It's still rock and roll to me

 Music has always been my thing. So is listening to the radio. e 21st century has changed things a bit. First came satellite radio. Then came internet radio.

I'm a fan of both. Who wants to be a Luddite to the point you're dialing in a fuzzy AM station?! 

My disorder is such that I have to be selective. Some days are painful enough that music is out of the question. 

But, it's my passion. So, I've found ways on good days. 

One is listening to Bing Crosby. That warm baritone is actually rather soothing. I have quite the Crosby collection, but he's also got a great internet station at http://bingcrosby.com -- You'll hear Arne Fogel there and on his weekly show The Bing Shift. Google it. 

Closer to home, Wayne Bledsoe is helping get Real Knoxville Music going. It's a fantastic platform for local and regional musicians. Yes, I've heard Jill Andrews and WestWend on there! Check out http://realKnoxvillemusic.com

Finally, Brad Goldman and some dedicated folks have re-created LA's The Mellow Sound, KNX-FM 93 online at http://themellowsound.net 

You can find mellow pop/rock songs from roughly 1973-83, and it's one of the best internet stations out there. Brad says they've even found original programming notes and have put the playlists to good use. You'll hear more than hits. 

All of these stations, plus thousands of others, are free. Chances are you can find a station for any mood. 

A wise person once said that without a song, the day would never end. Surf around and find something that fits your style. You'll be glad you did.

The man with Bogart's face

It's one of those old paperbacks that smells like it's aged right along with my bad eyesight. 

Smell is a form of time travel. The scent takes me back to young adulthood. I read a lot of books. 

My condition gives me fits with reading these days, so I like to listen to audiobooks. But this title caught my attention. "The Man with Bogart's Face." 

It's an homage to those glorious films of the '40s in which the good guy wins, the bad guy loses, and the girl always looks like Reese Witherspoon. 

How can you beat an homage to Bogart! These old adventure novels are easier for me to read. So I try one ever so often. 

Movies these days want to depress you. Well, I get enough of that in the news. So when I sit down to one, or a book tribute to one, I wanna have a good time and laugh. 

This one is fun, filled with wisecracks and explosive action. 

As he did on the silver screen, Bogie delivers. 

Here's looking at you, kid...