The TOPS IN BLUE Prior's Bulletin Board

This bulletin board is for everyone's use - it doesn't matter if you toured or not. If you want to post a message, just use the form at the bottom.

Some things are better said in e-mail rather than here in public. To e-mail a particular person, simply click on their name, provided they left a valid e-mail address.

TIB 2006 Selectees (the official list from Air Force Entertainment)
LAST NAME	FIRST NAME	RANK	BASE
AGUILAR	AMANDA	Amn	FE Warren AFB
BOWMAN	MATTHEW	SrA	Vandenberg AFB
CAMERON	DENNIS	SSgt	Malmstrom AFB
CARTER	SEAN	Capt	Hill AFB
COMBS	ADAM	A1C	Davis-Monthan AFB
CZEPIGA	CAROLYNN	1Lt	Tyndall AFB
DEL VALLE	JOHN	SSgt	MacDill AFB
FREY	LARRY	SrA	Travis AFB
GRANGER	BRIAN	SSgt	Keesler AFB
GRINER	DANIEL	A1C	Robins AFB
HUGHES	DANIELLE	SrA	RAF Lakenheath
JONES	TENISIA	SSgt	Luke AFB
KALERT	ROBERT	SrA	Dover AFB
KEEN	NAOMI	A1C	Lackland AFB
LEDET	MARY	2Lt	Kirtland AFB
LEMORIE	MICHAEL	SrA	Spangdahlem AB
MCGEHEE	ZACHARY	A1C	Luke AFB
POGUE	SHILOH	SrA	Eglin AFB
RANCHER	BREONA	A1C	Ramstein AB
ROGERS	RACHEL	1Lt	Shaw AFB
ROWLAND	ELLIOTT	A1C	Little Rock AFB
SCHWARTZKOPF	BETHANY	A1C	RAF Lakenheath
STIRRUP, JR.	GEOFFREY	A1C	Tinker AFB
WALKER	CHONTE	A1C	Cannon AFB
WOOLFOLK	JENNIFER	A1C	Ramstein AB
WRIGHT	NOLAN	A1C	Travis AFB
ZABRIC	BRYCE	A1C	Dyess AFB

Gregg Jordan,

If you get this give me a ring before Dec 29.
Work: 617-856-208
Home number is the same as it was before.

Sonny Robinson, happy belated.
Gregg J and Jim W, happy pre-birthday

Jim, where is the orb?

edit from above....sorry
617-856-2048

Oh...Kahlil, I like how you put "making it happen" versus "make it happen"

Where are you week before New Years?

Were Elliot Rowland, Sean Carter and Dennis Cameron the three techs (Team 7) at Worldwide?

JDV (not Jay-Z)
TIB 2003
Future TIB 2006

Sean Carter wasn't at WWTC; I'm not sure what he's doing. There weren't a lot of instrumentalists auditioning; perhaps he's in the band? Elliot and Dennis were both techs, and the other tech was Joel Erickson.

Mimi
Future TIB 2006

ATTENTION ALL WWTC 2006 contestants: To anyone whose DVD did not work of their performance, you are to contact Terri Smith at: terri.smith@randolph.af.mil and let her know that your DVD did not work, along with a mailing address of where they can send you another copy of your performance. I just got off the phone with Ms. Smith and she asked that I send this out and let you all know of how to get hold of her IF your DVD did not work. Have a great holiday season!

FYI...

Sean Carter tried auditioned before WWTC due to work contraints that would not have allowed him to attend the competition. He auditioned as a vocalist/dancer, so that is most likey what he will be doing when he gets to staging.

Chris

Posted by: Gerry (AKA: Yoda G) on Thu, Dec 01 at 21:22:13 EST
Toured in: CSI De ja vu!

Hey Chris,

This is soooooo weird. I logged on and read the board, and it was like De ja vu! LOL! Like I was abducted by aliens and lost a whole month of time! WEIRD!!!!! I suppose it could be worse though.....the TIB server host could have put up an old string OUT OF SEQUENCE (as in NOT chronlogically!) LOL! Boy would that have been bizarre.

Better a bizarre board than no board at all.....I always say!

Yoda G (Gerry)
86 n 87 TIB space cadets!

P.S. This is a disposable post (memo) to you Chris. So its okay if it gets dumped in the next flipflop back to the months of Nov/Dec. LOL

Boy, I haven't been watching the board much this week. School is keeping me busy cramming for final exams. Anywho .....Happy Birthday Ms. Jeri!!! :) Just thought I would pop on and say hi. I had a good day and wanted to share. I will be singing in my very first Opera in April yeah. It was a hard audition, but it's not like I haven't been through harder, he he he. I have to say thanks for giving me the confidence to put my best "voice" forward. I have learned alot from TIB and WWTC. I will keep growing and looking forward to more opportunities. Have a great day everybody.
Katie

Hey guys. I was wandering if anybody knew of any Vocal Coaches or Priors out here in the Tucson, AZ area. I'm at Davis-Monthan AFB, and I'm looking to get some help on my voice befor I get to staging. If anyone knows of anything, please shoot me an E-mail. Thanks.

Adam

You know, when you go to Worldwide and you're in the hussle and bussle, things seem to just fly by and blur. You don't really realize what happened until you settle down and rethink things.

I just want to thank Mr. Edwards again for the opportunity to go out on the road for a second time. I appreciate it and I'll be sure to handle business. I hope to do you proud. God Bless >

JDV (not Jay-Z)
TIB 2003
Future TIB 2006

Hello,all!! I am extremely curious. Are there any 1996 Priors out there? Can we represent, please?? I see a huge amount of folks posting messages on the site, but I see very few TIB '96 priors. Please give a shout out to the "ENTIRE" cast. We started together and we finished together.(Most of us) TIB will be in Tampa December 4th at the St. Pete's Forum. I'll be there!! Will you??

Much true, blue, and "nevercouldhavemadeitwithoutyoulove"--PEACE

P.S.- Francis,please give me a call. I'll be at Maxwell soon (hopefully) for First Sergeant's Academy(DSN 968-9093).

Smurf(BLUE)Love,

Stacey

I just wanted to publicly thank Chris Burch for saving my bacon! Chris happens to be stationed at the same base as me. I'm getting married next week and my photographer fell through. At a last minute request, Chris has come to the rescue and now I have an even better photographer! If you haven't seen his work, go to www.chrisburch.com.

Folks, that's truly what blue family is all about. Thanks again, Chris. You are most definitely appreciated. See you Saturday.

very humbly,
JDV :)

According to the site host, the restoration is complete. As you can see, we are still missing 18 days for posts. What a wonderfully busy period of posts to loose, too. I have sent more nasty grams and have learned the lesson that I am going to have to do my own weekly backups.

Now the interesting thing is that I actually do have all of the posts in my email, one at a time. It would take me days to post them all back on in this format, so my plan is just to do one long listing of all the entries and I will put that in the "November" archives. Stay tuned...I'll let you know when I get that done.

JDV: You're quite welcome and I am looking forward to the wedding.

Chris

Hey JDV, about those socks... did you want plain white ones or the cool 70's ones with the yellow and green or orange and brown stripes? :)

-KB

Hey WWTC 05 FOLK! I know so many of you are really bummed out and many excited as well. Well everything sure happens for a reasons and let me share why I'm thankful I didn't get the call. In my 1on 1 I was asked what , if anything, would keep me from completing tour. I answered that it would have to be something major like my wife to be (Dec 16!) calling and saying she had cancer or something. Then I'd have to go. Well I'm getting married in two weeks and yesterday she called after going to a check up just to do it before we got married. Her doctor sent her for imediate sonograms and found a orange sized mass that needs very delicate surgery and treatment ASAP. After the wedding throughout Jan she'll get worked on and we'll see where we go from there. My ABM school is supposed to start 18 Jan and that may have to change too. Everything happens for a reason. Those who made it-make the absolute most of what s been given to you. Those who didn't- its for a reason and seize every opportunity until next year! I'm bummed I can't be there but thankful that I don't have to bug out on an amazing opportunity. How ironic the situation I addressed is what is happening.
I don't want to take up any more space so if you want to write me for details use my pesonal email paul@soulfuelmusic.org
peace and love,
Paul

Posted by: Christian on Sat, Dec 03 at 14:45:14 EST
Toured in: 04' musicology

Hey Guys,

I just want to thank the Tops In Blue Organization today for introducing me to my (as of yesterday) wife. Chief, I cannot express my gratitude for allowing me to be on your stage. It was an absolute pleasure to be a TIB performer and now prior. To '04, thank you so much for allowing us into your lives. No matter what relationship we had on tour, I know we've all impacted each other's lives in one way or another. '05, we'll see you at wright-Patt. Laura, not only have you been an exceptional leader, mother and officer, you're an incredible friend. Thank you so much for flying out to our wedding. It meant so much to us. Finally, Edward, ......I don't know where to start. I've been so blessed to have three amazing examples of what it is to be a man. My Dad, my grandpa and you. No words can express the joy I felt when you arrived in Louisville (except for the power going out!!). Thank you so much for all the words of wisdom and making a relaxing day out of what could've been, well you know the Martinez family! If you ever need anything, I'm only a call, flight, bus ticket whatever away. God bless you, Chief and Tops In Blue.

Love must be in the air!

Chris and Stacy, Congratulations on your marriage!!! So, are you never coming to Orlando or was that just a postponement?

Paul Kocel, I'm getting married in a week. Congratulations on your upcoming wedding. I'll pray for you and your wife to be that everything works out for the best.

All these weddings and babies coming out of anywhere and everywhere. Who's next?

Kerri, you know I'm down with the 70's girl. :)

Well, just a couple more days and I'll be seeing the 2005 show at Patrick. I can't wait.

God Bless you all.

JDV (not Jay-Z)
TIB 2003
Future TIB 2006

All better now...

I reposted all of the missing posts in the November archive (see link at the bottom of the page).

Hopefully there won't be any more problems for a while.

Chris

I feel ya STACEY!!! I hardly ever see anyone from 96 on the board. Well I will give a shout out to the ENTIRE cast- Where are you?!?

STACEY-When will you be at Maxwell? I will be there this weekend. How are you?

ALL- Just to let you know....I just got back from a 2week tour in Europe and the dessert. We put on an amazing show!! TIB was well represented by myself, Angie Long and Darryl McEachin.

Frances

Is anyone else not getting the correct "index.html" homepage when going to http://www.tibpriors.org ?

I am getting a folder list.

Any know why this is?

Posted by: Naomi Keen on Mon, Dec 05 at 13:55:21 EST
Toured in: Soon to be 2006

Hi everyone!! I just returned from leave and I wanted to see how everyone's Thanksgiving went. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday!! There's much to be thankful for!!

God Bless,
Naomi

Okay, okay...this one is totally my bad. I just figured out why no one has been posting lately. I'll have the old homepage index back up as soon as I get home.

Sorry :(

Chris

FRANCES -- I know I'm not on stage, but give a brotha props. I handed you mics, placed stools, and a plethora of other technical things and do I even get an "honorable mention" -- NO!! Or was I just not "representin'"?

I still love ya though!!

It was nice seeing you and Darryl again. And nice meeting you, Angie. Maybe I'll see you all the next time around.

"Audio" Dodd

Posted by: Gerry (AKA: Yoda G) on Tue, Dec 06 at 15:11:19 EST
Toured in: Many they were!

To all the TIB Techies out there, past, present and future......this one's for you.....

http://www.denagy.com/techiejokes/tjokes.html

And enjoy them you shall!

Yoda G (Formerly Baby G)
'86 'n '87os TIB peeps

It's about time I got back on the board and gave some thanks to everyone. I still feel a little shock about being awarded the Golden Roger. It's similar to the what the new castmembers must be thinking (and I know I was thinking some 18 years ago). I feel this is yet another call to step up and enter a new phase. I don't yet know what that phase is, but I know there is a family out there to help me out with it.

I don't usually do page-long callouts, but maybe this one is overdue

First to the techs that have entered the doors of the tech center and warehouse (that dates me), especially the ones that come back to WWTC/ Staging/Special Events and when no one else is looking to give back. There are so many that have worked behind the scenery. Dave Jackson, Earl, Alan, Derek, Larry K., Jenny, Jen, Jesse, Bob Morrow, Kelly, Kevin, Kerry, Mario, Mike W, Mark Fletcher, Frank, Jerry K, Snowman, Tommy Nolette, Brian, Leo, Shane, John Russell, Steve Vargo, Stacy, Paul, and Mark Lindell among so many others that have returned when the can to give back. It is always a reassuring sight when I walk in to a theater and see one of these faces.

My tourmates, who seem to give back stronger than most tours, Percy, Francine, Derrick and Tracy, Lane, Ed, Jim, Lorna, Bob Morrow (again), Kelly (again), Leroy, Tommy, Donna, Rich, Huey, JAG, Darryl H, and my other brother Daryl, Gregg, Zef, Antoine, and Eddie Wro have all been back to the nest. The others are always in my heart, and Leroy keeps me informed on what you're up to.

AFMDB, one of my greatest pleasures in life is to light up a sound board and get a peice of white tape and a sharpie, and start writing Lucky, Zef, Lorenzo, Jim, Barry, DMC, Paul, Leroy and Kevin on it. The music that flows from the pit cannot be fully appreciated until you get each peice of it individually and get to assemble it back into a mix that hopefully relays to others the joy of the music you make.

Barry, Of all the little things I have tried to do to help the program, the thing I am most proud of, is talking you,Terry and Chief into bringing you in to help write for the '93 WWTC. I knew that would benefit both you and the program, and for me it was about more than 1 WWTC, but I never thought the impact on the program would be so great. I love listening to each tour and recognizing a line or two that came out of that little studio in Georgia. Every year we have a discussion about how we got this far, and I am proud you decide to give me a hug (so far)...

Bob (again) and Chris, This Forum is still the main vehicle of keeping the family together. I hope you get to appreciate the way we light up when a new prior is found, or tears shed when we pray for a loved one, or watch the board when selections come out. Before this board, many more people drifted from the family. The only way they were found was through a random meeting or a T-shirt recognized across the way. Now it's just a Google search...

Golden Roger Recipients, I have witnessed first hand the contributions you have made to the program, and I know that it didn't stop with the Award Ceremony. I hope that I can uphold that tradition and make you proud of selecting of me to join you. Bernie, Percy, Ed, Barry, Jimmy, Lorna, Dave Sullivan,JB, TA, Jeri, Carol, and Lane have all had an impact on my life both within TIB and on the outside. Most of what I try to do inside the tech world is inspired by your contributions to the program. Bernie, Much of what is in the Audio Handbook is based on the groundwork you laid.

Linda, in the early days, when I thought the entire tour was crumbling because of something I did or didn't do, you would come by and say that one thing that could give me a little perspective, give me a little breathing room, gather myself up and do what I had to. I have tried to take that approach as much as possible in life, and so far it has worked.

Chief , I've never tried to burden you with issues we could handle at a lower level, but I knew that if it required your attention, the best thing is to get it to you quickly. I always supported your staff, and worked through them. I always figured that if audio got attention, it was usually not good. So I tried to keep out of the limelight. That is one reason I was so surprised at the Award Ceremony. I always appreciated the faith you have in me and know you could always look to me when necessary.

Finally I have been awarded the Moniker of Big Fun, because of my promotion of the song as a good soundcheck song for TIB. No matter what anyone thinks, I still stand by that choice. But, Throughout the years the name has taken on a different meaning, because this journey with the program has been my life's "BIG FUN".

Hey all just wanted to wish you guys a happy holiday season and lots of love into the next year, I cant wait to see the show here at OSAN in a couple weeks POP and I are waitin for ya!!! We are here if u need anything... nothin but BLUE LOVE!!!
love Riblett
TIB03

Hey andrea,

Just wanted to say thanks for calling me and giving me Jamel's phone number. I'm sorry I haven't gotten to you sooner but with the wedding, my pregnancy and finals, I've been so busy. Thanks again.

-Chris

Mr Bird, I am sending you another huge congratulatory hug! I am very proud of you and humbled that you mentioned me! I have this little list of sayings that goes: "It ain't TIB unless/without___." My first one is "without blood" as a testament to the scars and 'hardware' I now have from tour. The next one is "without Big Fun". You just knew it was getting close to showtime when you start hearing those first few notes. Yes, and as cheesy as that song is, I still had to sing right along with it. Heck, most of us did! It was a clue to start kicking it up a notch. To this day, I can't listen to Barry Manilow and not smile.

Thank you Brian!

Posted by: Paige Oatis on Wed, Dec 07 at 05:48:46 EST
Toured in: The Best 2000!

Becca, The baby "Sheryl" is due on the 13th and I plan on being there with her most of the day. She is doing fine according to what I heard last. She makes such a cute pregnant woman! I can't wait to be there and see my sis in BLUE give Birth! OK, I may not get to actually see the Birth, but at least I can be there to help her and keep her company afterwards. (Smile) What an exciting time. Love and miss you all TIB 2000! Congrats to the 06 team and to all other Priors, Lotz uv BLUE love & God Bless! Paige (314) 517-7805 pgluvs2sing4u07@yahoo.com

DODD- I am SO SORRY!!!!!! You were awesome on the tour!! I would not have made it thru without you!! It was great seeing you again!! Please forgive me, I feel like a real jerk now!! I am sorry!!!

