Sunday, December 23, 2012

Take the leap

i was told at a very young age how important it is to set goals for yourself. mentally, written out, however you prefer, but set goals and work for them. as i get older, i realize my dreams are based entirely around my goals.they're one in the same, and i can't help but notice how much and how often they change. as i grow and change and learn, life sends me spiraling down winding, infinite roads that seem to never end. i'm ok with this. i've accepted and even embraced that life is a journey and not a destination. that i should enjoy and learn from whatever life offers me. i've learned that if i'm ever unhappy with something in life, if there's a problem - it's me. i control your happiness, my success, my life.
in order to taste success, find happiness and experience true achievement, risks must be taken. risks and change are scary, but i thrive on this. everyone is different and everyone handles stresses differently. i thrive in high pressure scenarios. i perform best in times of dire need. when success is imperative. others may panic, back down, or never even take a risk. they just sit and wallow in their own sadness, filling their heads with "what-ifs" and "could be's"of negative outcomes that don't exist. if you think negatively, and dream negatively, then you live a negative life and you'll never do anything. you can't do if you don't try. i don't expect everyone to sell everything they own and leave tomorrow, but start small. take control of your life, of your own happiness. live life without regrets. take that leap. sit back, research, make a plan if you're a planner, but then - after all that, CHASE YOUR DREAMS. i can't emphasize enough how much happiness is internal. dream impossible. work hard to achieve those dreams. no matter what anyone else thinks. if that's what you want, then do it. it's the holidays. spread some love. and hold/call/visit your loved ones. a strong support group is key to chasing dreams, there will be lots of hard times. dig in and get ready. it's worth it in the end. take the leap, and during this journey of life, remember to laugh, learn, love and LIVE. 

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Real People Problems

it's impossible to not let the happenings of yesterday effect my writing today. the massacre that took place in Newtown will forever be one of the darkest days of my life. the amount of opinions, press, coverage and social media postings is overwhelming. i'm trying to remain positive. it's hard to have faith in mankind at times like this. so many people use happening like this as a strength of agenda. to preach their opinions and their "answers". i think i'll do the same - gun control, school security, religion, video game restrictions... none of these are the answer. the inhuman, beasts who commit these crimes are the problems. they don't follow the rules/laws (gun control). they don't care about "the fear of god" or going to "hell", they don't care what's on TV. they have a mental disconnect from reality. i also don't think people are "born evil". something went wrong somewhere. maybe they weren't loved enough, they were never held, no one ever believed in them, no one ever told them "you can be whatever you want, if you just work hard for it". we as a race are to blame, not guns, religion, music, or TV. those are weak excuses to cope with reality. REAL LIFE. things that are happening in our day to day.
i'm not a father, so i have no way to even pretend i know how parents throughout the world feel today. i can only try to imagine how difficult coping with such an event must be. i wish there was any way i could help. that we could all get together and just talk about our problems. people need to vent. everyone has problems, and a lot of us aren't necessarily looking for a solution, we just want someone to listen to us. be there for each other. no matter how trivial it may seem to you, when someone needs a friend, be that friend. support each other. everyone's problems are different and cary a different amount of significance to each of us as individuals.
this is a sad day. i hope we all learn from this... remind yourselves and teach your kids how important is to take everyday to Laugh, Learn, Love and Live.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Rock n Roll

the music industry is forever changing. growing, evolving and becoming more and more competitive. but is that really a bad thing? and if not, why are so many musicians struggling? did iTunes ruin the industry... here's what i think about the new age of music, what might be to come and where rock and roll stands. 
today, more and more musician "complain" about how hard it is to survive playing music, especially signed bands. they say, "20 years ago, it would have been like this..." but the reality is, 20 years ago, there were a LOT fewer bands. signed and not. so yeah, the bands made more money, but you there were only 100 BIG bands. today, there's 10 BIG bands, 10,000 signed medium bands, and then even more "small, signed" bands. so it may be harder to get RICH and wealthy off music, but it's actually much easier to make "a living". with that said, we look at how this happened... equipment and technology started taking exponential leaps and bounds. now everyone can afford to make a "Decent" sounding demo or EP and that used to be something only "famous" bands could do. we're on a much more even playing field. which in a way, makes it harder for everyone. think of it compared to sports, the league itself now has 1,000 teams playing for the super bowl (or #1 single) versus the league when there was only 100 teams. it's much harder to "win" today. 
iTunes has had obvious effects on the business. it's allowed users to purchase singles. it may have decreased ALBUM sales, but i don't think IT has lowered "sales". in the past, you may not have purchased a bands album only knowing/liking one song, now, you can go buy that ONE song. that's a sale the band would have lost out on. so it's not all bad, labels and bands need to learn and adapt, like every other business. as far as illegal downloads - i'll save for another blog. 
now onto rock music... why is it struggling so much right now? well here's my take... 
rock has been an always changing, always evolving genre. beatles - zepplin - motley crue - stone temple pilots - nickelback... and now mumford and sons. this seems to have created a void in "active rock". but it's ACTIVE ROCK'S FAULT. rock* isn't dead. it's changing, just like it always had. active rock is a sub-genre that has excluded itself. alt rock bands (today) like mumford n sons, Fun., and gaslight anthem receive radio on multiple stations. top 40, alt rock, mainstream rock, active rock and hot a/c. (this may be complete news to some of the listeners, understand, these are different categories of stations found on the radio today). country artists have country and top 40 play. hip hop reieves hot a/c, top 40, hot 100, top 40, and so on... however, active rock bands have limited and pigeon holed themselves to JUST active rock. we need to diversify to survive. staying the same ensures extinction. think of evolution and darwin's theory. we as rock bands need to keep growing and changing, or just keep hoping and praying top 40 picks "us" back up. we haven't created a new "sound" or a new "look" in over a decade. we're boring people. and the one HUGE core that was always rock, partying and going crazy, has been squashed as the industry has become such a "business". that behavior is no longer tolerated or encouraged. it's a tough day for these rock bands... 
people playing music today, for the MOST part, make very little money, and do this strictly to play music, the love of art and travel, and the camaraderie of meeting new people. there's many lonely, BROKE, discouraging days we all have to remind ourselves and each other to Laugh, Learn, Love and Live. 

