I chose the title of this blog to go with a Beatles song from 1969. The title made sense in October of 2009 because fighting cancer might be a drawn out challenge. I take inspiration where I can, and hope to motivate with my musings about music, my status and anything else related to life. Anyone can post comments; no sign in or account is needed, just click on the comments section towards the bottom of the post and write me a note. A splendid time is guaranteed for all. Live Happy- Greg
"Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect." Mark Twain
I am featuring a newer artist today whose Sussex wit gives out an ethereal quality. Johnny and his band are just beginning a tour in the Texan republic, look for them as they might cross your path soon. The song, "The Box" might be as simple as a poem about homelessness or more complex things, whatever Johnny meant, its catchy as he is being compared with Dylan and other poetic songwriters.
I almost forgot to post how wonderful the Big Climb was for myself, my son Mikhael, and wife Yvonne in the "Box" called the Columbia Tower. We started the climb towards the rear of the large team, making our way one glorious step at a time. Along the way there were inspirational posters of blood cancer survivors and those who we were climbing for. At about floor 50 I saw one for me. Every time I felt like slowing down or competing harder someone was there to calm or motivate me. Thank you again to the 60 or so brave souls who raised funds and brought us along with you. Live Happy
Side two of the Abbey Road album ends with a medley of songs, the first two compositions written by Paul McCartney as one song, then The End a stand alone- all were credited to Lennon/McCartney like most Beatles songs after the really early days. Abbey Road was actually the last album recorded by the Beatles, (but Let It Be was the last album released.)
I couldn't think of a better example to go with my official end to the Hyper C-Vad Chemo sessions and my state of mind from last night. My last Cytarabine infusion was done at 9:05 PM and we were out the door by 9:15 PM! I made it home to a greeting from Sadie at around 10:00PM. Straight to bed and golden slumbers were awaiting me immediately. No interruptions for blood tests, vital signs, etc. Friday was a good day all around, I received my none marrow biopsy results which show 1.6% blast cells (bad ones) in my marrow, well below the 5% allowable maximum. Science aside, this means I can continue to a bone marrow transplant ASAP. The prayers, good luck and all of the support I have received has given me two donors, the first is a 100% typed 40 year old woman living somewhere in the good ole' USA. The other back up donor is a 90% donor. Scheduling and some final insurance details await us now.Thanks to everyone who has helped in one way or another!
This tasty video (09-15-97) comes from a concert in the Royal Albert Hall for a relief effort for a volcanic eruption of the Caribbean territory/island of Montserrat. You get to see Sir Paul start it off, Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, Mark Knopfler and many more stars perform as a great team, just like Team "I got a fever." Live Happy- Greg
(Dr. Kalnoski performing the bone marrow biopsy in the HIP area.)
After a frustrating day yesterday, I turned on the ITunes and Bob Dylan's "Like a rolling stone" was the first shuffled song to play. I've heard it probably over a hundred times, this time I paid attention! I found the attached early version of a live performance after a little research, the story of Bob Dylan going electric is very interesting. Bob was even booed early on for performing electrically after his early folk/acoustic beginning.
The song actually started out as a long verse, Dylan was writing poems and songs at a unbelievable pace in 1965, Rolling Stone was whittled down to a 6 plus minute tune (way too long in 1965 for traditional radio play.) It sill got released and made it to number two behind the Beatles "Help." Open to interpretation of course, my read on Dylan's song finally made sense today. Someone loses standing, money, fame, whatever might be important to them. The ending made me clue in to the fact that losing what is important or dealing with tragedy can actually be a cleansing experience. These final lyrics made it make sense to me:
When you got nothing, you got nothing to lose You're invisible now, you got no secrets to conceal.
How does it feel
How does it feel
To be on your own
With no direction home
Like a complete unknown
Like a rolling stone?
My last chemo session started as usual- a bit disorganized. Eventually had a spinal infusion last night at 6:00 PM, then a C T scan at 9:00 PM and chemo at 10:00 PM. The CT showed a reduction in my original mass- most likely scar tissue. I had a bone marrow biopsy this morning and results will be back Thursday. The chemo is flowing 26 hours straight right now, keeping me on the tenth floor for awhile. 10A6, and my inside phone number is 253-426-4100 ext. 127-1016. Live Happy-
After all of the hard work our Big Climb team assembled yesterday at the Columbia Tower in Seattle. Walking up 4th Avenue before the climb looking at Seattle's tallest building (75 or so stories) Yvonne, Mikhael and I made but one comment- it sure is high! We had two groups, one group raced for time, a larger group climbed with cowbell accompaniment. The fastest time was turned in by Marcus Long- 10.08 one of the top times all day. The winner was just over 7 minutes. Climbers didn't keep time, but most of the climbers spent between 15 and 25 minutes climbing to the top. Before the climb we took our team photo, had a chance to sign up to be on the national bone marrow donor program, visit, and collect goodies. We had a few folks who couldn't make it, so our team's largest benefactor (Stephanie) and her two children were able to don team shirts and climb with us!
