The bird's got the word

OPEN MIC @ THE EPICUREAN

2010-03-30T21:07:00.005-04:00

WHAT: OPEN MIC NIGHT
WHERE: The Epicurean Restaurant & Bar
902 Village of Eland
Phoenixville, PA 19460
WHEN: Wednesday Nights @ 9:00pm

My name is Chris Lebresco and I am the new host of Open Mic @ The Epicurean as of 3/31/2010. As host, I hope to keep things rolling as they have been for the past several years here at The Epicurean.

The room and my equipment are best suited for Solo and Duo Acts (Acoustic, Electric, Keyboards, etc.) Again continuing with the tradition of this Open Mic, artists will be allowed to play as long as time permits depending upon the number of musicians. I can't imagine too many cases in which you would not have a opportunity to play at least 4 tunes (unless you play songs with ten minute solos:-)

For the record, this open mic is definitely supportive of and encourages folks to come and share their original music, despite the fact that I myself have not written any...yet!

From my experience attending this open mic as a musician, everyone is really cool and the talent level ranges from first time performers to seasoned veterans. My goal as host is to be welcoming, fair and respectful to all musicians.

If you are thinking about coming out and playing for the first time...you should. It is exactly what I did a little over 3 years ago.

Hope to see you at The Ep!

Chris

Here is our Fan Page on FACEBOOK - www.facebook.com/openmicattheepicurean
Here is The Epicureans Website - www.epicureanrestaurant.com

President Barack Obama!

2009-01-21T16:40:00.005-05:00

My kids watching President Barack Obama give his inauguration speech!

B, do you know what "a while" means???

2009-01-15T09:56:00.005-05:00

"B, ...."a while" means sooooo long!"

I swear I just heard that come out of Jagger's mouth! I can only imagine it comes from me responding to Jagger's request to do anything like....going outside or anything other than going to sleep! I wonder how long he thinks "a minute" is???

Here are two songs I am working on!

This guy has a great voice...I am trying to find a key the I can sing it in. This is too high...at least the yoooo hoooo parts are.

Craig, you said you really like this song! I finally figured out the strumming.

Nothing like The Student Discount!

2009-01-13T15:49:00.003-05:00

Yes, I have been out of school since 1996...but I still save a dollar every time I go to the movies!!!

THE SPOILED UNDER-30 CROWD!

If you are 30 or older you will think this is hilarious!

When I was a kid, adults used to bore me to tears With their tedious diatribes about how hard things were when they were growing up; What with walking twenty-five miles to school every morning...uphill BOTH ways

Yadda, yadda, yadda

And I remember promising myself that when I grew up, There was no way in hell I was going to lay a bunch of crap like that on my kids About how hard I had it and how easy they've got it!
But now that I'm over the ripe old age of Thirty, I can't help but look around and notice the youth of today.

You've got it so easy!
I mean, compared to my childhood, you live in a damn Utopia!
And I hate to say it but you kids today...
You don't know how good you've got it!

I mean, when I was a kid we didn't have the Internet.
If we wanted to know something,
We had to go to the damn library and look it up ourselves, In the card catalogue!
There was no e-mail, we had to actually write somebody a letter, With a pen!
Then you had to walk all the way across the street Or down to the corner, put it in the mailbox, And it would take like a week to get there!

There were no MP3's or Napsters!
If you wanted to steal music,
You had to hitchhike to the damn record store and shoplift it yourself!
Or you had to wait around all day to tape it off the radio, Then the DJ'd usually talk over the beginning and F#&% it all up!
We didn't have fancy crap like Call Waiting!
If you were on the phone and somebody else called...
They got a busy signal, that's it!

And we didn't have fancy Caller ID Boxes either!
When the phone rang, you had no idea who it was!
It could be your school, your mom, your boss, your bookie, Your drug d ealer, a collections agent, You just didn't know!
You had to pick it up and take your chances, mister!

We didn't have any fancy Sony Playstation video games with high-resolution 3-D graphics!
We had the Atari 2600! With games like 'Space Invaders' and 'Asteroids'.
Your guy was a little square!
You actually had to use your imagination!
And there were no multiple levels or screens, It was just one screen forever!
And you could never win. The game just kept getting harder and harder and faster and faster until you died! Just like LIFE!

When you went to the movie theatre there no such thing as stadium seating!
All the seats were the same height! If a tall guy or some old broad with a hat sat in front of you and you couldn't see, You were just screwed!

Sure, we had cable television, but back then that was only like 15 channels
And there was no on screen menu and no remote control!
You had to use a little book called a TV Guide to find out what was on!
You were screwed when it Came to channel surfing!
You had to get off your ass and walk over to the TV to change the channel

And there was no Cartoon Network either!
You could only get cartoons on Saturday morning.
Do you hear what I'm saying!?!
We had to wait ALL WEEK for cartoons,
You spoiled little rat-b@st@rds!

And we didn't have microwaves.
If we wanted to heat something up,
We had to use the stove or go build a frigging fire...
Imagine that! If we wanted Popcorn, we had to use that stupid Jiffy Pop thing And shake it over the stove forever like an idiot.

That's exactly what I'm talking about!
You kids today have got it too easy.
You're spoiled. You guys wouldn't have lasted FIVE minutes back in 1980!

Regards,
The over 30 Crowd

This years class photos are in...

2008-12-18T16:35:00.001-05:00

Christmas Photos

2008-12-17T12:34:00.005-05:00

Here is a picture of the kids with Santa. Below that are some pictures at the Helicopter Musuem where we saw Santa fly in on a helicopter from the North Pole! The last couple of pics are of "B" and I while we were getting our Christmas tree.

I'm sorry, Mrs. Smith

2008-12-15T21:26:00.007-05:00

Jagger's teacher, Mrs. Smith, recently instituted a behavior tracker at school. It consists of green light, yellow light, and red light and is posted on the wall in the classroom. I am sure you can figure out what means what. Well...Jagger had a bad day at school yesterday. When I went in to get him, he was on RED light, while all the other children were on green. How embarrassing! Apparently he was talking back to Mrs. Smith, not listening or paying attention and sticking his tongue out and spitting - certainly not a good Lebresco representation.

Here's what he had to say:

I am pretty sure Wednesday is going to be a green light day....for Jagger's sake, it better be.

Pictures for Jenna

2008-12-11T13:38:00.005-05:00

Jenna, here are the pictures you requested from us....

3 on 3 Basketball

2008-12-09T12:31:00.010-05:00

The Lebresco Brothers to play in YMCA 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament!!!!

I'm not saying who #55 is!

Phil's legs are actually that hairy!

"B" What a Mess!

2008-12-05T17:02:00.001-05:00

Santa's Email Exposed...

2008-12-05T12:11:00.002-05:00

CLICK ON IMAGE TO READ SANTA'S ACTUAL INBOX!!!

Another Man's Trash....

2008-12-03T15:48:00.004-05:00

This morning my father-in-law decided that the current bar stools that we own were no longer safe for sitting and could present a dangerous situation in the very near future. He then decided to replace our stools with the neighbors old stools that just so happened to be out for today's trash. Chris & Tom, I hope you don't mind, but your old stools are now in our house. I thought this would be the best way of breaking the news that we went dumpster diving after you left for work. You guys thought you were never gonna see those lovely stools again....wrong! Just come over....no seriously come on over! I hope you don't mind that I recovered the seats to match the curtains.

Thanksgiving!

2008-12-02T15:50:00.002-05:00

BIG GIG

2008-11-25T16:10:00.007-05:00

RON'S ORIGINAL BAR & GRILLE THIS FRIDAY!!!

