AS THE WORLD GOES AROUND

Country Routes

2007-05-28T22:16:00.001-05:00

Take Me Back There
I'm excited to have released my latest CD titled 'Country Routes'. It's a collection of my favorite Country Classic hits from the 50's, 60's, 70's and 80's presented in what I call an Instrumental Honky Tonk Country pickin' piano with emphasis put on the melody and performed as 'tinkling the ivories'.

I named it 'Country Routes' from memories as a young boy before the Interstates were developed when we traveled on state highways throughout Tennessee. My Dad was from Memphis and my Mom was from Knoxville. We also had relatives (aunt and cousins) in Nashville and Chattanooga. We often made the long journey across Tennessee, traveling east to west either on US Hwy. 70 or Hwy. 64 and north to South on Hwy. 58 to or from Chattanooga and Kingston. I got to see the country side as the radio was blaring out Country tunes from that 1953 Dodge. I especially remember all those red top barns with 'see Rock City' written in big white letters on the roofs. When we kids got bored, we counted cows to see who had the most until we reached our final destination.

Produced by New Deal Music of Memphis, this CD is dedicated to the memories of those bygone days when life seemed so much simpler, along with the black and white TV, leaving your doors unlocked and listening to Country music from the Grand Ole Opry.

Special thanks goes out to Jim Kail of Delta Sun and James Gammell of Bolivar and Tina Tigner of Hornsby for her visual inspiration. The CD Includes 20 Classic Country songs plus one original theme tune titled 'Take Me Back there', written especially by me for this album. I love playing and performing all genres of music, but I was raised in the South where the radio stayed on an AM Country station. I can remember my Mom going around the house humming Country songs. Those songs stuck into my head. Along with her favorites, I chose some of my favorites, too.

Those were the days of Cows, Barns and Little Towns

Play the above 'Country Routes' CD Song Clip

Click here to Order this and other Bobby Sowell CD's
www.bobbysowell.com Music Merchandise Page

ENCOUNTER WITH "THE KILLER"
The following story was too good to pass up. It involves my good friend and drummer James Gammell and Jerry Lee Lewis back in 1987. The story is written and submitted by James Gammell exclusively for this BLOG.

While watching Jerry Lee Lewis on PBS recently, I was reminded of an encounter I had with "The Killer".
Hernando's Hideaway on Brooks Rd. in Memphis was once my home away from home. One weekend night in 1987 my girlfriend and I were at the famous club. It was after midnight and one of the band members told me that Jerry Lee was in the building visiting club owner Kenny Rogers in his office. My girlfriend, Pam, heard the news and asked me if I would get Jerry Lee's autograph for her. I said "OK, no problem".
So, I strolled up to the office door alone, knocked on it and cracked it open slightly (the band was playing and I couldn't hear anyone say "Come in"). I poked my head in and asked Jerry Lee if I could get his autograph for my girlfriend. He motioned for me to come in and said "Sure". I entered and closed the door behind me. I thought I'd start a little chit-chat with him while he was looking for pen and paper. I said "Where are you playing nowadays?" He said "Well, I'm about to go on tour in Belgium, France, England, Scotland, Ireland and all over Europe". I said "Great, is James Burton still playing lead guitar for you?" I don't know why I asked that, but he said "Hell, I've got a guitar player now that plays circles around James Burton". I said "Bullshit" (and I have no idea why I said that). I saw his facial expression change from 'welcome' to anger. He said "What did you say?" I knew he heard me the first time, so I couldn't change what I said. I said "Bullshit" again. He slammed the pen down on Kenny Rogers' desk and started getting up from his chair. Now, within the next 2 or 3 seconds, all of the following was going through my mind. I thought "Well, this Rock and Roll legend is coming over here to try to knock me on my ass." I thought about easing out the door. I really didn't want a confrontation like this in a small office. I looked to my right and there stood Jerry Lee's 2 female bodyguards dressed in black shiny leather pants suits. One of them stepped between me and the door. Another thought came to mind....."These girls might know karate or something". I had taken a few lessons from Elvis' karate instructor, Kang Rhee, but I could see that I was outnumbered 4 to 1. So, I stood my ground, never moved a muscle while Jerry Lee came toward me. As he approached me I thought "Well, this is it, let's just see what "The Killer" does". I never moved an inch. He came right up to me and as I looked down at him, he grabbed the neck of my shirt tightly in his right hand and said "Nobody calls me a liar. Who in the hell are you?" All I ever gave him was my name. He paused, thinking intently, as if to say "Do I know you?" I probably should have told him that I was a fan and a drummer, but I never did. I still had not moved. He let go of my shirt. He went back to Kenny Rogers' desk, took pen and paper, signed it and handed it to me. I thanked him politely. Once again he said "Who are you"? I told him my name and walked out the door, shutting it behind me.
My girlfriend and I stayed till the band quit playing at 4:30 AM. Jerry Lee never took the stage during the entire night, as he usually did. Pam and I were still at the bar when Jerry Lee and Kenny came out of his office. He spoke to a few people as he made his way up front. By this time I was pretty drunk and so was my girlfriend. Jerry Lee seemed to stagger a little as he walked. I don't remember everything that happened after that, but he came toward me at the bar. He sat down at a barstool and I sat down next to him. I don't know how long we sat there together and drank, but the club owner usually locked the doors about 5 AM after everyone left except guests. We stayed. I don't remember if he bought me a drink. I might have bought him one. We must have talked for a long time, but the only thing I really recall saying to Jerry Lee was "I have a song I want to pitch to you". And he said "Yeah, pitch me a song and pitch me the bitch (referring to my girlfriend). I don't remember what else was said that night, but I can say that I have sat.... and talked.... and drank with.... and was confronted by...."The Killer" himself, Jerry Lee Lewis !!

Incidentally, Jerry Lee's sister, Linda Gail Lewis used to frequent Hernando's Hideaway also. Late one night I was there while she was performing on stage. She could play piano and sing Jerry Lee's songs almost as well as he could. And, she was a hell of a lot better looking; she was HOT!! Well, after she finished her set, somehow I found a way to talk to her and praise her performance. We chatted a little and she invited me to go to another club with her and her entourage. But, since she had a boyfriend/bodyguard who stuck to her like glue, I regretfully declined the invitation.

In the 70's, a man named Bob McCarver was a frequent visitor to the Americana Club at Winchester and Lamar, where I played drums with Don McMinn. Bob and I became friends and I learned that he had three daughters who were singers. Bob invited me to his house on Quince Ave. in Memphis to a practice session with his daughters and some musicians, to see if I wanted to be their drummer. Well, I don't know if I failed the audition or if they just never got their act together, but that one instance was the only time I ever played for the McCarver sisters. A few years later I heard that one of the girls, Kerrie McCarver, became Jerry Lee Lewis' sixth wife! -James Gammell

*Footnote
James (Jim) Gammell is currently playing drums with
"The Bobby Sowell Revue" Show Band.

MEXIMERICA?

2007-03-12T21:58:00.000-05:00

WAR WITHOUT A SHOT?

