30 Years Ago - The Surgery

30 years ago today I had my aneurysm surgery. The really big one got a titanium clip and the others have continued to be closely monitored and scanned all these years. I spent the rest of that summer on the couch with our baby son while our 4 year old daughter stared at my wounded head. A year later I was a full time grad student embarking on a completely new career path. Life goes on and we make the best of it. A big thank you to family and friends who helped me through this over the years and especially to Becky for her strength. And to my poor mother who lost her husband in 1970 to a ruptured brain aneurysm and then had to experience four of her children undergo aneurysm surgeries. She was the foundation of our family and we miss her.

Remembering that day… the operation went well except for a reaction to the anesthesia triggered by Malignant Hyperthermia that the doctors were prepared for but that caused a rapid increase in body temperature. I woke up shivering in the ICU packed in ice. Not fun. Becky was very relieved when I recognized her right away and was able to answer questions from the doctors. It was nice to get out of the hospital by the holiday weekend.

The initial Yale study that we are participated in was completed around ten years or so ago and a medical journal article was published. We were referred to as "the family from Pennsylvania". A genetic marker for aneurysms was identified. I got copies of the article somewhere and will dig them up.

I Shall Be Released - Decade 2 Mega Mix

Decade 2 - I Shall Be Released

A Mega Mix of the second decade of rock from albums in my collection.
8 hours 8 minutes

