FamGuyToday by Aunty Fox

or, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dumb. Hope they never see this, cause they'll come and kick my -ss. 'The Boys', were twins. 6'7" and around 280. These were the guys Barry chose to head his 'security'. My buddy, Gary, went to high school with them, in Thornton, and got to know them. I worked with Gary as a union carpenter, in the early 70's. We made good money and did concerts on the side. Then went 'full time' with some big name bands. Not to drop names, but, The Who, The Stones, Tull, Led Zeppelin, Lynyrd Skynyrd, to name a few, made for some interesting shows. Did Denver shows, and a bunch of shows thruout the Midwest. Anyway, Jerry and Larry impressed Alice with their size and attitude, so he signed them up for his 'freak show'. They were 'plants' in the audience who he would 'get into it with', just to cause a scene. They were such a hit with the show and him, they went with him on this European tour and had...

Heard Alice Cooper on the radio today, and was reminded of a concert we did in Phoenix, long ago. 'Twas at Diablo Field, and don't remember much about the show, but we had a day to kill for some reason, and Alice, who lived in Phoenix, at the time, with his mother and sister, on a golf course, put together a softball game. On stage, he had some great songs, but a pretty weird show. Offstage, he was pretty normal, and really nice guy. He is nearly a scratch golfer, these days, and plays in a lot of pro-ams. But on this day, we had two teams of softball players, with a wide range of ability. It was basically Barry Fey's crew vs. Alice and friends. It soon became apparent I was the only one who could consistently pitch a softball, so I ended up pitching for both teams. Some of the players I remember, other than Barry and Alice, were Flo and Eddie, the two main guys from "The Turtles" (remember 'Happy Together'?) and Bill Graham, the biggest concert pr...

to get this new Google format to work. In thinking back to my days with Feyline, I can't help but think of my first concert. Double bill with WAR, and EL CHICANO. Unlike these days, when you see 100 guys in yellow T-shirts doing security for a show, we did it with around 7-8 guys. And crowds were a lot rowdier then. Anyway, showed up for my first night and saw, as I white guy, I was in a definite minority. My supervisor, a big biker type dude, gave me a pill and said, "Do this, it'll help". Within a half hour, found out it was acid. Won't go into boring details, but it was a memorable evening. Found out later, it was kind of an initiation thing, and I passed. Jan, the biker dude, said something like, "Just checking, to see if you could handle it. You'll do." "Twas interesting, but never did THAT again....

Was forced to switch over to Google account to access and create blog. Not sure why, but did it, and now nothing but trouble. Most of the time, can't even get to it. Then can't edit. Thanks a bunch, GOOGLE.......

and thought of the time we were doing an outdoor show outside of Dallas one night. The boys from The Allman Bros and Lynyrd Skynyrd were having a few beers backstage before the show, and the subject of who was going on last, therefore the 'headliner' band, was being 'discussed'. Dickey Betts said the "Bros" were last and Ronnie Van Zandt was sure that Skynyrd should finish up the evening. Well, push came to shove, and pretty soon Betts and Ronnie were swingin' at each other. Didn't last long, Dickie Betts got his butt kicked (although he did knock off Ronnie's hat)and Lynryd Skynrd was the final act that night. From then on, Barry Fey always decided the order, and that was that.

Went over to Petsmart on Friday, to get Molly, the old kitty, but found out she doesn't get along with other cats and dogs. (She REALLY didn't), so that wouldn't work, cause we pet-sit for Bella, Duke and Milan. But, while we were there, we met Sabrina, who had obviously just learned "all the right moves" to get yourself adopted from a pet shelter. She is a 4 month old kitten who was rescued as a stray in Cheyenne, WY. She's kind of a mutt, with 4 white feet and a LONG tail, and has really made herself at home. Sabrina, the name, didn't exactly roll off the tongue, so her new name is Bailey. Hope she can get used to it. 'Tis nice to have a kitty 'round the house again. Really missed Sophie, the prettiest kitty ever. I think Bailey is gonna be a good one. She met Bella, Duke and Milan last night at our 'Oscar' party, and held her own really well. Will post a picture when I get a good one and get it downloaded. Bad new is, she likes to curl u...

