Song #1:  Rascal Flatts; Life is a Highway; Samantha's Favorite

The title pretty much says it all.  We've driven all over seeing and doing this vacation, but we've had a great time doing it and wouldn't change a second.  Plus, the girls like for me to crank up the volume and sing and dance along.  Can't beat that, can you?

Song #2:  Rascal Flatts; Stand; Erica's Favorite

For whatever reason, Erica has fallen in love with this song and wants to listen to it every time we get in the car.  I must admit to liking it to, but it wasn't until this morning that I actually listened to the lyrics and smiled.

Cause when push comes to shove
You taste what you're made of
You might bend, till you break
Cause it's all you can take
On your knees you look up
Decide you've had enough
You get mad you get strong
Wipe your hands shake it off
Then you stand

It sort of reminds me of the journey that I've gone on this trip, which I wrote about some the other day.  And it made me smile.  It hasn't been easy, but it's been awesome.  And as we prepare to leave tomorrow (TOMORROW!), I realize that I've done it.  And I'm so proud of myself.

I guess the girls picked some pretty great theme songs for this trip.

Die offizielle Webseite von HelpCharity ( www.HelpCharity.info ) wird ab dem 01. August 2008 online gehen. Zum Ablauf vom Charity-Projekt äußern sich Christian Lamitschka und Birgit King wie folgt: „Auf der Internet-Seite von HelpCharity haben wir einen Online-Store eingerichtet. Leute, die gerne HelpCharity mit Spenden unterstützen wollen, bekommen im Gegenzug ein Dankeschön.

Dabei handelt es sich um Sachspenden, die von vielen namhaften Künstlern und Firmen kostenfrei zur Verfügung gestellt worden und mit einer persönlichen Widmung versehen sind. Besonders glücklich sind wir darüber, dass selbst Firmen aus Amerika uns mit Sachspenden aushelfen.

Personal Message From RHONDA TOWNS

Neben der offiziellen Webseite von HelpCharity, ist HelpCharity auch auf MySpace unter www.MySpace.com/HelpCharity vertreten, um das Charity-Projekt noch besser vermarkten zu können. Denn mit HelpCharity sollen Organisationen unterstützt werden, die sich für die Belange von behinderten Kindern einsetzen. Zur Zeit stehen Christian Lamitschka und Birgit King in Verhandlung mit einer Institutionen in den USA und einer in Deutschland ansässigen.

Was bedeutet HelpCharity?
HelpCharity steht für Handicapped, Engagement, Loyalty, Protection und im Deutschen für: BeHinderten, Engagement, Loyalität und Protektion.

Warum wurde HelpCharity ins Leben gerufen?
Leider erfahren behinderte Kinder in Amerika und Deutschland viel zu wenig Engagement, Loyalität und Schutz. Mit HelpCharity sollen Organisationen unterstützt werden, die sich um die Belange von behinderten Kindern in Deutschland und den USA kümmern. Kinder haben es in der heutigen Zeit sehr schwer im Leben. Das trifft umso mehr zu, wenn Kinder mit einer Behinderung geboren werden. Denn die Kindheit dieser Kinder ist mit vielen Entbehrungen verbunden. Um das Leid zu lindern, möchte HelpCharity dazu beitragen, dass Kinder mit Handicaps ein unbeschwerteres Leben führen.

HelpCharity Onlineshop?
In diesem Onlineshop werden Spenden von Künstlern und Firmen zu Festpreisen verkauft. Die Preise sind ungefähr den Preisen in Deutschland angepasst. Für Artikel mit Autogramme wurden die Preise ein wenig erhöht, da diese auch Sammlerwert haben.

Woher sind die Spenden und die Autogramme?
Christian Lamitschka hat auf Grund seiner guten Kontakte zu vielen Künstlern und Firmen aus dem In- und Ausland diese zugeschickt bekommen oder sie bei seinen Aufenthalten in den USA mitgebracht.

Was passiert mit dem Erlös?
Der Erlös wird auf einem Bankkonto gesammelt. Kurz vor dem 1. August 2009 wird der Erlös zusammengerechnet und dieses Geld geht nach Abzug der Unkosten (z.B. monatlicher Beitrag für den Shop) zu je 2 gleiche Teile an die entsprechenden Organisationen in Deutschland und den USA.