Love Ya,
Frances

Congratulations Stacy and Chris!!! Stacy, let me know when I can meet you in space!! Starr is not invited because she thinks its a bad idea.

I just wanted to say that I had an amazing time at WW. It was so good to see everyone from 2003 and 2004, and Skeeter, James (even though he didn't bring cookies) Dave, Spencer, and the AFE Staff. Capt. Martin, it was so nice to meet you. It was so good to see all the priors and AFMDB. I love being aound people from the program because I feel like it's where I belong. That want to tour came back as soon as I stepped off the plane in San Antonio!!

I bought a house here in Albuquerque, and am almost finished painting. I have a list of things I want to do to it to make it better. And I have a huge back yard that needs some grass and some landscaping!!

I also joined the Community Band. We have rehearsal once a week. It's so weird to be playing that kind of music again and actually having to watch a conductor. It's all high school level music so it's pretty easy. I'm playing sax, so I finally get to put my new sax to use. And I ordered a morgan excaliber mouth piece!! This one won't be made specifically for me direct from the factory but I'm sure it will work just as well.

I can't wait to see the full 05 show, they don't get here until February. Miss Glo, let me know if I need to pick up your Aunt. At least give her my number!

CJ

I have a question for all of you priors: What advice can you give us newbies on how to prepare for the road?

Should we really show up to staging with the bare necessities and buy everything else while on the road?

How is computer access while traveling? Do the rooms you stay in have connectivity?

I'm sure any advice that you can share will be greatly appreciated with all of us that really don't know what we're getting ourselves into.

Thanks!

Brian
Future '06 Techie
(or Combat, Arial Assault Technical Microphone Specialist)
- note: how's that Elliott?

My best advice is to religiously follow the list that you'll get. They know what they're talking about. Try to pack light. I loved having my laptop around so I brought it with me. There will be plenty of places to check email but, you won't have to worry about that till after staging. Trust me. One last bit of advice. Just do what you're told. If they wanted you to do or bring something they'll mention it to you. Have fun and good luck.

-Chris

And Brian, as a tech you'll need to bring 3 Leatherman's. One good one for your use, and 2 crappy ones that you can loan out to vocalists who don't think they need it, but keep asking to borrow yours. And you will not need 15 pairs of shoes on tour no matter what a vocalist says. And as Christian said, just do what you're told. Take care and let me know if you need anything.

K-Dub

2006 selectees - If there is any year to get socks and underwear for Christmas, this is the year!!

Hope everyone is having a good Holidays!!

Charles good seeing you man!!

Staging: BABY POWDER and UNDERWEAR! Men, don't try and get the cute kind. Make sure the "HOLD" you down.

The Road: 4 interchangeable outfits, 1 pair of shoes (that go with all of your outfits)..... CELL PHONE!

Walt
www.str8silly.com

Posted by: Breona Rancher on Thu, Dec 08 at 13:31:43 EST
Toured in: 2006 Selectee

I had the same kind of question as Brian and reading all of the responses has helped me a lot. I appreciate the advice from the priors...

Breona

Greetings to all the Blue. I haven't written in a long time, but I have never forgotten about the Blue. I will never forget all the friends I met while I toured. I want to say to all of you who toured after me, that I love and appreicate you. Blue has helped me in my life. I am now a pastor of a church www.actswp.com I have a wonderful choir because of what I've learned from Tops In Blue. None of them has ever seen a Tops In Blue show, but I talk about it so much, that they have had an experience with the Blue. Don't let no one talk bad about the Blue. There is an story in the bible about a man who was blind, and Jesus healed him, when the people heard what had happen, they tried to talk bad about Jesus, saying he was a sinner, the blind man responded by saying; sinner he may be, but I was blind but now I see. People may talk bad about the Blue, Mr Edwards, etc. they can say what they want to say, all I know is that the Blue has put Joy in heart. Stay Blue, and Stay True. Love TIB 92 "For the Record"

and remember, everything that you put in your suitcase, YOU have to carry up the stairs!!!

Hey Blue
My advice to all the rookies...
Pack light. You do not need 15 shirts, 12 pairs of pants, and a cowboy hat for your days off while on tour. Being a snazzy dresser is nice until you have to lug that suitcase up three flights of stairs at 0300 and you have to be back on the bus at 0600. Create a little pharmacy kit bag with the essentials - Motrin, Tylenol, Immodium, Rolaids, and maybe Icy Hot if you don't have a problem with the smell. Also you might want to pick up some Dramamine; I never thought I got motion sick until I flew on milair (something about not having any windows so your inner ear and eyes can coordinate on a horizon or something like that, I read it somewhere) and trust me, spending the first four hours of an eight hour flight from Elmendorf to Yokota dry-heaving is NOT fun. Shout makes a stain stick that looks like a stick of deodorant for you to take the ring-around-the-collar out of your ascots plus it packs real small. If Tide still makes those detergent cubes, just remember to crumble them up real good or your stuff will have powder all over them and whatever you do, do NOT put your jumpsuit in the dryer - just take it out of the washer and hang it up to dry. Keep an extra clean ascot in a ziploc bag in your small bag for emergencies (if not yours then for someone else who needs one). Get out and see stuff on your days off...don't sit in your room and play Dungeons and Dragons all day. Make it a point to hang out with someone on the team you don't know very well. Keep your sense of humor because on your crappiest day, it'll all be funny a month from now when you look back on it. Remember your history; you are here not only as an ambassador of the Air Force, but you are OUR ambassador as well. Take responsibility, no one likes a whiner and its never their fault. TAKE CARE OF YOUR TECHS. Make sure your techs eat or at least make the attempt to find them and ask for their order...we get left behind a lot to fix things and its nice to know someone cares enough to make sure we got food too. Have the guts to tell someone to their face if you have a problem, gossip and backstabbing tears a team apart quickly. Be professional to everyone, you never know when the old guy in civvies who is asking a million questions and is in your way might just be a retired Colonel or the Wing Command Chief so don't wait for an introduction before treating people well.
I guess that's about all I've got in the annual Wolverine of Love's Guide to Tour Survival. Good luck and we're proud of you guys.

Much Blue Love
Kellee

Here's some more advice for the TIB Babies:
Sports Cream works as well as Icy Hot without the smell. Also, shout wipes are good to have and take very little space. Sorry Kel, I had a stain stick mess up a jumpsuit because it melted in my suitcase. Should you end up on the wardrobe crew stick-ups are an essential for the wardrobe cases as well as fabreze. Fabreze, Fabreze, Fabreze...!!!!

Guys: Socks and like Walt said, "supportive underwear" are majorly important. The underwear especially while in staging. Oh, and always take care of your feet. Use a moisturizer every chance you get or they'll crack and cause you some major problems. Foot care isn't just for the ladies.!!!! Trust me on this one!! Been there, done that.

Finances!!! Make sure you have access to your bank in more ways than one. It's always good to be able to reach your bank on the phone or internet. When you go overseas it's very important. Set up allotments for your bills as best you can or have a trusthworthy relative make your monthly payments. You can always set up another account and have an "allowance" put there for you while the rest goes for your bills. I found having a bank on base was very helpful because I could call them via DSN if I wasn't able to get an internet connection. The internet is very expensive when you're overseas and staying in a hotel off base. Also, make sure your family has a certified copy of your will and a power of attorney if needed. When you're on tour you could be way out of pocket for weeks at a time (i.e...desert/iraq, etc..)so don't wait until a week before staging to do all of this.

Just some food for thought!!

Love Ya BLUE!!!
JD

You guys are awesome, thanks for all of the advice. Keep 'em coming.

Brian
Future 2006 Techie

Eric and I are snowed in here in Ohio right before I get to go to sunny florida and see Gena and Dave!!

Anyway, we were reading the priors page together and Eric has something he wants to say J.D.:
"The wardrobe queen is back!"
Heh,heh,heh... love ya.
Hey Lola you're almost there, here's hugs and kisses from your brother and sister.
love,
Eric and Mindy

EJ.....You better believe it baby. Come on, you know the best "queen" ever just has to share some trade secrets.

EJ and Min, I hope you guys are staying warm..don't want to know how, just hope you're staying warm. EJ, been in any bar fights lately?? hahahahaha!!!

TIB 2000: I miss you guys so much. Holla every now and then will ya.

Josh M: Mind those cell phone minutes!!!!

Lola: Don't start doing "Ler Her Rip" and go into labor!! Be safe girl!!!!

To ALL PRIORS!!: It is an honor and a blessing to call you family. Thank you for all you do!!!

TIB 2005: Keep on keepin' on and I'll see you when you get back to TX.

Chief and Mrs. Linda: Take care of each other and know that I love ya.

Edward, Ms. Jeri, Terri, and all the AFE staff: Thank you so much for everything you do. We couldn't be BLUE without you!!!!

Bluer than Pappa Smurf on a glacier!!!

JD

PS: Anybody have connections with AFPC assignments? Let me know, I've got a problem.

Posted by: Christine Farris on Fri, Dec 09 at 00:07:00 EST
Toured in: TIB 2005

Greetings 2006 selectees:

Here is some advice for the road:

Ladies-PANTYHOSE PANTYHOSE PANTYHOSE. Just remember that they are not available in the desert so buy alot before you go.

Packing for all-
-I bought those plastic packing bags from WalMart ( they are in the luggage/travel section). They are very nice because you just seal them and squeeze the air out. Very handy for packing. I was able to fit alot more stuff.

-Pack a medical kit for yourself. If you have any medications that you take regularly, try and get a year's supply from your base before you go to staging. Medical appointments are very difficult to get on the road and it will save you time later. Nothing is worse that having to go to the doctor at 0700 on your day off when you could be sleeping or out doing something.

-Don't go nuts with civilian clothes. Just bring a few outfits, pair of shoes, maybe a light jacket. That is really all you need. You can always buy on the road and mail other things back too. Also, you don't want to weigh your suitcase down too much. You will have uniforms to fit in there as well and everything HAS to fit. The suitcase will get extremely heavy before you know it and it is not fun to have to carry up 3 flights of stairs at 4 o'clock in the morning after you have been working for 20 hours. Trust me!

ABSOLUTELY MAKE SURE YOUR FINANCES ARE IN ORDER.
Best advice is to get auto debit/allotment for your bills. If you are putting your things in storage, try and get auto debit.That is what I did. I have a year contract so the rates do not change while I am gone as well.
I check my bank account as often as I can online and by phone to see if everything is in order. Be especially careful overseas because of the money conversion rates. Sometimes people just see prices and they don't realize exactly how much money they are spending because of the different currency. Just keep that in mind.

That is all I got right now. All of the advice that has been posted is very very true. Listen to all of it and it will make life alot easier on the road.
If you have any more questions, please contact me.
Email: stretch5932003@yahoo.com

Take care all and good luck :-)

Christine
TIB 2005 "And the Beat Goes On"
Alto Saxophone

Posted by: Gerry (AKA: Yoda G) on Fri, Dec 09 at 00:44:17 EST
Toured in: Tour? What tour?

Hey Blue,

Me again. Before I give some more advice to the drummer the '06 drummer, can I first say that I have a little problem with the word "tour"!!! I know, I know, its been around for ages and that it's what everybody calls what entertainers who travel do etc. But man it sounds so dangon recreational! I mean its like we are vacationing or sightseeing or somethin'!!!! "Touring" that is!!! That's what seniors do after they retire and start traveling around the world! Thay "tour"! But that's not what WE Blue do!!! Right??? I mean we are WORKIN' our bloody keesters off like 24/7 with hardly any sleep or days "off" (recooperation time! LOL) to speak of (okay we do occasionally get to sightsee...from the window of the bus!!!! LOL) But its no "Club Med" or anything!!! Yeesh! I'm sorry yall! I just wanna let the newbees (worker-bees) know that we ain't struttin' around with hawian shirts and huge camera and shades goin' "look Martha...a beach!!! And there are some palm trees over there!!!" or "Which way to the pool?" LOL! Nay even if those things did exist for us, we would surely be too tired and "pooped out" to avail ourselves of such amenities. No "tequila sunrise" for us! Well.....hardly ever!!! LOL....wanna keep it somewhat "real"! There are some days "off"! LOL! But you're never really "off" as some astute prior pointed out back in the November postings (worth goin' back and readin' those again yall!!!!! Lotta good stuff in there TIB '06!

So, in a word (NOT!), to sum up, I reckon the word "tour" is a total misnomer for us hard-working TIB Bluefolk! Everyone readin' this knows (or should) that we ain't gots (sorry for the slang!) no daggone "roadies" to pamper us and cart all our stuff around fer us! We Blue DO IT ALL....start to finish....sunrise to sunset....and although it is really "hard work", we don't usually consider it "work" cause we actually LOVE doing it day- in and day-out! So yeah, some prior also said that earlier too, when its somethin' you really love doin'...all the time...then it can hardly be considered "work"...not by US anyway! Let the fans, troops, and well-wishers call it what they may (and we appreciate the compliments they give us at each base)...but to us, just another day in the life of a TIB team-member. The love of performing and the love of setting up and tearing down, ofter are indistinguishable! In fact, by the end of the tour, many wind up liking the set-ups and tear-downs as much or MORE than actually performing! Because by then, the show is soooo TIGHT and perfected and predictable for us (most of the time LOL!!!!yall know!) whereas the set-ups and teardowns each present new situations to deal with and overcome, AND, more importantly, are like the only time we have to actually joke around and bond with each other on a personal level! Yeah, we do it somewhat on stage....but its sooo much better in teardowns etc. And the travel time and the lodging time, that's all taken up with business and "resting" or "sleep" LOL or pseudo-sleep! Dreaming about how boring and mundane life was before TIB, and how hard it will be to slow down again AFTER TIB! And that WILL happen! Unfortunately! But some of us try to keep the momentum going!

Since I hogged up so much space her, I'll save my "toe jam" story (ingrown toenail surgery during staging from repetitive bassdrumming in tight-fitting shoes!) For another day!!!! LOL! Sorry to disappoint yall! LOL! Its funny too...but it was'nt back then...BIIIG AF NEEDLES yall!!!!....between the webbing of the toes!!!!!Ouuuuuuchie!!!! For REAL!!!! Wear comfie sandals in staging TIB drummers....or else! Feel and deal the PAIN!!! No lie! The NIKE "aqua-sock" stretchy slip-on shoes are the "BOMB" in staging yall! Like the ones Carl Lewis wore in that famous Pirelli Tire TV commercial back in the 80's! Yall, know, the one where he runs up the side of the Empire state Building!!! Yeah, serious traction with them puppies! For real! I still wear 'em! Great for dancers too! Try 'em out yall!

Yoda G (Gerry) out, like Carl Lewis' flat-top hair style! Member that! LOL. I feel so OLLLD now!!! Like PAPPA SMURF.....LOL....Smurfs!! That was an 80's thang too yall! Makin' me feel old JD!!! LOL.Also a VERY good post Kellee (Ryan)! Thanks for that. Brings back aching memories of staging! Some seriously EXCELLENT advice up here on the board now'06! Hope you all are payin' attention and takin' copious notes....if yer not, then you'll be "past-regrettin" down the line! LOL! HEED all this here BLUE wiz-dom you youngins r gettin' fer FREE! Better to learn from OUR mistakes and sufferin' than to have a stagin' epiphany through trial and error!!!! ...I always say! Bye Blue...4 now... Yoda G 86 'n 87os drummer-smurf and loadmaster Jedi warrior!

Posted by: Yoda G (again!) on Fri, Dec 09 at 01:06:16 EST
Toured in: smurf-daddy!

P.P.S.

Perhaps "Workathon" or "Musicthon" or "Performancethon" or "Musical Work-Tour" or "Performance Tour" or "Music Mission" or maybe we could start naming our TIB "tours" like the Defense Department does....like "Operation Desert-Troop Entertainment" or maybe just op play for our troops etc. Anything but "touring"! It sounds so....vacationy 'n stuff! How far from reality is THAT! "Touring" is for ROCK-STARS like the Stones etc. They just show up and play, whereas we do it ALL, and we don't trash any hotel rooms etc.! LOL Yoda G...jest keepin' it REAL 4 yall!

Posted by: Katie Palmer on Fri, Dec 09 at 01:58:10 EST
Toured in: 2001...The Magic

KAHLIL: It's been a month, call my Mom, she misses you :o)

EDWARD: It was so awesome to see you and talk to you in LA.

2001 LADIES: I have a Christmas present for you (an e-mail) so I need all your e-mail addresses... believe me, you'll love it... I'll give you a hint...it has something to do with Joni's shoes and Connie's head *lol*

TIB 2001: I miss you guys so much, I'm all sentimental because I finally bought a DV camera and I've been downloading all my TIB home movies on my laptop from it. I can't belive all the awesome shots I got that I totally forgot that I got. I LOVE YOU GUYS!!! I'm working on editing a 30 minute movie, so if you're interested in it (it'll take me awhile...) send me an e-mail and let me know.

Spencer: "Wilcox"...you must be outta you d*mn mind!!! ;-)

ok, I've got to study for FINALS...YUCK!!!

TIB 2005: My mom Cindy (from Portols Middle School) says "hi" and thanks for the package, the kids really appreciated the letters!

I LOVE BLUE!!!!