comment by Barack Obama, to Cheney's response to Blair announcing British troop reduction because he realized Iraq's problems couldn't be resolved militarily. "If Tony Blair can realize this, why can't Bush and Cheney?" In ridiculing Cheney's Iraq comments that "this is a good thing, and shows we are winning", Obama says, "Keep in mind this is the same guy who said we'd be greeted as liberators, the same guy who said they're in their last throes. When Dick Cheney say's it's a good thing, you know you've probably got some big problems." Not if you're Haliburton or 'big oil', of course, but for the rest of the world, the Bush crew is a HUGE problem.

ain't easy to come up with. But, talking with Kari, I may have a new idea. Everyone who knows me, knows how much I hate Bush and what he has done to all of us. If you don't agree, just check back in a few months/years. Whatever,,,, there's not many people to preach at these days. Most anyone with a functioning brain, and that does exclude a VERY few of you, doesn't even bother to disagree with me. Sooo, my new blog theme is gonna be, stories from my old rock 'n'roll traveling/band days. Don't have many pics, which is bad, but will try to make it interesting, which ain't easy. Not that anyone cares, but it's my release, at the end of the day. Bye, for now. Will try to resurrect some old memories. At least the 'G' and 'R' rated ones. Stay tuned...

Found an old kitty, guess she would be a cat, today at Petsmart. Her name is Molly, she is 8 years old, and she was given up by her family when she got a bad, (expensive) infection. She seems all better, now, and must be totally freaked out by her new life, in a small cage. We seemed to have a connection, but have had my mind set on a kitten. And, they say she doesn't get along with dogs, or other cats, which could be a problem. But...., she is really intelligent looking and affectionate and, like I say, we seemed to 'click'. Have looked at a lot of kitties over the last couple of months, and this is the best one. But is she, THE one? Am afraid to introduce her to Carol until I make up my mind, 'cause I know she'll bring her home. Keep going back and forth, 'cause I was looking forward to another kitten. Like I say, tough decision...

The Brits actually listen to their populace, and when over 75% of them say, "Bring the troops home", they do it. So what do Bush?/Cheney say? Same old crap. Deny, deny. "That shows we are winning!", cause they are bringing the guys home. Yeah, right..... They'll drag this out to the bitter end, then blame it on someone else. Oh well, you CAN fool some of the people all of the time.

I am sure this has been the longest stretch without golf that I have had to endure, for probably over 20-some years. Snow on ground was second longest in all recorded Denver history. Over 60 days. That's Chicago weather, NOT Denver. Oh well, it's over and it is SO nice to get outdoors again. Amazing how much the old body can hurt after just swinging a few clubs, Ok, swinging MANY times. 'Tis hot tub time. This is when it is worth all the hassle. When the old body feels like this. Catch ya' later....

Even for the Bush (league) crew. Everyone agrees there are too many elk in Rocky Mntn Natl Park. With no predators, including man, for many generations, there are simply too many elk for the eco-system. A normal, non right-winger, would go with the Colo Div of Wildlife solution, and sell licenses to qualified hunters, (we all have hunter safety certificates) , close off the park for a day or two, and provide a dignified "end" for the elk. The Bush admin solution: Hire sharpshooters, (Bush buddies from Texas, LOL). Hire helicopters, provided and fueled, and BILLED by Haliburton, to haul elk out of the park, and spend over $20,000,000, to totally screw up the situation. Am I surprised??? No! It's typical Bush bullshit.....

