iQuit

THE iPAD RELEASED this weekend and more than 300,000 lemmings were up until all hours Easter morning, loading more than 1 milliom apps onto their new toys. That following a Good Friday evening when thousands who did not pre-order the latest techno-marvel in the "i" series, stood in line outside Apple stores nationwide, hoping to be among the first to own pied piper Steve Jobs' the latest creation . The real marvel though is, at a $499 retial price with a 51 per cent gross margin mark-up, that slides approx 75mil in black ink into the hands of Apple shareholders, in one day. Trying to remember the last thing Microsoft did that was exciting or innovative, am thinking it may be time to call my buddy, stock wiz extrordinaire and former AVHS compadre Jeff Oster, and slide the MSFT into AAPL...

iBULLDOGS...Tonight's finale between #1 seed Duke (Boooo!) and underdog Butler (Yeah!) will either be a disappointing blowout or one of the great sport stories of the new millenium. This was an amazing Tournament with top seeds falling like Republicans who fought the Health Insurance Reform bill. The only thing I'd change about this year's Tourney (other than CAL's early exit) would be that the NCAA move the start-date back so the Tournament can end in March. Not a big deal, but it's like the Super Bowl being played in February or The World Series in November, it's just not right...

iDO...Yours truly got played BIG TIME on April Fool's Day, soon to be re-named MY DAY. First my neice (or is it second cousin - once removed, I can never remember that stuff) Ashley Davison suckered me in, posting ever so subtley on her FB page, that, and I quote, "Can't believe we're getting MARRIED!!! I didn't think I could forgive him until he asked me to marry him!!!!!!! =)", then about an hour later, changed her status from "In a relationship" to "engaged'. I bow in deference to your youthful wit and hereby surrender...

iDON'T...Not to be outdone, former Princess turned SLS, Renee LeVeira Flores, daughter of AVHS '78 grads and highschool sweethearts Rob and Michelle, merely changed her status from "Engaged" to "Single" and left it there, for noodniks like moi to flip a nutty over. Nee tells me that several of her other FB friends called or wrote with concern, two actually offering to pay for counseling services to help bring the two back together. The kicker here was the big wedding shower was held the day before, so it was fresh on the minds of those who know. Touche', Miss Thang! My only response to both of you is to beware. For as the old axiom goes...sometime, someplace, when you least expect it.....BANG! I always repay a debt, including interest...

iWISH...I had never been such an idiot. These are the words that will most likely be rambling around inside the head of PGA pro and philanderer-par-excellance (if there can be such a thing, and pardon the pun) Tiger Woods, who jumps back into real life this week at Augusta, where on Thursday he will play his first competitive round in 144 days. Wise call on Eldrick's part, getting back inside the ropes here. This Tournament is run with such a tight fist and tix are so hard to come by (perhaps the toughest ducat in all of sports) it's unlikely much of a fuss about the former World's #1 player's sex scandal will seen or heard. Here's hoping for a great Tournament...

iLL BELIEVE IT when I don't see it. In a hastily called press conference yesterday, the Rolling Stones announced they will be touring in 2010, perhaps the and their largest concert tour ever. Hard to believe following their last go around which took more than two years and shattered attendance and gross rev records that would have had Bill salivating (and still figuring out ways to do it better). Because the band annouced plans to play virtually nothing from 64-72 (through "Exile...") on this go around, and that the show will include tributes to each of their former band mates, including a one-off song per show with former bassist Bill Wyman joining them onstage, word is that this will be the last hurrah for the Glimmer Twins. If Vegas lays odds, I'll lay 100 smackers that says no way. I can not imagine Keith agreeing to hang it up ever and if this were the Grand Finale, you can bet your bottom dollar Mick would have built up a much more grand presentation, including at least a 6-9 month build up to increase interest (and revenue). Plus, can yo imagine them walking off a stage for the last time withOUT having played Satisfaction? Just wouldn't be cricket, wha?...

iAM GRATEFUL...Yesterday was Easter. And while many get lost in the buffett brunches and egg hunts and chocolate indulgances (guilty on that last bugger!) that surround the day, I AM grateful for what the true meaning of the day signifies. That Our Heavenly Father sent down His only begotten Son, so that our unwise choices and unlearned lessons might be forgiven; that we may repent from our sometimes foolish and hurtful actions, that we too might rise again and be returned to His presence. A greater gift we could not receive and though perhaps undeserved, one we shall continue to strive to be worthy of.

Grateful Birthday Madness

HOT BIRTHDAYS: Extreme B-DAY wishies to my dear old friend, Jim McGuinn, the "Head Poop" and Walla Walla's Hot Poop, the world's only Bing Bang full service music store. When I first moved to WallyWorld some 18 years ago this May, I was a fish out of water. But the dam was soon opened the first time I walked into "the Poop", and found one of the finest Deadheads I'll ever know. Here's to ya, Jimbo...Also to Becky Redgwick Pounds (AVHS Class of '80), Bishop Steve Bates (one of my many spiritual mentors, but more importantly a good, dear friend, and to my nephew Duston Turner, all brought onto this big ball of dirt on this day, a good day, indeed...