I was driving around my city the other day doing routine errands when I got into some heavy traffic. I couldn't help notice the car in front of me. It had a Mexican flag flying proudly in the breeze and what I call carnival Mexican music blaring out. Well, that got me thinking and it really insulted my America. The one I was drafted for and went to fight in an unpopular war named Vietnam. I remembered the attitudes back then where the sheer sight of my US Military uniform brought stairs and rocks. But now some 40 year's later, a Mexican flag? Wake up America! The illegal immigrants don't want a melting pot! They want our land and our way of life but not as a US citizen, but as a Mexican. It's like a slap in the face of our Texas forefathers who died in the Mexican-American war? For what? To have them come back and take over without firing a shot? But by sheer voting numbers? The popular argument is they are doing jobs that Americans don't want? Hum, my American born Caucasian grandson came home upset last month because he didn't get hired at CC's Pizza because the job went to a Mexican. Tell him he didn't want the job?

I am sorry but after hearing they want to sing the National Anthem in Spanish - enough is enough. Nowhere did they sing it in Italian, Polish, Irish (Celtic), German or any other language because of immigration. It was written by Francis Scott Key and should be sung word for word the way it was written The news broadcasts even gave the translation -- not even close. Sorry if this offends anyone but this is MY COUNTRY - IF IT IS YOUR COUNTRY SPEAK UP!

I am not against immigration -- just come through like everyone else. Get a sponsor; have a place to lay your head; have a job; pay your taxes, live by the rules AND LEARN THE LANGUAGE as all other immigrants have in the past -- and GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Click here: Mexican American War
Click here: Texas Independence

Remember the Alamo

*FOOTNOTE
The only survivor of the Alamo massacre was a Sowell, my Great Great Uncle named Andrew Jackson Sowell, a courier for General Sam Houston, who had left just 10 minutes before the attack. He later served as a Colonel in the Confederate Army commanding Fort Pillow in West Tennesee. His name is mentioned at the "Alamo" along with other great Americans who lost their lives at the hands of a Mexican army onslaught. What would they think of us today and our handling (or lack of) illegal Mexician Immigrants? And flying their Mexican Flag in Tennessee?

Click here: Andrew Jackson Sowell 1815-1883

Sherry Ann

2006-12-14T02:06:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday Sherry...
I would like to wish my oldest daughter Sherry a Happy Birthday. She lives in Jacksonville, FL. I haven't heard from her in a while and I hope she will see this BLOG and contact me. She was born on Eglin AFB in Ft Walton Beach, Florida where I was stationed while in the Air Force, but she grew up in Memphis, Tennessee after her Mom divorced. She married and eventually returned to her home state of Florida.

Tis the Season

2006-12-12T14:37:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas...
Well, I have been so busy playing my Christmas gigs that I haven't had time to post much for the month of December. So, I will try and sneak in a little one. Besides my regular Christmas gigs, this year I have added on addional eleven days to my busy gig schedule. I will be performing at the Wolfchase Toyota dealership, inside the showroom through the 23rd of December, sponsored by Toyota and Yamaha. Then right after my performance on the 23rd, my family and I will catch a flight to Houston, Texas to visit my brother Gene. We are having a Sowell Family Christmas, Texas style that will include all my siblings from Memphis, Nebraska and of course Houston. We will be there until the 30th. I am looking forwarded to the visit. This is the first time since out Mom died that we all have been together for Christmas (since 1997). I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, I don't use Happy Holidays because I am proud to be a Christian and I view Christmas as a celebration of Jesus Birth, not Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or Muslim Holy week regardless if it's not politically correct. I think the celebration of Christmas is also an American tradition as apple pie, sanctioned by our Christian forefathers and our heritage. Check out the below links to view new Christmas gig PICS taken last week. More photos to come.

Click here to view Christmas Gig Photos
Click here to view custom made Christmas Card

Two Hot Chicks

2006-11-13T15:50:00.000-06:00

My little Chick-a-dees

Every photo has a story and boy does this one: In 1957, when Bobby was 10 years old, he got two baby chicks for Easter from the Northgate Shopping Center in Frayser. Back then, the chicks were dyed different colors. When the family moved from Woodrow Street to the corner of Nunnelee Street and Debby Street, Bobby brought one of those chicks with him, (the other one had been eaten by their neighbor's dog). The chick lived to be an old rooster, who was better than having a dog. We didn't have a backyard fence so he would run off all the stray kids cutting through their yard by chasing them and pecking their legs. At night, he would roost in a backyard tree. He never left the back yard. He lived a lot of years and froze to death one winter.

OK now, fast forward to 11 years later (1968)...

Bobby was on military leave staying with his parents. He had borrowed his Dad's car and went out drinking, proudly for the first time, dressed in his class A military uniform, drove to the "Dynasty" Lounge on North Watkins. On the way back home, at around 2:00 AM (drunk driving), Bobby ran off the road on Frayser Blvd with the car plowing into a fence. He made a pretty good size hole in the fence. There was a big dog in their yard and in Bobby's drunk mind, wasn't about to get out of the car so he drove back out the same hole he made coming in and drove home. Well, he had dropped his service hat. (it had the service number written inside of it). During the impact with the fence, Bobby dented up the passenger side of the car, the side where his Dad wouldn't notice the damage (until he was gone back to Texas). Well, the day before Bobby was to ship out, a knock on the door brought 2 policemen, and in one of their hands was his service cap (BUSTED!) So, he had to get an Extension of Leave so he could go to court on 'Leaving the Scene of an Accident' charge, (But no DUI).

Now back to the case of the other
dead baby chick when Bobby was 10...

When Bobby got to court and went in front of the judge, he was suprised to see the judge was his old neighbor from Woodrow Street? And the Judge recognized Bobby! Well, the court proceding was continuing on when the Judge leaned over and asked Bobby, "is there anything you would like to say in you defense"?

And then Bobby said in a low whisper......

"Yes, your honor, do you remember when your dog ate my baby chicken?" The Judge then looked over his glasses as the gavel came down, hitting the surface hard and said, "Case dismissed"!

That's a true story!! Bobby got off them charges because the judge's dog ate his baby chicken when he was a 10 year old kid!!

But, that's not the end of it...

Now, Fast Forward to 40 years later...

The people, whose yard and fence Bobby tore up (plus their dog got out and his Dad had to pay for all the damages), now go to Bobby's church!! They moved from Frayser to Barlett! They laugh everytime Bobby tells this story! Bobby forgets how he pieced it all together? CSI Frayser?

Bobby's got a lot of crazy stories like this one, that has happened to him over the years and may wind up here on his BLOG. His advice is not to try any of these at home as you may not get the same results.

*Footnote: Bobby eventually straightened up his life and recovered from his wild and crazy drinking days and now is active in his church and helping struggling alcoholics to recover from alcoholism.

22nd Already?

2006-11-11T00:32:00.000-06:00

Happy 22nd Birthday!

I would like to wish my youngerst son Christopher, a happy 22nd birthday. When I was his age, I shipped out to the Vietnam War. I am glad he lives in freedom and don't have to fight in a war like his Dad did (no draft in Canada). All of my American born Canadian Children were born on American Holidays. Rob, Father's Day and Mandy, Memorial Day. I told the doctor when Chris was going to be born based on my two previous children. I told him Chris should be arriving on the 11th of November, Veteran's Day, (Remembrance Day in Canada). And sure enough, he was born on 11-11-04, Christopher Michael Sowell, born in Memphis, Tennessee, making this Vietnam vet a happy farther. His middle name, Michael came from his uncle Michael (my two year younger brother) who drowned at the age of 10 in 1958, one day before Easter. Chris likes to play music and is learning to play the guitar. I think he's got a keyboard too. (perhaps he has gotten musical talent from his Dad).