is how John McCain, the most hawkish of the Repub hopefuls, describes Rumsfeld. If Rummy's that bad, what does it say for our "Commander-in chief'? Off the chart, obviously, for anyone who's paying attention, and that does exclude at least one of you. Tony Blair, whose political career was trashed, for hooking up with Bush (what was he thinking?) just announced a timetable for removing the Brit troops from Iraq. Although I personally can't stand Bush (surprise!) you gotta give it to him for being one of the most successful "implants" of all time. His backers, the "Big Oil" people made the best investment in the history of business. It's just us poor suckers, who have to buy petroleum products, who suffer, but nowhere near the way the poor souls in the military and in Iraq have paid the price for his "get rich quick' scheme for his backers. 698 days and counting. As old Andy Rooney said Sunday on 60 Minutes, "4 years is a LO...

like these 'Italian dumptrucks' is what I'm seen as, by my children. Time to move? Call the old man, and load him up. Actually, glad to help, getting the kids moved into their new houses. At least with Ted and Kari we had a bunch of people and it was on level ground, without snow and ice. But Nate and Laura's will be more 'memorable'. Mainly because of amount of 'stuff', and the fact the U-Haul truck wouldn't make it all the way to the top of the icy, twisty driveway. When each load finally made it to the garage, we were about half way done, 'cause then it had to go up the steps. Not complaining, it was a good day. Laura's grampa, at 82, and her dad, with the hip replacement, really impressed me with their attitudes and energy. 'Twas really nice of Krista to volunteer, also. Not sure if she knew what she was getting into...The new house is pretty impressive, too. What a view! Great quality house, too. Builder really knew his stuff. Word o...

What can I say after a show like that. Have seen a bunch of rock'n'roll shows in my life but don't remember a better one. From the opening act, Steve Azar (you just KNEW he'd have a hot opening act, and he sure didn't disappoint), 'til the last encore, the show was near perfection. My throat is litereally sore today from singing along with so many songs. Carol thought the show was a little too loud, (impossible for me) but it was the crowd singing that was too loud for her. Normally I'm not a big saxophone fan, but that guy rocked, along with keyboard and lead guitar, and EVERYBODY. SO many times, you'd look around and the whole crowd was up, dancing and singing. With all the fantastic songs he did, we realized, on the walk out, how many he didn't do. That just shows the depth of his work. Ate a couple of tickets, 'cause of the weather, but that's OK. Sure hope he tours again, and if he does, I'M THERE....

when I look at these two goofballs and realize that was a LONG time ago, but it doesn't feel like it. Time flies when you're havin' fun...

to what it must be like to be a Bush supporter these days. Sorta like being the insurance company exec, getting a trans oceanic cruise on his latest insuree, a half hour after the Titanic hit the iceburg. A wall street tycoon, watching the ticker tape, in 1929, on Black Friday. George Custer, thinking, "H'mm, I don't like these odds." Sooner or later they all realized. "Damn, I may have made a mistake....."

Dixie Chicks. "IN YOUR FACE, Bush". "Not Ready to Make Nice" is the 'Song of the Year.' Listen to the words... Wish I could see Dubya's face. No, take that back. Can't stand to look at him. Could it be any more clear? Texas girls, ashamed of their native son, and get their industry's HIGHEST award. You Go Girls!! Gnarls Barkley came on after them and did a MUCH better song, and the Chili Peppers have a much better album, BUT, everyone wanted to say," ---- You Bush", and the message came across, loud and clear. I am SO GLAD, I am not alone...P.S. They also got Country Album of the Year. And this is from 'Country', voters. .... P.S.S. Album of the Year. Who'd a thunk, 3 years ago, this country would finally wake up. Guess there is hope for us...

how the Bush administration was led, thru 'bad intelligence' into this god-awful war. Think, if it is possible, what is most logical. That a small, misinformed segment, could lead this all- powerful, oil financed juggernaut into such a huge miscalculation, OR if they tried to mislead "us" for their financial interests. I am so SICK AND TIRED of hearing,' Oh, we all had the same intelligence".. Bush picked and chose and fabricated what he wanted to share. That's what the Scooter Libby and Joe Wilson/Valerie Plame trial is all about. Joe (appointed by George Sr) was/is the acknowledged nuclear expert in that area, knew the truth, and his CIA wife was outed because he spoke up. If you can't see that, you're just not trying....