Show starts @ 9pm. Don't be late!!! My first 3 songs are the best, it's all downhill after that....just kidding!

That's it...I need to go practice!!!
Later.

Christmas Gift Exchange List

2008-11-25T10:35:00.004-05:00

Here it is folks, this years list!

Pattie has Carol

Nick has Marsha

Chris has Tommy

Lindsay has Patti S

Mark has Craig

Kristen has Jenna

Philip has Alisa

Krista has Ann

Tom has Nickie

Jenna has Glenn

Liz has Kristen

Marsha has Philip

Craig has Mark

Ann has Liz

Alisa has Lindsay

Carol has Christopher

Glenn has Pattie

Patti has Krista

Get out there and kick-start our economy!

Sorry to those of you who are not part of this exchange. If you would like a gift, please leave a comment with a detailed explanation as to why you should get one!

People are starting to get upset!

2008-11-25T10:01:00.002-05:00

Recently, I have been taking some heat for the lack of content being posted here on the blog. I would like to apologize to my loyal readers for not keeping up with the blog lately.

Here is an example....

Email from "Anonymous"

Seriously?.............What is going on with the blog? We are now one week since the last post. I think I might be up for a guest spot. I’d like to write about how disappointed I am in the lack of content over the last couple of weeks.

Take care of those “precious children.”

Regards,

Tom Hindman

I apologize and will have new posts coming soon!
I promise.

Songs I Like....

2008-11-17T15:55:00.002-05:00

Here are 4 great songs I have been listening to lately!

Conviction of the Heart - Kenny Loggins

Winter Birds - Ray LaMontagne

Not Ready To Make Nice - Dixie Chicks

No One Is To Blame - Howard Jones (Cover)

Thanks Tom!

2008-11-11T09:40:00.004-05:00

Tom Hindman (aka T Hizzle) my neighbor and friend took me to the EAGLES game. It was awesome.

Chris' take-aways of the game.
1. I ate way too much (Pulled pork sandwich, cole slaw, chips, a huge Chicago style slice of pizza, and washed down with a Mountain Dew!)
2. I referenced the movie "Teen Wolf" at the Tailgate....my bad Tom. Tom will be hearing at the next game..."Tom...dude, what's with your friend...he was throwing out Teen Wolf quotes...where did you find this guy!"
3. I got made fun of at our seats for wearing Wool gloves with snowflake patterns on them. The guys were referring to them as "Oven Mitts!" Again, my bad Tom!
4. Hundreds of people pay good money for their seats and sit inside the concourse and watch the game on TV. (and it wasn't even that cold) WTF!!!
5. Coach Andy Reid has to do a better job next time to put his players in a better position to win. That I know for a fact!

Fun with my daughter, "B"

TWO JOKES

2008-11-07T16:21:00.003-05:00

Joke #1
An American couple was moving to Australia and had successfully smuggled out their pet snake and pet skunk. They were going through customs in Australia and were about to be searched by Customs Officials. They panicked and were wondering what to do when the husband said; "I know, I'll tie the snake around my waste and say it is a belt and you can put the skunk up your dress!" The wife replied "Great! but what about the smell?" The husband said "Oh well, if it dies, it dies!"

JOKE #2
A very "experienced" young cowboy and VERY "innocent" cowgirl decided to get married. After the wedding they left for their honeymoon. While driving down the road, the new bride sees two cows "going at it" The new bride asks, "What are them cows up to, honey?" The husband, a bit flustered, answers, "Why can't you see? Them cows, they're roping!" After a few more hours of driving they pass two horses having "going at it" Again the bride asks, "What are them horses doing, honey?"
The husband answers again, "Them horses, they're roping too!" Finally they arrive at their hotel, go to bed & start to explore each other's bodies. Things are going along fine until the bride discovers her husband's willie. "Oh my!" she cries: "What is that?" "Well, darlin'," he says, "That's ma'rope!" She slides her hands down further and gasps, "Oh my goodness! What are those?" "Honey, those 're my knots!" he answers. Finally the couple begins to make love. After several minutes the bride says, "Stop honey, wait a minute!" Her husband, panting a little, asks: "What's the matter honey, am I hurting you?" "No," the bride replies, "undo them darn knots, I need more rope!"

Have a great weekend!

Coming next week! Trick or Treating pictures

A Change Is Gonna Come

2008-11-05T16:53:00.000-05:00

Change, it's a wave, building before it breaks!

2008-11-04T21:45:00.004-05:00

I thought this was appropriate for today!

World as come undone
like to change it everyday
Change don't come at once
It's a wave.....building before it breaks

Can't wait for election day
Good news to the occupation
Corporations rule the day
Well you know the pendulum throws
Farther out to the one side swinging
Has to sweep back the other way

All this hope and nowhere to go
This is how I used to feel but no more

Pearl Jam - Undone

My version!

I hope you all voted today!

2008-11-03T09:28:00.004-05:00

I got this in an email today....I don't know the person that sent it and actually reported it as spam. All that being said, I read the message and really liked it. Here it is.....

Joe gets up at a.m. and fills his coffeepot with water for coffee. The water is clean because some tree-hugging liberal fought for minimum water-quality standards. With his first swallow, he takes his daily pills, which are safe because some stupid commie liberal fought to ensure that they work as advertised.

All but $10 of his medications are paid for by his employer's medical plan because some liberal union workers fought their employers for paid medical insurance - now Joe gets it too, although he is not in the union.

He cooks breakfast- bacon and eggs - safe to eat because some girly-man liberal fought for laws to regulate the meat packing industry and the Democratic Congress - led by a woman - prevented the FDA from caving in to the meat industry.

After his shower - with properly labeled soap and shampoo, thanks to the FDA - Joe walks outside and takes a deep breath. The air is clean because some environmentalist wacko liberal fought for the laws to stop industries from polluting our air.

He walks on the government-provided sidewalk to a subway station for his government-subsidized ride to work. It saves him considerable money in parking and transportation fees because some Prius-loving liberal fought for affordable public transportation.

Joe has a good job with excellent pay, medical benefits, retirement, paid holidays and vacation because socialist lazy liberal union members fought and died for them.

At noon, Joe makes a bank deposit so he can pay some bills. Joe's deposit is federally insured by the FDIC because some godless liberal wanted to protect Joe's money from unscrupulous bankers who ruined the banking system before the Great Depression.

Joe has a below-market fede ral student loan because some elitist liberal decided that Joe and the nation would be better off if he was educated and earned more money over his lifetime...helped by his degree at a state funded university.

Joe visits his dad at his boyhood home - driving there on a state-funded highway. His was the third generation to live in the house financed by Farmers' Home Administration because bankers didn't want to make rural loans.

The house didn't have electricity until some big-government liberal stuck his nose where it didn't belong and demanded rural electrification.

Joe's father lives on Social Security and a union pension because some wine-drinking, brie-eating, French-speaking liberal made sure he could take care of himself so Joe wouldn't have to.

On his ride home he listens to Rush complaining that liberals are ruining the country and only conservatives are moral and know what they are doing. Rush doesn't mention that the Republicans have fought aga inst every protection and benefit Joe enjoys throughout his day. And Joe doesn't think about it - he is too busy being a proud dittohead who agrees: "We don't need those big-government liberals ruining our lives! After all, I'm a self-made man who believes everyone should take care of themselves, just like I have."

So.......

Liberals got women the right to vote. Liberals got African-Americans the right to vote. Liberals created social security and lifted millions of elderly people out of poverty. Liberals ended segregation. Liberals passed the Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act. Liberals created Medicare. Liberals passed the Clean Air Act, and the Clean Water Act.