Chrisopher left Memphis, Tennessee when he was just under two years old and grew up in Niagara Falls, Ontario Canada along with his sister and brother, Mandy and Robby, where they all reside at now. I hope to see Chris in the near future. I will call him today later on today. Happy Birthday Chris from your Dad.

Chris was born in Memphis, Tennessee

It's Veteran's Day Too...

What is it?

2006-11-08T12:36:00.000-06:00

Spam, what is it? Definition: Spam is any message, pop-up, ad, email or posting, regardless of it's content, that is sent to recipients who have not specifically requested it. Usually, spam comes from someone who you don't know or it could be a friend or family member but then you know how to handle them or send them a reply email to stop it. Personally, I hate them annoying popups followed by unwanted emails from places I don't even know.

Why would anyone buy something from anyone who spams them? I don't know about everyone else but I would never buy anything from spammers. Besides being annoying, in your face advertising makes me mad and for that reason alone, I would never order anything from them. It would be like going to the mall and all of a sudden, a person from Dillards runs up and screams in your face about their sale specials. I would like to know who buys stuff from spammers? Do they really? Apparently, people do or they wouldn't spam anyone. Or is it's just a ploy to get you to buy anti-spam and spyware software from Internet giants? And to make it look like a good deal when your Internet provider throws in a free spam blocker when they'er the main suspects. Makes one wonder, doesn't it?

Be weary of spam notices like the one below. Most of them are dead links. Where do they get you email address? From many different sources. They buy your email address from different lists. Whenever you visit any website or page, they got you! Their new spam techniques are getting slick too. Now they can spam your guestbook and fax. Never reply to unsolicited e-mail with a "remove" request since this only validates to a spammer that your address is current.

Happy surfing!

Click here for more Spam Information

Tail of three Monkeys

2006-11-06T22:51:00.000-06:00

My friend recently sent me a funny email joke about persimmons which brought memories from my childhood and youth, and promped me to write this BLOG concerning persimmon trees and monkeys.

Growing up on Woodrow Street in Frayser, we had 13 persimmon trees in our back yard. I know personally the effects of eating them green. I remember Possum Miller (Miller Auto Sales, Hwy 51 in Atoka) was our neighbor. He had gotten a monkey for Christmas but the monkey escaped and lived in the 13 persimmon trees in our back yard. He never could be caught and lived in them trees for about 5 years until one winter he froze to death. But during his lifetime, he used to pick persimmons off the trees and throw them at us kids whenever we were in the back yard. His aim got to be pretty good. He was paying us back for constantly teasing him. He use to mess with us too by sneaking up to the back door and knocking on it, then running back to the trees. He sorta liked me because I would sneak a banana and give it to him. He was too smart to come close. I had to leave it under the tree and go far enough away for him to come down and grab the banana. Whenever we had a picnic in the back yard, he would go bannans and throw them persimmons at us kids. But, I think he liked me as I made sure he had some watermelon.

My next encounter with a monkey was when I attended Memphis Academy of Arts in 1967, (I had won a scholarship). The class had gone to the zoo to learn how to draw tigers and lions quickly. Well, I wandered off and wound up going to the monkey house. I had heard a rumor that one of them monkeys smoked cigarettes. My curiosity got to me, so I took out a cigarette and was flaunting it to all the monkeys. Sure enough, this one monkey went bananas and wanted my cigarette. Well, I lit it and gave it to him. He was one happy monkey as he was swinging and smoking! However, a zoo attendant came in and I got busted and escorted out the front gate!

That monkey story leads me to yet another one. It was Vietnam in 1969 and my roommate had gotten a monkey from a local Vietnamese guy. The monkey lived in our hooch, but this monkey was an alcoholic. He was always dressed up in a vest and cowboy hat. He had a best friend who was a dog. You could not have a drink of whiskey without him having one. He also smoked. It was funny watching that monkey. He use to get drunk and jump on the dog and ride him like a horse. The monkey lived there during my whole tour of duty. He was a friendly monkey as long as he had a drink and a cigarette. I often wondered about his fate? He most likely died of cirrhosis or lung cancer.

I took this B&W photo back in 1969
where the monkey and I lived.

So, what did I learn from my monkey experiences?
That one monkey don't stop the show!!

Watch a smoking addicted monkey video

Timing

2006-10-15T01:33:00.000-05:00

The Right Time?
I think everything in this world is based on timing and unless the timing is spent wisely, the free world will pay the consequences. Case in point being North Korea. Here we are (the US) being the only superpower in the whole world being taunted and bullied by a third world rogue state. Why? In the first place how did North Korea or any other country for that matter acquire nuclear technology? Next, will it be Iran? Didn't we have nuclear technology first? Sounds like espionage, spying and greed that is now catching up with us.

It is time to talk tough to North Korea and Iran. Western civilization cannot afford to have any one of these renegade regimes to obtain nuclear weapons. But, they are?

The US being the only Superpower must start acting like it. The bottom line is strike them before they strike us! The President needs to issue an ultimatum. Put the whole world on notice, either stop production immediately or face a nuclear strike within 24 hours that will turn their countries into parking lots where they can start over like Japan did in W.W.II.

I think if North Korea and Iran takes the warning seriously, they will comply or either face the consequences. Any collateral damage (civilian deaths) would be considered suicide by their leaders. Timing is still everything.

Hey folks, it's either us or them! Think about it.
Who's it going to be?

North Korea

Iran

Is it going be Them?
Or is it going to be Us?

United States

UPDATE:

CNN Breaking News...
(10-15-06) Strong earthquake rumbles off Big Island of Hawaii; no tsunami warning is expected, U.S. Geological Survey reports.

Hum? Didn't Japan experience an earthquake right after North Korea launched their nuclear weapon? And wasn't it reported that North Korea launched a second nuclear missile? I wonder if there's any connection between the nuclear missile launches and the Hawaii earthquake? Makes one wonder, doesn't it?

Post-Surgery

2006-09-29T12:44:00.000-05:00

VOODOO? My horrific experience at the Memphis VA hospital

Well, I will attempt to record my horrific experience at the Memphis VA hospital. It feels so wonderful being home in my own bed. I slept good for the first time since my surgery on Monday.

First of all, the doctors were excellent and very professional, competent physicians and I got as good a treatment as I would have gotten in any hospital, if not better. The ICU unit was also very good and attentive to my pain and needs. I sincerely thank them for their professionalism.

Then, I was transferred to a regular floor. From there, the caring and fine service went south very fast. Gail was very tired and went home to rest awhile and feed our cat and was coming back later on to spend the night again. I was sure I would be fine staying alone for a few hours? WRONG!!!

It started when they delivered my noon meal. I was very hungry and hadn't eaten any solid foods for a couple of days and was looking forward to eating a good meal. The person came in my door and sit the tray down on the table and left the room. However the table was located in the corner of the room far beyond my reach. I was unable to get upbecause of having my catheter and being drowsy from my pain medicine.