Katie

Yeah, I know I can't spell! I need a built in Spell check in my brain. My errors:
"believe"
"Portola"
-Katie :o)

BRIAN AND '06 SELECTEES!!!!!!

As Sir Walteezy of San Anteeezy said, undies. I can't walk by a rack of under armor drawers in the store without thinking of my tour brother, Christian. Apparently, they're the shizzle, cuz that's all he wore.

BABY POWDER, works for a lot of things

SOCKS---THIN BLACK AS WELL AS THINK WHITE for vocalists.

CELL PHONES--sometimes it's all you got

LAPTOP--stores music, tour photos, plays movies, email access

and K-Dub is right, you don't need 15 pairs of shoes, but eveyone's preferences will differ. However, you can store a lot inside a shoe.

You'll have SOME time during early parts of staging to acquire things, but REMEMBER THIS, your "down time" is priceless. It's better to have as much as you can and use your "down time" for laundry, rest, etc

Back to the underwear issue: It's best to give up a little extra cheddar to invest in good quality under garments. The last longer and are a lot more comfortable. Trust me, you'll notice the difference in a 3 pack of Hanes boxer and a pair of micro-fiber material.

If you can show up to staging with one small to medium-sized suitcase then you're off to a good start. Keep in mind that TIB gives you 90% of your clothing and it takes up a lot of space.

If anyone needs anything else feel free to shoot me an email

I went so far as to get a general power of attorney for my dad that was only good for the dates of the tour. That way, if anything strange popped up that I hadn't planed for, he could take care of it. If you have someone you trust that much, it can't hurt. Also, as the Wolverene mentioned, laundry detergent -- I can't say anything about Tide, but I know that AAFES sells a single use packet (AAFES brand) for about 30 cents. Not all shoppettes/exchanges have it, but if you find it, buy about a dozen of them. They will pack anywhere and you don't have to worry about an open box of detergent in your bag. You may not have a lot of time to do laundry, but when you have the time, you'll love to have nice smelling stuff.

Another thing about laundry, there will be more people than there are machines. Find another person or two and combine your laundry. Just make sure you mark your stuff...you don't want to have to guess whose underwear is whose :-). Just don't forget about it and go to sleep before putting it in the dryer. It's not too fun packing half a suitcase of wet clothes about 10 minutes before the bus leaves.

Well....that's enough from me. Good luck to all of you heading to staging. Stay out of trouble, give 110%, and I hope to see you all coming to a base near me.

"Audio" Dodd

Jai lies. he wore the same pair of undies all year in 02. the band constantly begged him to buy some new ones or at least wash his only undies. he would always say, " hey guys,those are my lucky undies and i cant sing (grown men dont cry) without them." well people, grown men do cry when the buss gets stinky enough. sorry Jai, i had to call you out.

i am actually hurt that Jai didnt notice what kind of undies the guys in 02 had. Jai, i guess you were just closer with your 04 cast. dont get mad, it has been a while since i picked on you. and yes, i have nuthin better to do at my new cushy civilian job than to tease my old cast buddies. laterz.

Roddy, Jamie actually wore underwear on your tour. Lucky you. Just jokin Jai. Another thing to remember, make sure you have a battery operated alarm clock. The power tends to go out alot while you're in staging. And you NEVER want to be late during staging!

Corey "Touche'"!!!

To piggy-back on my brother Corey; there are also a lot of hotels in Europe with no alarm clocks and as we say it's "on you" to make sure you're at the bus on time. If not, you WILL get left (Roddy can testify to that on my behalf).

Jai

Hey family! I know that I’m late, but I finally have a moment to sit and write something! Since I got back from WW it has been nothing but CHAOS & STRESS preparing myself for the end of the semester. I took my first final this morning at 0800, another right after that one ended, and I’ve got 2 more on Monday. Thank GOD I graduate next year!

It was once again an honor and a pleasure for me to come down and help out. With so much going on in this world I can’t think of a better group of “folks” to be surrounded by. Family means so much to me and I can’t express how great it is to be a part of this ever-extending family.

TIB 2005- Remember what I told you.

TIB 2006 SELECTS- I’m really happy for you. This is the opportunity of a lifetime. Do not ruin it because there are many who are just waiting in the wings, and would gladly take your place. Be TIB now, staging, on the road…Get the point? Can’t wait to watch you grow. Ladies- email me for some tips and tricks.

NON-SELECTED WW CONTESTANTS: Look, I’m really blunt sometimes, forgive me, it's all in love. You made it this far, so why quit now? Cry, yell, whatever…then get up and ask yourself this, “Where do I go from here?” For some of you this is the last we’ll see of you at WW, and that's okay. Still there are others who will continue to have this burning desire for blue. Whatever your reason may be, don’t be discouraged and fall into a rut. Take this experience and work on your craft. That’s what the truest musicians, singers, dancers, and even technicians do! Think about the level of talent you saw. Work on accomplishing WHAT YOU WANT. And, if the desire to be TIB is still there, then handle yours and come back ready to GIVE IT UP. Remember- faith without works is dead…

WWTC STAFF- What an amazing group! I really enjoyed working with you- some for the very first time. I’ve missed working with people who actually know what it means to WORK. Hopefully we’ll all be able to do it again. It’s so great to be around my people. I’ m not going to mention every one, just know that you’re all loved and appreciated!

GOLDEN- Living my life like it's golden,golden...
SKEETER- U okay back in the sticks? I miss ya.
ANDREA- Before I ever made tour I thought a lot of you, all because of something small you did for me (lent me 8mm at WW one year). Working with you has only magnified that. You are such a great person to be around. We need to keep in touch.
TERRI- take a break, go to lunch, do NOTHING for once!
AFMDB- Always awesome, can’t wait til next time.

DIVAS!!! Now THAT was exhilarating! Ernnn- that voice and that little smirk of yours is too much. Who knew! Starr- oops, I meant Keesha, work it! Gina- or should I say Bo? The ultimate diva! Ms. Tracy- you’re an inspiration. Can’t wait for your cd.

TO EVERY TEAM LEADER OF MINE (alpha and beta) - You know my list is long- I just want to say thanks for your devotion to this program.

TIB 2003! – Great they may be… JDV, KB, La-Kee, Godfery, P-Nut, Oz, Eddie B., Lety, and Exorcist---You guys look so good! It meant so much to me to see each of you. And you’re all still as crazy as when we toured! Thanks for letting me get my picture. It's still all about the camera! DVD’s coming soon!

Mr. Jones- Hmmm, if I could have just one ounce of your charisma…

Ms. Jeri- Happy “Belated” Birthday! Some people just don’t have a clue what all you’re responsible for. I hope that one day I can be as knowledgeable, versatile and business minded as you. Thank you for being the calm in the storm.

Mr. E. - Life changing wisdom and leadership…I’m being proactive about that issue.

I know it’s long, be another month or so before I post again so…FINE ME!

Blue love,
TaKeesha

Oh.. one more thing about alarm clocks. Check them to make sure they're on the right hour. Like AM/PM. You never know who touched that clock before you, so it's possible that the clock could say 7:00am but it's REALLY 7:00pm, so when you set your alarm for 5:30am it wont go off at the right time... BELIEVE ME!!! (it happened to me twice)

Tops In Blue 06 READ THIS!

Hello!!!! Tops in Blue! First and foremost hats off to ALL priors and a big hug to TIB 05, almost there, keep moving. It was my pleasure to meet you! (except Fernando. LIL!)

For those who don't know me, I'm Arturo Eusebio sax/percussion from 2000, the best! ( With much respect for ALL priors)

Here is some advise for you Brian and the new cast. You asked for good advise, and here it goes.

1) Here is something that TIB 06 needs to bring to staging to be successful; a GOOD ATTITUDE. This will help you 100 percent of the time while in TIB.

2) BIG, OPEN ears and, a small prudent mouth! This will save you from a lot of embarrassment. It will also make you more efficient on your day to day life in TIB.

3) Trust. The production crew that you are going to get to know VERY well in staging are PROFESSIONALS and KNOW; I'll say it again, KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING!! This is not the first tour they put together. It's YOUR first! and most important, they LIVE for YOU! They work HARD(understatement)for YOU. And, They LOVE you. YOu will have a dedicated production staff for your show! WOW!!!!

4) Bring your HART. Bring your "A" game! You will get nothing less from, Mrs. Jeri,Mrs.Carol,Mr.Best,Mr.Jones,Mr. Edwards and the rest of the staff. The more you guys put into this, the more you get out. What a concept!

5)Here is something 06 can leave behind rigth NOW! "NEGATIVE ATTITUDES" NOBODY needs them. Lock it up in room and forget about negativity. Don't let ONE person ruin your tour, help them get with the program.

This will not be easy but, If I did it and did it very well, WHY CAN'T YOU? There is no reason why. YOUR MIND& EGO will be the biggest obstacles for you to overcome. NOT Tops In Blue, YOU!

I was a member of the best tour in many peoples eyes (With the gratest respect for ALL priors) I'm sure you will hear about it. But, this is why we were so good.

WE CARED DEEPLY FOR EACH OTHER. WE WATCHED EACH OTHERS BACK AND WE RESPECTED ONE ANOTHER.

When we had nothing good to say, we shut up. When we had a problem WE worked thru it. And our mind set was "We Don't leave anyone behind" This was not our slogan, but that's the way we acted.

06 if you follow this and, any good advise a prior could give you, here is what you will think five years after tour. I will try to illustrate it with my life.

Got out of tour, got out of the Air Force, went to colleague on scholarship , had teachers, but I did not have ED JONES.

Worked with very good music directors, but they are NOT Barry Best.

Played baseball while in colleague, had coaches, we were New England champions but I did not have Chief (Tom Edwards). Had awesome uniforms, but I did not have Jeri White. We had good promotion, but I did not have Carol.

HAD awesome friends, but I did not have SHANE RILEY.

Move to Florida, Worked on world class stages, but I miss my Castle.

Made more money that I ever had. Still wish I was on the road.

I'm Playing the music that I love, with very popular artist, but they are not my 2000 vocalist.

I direct one of the best merengue ( Latin music) bands around. My trumpets players are absolutely sick, but they are not Eric and mike.

My tenor player is a legend in our music, But he is not Kenny. My bone player is not Josue.

My rhythm section is out of this world, but they are not Van, Mike, Kevin,Julie and Chris.

Tech crews that I work with now, Need to take a private " how to really work lessons" with, Shane, Kahil,Mike,BIG DADDY Matt,Mario,Cat and BIg country Fritts.

I have been involved in awesome productions, but I have to face it, TIB 2000, you are just a very hard act to follow.

That's why I can say this today. This Program should NEVER STOP. And when you need ME call Anytime and I'll be there!

YOu see 06. When you can say that about your tour and the program , YOu did it right. I mean, when you say this about your tour, you have done it right.

It's all about you now. Good luck, GOD's speed. Make us proud, make your selves proud. Welcome and Like my sister Amber says. everything is possible "IF you BELIEVE"

Arturo

Tib 2000
love You

I always thought it took a lotta Heart to get through staging...So bring one that Bleeds Blue on one side at least..and answer to the name "Clem"...as needed..Good Luck and Merry Christmas to All...TD

Bring a camera. A pillow case can dub as a laundry bag; billeting usually have these in the rooms. I bought a BOX of Tide and just packed it in double-Ziplock bags. Bring Zip-locks bags in gallon & quart size. Collect pens & stationery from the rooms, too. Pick up post cards & coins from around the world. Bring your WAPS material; I made MSgt while studying on the bus...

Also, bring some extra 463L cargo pallets & cargo nets; especially when you get to Misawa AB, Japan. Their inspectors like to make you rebuild pallets on New Year's Day or even 2 hours before your plane leaves the base due to superficial scratches on the bottoms of your pallets and small tears in the nets. Pallets WILL fit in your bag.

Bring CANS, too. Success comes in cans, NOT CAN'Ts.

And bring a little black book...hehe...

Peace,
Sobie

ARTURO

NO ONE could've said that better. Well thought, well put and much repect, brother.

~jai~

Takeesha, I am with you on the finals! As the end gets closer (Class of 2006) the exams are getting harder and harder. ARRRGGGHHH!

Katie, you must be out of your d#%m mind if you are spell checking me! I can't belive you! ROFLMBO!

Sobie, oh the memories of Misawa!!!

15 shopping days left!! Email me to find out what I want because I know some of you are dying to buy me something!! LOL

Happy Holidays to all!!

Need to hear from my 2000 family. Donde estan? let's see how many of us post within the end of the month! Love to read or hear from you. Just say hello.The holidays have made me 2000 sick! LOL!

2000 you better show up or I'll stop being the NICE GUY and turn into evil ARTIE! LOL!

Remember when Mike Young could not play anything above a middle "C" (YES all tour long!)

Remember when Dave broke his... well...
Remember when Marlon wanted to KILL fernando.
Remember when I could not answer Chief in staging.
Remember how many trombones Josue Broke. Way too many!LOL!
Remember when we all lost it on the bus do to the Morale Monitor.
Remember how Eric was always sleeping. LOL!!
Remember " Ten hutt PLEASE" LOL!!! classic!
Remember Shane's BIG mouth!!(love ya)

ooo so many memories!

LEO never forgotten. Katie, once again thank you for the ride to the hospital. Remember?

Jai, thank you for your kind words. God bless.

2000 on you!

Arturo
813-431-0305
p.s. sorry for the spelling. It's a Spanish thing! LOL!

That's funny, we had an Eric in '02 that was always sleeping. I guess it's true what they say. Every tour you see the same folk.

Happy Holidays
~jai~

http://www.wonderlandchristmas.com/av/Wizards.wmv

Worth seeing, if you haven't already.

TIB 2006,
Take EVERYTHING that is posted on this board in response to your questions seriously. You asked the question and the priors have responded. Yes, heed the underwear and anti-smell tactics, but I have to side w/ my bro Artie on ALL that he said. Artie, I never knew you were such a poet! If TIB 2000 is still mentioned, it's because of what Artie said. WE worked thru our problems and it started in STAGING. We would ask Chief or Ed if we could have some time to talk as a group (usually it was as vocalists or as the band, separately because we rehearsed separately in the beginning)and we discussed our fears and problems as a group so we knew each other well before we got the road. Once we jelled as a whole team, it made life easier on the bus and we all had a good time. No one was ever left out on days off and we all have precious memories from out time together. No one was ever MAD at anyone for a long period of time, and when someone messed up, they admitted to it. We worked hard and we played hard and in the end we "didn't leave anyone behind". Now, before this 39 week pregnant woman starts to get too emotional, I'll end for now.
TIB 2000- Miss you ALL tons and Arturo (Always Artie to me), thanks for reminiscing (sp?)w/ all of us about the good old days.
Blue Love
Lola

You see Fam. we always backed each other up!! here is JD & LOLA on the board!

Just got done with a gig in Tampa, FL. We packed the Club, 2k plus. It was also aired live. FUN!! Slamming! Yes its almost 4am here. What's wrong with me?

LOLA In can see you being the best of mothers. Congrats, give a big hug to the fam for me.

Family, LOLA made me cry like a little baby right before our last show. She went over to me a gave me hug and I just broke down, i mean it was almost out of control. She had to go get a towel for me because I was supposed to play the shows opening line witch was a nano-second away from being played. Remember LOLA? And YES I'm MAN enough to admit it! NO shame!

JD, yes I remember! that was funny. Shane most have been out of his mind!!

Remember MR. Floppy? Mikey loved that thing!!!!! and Eric too!LOL!

Arturo
p.s. JD, Lola Thank you for showing up! Love U

Well I spent several hours yesterday shooting John Del Valle's wedding and let me tell you...that boy married up big time. His new wife is stunning. How come I never meet these people?

Anyway...it was a very nice ceremony and both of them look ridiculously happy together. Shooting the wedding was awesome, too. I might have to do this stuff for a living some day soon.

Congrats JDV!

Chris

Congrats JDV! Welcome to the dark side! (j/k) I had the honor and pleasure of meeting both of you at WWTC. John, you couldn't have picked a better woman to spend the rest of your life with. I still laugh when I sit here and think back on how you told me that you two came together. I couldn't be more happy for the both of you. If you have ANY questions about marriage after a while (before we head into staging that is),feel free to give Grandpa a call! You have the number. God Bless you both!

~Grandpa~

I'm such an idiot! haha I typed a little too fast there. anyways....

I meant congrats JDV!!!!!!!!

I need LaToya's new snail mail address if anyone has it. Give me a shout if you have it. The wife has given me an ultimatum, so please help.

K-Dub

I mean she said no cookies for anyone the next time I meet up with any priors....04 knows what the deal is. So it's for your benefit as well.

K-Dub

Congrats JDV and Wife! Our marriages are only a week apart. Good luck to you guys. JDV hit me up when you can. I have some long term questions to ask you.

-Chris

Hey Brian, I haven't forgotten about you... I'm still working on your email! I promise! No, really!

-KB

Posted by: Katie Palmer on Mon, Dec 12 at 01:38:50 EST
Toured in: 2001..good times

Arturo: You're very welcome for the ride, and hey, any time you want to pass out in the car with me and make me think that you are DEAD and have me carry you to the nearest wheelchair... I'm there for you bro! ;-) ...luv ya man!