And now is one. Watching the Grammy's, and saw Joan Baez, the conscience of my (Viet Nam) generation, introduce the Dixie Chicks. Perfect. Texas women, country singers, ashamed of the War Machine, and not afraid to take the crap that entails. Some things never change. Big money, being made by soldier's sacrifices. Lies to the public. Since the beginning of time. It never changes, just the perpetrators. Latest version, Bush and Cheney and Big Oil vs. 'us'. Some of 'us', just don't realize what's really going on, but most of us do. It'll just take awhile for the others, like it always does....

I wanted to comment on "The Departed". WOW!!. In our attempt to see all the Oscar nominated, Best Films, we saw an AMAZING film today. Am still in shock, but in a good way. Leonardo DeCaprio must be fantastic in Blood Diamond, because he was nominated for Best Actor for that, NOT, The Departed. Can't imagine how good he must have been in Blood Diamond. Can't begin to convey the feeling that I took away from The Departed. Jack Nicholson, Matt Damon, Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen and others dirested by Martin Scorcese. Unbelieveable cast and story. Won't ruin it, but you gotta see it. At least I think so. You won't be bored....

the other day, and was tempted by this one. A little too wild, though. Spoiled by Bella and Sophie. Did find out why there aren't any to speak of now. It's not 'kitten season" as explained by a lady at the Longmont shelter. Kitties would die if born in this weather, so they are born in spring/summer. "It's God's plan", as she told me. Makes sense to me.....

for a pic to go with my subject. Babel, the movie. OK, it was a stretch, but I'd rather have pictures, you see... Anyway, in an effort to see all the Oscar nominated (best) pictures this year, (gotta do somethin' when when you're old and inferm), we saw 'Babel', last night. Would love to hear from someone else who saw it, to get another reaction to it. Carol and I decided we felt, shocked, violated, dirty, but not bored, by it. I liked it better than Carol, but don't know WHO I'd recommend it to. Unlike anything else, but very thought provoking. Not sure if they're the kind of thoughts you want, though. Should be interesting to see how it does at the Acaemy Awards, where it's up for 7, including Best Picture. Actually, the more I think about it, which has been a lot, the more I like it. Mostly, just makes me very thankful for the life I have....

that the administration cooked the books in it's rush to lead us into Bush's War. Didn't Rummie admit, in one his famous quotes, that, "You go to war with the intelligence you want, not the intelligence you have." I seem to remember something like that.....

that (because of the Bush propaganda machine) right after Bush's attack on Iraq, over 70% of the US population believed Saddam was behind 9-11. MANY poor souls joined the military to avenge this attack. Now, nearly 4 years into Bush's War, over 25%, of the non-thinking population, still believe Saddam and Osama partnered up for 9-11. Don't you people know how to read? Sunni and Shiite don't mix!! What about those poor souls who signed up, with pure patriotic intentions, and now CAN read. Must be tough. Can you imagine, signing up, then finding out the truth, too late, and putting in your time, only to have George extend your tour of duty, by several months, not once, twice, but three or more times??? It is happening all the time. Called the 'Back door draft', done to people with no power to fight it. Watching "Jarhead", at the moment, and just felt a need to post, as I watched these poor guys, stuck out in the desert, fighting George's war....

Georgie's uncle, with ESSI, a company who supplied the US military, was just busted for an illegal scheme where he received an ADDITIONAL Six Million Dollars, in a scheme where his defense contracting company (Surprise, Bush relatives in THAT business) backdated bonuses. As if they weren't making enough blood money, with Dubya's war, they had to cheat, and try for an extra few million. Are you surprised? I'm sure not.....