What did Conservatives do? They opposed every one of those programs. Every one. So when you try to hurl the word 'liberal' at my feet, as if it were dirty, something to run away from, something that I should be ashamed of, it won't work, because I will pick up that label and wear it as a badge of honor.

Lightning McQueen

2008-11-01T20:17:00.002-04:00

Philadelphia Phillies 2008 World Campions!

2008-10-30T14:54:00.003-04:00

This is how I celebrated the PHILLIES Championship with my son!

I imagine 28 years ago, when I was 6, I also fell a sleep! I don't remember. I will have to ask my parents.

Thanks to my Mom for sending me this....

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

"B" at Springton Manor Farm

2008-10-29T13:15:00.012-04:00

Here's me covering Steve Winwood's "Back In The High Life"

Here's another great song! Lifehouse - "You & Me"

Ray LaMontagne Cover

2008-10-28T00:07:00.001-04:00

Hope you like it!

It's Official...Eileen is Married!

2008-10-27T09:44:00.033-04:00

INTRODUCING.......Mr. & Mrs. David Czarnecki

Hey we're "The Czarnecki's"

DUTCH WONDERLAND

2008-10-24T12:20:00.005-04:00

Wagon Wheel

2008-10-22T21:20:00.003-04:00

Here is a video clip I made for my Myspace page. The song is called "Wagon Wheel" by Old Crow Medicine Show. I hope you like.

The kids pretending to be "Oscar the Grouch"

Dad rocking at The Sly Fox!!!

Go Mommy Go!

2008-10-21T18:57:00.004-04:00

Here the kids are getting a "Mommy-Back" Ride!

Two weeks ago we tried to take some family pictures. The kids were a disaster...these pictures are pretty much all we got!

?????????????????

2008-10-18T09:38:00.010-04:00

"I don't care who you are, that's funny right there"

This will stay up here until my mother calls requesting me to take it down. I can hear it now. "Christopher, get that off of there, that's rude!"

To set the record straight, this is actually a "big apple" or red inflatable ball that the kids were playing in this past weekend at Highland Orchards.

New You-Tube Video

2008-10-17T17:28:00.001-04:00

Here is my version of "Your Love' by the Outfield

Got to go warm-up for tonight's gig @ The Sly Fox! See ya!!!

Fun at The Orchard

2008-10-16T13:44:00.009-04:00

This past weekend we visited Highland Orchard.
(that's Mark and I)

The cousins playing with the goats!

My daughter "B" is the STRONGEST!

Where's Dear Ol' Dad!?

Mommy and her children.

It's official...we have a daughter!

ALSO, CHECK THIS OUT!!!!

Lindsay (aka Mom) has recently been featured on two pretty cool sites.

Guest Genius of the Week: Lindsay Lebresco

http://blog.gaspedal.com/2008/10/guest-genius-of.html
(Yes, Lindsay is a genius when it comes to Blogging and Social Media!)

Q&A with a Corporate Blogger: Lindsay Lebresco, Graco

http://www.mpdailyfix.com/2008/10/qa_with_a_corporate_blogger_li.html

(And Yes, Lindsay has the answers!!!)

Lionville Fire Company

2008-10-14T22:18:00.006-04:00

Our local Fire Department recently had an "Open House." Ironically, there was a fire during the event and things were postponed until the fire fighters could recover from smoke inhalation. Just kinding....they had a real demonstration and trust me that fire was as hot as it looks. Here are a few photos from our night at the fire hall.

My Friend is a Hall-of-Famer!

2008-10-10T16:09:00.006-04:00

Check this out! My friend and room-mate from college is being inducted into the Towson Hall of Fame tonight!

HALL OF FAME: JAMES VALLILLO

Hall of Famer James Vallillo was Tigers' First Baseball Academic All-American

When James Vallillo, ’96 was honored as a second team Academic All-America ® baseball player by the College Sports Information Directors of America, he had no idea that he was starting a new tradition for Tiger baseball players.

Since he became Towson University’s first Academic All-America ® baseball player, four other Tigers have earned that distinction, including Jason Rummel (1999), Gregg Davies (2002), Ryan Schreiter (2007) and Jon Dupski (2008).

“I am really proud of earning Academic All-America ® recognition,” says Vallillo, who is one of three former Tiger greats who will be inducted into the Towson University Athletic Hall of Fame on Friday evening, October 10.

“Earning that award meant a lot to me because I’ve always felt my success was a product of my hard work and determination,” he adds. “I wasn’t the greatest baseball player around and I’m sure I’m not the smartest person to graduate from college. But, that award was recognition of my effort.”

A native of Middletown, N.J., Vallillo came to Towson as a preferred “walk-on.” While James came south to Towson, his twin brother, Jeff, went north to Hofstra where he enjoyed a tremendous career for the Pride.

“Jeff and I did everything together until it was time to go to college,” he recalls. “We played together on the baseball, basketball and soccer teams from the time we were young kids. In high school, I was the leftfielder and he was the rightfielder. We were the first members of our family to go to college.”

He adds, “It’s great being a twin because you’ve always got a best friend. But, comparing twins is a natural thing for everyone to do. When it came time for college, we went our separate ways. It was the right time to separate us.”

While Jeff went to Hofstra, James was attracted to Towson. He says, “When we made the campus visit, we liked the school a lot. I knew a few people who had gone there and they enjoyed their experience. For me, the school presented a great opportunity to get a good education and play baseball in a fun atmosphere.”

Success didn’t come easily for Vallillo on the baseball diamond. After being “red-shirted” as a freshman, he saw very little action in the 2003 season.

In the 2004 season, Vallillo got an opportunity and made the most of it. He appeared in 38 games and batted .300 for the Tigers while leading the team in walks and on-base percentage.

Coach Mike Gottlieb was impressed enough that he put him on scholarship for the 2005 season. Gottlieb recalls, “I’m not sure we’ve ever had a player who worked as hard at improving as James Vallillo did. He made himself a very good college baseball player through his hard work and dedication.”

In his junior year, Vallillo started in all 53 games for the Tigers, setting a school record for games played in a season. He was the Tigers’ second-leading hitter with a .339 batting average and hit nine home runs with 43 runs batted in. He earned second team All-Big South Conference honors.

After earning his B.S. degree in Business, Vallillo returned for his final season and competed as a graduate student. With Towson competing in the America East Conference for the first season, the timing was right for Vallillo to have an outstanding final season. One year after his twin brother earned first team All-League honors, James batted .389 with 14 home runs and 49 runs batted in.

Not only was James named first team all-conference, he was the America East Player of the Year and earned the America East Scholar-Athlete award for baseball.

“Because I was red-shirted as a freshman, Jeff and I didn’t play against each other in 1996,” James recalls. “But he had a great career at Hofstra and I think he holds the school record for career RBI’s. I always say I had a better season but he had a better career.”

Not that there was anything wrong with the career that James had. He finished his career as the fifth-leading hitter in school history with a .337 batting average. He also hit 28 home runs and had 112 RBI’s. Some 12 years after he played his last game for the Tigers, he is still the 11th-leading hitter in Towson history.

“It’s very hard to play college baseball and maintain your grades,” James recalls. “You have a game almost every day so you can’t waste too much time. You really have to be organized and stay on top of things.”

A senior sales specialist for Novartis Pharmaceuticals, he is married to the former Jen Frank, a 1996 Towson graduate who was a four-year standout for the Tiger tennis team from 1992-1996.

They reside in Holmdel, N.J. with their two young sons, James and Jack.

WAY TO GO JAMES!!!!

Who are these kids?!!!

2008-10-08T16:52:00.009-04:00

Here is an excellent cover of the Outfield's "Your Love".