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Fakers, Chasers and Facebook Haters

Everyday, someone, somewhere faces an extreme challange. i don't mean getting out of bed or forcing themselves to work out. i'm talking about real, true, challenges. some days, something might nip me in the butt, leave a bad taste in my mouth and i get a little upset. but i try to remind myself, if this is the WORST thing going on right now, if i can't find ANYthing else to bitch about, my life's pretty great. remind yourself of the things that you've accomplished. that you've done and of what you will do. relax and breathe.
i realize everyone out there has their little quirks that annoy people. i'm very aware that for everyone out there who doesn't like all the negative social media buzz, there's also people who hate "motivators". and i understand, it looks like so called "optimists" don't have bad days and honestly, we all know they do. the difference is, they don't post/share about it. i have bad days, i face trials EVERY day. something goes wrong nearly everyday in my life, it's true. most of these things are quickly pushed aside and i move on knowing, that little mishap, not going to effect my life. so move on. the most optimistic and positive thing about my life (aside from my AMAZING support group of my family and loved ones) is the fact that i'm chasing my dream. i haven't achieved it. but everyday i wake up knowing there's nothing else i'd rather be doing, and when you're in that position, not much else matters. there's a TON of info that the general public, friends, family, fans don't know about artists or musicians. just like i'm sure i don't know all about being an accountant or an actor. things are rough these days for musicians if you're after fame or fortune. i'm not famous. and i'm BEYOND poor. but, if as an artist, your goal is to be heard, to help people, to change peoples lives and believe in what you're doing - i'm lavishly rich.
realize what's important to you and chase that. identify dreams, and when you're chasing them, really going after what you want in life, little things won't matter. you have all you need - family, friends, loved ones, and your dreams. i'm thankful everyday for these things. sure things get my blood boiling, but get over it. relax. enjoy your life and let others enjoy theirs. little things i promised myself, no matter how poor i get, i'll always find a way to afford starbucks, music, and french macaroons. it sounds silly, but on days i can't afford other things, i remember, hey, i know i'm poor, and i can still afford coffee and kickass tunes. support the things you believe in and love or they won't be there. loosen up. and chase your dreams. always. chase your dreams.... chase and Laugh, Learn, Love and Live.

