Building A Better Dave

I'm trying to learn new things as I try to "better" Dave.  The one thing I think I stink at is quitting.  I've been thinking about quitting things. You can only take so much right? I was watching the movie "Rocky Balboa" (not horrible).  There was a great scene in the movie.  In the movie, Rocky is talking to his son and says, "It ain't about how hard you hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.  It's about how much you can take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done. Now if you know what you're worth then go out and get what you're worth, but you need to be willing to take the hits." So as I watching the movie, and the exercise equipment I was using broke. I went upstairs to take a shower. They are working on the water system in the neighborhood, and you guessed it - NO WATER. To this I say, Is that all you got life? You think you can get me down? I'm answering the bell. Quitting is not my strong suit, and I'm not going to start now. My biggest problem is I have a woman

OK, it's official. I don't understand women.  Today I return to one of my favorite topics which is how men and women are so different. Here are some topics: Nails: I don't know a guy who picks a woman based on their nails, but women love to do their nails and comment on other women's nails. Listening: Guys are used to fixing things that are wrong. We are used to taking action. For a guy to listen to 2 minutes of complaints and then do NOTHING and by doing NOTHING something is FIXED. I don't get it, but its true. Cat Fights: Put women in a room and they will scratch each other eyes out. Put guys together and they will work together to find a television set. My School has purchased a new WEBCT program with 30% fewer features. My tuition money at work.

Before we even set foot in Fat Fish Blue in Downtown Cleveland, I knew what to expect. You see a large female soul singer (who happened to be African-American)  was going to be on stage. I told the nurse (my girlfriend), "This woman will follow the large soul singer formula and sing about grinding it to a nub.  We weren't there 10-15 minutes and she starts a song about "Sleeping with one eye open because her man won't leave her alone." Your honor, I rest my case.  I also made up a couple of songs I might expect to hear including, "I think I done broke it off in me..." Now it's just my opinion. These seem like lovely people, but I'm not really into watching a 270+ lb woman grind on stage. It's just not my thing.   Speaking of great soul singers, I end the show with a cut from the Podsafe Music Network (music.podshow.com) featuring Shameka Copeland (www.alligatorrecords.com ) "Breakin"

This year it was interesting as the conductor at the High School said "Happy Holidays" and someone from the audience shouted out MERRY CHRISTMAS. The audience laughed. Today we have a very special guest who chimes in with some tips for NEXT year around the holidays (or really ANY day). 1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home.  They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year.  I know, they tell Me all the time. 2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally.  They just need to know that someone cares about them. 3. Instead of writing George complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year.  Then follow up.  It will be nice hearing from you again. 4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them.  Te

Today  I tell the story of Christmas Eve. For a child this was known as “Hours of Torture” followed by some presents. The “finish line” of the waiting for presents was Grandpa (better known as POPO – “poe poe”) reading the Christmas story. So when my Grandparents left of to go live with relatives in Texas I had my Grandfather read the Christmas story into a cassette tape. I had lost this tape for years. I really thought I had lost it. So I have received a great present this year by having the voice of my Grandfather back in my life after many years of absence. Welcome to the Podcast POPO. Merry Christmas everyone. Thanks so much for listening.

My Grandfather was one of the first people to have an artificial tree. He had a unique way of decorating it. It sticks in my mind even though it was so many years ago.

Today is Day #9 in the Twelve DAVES of Christmas. Today I talk about how we turned the tables on our parents and had a Surprise for them when they woke up. This is a tradition that would take a horrible turn in the near future (tomorrows show). But it did teach me that it doesn't take much to stand out in a crowd.

Welcome to another installment of "The 12 Dave's of Christmas" (#8 for those keeping Track) Today I'm going to do something I've NEVER done in any of my 100s of podcast episodes. I'm going to SING. It's a Christimas song about the true meaning of Chrstmas. It's me, a guitar, and a microphone (and a touch of reverb).

Yesterday I talkeds about Surprising your parents on Christmas. As I got older I took this to a new dimented level. I would talk pictures of my parents as they took their first steps out of their bedroom (yes that's really my Dad). Nothing like facing a flashbulb at 6 in the morning.

