he felt some guilt 'til the day he died.
I hate to think of anyone dying. But if he had been on that plane instead of The Big Bopper or Ritchie Valens I don't think The Dukes of Hazard would have been as good. If either of the two guys had survived and sung "Just Some Good Ol' Boys" the song would never had been the same. Of course I am sad that anyone died on that plane.

In an attempt to butcher Don McLean's words, I have a song dedicated to Mike Huckabee.

• Hi-Hi Mr. American Pie
• I'll drive my Chevy to the Iowa levy
• I want to volunteer at the Straw Poll
• This good ol' girl won't be drinkin whiskey and rye
• Singing this'll be the day that I die

It looks like I will be going to the Straw Poll. I wish there was some way that I could be able to see the memorial outside of the Surf Ballroom. I would also love to see the memorial at that historical corn field, nearby. Wishful thinking. Well "Maybe Baby." Hey, it may not be Graceland, but what is?
Buddy Holly was a huge influence upon bands like The Beatles.












Well until August 11 I will "Rave On" about Mike Huckabee. There's nothing to "Think it Over," Mike Huckabee is the only one to support, in this otherwise "Fools Paradise." These fools he has to compete with ain't nothing but "White Lightinin'." Yeah they pack a punch when first tried but the hangover ain't gonna be pretty.
That's why ya need to support Mike in a "Heartbeat." That's why you need to keep him in your prayers "Everyday." "It's so Easy" and "It's the Truth Ruth." Our message to Mike should be "Someone Watching Over You." Like the preacher in the "Preacher and the Bear" Mike is going to see a miracle and win, as long as we all help him to not "Fade Away" out of the media.
Some say he has a "A Million to One" chance of winning at the Straw Poll. But I think with Rudy Giuliani not being there in his "Pink Petticoats" under a "Chantilly Lace" dress there is a chance. Plus John McCain won't be there to act like a "Little Girl" when he whines and cries.
I can't wait to go to Iowa! I will be arriving "Early in the Morning." "Oh Boy!" I will get to be part of history! I will take a "Fast Freight" to Iowa if I have to.
I know this much, I will "Cry Cry Cry" if Mike Huckabee doesn't have a good showing at the Straw Poll. If he decides to get out of the race early, depending on his showing, it will be "Raining in my Heart." "That'll be the Day" when I support someone else. My feelings toward the political process will be "It Doesn't Matter Anymore."
After I saw that short, but sweet, video I have gotten my creative juices flowing and put on my Buddy Holly and Big Bopper CDs. Now I have been recalling many Ritchie Valens songs, that I unfortunately haven't heard in ages since I do not have any of his records or CDs. I think I will go on Amazon.com to order a CD.
Seriously, if Mike Huckabee was to play stand bass wildly and jump on it I will get my grandma to give a contribution to his campaign. In fact anyone from Capitol Offense will do. George Jones asked over 20 years ago "Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes?". I think it will be Capitol Offense.

So if anyone get out to the Straw Poll "Put on Your Cat Clothes" and pack you "Blue Suede Shoes." All you cats need to be there or be square.