Spencer: I MUST BE OUTTA MY D@mn mind!!! *lol* My bad.

Since I don't believe I've said this in awhile, I just want to remind Barry Best that... YOU ROCK!!!

-Katie :o)

Here are some things that may sound trivial but I think help after the tour and at the beginning.
At the beginning: eat good food and drink water whenever you can. It is important.

For after you are done and years have passed, you will have appreciated keeping a diary. I started one in staging and even though I only kept it sparsely through staging and the first week of being on the road, I wished I had kept making entries the whole time. I had bought a small plastic case (like a kids pencil case for school) and I used to pick up postcards wherever we happened to be. I wished I had wrote something on the back of them to capture the moment.

In general, there will be so many moments but the schedule is so hectic and you are basically going to have 3 things to do:
-work
-try to get sleep
-try to see something wherever you are

Time will pass quickly and at times, days will melt together into just one entity. Do not miss the beauty of wherever you may be....the view landing in a C-130 onto Lajes, snorkeling off of Okinawa, sunsets during a long bus ride in the Southwestern US, artic foxes in Thule, the green of Germany in the fall, the starlit sky into a deep night in Bosnia. Feel where you are and be the best you can be no matter what you do.

Hi everyone,

I'm going through a very difficult time right now. Have you ever wondered why things happen to you when you are such a good person? Its like you try so hard at something but it doesn't work when you are doing it all by yourself. All I can say is that I have done all I could and worked my hardest at something and crash and burn! Well can everyone PLEASE pray for me, I need it very much. I am in Germany now but I will probably be back in the states soon for good (To all who catch my drift)! love you all!

Kev my email is st_sweetcake1@yahoo.com

Sad

ARTURO!!!! When did you get so poetic indeed! Sending you a big hug!

Lola - Good luck! It's just a day or two and few hours away before you see your newest little girl. You'll be fine. I'll be thinnkin of you and sending some prayers until I see a post from you or Paige. Lots of love to you!

Just wanted to say congrates christian and stacey keep the love strong. 06 good luck do your thang 03-04 i love and miss you all you know who you are. Toya call me anytime doesnt matter for real call.
John do it again and play that bass boy. Miss Jeri happy belated b-day love you all Jamell

You know what Becca? you can call me Arturo Frost! Only you hun!LOL!

See what happen is that when I was on tour I've only been speaking English for what, a couple of years @ best. Now I've been thru college and have about 10yrs of English under my belt. HA! It's getting better!LOL!

CUT ME SOME SLACK!! still terrible @ spelling !! and no patience for spell check! Always got "A" on English class. Don't ask me how.

Here is a good one.

Remember when I was so tired that I walked off the end of the truck when we were done tearing down? I didn't realized that somebody had move the ramps!
I did a half flip in the air and landed on my back. When i opened my eyes, guess who was staring at me; CHIEF. And here is a re-enactment of our brief conversation.

Chief: Are you ok?
Arturo: ( while laying on the ground)YES, sir.
Chief: (smiling) Are you some kind of gymnast? maybe we can put that act on the show.
Arturo: NO, sir.
Chief: Your not going to try that again, right son?
Arturo: Hope not sir. It's not much fun.
Chief: (giving me his hand) come, on get up. (looking at me wierd)
Arturo: Thank you. (embarrassed)

LOL!!!

Christian, Stacy congratulations! sorry i missed it but, thank you so much for the invitation. JDV, you know the deal. LaToya, my prayers are with you.

Arturo
p.s. Mike young, did you finally learned how to play the trumpet!

Here is my theory about spelling!! Enjoy!

Typoglycemia

Believe it or not you can read
it ....

I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg
The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid Aoccdrnig to rscheearch taem at
Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod
are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be in the
rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit
a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by
istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Such a cdonition is arppoiately cllaed
Typoglycemia

> Amzanig huh? Yaeh and yuo awlyas thought slpeling was ipmorantt.
YEA!! man

Arturo, you're killing me. I was right there when you walked off the end of the truck; classic.

To everyone else, hello! I just moved to Salt Lake City (yes, that's where the Mormon's live). I've been here for a little over 2 weeks and my cars already been stolen. Go figure.

For any and all who want it, my new phone number is 801-699-5532.

Hope all is well,
Monica

Arturo Frost that's a great theory. I just ran it by the execs around here and they say it would make paperwork a whole lot easier to correct!

Monica- You should steal it back! Aren't you trained in those kind of maneuvers now?

Posted by: Jamaal K. Solomon on Mon, Dec 12 at 17:15:37 EST
Toured in: touring 05

Hello Family!
Well, tomorrow is the BIG day. Baby Sheryl will be here sometime before 0900 if all goes well (like the dr. being on time and what not). Bobby and I toured the ward today and we feel safe in the hands of the Staff at the hospital. As long as no complications arise, I should be out of the hospital by Friday afternoon. If anyone would like to call up there the number is
618)234-2120 Ext. 1260 and then I think the desk will transfer the call to my room.
Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.
Miss you all lots
Lola

Yes you read that right, we're together if you can believe it!
I'm here in Florida visiting with Dave and Gena. Dave and I actually just got done singing a few songs from tour and he even taught me a few new tunes to take home to Ohio.
Hey Artie, if you want to make it a trio, bring yourself up here to Fort Walton Beach! Oh Artie, Dave wants you to call him... (why isn't he telling you himself? He's a MSgt now, remember!) so you all can get together sometime. (His number's on the priors page.)
Artie, you were right on the money. The only thing we can add is that you make sure to give everyone a hug everyday. That is one way to get a smile and let people know they're cared about and supported. We are family remember? There may be times when you don't like each other, but you will always love each other.
Hey 2000 let's get together and have a hoagie picnic!!!
Love you guys/ all ya'll (the second part is from Dave, duh)
Mindy and Dave
Lola, good luck tomorrow. We'll be praying for you and we'll give you a call later on.

Dave Davis, Man I love that man! Short, but with the biggest hart. In my English repertoire he showed me this; " You are sexier than socks on a rooster" Thank you Dave, great line. It only took me 5yrs to get it, But I got it. MSgt! Congrats! always proud you. And you could ALWAYS dance better than Marlon! GENA, here is a BIG HUG!!!

MY sis Mindy even when you were dead tired you could always smile! Will you tell Eric that his getting old and that I can out run him in any marathon. He'll tell you how bad I used to beet him when we ran in staging. He can catch a bus tho! LOL! love you. Yes i will visit Dave.

I know I'm asking for a miracle but I will love to see a post from " THE LOAD CREW"

Shane( Type 222222), Marlon (you lazy), Greg (I'm Talking to ED), Jeremy (you are getting old too! HA!). Were U at. Marlon was the laziest one!

How about a post from VAN QUALKINGHOIST!! and the DANGER crew!, Mike Noche yea, you are included on that one. Mikey I have been taking shots at you for two days now! what's up! Don't be scared! (the ghetto language I learned from Audrey)

How about a post from my lost brother Joshua " The PIMP" Moreaux. Love to hear from ya.

LOLA, birth it's a miracle. God bless your family sister.

Arturo

Just a reminder: "It's All Relative......But its Not Negative!"

Peace and Blessings

Bobby J.

05',..... keeping it "Live"

Aurturo,

See what happens? I stopped checking the BB becuase I figured you forgot how to turn on your computer, much like you forgot how to play the sax after staging. With you out of the way, there was no one to take any shots at me. Since you feel the need to pile on the only guy to stick up for you when JD and Dave "Broken Butt" Davis blamed you for putting the front lighting truss through the roof of a tent. I was the only one who blamed EJ. That guy did over half of the shows while sleeping. Since you have chosen to go down that path, I will tell a story of my own.

Aurturo is somewhere overseas. He suddenly feels homesick. "I know" says Aururo, " I'll call my family in Haiti". So Aurturo busts a 10 hour call to his home country, then acts suprised that the hotel charged hundreds of dollars for his phone bill. The team had to part out all of the televisions out of the music box. That is why 2001 got the new bus, while we were driving around in the bus from the movie "Bustin' Loose".

I still love you though.

JD- How about washing the bands clothes? Thanks for the mold all over our outfits while you and the other "male?" dancers had fresh trousers. At the end of the tour, you and all of the other supporting cast got to keep some outfits as souveniers while the EPA made the band throw all of thier gear in a barrell and burn it.

MIKE YOUNG

PS- Shane also got to keep some gear, his shirt fused in with his skin. I heard he finally removed it with a loofa in 2003.

Chris, I just checked out JDV's wedding photos on your website... INCREDIBLE!!! Beautiful happy people, perfect weather, and you even got some of that wonderful late afternoon sunlight! Awesome job!

-KB

Hey everyone... Don't supposed that someone could possible get in touch with me to let me know when 2005 is supposed to arrive here at Osan AB, ROK? Definitely eager to see the cast, and most of all the show. If email's not working for ya, give me a call 216-373-6977 (yes it's a stateside number). Thanks.

Manfred - 2004's Audio midget!

Mindy- aaaaackkkk NOOOOOOO I still can't eat meat on a roll -or meat and rolls at the same setting or anything that resembles that dreaded hoagie combination. Makes me get all queasy thinking about it.
Love you hate hoagies.

ALL- Does anyone have/know the lyrics to "Hero For Today"? If you do, can you please email me?

Thanks,

Frances

Happy holidays to all of my Blue family as well as TIB hopefuls. Reading the board, I tell you....it's so good to see that great things are happeneing in so many of your lives out there!!
Congratulations to all that are getting married...JDV....and to those that are bringing life into this world....Lola!!
Aurturo, how dare you put me on blast like that...naw man, I'm still out here...just waiting to PCS to Hanscom, but all is well. Of course I'm still performing, especially during this holiday season. Hey, tell Shane I said hey. I tried to return his call one day a few months ago, but couldn't get through. Love you boy....get at me when you get some time. I have one for you though...remember when Capt Cantrell would sing Dr. Feelgood...that's all I have to say...LOL!!
Just to let everyone know, I had the pleasure of performing with Michelle Duque during a Christmas party we put on for the base commander and it was a mini-TIB flashback. This was a private party for all elected officials from the city...and we PUT ON A SHOW!! Michelle, I had a blast, and you are definitely a show stopper!! My tour cast member Becca was also a part of the show, and I was overjoyed to work with you as well. I know I reminded you of Ed Jones at times, but I thank you for allowing me to make inputs to make it the best show possible!! Sorry Takeesha, but I had to do our swing moves with Michelle....and she handled it like a pro!!
Errbody else out there....take care, Love all of you...99, 00, 03!!

Kepp it real,
Joshua

Hello All!

Just wanted to drop in & say hi!

Life is good here, now that Matt & I are both finally stationed in the same place! We bought a house in September (out in the country... big surprise, right?) Our little one, Austin just turned two and in other news, we just found out we have another little one on the way due in July!

'06 Selects remember, it's the ride of a lifetime. Don't get to the end and wish you had done more, stayed awake to see more while you were travelling or taken more pictures. Take every opportunity to experience everything you can. You won't regret it, and you can rest up after the tour!

'02, I miss ya, keep in touch!
Amber

Mike, nice shot bro!!! Mold always did look good on you. As for why the pants got so nasty, maybe you should ask Dirty Kenny. He's the one that lost more pairs of pants than I can remember.... Ah, the good ole days!!! And you know I had my own little tricks with the clothes. Think about it!! Not all the "malfunctions" were accidents. hahahaha!!!

Love Ya BLUE FAMILY!!!

JD

Posted by: tammie montgomery on Tue, Dec 13 at 17:04:47 EST
Toured in: mom 02/04

Hi Blue,
Just checking the board, havent been on here in awhile. Jamie, I remember you "getting left" on the 02 tour. All I can say is, God was with you.. lol. Hope this note finds everyone doing great. And hopeing that each of my precious tib friends and family, has a very blessed holiday season.
Love to all
Momma Montgomery

Mikey about time you showed up! But Haiti! Just because Dominican Republic and Haiti are in the same peace of land does not mean I'm Haitian! Get your facts right! Love Haiti anyways.

Fam. I can assured you that Mikey's accounts of that sad day are a Little obscured! I fact I'll let you in on a little secret.

Mikey can talk his away out of ANYTHING. He was appointed defense attorney for Fernando on tour. You see; Fernando will make 100 thousand show mistakes but only claim 2! LOL! So TIB 2000 took him to Court on the bus. The prosecutor was Sara. Everybody knew That Fernando was guilty, but Mike Young and his court rooms trickery, left no choice for the jury to deliberate in favor of Fernando; NOT GUILTY. IT was a SHAME FULL day TIB's 2000 court hearing history. I think LOLA was the Judge. I will not be surprise if MIKEY paid her off! LOL! Slime BALL. Love you though!

Josh sorry for the blast! You had me rolling!!! SANG, SANG!! that's all I got to say about that! LOL! Love you man. please e-mail me your #.

Here is a good one! I remember when Josh first got out to the team and knew the whole show forwards and backwards !! ALL the male vocalist were trying to figure out who was going home!!! LOL!! (of course no body did) FUNNY! Remember?

JD yes, you were the wardrobe queen, but at least you did your job right! see Mikey was one Lazy Morale Monitor! We should have fired him! Get some Mikey!!

Arturo
p.s. VAN! calling VAN!!! It's he hanging with Floppy Mikey? 2000 were U AT.

Since we are traveling down memory lane, let’s go all the way back to staging. Can any one correctly identify a Bass Commander Special?

Ok, here is an easy one. Who said the following?

"Just go with it man...Go with it"

And my personnel favorite Nocheisum,
"If you run twice as fast, you will get there in half the time"........ Love ya Noche!

Lolita - Hey Sis, I hope all is well with you, Bobby and the new baby. I wish you a speedy recovery and the strength you need to chase those little guys around in the future. (Remember, the key to a quick recovery is poor man stew) Lots of love.

Eric J.

PS. Dave and Gena, thanks for taking care of my wife this week. Mindalina, bring home that warm weather. Fly safe, I love you.

PSS. As for Van, Mike is absolutely right, in fact, rumor has it he fired Kevin for playing sharp and started a new group with Mr. Floppy and Crescendo. (Mike, Arti, I miss the band. Good times….good times)

Sorry, I fell asleep on the keyboard.

EJ

PS. Marlon, stop drinking Kool-Aid and get back to work!

ALL PRIORS I NEED A FAVOR!!!!

In the fall of 2003 I established an independent record label. Due to a few bumps in the road (one being my second tour with TIB in '04)and for the sheer fact that it's just down-right difficult, we hadn't really firmly established ourselves........until now!!!!!

My only request is that you take a look at our new, yet still under construction website and spread the word. Feel free to leave feedback, be it positive or negative.

Thank you TIB, this wouldn't have ever been possible had it not been for BLUE.

Thanks

jai
www.image-records.com

I just wanted to thank everyone who sent me an email of support and love, you have no idea how MUCH it means to me right now. I always knew that TIB was a family but now I trully see it. Just knowing that I have so many people who love and support gives me the strength and courage to face another day. I know everyone doesn't know exactly whats going on with me but just to know you care........words can't express my love, gratitude, and admiration.....
My cell is 01491759898588 (I have no minutes loaded on it now) but feel free to call me. I will personally email everyone back to let you know how much your emails mean to me.

-not broken-

Advice:

Go SKYDIVING in Hawaii!!!!!

'nuff said...

Tiega, I kept a diary while in staging to monitor times and when I got to sleep, what happened that day, rehearsals, anything out of the ordinary, day off, etc. It is FUNNY when I go back and read it...holy cow...

Mark, You were ALLOWED to go skydiving? Heck we weren't even allowed to go skiing when we were at Keystone, CO for a few days. Hmm, something about us being called the "Orthopaedic Tour"... 4+ broken bones, 1 blown ACL, a neck brace (ha ha Mike!), countless sprained/strained body parts, 2 pairs of crutches and a cane. Oh, and our Tech director would've said "Don't ride with passengers when you go jet skiing!"

Ahhh... memories!

2000 Ladies do you remember that all girls country song that we thought we were so good at and then Bernie walked in and said Oh no that's all wrong - what was it called?

Frances, you mean you don't have those lyrics memorized by now?? Even *I* know those, and I'm a Band Guy! :) OK, well I remembered about 50% of them - still not bad for a Band Guy - then had to break out the CASSETTE (Doh! Old Skool!!) for a refresher. Here you go.

Hero For Today

They serve this country honorably
A people strong and blessed
Never ones to compromise
They strive to be the best

This nation is the land they love
To honor and obey
Qualities that make someone
A hero for today

And the silent cheering of the crowd
Somehow tells them that we're proud
And as we bend our knees to pray
May we find a way to say
Thanks to a hero for today

When you stand for freedom
You sometimes stand alone
Defending our America
On shores so far from home

Courageous moments set in time
And a flag that points the way
On this lifelong journey of
A hero for today

And the silent cheering of the crowd
Somehow tells them that we're proud
And as we bend our knees to pray
May we find a way to say
Thanks to a hero
Thanks to a hero

And the silent cheering of the crowd
Somehow tells them that we're proud
And as we bend our knees to pray
May we find a way to say
Thanks to a hero for today

And as we bend our knees to pray
May we find a way to say
Thanks to a hero
A freedom loving hero
Thanks to a hero for today

hey y'all, i got a bit of sad news. i know a few of you had heard that my and the woman were expecting a child. well, that is no more. the misses miscarried a couple of days ago. as most of you know, i don't let things bother me very much, but the lady (Joanna) needs y'alls thoughts and prayers (if you would be so kind)

thanks, y'all

Tony
2003
316-613-3012

Tony, I'm glad we talked the other day. I am sorry to hear about your sad news. Please know that you are both in my prayers. Best of luck to you both!

