Okay, my 2 year anniversary on MySpace, Halloween and Thanksgiving are all behind me and the BIG ONE coming up.  Time for a little reflection:

It's been an interesting year - a year FULL of changes for me, not necessarily by design.  You take what you get and make the best of it. It's funny how good things materialize out of adverse situations. Although this year has been really tough for me in some ways, as I'm sure it has been for most of the rest of you too, a lot of great new things have appeared on the horizon.  I'm very much looking forward to what's coming in the near future. 

For instance, there's this GREAT, brand new, internet radio show (: called DEEP DISH that I'm now co-hosting with my friends, Joe Iaquinto and Patty Molloy on Positive Listening Radio you should check out!  Just one of the many new things that has surfaced for me this year.

So, A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY HOLIDAYS to you all.  Let's all work a little harder on just getting along with each other some more.  Oh, and don't be a litter bug! (including you smokers)-:-)

CHEERS!

Roller coaster-like day today: got a few major chores taken care of and was feeling a sense of accomplishment;
Then enjoyed some time with my guest from out of town, a close friend from the old neighborhood on the south side of Chicago, on his final day here;
A nice home cooked meal with hearty conversation that included my young children;
And finally, a Skype call to my sister followed by a conference call to one of our other childhood friends that I haven't talked to in too long, only to find out that another of our running buddies from my old neighborhood was killed in a freak accident at his home today!

I've said this before - It's never too soon to contact the people who mean or meant something to you. Life is far too short.  We have the greatest opportunities with the best tools ever to do it with.  Use them. 

I missed one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGhiRie4V_k

Wonderful rhythm guitar tips from clinic with Robben Ford

I don't know who wrote this or if the calculations are feasible, but I for one am tired of "business as usual" and about the state of our economy and I too think it's time for our elected officials to make some serious changes and get their hands out of our cookie jars...the same as we have to do.  I look forward to your opinions.

Subject: A New USA Citizen Proposal
 
  I don't know who wrote this, but is sure sounds like an intelligent plan to proceed upon unless I'm missing something.  What say you? 
 
The Proposal:

   When a company falls on difficult times, one of the things that seem to happen is they reduce their staff and workers.  The remaining workers need to find ways to continue to do a good job or risk that their job would be eliminated as well.
 
  Wall street, and the media normally congratulate the CEO for making this type of "tough decision", and his board of directors gives him a big bonus.

  Our government should not be immune from similar risks.

  Therefore: Reduce the House of Representatives from the current 435 members to 218 members and Senate members from 100 to 50 (one per State).  Also reduce remaining staff by 25%.
 
  Accomplish this over the next 8 years. (two steps / two elections) and of course this would require some redistricting.

  Some yearly monetary gains include: $44,108,400 for elimination of base pay  for Congress.  (267 members X $165,200 pay / member / yr.)

  $97,175,000 for elimination of the above people's staff.  (estimate $1.3 Mil in staff per each member of the House, and $3 Mil in staff per each member of the Senate every year)  $240,294 for the reduction in remaining staff by 25%.

  $7,500,000,000 reduction in pork barrel ear-marks each year  (those members whose jobs are gone.  Current estimates for total government pork earmarks are at $15 Billion / yr).
 
  The remaining representatives would need to work smarter and would need to improve efficiencies.  It might even be in their best interests to work together for the good of our country?

  We may also expect that smaller committees might lead to a more efficient resolution of issues as well.  It might even be easier to keep track of what your representative is doing.

  Congress has more tools available to do their jobs than it had back in 1911 when the current number of representatives was esablished.  (telephone, computers, cell phones to name a few)

  Note:  Congress did not hesitate to head home when it was a holiday, when the nation needed a real fix to the economic problems.  Also, we have 3 senators that have not been doing their jobs for the past 18+ months (on the campaign trail) and still they all have been accepting full pay.  These facts alone support a reduction in senators  & congress.

  Summary of opportunity: $44,108,400 reduction of congress    
members. $282,100,000 for elimination of the reduced house member staff.  $150,000,000 for elimination of reduced senate
member staff.  $59,675,000 for 25% reduction of staff for remaining
house members.  $37,500,000 for 25% reduction of staff for remaining senate members.  $7,500,000,000 reduction in pork added  to bills by the reduction of congress members.
$8,073,383,400 per year, estimated total savings.

  Big business does these types of cuts all the time. If Congress persons were required to serve 20, 25 or 30 years (like everyone else) in order to collect retirement benefits there is no telling how much we would save. Now they get full retirement after serving only ONE term.
 