Sind alle Sachspenden schon online gestellt?
Nein, da so viele Spenden eingegangen sind und wir den Shop noch zusätzlich mit Informationen und Übersetzungen füllen mussten, hatten wir leider die Zeit nicht dazu, alle Spenden von Künstlern und Firmen bis zum 1. August in den Shop zu stellen, aber dies wird so schnell wie möglich nachgeholt.

Wer unterstützt HelpCharity?
Aaron Watson, Abus, Adam Levy, Adeniji, Alicen Krauss, Allison Janisse, Amber Rhodes, Andy Griggs, Anja Krombholz, April Taylor, Asleep At The Wheel, Baer Family Records, Becky Schlegel, Billy Burnette, Billy Ray Cyrus, Black Hawk, Blake Shelton, Bob Kingsley's Top 40, Breandon James Wright And The Wrongs, Brian Bender, Brian McGuire, BRM Records, Buick Audra, Candice, Carolina Rain, Carrera, Carrie Elkin, Casablanca Ramblers, Casey Triscoll, Casie Driscoll, Cerrito, Charlie Allen, Charlie Daniels, Charlotte, Christian Lamitschka, Chuck Wicks, Clear Blue 22, Clint Black, Colt Ford, Connie Kis Anderson, Corbett / Chrisman / Tice, Crooked Still, Crystal Gayle, Curb Records, Daniel Smith, Dave Caley, DeAnne Moore, Deorah Hightower, DG, Ed Bentley, Elling, Emily Burridge, Emily Portman, Emma Mae Jacob, Ensemble Al-Asdeka, Eugene Marlow, Fender, Fox Brothers, Frank James, George McClure, Georgette Jones, Hadassah, Haley Breedlove, Hans Lamitschka BDW, Hermann Lammers Meyer, Jake Owen, James Hunter, Jason Meadows, Jeff Griffith, Jeremy McComb, John Arthur Martinez, Josh Turner, Julianne Hough, Julie Ingram, Kasie Smith, Katja Kaye, Katy Kiefer, Kenny Chesney, Kevin Fowler, Kyle Jennings, Lane Brody, Larry Rice, Lefty The Honkytonk Cowboy, Little Big Town, Little Texas, Lucie Diamand, Lynn Taylor Donovan, Mark Huff, Mark McGuinn, Marlboro, Marthia Sides, Martina McBride, Michael Knight, Michael Peterson, Michael Twitty, Montana Highway, Montgomery Gentry, Neal W Joung, Otis Read, Owen Temple, Paul Ansell, Paul Stout, Phil Coley / Joe Pickering , Pinecastle Records, Rascal Flatts, Reinando El Juego, Ren & "T", Renee Grant-Williams, Rhonda Towns, Richard Murray, Richie And The Rocket Dogs, Rick Huckaby, Rio Rocko, Robin Dean Salmon, Rodrigo Haddert, Roni Stoneman, Ronica Coldiron, Rounder Records, Rubber Duck, Sara Evans, Shawna Russell, Shile Records, Smithsonian Folkways Recording, Smoky Weston, Song Dogs, Sony / BMG, Star De Azlan, Steel Guitar Nashville, Stella Parton, Stephen Cochran, Tabatha, TaVeren, Taylor Ware, Teeter Gray, The Baker Boys, The Bellamy Brothers, The Charlie Daniels Band, The Daddys, The Highroad, The Road Hammers, The Roady Prairie Dogs, The Shady Lanes, The Southern Sky Line, The Turpetine Treacle, Tim Scott, Todd O'Neal, Tom Astor, Tony Trischka, Tracey Bonham, Tracey K. Houston, Trent Willmonn, Tresa Jordan, Ulli Möhring, Vince Hatfield, Warner Bros. Nashville, Western Mail, Whitney Wolanin, Willhelm Pfeiffer, WVVS

