LifeTracks

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Music, at its essence, is what gives us memories. And the longer a song has existed in our lives, the more memories we have of it.
- Stevie Wonder

A crowded boardwalk on a hot and steamy summer’s day along the Jersey shore. The cool breeze in the soft morning light that is daybreak in the Rocky Mountains. The gentle, rolling waves ebbing and flowing over the tidal pools of the Central California coastline. Friends jammed in a crowded car cruising around town on a Friday night after the drive-in. A dense and thick fog slowly rolling in over the tundra on the edge of the Hudson Bay in Northern Manitoba. The endless horizon of Route 70 in Kansas on marathon 52 hour drive from Maryland to Colorado. Drinking coffee on a lazy Sunday morning watching a hot air ballon ascent in the high desert of the Southwest. 

These are all moments that define my life. Some were experienced alone, while others with friends, or lovers, or family. They are snapshots in time, complete with their own images and emotions. Running through all these experiences is a musical score, the soundtrack of the music in the moment. My LifeTracks…

We all have LifeTracks. Music that runs through our lives like a thread weaves through a tapestry. Music that when played or heard instantly recalls places, and people, and emotions. That is the power and creativity of music. It is one of the greatest gifts given to us as humans.

Welcome to LifeTracks, a new and ongoing, series on KerrSplat!! LifeTracks will showcase and explore the music in my life within the context of the experiences and moments that defined my life. As such, LifeTracks is a journey of self-exploration. I am looking forward to that journey. 

I am also opening up LifeTracks to others. I do not want LifeTracks to be a single voice and soundtrack. I want this series to showcase and explore many voices and many LifeTracks. The moments in our lives are also best when shared by others. If you would like to contribute to the series, please visit the Connect page and drop me, Bill McNamee, a message. 

Check back soon!!

The Force Awakens - Fan Teaser Trailers

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On November 28, 2014, the official trailer for Star Wars: The Force Awakens was released in theaters all across the United States. Did I say the official trailer?? Wrong… What I meant to say was the official "teaser" trailer was released. We still have to wait for the official trailer(s) to be released. 

Disney, Lucasfilm, and J.J. Abrams are working hard to keep us all in the dark on the newest installment of the Star Wars saga. I love the suspense!! 

I was a boy of 12 back in 1977 when the original Star Wars was released. That was back before it was Star Wars: A New Hope. That was back before anyone knew what to expect. That was back before Jar Jar Binks and Sith Lords with unlimited power…lol

I walked out of the theater that night different from how I walked in. I did not know how or why, but I knew, somehow, everything had changed. I was not alone. Star Wars became a creative spark for a whole generation. It is an inspiration for many today.

Do not believe me?? Watch the official Star Wars: The Force Awakens teaser trailer above. Then… Pull your droids close, polish your lightsaber (or blaster), and enjoy the fan created parodies and mashups presented below.

This will be a day long remembered…
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Paper Trail:

Not Your Father's Schweddy Balls

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In my home, the Holiday Season means many wonderful things. It means a home that can be seen from orbit, wrapped in white and red Christmas lights. It means a beautiful Christmas tree, lovingly decorated for my kids. It means a family outing to our hometown Christmas parade, concluding with Santa on a big red firetruck.

The Holiday Season also means yummy, tasty balls.

Hold on there!! Did I just say balls? Well… Yes, I did. I'm talking about rum balls… kahlua balls… amaretto balls. All tasty Holiday treats that I have enjoyed since I was a small boy. They are a true Holiday tradition in my home and I would love to make them a Holiday tradition in your home.

The recipe for these balls is simple and easy. The best part is they are the "no bake" variety which means you get all the flavor and all the alcohol. So... Here is how to make a sack of balls. Select your liquor of choice or get crazy and mix them up in a jungle variety sack.

No Bake Balls:

  • 1 to 2 cups finely crushed vanilla wafers.
  • 1 to 2 cup confectioners' sugar.
  • 1 cup chopped nuts (optional).
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa.
  • Stir together, then add the following…
  • 2 tablespoons corn syrup.
  • 1/3 to 1/2 cup of Rum, Kahlua, or Amaretto
  • Roll 1 inch balls.
  • Roll balls in powered sugar.
  • Store in airtight container.

Have a great Holiday Season!! Enjoy my balls!!