Jim W., Now I spend my whole tour backstage and I don't know nuthin' 'bout no vocalisty type stuff, but I thought it was supposed to be "the silent TEARING of the crowd". We spent all year trying to figure out what silent cheering would sound like. Hmm, ponderous...

Hey Tony,

Sorry to hear about your loss. Me and Stacy are expecting and I can't even imagine what that would be like. we will bothj pray for you and yours.

-Chris

Posted by: Gerry (AKA: Yoda G) on Thu, Dec 15 at 02:06:16 EST
Toured in: growin' mOLD!

Hey Blue!,

Mike Noche, that's some seriously hilarious stuff! I LOVE those war stories! Man I gotta write a book on TIB! Seriously! There must be thousands upon thousands of stories like that out there, and you have no idea how funny that stuff is to read for all of us priors! Or maybe you do. We all have similar yet unique tales (true tales) about crazy stuff that happens on the road! Notice I'm avoiding the word "tour" (see my previous post re: that misnomer.lol) and so it seems that many dark and mysterious things (laughabler things) seem to occur in laundry rooms all around the globe when TIB rolls through! Laughs! Mabybe one day we'll have this HUGE industrial sized washing and drying machine built into a roadcase or the bus, that would eliminate the need to use valuable down time at various locations throughout the world! Think of it...our wardrobe can be carted out to the "plasma thermo flux-capacitor suds-o-matic" machine backstage or outside by the bus or big-rig, and by the end of teardown, the stuff is ready to be be packed away for the next show!!!!!! Laughs!!!! Magine that yall! We could co-opt the drivers to cart off the freshly drenched garb in a wheelbarrel out to the bus after each set! So there is no wasted time on off days or during good sleep time doing laundry! And mold or "angel of death" funghi would no longer be a life-threatening issue for us! Dang, just think of all the savings from canned Lysol costs (do they still use Lysol spray on tour yall?) Laughs! I can hear thge drivers yellin' at me now! Sorry yall! Just a thought!

Wardrobe was always an issue on tour. Some things just never change, do they Blue? LOL. Ever look at week old baby powder scum under a microscope???? YUKIE!!! Laughs. "Funk box" chem warfare drills! Get the ABC gear ready ladies! LOL! Funk box alert readiness exercises. How to chemically treat (disinfect) funky garb from a distance or...."Long-range surface-to-air decontamination" LOL! Check your SOP manuals ladies! Are ladies still doin' wardrobe now....or is it coed???? Oh well....whoever it may apply to, pack you ABC gear before leaving staging! You have 30 seconds to "clear" your gear and mask! Ready, set, GO!!!! LOL!

Lastly (why I am reall posting) I was sitting in COSI coffee shop yesterday, reading an e-mail that Larry Frey (the new '06 drummer sent me...congrats again dude!) And I hear this drum beat intro to a very familiar song come BLASTIN' through the piped in"muzak" XM station they always play in Starbucks and Cosi etc and other infamous notorious mega-franchises! No yall, it was not Bing Crosby's white Christmas (snore!) It was "Come see about me"!!! I remember starting the 50's set or the Motown set (one) with that eigth-note deep tom-tom
riff every night for a hundred shows!!!! Never thought I'd miss those songs so much, but I really DO yall! SOOOooo much!

And I especially miss playing this one:

http://www.stlyrics.com/songs/s/smokeyrobinson9772/tearsofaclown322234.html
...and here is some interetin' and little-known background intel on that song...:

http://www.songfacts.com/detail.lasso?id=1082

I never really appreciated the complexities of that song until I left the service and. Took a Motown class with the famous Berklee teacher and professional sax player Walter Beasly yall! Great guy, and very knowledgeable on all things Motown:

http://www.exodusnews.com/entertainment/Entertain137.htm

Just listen closely to the uber-tight vocal harmonies in there yall, and all of the subtle orchestral arrangement behind the rhythm section to give that "circus-like" effect! A basoon was used in between all the little breaks (nooks and crannies/off-beats). WILD stuff yall! Many layers of groove there Blue! And funky trademark Motown drum-fills...???...for DAYS yall! Listen close to it. '06, everything you need to know about Motown, about groove, about harmony, about arranging, about control and dynamics, and about lyrical brilliance using regular coloquial English grammar (commonfolk vernacular slang!). Simple yet effective to convey the point!

Fine me for hoggin' again yall! Sorries! Love ya Bluefolk!

Yoda G out...like the mold after a five megaton lysol bombing run!

P.S.
Arturo, don't sweat the small stuff (re: spelling and grammar Clem!Loved your dislexic post! Made me dizzy, but you are right!!!! It can be read no matter howo you scramble the letters! Try playing the boardgame Scrabble dude! You may excel at that one! It will help you strengthen your spelling and vocabulay! And check out these twoi books from my library while you are at it: "The Scholastic Dictionary of Spelling" by Marvin Terban, and "Punctuation Power: Punctuation and How to Use it" by the same author Great stuff and easy to use! And only $6.95 each (retail price!) On you bro! Be well! Nothin' 2 it but to do it!

P.P.S.
Tony '03, sorries for your recent loss bruh! Get back in there and try again bro. Say a prayer. Life goes on.

Posted by: Yoda G on Thu, Dec 15 at 02:21:00 EST
Toured in: 86&87moldbusters

P.P.P.S:

Sorries for all of MY typos in that last post yall! Not a hypocrite....just a bit sloppy! But I have a built in excuse....I'm posting from a tiny Blackberry phone keypad!

---sore thumbs Yoda G

Team 05'- I'm sorry I didn't get to say good-bye last week, I had to slip out of town for a short short. I would be remiss if I didn't say how much I loved your time here! You all looked so "grown'd" in your uniforms. I couldn't help thinkin' while I caught the show, that the last time I saw you all from that angle, you were standing in front of the mirrors out on the dance floor with your tongues hanging out and looking like death warmed over. Boy what a difference a few months make! I truely miss you all and will try and wait patiently until March! Have fun on this leg of the tour (not too much!) and be sure to look out for each other emotionally during the holidays! You're family!

Tony: Gena told me earlier, hang in there bro and be supportive. We are praying for you both.

Eric: I'm not sure Mindy is coming back home. She and the Mrs. said something about Thelma and Louise, Barneymobile, and Disneyland. Not sure what that means! Thanks for letting us borrow her Bro! Now go put Vickie and Mr. Valves on a loop and catch some more Zzzzz's.

2000: Love you a hoop!

Lots O' Blue Love,
Dave

Went skydiving in 98 & 01....took quite a few people with us, too. I remember Shavonne Scott jumped and she lost her "Pineapple Top" hair extension somewhere over the Pacific Ocean from 13,500'...poor sharks...

And I remember the time in Alaska '94 skiing on Elmendorf AFB and getting tendonitis and spraining both thumbs after a fall in the snow. Made it tough to be a bass player the next couple of shows...

Then the time Rich Brown got electrocuted on the rear truss during the RAIN show @ Bad Aibling, GE.....I sure miss it all.

Oh, so it was YOUR fault we couldn't do all that stuff! Gee, thanks for keeping us safe... I think? : )

Mark,

Good stuff Clem, (laughs galore) I'm taking notes..."Pineapple-Top...dive-bomber...hair loss...angry sharks.." Guess she was tryin' to become a hAirborne Ranger! Nyut, nyut!

Yoda G out..like the OSHA inspectors after opening Funk Box! LOL! Funus-amongst us! Can I call in a Lysol Airstrike? Dressed like the Beastie Boys "Intergallactic" video!

Hello Family:
Tony: Sorry to hear about your loss. You and maam are in my prayers.
Kyle Brasier; I need your e-mail address again
Mark Sobus: how about a mailing address
Hey priors: can you please check the priors page and update your mailing address PLEASE??
05: Handle the business at hand. Remember we have been where you are, so you never walk alone

OK I lost ALL PHONE NUMBERS from my lovely AT&T phone. A word to the wise, back up your phone #'s.

If you would be so kind to e-mail me your phone #'s so I can get back in touch, I would greatly appreciate it.

It is that time of year, remember those who are deployed and not home with their loved ones.

Be Blessed
Glo

Posted by: Breona Rancher on Thu, Dec 15 at 18:24:56 EST
Toured in: 2006 Selectee

Hello all! I hope all is well with everyone!

I have a question regarding hair products:

I have a perm and I maintain it myself. Some of the ways that I maintain my hair is that I use a flat iron, grease and other products to keep my hair healthy. Would it be a good idea to bring those items along or get them while in staging and touring?

Thank you all in advance for the advice

Breona

Posted by: Zach McGehee on Fri, Dec 16 at 00:11:55 EST
Toured in: 2006 selectee

Hey everyone, I just wanted to thank Mike Young(2000) for introducing me to TIB while he was my recruiter. Mike if you remember my enlistment it was really uh, interesting? right. However I want you to know I have no regrets about my choice to take another job. Everything seems to work out in the end. Anyway thanks for the second chance. And to all the other 06 selectees the times a coming I look forward to working with you guys and lets make 06 the best, most musical, and most professional tour to date. see ya at staging

JIM- Thank you for the lyrics!!!

So, is it silent CHEERING/TEARING of the crowd?

Take Care,

Frances

Frances,

It's cheering. And BTW, I emailed you and you didn't respond! Did you get it? Anywho, I just wanted to know how you are. Donna's at the Band now and I got to see her. It was great...she looks marvelous, as always. How are you?

Libby

It's "silent cheering of the crowd." I have the official lyric sheets on me, so you can be certain of that.

Since someone asked, this is an illustrative metaphor that speaks of the collective will of a crowd that is projected toward the "hero"...there is an attitutude of support and an outpouring of emotion, yet not through audible cheering.

For the updates, I collect all of them and update a master copy, then repost. It is not an automated process at all...yet. So please be patient and you don't have to repost your updated info if you don't see the updates. I'll announce when I repost the new file and you can repost then if you still don't see your new info.

As for my 2 cents about stuff to bring...

It doesn't really matter at all what you bring to staging. When it comes time to hit the road (should you make it that far), you will get your one suitcase and a small duffle bag and everything else will be locked in a room in the Production Center while you travel. If there are particular items that you need that are not very easy to find, you should find a way to get those things to you on the road. I recommend you make your own specialized care packages and leave them with someone. When you are runninlg low on a must-have item, or you get tired of wearing the same couple of outfits, have the person who is keeping your packages mail the ones th atyou want to you. The alternative is risking that you may or may not be able to find it while on the road and that assumes you even get time to go looking for it when you need it. You will also end back up at Lackland a few times throughout the year. That means there is also the possiblity (no guarantees) that you will be able to get back into your luggage and swap stuff out. So all that said, don't get all hung up on what stuff you bring to staging (within reason of course) as long as you have satisfied everything on the agency's list.

Chris

Chris

That's very interesting. I never thought of the "pre-position your own care package concept"

Too bad I didn't have that insight in '02 or '04.

Knowing now "the road", I'd definately keep that in the forefront of my mind if I were a 2006 Selectee (hint/hint)

~jai~

Kerri, as a tech I think you'd be intimately familiar with "silent cheering". Chris explained it as:

"this is an illustrative metaphor that speaks of the collective will of a crowd that is projected toward the "hero"...there is an attitutude of support and an outpouring of emotion, yet not through audible cheering"

Substitute "the cast" for "a crowd", and "the techs" for "the 'hero'", and you see what I mean! Well, at least the 'no audible cheering' part is usually the case... :)

Posted by: Gerry (AKA Yoda G) on Fri, Dec 16 at 15:18:37 EST
Toured in: pre pre-packdays

Yeah Blue,

Chris is onto something there. That's what all the pro "through-hikers" do on the AT (Appalachian Trial). They drop off pre-packaged "care-packages" (survival essentials) at Post offices boxes all along the trial. So they never have to worry about finding a CVS or a Walgreens in the middle of nowhere at 0-dark hundred hrs!!!!LOL They usually pack non-perishables and toiletries and other useful stuff that they tend to run out of quickly!

But Chris is right again about not sweating the small stuff about what al to bring. There will in fact be plenty of time on off days to hit the BX, and many base liason folks will ask the tour director upon arrival for a list of things the team may need. So don't stuff your luggage with ace bandages and krutches just yet! LOL Those can be got as the neeed arises. But the '06 bass player may want to bring along an ace or two in case of corporal tunnel stuff! Stuff happens! Ask Nate from '04! Bro was strugglin' through...and made it! But I never knew until he told me! Pain can be "hid" like Smokey says!

Pack light. Eat healthy,...nuts are good! Leave the sunflower seeds and pistachios back at the home base though! Gotta keep our staging area clean as a whistle!

Your suitcases will become pregnant" over time on the rroad! Trust me on that! In fact you'll find yourselves doing "spring-cleaning" all year long on that puppy! I was mailing stuff home left and right....(When I was'nt lossin' stuff in washers and dryers! LOL (GUARD your stuff too blue!!! People love TIB souveniers!!! Human nature! Do fall asleep or let your guard down in "laundry mode!" Be ever vigilant! Ascots are easy to replace, but custom tailored jumpsuits are hard to come by in Thule Greenland or at Lodges Azores etc. Guard your gear (and "stuff" like George Carlin likes to call it!).

You don't need to get a hernia draggin' your mom's attic around with you! LOL remember YOU have to drag that puppy all over the globe...so think lightweight! Casual dress and windbreakers are good for almost all types of weather on off days! They will issue you cold-weatther gear in the tundra so leave the snowshoes and the sled behind!!!LOL The "ULU knife" for cutting seal blubber will also be issued at the appropriate time! LOL remember those yall???!!!LOL Still got my ULU!

Yoda G....out like weight-set after my first "bag-drag"!!!LOL

Someone already pointed it out, but since another person already asked...

I posted most of the pics that I took at JDV's wedding on my website (http://www.chrisburch.com/gallery/v/weddings/). These are completely unedited otherwise no one would see them for months, but take a look and enjoy. That gallery will eventually be replaced with a set of edited pics as soon as I get to them.

Breona,

Definitely bring your hair stuff with you. A flat iron will be one of your best friends all year!! I learned that when I over slept after set up before the show and had 5 minutes to get ready before the meeting!!! Thank you Kristina and Stacy!

Katie Palmer, John Miyoung of Dream Theater blows Geddy Lee out of the water on the bass guitar. Just thought I would remind you of that. Do not want you to get complacent.
your friend,
Mr. Arrogantes

Posted by: Breona Rancher on Fri, Dec 16 at 22:01:05 EST
Toured in: 2006 Selectee

We just want to thank the Wilkins family for a beautiful christmas card. Stacy misses your kids but we'll have one of our own in June. Thanks again,

Missing your Cookies,

-Christian and Stacy Martinez

Paul Libby,

Yeah, if you could only HEAR John Myung's bass lines....I saw Dream Theater live and I couldn't hear him at ALL; I don't think he was even plugged in...Too much keyboard/synth stuff...

Shoot, you give 'em 88 keys and they want to lock up the world...

I just want to personally congratulate Larry "grandpa" Frey on being selected as the TIB Drummer for '06. By the way Larry, I use that little circle that you drew in the middle of my practice pad every day! It really helps me to focus on the drum's "sweet spot" while practicing those singles and doubles. I recently saw a clip of Journey doing "Open Arms" and thought of your great performance. Once again, deepest congratulations Larry!

As for me, I am graduating college for the 3rd time this week and have signed up to start my M.B.A. on January 25th. I am also still running one of the busiest Fuels Resource Control Centers in the Air Force (Ramstein AB). Both tasks are keep me very busy.

Now, I would truly like to say thank you to Mr. Edwards and Mr. Jones for the opportunity to come out and learn many valuable lessons. There was a "reason" for me to be there and I have truly grown from the experience. Also, many thanks to everyone who helped out, encouraged us, and taught us.

Special thanks to Mr. Berry Best and AFMDB (Very High-Caliber Musicians)! You guys blew me away when you did Chick Corea's "Spain". Thank you very much for fulfilling a dream and allowing me the opportunity to perform the RUSH 2112 "Temples of Syrinx" song (yes, Neil Peart will always be my 1st love). Speaking of drums - Lucky, you are truly amazing!! Thank you for the inspiration and super dyno - mite grooves and chops!! I am a very humble, young Jedi apprentice who is ready to study when you get to Germany.

Finally, a big "congrats" to ALL who were selected for the 2006 tour (GO TEAM 4). I wish you good luck and Godspeed. I also prey that everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Thank you TIB.

P.S. If anyone out here in the Kaiserslautern area has nothing to do on New Year's Eve, come on down to J.R. Rockers on Ramstein AB (next to Chili's) and watch me play a 4 hour set with Nuisance (America's band rockin'Europe). Show is from 2200 - 0200 hours. We'll see you there. Thanks.

Kent
WWTC 2005

Hey Jamell, call me homie. I was watching Scary Movie 2 tonight and I thought about you. Remember this: "Use my strong hand child, my strong hand". LOL I think about you everytime I see that.