Kontakt für Sachspenden:
Christian Lamitschka
An der Pfingstweide 28
D-61118 Bad Vilbel
Telefon: +49 (0) 6101 544613
Mobil: +49 (0) 171 6903352
Fax: +49 (0) 6101 544622
E-Mail: Ch.Lamitschka@t-online.de
E-Mail: HelpCharity@web.de
Internet: http://www.MySpace.com/ChristianLamitschka

Kontakt für Geldspenden:
Birgit King
Eastleighstr. 12
D - 70806 Kornwestheim
Telefon: ++49 (0) 7154 803755
E-Mail: HelpCharity@Web.de
Internet: http://www.HelpCharity.info

Quelle / Vollkontakt: HelpCharity / Christian Lamitschka

Ich bin heute mal wieder in die Stadt gegangen und habe dabei Musik gehört..Normalerweise stört es mich sehr, wenn der Wind meine Haare zerzaust oder wenn meine Kleidung nicht so sitzt, wie sie soll..Aber heute hat es mich nicht gestört..Als ich mich auf den Weg gemacht habe, habe ich mir die Ohrstöpsel in die Ohren getan und habe My Wish von Rascal Flatts(?) gehört..Ihr könnt mir glauben, ich war hin und weg..Plötzlich schien es als wäre die Zeit stehen geblieben..Ich habe keine Menschenseele gesehen und es war als würde es nur mich, den Wind und die Musik geben..Ich war unglaublich glücklich, denn so habe ich die Welt noch nie erlebt..Schmetterlinge flogen von einer Blüte zur nächsten..Bäume schienen zu tanzen.. und kein Mensch war da, der diese wunderschönen Sachen gesehn hat..

Ich weiß, dass das da oben so klingt, als wäre ich verrückt..Aber ich bin wieder zurück..die letzten Wochen war ich wie tot..Ich habe nicht gesprochen, nicht reagiert und habe nur gegessen, um nicht völlig zu sterben..Die letzten Wochen war ich nur noch depri..wegen der Sache mit meiner besten Freundin, der Familie und Schulstress..aber jetzt bin ich wieder da..Ich lächle wieder..ich bin einfach nur glücklich am Leben zu sein..und das nur, weil ich My Wish gehört habe und mir bewusst wurde, dass das Leben trotzdem weiter geht..egal was passiert..Es ist wie ein Film..Wir sind nicht die Regiesseure in diesem Film..nein..wir sind die Darsteller..wir, sind die Hauptpersonen in diesem Film..und wisst ihr wie dieser Film heißt?..Es nennt sich Leben :D

I know i am a few days late, but things have been hectic...Sunday night was so far the best concert of the year thanks to Rascal Flatts. Tayor Swift did open for the stellar group, but she mostly accommodated the young teenagers, who all did their best to look-alike with Taylor. But bringing a sold out crowd to Verizon every year is what the Rascal's do and they never seem to disappoint. Hit after hit, song after song...we know them all by heart and we sing along with them to make us feel part of the band too. This by far was the best concert of the year and would go ahead and put money on it, that they will get Country Music Group of the Year once more. I can listen to their music for hours, every song is such an ear worm, but never seems to disappoint or let anyone down. I am already looking forward to their next concert because they always outshine the one from the year before! For those who waited to long to buy tickets, you missed a heck of a show, but be sure you don't miss out on the next tour.

To hear me say this may not shock some of you. But if you knew how far I had to come, you'd understand. See, I'm a city boy (suburban, really) from city-bred stock on both sides for several generations. Plus I'm from a Northern city. Sure, it's the midwest, and one need drive just forty minutes from my house to find a cornfield or two. But come on, we're talkin' City of Broad Shoulders here (that's a Carl Sandburg line, btw). We're talkin' electric blues capital of the world, and the birthplace of Smashing Pumpkins and Kanye West. (In fact, I'm only two degrees of Kevin Bacon removed from the fascinating Mr. West.) .

And most importantly, I'm a proud, Masters-educated, card-carrying intellectual. I'm not *supposed* to like a song with the gall to use a line like "Save a horse, ride a cowboy" as it's non-ironic chorus. And yet I do. Guess I'd better stop teasing my sister Laura, who's been a casual country fan for years.