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Clay Brains

I spend a great deal of my time wandering. thinking. dreaming. and as i do think, i think about an endless amount of "stuff". some of these things are crucial to my well-being and very existence, and some of these things are baked goods. it's an infinite amount of random thoughts i've, throughout my life, allowed my brain to always entertain, no matter what. some of this time is spent about my blog - and i've decided to make a few changes. for example, i don't care about capital letters, lol. also, i'm going to post fewer and more in depth posts, some that may be very personal to me. so, with that out of the way, lets get to the current post.
the other day, i went for a walk, crossing the brooklyn bridge headed into manhattan. for those who have never made this mile long excursion, it's absolutely gorgeous. while on this walk, my thoughts and conversation carried to how i and we all, got where we are today; not in terms of career or achievements specifically, but as people. i began thinking about, what if i had kids, would they be like me? would they like the same things? would they be absolute heathens? the conversation was long and very in depth, my favorite kind. it really had me thinking about my childhood, and how early i began taking shape.
my mind goes a billion miles a minute, i have so many likes and interests that it's often difficult for my friends to mingle or converse because they actually have nothing in common. i have so many crazy sides and i began to wonder why this is and how early i began showing signs of this. then it dawned on me, at a very young age, i wanted to try everything. i had many interests, but the part of my life that truly DEVELOPED this extremely large portion of who i am, is my parents support. for as long as i can literally remember, my parents not only supported WHATEVER i wanted to do, then encouraged me and did all they could to help me, all they asked was that i tried my best. if i wanted to be a boy scout, play football, freestyle wrestle, partake in Youth in Government, tee ball, student council, jazz band, marching band, concert band, choir, it didn't matter, my parents did all they could to make it happen.
my parents divorced when i was just five. it wasn't life ending or excruciating to me, especially at the time. i didn't really know what was happening, other than i had to look after my little brother early on. as with many divorce cases, money was tight. extremely tight. my mom worked two jobs and my dad is STILL at the same factory position after 35 years!!! the point i'm making is, we didn't have money. i didn't get to do it all because we were rich. my parents scrimped and scraped to TRY to allow me to keep up with every kid in the world. they did all they could and more to ensure i had the best opportunity possible. i didn't have a rich aunt or grandma, i had a family, who were middle class AT BEST that loved and supported me.
20 years later, not much has changed. my dad is still at the factory. my parents both work and "get by" and they still love me and support me in every one of my insane, crazy ideas. they've never once told me i couldn't do something (as far as goals and dreams go). they taught me that with a strong, loving family and a hard work ethic, dreams can come true. shut up and work. i'm sorry for all the people out there who don't have it easy, i wish it was easy for everyone. but it's not. but that doesn't mean you CAN'T. it means it's going to be hard. you're going to sweat, cry, bleed, probably throw up and at times, damn near go hungry. DON'T EVER GIVE UP. if you want something bad enough, you'll make it happen.
i'd really like people to take a couple things from this...
-Parents, support your children. i was a hellion, ALWAYS wanting to do something new, always on the go... embrace your children's dreams, do all you can to show your love and support. not just in money, in love, in hugs, kisses, be there. they need you. they'll realize it someday.
-kids/teens, don't ever stop dreaming. listen to your parents once in a while, and develop a work ethic early on. if i could tell every kid in the world to do three things, they would be Love, dreams, and work. you'll never be unhappy with your life. people of ALL ages. Love will keep you strong and humble, your dreams will keep you motivated, hungry and hopeful, and hard work will achieve those dreams.
i really hope some people benefit from this. and i really want to thank my parents for everything. i'd have never gotten this far without you. YOU taught me anything is possible. you taught me to dream and to work, and you ALWAYS made sure i remembered to Laugh, Learn, Love, and Live.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Eat. Exercise. Enjoy.

Fitness and foods have become a hot topic throughout the US in recent years. Hundreds of diets have swept the nation from vegan, atkins, paleo, etc... workout regimes are being sold all over to transform your body like Insanity, Crossfit, and TRX. It's a bit overwhelming. One mainstay to remember is Diet is about 75% of your results, exercise is about 25%. With that said, enjoy yourself and lets explore what we can do better. What works, what doesn't, what's healthy, what's the fastest. I know there's a ton of questions and concerns, so today, I'm going to do my best to shed a little light on some of these, and throw my personal experience with these into the mix for your own reading. I'm going to try to be as quick and informative as possible.
Let's start with exercise. I was raised on standard, free weight lifting, strength training. Barbells and a squat rack was where I lived in the gym. Bench press, squat, clean and deadlift. These exercises all encompass a great deal of muscle groups. None of them are targeting a specific muscle. This means you're probably not lifting to get "ripped," but instead, lifting to get strong. That's what I did, I got stronger. This example is a method of training that the average person doesn't understand, before you can select a "type" or style of exercise, you need goals. SO, let's Quickly, go over some guidelines of goals and their associated exercise...

Lose weight. You want simply lose weight, just shed pounds, not focus on strength, or getting Shredded, just lean out. Your best options are high cardio, bodyweight circuits. This is a very healthy, low risk style of exercise that can be performed nearly anywhere. Running, jogging, cycling, rowing, push-ups, pull-ups, bodyweight squats, burpees, mt. climbers, jumping jacks... all very simple exercises that are highly effective and healthy. Combine this with a balanced, healthy diet, and you'll see results.

Strength. You want to get strong. Not ripped, not BIG, but stronger. You should be pursuing very low rep, very high weight lifts. minimal cardio is required with this, and a very high protein/high carb diet to fuel your body. lifts like bench press, overhead press, squats, power cleans and deadlift is where you want to be. set of 5-7 with reps of (something like) 1-6 tops. This type exercise can be dangerous and should be done with a partner or group.

Shredded. This exercise style is probably the most demanding. I prefer a mixture of various styles. High cardio, HIGH INTENSITY, no rest, circuits. some with weights, some just bodyweight. Exercises like sprints, push-ups, pull-up and box jumps; combined with kettle bell swings, thrusters and crossfit like exercise. Crossfit and insanity blended together is my preferred approach. However, the KEY to getting ripped, the KEY to that "6pack" is NOT, I repeat, NOT NOT NOT sit-ups/crunches; it's diet. You HAVE to eat right. Some prefer a paleo approach, others vegan. Both of these, when executed correctly are very effective. Not quite THAT disciplined, then focus on SMALL meal portions, lots of veggies, eat breakfast everyday and don't eat late. Stay off sweats and deep fried food. Eat "clean" and don't overeat, that's a HUGE issue with Americans.