The long-awaited report by the Pentagon’s acting inspector general, Thomas F. Gimble, was sent to Congress on Thursday. It criticized the Defense Dept, headed by Donald Rumsfeld, because the group “developed, produced and then disseminated alternative intelligence assessments on the Iraq and Al Qaeda relationship, which included conclusions that were inconsistent with the consensus of the Intelligence Community, to senior decision-makers.” In other words, they made it up. This should be a surprise to no one who has paid attention to this fiasco from the start. The decision was made to go to war, then the "intelligence", was fabricated to support it. Hopefully, the liars responsible for this terrible mistake will be 'outed' and forced to pay. But it's gonna take awhile. These are rich, powerful men, hiding behind a corrupt administration. But, this is still America, just not the same America we used to be so proud of. As G dub said in Washington, on 4-28-20...

I let Carol talk me into going to the movie, "The Queen". I knew the basic plot, which was how the queen was aloof and seemingly uncaring after Princess Diana was killed in the car wreck, and I wasn't really interested in seeing a movie about it. However, being the nice guy I am, we went to the movie of her choice. And I am very glad we did. This was a movie that grabbed my interest , from the beginning and held it throughout the entire story. The acting was fantastic and the way they interspersed actual footage with the movie characters was flawless. Don't know how true it was, although it seemed very realistic. Would recommend it to anyone even remotely interested in that genre. That brings me to another "chick story". Am reading "Atlas Shrugged", and although it took awhile to become involved, after 400 pages, I am. Written by a woman, and recommended by women, I can see the relevance of this story.Won't even try to get into the p...

there is a great story, though not getting alot of coverage, of the "363 tons", of hundred dollar bills sent over to Iraq. Over $12 billion is unaccounted for. SURPRISE. Just Google it and see the pallets of 'footballs' ( the term for a shrink-wrapped package of $100 bills) delivered by our glorious administation, to a totally out of countrol battle ground. A lot of innocent people ended up in Gitmo and other prisons, because soldiers went out with piles of money, offering huge rewards to Iraqis who would inform on Al Queda suspects. SURPRISE, the Shiites collected a ton of money turning in Sunnis and vice versa. It turns out the ONLY evidence on most of the prisoners rounded up, was that someone turned them in for a huge cash reward. Nice war plan, Bush.... Today's Bushism from his office, on 9-17-2004. "Free societies are hopeful societies. And hopeful societies will be allies against those who kill at the whim of a hat." Is that a cowboy hat, Tex?

that I'm doin' all Kari stuff lately, and I do have TWO kids, and love 'em both. This is Nate, w/Laura's nose under his chin, at Joe Walsh concert at Red Rocks. They are moving up to the mountains next week. Not sure why, but I think to get away from meddling parents. Anyway, if you know of anyone looking for a really nice house in west Broomfield, do they have a deal for you. They've done a lot of special things to it and after Ted and Kari's search, I realize what a truly good house this is. I would bet it goes really fast, even in this slow market. Good luck, guys....

I'm posting this shot from the Isle of Capri, in the Mediterranean. Kari and I took a chair-lift to the top of Capri, (Ana-Capri), and I took this pic with the two islands in the background. According to mythology, this was the place where the sirens tried to lure Odysseus, and his sailors, to their deaths. A beautiful spot, off the SW coast of Italy. Check it out if you're in the neighborhood...

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=5e97f86945 , just click on this link. Obviously I'm not the only one who holds King George in such high regard. I couldn't make this stuff up. Joe Scarborough is a Republican, by the way. Today's Bushism, from Washington DC, 4-13-2004. "One of my hardest parts of my job is to console family members who have lost their life." Sounds tough, Georgie, especially when there's SO MANY of them...