I'm conflicted, sure. I don't agree with the nationalistic, flag-waving politics and "work hard, party harder" sentiments that are expressed in some country songs. But I'm kind of on board with the unabashed way that some songs express sincere faith. Oh, also, I'm not much of a fan of the sound of a pedal steel guitar. So there's that to scare me off. But give me a fiddle, and I'm right back onboard again. So is it a wash, or am I kidding myself that I can have my cake and eat it too?

I think part of what's happened is that hanging with the decent country people up here in genuinely rural Wisconsin has forced me to change my perspective. I don't listen to country music much in the Chicago suburbs. But up here at the "lake house", it just makes sense to program The Wolf, a country music station out of Oshkosh, on my car radio. There's even an old AM station that plays only "classic country", that I listen to on an ancient cassette-only boombox in the garage (it doesn't get much of an FM signal way out in the boonies, with a broken antenna... how "country" of me to keep it running though, right?!).

It's just so much easier to accept the simplistic messages (and often humorous tales, a big plus) in most country songs, when they sound a lot like a line I heard at the little podunk grocery store yesterday. Because contemporary country music is clearly lyrics-driven, leaving little doubt as to what the song is about, or who it was written for.

Not something that can be said about Pearl Jam, or even a highly literate songwriter like Elvis Costello or Pete Townshend. In fact, most of my favorite songwriters are more legitimately poetic, meaning they don't mind having an extra layer or two of meaning (or even confusion) mucking up the song. In country music, on the other hand, such pretentious hogwash will not be tolerated. Sappiness, "Butterfly Kisses" sincerity, and "family values" -- that's country... along with girls, cars, tractors, drinking and the like, which rock and roll includes as well, of course... except maybe for the tractors.

Country music is just fun. Which is okay, too. So when I'm drivin' to the Fleet Farm store, and good old Eddie Rabbit comes on the radio singin' "I love the rainy nights", I will no longer be ashamed to sing along, good 'n' loud!

YeeeHaw!

Country super group Rascal Flatts will appear and perform in the upcoming Hannah Montana movie, which is currently filming in Tennessee.

Meanwhile, Bucky Covington, an "American Idol" alum, and new artist Marcel, both labelmates with Rascal Flatts on Disney-owned Lyric Street Records, will also appear in the movie.

"Backwards," a song co-written by Marcel and Tony Mullins, will be featured in the film.

Some days I wake up and I hope with all of my heart that this has all been a terrible dream. When I realize it has happened and Regan's not in my life anymore, I'm filled with that all too familiar pain, aching, and sadness. It's hard to believe he didn't want me in his life anymore, and that he didn't want to try to make it work. It's still hard to believe it's really over.

Maybe I would feel differently if I felt like I'd had closure from the entire ordeal. But so far, I feel like breaking up has been the biggest mistake for both of us. In my heart of hearts, at the deepest core of who I am, I feel that this is all so wrong. I don't want it to be over.

I'm sure most people knew this, maybe even thought it themselves, but I really truly believed I would marry Regan. He was unlike any boyfriend I had ever dated, unlike any guy I really knew. I felt deeply connected to him from the first time we met. He made me feel comfortable and at ease. I was so thankful that God had brought us together, and, as cheesy and cliché as it may be, I remember when we listened to Rascal Flatt's Bless the Broken Road as we drove through the countryside one night, I realized how I really felt about Regan. We both had piles of emotional baggage, but there was a bigger reason behind us meeting than just random chance; God had orchestrated it perfectly. Even through our fights and mini break-ups, I thought I had found the "one." When things were hard and I wanted out, he would tell me to keep trying, and I did. It seems silly now, but we talked about seeing into the future, way down the road when we would be married and happy and even more in love.

My heart desires more than anything to be married and to share my life with someone. Obviously, that's not in God's plan right now, and sometimes that's hard to cope with when all I see are friends around me getting married and engaged, sharing lives with someone who really loves them and who they love back equally. I want that.

I want it so badly.

I'm praying for peace, and more importantly, that the Lord would align my heart's desires with His perfect and pleasing Will. I want to desire God above all things, to have obedience to follow Him, to trust in Him and believe that He really is working all things for my good.