To everyone: Hope everyone has a blessed and safe holiday season!

Corey

PS. Oh and to the Wilkins family. Thank you so much for my card! I loved it. The kids are getting so big and beautiful!

Posted by: Breona Rancher on Sun, Dec 18 at 16:10:57 EST
Toured in: 2006 Selectee

Hello all,

This post is to ask all of you to keep myself and my family in prayer...

My grandmother had a heart attack yesterday only she didnt know. She went to the hospital with complaints of chest pains and had 2 balloons put into her heart because two of her valves collapsed...She is a smoker and they told her that she has to stop now. She is 54 years old, so she isnt all that old...

Please just keep her in your prayers. It hurts me that I am unable to go see her especially at a time like this with the holidays around the corner...

Thank you all ahead of time and I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a great New Year.

Breona

Posted by: Mike TWIN TOWER #1 on Mon, Dec 19 at 04:52:37 EST
Toured in: 2003

Hey there everyone, its been a bit since my last post, Im finally getting on my feet here in San Diego. And I just wanted everyone who helped me get through it all, please email me so I can give back all the great things you gave me. Thnak you again blue. (P.S look for me at WW2007. DONT CALL IT A COMEBACK!!)
mikelaw709@gmail.com

Hey everyone. Just wanted to let you all know that the '05 team just landed here at Osan safe-and-sound. Ran into my girl Lesa at the BX so, we're going to get together and hangout here shortly. Cheers.

Manfred

P.S. I would also like to extend a hearty hello, and happy holidays to The Wilkins family. Received your card in the mail today. Thank you very much.

Posted by: Paige Oatis on Mon, Dec 19 at 06:11:10 EST
Toured in: The Best 2000!

Becca!!!!!!!! It was "REAL LIVE WOMAN" I loved that song too!!!!
I'll write more later..at work...no time.. Love y'all.

Mark Sobus,
I believe the sound man at that particular Dream Theater concert had his priorities right. It always needs more Keyboards in the mix.
HA!!

Paige (or anyone) how's Lola and Cheryl and family? Yes I know what a phone is but its midnigt Scott time by the time I am home.

Merry Christmas all! Greetings from Ohio. Colder than Christmas in Korea (1983). Not too much going on here, just making a living and trying to stay warm. Just about wore out my tour jacket. They don't make those like they used to.
Played a few holiday gigs, and have a New Year's event to play for. We wanted to call our group OUT OF THE BLUE, but that name applies to a rock band out here, and we are smooth jazz. So we all decided on LUMINOSA BLUE as a name for our group.

Stan, is there any way we can hook up with some other priors for the show here in Dayton? Looking forward to it.

Nice to see that you are still alive and kicking TD.

Merry Christmas all.

Bill Hennessey

Posted by: Paige Oatis on Mon, Dec 19 at 22:28:18 EST
Toured in: The Best 2000!

2000 BABY NEWS!!!!!!!!

Lola and Sheryl Catherine are doing well. Lola was on her feet alot today and I'm sure is quite sore. She had a Beautiful, Plump little angel weighing in at 8lbs 8oz. She is 20" long and was born at 8:36am on December 13th (just in time for Santa!). So, make sure to send your love out to them during this joyous time. :)

*2006 Tips!!!!!!!

*A tip for packing for 2006 ROLL..ROLL..ROLL. It's a major space saver and leaves room for shopping!!!
*Be careful with the wardrobe. Wet clothes in in dark warm places tend to grow mold. 2000 guys can attest to that.
*Be careful in Guam if you go this year. You may get a horrid sunburn setting up and then get rained on sideways that night. Oh, the torture!
*In Germany, be careful what you eat. 23 of people with food poisoning doing a show is a real gas (if you will).
*Be sure to keep a camera ready at all times. I have some real classics! One that comes to mind is Kevin (Greatest Drummer ever) Sleeping taking his own pulse! (Always the percussionist, keeping a tempo even in his sleep).
*Bring a can of air freshener on the bus. Some people tend to get a little too comfortable and shall we say, RELAXED. Not mentioning any names.(Fernando)
*Baby wipes are great to have for a quick clean up when you have 5 mins after setting up to do a show.
*Sleep? What Sleep? I can recall a 28 hour rehearsal day and 2 hours of sleep then another 16 of rehearsal with the Cheif. Talk about Deprivation! Get in anything that vibrates, rolls or flies and it's lights out!
*When they say "Don't touch" those red things on the front of the B2 Bomber at Whiteman, they mean Don't touch!. They come off really easy.......(don't ask how I know that)
*Don't drink too much on a night before rehearsal or set-up. (HANGOVER!!!)
*When the stage has to be condensed to 1/4 it's original size, condense your dance moves too. Van almost got his nose broken by April's mic in Alaska! (I think it was Alaska)
*You won't want to eat PIZZA or HOAGIES for months after the tour!
*Take in all the sites for all they're worth. It's an incredibly fast ride, but if you don't, you will regret it later. For some of us it was a once in a lifetime experience. Enjoy it.

There are a million things I could share, but the fun is learning on your own and adapting to these situations. It becomes second nature to just learn to go with it. Keep your heads up 2006. Respect each other. Share your lives and know that you all come from different places and will not think the same. Learn to let things go and love each other, because in the end you are Family and will never forget each other. This can be one of the best experiences of your life if you allow it to be. Work towards perfection, but remember you're only human and we do make mistakes. (we just get fined for them on tour :) Best of luck to you Selectees. Can wait till you make it to the BLUE side. Lotz uv BLUE Luv and God Bless. (I'm still crazy)

Posted by: Paige Oatis on Mon, Dec 19 at 22:35:16 EST
Toured in: The Best 2000!

Becca....I work Mids 11-7. Call me anytime at night and most likely I'll be writing songs, or making beats on a table somewhere!
Anyone who wants to call and chat...314-517-7805! Reppin' the STL baby!

Okay Paul and Mark. All I'm saying is Geddy Lee's Bass goes to 11, that's one louder... enough said ;-)

Stuff turns up missing in the laundry...I remember one time @ Nellis (back in '98) where one of the girls had her laundry stolen out of the dryer. On Base. At the Warrior inn.

Apparently, some guy who lost everything (including his shirt) took the poor girl's stuff and decided to wear it (including Tops in Blue clothing). I think he was wearing her underpants, too...not too sure on the last one, though...The names have been removed to protect the innocent....hehe...

Keep an eye on your stuff!...

Paul Libby--work on your scales!

Posted by: Gerry (A.K.A. Yoda G) on Wed, Dec 21 at 06:38:08 EST
Toured in: Never 2 cautious

Blue family,

Happy holidays to everyone reading this and to all our Blue family out there who may not have time to read the board, wherever they may be. And a healthy, safe, and prosperous (mentally, musically and monetarily prosperous) new year to everyone in, or associated with, our wonderful TIB family. This festive yule goes out especially to the '05 cast/"expeditionary musical force" who are presently out there in the trenches and on the front lines with our troops, doing what we do BEST, ALL YEAR long...boosting the morale and giving our troops and their families a taste of home and a taste of the holiday spirit! And its always a tough job to be out on the road and in remote locations this time of year! But not so much so, when you are surrounded by 30+ professional, well-trained and well-MANNERED individuals who are wearing the TIB ascot!

I want '05 to know that although I have not met you all (YET!...and I will!), that I love you all, and what you are doing for our program and for our people in uniform, and that I would gladly trade my day gig in the graphic arts world in a nano-second (even though I love my work and get to be my own boss!) just to be back out there on the road with you all my TIB brethren (yes, EVEN during the holidays, and EVEN in remote far-flung places in Korea). I say this because although people outside the Blue may warn you of feeling lonely around this time of year, we all know that the truth is, that a TIB team in the field (on the road) is NEVER really "alone" or can never be allowed to feel lonely! In fact, I would even go so far as to say, that with almost 20 years between me and my last TIB tour, I have NEVER in my entire adult life, felt so safe and secure and amongst the best of friends and "family" as I did back in 86 and 87! '06, you have no idea what awaits you in that regard! The warmth and comradery you all will experience during the holidays with your team will probably never be surpassed for the rest of your lives!!!! And I do mean that sincerely. Because although we all have families and relatives outside of the Blue, it is highly doubtful that any of them will have to pull together and work so hard together in order to get us through an entire year of our lives as our Blue teams have to do year after year! (And can you even imagine having to sleep next to your mother-in-law on a bus or in a cargo net seat for an entire YEAR! (Laughs!) And at times, our very survival will depend on that teamwork! And although I am often times the unofficial court jester on this here board for MY 2 teams (who appear to rarely represent...hint!), I could not be more serious about this point! In TIB, you really are your brother's (and sister's keeper!)So remember to be kind to each other always '05, but especially kind these next two weeks! You'll probably never spend another Christmas like THAT again! Unless you are lucky enough, tough enough, and insane enough (just kiddin' Chief!) to pull off a two-fer or even a hat trick like Mark! But now its for a whole year dude!!!!!LOL!

And the feeling is Soooooo good! I miss it dearly! Especially the "polyana" gift-giving stuff! I'll never forget the black silk kimona with the colorful dragons I got from one of our techs (who I honestly kind of took for granted - cause he was so dang quiet -up until then) named Jim Lambeth! Boy did I view him differently after that! Not just because of the cool gift....some of the others got crappy stuff (laughs, don't be a CHEAP Scrooge yall! LOL! you'll be embarassed if you do! And the bad gift-idea jokes WILL aflow for the remainder of the tour! LOL, get me?), but because that's the first time I was actually forced to say thanks a LOT to the guy all tour! Yall know us men and all that macho stuff we are famous for. Specially techs and "the band" (we had Bernie as a role-model!LOL) Love ya and miss ya Bernie!

Anyway, before I scram again, I wanted to add on to what Mark just said about guarding your valuables and your laundry etc. Although it gets nice and toasty warm in them thar laundry rooms yall, you don't wanna fall asleep and leave yer TIB garb unattended! Unless you are sleeping ON TOP of the machines!!! Done that many a time! LOL!!! What did someone say above....."If it vibrates, rolls, flys etc...." It can be slept on!!! LOL! WOOP there tis! LOL! But seriously though, I had $275 stolen from me a few weeks back because I foolishly allowed my wallet and my body to be two different places! I was in a semi-crowded pizza joint in the city, and this strung-out looking dude walks in with a skateboard and sits down a few tables away from me! I knew he was high immediately (he had the "100yrd stare" yall, only he was too young to have been in Nam!) but nevertheless dismissed it since he was posing no immediate threat to me! But I soon forgot about him and let down my guard, as it were! I walked outside for a fewe minutes to talk to another musician (percussionist) who I saw drive up out front, and that's all she wrote boys and girls! That boy whizzed through my backpack like a tornado through a trailer-park! And he slipped out the door lickety-split "ricky-tick" as Jamie Foxx puts it in the movie Jar-Head! So, no biggie! My life and health are more important. Although I'm not a rich investor, I can recover from that loss (albeit too close to the holidays for comfort! Gift $ etc.) So, on that note,....since the new '06 team asked...and since they have time to prepare ahead now, I thought I'd post another little useful link that I KNOW you all CAN DEFINETLY benefit from! I'm sure that '05 will attest to that! So here it is yall...note the paragraph on laundry too! (Laughs!) And take it ALL to heart!!! Serious biz yall!:

http://www.ease.com/~randyj/secure3.htm

Gerry ("Yoda G") out like the cash, in an unattended wallet/purse! Gives new meaning to you can't afford not to PAY attention! Cause you will PAY, if you let down your guard and get "too relaxed" OFF the buss!! And these may not be military folks that prey on us Blue. And its not always career criminals that rob us! In the Air Force Law Enforcement Academy at Lackland, its referred to as "opportunity theft" for a reason! Only WE can create the opportunity, and only we can prevent it! Watch out for each other Blue! Cover your neighbor's back if you see something wrong! Gotta police ourselves! And we all make mistakes and get lax (tired) sometimes. Canna get an Amen?????

1. Geddy Lee is a Bass God

2. 05...Money Exchange Rates...Learn them....See you in February

3. GLO, 325-829-5555, Miss ya

4. Happy Holidays Ya'll,

Much Love,

Poppa G

Ok, all this Rush talk is getting to me. Grady and Dave I think I already told you guys about this but, if anyone is even the slightest bit turned on my Rush, or great music, or even crazy Canadians, you have to get Rush's new 2DVD/2CD set called R30. It is amazing and will entertain you to no end! The DVD's are awesome... the set list is great, the lighting is kick butt, and audio is fantastic... you can hear everything clearly! And for you drummers, Neil Peart's solo is reason enough to buy it. The CD are just the audio verson of the DVDs. I used to "like" Rush and thought they were "good" but never really had an appreciation for them. After seeing this, I now realize what great musicians they are and not just a bunch of barleague hockey player wannabes/garage band dudes. Get it, you will not be disappointed!

*bonus quiz- does anyone know where the name "Geddy" came from?

Kerri, I believe that was inspired by how his grandmother used to pronounce his given first name "Gary" with a heavy polish accent.
Not that I'm a fan or anything, however for my money, he doesn't hold a match to the "Sandman". Ya'll have a great holiday!
Lots O' Blue Love! Dave

BING BING BING! We have a winner! You are correct, Dave! Good job! And I'm no expert, but you just might be right about Sandman... I'd have to hear him play some more. We'd all like that, right? MORE AFMDB!!! WE WANT MORE!! WE WANT MORE!!

Merry Christmas y'all!
-KB

Obviously KB doesn't have a whole lot to do on her job. Wish I had a job where I could just listen to music all day and chat. I'm just kidding KB, I'm actually jealous. Merry Christmas! Wish I were down there in SC. (long sigh). Anyway, take care. Give me a call sometime.

K-Dub

Bonus bonus quiz:
What vertically challenged MSgt should be googling
"Christmas gifts the wife will actually use"
instead of "Nicknames of rock 'n roll stars"?

;0)
Gena

Lovely Wedding Pictures Chris!
I liked the shots of the TIB ring, :-)
however, my pick--517.

Beautiful Couple!
Prayers for an eternity of love & joy....

It was GREAT seeing those whom I saw while down in San Antonio. To those I didn't get a chance to see...prayfully next time we'll meet up:) Thank you guys for all of your help! Even you Mick-a-licious since you tried:) ha ha ha Keith- I'll NEVER forget the experience! ha ha ha

Momma Glo- 870-519-6004

To all who wonder: The baby girl, Tamya, is doing fine. She's my miracle, blessing, angel, etc.!!! Everyone thought she would be spoiled, but I found out after dropping her off on her first day of daycare that "I" was the one "spoiled rotten!" :)
Yeah, fathers do tend to get jealous at these times...ha ha ha.

Eric- I'M BACK TO MY PREPREGNANCY WEIGHT IN ONLY 2 MONTHS!!!! WEEP HONEY WEEP! I CAN'T BE STOPPED BOO SO DON'T HATE!!!

Angie- Where you at?!

Tonie and Mayra- I'm missing you two...WRITE, CALL, do something!!! (Yeah, I know it works both ways;) )

Congrats Amber and Matt! Wish I could've seen you two and Austin while down there.

To ALL of the TIB family:
Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Be safe, continuously THANK GOD, and always smile! Your smile might be the sunshine of someones life~ Love you all!

Tan

Hey BLUE where ARE YOU? @ OSAN
it's been great gettin to see everyone on tour and finally seeing the show last night, You guys keep up the work and stay strong in each other...And my only advice to you will be that even though this will be your umpteenth time doing your show, never get comfortable, always strive to improve and keep it fresh ,not only for the audience but to keep you into it as well. The audience doesnt have fun unless you do... So keep doin blue PROUD, We love You and wish you well
Happy Holidays and wishing you a blessed and prosperous NEW YEAR 2006!!!
Eddie B "you better SING!"
Greg B Wow man you never cease to amaze me, God has blessed you truly, use your gift well, because it is AMAZING

PS: The stage LIGHTING is awesome I loved it (DIVAS) very cool...
TTYL love lil Rickie 2003

Prayers needed!

Found out I'm having another girl! (That's 3)

Mom is fine, but we are at 20 weeks and have found out there are some problems. The board is not the place to discuss, just pray for HIS will to be done, health of the Mrs., and full term pregnancy.

Prayer Warriors...... MOUNT UP!
Walt

Walt

I'm picking up the line right now and putting my call in.

God Bless ya, bruh!

~jai~

Walt, you know we have you and your family's backs!

K-Dub, Work? What's that? Shoot, I'm off this week! As a matter of fact... here it is 1100 in the morning and I am still in my jammies! Ha ha! I'll give you a shout here some time before this weekend!

Take care, y'all!

-KB

Me too Walt!
I tried getting info on you while down there. I was hoping to catch a show or something with my hubbie...but you know Keith....NO HELP AT ALL! ha ha ha (Love ya Keith)
God Bless,
"T"

John Myung blows Geddy lee away! Geddy cowers at Johns feet when he plays.

Mark Sobus, practice your dotted whole notes!!

I stopped buying Rush Albums after the 4th or 5th greatest hits. I was tired of buying the same 20 songs just in different order.

