Learning How to Sleep In

Some time ago, say seven or eight years ago, I started working nights at a bar in my hometown of Kokomo, Indiana. Those early formidable months of working till 3AM, going to classes in the morning, and making sales calls during the day for the burgeoning record label... are when my horrible and (what may be described by others) record-setting sleep habits first formed.

Somewhere in my genetic coding or up-bringing I was never blessed with the genes or real desire to sleep-in. Perhaps it's through learned behavior from watching my mother, up well before it was time to leave for school, cleaning the kitchen, or finishing laundry while making breakfast for my brother and I. Somewhere along the line of my fervent 29 years of existence, sleeping-in never became a necessity or a desire (that often). For most of my twenties I've lived sleep deprived... never catching more than an average of 4 hours a night for as long as I can remember. [Embarrassingly, I am writing this entry after working for 10 hours until 3AM and waking at 7:30 to start the day and finish up some art layout for a benefit compilation release on my record label.]

Of course, there are days that it catches up with me and I crash. Those occasions are rare. Although as I creep closer and closer to adult-hood proper the crashes happen more often, and my concern for this unpleasant sleep habit grows more troublesome.

Over the past year I've noticed that I can no longer function on only a long afternoon naps-worth of sleep. My constant urge to catch the morning news while accomplishing minor housekeeping tasks before 10AM is starting to counteract adversely with my overall productivity, health, and demeanor. Just like many people experience while trying to function on less sleep than usual - as this seemingly 'borrowed' time starts to accumulate the effects become more pronounced.

All this sad tale told, I'm starting a new practice of sleeping habits. A few weeks ago after some 40 hours of slinging drinks in a week coupled with the day-to-day workings of a weekly radio show and record label tasks - I crashed hard: 23+ hours of sleep obtained in 2 days. That's nearly 6 days of sleep based on my most recent track record. This was the first sign that my record-setting lack of sleep career was nearing an end.

I'm going to teach myself to get more sleep, or at least rest more. I've already started. I'm taking more time off from slinging drinks than I ever have. I'm setting my alarm clock less frequently (although I didn't often need an alarm to hop up at 8AM and start the day). I find myself succumbing to the coziness of a couch, a movie, and my wonderful girlfriend more often. Things are changing for this bearded gent, and I can only imagine that a more regular sleep schedule will serve to counteract the lack of productivity, month long colds, and the "Uncle Fester" bags I've acquired under my eyes.

In the coming weeks I'll keep this blog updated as I continue trying to learn how to sleep in. Perhaps I've chosen the perfect season to attempt this great feat. The days are shorter, it's nearly always dark and dreary out, and much like our furry brown bear pals... it's great hibernating weather.

Get Organized: Is A "Smarter" Phone The Answer?

Over the past few months I've been trying to get more organized with deadlines, upcoming shows to promote, my work schedule, release dates and events. I've utilized the calendar function on my outdated Blackberry Curve, the calendar function on my too-good-to-be-true iPod Touch, a pocket date book, and sometimes small tidbits of paper stuffed in my pants pocket. Nothing seems to be effective.

I've been reading reviews of different Droids and smart phones offered by my cellular phone provider, but the more dependent on an all-in-one option that I become the more I really want to abandon the notion of upgrading and escape to some wooded cabin and only communicate by mail. Conflicting feelings I suppose. As my need for more technological gadgetry increases, my desire to be so connected decreases.

I've maintained an opinion that cell phones have been driving us away from normal inter-personal communication for some time now. I have become a victim of the dependence on text messaging and email messaging, and for a long time I rarely placed a phone call to anyone. I'm hoping that as I strive to get away from my text-heavy ways, a new phone can help organize my day-to-day while I start to use a cell phone for it's intended purpose: making calls.

A Brief Encounter With "Ralph Malph" - actor Don Most

This past weekend the record label I'm a part of, Standard Recording Company, had the distinct pleasure of hosting a private party for opening night of The Heartland Film Festival here in Indianapolis. Days prior to the event we heard rumors of Gary Sinise being in town for a film about his band, and countless other noteworthy directors and actors that could potentially show up to our musical mixer. We were, without a doubt, extremely hopeful to rub elbows with at least one or two.

Mid-way through our party there was a buzz amongst the crowd that "Ralph Malph" from the hit TV Series Happy Days was inside enjoying the party. Busy with organizing the band performances, meeting directors, and keeping my beer glass full, I couldn't quite lock eyes on the red-haired celebrity. 