So, I hit the nurse button on my bedside and when the voice came on saying, "May I help you?" (ebonic pronunciation). I told her of my predicament, when she said, "OK" or "OTEY".

I waited for about 10 minutes, no one came so I pushed the nurse button again, "May I help you?" (ebonic pronunciation). I said, would you please send someone down here to roll my table to me so I can eat?" Again, she says, "OK" or "OTEY". I waited for another 10 minutes and finally, someone comes in. I asked her, "Do yall expect me to get up out of my bed and get that table by myself?" She says, "YES, if you feel like it" (I thought that was a stupid reply) and the way she treated me was very unprofessional and was with a reverse racial discrimination attitude.

So after she left the room, I attempted to eat and it was so cold that I just picked over my food and didn't eat much. I looked for side dishes of deserts and there were none. I remembered from being in ICU that there were good side dishes like jello, ice cream, fruit cocktail, etc. I didn't think much of it until after getting about 4 meals with still no side dishes. I requested Ice cream and juice but the reply was always, "We have none of that". In my opinion, I think they rob the trays and hoard the ice cream, jellos, fruit for themselves. Of course I can't prove it but, that's what I think.

So after I ate, I was trying to rest when this (whatever she was?) black gal game in to test my sugar. So, I stuck out my finger and she stuck it about 3 times??? I'm thinking, does she know what the hell she's doing? To top it off, she takes a coarse paper towel and started to rub the puncture in a hard circler motion. I jerked my finger back and said, what the hell are you doing to me? She looked at my with hate in her voodoo looking eyes and said, "I was just trying to help", then she left the room.

I immediately got on the phone, called home and told Gail of my experiences and told her PLEASE come up here ASAP! So, Gail did come back and never left again. She witnessed a lot by herself and could write her own article. The next 24 hours was mental torture to me. I felt like I was in enemy hands and was a POW. I later learned that most of my care givers where Hurricane katrina refugees from New Orleans VA hospital who had transferred to Memphis VA hospital. I did notice their Cajon ebonic accents. I swear, this one gal was practicing Voodoo. She looked like one of those shrunken heads too.

That same one came back later on that night and wanted to test my sugar again. This time Gail was there to witness it. She did the exact same thing? she takes a coarse paper towel and started rubbing the puncture in a hard circler motion. I once again jerked my finger back and this time told her to leave my damn room. She looks at me again with them voodoo looking hateful eyes and left the room. Gail and I couldn't believe it?? I was doped up on pain medicine but I still could feel the pain she afflicted on me. That same one came in around 11:00 PM to remove my Catheter??? All hell broke loose then. She really hurt me. I think she did it on purpose. From that point on I refused her ever touching me again. They assigned another one to me. Matter of fact, due to my empty stomach, being pumped up on pain medicine and running a high fever and them torturing me, I went into a diabetic seizure. I was shaken all over. I very well could have died.

The other ones didn't hurt me when they pricked my finger and of course didn't rub a coarse paper towel in a circle motion. I asked them, "why did the other gal do that?" Their reply was, they didn't know?

The worse was yet to come.....
Later on that night, around 3:00 AM, they came in to remove my tubes from OR. While in surgery, they had rapped what looked like 3-4 rolls of very sticky clear tape around my whole arm (looked like the Mummy). It took them 30 minutes to remove all the tape from one arm!! It was very, very painful. It pulled my hair and for 30 minutes, I let them know orally how much it was hurting. Of course they didn't care. So imagine being in pain for 30 straight minuets? It was the worse I ever experienced. All the time while removing the tape, I was told that it was unecessary to have rapped me that many times. Once again, I thought it must be a racial thing, although I can't prove it.

The next day finally arrived. My doctor came in asking how are you feeling today? I told him of the hell I went through and how I was being treated by the nurse staff. He did write a report, apologizing. I don't think that report will get far since it's a negative racial thing. The doctor says, I will try and release you by tonight. I felt relieved and couldn't wait.

However, the night came and went and I was still there having to go through the mental torture. What seemed to help was when Gail would roll me down to the cafeteria for coffee. So, finally the next morning arrived. The doctor came in my room around 6:00 AM and said, I could go home and gave Gail my discharge orders, telling her that all she had to do was go by the Pharmacy and pick up my prescriptions. So, I got dressed and she rolled me down to the Pharmacy. However, the sign said they didn't open until 9:30. So, I figured we would kill some time rolling around the hospital. We went to the cafeteria for breakfast.

Then, she remembered, she had left something in the room, plus some change on the night table. I said, well we can go back and you can get whatever it was you left. So after eating breakfast, we returned to my room. She got whatever it was she left. Of course her change was not there. Someone got it. She didn't care, she only wanted to leave. So, we was heading out, Gail pushing me in my wheelchair when she wanted to return a pencil she had borrowed from the nursing station. Again, all hell broke loose!!

This smart ass black nurse or whatever the hell she was says, "And where do you think you're going?", I said, we're going home'! She says, oh no yor' not, you have to have your discharge papers and wait for you prescriptions to come up and that it will take a few hours!!". I said, I don't think so, I got my doctor's discharge orders in my hand!

She says, well there is a procedure and unless you follow it, you will not be released!" Again Gail and I could not believe what we were hearing? and in such a disrespectful way? I then told her, apparently, you have never dealt with me before?

And then I told Gail to take me back to my room where I can make some phone calls. I immediately called my doctor's office and the chief pharmacist office. Not only did they listen to my complaint, they sent representatives to my room in under five minutes. This one very nice pharmacist young lady came in, she apologized and gave me a piece of paper and said, Mr. Sowell, take this piece of paper to the pharmacy, you will not have to wait. They will give you your perscription and yall can leave and go home. I felt somewhat better.

So, once again Gail was rolling me back in front of the nursing station heading toward the elevators when this same black gal says, "And where do you think your going"? I told her, I am going home and don't even talk with me again. It was very apparent to everyone around me that I was very, very mad and meant what I said. All of a sudden this white medical person with a white lab coat came up and told the black gal behind the nursing station to give me the discharge papers NOW!! The gal started running her mouth on how she ran that place and nobody was to tell her how to run her job??

I then, immediately got up out of my wheel chair and started throwing things like I was a Mad man. Several nurses had to hold me down. And finally, that damn black bitch gave me my discharge papers. And then I told her, "It looks like I won"! because, I'm out of here BITCH! And we left.

In closing, I have always heard about the racial division at the VA hospital (both employees and patient care). Well, now that I have experienced it, I can say, They're right. It makes me wonder, how are the old WW2 veterans being treated, especially if they had no family members to stay with them? Where they being abused? or even killed due to the incompetent employee staff?

I will gather my thoughts and fill an official complaint with the Veteran's Administration through the regular channels. But, I fell like most government agencies, nothing will become of it.

Will I ever go back to the VA hospital? I can't answer that yet, but I will give it a long thought. I have heard of this same type of thing in other Memphis area hospitals. It's more like, "the sigh of the times". I would like to emphasize that not all VA Black employees treated me bad, there are a lot of fine, caring
black employees that treated me with the utmost curtesy and respect.