1. I Shall Be Released - The Band, 1968
2. Behind That Locked Door - George Harrison, 1970
3. Perfect Day - Lou Reed, 1972
4. Surf's Up - The Beach Boys, 1971
5. Pink Moon - Nick Drake, 1972
6. The Circle Game - Tom Rush, 1968
7. Lay Lady Lay - Bob Dylan, 1969
8. Crazy Love - Van Morrison, 1970
9. Stoned Soul Picnic - Laura Nyro, 1968
10. Who Loves The Sun - The Velvet Underground, 1970
11. The Wind - Cat Stevens, 1971
12. Every Night - Paul McCartney, 1970
13. Reason To Believe - Rod Stewart, 1971
14. Your Song - Elton John, 1970
15. Life On Mars - David Bowie, 1971
16. Brokedown Palace - Grateful Dead, 1970
17. America - Simon & Garfunkel, 1968
18. Helpless - Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, 1970
19. I've Gotta Get A Message To You - Bee Gees, 1968
20. Today - Jefferson Airplane, 1967
21. Famous Blue Raincoat - Leonard Cohen, 1971
22. Thirteen - Big Star, 1972
23. Jesus Was A Cross Maker - Judee Sill, 1971
24. Tiny Island - Leo Kottke, 1972
25. These Days - Jackson Browne, 1973
26. New York City Serenade - Bruce Springsteen, 1973
27. Carefree Highway - Gordon Lightfoot, 1974
28. Ol' 55 - Tom Waits, 1973
29. A Song For You - Leon Russell, 1970
30. Mama Roux - Dr. John, 1968
31. Who'll Stop The Rain - Creedence Clearwater Revival, 1970
32. This Wheel's On Fire - The Byrds, 1969
33. Tales Of Brave Ulysses - The Rotary Connection, 1969
34. Rock Me On The Water - Linda Ronstadt, 1972
35. Big Yellow Taxi - Joni Mitchell, 1970
36. Easy Rollin' - The Rascals, 1968
37. Jennifer Juniper - Donovan, 1968
38. House On Pooh Corner - Loggins & Messina, 1971
39. Little Bit Of Rain - Karen Dalton, 1969
40. Dead Flowers - The Rolling Stones, 1971
41. Falling In And Out Of Love - Pure Prairie League, 1972
42. Anticipation - Carly Simon, 1971
43. Wishing You Were Here - Chicago & The Beach Boys, 1974
44. I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight - Richard & Linda Thompson, 1974
45. Alison Gross - Steeleye Span, 1973
46. He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother, Neil Diamond, 1970
47. Only Love Can Break Your Heart - Neil Young, 1970
48. I Believe In You - Rita Coolidge, 1971
49. It's Too Late - Carole King, 1971
50. You've Made Me So Very Happy - Blood, Sweat & Tears, 1969
51. You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling - The Righteous Brothers, 1965
52. When A Man Loves A Woman - Percy Sledge, 1966
53. Love (Makes Me Do Foolish Things) - Martha & The Vandallas, 1965
54. Ooo Baby Baby - Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, 1965
55. Together - The Intruders, 1967
56. Ain't No Way -  Aretha Franklin, 1968
57. Goin' Out Of My Head - Little Anthony & The Imperials, 1965
58. Dedicated To The One I Love - The Mamas & The Papas, 1967
59. You Baby - The Lovin' Spoonful, 1965
60. Like A Baby - Len Barry, 1965
61. Don't Sleep In The Subway - Petula Clark, 1967
62. Je Taime... Moi Non Plus - Serge Gainsbourg & Jane Birken, 1969
63. Can't Take My Eyes Off You - The Four Seasons, 1967
64. The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face - Roberta Flack, 1969
65. It Ain't Me Babe - Joan Baez, 1968
66. What The World Needs Now Is Love - Jackie DeShannon, 1965
67. One Of Us Must Know (Sooner Or Later) - Bob Dylan, 1966
68. Here, There And Everywhere - The Beatles, 1966
69. Tears Of Rage - The Band, 1968
70. Darkness Darkness - The Youngbloods, 1970
71. Roads To Moscow - Al Stewart, 1973
72. Help Me Make It Through The Night - Sammi Smith, 1970
73. Summer Breeze - Seals & Croft, 1972
74. Sunday Morning - The Velvet Underground,1967
75. Chelsea Girls - Nico, 1967
76. Daydream Believer - The Monkees, 1968
77. See - The Rascals, 1969
78. We Love You - The Rolling Stones, 1967
79. 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy) - The Seekers, 1967
80. Michael And The Slipper Tree - The Equals, 1968
81. The Village Green Preservation Society - The Kinks, 1968
82. Jack O' Diamonds - Fairport Convention, 1968
83. When I Was A Child - Pearls Before Swine, 1969
84. Song For A Winter's Night - Gordon Lightfoot, 1967
85. Sing A Song Of Summer - John Martyn, 1968
86. Mr. & Mrs. - Incredible String Band, 1969
87. Place To Be - Nick Drake, 1972
88. If I Were A Carpenter - Tim Hardin, 1967
89. The Dolphins - Fred Neil, 1966
90. Turn! Turn! Turn! - The Byrds, 1965
91. All I Really Want To Do - Bob Dylan, 1964
92. Thorn Tree In The Garden - Derek & The Dominos, 1970
93. Scarborough Fair / Canticle - Simon & Garfunkel, 1966
94. Stoney End - Laura Nyro, 1967
95. Here Comes The Sun - The Beatles, 1969
96. Our House - Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, 1970
97. Sea Of Joy - Blind Faith, 1969
98. Everyone's Gone To The Movies - Steely Dan, 1975
99. Don't Cross The River - America, 1975
100. Do You Know What I Mean - Lee Michaels, 1971
101. Spinning Wheel - Blood, Sweat & Tears, 1969
102. Beginnings - Chicago, 1969
103. Long As I Can See The Light - Creedence Clearwater Revival, 1970
104. Candle In The Wind - Elton John, 1973
105. Love Is All Around - The Troogs, 1967
106. You Wear It Well - Rod Stewart, 1972
107. Darling Be Home Soon - Joe Cocker, 1969
108. California - Joni Mitchell, 1971
109. I'll Keep It With Mine - Nico, 1967
110. Phantasmagoria In Two - Tim Buckley, 1967
111. Summer Wine - Nancy Sinatra & Lee Hazleton, 1968
112. Ruby Tuesday - Melanie, 1970
113. Too Much Of Nothing - Peter, Paul & Mary, 1970
114. This Wheel's On Fire - The Band, 1967
115. Old Blue - The Byrds, 1969
116. I'm Willin' - Seatrain, 1970
117. Just For Me And You - Poco, 1971
118. Kind Woman - Buffalo Springfield, 1968
119. Caroline Goodbye - Colin Blunstone, 1971
120. Song For Juli - Jesse Colin Young, 1973
121. Amie - Pure Prairie League, 1972
122. If You Could Read My Mind - Gordon Lightfoot, 1970
123. Garden Party - Rick Nelson & The Stone Canyon Band, 1972
124. You've Got A Friend - James Taylor, 1971
125. Always See Your Face - Love, 1969
126. Tell Me Why - Neil Young, 1970
127. Tecumseh Valley - Townes Van Zandt, 1968
128. Reason To Believe - Tim Hardin, 1966
129. Caroline, No - The Beach Boys, 1966
130. Massachusetts - Bee Gees, 1967
131. Carrie Anne - The Hollies, 1967
132. I Remember When I Loved Her - The Zombies, 1965
133. You Keep Hanging Up On My Mind - Wendy & Bonnie, 1969
134. Ball Of Fire - Tommy James & The Shondells, 1969

That Teachable Moment

A scan of my clip and a teachable moment episode to share. My new neurologist recently sent me to get an MRI because I had been having some issues but the doctors at the neuro center wanted written proof that my nearly 30 year old metal clip was nonferrous and safe. I knew it was and previously had several MRIs in the 90’s but that is a whole different story concerning the keeping of medical records. Since no one could find the requested info in a timely manner I was sent to another hospital to have a Cat-Scan that was calibrated to determine the density and type of metal clip. 