  If you are happy how the Congress spends our taxes, then just delete this message.  IF you are not happy, then I assume you know what to do.

EFFING AMEN to Representative Kaptur!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbD62gNi9WE

If you haven't already heard this, check it out. If you HAVE already heard this, you probably don't mind listening again! I didn't. I saw this months ago but forgot about it until a friend forwarded it to me today...a lot of fun...especially love the end. KC


http://video.yahoo.com/watch/1624349/5493405?v=162...

Very cool recording of the song STAND BY ME. (thanks, Bonnie, for sending)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Us-TVg40ExM

Circa 1972

Here's a blast from the past…

If you were a fan of Chicgo, the band, in the early '70's, and you lived in Chicago, the city, then you might remember that for a period of a few years the band played an annual concert at the Arie Crown Theater in the McCormick Place there, which were always sold out.

We all piled in the Cetera family vehicle after our turkey dinner for one of these shows on the evening of Thanksgiving. Dad was the driver.

Now, my Dad was not a loquacious, or talkative, person. As a matter of fact, he was quite the opposite - extremely reticent about his personal feelings. At our dinner table you were better off seen and not heard. He worked hard all day and just wanted peace and quiet when he got home. Fat chance of that with a family of five children! There weren't a lot of warm fuzzies from my Dad. Pretty typical, I think, for blue-collar families. Saturdays were for fixing stuff, most of which he never seemed to have the right tools for, so he was happiest on a Sunday, after church, with a beer and either watching a ball game or pitching shoes. He did have a dry sense of humor, which I liked, and at the family dinner table we'd get occasional off color jokes, mostly about our own Polish heritage. Anyways, because it wasn't very often, at least not from what I remember during my younger days, when Dad was laughing or smiling or clowning, it was good!

So, we're on the expressway, most likely the 57, the Dan Ryan, from the south side where we lived, en route to Peter's show at the Arie Crown Theater that night. About two thirds of the way there, the road gets jammed up big time, still a few miles from the theater, and it's getting worse. We're inching along and it's getting later and later and we're all on pins and needles because the show's going to start soon.

After crawling along for what seemed like an inordinate amount of time, but in reality maybe 35 to 45 min., we finally start hearing sirens and seeing emergency lights and eventually an ambulance or paramedic's vehicle passes by. Now we can see there's been an accident and it's just ahead and all the lanes are being funneled into the one that's been left open, and Dad, as matter-of-factly as possible says from behind the wheel "SOMEbody got the stuffing knocked out of them."

Oh my god! What an ice breaker!

There was laughter – but a lot more snickering in the back seat that followed. Mom didn't always approve of Dad's off-color jokes, and snickering was our way of laughing, but giving Mom the IMPRESSION we didn't approve of the content either. (I'm not sure what the equivalent rating would be for a movie critic!?) That was one of the funniest moments I can ever recall from my Dad.

Now for the rest of the story: Our cousins, my Dad's brother Stan's kids, were also supposed to go to the concert. Peter had gotten tickets for them too. I don't recall if they 'never' made it, or if they were just very, very late, but we later found out that ironically… THEY were in that accident on the expressway!! Ooops! Fortunately, there were no fatalities or critical injuries. There was some blood, but everyone made it alive, and eventually, well.

There you have it. Happy belated Thanksgiving. Live in peace.

Kenny

.

OK, I've arranged this so the new ones are at the beginning (for those of you paying attention.)
?8-!