I was trying to clean up our old computer, delete ancient files, make some more space. I came across a letter that I do not think I had ever read before. It was written by my dear husband to our firstborn, while he was serving a year-long deployment in Iraq. Rhema was born about 6 weeks after Brandon deployed, and he returned home when she was almost 1 yr. old.

6 September 2004 (from Tikrit, Iraq)

Precious Rhema,

I remember the first time I ever thought about you. Your mother surprised me—although as soon as I saw her face, I knew what she was about to say. I remember her beaming face. You were so small then. Smaller than my pinky fingernail. Yep, definitely smaller than that. I was speechless, so speechless that your mother had to ask if I was excited. Oh, I was, I just don’t show excitement too much thinking it to reveal my immaturity. I imagined the cradle your mother’s body was. I was so concerned for her for she never sits still. Then you started to make a bump of your mother’s tummy. I watched you grow from inside. One day, we went to the doctor and I got to watch you sleep inside mommy as you were growing. My goodness. It was a miracle. I looked at those pictures of you resting inside Mommy often while I was away. I had to go to Iraq to protect you, which meant I wasn’t there when you were born. But, I am coming home soon. I can’t wait to hold you. I can’t wait to try to teach you something. I can’t wait until you recognize me. I can’t wait until you scream “daddy” when I come through the door. I can’t wait until you are old enough to know about Jesus. (I pray you accept Him at a young age and follow Him forever.) I can’t wait until I see you play sports. I can’t wait to see you sing. I can’t wait to see you make us all proud as you head off to college. I can’t wait to see you accomplish a million things your mother and father didn’t. I can’t wait to see you married to a Godly husband. I can’t wait to see you and your family (my grandchildren) take on the world for Christ. But, I have to wait. I don’t want to rush any moments. I want to slow down and cherish each second.

Your daddy loves you with all his heart. I hope I get to be your hero.

Love,
Daddy

Just wanted you to know, dear Brandon, that you’re her hero. Remember the sign that was posted in the old gym in Germany at your homecoming from war? Even though, you are still waiting to hear her scream “Daddy!”, you are her hero.

Every time you teach her something new – be it pulling up her pants or using a spoon – you’re her hero.

Every time you fall on your knees before God on her behalf, you’re her hero.

Every time you hold her in your loving, strong arms for a butt-shot, you’re her hero. 8)

Every time you sing “Yes, Jesus loves Rhema”, you’re her hero.

Every time you clean up the poop art, you’re her hero.

At every doctor’s appointment, therapy visit and school meeting, you’re her hero.

Every time you get up early and seek God’s face on how to lead this family, you’re her hero.

Just wanted you to know, B.

Rascal Flatts, cue music.

"I'm Moving On"

I've dealt with my ghosts and I've faced all my demons
Finally content with a past I regret
I've found you find strength in your moments of weakness
For once I'm at peace with myself
I've been burdened with blame, trapped in the past for too long
I'm movin' on

I've lived in this place and I know all the faces
Each one is different but they're always the same
They mean me no harm but it's time that I face it
They'll never allow me to change
But I never dreamed home would end up where I don't belong
I'm movin' on

I'm movin' on
At last I can see life has been patiently waiting for me
And I know there's no guarantees, but I'm not alone
There comes a time in everyone's life
When all you can see are the years passing by
And I have made up my mind that those days are gone

I sold what I could and packed what I couldn't
Stopped to fill up on my way out of town
I've loved like I should but lived like I shouldn't
I had to lose everything to find out
Maybe forgiveness will find me somewhere down this road
I'm movin' on

I'm movin' on
I'm movin' on

In the sports arena The Beijing 2008 Olympic Games will draw hundreds of thousands of people from around the globe to China August 8th to the 24th.  Hot Olympic tickets include the Opening Ceremony, Basketball, Swimming, Gymnastics and Soccer. I can get you there,  can you take the time off from work?

And thank heavens it's NFL football starting August 3rd with the Indianapolis Colts vs. the Washington Redskins in the Hall of Fame Game.  The Buffalo Bills play the Pittsburgh Steelers August 14th in Toronto, Canada.  The Bills also play the Colts at the new Lucas Oil Stadium on August 24th. By then every team will be hitting hard and you will be chomping at the bit to get in on the action. National Ticket Agency has great seats for every single NFL game home or away all season long and onto the Super Bowl. The biggest bash of the year. Maybe this year your team will be there!