There are a million covers of this song on You-Tube and most of them are bad. Here are 3 good one's....and they are all different.
Hope you like...

I hope to be playing this version at a bar near you soon!

I am still trying to figure this one out!

This guys voice is awesome. This is the correct key to sing this in....not many can. Wow! It sucks he had to go and get "gauges" put in his ears. He must be banking on his music career. Good luck dude.

This is getting harder!

2008-10-06T09:31:00.003-04:00

As Jagger and B get older, being a stay-at-home Dad is getting harder and harder...seriously. I didn't leave the room, I turned my back and was looking at the YMCA class registration booklet to see if there was a swim class "B" and I could take. I turned around to this....

Now I am typing this with "B" on my lap and her nose is running (and the TissuEs are upstairs.) Now she is crying because I won't let her type. See ya!

This is a new toy we just got from our neighbors who had out grown it!

Jagger at School

2008-10-03T21:57:00.004-04:00

Here is a cover of Prince's "1999" by Pearl Jam's Stone Gossard.
It is really good. Check it out.....

It has been a slow week here at THE BIRD'S GOT THE WORD. Lindsay is in San Fran. Eileen's Wedding Shower pictures are coming, I promise.

Quote of the Day!

2008-10-01T13:48:00.003-04:00

Here at The Bird's Got the Word, we have a new segment.
(It will run anytime I can find a quote worth "typing" or "cutting and pasting.")

Why do you think some people embraced her (Sarah Palin) as a folk hero?

JON STEWART: I keep hearing that she's ''like us.'' There's this idea that people who hunt and have ''good'' values are somehow this mythological American; I don't know who ''this'' person is, I've never met them. She is no more typical ''us'' than I am, than Obama is, than McCain is, than Mr. T is. If there is something quintessentially or authentically American about her, I sort of feel like, you know what? You ''good values people'' have had the country for eight years, and done an unbelievably shitty job. Let's find some bad values people and give them a shot, maybe they'll have a better take on it.

Quote from Exclusive Q&A with Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert in Entertainment Weekly.

"The Bird's Got The Word" gets political and officially throws its support behind Senator Barack Obama!!!

OBAMA/BIDEN 2008

Join us tomorrow when we will be sharing pictures of Eileen & Dave's Wedding Shower.
Later

B turns 2

2008-09-29T21:38:00.012-04:00

Jagger at School Today

2008-09-26T18:06:00.003-04:00

Today, Jagger had some visitors at his School.

Seems pretty cool huh? He didn't mention it at all when I asked him about his day. Does the "Hello son, what did you learn in school today?" Reply - "Uhh Nothin," start this early?!

If ever there was a day not to miss....this was the one!!!!

Screwballs This Friday Night!

2008-09-25T08:56:00.006-04:00

This Friday Night at 9pm, I am playing Screwballs Sports Bar & Grille, "The premier King of Prussia sports bar." (At least that is what it says on their website). Screwballs is located in the Sweetbriar Shopping Center in King of Prussia about 3 miles from the KOP Mall.

Address
216 W. Beidler Road
King of Prussia, PA 19406
Telephone: (610) 337-3888

Directions
2o2 North to King of Prussia Mall
Pass Mall 1.5 miles and make a Left onto N. Henderson Road
Continue another 1.5 miles and make a Left onto W. Beidler Road

Hope to see you there.

Upcoming Shows

( view all )

Sep 26 2008

9:00P

***SCREWBALLS***

King of Prussia, Pennsylvania

Oct 24 2008

7:00P

**PRIVATE PARTY**

Timonium, Maryland

Nov 28 2008

9:00P

**RON’S ORIGINAL BAR & GRILL***

Exton, Pennsylvania

Nov 29 2008

4:00P

**PRIVATE PARTY**

East Fallowfield, Pennsylvania

Dec 12 2008

8:00P

SLY FOX - ROYERSFORD

Royersford, Pennsylvania

Dec 26 2008

9:00P

**RON’S ORIGINAL BAR & GRILL***

Exton, Pennsylvania

Feb 6 2009

8:00P

SLY FOX - ROYERSFORD

Royersford, Pennsylvania

Apr 24 2009

8:00P

SLY FOX - ROYERSFORD

Royersford, Pennsylvania

A Visit From Uncle Han

2008-09-24T19:16:00.003-04:00

In between a few showings of his documentary, The Listening Project. Uncle Han stopped by last night for dinner and stayed the night with us. We had a lot of fun hanging out on the deck, drinking a few beers, and watching the Phillies/The Daily Show/Colbert. More importantly, he was able to stay long enough to watch the kids while I went to the dentist.
(I was told I need to floss)

Turns out, he is a great babysitters. Although, ever since...the kids seem more rebellious, they keep referring to Lindsay and I as "THE MAN" and they will only eat purely vegan dishes...It's weird. Despite all of that, we really enjoyed seeing Uncle Han.

See you soon...bro.

Here's a cool song. It's a cover of Free Fallin' done by John Mayer. Originally by Tom Petty.

B's First Day of School

2008-09-22T15:19:00.009-04:00

B's teacher, Ms. Lisa, took a bunch of pictures of the children on their first day of school. Here are the one's that had the B-ster in them.

Heard this song by Kings of Leon for the first time this past weekend on Saturday Night Live. Great song! Check it out.

This is funny!

As I am sitting here preparing this post, Jagger says to me..."I don't like Barack Obama, he's boring. (I believe he heard his name spoken in the skit as I was watching it) I then asked him who he liked and he replied..."Speedracer."
Is that Ted Kennedy???

More From The Shore!

2008-09-18T14:47:00.008-04:00

Here is a new song from Ray LaMontagne!

Happy Birthday Richard!

2008-09-17T10:28:00.010-04:00

This past Saturday was a surprise party for Kristen's Dad, Richard.
This year Richard celebrated his 60th Birthday. The party was awesome with a lot of great food and drinks. A lot of hard work went into putting the party together and preparing all of the food. The Lebresco's appreciate all that you guys did. Thank you for letting us be a part of it.

Below are a bunch of photos taken during the party.

MORE GIGS!!!

2008-09-12T12:52:00.012-04:00

Saturday September 20th
The Bent Elbo
Fundraiser Benefiting The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s
"Light the Night Walk"
582 South Bethlehem Pike
Fort Washington, PA 19034
Cost: $35.00
6pm to 9pm

Friday September 26th
SCREWBALLS Sports Bar & Grill
208 West Beidler Road
King of Prussia, PA 19406
Cost: FREE
9pm to 1am

Friday November 7th
RON'S ORIGINAL BAR & GRILL
74 East Uwchlan Avenue
Exton, PA 19341
Cost: FREE
9pm to 1am

Friday December 26th
RON'S ORIGINAL BAR & GRILL
74 East Uwchlan Avenue
Exton, PA 19341
Cost: FREE
9pm to 1am

Hello friends and family, as you can see (above) I have lined up a few more gigs before the end of the year. I set up the last RON's Show (Dec. 26) thinking that the family could all come out to see me play. Instead of sitting around watching TV and drinking frozen slushes, you can come out and watch your favorite family member play his guitar and sing. I picked this date specifically so you wouldn't have to make a special trip (up or down) to see me...you'll already be here!!!

PA BANS SMOKING!!! Kind of...

Thursday Pennsylvania FINALLY introduced a statewide Smoking Ban. Yeah!!! No more coming home from open mic night smelling like a smoke stack or burning red-eyes.

The only problem is that out of 24 other Statewide smoking bans, PA has the weakest with a ton of loop-holes. This has to be one of the BIG and BEST examples of how money and big business run the country.

Here is a snippet of the story from www.philly.com.