Hey, I know it has been a LONG time since Ive done this, but somebody finally asked a question I thought would be interesting to share...
11/19/08 from my friend, Carlos:
Q: Kenny, I've just been wonderin what music yer into lately, whatchya listenin to and what grooves are catchin yer ear? I know yer probably busy, just whenever ya got time, I'd love to know. I always remember that you liked Level 42 a lot, they had some cool grooves.
much love & peace, Los
A: Well, Im not going to name all the tunes, but heres the list of artists currently on my iPod:
Al Green, Alannah Myles, Amos Lee, The Ataris, Average White Band, Bad Company (of COURSE!), Barenaked Ladies, Bedford Park (one of my bands with Joe Iaquinto - some of our vocal rehearsals), Bill Withers, Bobby Caldwell, Boz Scaggs, Bruce Brothers (a blues band cd I played and sang on - copies might still be available for sale from bluescampbell@aol.com), Celine Dion, Chaka Khan, Chicago (duh), Christina Aguilera, Climax Blues Band, Colbie Caillat (my friend Mark Le Vang plays on it), Curtis Mayfield, David Bowie, David Sanborn, Dido, Don Henley, Eagles, Donny Hathaway, Elton John, Elvis Costello, Eric Clapton, Everclear, Everlast, Five For Fighting, Foghat, Foo Fighters, Free Featuring Paul Rodgers, Gavin DeGraw, George Michael, Hoobastank, Huey Lewis & The News, James Taylor, Joe Sample & Layla Hathaway, JET, John Mayer, Johnny Lang, Jon Waite, Journey, Kansas, KC & the Sunshine Band, Kelly Clarkson, ME, Kenny Loggins, Kim Richey, Lenny Kravitz, Little Feat, Los Lonely Boys, Maroon 5, Maxi Priest, Michael Bolton, Michael Buble, Monkees, Nat King Cole, Natasha Bedingfield, Norah Jones, Orleans, Paul McCartney, Paul Simon, Peter Cetera, Phil Collins, Phillip Ingram, The Police, Queen, Ray Charles, Rick Derringer, Robert Palmer, Rod Stewart, Rolling Stones, Sammy Hagar, Scorpions, Shania Twain, Sly & The Family Stone, Soggy Bottom Boys, Squeeze, Steely Dan, Steps Ahead, Steve Miller Band, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Stevie Wonder, Sting, Styx, Sublime, Sugar Ray, Tal Bachman, Tom Petty, Toto, Trapeze, Van Halen, Van Morrison, Weather Report, ZZ Top and 98º with Stevie Wonder (soundtrack song).
Thanks for asking, Carlos.

Q: (4/25/08) Hi Kenny, Love the new pictures!!! Sorry- but I must say the "gum wall" is gross. (she's referring to pics of my girls in one of my albums) "LOL" I am sure a story goes along with that. Care to share it with those of us who are not from your neck of the woods? ...from Bonnie
A: I'm not quite sure of the story or origin of the "gum wall", but it's in San Luis Obispo and we just happened across it during a family outing there one week. My guess is a bunch of drunk college students (Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo) started it and it's still going. I did get a comment on one of the pics from my "friend" Margie from Fairfield, Ca. who says she went to school there in 1979 and it was already going on and had been for years. Maybe she can tell us more! : )

Q: (2/13/08)
KENNY, JUST A QUESTION TO ASK YOU ABOUT YOUR SISTERS,MARY AND PEGGY.
DID THEY SING BACK-UP FOR PETER ON ONE OF HIS SONGS,I KNOW YOU DID.
DID THEY BOTH SING OR JUST ONE OF THEM AND WHAT SONG OR SONGS WAS IT..WHO SANG IT?
(Berta)
A: No, the 'sistas' have not done any bkgs on anything with him. (/8 0) I beg your pardon! I've been on MORE than 1 of his songs! ;)

Q: (2/13/08)
Here's a question for your Q&A segment. How sick are you of people asking where your brother is?
A: ;.. D well, so far it hasn't been that bad. Everyone's been pretty good. I can imagine a lot worse. However, I don't/won't/can't answer anything but mundane q's on his behalf anyway.

Q: (2/11/08)
Peter has just vanished from his site. He has never gone over 2 months without posting to "Pc Speaks. "
Is he ill or caring for a close family members' illness?
You can see by Pc's site and general discussion board that there are many of us wondering what happened to PC.
A: He is fine. Be patient! You know that old saying... (don't MAKE me type it out for you!)

Q: (2/4/08; OK, not really a question) HOPE THINGS ARE WELL WITH YOU AND YOUR BEAUTIFUL FAMILY. WE MISS PETER ON THE BOARDS AND HE HASN'T SAID ANYTHING IN PC SPEAKS SINCE NOV. I EVEN POSTED A MESSAGE CALLED "PUTTING AND ALL POINTS BULLETIN" IN LOOKING FOR YOUR BRO. I HOPE HE IS OKAY. TELL HIM TO GET HIS CUTE ASS IN GEAR AND SAY HELLO, HEEHEE, YOU COULD TELL HIM TAngel444 SAID THAT. TAKE CARE, TAMMY ^j^
A: I will advise my bro to get his "cute" ass in gear (...what kind of gear would you all prefer anyway? Something kinky? Just asking :)

Q: (2/4/08) Hey Kenny, check this out please..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVegagdKsC4
Someone posted this a few days ago, and I wanted to know, from you, if that's you doing backround vocals for your brother here? I think it's you, but I don't wanna assume.
Thank you kindly, Kenny.
Proud Fan of Chicago 1969 thru 1984.
The 'Cetera' Era.
A: Yep (at 2:12, 3:09, 3:50) Must've been from the Arsenio Hall show as Branford Marsalis was the saxophonist on the Jay Leno performance.