So, I realize this isn't Everything you need to know, but it's not a fitness blog. It's a guiding hand hoping to shed some light and help your direction. Health and diet isn't a "diet," it's a lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle promotes a happy lifestyle, and happiness is what we're all after, right? Eat smart, exercise and be healthy. Also, remember to enjoy yourself, Laugh, Learn, Love and Live.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Not Just for Clowning Around

I promised as a preface that fashion would be a favorite topic of my blogging, and I wasn't lying. Today marks yet another new experience for me... I tied my first bow tie. Now this may not sound like any kind of accomplishment, but let me assure you, it was no easy task. I'm educated in tying about three-four-ish different tie knots, however, a bow tie is a horse of a different color.
For starters, bow ties are back, they're big, bold, and breaking down barriers all over. This is great for us guys. It gives us another option of dressing up shirts, dressing down suits without coats, and mixing super fun patterns and prints for new seasons. Not to mention, bow ties are much more affordable (if you look in the right places) than neckties. Bow ties have always been a way of looking classy, dapper, and ready for the most high profile of events. Now, they're being worn out for parties, dinners, and even casual wear, I love it. Embrace the new! It's a simple and affordable way to totally change the look of your outfit for the day/night.
Wear them with polos, button downs, and if you're really adventurous, flannels and even t's with a jacket! Bow ties, overall, just say "I want to look nice, but I like to have fun," and who doesn't want to portray that message?!? Bow ties have been around since the 17 CENTURY !!! Fashionably, since the 18th/19th. That's a LONG time, obviously they're doing something right. I'm sure it doesn't look like "you" right away, and that's ok. Have a little fun, get outside your comfort zone, like I always say - "try new things."
So, as a recap - bow ties are no longer ONLY for black tie events, weddings and clowns. They're embraced and encouraged for casual meetings, parties, a night out, dinner, and daily wear. So break out of the box men, and show those ladies what you've learned! Below I'll list a great "how to" video for tying your first bow tie (took me about 20minutes, no lie).
Look good guys, hell, look great. Use that look to embrace some confidence, women love it. There's no better way to show off the new confidence and new look, than to Laugh, Learn, Love, and Live.


How To: (i know he's older, but this guy nails it in the video - it was the 4th one i watched and i finally got it after this one)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJv4Qh7zR3E

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Know It All

As an 18 year old senior at Constantine High School, I knew it all... I was legally an adult, I had a job, I had chosen a career path, I could vote, I had a license; there was no more to know or learn. Right? That's what I though at least. I quickly learned how much more existed as I embarked on a new journey to a public university. Living away from home, cooking, cleaning, making all my own decisions. Essentially living life with little to no supervision. Freshmen year at Ferris State definitely taught me that there was more to the world and more to myself than I had thought. The following three years at Ferris were much the same. Every year I seemed to gain exponential knowledge and realization of how little I had actually known prior. Surely by now, after four years from home, nearing the end of my degree, and having traveled around the state and midwest (with Saraph) I had a much better understanding of what the "big picture" is all about.
I left college early to pursue touring with my band full time. We performed in 13 states, traveling through nearly 20, booking, managing, promoting, EVERYthing in house. It taught me a great deal about responsibility, chasing your dreams, hard work, business, and more than anything, it taught me a great deal about me. It was my first real taste of the "world." Although it was a very small, tiny taste, it was more than enough to provoke my insatiable hunger for travel, adventure, and the experience of new things.
A year or so later, I returned to school after mixed feelings of heavy travel arose within the band. I obviously was ready to be a road warrior, other not so much. I don't feel angry or remorse towards this person or their opinions in the least. It's a long and grueling life, it's not for everyone, but I wouldn't stop my chase.
Nearly a year later, Pop Evil called. It presented me the opportunity of being on the road for 300 days a year, for a living! My life in Grand Rapids was great at the time. I had a steady job, I LOVE Grand Rapids to this day, and I was learning about a lot of my other hobbies in interests. Grand Rapids was essentially a city of growth and coming to terms with me, so lets rewind and touch on this...
Grand Rapids was a city I learned about "cities" in, it sparked my interest and educated me in craftbeer, food, and wine, it pushed me out of my little box and awoke my internal entrepreneur, it's also the city I met and networked with Pop Evil in. In so many ways, Grand Rapids has made me who I am today. So needless to say, leaving wasn't that easy... or was it.
It was the opportunity of my lifetime; so with 30 hours notice, no sense of their songs or how to play to a click live, I took the job.
That was nearly two years ago now and a lot has changed, but some things haven't changed. Some things have only made themselves more clear and more prevalent in my life. I'm even more enthused with beer, foods and wines, more fixated on fashion, and more business minded than ever before. Something else has remained the same also, my knowledge and experiences have continued to grow at an exponential rate. Ever year since my 18th birthday, I look back at the year before and think to myself "I can not BELIVE how much I've learned in 12 months." This happens ALL THE TIME. I frequently will challenge myself to learn something new on a daily basis; a new book, new beer, reading online, visiting new websites, reading the news, SOMETHING new. After I do this, I'll pause and try to summarize the past year and look back and I'm absolutely floored by how little I knew last year. We never stop being students. Embrace this. Take it for all you can, learn so much you forget things. Never stop growing as a person, it's an essential part of growing, maturing and learning about yourself. Teaching yourself new things also reflects back on you and teaches you about yourself, and that's important. Take a chance, everyday if you can, and remember to Laugh, Learn, Love and Live.