The young technician there was asking me questions about the metal in my head and had assumed it was from some sort of industrial accident. I started explaining my multiple aneurysms, my clipping surgery and the various scans and procedures I’ve had over the years and of course my family history. Then the tech’s supervisor appeared after having overheard some of the conversation and asked me to start again and explain my background to her. She stopped me after a bit and left the room. She quickly returned with a group of about 7 or 8 technician trainees and asked me to tell my story from the beginning for the group. This went on for quite a while as I described my family history of aneurysms over several generations, the deaths, the numerous surgeries, the family participation in genetic testing studies, my having one of the first non-ferrous clips, my more than 20 scans over the years including angiograms, cat-scans, MRIs, MRAs, CTAs… while the interested students listened in rapt attention. The supervisor thanked me for the information and insights.

A very teachable moment but not the first time something like this has happened over the years. Also, BTW, just got back from dinner with my wife at our favorite sushi restaurant celebrating our wedding anniversary today... 39 years.

Canadian Invasion 1994

25 years ago on June 25, 1994 we drove down to East Otto NY to the Griffis Sculpture Park for an all day concert that was billed as The Canadian Invasion. I had never been there before and it was interesting being on the grounds and seeing the sculptures.

It was a good concert despite a break for some rain. We really enjoyed Blue Rodeo as usual and 54-40 and Lowest of the Low. I would see those other two bands a couple of more times in Buffalo at the Thursday in the Square shows. I also liked the Wild Strawberries.

It was exciting to see The Band again although they were without Robbie Robertson they did sound great and tried really hard without him. They had just released a comeback album Jericho which was their first new album since 1977 and it was a good album. I especially liked their version of Bruce Springsteen's Atlantic City. 

It was nice seeing 10,000 Maniacs again too.

Band lineup...

• The Band
• Blue Rodeo
• 54-40
• Lowest of the Low
• Spirit of the West
• The Wild Strawberries
• The Watchman
• Rose Chronicles
• 10,000 Maniacs

Better Wire

I started working at Better Wire Products on Niagara Street in June 1979 about a month after moving to Buffalo. That would be 40 years ago now.

I was hired as a shipping & receiving clerk. It was a small metal fabricating operation that was family owned and employed about 20 to 30 people depending on current jobs. The company hired a lot of temporary employees through a third party for times when they had a lot of work orders that wouldn't last.

There always seemed to be people coming and going but there was a core of regular employees that I saw every day and they was often two shifts. I really don't remember anyone's names anymore. I do remember lots of faces.

I was usually busy in shipping and receiving. I drove around the plant in a fork truck picking up product and taking it to the shipping dock for loading on to trucks. After about a year the company expanded my duties and I became a de facto assistant plant manager involved with quality control. I still did the shipping work but would monitor the work of other employees.

The plant was a small building on Niagara Street near Lafayette Ave in an industrial neighborhood. There were little bars and restaurants nearby where I would sometimes go for lunch. I would mostly walk to work from our apartment on Putnam Street. During the winter I wore long johns to work for not only the walk but because I often had the garage door opened for shipping. I had a desk and work area near that opened door.

There were a lot of characters working at that place and even working through the neighborhood to work everyday was an interesting experience. I got a good idea of what it was like to be a working class Buffalonian. 

In 1980 there was an attempt to recruit the employees of Better Wire Products into the Machinists Union over the course of a few months. There were meetings after work at a bar down the street with union organizers that bought lots of rounds of beer. After a few months there was an election and the union won representation much to the chagrin of the company. I voted for the union but shortly after the election was when I was moved to management.

Becky and I got married in June of 1980 and when to Toronto for a few days after the wedding. It was later in the early summer of 1981 that we took a more serious honeymoon like vacation out West for three weeks. The company let me take that long vacation and one of the other guys took care of the shipping and receiving while I was gone.

This was also the time of the Reagan recession and the company was not doing well which was partly why I was able to take three weeks off. Business was way off and there were a lot of layoffs at the plant which was somewhat harder to do because they were now  a union shop. Well, I guess they realized they really didn't need me and a couple of weeks after I got back they laid me off which was easy to do because I was management and also was paid more than some of the other guys.

So I go laid off and spent the rest of the summer collecting unemployment checks and also working off the books for a friend who had landscaping business. 

I spend two years at Better Wire Products. Approximately June 1979 to June 1981. 

The company moved to the East Side in the 1990's and the old building was empty for many years. Recently a developer has begun making renovations with big plans as part of the renewal of Niagara Street. 

Better Wire Moment:

March 30, 1981 (I looked it up) the owner of the company gathered a group of employees from the plant floor and tearfully announced that President Reagan had been shot. Some of the workers cheered and clapped their hands. The stunned owner walked away.