After the climb we arrived on the 73rd floor observation deck to some welcome fans (blowing air type) and beautiful views of the Puget Sound and Seattle. We eventually went to the 40th floor and another observation room with treats and water. All along the way there were motivational stories and much camaraderie.
Most of the team made it to our victory lunch at the Pyramid by Safeco field. We were able to get a private room and share stories like true champions.
Thank you to everyone who helped, contributed, and supported the team. Team "I got a fever" stood out as the sharpest team at the event! We also eclipsed our fund raising goal every day for the past month- I wouldn't be surprised if we move to 6th or 7th in team fund raising (out of over 500 teams!)- well over $13,000 by the time the fund raising stops April 9th.
"From me to you" was a big hit in the U.K. in 1963-1964. One of the first Beatles "Hits" it is a simple love song written by both John and Paul on a bus trip while they were touring. I go into my last Chemo session today, and will hopefully be done with chemo by Friday. Live Happy- Greg
The Beatles recorded and performed this Phil Medley and Burt Russell classic early in their career, right after the Isley Brothers covered the original Top Notes version. John Lennon even pulled out some irreverent humor when playing for the queen as he made the comment about people in the good seats rattling their jewelry just before the Beatles played. The Beatles version went on to be the classic played at numerous dances, events, and classic rock radio. The Beatles being introduced by Ed Sullivan as they played their first big outdoor stadium concert is also a treat. Ed seems to be truly enjoying the magic of the moment. The music quality was poor due to the unstoppable screaming and lack of stadium size amplifiers and technology- but you get the picture of what is was like in 1965 New York during the English Invasion and Beatlemania. Team I got a fever is ready to climb 69 floors and look out all around Seattle this Sunday from the 73rd floor, I couldn't be more proud. Happy Friday!
This time my Beatles hiatus was quite long, so I am back with a vengeance. The titles of two classic songs back to back almost sounds like a command... that is not the case. I feel a need to get or give back as I am still the luckiest man in the world- even hearing from an old friend today who I had the pleasure of growing up with from 1968 to 1972. So my get back reference is just that- I need to get back to taking care of what really matters. The don't let me down part is there because the video contains two great songs and I can't edit worth a darn!
John Lennon wrote the song as a love song to Yoko- controversial as she was during the time it is deeply felt and clearly he sings the song from the heart.
This rare footage shows the Beatles and their last live performance ever from the rooftop of the Apple Corps building in London. The January 30, 1969 performance was unannounced but quickly drew crowds and eventually the English Bobbies shut it down after receiving a lot of complaints. The Beatles were finishing the filming and recording of what they were calling Get Back. Abbey Road ended up being released before the final touches were done on the Get Back- later titled Let it be album. The video is over 7 minutes long- but shows a tight performance of the soon to break up band. Live Happy-
Being bald, you notice when it is raining. But, because I'm free, nothing's worrying me. This B. J. Thomas version of the Hal David/Burt Bacarach song is listed as high as the number 12 song of all time. It was covered by many, and of course recorded for the 1969 film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. While technically recorded in 1969, it became a number one hit in 1970, thus starting off the 70's in fine fashion. For those younger folks out there in the blogosphere, songs like this dominated the early 70's Billboard hits. This version is from the BBC Top of the Pops T.V. show.
Team "I got a fever" is readying for the big climb this coming Sunday, the team is holding at number 8 out of hundreds of teams in total fund-raising which is amazing. We really appreciate all of the support- from as far away as Honolulu Hawaii! Live strong and happy! Greg
I was driving home tonight when our Big Climb team member Neal e-mailed me with exciting news. He received a $2000 donation from Stephanie, a person who wanted to join the team but missed the cutoff when the climb closed to new climbers last week! This unbelievable act of kindness put our team into 9th place overall in fund raising in one fell swoop. I don't know if I can ever thank Stephanie enough, I hope her donation is motivating to others. I took great inspiration from this donation and will be working even harder to beat cancer through the support and assistance the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society offers. I sweated to the oldies in the pool this morning, and will be doubling my cycling efforts in the next week so I can keep up with the rest of the team and climb to the top in 10 short days. Today's song to accompany my good mood was first recorded in 1988 by the LA's from Liverpool England. Obscure, but what a catchy tune! I dedicate it to Stephanie N as she entered the scene and left quite an impression! If you haven't seen Mike Myers in So I married an axe murderer this song plays twice in the soundtrack. It is worth a rental for those who enjoy comedy-romantics. (more comedy than romance.) Live Strong!