Monday, November 12, 2012

Dreams and Real Life Sacrifce

Some aspire to be actors; some accountants, musicians, astronauts, world leaders, business owners, we all have dreams. Some of us gave up a long time ago, but that dream is still embedded in your soul. Growing up your imagination runs wild. It's an infinite knowledge that exceeds anything 99% of adults could hope for. Children don't live in a limited box of reality. They drive cloud cars, learn to fly, and when friends are hard to come by, they make there own. It's a beautiful and amazing ability we all lose as we grow and learn from experience.
Chasing yours dreams, whatever it may be, isn't hard. The chase is simply a matter of pursuit, it's capturing these dreams that is nearly impossible. The normalcy of life is we dream an amazing, lustful dream that at some point, we give up on. The sacrifices become too much to endure. We don't make enough money, we don't get to live where we hoped, we have to go to school too long, there's an infinite number of LEGITIMATE excuses for giving up. It's survival instinct, at some point out brain tells us, this isn't working, abandoned ship, SETTLE. This piece, today, is for all the crazy, childish, insane, borderline "stupid" people who refuse to quit the chase. I'm a musician, so I'm going to reference this strongly, I realize we ALL make impossible and unique sacrifices.
Musicians, today more than ever, are nuts. Artists in general. You're pursuing a career with no rules. No guidelines, absolutely NO guarantees. You're putting your future and career, your life in the hands of complete strangers. You make less money than ever before, the potential to make a "livingL is there, maybe more than ever, but the potential to be a STAR has is nearly 0%. You leave all your loved ones, you never get to see your family, whether that be mom, wife, grandma, brother, children... It's an extremely long, lonely, HARD road. And we love it. Right? It's a job you can't do unless you love it. The sacrifices are too much, too great and too life altering. You could deliver pizzas and hate it, but it doesn't change your life. It's like betting the minimum in a poker hand. Musicians are ALL IN every hand. Everything to lose with the hopes of "making it".
Musicians sell everything they own, they live out of cars/vans; musicians will do ANYTHING for someone to just give them a chance. It's a hungry, ruthless, insane breed. Bless you all. Bless all the doctors who said, "4 years of school ain't shit, I'm doing this", all the police officers and service men and women who put their lives on the line everyday to defend others, thanks to all the astronauts for being crazy enough to train for years for one mission that could change all mankind, everyone out there who have nearly lost it ALL, I mean down to the last thread of your strength and life... Thank you. You get it. Before you can win big, you have to lose ALMOST all of it. Big risk = big reward. So here's to tall of you out there, living your lives, chasing the "nearly" impossible, and remembering everyday that its all about remembering to Laugh, Learn, Love, and LIVE.

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Small Things

Everyday we pass by strangers. People we've never seen before and will probably never see again. Walking, jogging, shopping, driving, strangers are everywhere. Many of times I've been with friends (usually male) and they make comments about strangers similar to "what are you staring at?" These comments are rhetorical and are actually only spoken to themselves, however, there's a certain anger in their tone when reciting these words. This has always been a bit puzzling to me for various reasons; in order to see someone looking at you, you mustlook at them as well, also, people tend to look/stare at things their attracted to (not necessarily sexually) which is complementary, and WHO CARES of someone is looking at you? With this in mind, if like to suggest another approach. The next time you pass by a stranger and exchange eye contact, try smiling. You don't have to hi-five and exchange numbers, but just simply smile. Not only will you feel warm and good about yourself, you'll force the other person to smile as well. It's like spreading happiness to someone else's day, as well as your own. No conversation needs to happen, and it doesn't need to be a long, drawn out event. Just a smile. Feel good, feel happy and spread those feelings. The more happiness and love in the world the better.
This suggestion is just that, one very small gesture that can be done daily to improve overall happiness and feel good energy. There's so many other things we overlook that provide similar results; holding the door for someone, opening the door for others, letting someone with fewer items cut in line at the store... Slow down and think about your actions and your options. Too often we're in such a pointless hurry, we are inconsiderate and even rude. Life is meant to be enjoyed and appreciated. Slow down. Appreciate your company and surroundings. Living your life happy and positive can have an amazing effect on your attitude, outlook and career. Remind yourself to enjoy the small things. Be the person your grandma would be proud to see, helping others, being polite and putting a others first. Just a suggestion, life is so much better when we Laugh, Learn, Love and Live.

