In the Studio

Enrolling Stones in the Studio
Originally uploaded by merfam

Yesterday my work band, The Enrolling Stones, went into the studio and recorded our first demo. We laid down 4 cover songs complete with back-up vocals, hand claps, tambourine, and so on. It was a first time event for most of my band mates, and it was great to be part of this experience with them.

The entire process took about 7 hours to record. We selected a diverse variety of tunes while showcasing the range of our talents. The studio will be mixing the tracks this week and we expect to have a CD in hand by the end of the week. I’ll post the songs as MP3s at that time so you can see how we sound.

Songs we recorded:
Start me up – Rolling Stones
Black horse and the cherry tree – KT Tunstall
Hard to handle – Black Crowes
I wish – Stevie Wonder

The Enrolling Stones

Here's the video (my work band) The Enrolling Stones played to at my company’s holiday party. There were about 150 people in attendance, and we got a great response to this parody. If you like the TV show The Office then you will appreciate this clip.



Merry Christmas everyone!

Stay Smart, Stay Healthy

This is a video series my team (Marketing New Media) at Humana has been working on this year. It's basically healthcare 101 that explain the ins and outs of health insurance and how it works.

Topics like "Health Savings Accounts", "Why Is Healthcare So Expensive?" and "How Does Insurance Work?" are all covered in these short, entertaining, and informative videos.

Take a look and let me know what you think, until next time stay smart and stay healthy.

Coming Together, Moving Forward

Barack Obama in Louisville, KY
Originally uploaded by merfam

Just think, a few months ago the Democratic Party was torn in half between Hillary and Barack. And Rush Limbaugh encouraged conservatives to put up Clinton signs in their yards during the primaries to keep it that way. Now look who’s in turmoil – the Republicans. It doesn’t feel so good does it?

Now the Democrats and most of the country are united and the Republicans are playing the blame game. I know how it feels and I hate to see it. They are licking their wounds now, but give them some time and they’ll start working together again.

I always thought America would elect a black president in my lifetime, but I didn’t think it would be until I was in my 50s or 60s. I feel like America has time traveled about 25 years into the future and I’m more proud of our country than ever.

During Obama’s victory speech I thought of the struggles that African Americans have gone through. While I'm about as white as white can be, I am a person who relates to others well, and I tried to imagine what this must mean for blacks everywhere. Barack's thoughtful words that night brought tears to my eyes and a sense of hope I have been lacking in my country.

I have had the honor of hearing the president elect 2 times in person, and I look forward to what he and his administration will do for us and the world. We've got very high expectations of him and we has tough road head, let's hope he delivers.

Ron Howard as Opie and Richie, for Obama

I saw this today and thought it was worth posting; it's pretty cute. And if Andy Taylor and the Fonz are voting Obama, shouldn't you? You can't really get more American than the "Andy Giffith Show" and "Happy Days."

Agree or disagree - that is the question

This is a perfect example of John McCain flip flopping. First he agrees with Barack Obama, then he disagrees with the crowd, then he agrees with the crowd, and then he just starts grasping at words like "patriotic" and "God loving." And did I mention "patriotic?"

I love the look on Cindy's face during the set up. In McCain's defense he is 80 something years old, and just woke up from a nap. After an episode of JAG and some Werther’s Originals everything will be just fine.

And if you think this post is mean, turn on conservative radio for a few minutes and get back to me. Peace!

Every Dollar Counts

Wal-Mart
Originally uploaded by merfam

In this time of skyrocketing prices the Meredith family is cutting back. We canceled HBO, shop for all of our groceries (except meats) at Wal-Mart, reduced dinning out, got rid of our storage unit, and adjusted our insurance coverage.

We use more coupons than ever, try to buy items when they’re on sale, and we’ve scaled back on most of our frivolous spending. I’m selling stuff we haven’t used in over a year on Craig’s List, and doing some side work (websites) for extra money too.

I’m really worried about our country; foreclosures, government bailouts, watching my 401K dry up, these are scary times for the middle class. I know it will get better, but I don’t believe it will be for several years.

Next on the list – cancel our home phone service.