I am home now recuperating. I can't lift anything weighing over 10 lbs and I can't drive for two weeks. My neck is swollen twice it's size. I am supposed to take it easy. So, here I am back on the computer blogging. It helps to write about it.

I would like to thank all my visitors, the phone calls and especially, all the prayers. There is no doubt in my mind that it was those prayer that got me through the whole ordeal. Also, special thanks to the Cupboard restaurant for catering me and Gail a meal with all the trimmings including pie and blackberry cobbler! Thanks Chuck! When I got home, there were 28 calls on my answering machine and numerous emails.

The Power of the Voodoo Dance in Casting Spells

Voodoo means "Spirit of God." It's a system of beliefs originating in Africa. It is estimated that Voodoo has over fifty million followers worldwide. Voodoo flourishes in Brazil, Trinidad, Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, New Orleans and in private homes in every country in the world. Spirits (Loa) rule over the world's affairs in matters of family, love, happiness, justice, wealth and revenge.

Today, a significant percent of the population of New Orleans partake in Voodoo rituals. The practice of Voodoo involves the blessing of a Voodoo doll by an experienced practitioner which allows the possessor of the doll to contact the spirits directly - requesting fulfillment in love, finance, career, family matters, getting revenge, etc.

Related Links

Voodoo - African Origins
http://www.swagga.com/voodoo.htm

Authentic New Orleans Voodoo
http://www.voodooshop.com/

The Voodoo Experience
Official site of New Orleans
http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/

Voodoo Dolls & Spells
Authentic Voodoo Dolls, Spells & Curses
http://www.calastrology.com

Pre-Surgery Blues

2006-09-20T01:51:00.000-05:00

98% fat free? Well, not my artery on my left side of my neck, it's more like 95% blocked. My Surgery date is set for next Monday, Sep 25 th. Ironically, it's the anniversary of my ONLY hurricane that I went through, Hurricane Eloise, Sept 25, 1976, category III in Ft Walton Beach, Florida. It tore the place up pretty darn good and me being in the military at the time, I got to experience hurricane cleanup first hand. I remember thinking, "I'll be glad to get out of here" ...and I did!

The VA doesn't operate on profit, being a government facility. In fact, they are just the opposite of private hospitals. They don't want to do any unnecessary surgeries and constantly looking for ways to cut down on cost. That's why they have (and still are) putting me through the ringer with tests. Now I have to go there Thursday to meet with the anesthetioglost, get more blood work and a chest x-ray. Prior to these test, I've already had an MRI, Treadmill, Ultrasound and they have stuck me umpteen times, ALL for this upcoming Surgery!

The Cost has all ready been Paid in Full....
It was prepaid it back in the1968 when I was drafted and unwillingly servered in the Vietnam War, became an alcoholic, suffered from PTSD (Post traumatic distress disorder) and was exposed to Agent Orange. I can remember when I first got back home (the US), my hair glowing in the dark. I use to laugh about it, not knowing the real reason it glowed (Agent Orange). I could turn off the lights at night and when I pulled off my T-shirt, my hair would really glow! Not just static electricity, but it lite the entire room up. It doesn't do it as much now as it did back then.

Yea, I'm operating on 2% (Heck, I don't even drink 2% milk, just 1%) Maybe after my surgery when I have 100% flow, I can really get down on the piano! I told my surgury nurse this morning that I played the piano for a living and how long will I have to wait to play? She said, within a week. Then I told her that I grunt when I play?? She laughed and said, I've heard of ball players grunting but not piano players? Does it not make you want to go to the restroom? Then I said, well perhaps I can just play slow love songs for an hour. And then she said, that the audenice jut might be needing just that??? Love Songs??!! So, I hung up the telephone with both of us laughing. I have always grunted when playing. I don't know why? I'm sure that cuts off my blood flow. whenever I concentrate on something, I automatically start grunting. The more I concentrate, the more I grunt.

Yauk!! A Monday Operation???

It's most likely no big deal and pretty much routine nowadays but, I'm 59 years old and NEVER have been cut on, so I am a little concerned, especially it being on a Monday and it's at the VA. But I know God's in control and I'm not too worried. I will post more after the surgery.

When going through an unpleasant experience such as this, it helps to have a little sense of humor. After my doctor informed me of the importance of having this surgery, I said, "I heard of the VA taking off the wrong leg?" in which he replied, "Legs don't grow out of your neck!"

Fanal Countdown
Sep 25, 2006

Well, here it is 1:00 AM Monday morning. I figure time will go by slower if I stay up. If I go to sleep, it will come sooner. Besides, why awake from a sound sleep only to be put back to sleep? My operation begins at 6:30 AM!! Bright and early. I hope the doctors got plenty of rest and not hung over from the weekend.

Karaoke Cafe

2006-08-12T23:05:00.000-05:00

Karaoke? Well, I went. It reminded me of the "Gong Show" as most of them were want-a-be stars that would never fit in a real band but where caught up in themselves. There was even a DJ that introduced them. I'd say 80% of them are thumbs down. Mostly fat women who couldn't hold a key. The place was crowded with standing room only, I went by myself. The hamburger tasted like a hot-dog to me. Hot dogs were on the menu, they must have grilled some winnies along side my all-beef patty. Ulk! My french fries tasted good though. Was I entertained? Well, kinda. It was more like the old TV Gong Show. It would have been better if they had a big gong to hit because I would have banged the heck out of it. I would have to be drunk to make an idiot out of myself like some of them folks were doing sober? There was a few of them that could sing and of course, I picked out the best looking singing heads. There was one there who would have made a hit on the Billy Owen Show at the Strand Theater.

As I watched and evaluated the situation, Karaoke is a lot like wrestling. People get caught up in the moment both big and small, cute and ugly, young and old. They each seemed to have a following. Karaoke is an addiction. They all were rooting each other on, no matter how awful they sounded. It was a family atmosphere with children running around (they all sung too) yet, it had that strange familiar bar feel to it. A close nit group of people joined together in their addiction for that high produced by performing live on stage. Yes, there was even a fat man doing Elvis? There was one family who all of them sung, the Mom, Dad, Grandpa, Grandma and two of their pre-teen children. There was a married couple who looked to be in their 50's, practicing their Karaoke for a cruse they are leaving out on Monday in Miami to join up with yet, more Karaokers??? The place was loud, the music was louder than some singers. I guess to drown out them who were singing off. At any rate, I had to get out of there? It was killing my ears.

The experience made me feel glad that I was a real musician and made me appreciate real bands. Over Karaoke exposure ruins any good potential singer. They get use to following the music instead of the music following them. Bad habit! I always recommend real musician accompaniment to any new comer vocalist. American Idol auditions? Na! They all should keep their day jobs.

Would I go back? YES, it's a great place to laugh!! Would I go back alone? Most likely not. I ask my cute little (singing) waitress what's the best night? She said, every night, we're packed! She did say Thursday's and Friday's were good too. I only stayed little over an hour. When I left, there were 22 people signed up to go on stage. The place is decorated like a night club with colored lights and there is even a spotlight on the singer. They all do one song at a time. There are two TV's with the words of the song being displayed. America's got talent? Well, maybe but not all that glitters is gold, especially at a Jordon's Karaoke Cafe in Bartlett this Saturday night. I need not look at it from a professional musician point of view.
I guess the point is that they all were having fun and that's the main thing!