 Some other hot tickets this month include the  US Open Tennis Championship in New York which begins August 25th.  NASCAR raceing circuit hits Pocono Raceway, Watkins Glen, Michigan International Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway and the Fontana Auto Club Speedway. Wow.  UFC 87 Seek and Destroy, the UFC's 1st event in Minnesota, is scheduled for August 9th at the Target Center in Minneapolis.  Hot Las Vegas shows this month include Cher, Elton John, and Jerry Seinfeld. Of course Broadway is always a great time, this August make it your time.

In baseball defending world champion Boston Red Sox pay their last regular season visit to old Yankees Stadium August 26th-28th.  Other great baseball matchups include the Phillies vs. the Chicago Cubs, Angels vs. the Yankees, the Red Sox vs. the White Sox and the Red Sox vs. the Baltimore Orioles. In the NL don't miss the Brewers now with ace lefty CC Sabathia aquired from the Indians or the Cubs with hard throwing righty Rich Hardin traded by the A's. In the AL can the Tampa don't call me Devil Rays actually hold on to take the East. This season is sure to go down to the very end and be the most exciting in years. Of course NTA has your field box to bleacher seats for less money than anyone else. We always invite you to compare exact same seats on NTA vs Stub Hub, Tickets Now, Razer Gator, Golden Tickets or any other of the supposed big time ticket dealers.....National Ticket Agency beats them all bottomline...buy your home stretch, playoff and World Series tickets from NTA and save big.

4 Minutes - Madonna

Viva La Viva - ColdPlay (hence the title)

Love in this Club - Usher

What Hurts the Most - Rascal Flatts/Cascada

No Air (featuring Chris Brown) - Jordin Sparks

They have great arrangements. I have some on my iPod, I can't wait until someone signs them. They are incredble. Piano or guitar they rule the world.

Anyway, now that that's over and done with, I wanted just to give you an update. I'm at the last boss of MGS2 and then I'm moving onto MGS3 which actually kind of intimidates me with the new camo/hunting system. And I made myself a promise for summer. I'm not buying any games until I beat five games. So I've beaten one: MGS 1 for PSOne. 4 to go!

I know I'm gonna be really tired from the two jobs, today was the first day I work both and I'm really tired. So we'll see how boring summer gets.

Recently on my way home from work, I heard the ever-irritating Rascal Flatts belting out "Life is a Highway" from my car speakers. As I sped toward my destination, I contemplated the cliche. I guess you could call life a highway...we are all headed in one direction, u-turns are not allowed, and some people seem bound and determined to get ahead, no matter what the cost. Sounds like a trip on I-85, I-89, or I-26 to me.

Lately, my life has been equivalent to a German autobahn. Because I am only here for the summer, everything seems to be going at many times the speed it typically would. Lessons that would have taken a few months time to learn are coming in on a weekly basis. Phases I would have gone through for a semester or so are fading in and out of my life like a lighthouse beam. Friendships, relationships-all coming and going faster than I can keep up with them. The hours I log at work are blending together, so much that I rarely know what day it is.

It's enough to leave a girl a bit overwhelmed.

I am often on the road for school, work, or travel. Invariably, at some point in my drive, I'll look down at the speedometer and realize that I've somehow managed to be going close to double the posted limit without even realizing it. When placed in new surroundings, it is far too easy to quickly get caught up in certain fast-paced lifestyles, seemingly fun at the time, but eventually met with bitter consequences. Such lifestyles can tend to catch you off guard and blow up in your face, like blue lights in your rear view without warning.

When I allow myself to get caught in the webs of the aforementioned lifestyles, I feel discontent. I feel like a failure.

I have come to realize that those moments which make you feel content are the ones in which you have achieved true success. When you experience these moments, hold onto them, and attempt to come up with any feasible option to ensure such an event can happen again. If you are able to do so, your life will be abundant with the feeling of success, and these successes will be in the areas most important to you.