John Myung is a great bassist. Alot of people have never heard Geddy outside of Rush, but I can tell you that he can hold his own (I heard him warm up at a soundcheck in the early 90's and it blew me away!) I personally think that JACO Pastorius (RIP), Jeff Berlin, and Vic Wooten are the best that I've heard on the 4/5 string thumper. Happy Holidays all! =)

Paul Libby,
I mailed out a bass to Iraq Tuesday; gonna woodshed on my Major scales.

Y'all have a good Christmas!

Posted by: Yoda G (AKA: Gerry) on Thu, Dec 22 at 22:57:58 EST
Toured in: Droppin' da bass

What about John Patitucci (of Chick Corea Electric Band fame) and Gerald Veasley (of The Zawinal Syndicate fame)?

Anybody ever heard of them???? Jaco was definitely a force, but his unfortunate demise was a tragic loss to the music world. He was the Jimi Hendrix of the electric bass.

Yoda G (Gerry)
"Best" player of TIB????? Laughs. Any suggestions? From my era, gotta be the Sandman.....hands down! But Bernie would know best! Ever see Bernie try to play bass yall????? Laughs! Better yet...ever see him try to play the drums???? Laughs. I have!!!!! Actually he's not too bad! No Omar Hakim mind you....but he's built like Omar. Only a whole lot slower!!!!! Lots! Laughs! Gottta duck tape Bernie whenever I get a chance! Oh the stories I COULD tell....but won't! Cause I love you Bernie! Bands best friend!

Walt, gotcha back brotha. Walt and Jai, the sites are NICE! Mike Young, paging Mike Young aka Crescendo aka Morale Monitor, call or email a brotha. You know you ate Lola's cheeseburger Marlon. Or was it Shane and Arturo? TIB 2000 did one hell of a show onstage but they had me crackin up even harder backstage! Like when J.D. forgot the words to God Bless The USA. Man, nobody was immune in the locker room! Thanks for the memories...I think about you guys a lot. Lane, where you be at? Gregg Jordan, don't make me cut ya. Can't believe Richard Pryor is gone.

Making It Happen

Posted by: Yoda G on Fri, Dec 23 at 03:36:49 EST
Toured in: whos on 1st-bass

Hey Blue,

All you bass lovers out there check this out:

http://www.bassinside.com/2003/april/patitucci.htm

http://www.geraldveasley.com/

My two fav picks (nominees) yall.

G out...like a drummer who's not payin' proper attention to what the bassplayer is doin'! (Hint, hint Larry '06) Get tight with your bassplayer in staging. Eventually he/she will be following YOU for the time. But in staging, you'll get all of your clues about how to structure your bass drum patterns from the bassplayer. So listen HARD to every note! You need not follow (copy) it note for note. Only pick up certain elements or. Salient features of his line! Accentuate weave your foot patterns through his. In a word, BASS your playing on what the bass is playin'!!!! LOL

I have considered the best player of TIB. I have only experienced a small amount...but in my pondering, there was something about any of them that really sticks out in my mind, whether one cat was a decent player but an over the top outstanding performer....or a guy shows up in staging and can do something on his/her instrument but can't read music but leaves the tour being able to read to a certain degree....or on eplayer that is moderate in all areas but you know if you need a team member to really have your back, that person is the best at that. Basically, the musical ability was overtaken by my thinking of the overall contribution a team member made or could make.....which is probably some "read between the line" advice for any prospective TIBers.

What y'all think 'bout dat?

Oh, Gerry, you should hear Victor's brother, Rudy play sax. He was always at this open mike night down in VA and he was sort of twitchy but man, when he was playing sax, he was just in his element. I remember sitting in with some guys playing Take Five at open mike and no joke--I was sitting behind the kit just along for the ride. Ain't it great when it's like that?

I just want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
2006 selectees: The time's almost here!!! I'M SO EXCITED!!!

OK, if we're going to talk about bass players... all the guys mentioned so far are incredible players, but you guys need to check out Brian Bromberg. Sandman and Zef know what I'm talking about (and BTW those two guys are definite monster players, and I consider myself fortunate to have shared the pit with them).

Oh, and Oteil Burbidge. That guy is nuts.

Just wanted to drop a line from Korea and wish everyone a Merry Christmas!!!

Take care everyone :)

Christine
Alto Sax
"And the Beat goes on...."

Speaking of Bass Players.... Zef Smith, it was good to see and hook up with ya once again in Osan. Funny, all of this snow reminds me of home..... Da Bears'

Ms. Chonte Walker....your right! It'll be here before ya know it. Are ya ready?!?

Peace and Mo' Blessings
Bobby

Just wanted to wish my family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Safe travels to all who are and warm wishes to everyone. I love you all.

Libby

Oh yeah, Peace and Mo' Blessings to the "Staff"!

....and Ed Jones, I appreciate ya, man! Yes, the "over 30 and sexy club" is, once again, takin' over. LOL.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to our Blue Fam! This is Ms. Honor's first Christmas and... SURPRISE! We didn't overdo it. We figure she doesn't even know what it is yet. No point in going broke. Anyways, I would normally be putting in an order from the team now because of "Christmas in Korea" but I would rather to reflect on what we already have. I'm so very grateful for the things and, more importantly, the relationships that we have. Your circle of friends says a lot about you and I'm proud to say that our circle makes us look like awesome people. So, thank you all for being a great circle of friends and family. Walter, we are on it. If we don't know how to do anything else, we know how to pray. Chuck, we're happy you made it back safely. Can't wait to see you. And to Tan and J-net, can you guys believe that we have children? Crazy but a blessing. Happy Holidays to everyone.

About this time every year I look back on the preceeding 12 months and as myself "Could I have done it any better?"

Every year I look back on the things I'd done or didn't do, the goals I accomplished or sat on and inevitably, there is always something left to regret. Today when I woke up, 24 Dec 2005 here in Tokyo, and thought "There's no better way I could have lived 2005".

Regardless of what our vision is for our destiny, the outcome will never fully be what we see in our minds because only the Most High holds the path to our future. However, through all the trials and trangressions of 2005, this is the first time in a course spanning almost 26 years that I'm content enough with closing a year to begin a new one.

I don't believe in "new year's resolutions", but I do believe in "daily resolutions". A good friend once said to me "The beauty of tomorrow is that it hasn't come and gone". Why is it that we, so many times, destroy our tomorrows because we're living in the regret of a yesterday?

I wanted to share in this forum because all of you have written chapters or even paragraphs to my saga, thus far. I truly thank all of you that have showed your support through emails, phone calls, etc. As my big brother Kahlil once expressed, I can feel the spirit of each of you each time I take on a new challenge. Sometimes I ask myself if the Libby's and the Percy's ever thought I'd be at a point I'm at now (as a man, not as an entertainer) when they were crackin' my face behind the partition at "Bob's House". Thank you for that, by the way.

It's 7pm Christmas Eve, Japan Standard Time and as I think of the 2005 cast, who is probably gearing up for their family dinner, I'm reminded of two of the best Christmases I ever spent. Part of me wishes I was in Kunsan tonight.

I implore each of you not to look back on what you've done, but rather forward to what you have yet to do. God Bless all of you and yours and Merry Christmas.

"Open, Though, mine eyes and I shall see. Incline my heart and I shall desire. Order my steps and I shall walk in the ways of Thy commandments."

~jai~

Just wanted to take a moment and wish every one of my TIB brothers and sisters a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and safe New Year. As I'm typing this, I'm thinking of a song that simply says, "open the eyes of my heart, Lord, open the eyes of my heart, I want to see you, I want to see you". That is my prayer this Christmas season, that we see Him! Love you guys!!!

'05--Best wishes for you guys as you're in the Pacific

Walteezy-I got you covered, my brother!!! For real, I got you covered!!

The entire AFE Family, I say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!! Love y'all!

Much Love!
Naybu

Man!! I can't beleive I have missed all this Bass player ramblings till today!! Ok..here's Dave J's influences ( in no specific order ).

1. geddy lee ( I was weened on Geddy lee )
2. Jaco ( Only try to honor, never emulate )
3. Gene Simmons ( anybody that has not played Detroit rock city and love gun has not earned there stripes )
4.John Pattatuchi ( makes a six string Bass sound like a six string bass should sound )
5. Stu Hamm ( A red headed white guy that has a wrist like an automatic weapon )
6. Brian Bromberg " 4 string? I don't need no stinking 4 string"
7. Stanley Clarke ( the original triplet )
8. Donovan Francis( Who the hell plays his bass with a drum stick? At world wide?!!!!)
8.Beth Seymour ( Confession: Beth was a not a bass player. I had a wicked bad crush on her and the only way I could get to her house was to learn how to play some bass lines from her big brother Dave. 1st bass line out of my hands " Running with devil "..and now you know..the rest of the story..Good day?)

Merry Christmas Everyone and have a blessed New year!
Dave Jackson '93

Posted by: Elvira Washington on Sat, Dec 24 at 10:57:19 EST
Toured in: 50th Mom

Merry Christmas to everyone.I pray each have a Blessed,Safe and Happy New Year.

50th Mom

Hey everybody! As Christmas day rounds the corner here in Germany, I just wanted to say Merry Christmas to all who may read this message! I wish all of you many blessings at this wonderful time of year! I pray that everyone can share this wonderful day with someone special(even if it may be with your 'special' self)!

Bless Y'all

Keisha

GOD BLESS EVERYONE!!!!

I just wanted to drop a line out there to my family. My wife and I just returned from our honeymoon today. We went on a one week cruise to the eastern Carribean. Then we spent a week in Daytona Beach. It was absolutely wonderful. As soon as we got home, we went out and bought a Christmas tree and put it up and we'll be opening our wedding gifts for Christmas tommorow! :) My wife and I thank all of you for all your congratulations.

Chris Burch is the most amazing photographer! Chris, the photos are absolutely gorgeous...and you're right. I DID marry up! It's all about survival of the fittest!!!! (really, I just got lucky) :) Julia and I will be getting with you about prints sometime in early January. Thank you for your amazing work. It's a job MORE than well done.

Jamell!!! What's up my brotha of another color?!?! Thanks for the shout out. I'll be lookin' for you on the road next year too. I'll try and play that thing, like you said. We'll see how it goes. What's up with you lately??

Chris Martinez...I'll be shooting you an email soon (probably early January). If you want to catch me sooner, give me a call. 407-616-8237

Mike E!!! My adventure bro!!!! I was just thinking about you the other day and then there was a message on my phone. Again, I'll be getting with you, and everyone else, after the holidays...it's really busy but I look forward to catchin' up with you.

Grandpa, Mama, and Raptor!!! Same thing...I miss you guys, I've gotten your calls and I'll get back with you as soon as I can. I love you all.

That's it for now. I've got tons to do with so little time. Again, God Bless everyone and Merry Christmas!!!

JDV (not Jay-Z) >
TIB 2003
Future TIB 2006

HELLO family!!!! Merry Christmas I love you all and wish you the best and all the blessings you can handle...
Thank you for being my family and taking me under your wing and loving me as you do your blood, You are forever on my heart and relived in my mind.... Until we see each other again, just know I an always thinking and prayin for you!!

Merry Christmas everyone!!!! and a Happy New Year
This should be my last Christmas in the desert for a while. I've got orders to Turkey!!!! Yipee!!!! Yahoo!!!! What a Christmas gift.
I've got about two more weeks in the sandbox and I'll be home preparing for my PCS move

Love yall and if anyone wants some dibs on gold jewelry let me know...

Tonie

I would like to wish all of you a very merry Christmas and a blessed year. This past one was hard on me, but I'm bound and determined to make 2006 the best yet.

If anyone is stationed in PACAF or Turkey, let me know. Some of us priors will be going on a tour thru there in April. I would love to see some familiar faces!

LIBBY- I never received an email from you! I am doing pretty good now. I am getting married in May to a saxaphone player in the band. Life seems like it will be exciting once again! Send me your number so I can call you or call me at 478-213-2606.

CHRIS- Your pictures from the wedding are just beautiful!! Several people (Tami, Angie, my parents..) suggested I talked with you to see if you were available to take pictures at my wedding. I was planning on asking you about it and now that I have seen these pictures, I am praying that you will say yes. Can you send me your number or email me?

DONNA- I love you and I promise I will call soon and explain it all to you!!

DODD- I hope I get to tour with you in April!!! Tell everyone I said hello!

ANGIE, DARRYL, TAMI, AARON and LEROY- I am so glad that I have the opportunity to work with you on a daily basis!! You each inspire me in so many ways!! Thank you so much for all you have given to me. You probably don't even know how much I have gained and learned from you. Now, if we could just all get in the same group......

1996 CAST- I know I don't "shout out" often, but I think of you all always!! I can't believe its been 10yrs. It truly seems like yesterday! I hope you are all doing well and I pray that you will have an amazing year! Please write/call me if you can. I would love to know where everyone is living. I work for the Reserve Band, so we travel all over the country and the world. It makes my day to go tdy and see one of you!

BERNIE- You keep popping up in my conversations lately! I hope you are doing well! Drop me a line if you get a chance and let me know how you are and what you are up to.

MS. GLO- I hope you are doing well!

JIM- I haven't heard from you in awhile

KAHLIL- I haven't heard from you either!

1997 CAST- I think of you guys and gals a lot! I have seen/talked to Brenda a few times this past year. She looks and sounds great!! I have also seen Kim and her beautiful daughter!

CHARMAINE- Where are you?!?

JAI- Send me an e-mail and update me about your life!!

EDWARD- let me know how you are doing!!

Alright, I guess this is long enough! Please forgive me if I have forgotten to say hello to anyone!! Know that I think and pray for you all!!

Take Care and God Bless,

Frances

Posted by: Breona Rancher on Sun, Dec 25 at 02:58:02 EST
Toured in: 2006 Selectee

Hello Blue Family!!!

Well, it is an early Christmas day for me, and seeing as I am still awake wrapping presents for my nieces, I thought about you all and wanted to wish you all a blessed Christmas holiday with your families, friends or coworkers, for those that have to work.
Just know that all of you are in my heart and on my mind.

Have a wonderful holiday!!!

'05: I hope you all are pressing on in Korea and having a great Christmas over there!! I am thinking about ya!!

Breona

For the third year in a row I'm spending Christmas at the hospital,,but,,This time I'm a staff member and not a patient.Thank You Lord. May I wish all who are still with us a Very Merry Day, We are all lucky to have had the experiences we've had, and the wisdom and ignorance we've acquired along with our travels. To all the folks out there Merry Christmas and may you be as blessed as I have this Lifetime. TD

Posted by: tammie montgomery on Sun, Dec 25 at 14:02:52 EST
Toured in: mom 02/04

God is so good. Again, another year I have been blessed. Thank each one of you for all your prayers and the love I feel for each of you. I want to wish each of you a very merry Christmas and a blessed new year. And Naybu,,, I love that, yes "Open the eyes of my Heart Lord.. (another one we can do together huh?} lol..
love to all
Momma Montgomery

Merry CHRISTmas everyone! I hope you all had a good day. We had a wonderful day celebrating our 1st Christmas together w/ BOTH of my daughters. My oldest, Alix, didn't have her 1st Christmas last year because we were getting ready to PCS, so today was her REAL 1st Christmas as well as our new additions 1st holiday. Plus, my mom is here and I haven't had Christmas w/ her in almost 10 yrs.
Anyway....
Here is the website for all of you to see our little angel.
www.growingfamily.com
The info needed to type in to view the WEB nursery site:
B-day: 13 Dec 2005 Mom's last name: ROS State: Illinois
Hope you think she is as beautiful as us.
Love ya
Lola

I just wanted to wish a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to:
The AFE Staff and Mr. and Mrs. Edwards,
TIB 05', 04', selectees for 06', and my friends that I have met over the years.

May the next year bring many blessings to you all. And may God keep you all safe in your travels. Peace and Love,
Katie B.

p.s I wanted to send cards again this year, but I got a little wrapped up in visiting family. But you are all in my thoughts. Miss you all. :)

Posted by: Dennis Cameron on Sun, Dec 25 at 23:47:32 EST
Toured in: 2006 Selectee

Hello Blue!
I just wanted to wish everyone a very Mary Christmas and a Happy New Year. I hope evryones holiday season is as blessed as those of us that are 2006 selectees has been.

2006 slectees just think we have got right at a month till we get to go to TX and start our training to be part of the greatest group that the Air Force has. I dont know about you guys but I cant wait I am looking so forward to it.

TIB 05 I hope you are having a great time over in Korea. I hope you guys know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. I can not wait to see you guys when you get back to TX.

Posted by: Gerald.mcmillian on Mon, Dec 26 at 00:05:38 EST
Toured in: 88ss,89ss

Altough I just started playing the bass(2 years), I really appreciate the instrument and what it gives to a song. I own two of them now, a Dean Edge 5 string and a Fender PBass 4 string. You guys have missed a few of the great ones:
1. Nathan East: Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, Fourplay, Whitney Houston, Barry White, Patti Austin, Baby Face(need I say more)
2. Peter Cetera: Listen to his early Chicago. Incredibile licks
3. Donald "Duck" Dunn": Booker T. & The M.G.s Nothing fancy, just great bottom.
4. James Jamerson: There would be no Motown sound without Jamersons licks on just about every hit that came out of Detroit.
5. Randy Jackson (yes the dogg man from Idol): Played on most of the hits that came out of the 80's and even did a album and tour with Journey-"Raised on Radio"
6. Marcus Miller
7. Victor Wooten
8. Billy Sheehan: Steve Vai
9. Larry Grahm: (Nuff Said)
10. Rhonda Smith: Prince

There are so many good bass players. I now listen to the bass lines more than I listen to the melody of the songs. I guess that's why I love country music so much now. I don't really like flashy players, the bass I believe was mean't to hold down the groove. But what do I know, like I said, I only been playing two years. But not bad for a guy who only drove a bunch of great musicians all over the country.