Midnight Special - Jazz Night Mega Mix

Midnight Special - Jazz Night Mega Mix

8 hours 29 minutes

Jimmy Smith and Wes Montgomery in the photo.

1	Midnight Special	Jimmy Smith	2004
2	Gone with the Wind	Wes Montgomery	1960
3	Bye Bye Blackbird	Miles Davis	1956
4	Here I'll Stay	Gerry Mulligan	2013
5	Autumn Leaves	Gene Ammons & Sonny Stitt	2015
6	High Wire	Erroll Garner	2016
7	Cookin' At The Continental	Horace Silver	1999
8	Take the "A" Train	Coleman Hawkins & Duke Ellington	2014
9	Young Blues	Larry Young	2015
10	On The Sunny Side Of The Street	Lester Young & Oscar Peterson	1997
11	Moment's Notice	John Coltrane	1957
12	The Awakening	The Ahmad Jamal Trio	1970
13	Blue Bossa	Joe Henderson	1963
14	Cantaloupe Woman	Grant Green	1996
15	Mellow Gravy	Jack McDuff and Gene Ammons	1962
16	Cool Out	LeRoy Hutson	2012
17	This Here	Richard Groove Holmes	1962
18	Blues Minor	John Coltrane	1961
19	Kenny's Sound	Kenny Burrell	1963
20	Ornithology	Bud Powell	1951
21	Caravan	Freddie Hubbard
22	Hank's Other Soul	Hank Mobley	1961
23	Minor Chant	Jimmy Smith	1960
24	California Green	Grant Green	1966
25	Joy (Blues #2)	Ray Bryant	1958
26	Love Me Or Leave Me	Gerry Mulligan	1991
27	Donna	Miles Davis	1958
28	Projections	Joe Pass	1964
29	Patterns	The Ahmad Jamal Trio	1970
30	Good Lookin' Out	Stanley Turrentine & Shirley Scott	1998
31	Oliloqui Valley	Herbie Hancock	2007
32	After Hours	Richard Groove Holmes	1962
33	Boo's Tune	Hank Crawford	1960
34	The Worm	Jimmy McGriff	1968
35	The Rumproller	Lee Morgan	1965
36	Somethin' Slick	Kenny Burrell & Brother Jack McDuff	1963
37	Oleo	Grant Green	1962
38	Just in Time	Stanley Turrentine	2013
39	The Jumpin' Blues	Jimmy Smith	1960
40	Three Little Words	John Coltrane & Milt Jackson	1961
41	On Green Dolphin Street	Eric Dolphy Quintet	1960
42	Make It Good	Duke Pearson	1967
43	This Is For Albert	Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers	1962
44	Dear Old Stockholm	Miles Davis
45	Gettin' And Jettin'	Hank Mobley	1961
46	In Walked Bud	Thelonious Monk	1957
47	Brownie Eyes	Clifford Brown	1998
48	Ceora	Lee Morgan	1965
49	When Sonny Gets Blue	Sonny Stitt & Brother Jack McDuff	1962
50	Self Portrait in Three Colours	Charles Mingus	2014
51	Tune Up	Miles Davis	1956
52	Modal Mood	Dexter Gordon	2003
53	52nd Street Theme	Bud Powell	1951
54	Strange Music	Coleman Hawkins Quartet	2013
55	Easy Does It	Oscar Peterson Trio	2011
56	Doodlin'	Horace Silver	1999
57	Tom Thumb	Wayne Shorter	1969
58	Come Rain Or Come Shine	Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers	1958
59	I'll Remember April	Cannonball Adderley	2001
60	Riot	Herbie Hancock	1988
61	The Call	Charles Mingus	1974
62	Just You, Just Me	Hank Mobley	1956
63	Someday I'll Find You	Sonny Rollins	1958
64	The Nearness Of You	Duke Pearson	1961
65	There Is No Greater Love	McCoy Tyner	1962
66	Turn It On	Sonny Stitt	1971
67	Blue Ammons	Gene Ammons	2014
68	Song For My Father	George Benson	1997
69	Almost Like Being in Love	Gerry Mulligan	2012
70	Tea For Two	John Coltrane	1959
71	Full House	Johnny Griffin & Wes Montgomery	2009
72	Our Miss Brooks	Brother Jack McDuff	1997
73	Morris The Minor	Richard "Groove" Holmes	1961
74	Walk In The Night	Grant Green	1972
75	'Tain't What You Do (It's How You Do It)	Shirley Scott & Stanley Turrentine	2001
76	You're My Everything	Freddie Hubbard	1962
77	Sonny's Crib	Sonny Clark	1957
78	Bloos - Booze - Blues	Pepper Adams	1957
79	Blue Monk (Live)	Thelonious Monk	1954
80	Mornin' With Hazel	Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers	1959