Contented moments are rare for me in this fast paced life of mine, but I do experience them occasionally. Kayaking through a storm in Magog, Quebec, driving with my little sister through Canada while singing along to ridiculous rap songs, grilling the world's most expensive barbecue chicken (only because of our impulse buys) with TB while having serious discussions on existentialism (mixed with great, immature conversations on whatever strikes us at the time), laying in the middle of the road with my amazing, yet-to-be-introduced-on-this-blog neighbor, looking at the stars and talking about life...these moments hearken back to the idea of "life moments." It is these moments that get me through the daily grind, that give me something to listen for when everything else becomes deafening.

I'm learning a lot in my short time here, and with such learning comes joy, heartache, uncomfortable realizations, and self discovery. I'm taking my own advice-taking these moments in which I feel successful, and figuring out just how I can ensure I don't lose them. The other moments-the moments in which I feel like I am not living to my potential, not being who I truly am, not truly happy...those will just have to stop occuring, and I know that only I have the power to control if and when they do.

Red pill/blue pill. My turn signal is on. I'm merging into the slow lane.

While visiting Cheyenne Frontier Days, enjoy fun for all ages with rides, games, music, food, friends, and fun abound at the Carnival Midway on Frontier Park. A great time for the entire family from midday to midnight. Click here for the complete article...

This man, once a dancehall legend in his native Texas, has produced some of my favorite music of the past decade. Although most of his best mainstream work has been more rock than country (see "Wave on Wave," "Virginia Belle"), he's made some terrific contemporary country as well (see "Dixie Lullaby," "Sweet Revenge"). And while his catalogue has grown increasingly slick with each new "mainstream" release (and most fans will still argue that his earlier Texas stuff was better), one has always gotten the sense that there is a real artist at work in these songs.

Until now.

"Let Me" finds Green phoning in pleas for his lover to "let [him] be the one to set [her] feet upon a road where [she's] never been" over an annoyingly repetitive melody, and backed, to boot, by a production that would make the Flatts boys mighty proud, cheesy electric guitar solo and all. Shameless, soulless, not even catchy.

And I don't know if I can bear to say anything else about it. Morgan was a loss I could handle; this one hurts. Grade: D

Listen: "Let Me" - Pat Green

The second season of The Sundance Channel's music-performance series Live From Abbey Road premiered this past Thursday night. The series airs on Thursday evenings at 10 p.m. Eastern and Pacific.

The program is recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London, and features some of today's top musical talent. Among the artists appearing this season will be Dashboard Confessional, David Gray, Herbie Hancock, James Blunt, Kate Nash, Mary J. Blige, Panic at the Disco, Rascal Flatts, and Suzanne Vega.

For further information, see http://www.sundancechannel.com/livefromabbeyroad/.

Click below for the Live From Abbey Road promo video:

Yeah. The conclusion I've come to about Shameless is one that you probably could have predicted: it's going to be a casually-updated feature (like, once or twice a week when I get into my blogging groove here - more on that in a second) of this blog which will mainly focus on country music-related subjects to which I can lend a unique perspective and which haven't already received adequate attention from other, more comprehensive country music blogs. I love reviewing singles and commenting on country music news, but I see no need to perform these tasks if the singles and/or news in question are already being well-covered by biggies like Country Universe and the9513 (who are getting their second straight Shameless shout-out here, woohoo). I love those blogs and the others in the community and have no desire to reiterate their content or try to compete with them in their respective areas of expertise.

So I'm essentially dubbing Shameless a "leftovers" blog. I think that makes the most sense for it right now; if it were anything more, it would require its own site apart from Squinty Dan's, and right now I don't have the time, energy, or (frankly) skills to run two sites given my perfectionistic standards.

So instead, you're going to see a lot of subjective responses to particular subjects - the Little Big Town post a while back is a good example - and occasionally some reviews or "Best Of" lists when I'm feeling especially saucy. And of course, I'll keep right on with my analysis of award show nominations, because some LiveJournal traditions must be carried on.

And I'm going to be primarily organizing all of this Shameless content into weekly updates, which will probably fall on Thursdays to coincide with the official release of the Billboard charts.

And I think that pretty much does it. Look for the first Shameless Update this Thursday! Until then...just stay as far away from "Bob That Head" as you can manage.

...Uh oh! It found its way here! Run!