National Karaoke Contest :: Talent Quest 2006 :: National Singing ...
Jordan's Karaoke Cafe Contact: Terry Wilkerson, 5806 Stage Rd. Bartlett, TN 38134, Call: (901) 379-1311, jordanskaraoke@bellsouth.net ...
http://talentqst.com/contestsites.php

Bartlett Area Chamber of Commerce - Restaurants & Shopping
Bartlett, TN 38134-8309 Phone: (901) 372-9457 Fax: (901 372-9488 ... 381-9670 Jordan's Karaoke Cafe 5806 Stage Road 379-1311.
http://www.bartlettchamber.org/shopping/index.html

The Memphis Flyer :: Jordon's Karaoke Cafe - Bartlett, TN
Please check out Jordan's Karaoke Cafe NOW on Tuesdays thru Sundays ... Jordan's is located at 5806 Stage Rd, Bartlett, TN. Neil's Time Change ...

The Memphis Flyer :: the mid-south's news weekly
National Karaoke Contest - . Mondays, Thursdays, 8 pm Continues through Aug. 17. Jordan's Karaoke Cafe, 5806 Stage, (Bartlett), 379-1311. Karaoke - . ...
http://www.memphisflyer.com/memphis/MusicEvents.html?StartDate=2006-08-07

www.myspace.com/Jordan's Karaoke Cafe
Verizon Memphis , TN US Professional Scammer, 6/27/05 - present ... Jordan's Karaoke Cafe at 5806 Stage Rd in Bartlett!...
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=9538298

Sound Choice :: the highest quality musical recordings for karaoke
How do you want your karaoke today? Sound Choice produces the highest-quality music reproductions on CDG, television, your mobile phone and more! http://www.soundchoice.com/

KARAOKE SCENE MAGAZINE ONLINE :: History of Karaoke
Karaoke has been entertaining people ever since its invention 20 years ago, ... History of Karaoke from Japan to the whole world ...
http://www.karaokescene.com/history/

Big Lies

2006-07-17T14:01:00.000-05:00

Subj: CNN Breaking News
Date: 8/17/06
Time: 11:34:14 AM

-- A federal judge has ruled that the federal government's warrantless wiretapping program is unconstitutional and ordered it ended immediately.

I got the above CNN Breaking News Alert in my email this morning and decided to BLOG my thoughts. In my opinion, this federal judge should be arrested immediately and tried for treason. He is undermining a valuable tool to combat terrorist among us. As a reminder here, we are still at war and must use every weapon available to fight the enemy including wire tapping. If a US citizen isn't guilty and has nothing to hide and in the interest of national security, why should he care? I certainly wouldn't. If this was World War II, I guarantee you that this federal judge would be arrested and sent to prison. And furthermore, it would have never gotten into the courts. This is another example of liberal potitics. I think the American people won't be fooled and it will back fire on them come election time. The popular left wing statement "Can we all just get along" does not apply here. As patriotic Americans, we must unite and stand up for the truth. What will it take, another 911?

Further evidence of liberal agends can be explored in a book
"Liberalism is a mental disorder" by Michael Savage

Author of these other best seller books....
"Know Your Eenemy"
"The Enemy Within"
"The Political Zoo"
"The Savage Nation"

*Sourch: michaelsavage.com

Suggested Reading:

Why We MUST Profile
By Robert Spencer
And why it is national suicide if we don't?

Infanticide - Mullah Style
By Kenneth R. Timmerman
Iran prepares its children for war.

Liberalism in America
By Michael Savage

The Michael Savage Talk Show can be heard
Nightly on Memphis Radio Station AM 60

These pictures are of Muslims marching through the streets of London during their recent "Religion of Peace Demonstration." Why would anyone think that we should be at war with such nice, peaceful Moslems? Wake up America before it's too late!

Supportive Reading....
Repost: "FREE WILL"

I got a breaking news email from CNN which read -- Associated Press reports Abdul Rahman, the Afghan who faced execution for converting from Islam to Christianity, has been released. Which promped me to write this blog. This is an excellent example why radical Islam nations should never be allowed to develop nuclear weapons, (Iran, Sierra, Lebanon, Hamas Palestinians, etc). Their perverted views on God's will and their continuing goal to spread their hatred toward all non-muslems and their determination through terrorism to bring death and destruction to western civilization has to be stopped. I am so greatful that I serve (through my own free will) the one and ONLY true God, a God of love and not out of fear, who gave his only Son, Jesus to save us from our sins. Think about it? The Holy Bible tells us to Love our enemy and to pray for them. The Qur'an' says to cut off their heads. Which one sounds like the real deal? God is love. And they want to get upset and kill about cartoons? Give me a break, while Christ is spit on, mocked, made fun of, ridiculed and even a crucifix made out of camel dung desplayed as art? Come on, is this really about cartoons? They're rampaging and burning flags, rioting and firing their ever-present AK-47s into the air . They're looking for Europeans to kidnap. They're threatening innkeepers and generally raising holy Muslim hell not because of any outrage over a cartoon. They're outraged because it is part of the Islamic jihadist culture to be outraged. You don't really need a reason. You just need an excuse. Wandering around, destroying property, murdering children, firing guns into the air and feigning outrage over the slightest perceived insult is to a jihadist what tailgating is to a Steeler's fan.

I know and understand that these blood thirsty murderers do not represent the majority of the world's Muslims. When, though, do they become outraged? When do they take to the streets to express their outrage at the radicals who are making their religion the object of worldwide hatred and ridicule? Islamic writer Salman Rushdie wrote of these silent Muslims in a New York Times article three years ago. "As their ancient, deeply civilized culture of love, art and philosophical reflection is hijacked by paranoiacs, racists, liars, male supremacists, tyrants, fanatics and violence junkies, why are they not screaming?" Indeed. Why not?

Through out Muslim history, they conquered lands and forced the people to either worship Ali and follow Muhammad or face immediate death. That's exactly why Muslim nations do not have freedom of worship and if one is caught practicing any other religion the punishment is death. Christians and Christian missionaries have to hide their identity and practice their faith in secret. My prayers are with Abdul Rahman for his free will decision to except Jesus Christ into his heart and for his conversion to Christianity. Italy has granted him asylum to live and practice his faith without fear of persecution. God will richly bless him for his bold decision.

Muhammad vs. Jesus?

At age 40, Muhammad began having convulsions through which he claimed he received revelation from God through the angel Gabriel. Muhammad thought he was demon-possessed. His wife convinced him otherwise.

Muhammad's doubts are troublesome, "for what major prophet doubts the source of his prophetic revelation? No major prophet in the Bible attributes God's revelation to demons."