Pennsylvania's smoke-free workplace law goes into effect, banning smoking in most public places, including many bars, restaurants, taxi cabs, schools and government buildings.

However, the bill, known as the Clean Indoor Air Act, is loaded with exemptions, including bars in which food represents less than 20 percent of sales and portions of casino floors and private clubs. Also, the bill bars any municipality from enacting its own sanction.

Philadelphia's smoking ban, the only active one in the state, would not be affected.

The law, passed June 13, after months of debate, was deemed so weak that it failed to get the endorsement of smoking opponents who say it does not do enough to protect workers from second-hand smoke, which the U.S. Surgeon General has linked to cancer.

The bill has "too many exemptions and therefore creates too much confusion as to what is smoke-free and what isn't smoke-free," said Deborah Brown, spokeswoman for the American Lung Association of the Mid-Atlantic region. "We want to protect everyone from second-hand smoke."

The political compromise "sells out the health of hospitality industry workers," said Bronson Frick, associate director of Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights.

Of the 24 statewide smoking bans in the nation, Pennsylvania's is the weakest because of its many loopholes and the stricture on communities, including Allegheny County and the city of Scranton, that want to enact their own, tougher laws, opponents say.

"This only serves the interests of the tobacco industry. If the state isn't going to protect the health of workers, then cities and counties should be allowed to," Frick said.

Advocates of the measure say it's a good start, but could use some work.

I guess this just means YEAH!!! and BOOO!!! all at the same time.

First Day of School (Take 2)

2008-09-11T10:29:00.003-04:00

B's first day was Wednesday! She did great. No crying or fussing. When we got there, she ran towards the toys and I ran out the door! I waited to see if she cried and she didn't. Way to go B-ster!

Jagger putting on his best fake smile!

They each came home with homework....in their pants!!!
That's funny!

First Day of School

2008-09-09T10:27:00.006-04:00

Jagger at his first day of school. He had a great time.

B has her first day on Wednesday!!!

I was cleaning out my email...and came across this oldie but goodie passed on by Annie...

A woman was very distraught over the fact that she had not had a date or any sex for over 5 years. She was afraid she might have something wrong with her, so she decided to seek the medical expertise of the well known Chinese sex therapist, Dr.Chang. Upon entering the examination room, Dr. Chang said, "OK, take off all Your crose." The woman did as she was told. "Now, get down and craw reery, reery fass to odderside of room." Again, the woman did as she was instructed. Dr. Chang then said, "OK, now craw reery, reery fass back to me." As she did, Dr. Chang shook his head slowly. "Your probrem vewy bad. You haf Ed Zachary Disease. Worse case I ever see. Dat why you not haf sex or dates." The woman asked anxiously, "Oh my God, Dr. Chang, what is Ed Zachary Disease?"

Dr. Chang sighed deeply and replied, "Ed Zachary Disease is when your Face look Ed Zachary like your ass."

Happy Grand-Parents Day!

2008-09-08T13:00:00.018-04:00

Yeah, apparently Hallmark made it a day! (It was yesterday.) Jagger, B and I went to Grandma and Pop-Pop's house for dinner. We played baseball and had a picnic on the deck.

Here are some pics...

Happy Grand-Parents Day to Suzy and Ray (Nana and Grandad) as well.

Editor's Note: I just gave my card (and this blog address) to the mother of one of my guitar students. I just noticed that I had on the same clothes yesterday as I did at our guitar lesson today. Whoops!!! It was a busy day, plus it's a really nice outfit. I am putting it in the hamper right now. Good night.

That Green Gentleman

2008-09-07T22:27:00.001-04:00

Here's a new song by Panic at the Disco that I am digging!

My Favorite Show!

2008-09-04T21:51:00.003-04:00

Okay folks, My favorite show is "The Daily Show" on Comedy Central.

This is the best clip from that show. If you are not familiar with The Daily Show, it essentially reports on and makes fun of the news coverage of politics. Right now they are in Minnesota for the Republican Convention. You can not watch this and not laugh your ass off. At least not the beginning...the end is serious. It is well worth the 5-6 minutes of your time.

Labor Day Weekend (Part 2)

2008-09-03T08:04:00.014-04:00

Monday we had our friends come over for a picnic and swim in our pool.

Here the kids are enjoying an ice cream break.

(Note: Chris and Tom Hindman are in the background of this photo)

Marta and her son watching the big kids.

Melissa Spear-Parlaman's daughter playing on the slide.

Splashing my son with water!

Our neighbors - Eric and Suzy Shay

Later on, we went to Grandma and Pop-Pop's for another picnic.
Here's the cousins having a blanket dropped on them!

Me and My Brothers

Labor Day Weekend (Part 1)

2008-09-02T15:37:00.014-04:00

Sunday we visited Nana and Grandad. While Lindsay and Nana played with the kids, Grandad, Brad and I went to the driving range.

What good form!!!

Brad teaching his Dad proper technique.

Brad's got a good looking swing too!

Sunday was also Dill-Rod's 10th Birthday.
Happy Birthday and congratulations on making it to double-digits.

The Birthday Boy!!!

J-ROD (Dill-Rod's brother)

The Cousins!!!

Friday Wrap-up!

2008-08-29T08:16:00.011-04:00

Why my lawn-mower's battery has been dead twice!
(My children turn the headlight on....and leave it on.)

Fun with the Hummer!!!

Running Races in the House!!! (Safety First)

Have A Great Weekend!

ROCKING FOR CHARITY

2008-08-29T04:53:00.010-04:00

My neighbor and friend Tom (T. Hizzle) and friend Kim (K. Mcizzle) work for a company called Aerotek and they have asked me to play at their fundraising party. Here is the info...

Team Aerotek's Fundraising Party

The Bent Elbo Tavern - Saturday, September 20
6:00PM to 9:00PM

582 S. Bethlehem Pike, Fort Washington, PA 19034

Come out to the Bent Elbo to support Team Aerotek's fundraising efforts for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Light the Night Walk. The cost is a donation of $35 per person which will include domestic drafts and well drinks from 6pm to 9pm as well as live music by Chris Lebresco and any others that are willing to donate their time and talent! All proceeds benefit LLS.

Music / Comedy / Music

2008-08-27T18:53:00.005-04:00

Here's a cool cover of Coldplay's song "Viva La Vida."

FACEBOOK IN REAL LIFE!

Mark been enjoying this version of a PJ classic!!!

I HAVE ANOTHER GIG!

2008-08-26T14:36:00.011-04:00

SLY FOX - ROYERSFORD
Saturday September 6th
8pm - 12am

I would like to thank my friend John Valerio for getting me this gig.

To make a long story short, he had to cancel this date from his schedule. The manager said "great, now I need someone to fill your spot." John repied, "I've got just the guy for you!"

Thanks John!

Here is a picture from Friday August 22nd
@ Ron's Original Bar & Grill

I am also playing The Bent Elbow (Fort Washington, PA) for a charity event on Sept. 20th...more on that later this week.

Lazy Saturday / Supporting Friends On Sunday

2008-08-25T13:37:00.020-04:00

What a great weekend. Saturday was beautiful outside. He hung out in the cul-de-sac with our neighbors...had pizza for lunch, listened to music, watched the kids in Lindsay's high-heels and had seafood for dinner. In my opinion, the perfect day.

Then on Sunday, another beautiful day, we joined our friends Eileen and Dave to support them in their Livestrong Challenge 100 mile bike ride! Way to go Eileen and Dave. While we waited for them to cross the finish...we played soccer, drank lots of the rider's water and did wheelies in our stroller. It was a blast.

What a great weekend.