MAC
"the driver"
p.s. Did I mention Bernard Edwards: Chic, Sister Sledge, Rod Stewart.

Sean Carter was highered after World wide and was highered as a male vocalist :)

Hello all...I know I'm a day late, but better than not at all. MERRY CHRISTMAS!! I hope your day was blessed!! Happiest of holidays everyone!!

After silence,that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is MUSIC.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A BLESSED NEW YEAR TO ALL.

TO BE BLUE IS TO BE BLESSED.

On a much sadder note, I'm not gonna be a mommy anymore. For those who would send prayers of peace and healing I would be thankful. I am emotionally numb and my husband Rhett is esp not taking this well. We were farther along than we've been in the past and thought we were gonna be okay - but God has other plans I guess. Christmas was surrounded by friends and there are many caring folks around us. I just want to get back to normal and healthy quickly. Thanks guys.

Much love and hugs,
Becca

I am surprised Mark Sobus did not mention his favorite influence on bass guitar, Kip Winger.
Take care in Iraq Mark.
Paul

Posted by: James A. Green on Tue, Dec 27 at 10:55:19 EST
Toured in: Magic 95FM

Happy Holiday season to all.
Becca, I don't really know what to say, but please know that my love, thoughts and prayers are with you and Rhett right now.
Jeremaih 29:11 is my favorite scripture and it sums it all up.
May the new year bring peace, love and happiness to everyone.

JAG

Becca... My prayers are with you and your entire family!!

JAG... Had to look that scripture up myself recently. Be blessed. Good seeing you earlier this month (with scruffy beard and all!)

Keep praying!
Walt

Prayers for a Blessed 2005 rest of tour & Blessings for 2006 TIB's . I hope Kunsan was a beautiful place to be for Christmas.. I'm missing my daughter just a "bit". I've really enjoyed meeting all the crew behind the 2005 tour.. It takes great & special people to do this tour and I've read hundreds of minds as they wrote on this board.. May God Bless ya'll.
Mom 2005 (Amber 2005) Happy New Year Everyone!!!

Posted by: Christi on Tue, Dec 27 at 17:48:14 EST
Toured in: friend of TIB 04

Hey to all priors!! I am a very close friend of Ricky Hendricks. He toured in 2004 and I am making him a scrap book. I am trying to get pics, videos or etc from the tour he was on. Can anyone help me?? Any information would be helpful

Thanks, Christi

Posted by: Mike TWIN TOWER #1 on Tue, Dec 27 at 23:48:01 EST
Toured in: 50th

Posted by: Mike TWIN TOWER #1 on Wed, Dec 28 at 00:09:23 EST
Toured in: 2003

Hey to anyone who knows, I am trying to plan out my next year, with the intent of tryin gout in 07' But I guess the most important question is Is Cheif still accepting guard troops? If not I 'll be at worlwide to help, but not try outs for me LOL. If anyone can let me know that would be great. Thanks!

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TOPS-IN-BLUE
please come to the site and add pics and comments about your tour or pics from after your tour... just keep everyone upto date on your life...i just created the site so please participate and come back often

Chris B, thanks a million for your hospitality and your phenomenal culinary skills!
Walt, it was great running into you too. Thanks for always keeping it real. You're a great person and my prayers are also with you and your family.
Be blessed now and always.
Merry New Year :-)

JAG

I got the chance to see John Pattatuchi and Brian Blade play with Joshua Redman and Chick Corea at the Clearwater Jazz Fest. Sick man...sick. Period.

Twin Tower #1....

You about 2 1/2 months late with the New Edition on BET! Especially if your talking about the performance from the 25th BET anniversary special!

THAT PERFORMANCE WAS HOT! All of them..YES ALL OF DEM were there!

Ronnie
Bobby
Rickey
Mike
Ralph
and Johnny too!

And they still GOT IT! Nobody moves like NE! Nobody ever will! It don't matter if Bobby is smoked out with twigs in his hair, when he did Telephone Man and then started doing My Perogative... OHHHH WEEEE! That was an early Xmas gift for ALL!

The only one who was shakey (okay, Bobby is ALWAYS SHAKY!) was Ralph. But when your voice is that high, your 36 and your still waiting for puberity to hit, YOU'D BE SHAKEY TOO!"

And let's not start taling about BBD!

"HIP HOP, SMOOTHED OUT, ON THE R&B TIP WITH POP FEEL, APPEAL TO IT!"

For those that do not know (and by now you should) I use to be in New Edition back in the day!

Once you stop laughing and for those who don't believe me check out this site:
http://www.str8silly.com/ne-walt.jpg

PEACE!
Walt
"Neva truss a big butt and smile... that girl is POISON!
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"Ah haaaaa haaaa-ahaaaaaaaya!"

I just wanted to wish EVERYONE a belated Happy Holidays and also wish the best for a Happy New Year from the totally rainy (and almost flooded) Northern California!
My wife and I found out the Thursday before Christmas that we will be expecting another girl in May of 2006! So, I am asking if everyone would please pray for my wife, Sara, since I won't be here when she gives birth.

I can't wait to see everyone again and we are only a month away from the beginning of staging! :-)

JD, Keith, Yoda G, and D. Davies, if you get this, please give me a call sometime this week. Look for my name under the global.

Talk to you all very, very soon!

Hey all!

It's been a long time since I've been on the board, and I wanted to at least post something to let you all know that I'm thinking of you. I hope that all had a very Merry Christmas, and the New Year is even better, and safe! 2005 - hope to see you soon here at Altus! I hope the set is holding up and those barrel drums are taking a good beating! It was fun working on those and the rest of the set!
TIB 94 - Miss you all and love you all!
Sobie, be safe in Iraq and drop a line when you can.....I'm here at your old stomping grounds.....pointers?
Libby - still miss you! Write when you can
Miss Glo - you're still DA BOM!
Chief and Mrs Chief - It was great seeing you in August and hope to see you both again soon! Hope all is well! GO SPURS!
Tiega - Can you play me something in 7/8 time?
K-Hill - YOU DA MAN...........always!
Naybu - miss you man!
SLIM - miss you too!

I'm here at Altus now, and things are good, trying to get a band together, but the punk rockers and country bands are all full. Practice, practice, practice.........technique and rudiments!
Doom doo-whack!

Happy holidays Blue!
Love ya all!

Chris Lawver
TIB 94

Well...I sit here the morning before I plan to see this year's team do their show here at Yokota AB, Japan. Some of the things I read here on the board are hilarious! Some are also solemn. I just want to say a few things:

Remember that when you tour as a team, these people become your family for almost an entire year. I can still smell...(never mind)!

Can we add? 88 + 76 = ? Remember band, it's not how YOU sound...it's how WE sound.

Just one other thing. It's always Karl's fault!!!

peace for the new year.
Karl.

Hello Everyone,

Merry Belated Christmas from Osan! I know I'm late, but as Naomi said, better late than never! :) I had the opportunity to see the team perform and they were great!

Those of us who didn't make it to staging, if you are still interested in trying out next year, please make contact with Mr. Jones for your feedback. I received mine and I'm already doing my homework. :) Remember, nothing was "given" to the ones before us...nothing will be "given" to those to come!

On a lighter note, I wish you all a Happy New Year and may all your dreams come true! :)

All the way from South Korea, God bless YOU!!!

Posted by: Dwayne "Usher" Perry on Thu, Dec 29 at 07:30:50 EST
Toured in: WWTC 03 and 05

Just came through to say Congratulations to the newly selected 06 team!! Special shout out to Breona, Tenisia, Rob Kalert, and Ms. Woolfolk, Glad to see that ya'll came back out and gave it your all... Much love and I look forward to seeing the show...

To the current team, I definitely enjoyed the show when you came out here to Andrews not too long ago and I could already see the growth and positive changes that the tour and TIB have made in your lives.. I love all of you... Hope to hear from ya'll again soon..

All of the priors that have helped make this program what it is today, I simply thank you b/c you don't know how much it affects others lives...TIB, and everyone associated with the program you are truly a blessing...

Who knows maybe I'll join the Reserves and come back out sometime...

Much Love

D

They got sick because they were in a bathroom stall in the midwest somewhere with you giving their condolences. They ended up catching that same stupid virus right before the show. Duh, you BIG Dummy!

I would like to wish all the family a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year. God bless Tops In Blue, And God Bless Chief!! On You!!!

Happy upcoming NEW YEAR! Enjoy the last few days of 2005 you will never have them back. Love you all!

Hugs and smiles,
Becca

Hey y'all... check out www.af.mil and take a look at our '05 folk in action! Go Blue!

-KB

Posted by: Amanda on Thu, Dec 29 at 19:13:11 EST
Toured in: nextyear hopeful

Please help me I am an inspireing Tops In Blue vocalist on Eglin that needs vocal guidance. If you know of or are any one that could possibly help me out please e-mail me at amanda.acrea@eglin.af.mil. Thank you so much and have a wonderful Holiday season.

K. WALTON--I did not get your email--please resend it (about the wedding!)
Ed Jones-- Did you get my email?
Aurturo--My numbers have changed--I am out of the AF now--email me at michaelyoung@earthlink.net

MIKE YOUNG

Attn Erika P. TIB05,

I know it might be hard to keep up with you while you're traveling. Send me an e-mail b4 I leave here ASAP. Does someone still know off the top of their head how to cover tatts?? I need to already start my coverage practice. Thanks !!

Christmas was cool, at least I wasn't at work this year. I'm so nervous, about 30 days or so and we're off to good ol' Lackland again.

Oh yeah, have a wonderful New Year's...for all those who will not be at "Watch Night" service. Just don't go crazy, be safe.

Posted by: Jerry F. Kealler on Fri, Dec 30 at 14:42:54 EST
Toured in: Long A Go

Just a quick shout from the past to wish all of you the healithest and happiest of New Years. For those of you close to home and those far away...Be Safe. Be Strong...and know you are loved and Appreciated for all that you have done and all you are currently doing. If I may aske a favor of some of the Old School Blue I am trying to reach Colonel Gary Smith if anyone can help I would REALLY appreciate any assistance.

RESPECTFULLY

Jerry

Let me try this again. I want to say Merry Christmas, I know that I am a couple days late,what can I say?? I want to send a couple birthday wishes, some are late, please forgive.

Greg Jordan Cash Cross, earllier this month,and today is Percy's birthday!!!
Please be safe bringing in the New Year. Don't nobody send me no bad news.
05 be safe, I'll see you on the flip side.
Chief, Mrs Chief, Ms Jeri, Edward, Terri, Matt,George, Capt M, Bob & Mr Best. May 2006 be your best year ever. I wish you peace, prosperity, and good health

Posted by: Jim Wintermyre on Fri, Dec 30 at 23:52:50 EST
Toured in: 95+AFMDB 97-06

Well, it's a bit overdue, but I'm finally getting around to posting a Worldwide follow-up. Coming in just under the wire while it's still 2005. I suddenly have lots of spare time this week since I'm sitting around the house nursing a dislocated shoulder instead of out snowboarding. Doh! I'll try not to get too "Baby-G" verbose on you, but I might not be able to control myself so take a deep breath. :-)

So here we go. After being in the pit band for 10 straight WW's, you start to see some commonalities. Like the incredible dedication of the staff, and all the priors who come back and give so much to make each WW a success. And the amazing transformation that takes place in the contestants between the time they arrive, and when they hit the stage for their performances. I feel lucky to be a part of it.

Too all the contestants, congratulations on making it to WW. Whether or not you were chosen for the TIB cast, this is an accomplishment to be proud of. Take what you've learned and apply it to your craft, and your life in general.

If you didn't make the cast this year, you probably have a pretty good idea why at this point. Work on what needs work and show up at WW next year ready to show everyone why you need to be on tour.

For those that did make the cast, get ready for the hardest work of your life. And if you get to staging and for some reason it doesn't seem hard (not likely), then you're not doing everything you can to make yourself and the show the best you possibly can. You only get out of it what you put into it.

As far as advice for staging and the tour, I think all the other priors have covered pretty much everything you need to know. I would just add a couple things. First of all, try to avoid drama. There is no quicker way to divide and bring down a team than by introducing drama. Don't gossip about people. If you have a problem with someone, go talk to them and work it out. If you hear a rumor about someone, don't spread it. Get the people involved to talk about it and work out their issues. Make an effort to get to know everyone on the team. As far as performing is concerned, leave it all on the stage, every time. I think it may have been Bernie who said this, but I like it - always perform as if it is your last performance. You never know when it might be.

Oh yeah, and as Kellee said, take care of your techs! Just because you don't have a clue about staging, lighting, or audio doesn't mean it's easy. They are the ones pulling the extra hours to make sure you look good on stage.

OK, now for a few WW shout-outs:

- Thanks to Chief, Jeri, and Barry for bringing me out once again. You know what joy it brings to me to be there.

- AFMDB. What can I say? You guys inspire me to be the best player I can be. You are my brothers, and I look forward to sharing the pit with you every year. But Lorenzo, you gotta work on that Showtune makeup. Get some for Darryl too.

- AFKAS, a.k.a Ed Jones, great seeing you as always.

- TIB05, you all were truly professional. From the show at opening ceremonies, to the various tasks you all had to do during WW, to the final banquet, it was a joy to see you all come together as a team, despite the difficult circumstances.

- Techs, you all rock. You make us all look and sound good! A special shout out to Kellee, my TIB 95 sis who rocked the house with pyro! And glad to hear you got over Marge Simpson-itis. Also, big props to George "The Mantis" Chapman, the only person I can think of who could locate a working 8-track at a flea market for Barry's birthday (not to mention the Barry Manilow/Englebert Humperdink/Village People tapes, butterfly lamp, Etch-A-Sketch, Chinese checkers etc.) while simultaneously doing the "usual" WW tech director duties!

- Speaking of techs, congratulations once again to Brian Bird on the Golden Roger. You deserve it man. Audio in the house!

- Big thanks to the AFE staff, and priors who came back to work on staff. None of this could happen without you making everything work behind the scenes. Although I suspect a lot of the major decisions are actually made by Bob Stork's magic 8-ball wristwatch.

- The team leaders are largely responsible for the transformation we see in the contestants during the week between opening ceremonies and the shows. You guys rocked as always this year. Thanks Libby for clueing me in on everything else you guys do when you're not in the theater (in the band we have no idea since we basically live in the theater), and thanks for the talks.

- The female priors (Tracy, Regina, Erin, Starr, Takeesha) rocked the house this year, both in the individual numbers before each show, and the "Assorted Chocolates" Lady Marmalade finale. It was an honor playing for all of you. (I love my job!)

- In case you missed it when Chris posted it a while back, here's an AF News article about WW:

http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123012962

There's even a nice picture of the one and only Mel Ritz leading a routine in the dance audition. She looks pretty good for 38! (You know I love ya Mel! Great seeing you as always.)

- Speaking of Chris, big props for being crazy enough to, I mean for stepping up to the plate and taking over maintenance of this site. Not to mention taking some amazing photographs at WW (and still finding time to work in a few extracurricular shots for our little surprise bday for Barry).

And a few random non-WW shout-outs:

- Good to see Mikey Young back on the board, with his own unique brand of "humor".

- Happy bday to Teiga!

- Frances, whatup? You must not have been reading your email. I believe the proverbial ball is firmly in your court. :)

I'm sure I forgot several people, so call me out and drop me an email.

Well, that about wraps up my annual WW recap post. Now back to your regularly scheduled postings. Hope everyone is having a good holiday season, and best wishes for a great 2006! My thoughts are with all the TIB family members who are going through hard times right now. I am a firm believer in the saying "everything happens for a reason", though the reason certainly is not always obvious. Good luck in the quest for your reason.

Happy 40th Birthday Mr. Jim Wintermyre! Men your age shouldn't be snowboarding....perhaps that's why you're out with a dislocated shoulder. ;0~

365 days gone by. WOW!! What a year this has been and now it is over. Be blessed in this New Year everyone. I pray for your strength to endure all things, your patience to sometimes just wait, your ability to forgive and let go of things in the past, and I also pray for you to be able to love unconditionally and to receive love the same way.

I would've written something more but I am nursing the flu right now, something I haven't had since Michael Jackson was a "Thriller", Madonna was "Like a Virgin" and Prince was dancing in the "Purple Rain".

I love you all and I thank you for loving me. Be blessed in the New Year, be safe and stay prayerful. May the Peace of the Living God stay with you always.

I WISH YOU HEAVEN,

Edward

P.S. Don't allow this year to just happen. Take it and make it yours.

Mr. Wintermyre- I don't believe I have received an e-mail from you since the the beginning of 2005. SO, tag your it......

Happy New Years to the whole blue+extended blue family. Miss the chaos. Stay true to your dreams, and wish all of you the best.