(following is from Bob in Cinci 2/2/08)
Q: I met Branford (Marsalis) and his Dad Ellis in New Orleans, in "86", yeah 1986, when I was down there for a week playing. Branford is an awesome guy, and what a musician. His dad blew me away as well. Did you get to chat with Branford? He is definitely a down to earth person. Bob
A: No, I did not get to hang with Branford or Jay when we taped the Jay Leno show (way back when). However, a few years prior to taping that show (and before touring with Chicago) I played for a private party for the Los Angeles Police Dept. at the Beverly Hills Hotel and Jay Leno was the featured guest. AFter our sound check we (the orchestra/band) were hanging in the dressing room. Jay came in a few minutes before he went on and hung with us, and started telling us some jokes backstage. I thought that was pretty cool!

New message with A LOT of questions so I thought I'd post:
Hey dood, I found out about your Myspace from your bro's website on PC speaks. I am a member there. I have to be honest I have never heard your music before tonight. I love your vocals and your style.(...Thanks, dude!)

I am a big fan of your brother, and now I am a big fan of you! May I be so blunt to ask a few personal questions? (no, but..oh, ok...just kidding. go ahead) :D

Q:Is it true you were a paid background vocalist for Chicago after Peter split? I listened to this old Chicago interview. Jimmy Pankow said something along the lines of "Oh! Kenny, great guy but no he was just a paid background vocalist for a short period." ("...but, no..." what?)
A: I was hired as studio singer on 17 and as a sideman on (most of) the tour that followed, singing harmonies, playing drums, percussion and some keyboards. (Though I was a sideman, I did get to move around quite a bit on the stage.)
Bro your voice is amazing I think you could be BIG.
Q:Where can I purchase your music?.. I hope none of that put you off in any way. I know PC can get a bit irritated with questions related to Chicago, on his personal website.
A:Right now I do not have anything available for purchase, but I am working on it.
Q:Do you play the organ? I just got a hold of a 1964 Hammond double decker. It's in great condition but I can't play. Do you have any advice for a young guy looking to learn the ropes of playing this great instrument?
A:I tinker on the keyboards in general. Listen, and Check out Jimmy Smith.
Q: I was thinking of getting a signed autograph pic from PC. Do you think he would be offended if I threw in a few Gift cards from Starbucks and Borders?
A: That's a Q for PC, sorry!
Q:Do you send out signed autograph pics to fans?
A: I have given autographs, but not by mail.
I get gift cards by the hoards. I think for someone as young as me (30), most of my friends don't understand why I like PC so much. He is one of my favorite singers.
Q:Do you think he may ever reunite with Chicago atleast for maybe a nostalgic tour? You don't have to answer if you don't want to. Sorry not to keep bringing him up please take no offense. I am a big fan. Mind if I add you?
A:Couldn't tell you.

Well best of luck with your career bro I will be checking out your Myspace often for new material. Take care and have a great week!

Best regards,
Brent
KC: Thanks Brent
12/12/07
OK, new question...
"...Oh btw , when im on it ..have ya talked to Peter about a collaborating? I mean you two would sound terrific together!
Thanks for answering me
Åse"
Well Ase, if you're talking about writing together...no, I haven't. It's kind of like...um...he's a mountain and I'm Mohammed. If you're talking about singing together...check out these on 17 - "You're The Inspiration", "Along Comes A Woman", "Prima Donna"...I sang on all of those...with Pedro.
Dec 10, 2007 10:09 AM
Kenny,
I LOVE "Could it be you" Awesome sound and lyrics.... Is it new?
Absolutely amazing!!!!Keep up the great work....Andrea
...
Thank you Andrea. It's not new. I recorded 2 sides for a mini CD that was released only in Japan. It was written and arranged by keyboard virtuoso Robbie Buchanan.


Here we go with Q's and A's! Let's see what happens...

It's late (very late!) cuz I've been working on a problem with my iBook G4...operating system won't load...so I'm on my wife's G5...nice big, comfy screen!

This was sent in by MenO...
"u prolly hear this a lot but u got some great songs man... and ur voice is amazing... if this is not too personal how many brothers and sisters do u have besides peter of course... u seem to talk about one more brother and all of u three musicians... its kinda funny cuz i have 2 brothers as well and we all play together...."

I have 2 brothers and 2 sisters.
Peter, Tim and I have only performed one time together to my recollection...at my brother Tim's wedding. :( I would love to have the opportunity for the three of us to work together on a project. (I was always jealous of Donny Osmond and Michael Jackson). But then, unlike members of many professional groups who work together...we still get along!
Good luck to you and your bros.

There...my first Q&A.
....