Graco Summer Picnic

2008-08-22T07:35:00.009-04:00

Yesterday we had a blast at the Graco Summer Picnic.
Here are a few pics.

Okay... gotta go practice for tonight's gig.
Wait, are we talkin bout PRACTICE???

3 Songs I Like...

2008-08-21T15:46:00.002-04:00

In between changing dirty diapers and reading books, I am practicing for Friday night at Ron's. Here are a few songs I will be playing....

Today we went to Lindsay's work for there annual "Summer Picnic." They had a bunch of games and activities for the kids. Stay tuned for a recap tomorrow.

My son actually said this.....

2008-08-20T12:45:00.004-04:00

Jagger: Mom?
Mom: What?
Jagger: You wanna see my butt?
Mom: No
Jagger: Why?
Mom: Because I've already seen it.
Jagger: But look!!! See???
Mom: Ohhh Yeah, Cool!!!
Jagger: Why do you say "cool."
Mom: I don't know, because you're butt is cool.
Jagger: No it's not.
Mom: Well...what would you call it?
Jagger: GORGEOUS!
Mom: Oh, okay!

This is funny too....

Why I never made the Olympics!!!
Phil sent this to me yesterday. It is great!

Which is the worst? The last one? The pole vault?

What a Wonderful Wife!

2008-08-18T15:35:00.011-04:00

Man, I really love my wife!

Okay, time to show my wife a little appreciation.

Quick back story (for non-family members who are reading this.) I was laid-off from my sales position almost 2 years ago. At that time we had just had our 2nd child. The "B" ster. (She's awesome.) After looking for a similar sales position for a little while, we decided that I would stay at home with our two young children.

Since that time, my wife has taken on the role of sole provider for our family. (and she is kicking that role's ass) She went back to work full-time after her maternity leave was up. Prior to our daughter, she had been working part-time. Lindsay has really done well with the roles and responsibilities she has been asked to handle within her position. Lindsay really loves her job, she is passionate about what she is doing and it has been very stimulating and rewarding for her. On top of that, she has been excelling and really making a name for herself within her role at the company. She also has a wonderful boss who she loves working with and her work is minutes from our home, so there is never any concern over traffic or transit time.

My wife and I both understand that all of this is very rare and we both appreciate the situation that we are in. We have had many conversations about how great our lives are. We certainly have not been taking it for granted.

Ok, so let's breakdown the situation....

1. We've got great kids
2. We have a loving and supportive group of family/friends around us.
3. We love our house, our neighbors, and our cul-de-sac.
4. My wife loves her job and has a passion for the work that she is doing.
5. She is good at what she does and has been excelling at work.
6. The people she works with are her closest friends.
7. Her job is close to our home and she really likes her boss.
8. I am enjoying being a stay-at-home dad

THEN A BOMB IS DROPPED ON OUR WORLD!

My wife's company is moving to it's headquarters in Atlanta, GA!!! What????

Now FAST-FORWARD over a lot of discussions, arguments, tears, a trip to Atlanta, and the weighing of the Pros and Cons over a move to Atlanta.

WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO?

Lindsay has an awesome job. She has a ton of opportunity within her company. She has room to grow within sister companies of the organization. She has a large number of really close friends. She has a workout facility and Starbuck's in her building. The only problem...it is all in Atlanta, Georgia.

I also must state that I was trying my best to be open minded about the possibility of a move to Atlanta, but I definitely put it out there that I didn't want to move. All that really did was put more pressure on Lindsay.

The reason I am writing this is because I want Lindsay to know that I understand what she is sacrificing. I would also like the rest of the family to understand everything that she is giving up so that our family and friends can remain such an important part of our lives. She unselfishly chose her family over her career and for that I am grateful.

Lindsay, I appreciate you. I know how hard you work. I know how much you love your work and I appreciate the sacrifice you are making for our family.

I love you,

Chris

P.S. - Happy 8th Anniversary (the year of the blog post....right?)

Congratulations Brandon!!!

2008-08-18T12:56:00.013-04:00

KUTZTOWN, Here I come!

Yesterday we celebrated my cousin Brandon's High School graduation. It was a beautiful day with a perfect temperature with a nice breeze. The party was held in a very nice park, The Rose Garden in Allentown, PA. There was a lot of great food and way too many drinks. (Thanks Glenn) We played horseshoes, wiffleball, frisbee and volleyball. We had a great time and think everyone else did too.

Thanks to Carol and Glenn for throwing such a nice party. (Uh-oh, gotta go. I am in the basement and I can hear "B" moving the dining room chair so she can get on the counter...later.)

Jagger chillin' on the bridge.

The Twins!

B in the Rose Garden.

Dabba-Dabba and Jagger

Patty and Uncle Tommy with our children.

Jenna and Lindsay

FIVE YEARS AGO TODAY

2008-08-15T09:35:00.016-04:00

We lost Todd.

I wanted to put this photo up because I remember that room and I remember Todd introducing me to the group NEW EDITION and listening to their TAPE for the first time in that room. One song sticks out in my head - "Cool it now"

WE MISS YOU TODD!

Wednesday Night at RON'S!!!

Photos: Jenna Barton

TURN THE PAGE @ RON'S Original Bar & Grill - 8/13/08

Thanks for your Support!

2008-08-14T17:15:00.005-04:00

Thank you to everyone who came out to see me Wednesday Night at Ron's! Especially those who came from pretty far away! (Carol, Glenn, Jenna, Liz and The Chad!) I know it was a weeknight and it must have been tough to get out of bed Thursday morning, so again thank you very much.

As most of you know, I got booked for a gig at RON'S on FRIDAY AUGUST 22nd!

www.ronsoriginal.com

Now today, with "B" at Nana and Grandad's house for a sleep over, Jagger and I had a chance to have some fun. We went to Chucky E. Cheese and played some games. Right before we left we took this picture!

Last night around the same time I was jamming at Ron's...Eddie Vedder was playing a show in Toronto. Because Neil Young is originally from Canada he played a bunch of his songs. Here is one of them.

(Note: this could at anytime stop work due to the fact that Eddie has a tendency to have his people have this stuff removed.)

"Tonight is your night Bro"

2008-08-13T14:44:00.008-04:00

Does anyone know where this quote is from???
The person who says it kinda sings it. Take a guess!!! I bet Phil knows.

CONGRATS!!! KRISTEN, she got it! It is from the movie - Twins w/Danny Devito and Arnold.

Tonight is the Night........................Bombs away!

Okay, I've got zero time to mess with the blog today.
Both kids are actually sleeping and I have a bunch to do!!!

Check this out...I found it on this site... www.joeprah.com

"BUSINESS TIME"

Erin, our #1 FAN

2008-08-12T07:15:00.009-04:00

Slacking after vacation. (Sorry about no post yesterday.)

I would like to give a shout out to one of our few loyal readers, Erin.

Erin works with Lindsay at Graco. While we were away on vacation, she posted a message explaining that she missed reading the blog while we were away. Isn't that nice! Considering I have to beg or actually email the blog to some of my own family members to get them to read it.

Editor's Note - Family, don't get upset...I know there are a lot of you that check the site regularly (Kristen, Nana, Marsha, Annie, Mom to name a few) Remember this is all in fun. Seriously!

So I was thinking....what can we do to reward Erin for her commitment and loyalty to "The Bird's Got the Word?"

I know....we will anoint her this sites #1 FAN. From here on out (until I feel someone else is deserving)

ERIN is hereby declared to be this blogs #1 FAN.

Thanks Erin!

Okay, now....this year on vacation I had the opportunity to play music with my cousins. Captured on film for the first time is actual footage of one of our performances. Check out these great singers! Great job girls.