EXECUTIVE MADNESS: As noted yesterday, I had intended to dedicate an entire blog to NCAA's, which begin this afternoon. 30 years ago, this would have been the lead story around the nation, but these days there's just too much going on. Suffice it to say that regardless of the routes we took to arrive there, including yesterday's disheartening announcement by CAL coach Mike Montgomery that starting power forward Omondi Amoke has been suspended for the entire Tournament for disciplinary reasons, Presidnet Barack Obama and I ended up with the same Final Four picks: Kansas, Kansas St., Kentucky, and Villanova, both of us picking Kansas to take Kentucky in the Final. And while we do agree on many things, including the madness of March, no, we don't agree on everything...

AIKO AIKO: Color me rainbow and call me Wavy Gravy...this week saw long time Grateful Dead / Dead bassist Phil Lesh turn the big 7-0. Beyond stunned as I picked up the news from Jess Barsotti's FB page, kudos to her big bro Dharma for the excellent floats he and his staff created for the inside of the BG Memorial Aud for the sold out shindig. Phil will always hold a special place in my heart. The last night of Winterland, I accidentally parked the Blue Bomb behind his car in the hall's underground garage and for a good portion of the evening, was continually reminded that a bounty had been placed on my head. Here's hoping there is a statute of limitations on such things. Belated Happy Birthday, Philly!...

IT'S ALWAYS GREENER: An old friend from Stockton (by way of Austin, TX), Cameron McDonald tossed me a quick FB chat this morning, noting that today starts the SXSW Music Conference, which he will be attending. The envy is all mine, kind Sir. Have a great time, take excellent pix and if you can get a directional mic in the joint, yes, I'd love a copy...Also from the FB front: I read from Jan Simmons' page today that during her gym workouts the last couple of months, she has found the Stones "Exile" lp a great musical motivator to get her through the elyptical. I responded that while that is an excellent choice, I really love my boot from the Stones Saturday show in '81 at Candlestick. For many years, Jan was Bill's right hand, perhaps never moreso than during that 81-82 US and European Tour, which we coordinated for the Glimmer Twins, et. al. So YEAH!...like she's going to need MY copy of that show. My apologies to Janny for my putz-like post and sure hon, if you'd like to upgrade my version of that show with a copy of your own, I'd be more than obliged...

THERE MUST BE A PILL you can take for this. Many March Widows have declared that sentiment ever since the NCAA started March madness, but I've never seen a case so desperately in need of medication. AVHS AND UCSB alum Mark Schellman seems to be posting a nutty after hearing the words of sports talkinghead Jim Rome, who yesterday predicted the Gouchos of Santa Barbara to upset the Numero Dos seed Buckeyes from THE Ohio State University in this weeks tournament opener. Hey Mark, I'll bet you those killer speakers you had in your apt. on Abrego against EVERY bootleg CD (more than 150) I own, that your boys don't get within 10 pts. Not meaning to spoil your fun buddy, but it's always a good idea to have a reality check before tip off...

AN EARLY GIFT: Less than an hour after yesterday's Lounge comments, encouraging Master Golfer of the Universe, Tiger Woods to get back in the game and play in the upcoming Masters Tournament, had hit the blogosphere, el Tigre released an announcement that indeed, he would be returning to the front lines of the PGA by teeing 'em up at Augusta. Now I don't really believe that Woods decided to play simply because the tourney starts on my birthday this year, but unless Lisa can find someone to watch the kids and is able to book the "Rio" room at the Destinations Inn (http://www.destinationsinn.com/), this is about the best way to celebrate the Big 5-0 I could have come up with.

These Days

SPIT AND POLISH: Last Wednesday's blog stated that ACES: The Premiere Northern California Golf Lifestyle Magazine will hit stands inside your favorite pro shop and high-end hotelier this summer. Editor/co-Owner Dennis Miller shot me a note, reminding me that the last week of May isn't quite summer. My bad, but even though it's early in the round, I'm taking a Mulligan on this one...Yes, and those of you who know were quick to respond. My friend Stacy Beintema who celebrated her 29th birthday for the 22nd time yesterday is in fact, the one and only Stacy Carmine, famed of song and story, who graduated from AVHS crosstown rival Foothill High in '77. That was the first graduating class from the now-perennial football powerhouse, whose gridiron program, by-the-by, has been led by former AVHS football and baseball standout Matt Sweeney for a quarter century. And no, loyalists of the Purple and Gold don't think of Matty as a traitor. When he wins (which is far more often than not) we simply refer to the school as "Amador West"...