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Drink this in

I've spent the last four days in stockholm Sweden. It's been an amazing experience, filled with firsts. Food, language, sights and beer. I'm an avid craft beer drinker and I've heard loads "hype" about European beer. Needless to say, I had been looking forward to drinking some delicious beers for quite some time. After checking into the quant hotel, I grabbed my iPhone and began searching for nearby beer bars. I wasn't looking for your everyday, run of the mill beers. I didn't want Budweiser or any sort of its European equivalent. I was searching for large varieties with even larger flavors. Coffee and oatmeal stouts, sweet and strong ales, imperial stouts, IPA's, I was looking for delicious beer that was preferably brewed in Europe.
The first and nearest pub I found in my search was a pub called Queens Head. Queens Head had a decent variety, tons of beers I'd never had, and a nice little vibe about it. Very clean, dim and a mature, but fun crowd, eager to share a few brews over conversation. As I sat at the bar my eyes raced over the menu as my mouth watered at the potential flavors I was about to embark on. It began...
I visited Queens Head one more time also on my trip, enjoying 3 pints of different stouts in all, as well as about 10 other samples of stouts, ales, and Belgian brews. Fantastic, but extremely expensive. For a standard stout in in stockholm, lets say Young's for example, pint is $12!!!! In the US this is a $6-$8 beer! That's a significant markup. When you start exploring rarer and more delicious types, the price for a pint quickly jumps to $15-$20 in no time! Many are even more expensive I visited a couple more places, my favorite being Monk's, where I enjoyed a couple stouts - one brewed in house that was VERY tasty. Bold and coffee-like with a creamy head on top of a nearly black, malty body. The second was actually from chicago's own Goose Island beer Pere Jacques. This was a fantastic beer, my favorite of the entire trip (although cost nearly $17 for a BOTTLE!!). A must try for dark beer lovers.
In summary, I learned a lot about European vs American beer in this trip... All mass produced beer, in both countries, isn't very good. Cheap beer is cheap beer everywhere. Beer in Europe is EXTREMELY expensive, so appreciate the price in the states. An most importantly, American micro brews, in my opinion, are better than European beers, as a rule. They definitely have some delicious brews, but overall, our small run brew batches out of some of my favorite breweries like Founders, Bells, Three Floyd's, are better.
So, with that said, I hope you all get the chance to come and try for yourself; make sure you save your pennies if you do! But until then, tryout what the states have to offer. There's some KILLER beers out there. And beers are great. Sharing a beer with friends and sharing stories and conversation will forever be a favorite hobby of mine. Below ill share a link to some great beers to seek out. Until then, relax, have a beer and remember to Laugh, Learn, Love and Live.

http://beeradvocate.com/lists/popular

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Appreciate what you have. Little or not.

The past 4wks have been a whirlwind. I've gone from Halifax to Vancouver BC, to London, to Sweden. It's the kind of month people dream to live. A life if travel and experiences, playing music, meeting amazing and weird people... But it also has really made me step back and appreciate what I have at "home". I've had the privilege of seeing, eating, drinking, and doing a LOT of unique things. I strive to indulge myself into whatever new and different culture I can. Canada was vast and beautiful. Scenic rides through wilderness, the historical and French influenced Montreal to the very modern and young Vancouver. It's was a truly amazing experience. However, the cost of living is more, I couldn't use my phone (aside from wifi when available) and from a band standpoint we were entirely new. We were basically a baby band. Openers. It was an experience allowing me to appreciate all that I have back in the states.
Landing in London and then continuing on to Sweden, it's been a similar experience. Extremely expensive, no one knows myself or the band, no phone, and not even a phone plug as we need converters. I'm by no means complaining about these opportunities I've been given, just stating what it's helped me learn and appreciate. It really shows you what you have back at home, and in some cases, maybe don't have. There's obvious pros and cons to every new experience. This ha been such an awesome opportunity and I hope to be blessed with many more!
Travel is so exciting on so many leeks. It helps us appreciate what we have, it shows us some things we're missing out on, it presents new food and cultural opportunities, and the amount of history and architecture and art... I could go on for days.
I guess a few good things to keep in mind from this is if you have an opportunity to experience something new, try it! Places, people, things, don't limit yourself to the norm. The knowledge and experience you can take away from new things is unparalleled when taken advantage of. Lose yourself. Enjoy yourself. Try sushi. Go see a jazz band. Wear a scarf. Eat ice cream for breakfast. We only live one life. Don't get so wrapped up in what you're supposed to do that you miss out on what you want to do or could do.
So take a second to yourself, look at what surrounds you, what you have in your life: people, things, technology, health... Be thankful for what you've been given and what you've earned. A little thing like no cell phone for a day sounds trivial, but I don't see my loved ones for months at a time... A day of no phone is an eternity. Just a reminder. Love what you have and take chances. Enjoy yourself, that's what this month has taught me. Life is short. It's full of ups and downs. I'm crazy jet-lagged so I hope this all ties together and makes sense. Haha. Have a great day, and always remember to Laugh, Learn, Love and Live.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Daily Dose

Try something new. Smile at a passing stranger; you'll be surprised what it can do for you and them. Write someone a letter. Write down your goals and focus on ways to accomplish them. Call your mom, dad, grandma, siblings. Live without regrets. Compliment a random person, and mean it. Everyday is a new chance to Laugh, Learn, Love and Live.