Keep practicing...hopefully we can play this and a few others Sunday at Brandon's graduation party.

1 Day until the BEACH!!!

2008-08-01T14:47:00.014-04:00

Here it is the beautiful Long Beach Island!

Here is a wave I will be riding on my skimboard!

Here is the wonderful Bay Village!

Here is the Custard Hut where Jagger and B will be making a mess!

Here is one of the waves I will be surfing, if it is not too cold.
(That is actually LBI surf!)

And here is our house...I will be rocking out on that porch all week.
(I may even play for the passers by.)

NEW RAY LAMONTAGNE CD coming out September 30 and a tour as well!

Click here to go to a music blog that I read to listen to a brand new song - Let It Be Me

Ray's Website

Eddie Vedder and My Family................ Together Fighting Cancer!

2008-07-31T07:02:00.008-04:00

Look! My buddy Eddie is helping to fight cancer, just like we are!

I just found this on Pearl Jam's website.

EDDIE VEDDER'S "RISE" USED TO RAISE CANCER AWARENESS

"Rise", from Eddie Vedder's soundtrack to "Into the Wild" is being used to raise awareness and resources to fight cancer. For more information, please visit StandUp2Cancer.org .

What a great song.....and we get to hear it LIVE Monday night....Sweet.
Pearl Jam's site

While I was on You-Tube embedding the above clip, I found these....

3 MORE DAYS UNTIL BEACH BLISS
(WOW...I think I am off-count...we go Saturday and today is Thursday, so it is actually 2 More Days until Beach Blast 2008!)
2 MORE DAYS UNTIL BEACH BLISS

Todd B. Miller........Still Going Strong!

2008-07-30T07:11:00.009-04:00

A Thank You From George Washington University

Here is what the Thank You letter says:

Lindsay,

Again, I want to thank you on behalf of the End of Life Care Summer Institute and all those who attended for your continued support in our efforts to advocate for and educate people, bout the needs of the dying and their loved ones. IT was again our honor to acknowledge your family and the supporters of the Todd B. Miller Foundation for your generous contribution.

This was our third year of the institute and none of them of them would have been possible without you.

On a personal note – you were the spark that ignited my dream. Each year the number of registrants grows as does the caliber of speakers and workshops.

I hope our partnership in changing the world one care giver at a time will continue.

Blessings and grace on you and your family.

Paul

Take a look at what we accomplished this year – www.eolcsummerinstitute.com

This thank you is in reference to the $5,000 donation
we made a few weeks ago.
Here is the link to that post (if you missed it).

4 DAYS UNTIL THE BEACH!!!

PICNIC on the NORTH SIDE!

2008-07-29T17:23:00.004-04:00

This past weekend we went to my brother's house for a bar-B-Q!

Note: I simply cannot make this a long post today. Jagger and B are upstairs wrestling and fighting......yes that phase has totally started. No naps at all today for either child! (And yes I know it is not going to be just a phase!)

THE COUSIN'S WATCHING A LITTLE BOOB TUBE
(and way too close....your gonna go blind!)

That's my BOY!!!

5 DAYS UNTIL THE BEACH!!!!

Happy 40th Brad!!!

2008-07-28T10:49:00.007-04:00

My brother-in-law Brad turned 40.

Congratulations Brad...what a milestone.

In the true spirit of "The Bird's Got the Word".....it was yesterday!

Here is the Birthday Boy with his father-in-law.

We hope it was a great day!!!

Here are few pictures of the children taken by Nana. Nana spent a good portion of last week watching Jagger, B and Grandad while we were away.

Thanks, Nana (and Grandad)...our house has never been cleaner.

COUNTDOWN TO THE BEACH....
6 DAYS!!!!

Happy Birthday Susan!!!

2008-07-22T07:11:00.010-04:00

In the true spirit of "The Bird's Got the Word," we continue the tradition of announcing Birthday's after they actually happen. Susan's Birthday was yesterday!!!! CONGRATULATIONS on turning 59 yet again! And as you have taught "Jagger" to answer...."you are looking younger every day."

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NANA!
Hope it was a great day.

B's first Haircut!

Waiting for Nana and Grandad

http://www.mediafire.com/?1cyiijmkcm1

The TWINS Birthday Party

2008-07-21T16:13:00.007-04:00

What?....a Sunday Post!

2008-07-20T14:27:00.004-04:00

That's right! The kids are at Nana and Grandad's and Lindsay is on a plane right now heading back from San Fransisco.

Mark brought this to my attention.....it is pretty cool! Weezer played a couple songs with 250 fans playing instruments.
(Sorry you have to watch the commercial...it's quick.)

Gotta go....I have a little more free time. See ya tomorrow!

Phil and Krista.....back from their Honeymoon!

2008-07-18T13:35:00.009-04:00

Wow!!! What a nice place!

Awww, what a lovely couple.

What's that horse's name?...Glue Stick! Did you go Donkeyback riding or Horseback riding?!

Last comment: Looking at your photos of the honeymoon, (which were great)I couldn't tell if you were on your honeymoon or at the San Diego Zoo. Man, you saw a ton of wildlife.

PJ on VH1 Rock Honors!!!

"The Real Me"

"Love, Reign O'er Me"

We Did It Again!!!!

2008-07-17T07:19:00.006-04:00

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!

The Todd B. Miller Foundation...drumroll please....
has raised another $5,000.

A $5,000 check has been sent to George Washington University Medical Center to once again help support the.....

End-of-Life Care Summer Institute
A Multidisciplinary Educational Activity for End-of-Life Caregivers
(Click to check it out!)

Way to go FAMILY!!! I think we are doing an excellent job of honoring Todd's Legacy. Here is a link to the Todd Slideshow just in case you want to see it again.

Todd's Slide Show

Dabba - Dabba Dance Class

2008-07-16T11:48:00.004-04:00

She's starting dance lessons!!!

She sure looks like she is ready to have some fun.

Mark and Kristen, keep us update on how she is doing.

With the beach only a couple of weeks away, please let me know if there are any songs you would like me to play. I would hate to disappoint someone by not being able to play their song. By giving me a notice now, I can look it up and try to figure it out. Aunt Carol - we will be playing David Cassidy's Summer Nights....I promise.

Here is a cover of Pearl Jam's Lowlight that I just posted on You-Tube!

My Son the Performer

2008-07-15T08:18:00.003-04:00

Kind of.........

I am in big trouble if he ever gets on my guitar case with my guitar in it!

The Best Party Ever

2008-07-13T20:43:00.021-04:00

Tom aka "T Hizzle" and his life partner Chris aka "Ricky" were excellent hosts this Saturday Night for the Annual Hindman Bash! A lot of hard work went into preparing and hosting this fine event...we should know, we watched them from our driveway for the last two weeks. Chris and Tom both worked their tails off to make sure everything was perfect! There was great food, a lot of terrific music and a ton of booze! (We kicked the first keg before 10pm.) On top of all that, the weather was again perfect!

Headlining the event was the excellent Trio, Holt 45

..... and they ROCKED our faces off. These guys are all excellent musicians/singers and they play the widest variety of music around. From Damien Rice to John Mayer to Justin Timberlake to Weezer to Britney Spears to REM to Grateful Dead to TOOL, it seems like they "celebrate everybody's entire catalog." And to think this is just a side project.....while away from the band Shovelhook.

HOLT 45

Chris Holt, John Holt, and Rob Holt

Joel Shea also did a great job.....

He not only rocked on his guitar but he also played some songs on his "Uke." Quiet Riot's "Come on Feel the Noise" was a standout for me, but I also heard a lot of positive feedback about his Hannah Montana cover. What a versatile musician and great singer. Joel is also part of a duo with his brother creatively called Two Shea.