Muhammad made holy war or jihad, incumbent on Muslems. In 626 AD he ordered 800 helpless Jewish men in Medina beheaded on the edge of a trench, "a procudure that occupied the entire day and went on far into the night. Jesus never commanded his followers to murder, Muhammed was ruthless in war. The only life Jesus gave up was His own. Jesus's character offers continuous love and compassion. Muhammad was erratic and hostel to those who would not follow him. He killed critics for speaking their minds, raped women, had sexual relations with children. He was a ruthless general and raided caravans merely for financial gain to expand his movement. He even broke the rules of engagement when he fought during a sacred month. He gained conversions through imitation and coercion, He commanded his followers to "Fight and slay the pagans wherever you find them" (Surah 9:5). Execute anyone who fights "against Allah and His Messenger (Surah 5:33). Unlike Christianity, Islam has no concept of a personal relationship with God. And Jesus emphasis on love is completely foreign to Muslims, Love is never part of the equation. Islam depends upon a sense of duty and a desire for payback. Whereas the Bible teaches, "Love you enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you (Matt. 5:44), Muslims are taught to hate Allah's enemies and the promise of Paradise and multiple virgins to those who die in battle or commits suicide fighting for Islam.

Book Review
"Unveiling Islam" (Kregel Publications)

In 1983, three brothers, all devout Muslims and sons of an Islamic leader surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ. They wrote, "We did not switch religions, "the blood of Jesuse Christ saved us", "It was God's gracious act of redemption."

Their father disowned them. "It could have been worse," they wrote. "According to Hadith 9:57, all three of us brothers should have been killed. They did not see their father again for 17 years until four days before he died in 1999. And he died a Musilim.

Today, Ergun and Emir Caner are Christian professors of church history and theology and authors of an extraordinary book titled "Unveiling Islam" (book cover in above photo). It is full of historical information concerning Muhammad and the Islamic faith and brilliantly illuminates the irreconcilable difference between Christianity and Islam.

Terrorists are still at war with
America and we have a choice!

Either we use every tool available to fight and win the War on Terror or we heed the calls of Democrats who would censure and impeach the President for fighting the terrorists.

On September 11, the President made a solemn commitment to protect the American people. The President made his choice. And many Democrats are making theirs, calling a program to defeat al Qaeda terrorists inside the U.S. an illegal and an "impeachable offense."

Where do you stand?
Watch the video And take action by signing the petition against repeated Democrat attempts to weaken these efforts to fight the terrorists and keep American families safe.

Fight to the Death
The Qur'an teaches followers to fight until Islam dominates the whole world:
References: Surah 4:74, Surah 4:76, Surah 9:5, Surah 9:14, Surah 9:29,
Surah 9:88, Surah 9:123, Surah 47:4, Surah 61:14, 61:9, Hadith 9:57.

God is Love
In contrast, the Bible teaches us to go into all the world spreading the Gospel, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost (Trinity), NOT out of imitation, fear and coercion. And certainly not kill them if they refuse. It's a free will choice. Reference: Matt, 28: 19 & 20

And God said...
"For all the land which thou seest, to thee I will give it,
and to thy seed forever, from the river of Egypt unto the
great river, the river Euphrates" (Gen. 13:15;15:18).

"Then will I cause you to dwell in the land I have given unto
Jacob, my servant, in which your fathers have dwelt; and they
shall dwell in it, and their children, and their children's
children forever. (Ezek. 37:25).

Suggested Source Links
Unveiling Islam: An Insider's Look at Muslim Life and Beliefs
Amazon.com: Voices Behind the Veil: The World of Islam
Kregel Publications

Watch New Video
"Censure? Impeachment?," which outlines the stakes in this fight

Love me Tender

2006-06-30T13:07:00.000-05:00

A President, a Prim Minster and a King

As I am writing this BLOG update, President Bush and Prim Minster Koizumi of Japan is visiting Elvis's Graceland and are going to eat a Memphis Bar-B-Q lunch at the world famous Rendezvous restaurant downtown. This is the first time that a sitting US President have visited Graceland (former President Carter visited as a private citizen), also a first for a Prim Minster and a First Lady. The Japanese Prim Minster is a hugh fan of Elvis and President Bush wanted to treat him to Graceland. Koizumi favorite Elvis song? "I Want You, I Need You, I Love You", Thank you very much!

I can truly say that a US President and a Japanese Prim Minster have walked in the same spot where I have. It brings me back to Aug 17, 1977 when I personally witnessed history in the making when Elvis died. I will always remember that day and what I was doing. It was noon and I was painting my Mother's house when my sister Sandy called and said, "Have you heard the news?", " Elvis just died." I immediately got dressed, grabbed my super 8 movie camera, and my Mom and sister went with me to Graceland. I'd say we were among the first visitors to arrive. It turned out to be an all day deal with crowds swelling to around 100,000 people on one city block. I have never witnessed nothing like this before. The national and International news media was everywhere.

Also the next day, by again being among the first, we got to see Elvis lying in his coffin just inside the foyer at his Graceland house. I will never forget what he looked like. He was fat and his hair was cut short. Some folks swore that I was the one who took his unauthorized photo lying in the casket, but I didn't do it. However, I did get some valuable snap shots of that day's historical event. I also attended Elvis's Funeral with the same emotional stance as the previous two historical days. FACT: Outside of the Whitehouse, Graceland is the most visited home in North America.

Although, I have never personally met Elvis, I did play for one of his party's at The Thunder Bird Lounge in Memphis where I was with the house band, "Tommy Jaye and the Escorts" back in 1967. There is a short paragraph about that event at my Rockabilly Hall of Fame ® Page.

Related Links:
Click here: ElvisPresley.com Official News
Click here: Memphis TV Stations News Covarage
Click here: Bobby Sowell - Rockabilly Hall of Fame
(Check out Bobby's Elvis Story at his RHOF Page)

Thank you very much!

Defend Them All

2006-06-22T16:59:00.000-05:00

THE PROUD - THE FEW
My prayers and thoughts are with the brave seven marines and one Navy Corpsman defendants who was charged with murder solely on the accounts of an Iraqi witness. It is sad state of affairs when you have the front page of the New York Times constantly covering these bogus allegations when the mutilating and beheading of the two troops story is tucked away. Lt. Gen. John Sattler, the senior commander at Camp Pendleton, will decide whether and how to proceed with preliminary hearings known in the military justice system as Article 32 proceedings. That in turn could lead to courts-martial for some or all of the men.

I am very proud of their service and I know that the majority of the American people are with them.

To show your support visit:
http://defendrob.com/

KNOW THE ENEMY
A claim posted on an Islamic website Tuesday said the soldiers were "slaughtered" in accordance with God's will. "We announce the good news to our Islamic nation that we executed God's will and slaughtered the two crusader animals we had in captivity," says the claim, reportedly from the Mujahedeen Shura Council, a group linked to al Qaeda. "And God has given our Emir, Abu Hamza al-Muhajer (Zarqawi's replacement), the good fortune of carrying out the legitimate court's command in person."

As a Vietnam vet who has personally experienced the horrors of war, I feel you must know the enemy to defeat them. We must fight them on their same terms. I further call for the immediate release of the seven marines and one salor held on bogus murder chargers and that they be given medals for their sacrifice.

Leave our troops alone and let them do their job. How do you determine who is the enemy anyhow? As in all wars, I consider the death of this Iraqi to be a collateral casualty as the worse. For God's sake, this is war with a brutal enemy that wears no uniform and given the chance would cut all of our heads off regardless of your politics, conservative or liberal. Look at Canada? And how about the so called moderate Muslims? American Muslims? Where is their outcry on the mutilation of the two young American solders? I haven seen any!! The following links will assisist any doubters as to what kind of scum we are up against.