First off- thanks to my sister Cathy for remembering my mother's birthday a couple days ago. She always puts others first. Yvonne and I were fortunate to attend the Scott Firefighter Climb of the Columbia Tower this past Sunday. Since I was an honoree we were treated to some insider treats by volunteers. I was proud to represent the King County Airport Firefighters team! (Who all made it to the top.) After cheering the ARFFies towards their respective climbs we met a three year old girl from Oregon who is battling a similar version of Leukemia that I have. She was having fun running around the same closed to the public areas, listening and watching the Bag pipers, - very strong and motivational. We noted that the firefighters used oxygen for their climb, but carry 60-70 pounds of gear at the same time. We took a couple of pics- sorry for the lack of quality. Bryan looks like he earned his seat, huh? today's song is just a good old love song, written by one of my favorite singer-songwriters, John Hiatt. I chose this song as it has an inspirational vibe during a Beatles break, I hope it is pleasing to the ears... Greg
Jethro Tull was a early 70's rock and roll force, their 1971 album Aqualung perhaps their best. "Wond'ring Aloud" was stuck in the album as an anomalous love song, with simple acoustic guitar and accompaniment. The last line sums up today's post. "And its only the giving That makes you what you are."
Firefighters and supporters from around the world as far away as New Zealand are climbing Seattle's tallest building, the Columbia tower today to support the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society (just as our team will in two weeks.) The firefighters will wear their bunker gear and a big oxygen tank to complete this mission. They are giving back beyond expectations- I wish I could thank every one of the participants, what a great group of people... Yvonne and I are going to be there to wish the King County Airport Rescue Firefighters and all of the thousands of participants well at the start this morning, we hope you have a great Sunday.
Just a bit o Northern English/Irish fun, check out the comedy video first. I just love this song, the upbeat qualities and dance vibes were flowing in 1982. Dexy's Midnight Runners seemed to know that the 80's were going to be disappointing so some good music had to be laid down real early in the decade...
Yvonne and I took a day off today to take a visit to the Fred Hutch, learning more about my Leukemia and checking out some options. We had some great Bai Tong Thai food on the way home and finished with a visit to get infused with chemo- which was delayed until tomorrow due to fairly low blood levels. (Darn) I hope you enjoy the Beatles break for awhile!
*Big Climb Update: The Big Climb is officially full, and not accepting any new climbers. Our 58 team members will start at 11:00 AM on 03-21-10. We are still in fund raising and preparation mode. Any assistance is welcome at the llswa.org website.
Hawaiian star Israel Kamakawiwo'ole with one of his versions of White Sandy Beach. For us mainlanders still struggling with Winter or early Spring- the view alone is worth a look. The picture is my sister Cathy looking to the west after Natalie and Sam's wedding last summer at the beach at Ka'ena Point on Oahu. Aloha!
Had it been another day she might have looked the other way... Yvonne and her "I got a fever" Big Climb team are doing great with over 50 members. We are only $11.25 from reaching $4000 in donations this morning! We have purchased the last Team shirts we could find- everyone signed up by now has one. It looks like the event will sell out this week. SHAMELESS PLUG: The Leukemia/Lymphoma Society and the Big Climb is a positive fund raising event that does great things. I have been able to utilize the organization for a tool called Life Mosaic- and specific disease support. You can help any of us by going to the online site and clicking on a team member of your choice to support. We are all working hard, all of the support is very welcome. A big shout out goes to Lori Moloney- our individual fund-raising leader with $620!
I will never forget buying my first copy of "Rubber Soul" in 1974 at a used record store in Portland. I had become a full fledged Beatles fan in the early 70's, just after the breakup. I was finding good deals on albums that were a little worn, maybe some writing was on the cover- a few scratches... I think I paid .99 for Rubber Soul. After cleaning the album and making sure the cartridge was good I gave it a listen."I've just seen a face" was the first song on side 1. It sounded a little Country or Folk... the more I listened the more I appreciated the quick jig like ditty and to this day it is the easiest Beatles song for me to remember. (someday karaoke.) I found the attached video from the Paperboys, a Vancouver Canada Irish-Folk-Bluegrass-Eclectic band this morning and had to post it since I could not get the song out of my head. Their version captures a lot of styles.
For some reason chemo session seven was a lot tougher than the six preceding sessions. I gained a lot of water weight, losing most of it (14 pounds) by this morning. I really needed someone this weekend to borrow a phrase... I did finish inpatient chemo session seven Friday with visits by my Son in law Sam and Daughter Natalie- then my Dad and his wife Alice, and my Sister Cathy. During these sessions I have seen a lot of people come and go. I used to say I couldn't understand how people could quit, now I am beginning to understand how the process can cause different effects- it becomes personal. I am just fortunate to have had my caring wife Yvonne home this weekend to get me through this process with love and understanding.
Now things are better, I will finish my last session in a few weeks and won't look back. Have a great week, Spring is about to Spring!
Enjoy this Rain (Beatles Tribute) clip- it's very high quality and worth a look if you've never seen them play.
I am featuring a newer artist today whose Sussex wit gives out an ethereal quality. Johnny and his band are just beginning a tour in the Texan republic, look for them as they might cross your path soon. The song, "The Box" might be as simple as a poem about homelessness or more complex things, whatever Johnny meant, its catchy as he is being compared with Dylan and other poetic songwriters. 