Yours truly, Chris Lebresco started off the evening.

I would like to Thank Holt 45 for allowing me to also play during their breaks. It allowed me to get more experience playing in front of a large crowd. Their advice and support over the last year has been the greatest.

Finally, I would like to thank Tom for sitting in and playing an excellent Cajon during "Last Kiss." You are one hell of a percussionist.

(Anyone who has cool pictures from the party, please send them to me. I would love to post them.)

The Twins are 1 year old!!!

2008-07-11T13:33:00.006-04:00

Happy "Belated" Birthday Girls!

Congratulations, you did it!
Now...let's get in our time machine and fast forward 20 years

Whhhhhhaaaattttttt?????

Our Kids - Fourth of July 2008

2008-07-10T08:20:00.009-04:00

OUR KIDS RULE!!!!

Here is a cool cover of Bruce Springsteen's "Brilliant Disguise"
preformed by Matt Nathanson.

PS - I know yesterday's BIG 100th post was pretty lame but "The B-ster" wanted to play outside!

Our 100th Post!

2008-07-09T14:04:00.009-04:00

We made it to 100....Yeah!

We also got a MAJOR AWARD. We were chosen by Graco (go figure) as a monthly "nod" winner. Read more here.

Long Beach Island
Less than a month away....I am getting excited!

The Old "Wida's"

The New "Daddy O's"

Our Newest Adventure

Good Old Fantasy Island

Can't wait to see everyone!!!!

Best "Cover" Ever!!!

2008-07-08T14:56:00.008-04:00

Here is my friend Dan Falcone playing Ben Fold's song "One Down."
Note: This is his first time playing a guitar......ever! The song is in the key of G.....cause that is the chord I showed him how to play, kind of.

Way to go Danny!!!!

Here is the original.....

Special Note:
Tomorrow is THE BIRDS GOT THE WORD's 100th Post!!! Be sure to check in!!!!

Best Gift Ever!!!

2008-07-07T09:42:00.006-04:00

Because Phil's "wedding party" gift is so fancy, I wanted to make sure I got more out of it than just a really nice money clip! Here are some of the ideas we have come up with so far!

Great Chip Clip!

Great Bookmark!

Great Toothpaste Extractor!

Great Fridge Magnet!

Great Hair Clip!

In all seriousness, it is a 100x better gift than my pocket Watches!
(How lame)

Thanks Phil and Krista. Hope you had a great Honeymoon!

That's "Professor Chris" to you!

2008-07-03T13:23:00.008-04:00

I started my first guitar lesson!

That's giving a guitar lesson, not getting one.

I handed out flyers in the neighborhood and just started with my first student. She is a 9 and 1/2 year old little girl and she will be rocking before you know it! My only concern is making things fun to keep her interested. Wish me luck!

As most of you know, my brothers and I recently went to some Pearl Jam shows in the area. (Camden and D.C.) Can't beat our 16th row dead center (for face value - $75) Fan Club tickets. One highlight for me was the shows opener of both nights I went to..."Hard to Imagine."
Here is a clip.

John Mayer came out with a new live CD. It sounds really cool. Here is a live clip of one of the tracks....it is a Tom Petty cover, Free Fallin!

Cuz visits Water World!

2008-07-01T21:38:00.009-04:00

She seemed to have a lot of fun!
Come back anytime.

Phil and Krista's Wedding

2008-06-30T14:42:00.022-04:00

REHEARSAL DINNER!

I ROCKED!

THE WEDDING!

Rob and Hitomi's Wedding

2008-06-24T22:13:00.020-04:00

Here are pictures of Rob and Hitomi's Wedding (in no particular order)

The New Pool is Here!

2008-06-23T15:58:00.007-04:00

We finally got the confirmation e-mail from Wal-mart that our "Little Tikes" pool / waterslide had arrived at the store. We set it up on both Saturday and Sunday and had a lot of fun!

"B" has such a nice smile! Here she is at the park.

Okay, sorry for the missed posts last Thursday and Friday, I have been extremely busy.

Starting last Wednesday, I had Open Mic Night (Wednesday), a Pearl Jam concert (Thursday), I performed at my friend Rob's rehearsal dinner (Friday), then had his wedding on Saturday night where I performed the song I wrote with him and then on Sunday, Phil and I drove to DC for another PJ show.

Stay posted this week for updates....I have plenty of material!!!!

NEW SONG / OLD SONG

2008-06-18T14:21:00.004-04:00

Here is a cover of a B-side Pearl Jam song!

Undone - Pearl Jam
Last stop on the west coast line
South of the northern border
One small corner on my mind
Everybody they know me there
Don't get any second glances
Chances are that they don't care

World as come undone
like to change it everyday
Change don't come at once
It's a wave.....building before it breaks

Can't wait for election day
Good news to the occupation
Corporations rule the day
Well you know the pendulum throws
Farther out to the one side swinging
Has to sweep back the other way

The world has come undone
Another day and who can wait
Change don't come at once
It's a wave....building before it breaks

All this hope and nowhere to go
This is how I used to feel but no more

The world has come undone
Like a game that few can play
Change don't come from one
It's a wave.....building before it breaks

OLD SONG

This Friday I am playing at my friend Rob's rehearsal dinner. He and his fiancee like the song "Leather and Lace" by Stevie Nicks and Don Henley. I have learned the song and will be playing it. Here is a cover done by Dave Grohl and Will Ferrell. It is hilarious.....(and explicit)

FATHER'S DAY FUN

2008-06-17T15:08:00.013-04:00

On Father's Day, my two brothers, my father and I played golf early in the morning. Phil won by shooting an 84 with 11 pars! Great job Phil!

Later on everyone came over for a B-B-Q.

THEN WE WENT TO THE POOL!

Suprise!!!!

2008-06-16T08:31:00.012-04:00

HAPPY 60th Birthday Aunt Marsha!

We had a great time at your party! It was awesome.
The crabs...the frozen drinks...the food...everything was perfect.
You have a lot of loving friends and family.

Thanks to Craig and Annie, you both throw a great party, we had a blast!
Check out these pictures!!!

Guest POSTon the Graco blog!

2008-06-12T21:44:00.006-04:00

Instead of posting here today! I spent like three hours writing a guest post for the Graco blog! If you are one of my 7-10 readers check it out here...Chris' guest blog for Graco!

If you are here from the Graco blog, thanks for checking me out!

This site is just mainly pictures of my kids doing fun stuff and other things I enjoy. At times I try to be funny. If you scroll down to the bottom you will find that my last bunch of posts are a good sample of what is normally on here.

"Tub" Love

2008-06-11T13:27:00.008-04:00

We will do whatever it takes to get the kids to take a bath!
That and the fact that we are super-fun parents.
(Lindsay gets the credit for this one.)

No more left-over St. Patty's Day Beer for the kids!

Here are a few pics of B playing in the rain!

Waiting On Our New Toy!

2008-06-10T14:00:00.006-04:00

We are going to have a lot of fun this summer!
I got a great deal on this Little Tykes Waterslide/Pool!

The only problem is that the shipping has been delayed.
There is no doubt in my mind that with this heatwave,
someone took our pool and they are sending us another.

Oh well, it will be fun when it gets here!

Check out this kid....he is awesome!

Come Together - The Beatles

All You Need Is Love - The Beatles

Phil's Bachelor Party

2008-06-09T16:51:00.005-04:00

We spent 5 hours in the blazing sun with 12 dudes!

then we spent like 10 more hours sitting just like this!

I can't wait for the wedding, so we can hang out with some chicks!

Then there was this guy!!!