Unveiling Islam: An Insider's Look at Muslim Life and Beliefs

See what I mean? Muslim Life and Beliefs

Prostitution & Slavery: In the name of Allah

View more pictures of Camp Pendleton rally

Show your support visit:
http://defendrob.com/

The longest day

2006-06-21T01:39:00.000-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROB
The best Father's Day gift I ever got was from God. He gave me my first born son, Robert Lee Sowell II (better known as Rob or Robby). He was born on Father's Day, Jun 21st, 1981 in Memphis, TN. In addition of being born on Father's Day, he also was born on the longest day of the year and the first day of summer. To set the record straight, regardless what he may have heard from other sources, Robby was named after his Father (me). His Father (me) was named after DR Robert G. Lee who was a famous Southern Baptist Preacher. When Robert Sowell (Bobby) senior (me) grew up and entered military service, he dropped the Initial "G", hence, Robert Lee Sowell was the official name. When Rob was born, he was given his Father's name also without the Initial "G". *Included in the below links is a letter written to Robert G. Lee Sowell (me)from DR Robert G. Lee in 1947, (It even mentions music.) How did he know that music would become a big part of my life?

I would like to wish my son Robby, who resides in Niagara Falls, Ontario Canada along with his siblings, Amanda Marie and Christopher Michael, a very Happy 25 th Birthday! Now, you know a little more about my son, Robby Lee."HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROB"! Hope to see you soon.

Other people Rob shares birthdays with are Price Williams, June 21,1982 and Country singer Martina McBride gave birth to a baby girl today, Jun 21st, 2005. The star and her husband John welcomed the arrival of Ava Rose Kathleen in Nashville, Tennessee. Both Ava and 38-year-old McBride were doing well, according to the singer's website.

Happy 1st day of summer everyone. According to our weather forecaster, there will be 14 hours of sunlight today. Also, look in tomorrow nights sky and see the annual "strawberry moon".

ROBBY RELATED LINKS:

Click here: The Niagara Falls X-men Meetup Group

Click here: Robby at Student Awards Forum

Click here: View 1947 Letter from DR Robert G. Lee

Moods

2006-06-20T13:59:00.000-05:00

NOW PLAYING

Click here: NOW Hear Bobby Sowell At JukeboxAlive.com

Papa Day

2006-06-18T23:41:00.000-05:00

Mandy and Robby

Happy Father's Day Dad, from Rob
Happy Father's Day from Sherry

Sick TV?

2006-06-12T15:32:00.001-05:00

IN YOUR FACE?
Well, what do we have on Channel 10 WKNO programing this week? Gay awareness and appreciation week? I was appalled to see such public display of "in your face" gross and indecent homosexual behavior for all to see, both young and old this past weekend.

First, I saw a movie (not for very long) where lude and explicit gay acts were being displayed, not so much visually but very descriptive. I could not believe what I was hearing on public TV? I was feeling outraged, insulted and betrayed. The name of it was "Eli Parker is Getting Married?" The review goes on to say, when Eli Parker wakes up naked in a cotton field, handcuffed to his best man, also naked he thinks his friends are getting revenge for all of the wedding day pranks he's pulled. But when his best man picks this time to come out (gay) to him. The review continues on with, The best scene in the movie is Chip's naked romp through the forest, buttocks on display. Only an expert eye would notice that each ripple of butt cheek was perfectly choreographed by Chip to capture the mood and heartwrenching suspense of the scene. Fabulous. Chip, we can't wait to see you on 'Celebrities Uncensored'. Disgusting!!

And then late Sunday night, I turn it on again to WKNO to a 2 hour documentary of gay men adopting children and telling about their 'coming out of the closet' experience was like. This time lumped into singing harmony. A documentary titled, "The power of harmony" More than 200 gay men perform in the Turtle Creek Chorale.

Also, I have seen ads promoting a gay and lesbian fundraiser for the Memphis alliance of Gay and Lesbians as if it was an ordinary public service announcement.

"Diversity" is a code word for homosexuality. By defining themselves as a minority such as African-Americans, homosexual activists seek to bolster their claims of needing special treatment and PBS has accommodated their homosexual concerns. If I were an Africian American or a Hispanic living in the US, I would be insulted being lumped in with the homsexuals as being "diverisfied" to promote their preverted policacal agenda. Afterall, It takes babies of any race to carry on it's furture generations, a task that can't be delivered by Gay's and Lesbians, (think about it).

I do not want my young children or grandchildren watching gay commericals or homosexual programming and thinking that it must be OK because PBS or WKNO says so. It is a direct and blatant violation of my Christian principles.

Again, WKNO pushing the liberal homosexual agenda. Is that what all the fund raising is about? Is is a fine example of quality and innovative programming? I bet most of the mid-southerners don't know or not even aware, but thanks to blogging, I can at least vent my disapproval of how public donations and tax dollars are being spent? I am not a anti gay bigot or a gay basher, I just merely object as a taxpayer, my money going to promote the gay and lesbian agenda, especially when Christian causes are rejected and ridiculed. I don't want my children or grandchildren seeing such programming when they are forbidden to pray at a public school - So by the same token, NO gay and lesbian promoted programming on Public TV!

I think liberals are shooting themselves in the foot again. The majority of American people are insulted and feel that their traditional family values are under attack. Remember the last election? Remember Red states? Remember In EVERY State that had the referendum concerning gay marriage amendment was soundly defeated?

What can you do? Contact WKNO and let them know your feelings.
Email wknopi@wkno.org

Visit their Website Click here: WKNO-TV MEMPHIS

Another one gone

2006-06-09T16:02:00.000-05:00

Johnny Grande

'Rock Around the Clock'
pianist Grande, 76, dies'

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. -- Johnny Grande, an original member of Bill Haley and the Comet who played piano on their hit, "Rock Around the Clock", has died at the age of 76. Grande died Saturday at his home in Clarksville and his funeral was Wednesday night.

Born in Philadelphia, Grande had recorded more than 40 records, including four that went gold. He played on hits like "Rock Around The Clock", See You Later,Alligator", "Rockin' Through The Rye" and "Rockin Around The World". "Rock Around The Clock" was recorded in 1954 and was No. 1 for eight weeks before going on the sell 22 Million copies worldwide. It gained new popularity when it was chosen for soundtracks of the movies, "The Blackboard Jungle" and "American Graffiti" in 1974.

Grande was inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame in 1997. He is survived by his wife and four children.

As a fellow musician and Rockabilly Hall of fame Inductee, I wish to express my deepest sympathy and condolences to the family of Johnny Grande. He was a pioneer of Rockabilly and Rock n Roll piano playing. He was the member on the first Rock n Roll band ever, Bill Haley and the comets. His name "Grande" is very fitting for him as he was "Big" in Rock n Roll and Rockabilly music history. Johnny 's pounding piano strengthened the bass line and inspired unborn generations of piano players (including me) with his awesome signature left hand bass rhythm. I owe my sincere gratitude to him for paving the way for us younger musicians. He rocked the piano. Thank you Johnny! You were truly one of my heroes. He will be missed.

Click here: Johnny Grande RHOF Inductee #0015

Click here: Rockabilly Hall of Fame - The Comets

Click here: Rock Around the Clock Tribute

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