And I had a hard time sleeping, 'cause I kept thinking, "This time she's really not coming back." Helped Ted and Kari move into their new house in Golden yesterday. Because of leases and jobs, it made sense for them. even though they're not married yet. Thay have spent nearly ALL their time together for the last several years anyway, but this was kind of "final" to me. Going off to school, or off to Italy, I always knew she'd be back and I had that to look forward to. Kari's fun to have around. Don't get me wrong, we'd bang heads every once in awhile, which is pretty normal, I'd guess, but not often. I'm sure we'll still see her/them on a regular basis ( I hope), but this is different. Even though I couldn't think of a better guy than Ted for her to be with, and she has Bella to protect her, it's gonna take a while to get used to. It's a daddy-daughter kind of thing. Love ya, honey....

I loved this op-ed piece by Colorado's former senator, Gary Hart. "George Bush will be held accountable in the court of history for his manipulation of intelligence to serve his political agenda; his erosion of national security by the unnecessary exhaustion of our standing and reserve forces; his pathetic failure to respond to natural disasters; his unhinging of the national budget; and his almost demented insistence that the US military could put the lid back on a 1,300 year old Islamic struggle the he himself had ignorantly removed." But George continues to defend his beliefs, as on 7-22-2001, in Rome. "I know what I believe, and I will continue to articulate what I believe-I believe what I believe is right." Yeah George, and I believe I speak for a majority in this country and the world, and we believe you're an embarassment to Americans everywhere...

some more about the hundreds of billions of $$ that Bush wants to continue His war, or another all time record profit by big oil with their boy in charge, but thought I would lighten it up a bit with this exchange overheard from W. "Sir, there were 3 Brazilian soldiers killed in Iraq this week." "Oh my God, says Bush, that's just terrible." Yes sir, but such news usually doesn't affect you like this, what's the matter?" He says, "This is SO BAD, but tell me, just how much is a brazillion?" Today's Bushism, from Wash DC, 8-05-2004. "Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we." You're just better at it than they are, George....

And those are the bloody carcasses of the "shorts" who have been shorting the stock since $25. (Actually it's just a bunch of fish) Those guys are getting KILLED. 'Tis fun to watch, and participate in, the CROX message board. The rants and raves between those long (like me) and the "shorts" who are betting it will go down. Some big $$ involved and some losers get real nasty. Up another $3 today (over $54) and gonna be on Oprah later. Still a ways to go (up, I hope) before earnings come out. Then, it's anyone's guess which way she goes. I'm guessing UP, UP and AWAYYYY...

is extra good. As some of you know, my bud Rick, 10 times Sportswriter of the Year, has the last page of Sports Illustrated each week, and consistently has amazingly poignant sports related/human interest stories. This week, his "Gamers to the End" article is about 5 young American athletes, from different parts of the country, each with a compelling, interesting story. He gives the background of each one, then asks if we know what they have in common. The answer? All killed in Iraq last week. Quoting Rick, "Athletes love teams, and when they run out of sports teams they sometimes join bigger teams, with 'coaches' sending them into a hell they never imagined. And they throw their whole selves into it, because they are brave and disciplined and will chew through concrete to win the game. But what if the game can't be won?" Well said, Rick. Read the whole thing in the new SI....

and my blog is getting really boring, so thought I'd post pic of my (7 ft) cousin, Dave Hoppen, when he was a B-ball star at Nebraska. Second all-time scorer in the Big 12. First-round draft pick Charlotte Hornets. No real reason for posting, just liked the picture. (Bad shoulder injury knocked him out of the NBA)

I read two articles about W in the paper this morning that I actually agree with. As you may know if you have read my rants before, I am not George's biggest fan. However, in an effort to change the subject, or maybe just the law of averages catching up with him, he spoke on two subjects I agree with. The first was the over-compensation of CEO's. I don't know if there's anything HE can do about it, but it's a good point. The second was his problem with gov't subsidies to "farmers" who are milking the system. Over 80,000 people, with an income over $200,000 get gov't checks. They get paid for NOT growing something, or get subsidies for growing things we already have too much of. The lobbyists are gonna scream, but it's time to let the free enterprise system control the marketplace. Not that I'm becoming a fan, but in the interest of being "fair and balanced" (what a joke when used by Fox News) I will say I do agree with him on some...