OK, We all have stories of odd gifts. However, looking back these many of my "unique" gifts came from family members who lived out of town and saw me once or twice a year.  I could've won an Oscar for my performance "Best Faking of Appreciation" role. MUSICWhat Child is This from Jimmie Bratcher (www.jimmirbratcher.com ) from the Podsafe Music Network (music.podshow.com ) This podcast originates at www.betterdave.com

Welcome to day #6 of the "12 Dave's of Christmas"   When Santa's line got too long the genius staff of Chapel Hill Mall in Akron, Ohio decided to invent "Archie" this 3 stories tall snowman to talk to kids (who would then relay all information to Santa). Hmmm... back to the drawing board. Music from Jimmie Bratcher from the Podsafe Music Network at music.podshow.com This show originates from www.betterdave.com

http://www.betterdave.com/ is the home page of the Podcast.  Welcome to another installment of "The 12 Dave's of Christmas" I talk about the spooky basement with the hand grenade, the shell, and the doorway to hell. A great place to play on Chrismas day. Music: "what child is this" by Jimmie Bratcher from the Podsafe Music Network (www.jimmiebratcher.com and music.podshow.com )

While my Grandmother was sharp as a tack into her 90's, the woman could not pick out a Christmas tree to save her life. One weekend every year my cousins and I would get together to "Decorate the Christmas Bush." It had old lights, old ornaments, and an old toy soldier that we found to be quite fun. Music "What Child is This" by Jimmie Bratcher from the Podsafe Music Network

Welcome to Building a Better Dave "12 Dave's of Christmas" where today I talk about the joy of waking my parents up when myself (and my brother and sister) had found out that Santa had come! Music "What Child is this" from www.jimmirbratcher.com and the Podsafe Music Network. 

Today I talk about the excitement when Dad would bring home a new LP of Christmas music. For me, I love warm, cozy music. The albums would have different artist but eventually, someone would bust out the horn section and blast my head off. Happy Vegas Christmas - no thanks My favorite Christmas album of all time is Harry Belafonte "To Wish you a Merry Christmas." It's so good it was remastered and released as "Harry Belafonte Christmas" with some additional songs. My Merry Christmas from Geoff Smith (also from PMN) Buy the CD at CDBaby . The opening "What Child is this" by Jimmie Bratcher.

Welcome to the “12 Daves of Christmas” where over the next 12 days I will be relating Christmas themes memories. Today I relive the tale of almost decapitating my cousing Kevin. Please note this picture is not my Grandpa’s Hill (his was steeper).

It's been a while. I had to prepare for and then take my final exams and my first semester at Akron University is in the books. FINALLY. Get ready for "12 Daves of Christmas" coming tomorrow! Dave tells about a fun trip to eat at Friendly's. Now we can't complain about children in this restaurant, but if you can't hear yourself think, it's time to take some action and THE NURSE STIKES BACK. MUSIC from the Podsafe Music Network (music.podshow.com ) Hello Operator www.hellooperatormusic.com "So Free" BUY THE EP AT CDBABY.COM

Show #55 from http://www.betterdave.com/ I've been saying "It's going to Get Better" for quite a while. "The Nurse" and I were coming to a crossroads if something didn't change, and we got some great news in regards to my college career (and how long it will last).

NOT ENTIRELY WORK SAFE I'm amazed at the generation gap when it comes to college kids. I guess I was weird as I grew up listening to everything. I listen to Benny Goodman, Glen Miller, Harry Belafonte, The Beatles, etc. Today's kids don't know who Fleetwood Mac is.  Oh, I'm sorry I mean "The Fleetwood Mac." I HATE THE DOORS (I believe this is part II on this subject). I couldn't do enough drugs for this to be good. New Podcast "The Logical Weight Loss" podcast at www.logicalloss.com Holiday shopping? www.supporthisshow.com This show originates at www.betterdave.com

The dumbing of America, Teen Pregnancy is now invading my life. I share my thoughts on the subject and what is possibly some of the reasons. Parents still bitter from a divorce want to prove they are the "cooler" parent and in the process throw their child under the bus. Children know that their parents feel bad about the divorce and play on this guilt to get everything they want. I am entitled to this because you screwed up my life by divorcing my other parent. We end up with a society that thinks they get to do whatever they want. There are consequences. There ARE consequences. Yes, it is your fault. No deal with it. Quit using your kids as a weapon, and quit playing your parents against each other. MUSIC Music from the Podsafe Music Network http://music.podshow.com http://www.patmcdermott.com Pay the Price by the Scotty Meyer Band www.scottymeyerband.com Going Shopping? Please Support the show at www.supporthisshow.com Our website www.betterdave.com