Monday, November 5, 2012

Public Enemy

People do things we don't like. People do things and act in ways we don't approve of. They wear outfits we find to be distasteful and listen to music that is unartistic and some that's actually scary. These are are facts of life. Odds are everyday someone posts something on a social media site you disagree with. But guess what, you're not always right; and neither is the other person. However, most of the things that upset us so highly on a personal level, aren't based on right/wrong, they're based on opinion. Personal preference. It's like arguing which is better between Pepsi and Coke. There's no CORRECT answer. You** may be overwhelmingly convinced your choice is better, and that's fine, but that doesn't make the other person wrong.

Lots of people talk about this, and talk about not judging others, but FEW live by these words. It difficult, really difficult. It's a subject of life that is so incredibly vast that we don't even realize when we're passing words or thoughts about someone in a negative sense. Pump the breaks, you're not the almighty, know-all. A great example of this, right now, is politics. Without getting TOO deep into the topic, lets use a couple of easy examples...

"I'm a republican."
"We'll that's dumb, how could you ever think that's better"
"Well, I'm pro-life, prefer a strong Christian influence, and want to push power to the people and away from government aid."

THOSE ARE ALL OPINIONS. They're not right or wrong. If you disagree with those choices, that's FINE, but if doesn't make one of you right or wrong. That's one example that references the present. (Go Vote tomorrow).

Another one I see, that really bothers me, is fashion. "It's summer, take your jacket off." "You're inside, take off your vest." Why are you SO worried about what someone else is wearing or doing? Of they're not harming you or someone else, why care? People today are so concerned with forcing their thoughts and opinions on others. Well your opinions aren't "correct". They're also not "incorrect", they're just opinions. Subjective thoughts based on personal bias.

We should embrace differences. It's what separates us. Makes us unique. I don't want to be a carbon copy robot with all the same likes and interests. Difference in people allows you to learn and grow from each other!

In music, genres are constantly bashing other genres. It's awful. I've never heard a painter slam on a sculptor. Understand we're all different. We all have different backgrounds, life experiences, and life goals.

All I'm asking is that we as a race slow down and appreciate what we and everyone else has to offer. Everyone out there has a lesson to teach and many to learn. Everyone is unique and different. We're all our own book, our own feature film, novel or abstract piece. We all have something unique to offer, that no one else has. Share it with the world, and equally as important, learn what others have to offer. We are forever students in the journey of life. And we all know a class, a trip, a journey, is much more enjoyable when we can Laugh, Learn, Love and Live.

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Groove and Soothe

As I sit in this cafe, I can't help but notice and think about the music playing. The atmosphere, the setting, the decor, the menu, the music... Nothing is accidental. It's creates a very specific "mood", and this said mood, found in nearly very cafe across North America, is one of my favorites. A dim to moderate lighting, hot drinks to sip, and delicious baked goods filling our nostrils as we absorb the very chill, coolness that is M. Davis, Bublé, Norah Jones, or Coltrane.

This is just one example of music and its effects on our mood. When visiting public gyms, which I also frequent, it's predictable to find high BPM dance or top 40 remixed songs with occasional flares of high BPM rock. The fast, upbeat tempo encourages us to work harder and faster while "singing along", seemingly making it more fun to workout. Music is an outside source that seems to override our already, pre-existing mood. No matter what. A question in my thought then, is why when we're sad, do we choose to listen to SAD music; making us MORE SAD. When we're down, we embrace the emotional low with slow jams, emo-rock or tearjerkers about broken hearts. Is there maybe some kind of "high" in feeling so low? A possibility that we as humans just love feeling any emotion, as long as its extreme?

Nonetheless, I prefer to focus on feel good music. I spend a great deal of my time smiling and singing to myself some beautiful melody performed in a bluesy scale, exaggerated through the brass of big band and swing, or lulled through a soft spoken voice. I think this is a major reason I'm so drawn to cafes. I do enjoy expresso/coffee/tea, free wifi and I do LOVE baked goods, but I can get those items from a local, even organic grocer for much less (or wifi at home). Cafes have become some what of a bar* for the modern crowd. A social meeting place that has been reinvented. Lose yourself in a book, enjoy the music with friends, by another round... The perfect place to come alone or with friends. for work or for pleasure. Purchase and stay. Sit and enjoy.

I listen to music from across the board with great love and passion for all of it. It's like anything else, I want to know and experience as much as possible. Music, food, culture, places people, beers, wine... The more, the better. Life for me is about variety and being well rounded. How can you pick a favorite if you haven't had them all?

As I sit here and watch the rain run down the glass of these windows, I dream of all the things out there I've yet to experience. What else is out there. What am I missing?! It excites me. It motivates me. I hope to encourage everyone with this post to do a few things:
- Try new things. Don't limit yourself based on what you know or what you've been taught, it's never too late to learn.
- sit down in a cafe and for just a moment, sit and Listen. Look. Smell. Appreciate what is happening around you. In any surrounding really, this applies.
And lastly, please remember to always
- Laugh, Learn, Love and Live.