POWER OF PRAYER: Good thoughts, a prayer, and a drop of oil to Cameron Carson of Thornton, Co., while he recovers from surgery for a torn achilles. There is an investigation looking into possible foul play by a rival ward, as the star power-forward's injury occurred just prior to the start of his stake's end-of-season tournament. I'd always heard the rumors about Church Ball being agressive, but c'mon guys. Hang in there Cam...On Saturday at a church Primary function, I noticed a young man about 8 years old whose face was scabbed from forehead to chin, and pulled him aside to inquire as to what had happened. He stated, matter of factly, "That's the blessing I got from falling off my scooter." Upon my asking how such a devilish injury could be looked upon as a blessing, the young lad smiled. Leaning in to whisper, he replied, "The next day at school, three girls came up and asked me if I was ok". Yesindeedee folks, Spring has sprung...

SPEAKING OF WHICH: Following the social networks' tiresome, whinny, bellyaching posts worthy of a 60 second Glenn Beck spot, coupled with the unusually low attendance in church on Sunday (both brought on by Saturday night's "springing forward" of our clocks by an hour), not a few Lounge Lizards have requested a petition be passed, eliminating the annual loss of an hour that could, should and would have been devoted to sleep. But not eager to give up the same skeepy-time interval gained in the Fall, IF's Ben Pickett suggests we lose the springtime adjustment, continue the fall resetting of the clocks, and every quarter century get an extra day off. Sitting next to Ben, fellow EQ member Matt Svedin clarified, "Yeah, a PAID day off!". Obviously not on the "management" side of the line of scrimage at the company football game...

CLOSE BUT NO CIGAR: As I've opined here before, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a joke and will be as long as Rolling Stone publisher and Head "Suck-Up-to-the-Stars", Jann Wenner, is involved, but at least they got one thing right. At last evening's induction ceremonies from NYC, the Presentation Committee selected Carole King to hand out the Ahmet Ertegun Award to fellow songsters Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil, Jeff Barry & Ellie Greenwich, Jesse Stone, Otis Blackwell, and Mort Shuman. Deserving each, and a more appropriate presenter and quality songwriter than Carole there is not. See Jann, even a blind squirrel finds an acorn once in a while...The top honorees at the suaree included ABBA, Genesis, The Hollies, Jimmy Cliff, and The Stooges. I suppose a case could be made for Genesis, Cliff, The Stooges, and even The Hollies, but ABBA? You know the HOF is nothing more than a POS when these artists are placed among the historical elite while groundbreakers like Dire Straits, Chicago, Yes, Heart, Neil Diamond, and Stevie Ray Vaughn have yet to be invited. A couple of years ago sitting backstage at a show in Blackfoot, Idaho with CHICAGO keyboardist/songwriter/lyricyst/arranger Robert Lamm, I asked the renowned author of CHI staples "25 or 6 to 4", "Saturday in the Park", "Beginnings", etc., if he was ticked off the band had not yet been inducted. After a solid fifteen seconds of from-the-gut laughter, RL smiled and politely said, "No, not at all". 'Nuff said...

ANOTHER RAINY DAY IN NYC: AVHS Alum and tennis standout Marilyn Morrell Kristal finally arrived in the Big Apple for a vist and week-long tourista run with her twin daughters. However, following a 3 hour delay in CHItown, where her girls karmically spent an overnight in the terminal the night before (more delays), Mo was, as of her FB post at 9:07PM zulu time, sitting on the runway, waiting for another carrier to clear her gate so her plane could disembark. I love that city that never sleeps, and would love to go back again, but the more I hear about the travails of air travel, the more I think, I'll wait for the movie...

FROM THE SANDBOX: Former Denver Air Traffic Controller extrordinaire Dave Baratta dropped me a note yesterday from Abu Dabi, where he has taken on a two year contract to keep the big metal birdies of the UAE from crashing into one another. He writes: "...didn't even know about Lebanese food a month ago. But now I am pretty sure they put crack in the garlic paste! This stuff is INCREDIBLE. Picture a dog going after a pudding cup."...

NORTH TOWER BLUES: A little birdie tells me that there is work afoot to open a new music club/restaurant in Mill Valley, following the farewell of the Sweetwater, one of Marin's oldest and most beloved hangouts. Known as a top spot for breakouts and medium sized acts to work out bugs, it was, for more than 30 years, the place where well known Marin-ites like Bonnie Raitt, Huey Lewis, Jerry Garcia, Bonnie and Chris Hayes (former of the Wild Combo, the latter one of Huey's News-mates), David Crosby, David Grisman, Merle Saunders, Sammy Hagar and others would pop-in and sit-in with whomever was on stage. More info as the birdie chirps...

THE LAST WORD: Less than three weeks until The Masters tees off and still no confirmation as to whether or not Tiger Woods will be ending his self-imposed exile and make a run at another green jacket. I've been pretty much mum on this, until now: Tiger old boy, you screwed up, BIG TIME (truly, no pun intended). But son, you seem to have done what you've needed to do with your family, and I wish you all the best on that end. So, with that said, it is time to get off your duff, dust off the webs, and get back in the ballgame. Best way to put this behind you IS to put it behind you, and the best way to do that is do what you do best. And if that ain't enough of a reason, opening day at Augusta is my birthday, the Big 5-0. So just grip it and rip it, Big Daddy.