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Go for the Gold*

Winter is just around the corner. For some, it may have already peaked its cherry red nose around that corner and given your first snowfall. Either way, it's time to break out our winter "duds". Duds, for those who don't know, are warm clothes worn in the late fall and winter months. Don't fret about the cold weather though, there's plenty of good that comes with the brisk changing of the seasons. Delicious coffee and desserts, the aroma of gingerbread and peppermint, stuffing our faces with first turkey and then perhaps some of grandmothers amazing christmas cookies, and the ability to fully embrace fashion. The colder weather is an immediate green light for layers = new and fun trends. Many think fashion is just for women, well it's also for men, manly men. Men who play professional sports, men in all genres of music, men with beards, even the Brawny man hits a few homeruns this year. So, with all this hype about this years fashion trends (for males), lets get on with what some of the trends actually are.

GOLD. Golds/mustards are huge this year. Many stores have already released pieces accordingly; pants, hats, jackets, and scarves. Which leads me into my next topic, accessories. Scarves are blowing up. You see them on everyone and anyone in the fashion world. many ways to wear them, and tons of outfits to piece them with, have some fun. Not much of a scarf guy? No worries, bowties and skinny ties are as hot as ever in these chilly months. Bold colors and prints, paired with a mixprint shirt makes for a great outfit suitable for a night out at a club, a nice dinner, drinks with friends, or just a cafe visit in the city. On with the accessories, hats. This is a blessing for most men, as it means even LESS primp time, haha, sorry ladies. Hats are a unique piece that can make your entire outfit and allow you to put some personal spin on you*. Driving caps, beanies, even flat-bill snapbacks. Hats are everywhere, so don't feel guilty topping off your latest look. A major staple in this years collection, possibly the most important, tweed. Tweed jackets specifically are HUGE. They're everywhere. They're allowing a classic look, with modern edge, with the ability to layer (perhaps with a down vest), and avoid wearing of a heavy coat that may otherwise cover up your killer look. But, lets say you love coats. You want to ensure your long walk in central park isn't cut short with that special someone... Bombers are back. Leather with the fur lined neck, for those that don't know. A safe and stylish bet that you may already own and have stored away, well this is the year to break it back out. Hopefully i covered some very easy to follow and basic areas to help you all out this year. as a recap: mustards, scarves, hats, TWEED,  mixed-prints, and bombers.

I live on the road 300 days a year, which means I live out of A* suitcase nearly year around. I also am not a wealthy man. So don't think it's NECESSARY to purchase these type of looks from Varvatos, BOSS, or Allsaints. (although it's great when you can.) These are just friendly outlines of what's in this year. With the right knowledge and know-how, many of these looks can be done from things you already have, or some very affordable purchases. Most of all, it's fashion, fashion is meant to be fun. So be fun, be you, be daring, be bold, or be subtle. It's an expression of ones self. Enjoy it. and always remember to Laugh, Learn, Love, and Live.

Friday, November 2, 2012

Introduction.

Born a dreamer. Raised in a small town, and I don't mean small like Kalamazoo MI small; I mean population of 2k. The "village" of Constantine. Corn. Farming. Football. These were the staples of our existence. Growing up, my goal was to win a state championship in HS Football. This is by all means a reasonable goal for any HS adolescent, however, I had no idea what to do AFTER that. I frequented books and dreams, wondering what else the world might have to offer. Little did I know... I set out to a college university, my first experience of something new, something different. This only fueled my curiosity more, pushing me to dig deeper into the core of what limitless opportunities may await.

While at college, I chose to pursue music industry management (or music business). This decision was made based on the facts that I loved music and had a great interest in business. I had no real idea how the two were linked or where this might lead. I began listening and learning, indulging myself not only in books, but much further into my surroundings. Taking full advantage of my location, my associated groups and clubs, and most importantly, my peers. People can teach you more than any other usable tool, in my opinion. Observing, listening, interviewing, and truly paying attention to people and their actions are all invaluable tools for learning. 

It was while at college I began to take shape. I began identifying my true callings and interests. I had always known I was fast paced, optimistic, curious, eager, and captivated by all things new to me. But I had no real direction. This is often terrifying to young people from all walks of life. So any young people out there reading this - we've ALL BEEN THERE. RELAX. I've always told myself: "dream impossible" and "don't wish for it, work for it". The basis of my success. People often make the mistake of scatter shot dreams that never work. I once read a quote that I love that really opened my eyes... "you can do anything in the world, you just can't do everything." Basically, pick a goal, no matter HOW seemingly impossible, and work hard on THAT DREAM. Stay focused. 

This lead me to pursue the drums around age 20. This lead me to playing in a band. The band lead me to become our manager, promoter, booking agent, tour manager, and drummer. This opened my eyes to the music BUSINESS. My hard work and eagerness lead me to some mild success, which lead me to Pop Evil. Pop Evil, is where I am today. Allowing me to pursue nearly every avenue of my infinite dreams on a daily basis. These dreams and focuses are what I'll be addressing here, to help introduce you to new and interesting ventures. Beers, wines, foods, fashions, travels, music, and countless small other ideas. But those are my core interests. I'll also incorporate some of the hardships I and everyone else endures in life. How to keep fighting, and how to Laugh, Learn, Love, and Live.