I soon found myself outside of the event to bask in the cool Fall air and relax for a few seconds, but before I could even mutter the words "Sit on it, Malph!", I was face to face with actor Don Most - a proverbial American icon in most regards, a star of countless television shows throughout the 70's, and now an attendee to the Standard Recording Company / Heartland Film Festival After Party. In quite a shock I stared directly into his eyes with a smile that completely encompassed my bearded face and said, "Woah! Thanks for coming Don! It's great having you here at our party!" to which he replied through an equally vibrant smile, "Yeah, great! Thanks!" And that was it. 

Looking back on the encounter I wish that I had asked him to pose for a photo, or asked him any number of oddball trivial questions about being on Happy Days or about the film The Yankels which he was in Indianapolis to promote. Alas, all I could do was smile and mutter a fragmented sentence towards him. All in all I'm really excited to have met him in person, and since the event I've told nearly every person I've come in contact with. Though an appearance by Gary Sinise would have really sent me over the top this week, having met "Ralph Malph" was just as exciting.

Even more interesting for this bearded gent is that within just a few short days after meeting a cast memeber from Happy Days another American icon from that show, "Mr. Cunningham" actor Tom Bosely passed away. During the media coverage on the day following Mr. Bosely's passing, the CBS Morning Show interviewed Don Most from a Los Angeles affiliate station. [watch the video by clicking here.]

My Favorite Things: Yellowstone Nat'l Park Webcam

This past August I took a trip to Yellowstone National Park with my wonderful girlfriend. It was my first trip there (and to Montana and Wyoming), but her 3rd or 4th time in the largest national park in the United States. Since we've been back I've developed a horrible habbit.

Prior to the trip and on several occasions I would catch her on the computer looking at webcams from the YNP website. The first time I experienced this I thought nothing of it. The 5th time, I made fun of her for it. The 10th time I called her ridiculous, and every time after that I laughed.

Then we went to Yellowstone together.... and now I visit those same webcams everyday. It's become an obsession. There's something very magical about that park, those mountains, those animals, and that fresh mountain air. Yellowstone is an amazing place and I will soon post a full wrap-up/travel blog about our trip.

In the meantime, feel free to visit the Yellowstone National Park Webcam site (and make fun of me if need be).

Meet The Foxymorons

Meet The Foxymorons, a duo based in Texas/Tennessee that have been producing great music since the mid-90's... and their style & sound is very indicative of their roots.

Currently on their 5th release, Bible Stories, these fellas blend nearly everything I love about Wilco-ish and Robert Pollard-ish sounds... while putting out a great album with amazing songwriting and fervor.

Add to that, on top of making really awesome music - David Dewese started a pretty nifty clothing company called American Viceroy that sells (what they call) a "uniform for creative living".

Clever dudes with clever music. Click the link below to here a few tracks courtesy of the bands website:

The Foxymorons - "Out of Control" [mp3]
The Foxymorons - "Skinny Cow Blues" [mp3]

Who's This Guy - Standard Kevin

Before we move too far along in our relationship; you and I - perhaps I should introduce myself a little better. I am Kevin Phillips, aged 29, born and raised in Kokomo, Indiana. A thriving metropolis in north central Indiana between corn fields and auto parts factories. I have lived in Indianapolis for 6+ years and pride myself in loving this city and its (sometimes hard to find) treasures. I currently live on the near south side with my wonderful lady-friend and an over-spoiled cat named Neko.

Full disclosure: I am 1/2 of Standard Recording Company - an independent record label working with countless Indiana and Midwestern bands, promoting rock shows from time to time, and generally trying to export Indiana music as a commodity to people who "enjoy that sort of thing". The record label also hosts a community radio show on WITT 91.9FM - Indianapolis. The Standard Variety Hour airs every Wednesday from 6-7PM. I also spend most nights at Locals Only Art & Music Pub as a bartender, self-appointed manager, and all-around music fan.

Listen to Denison Witmer in a Living Room

On Friday October 8th in Indianapolis a magical event will be taking place: a living room concert by long time artful crooner Denison Witmer (Philadelphia, PA). Witmer is on a living room concert tour of sorts and is gracious enough to make a stop at Standard Recording Co.'s main "headquarters" (ahem, house-office).

Denison is a masterful and insightful songwriter and balladeer. He has toured through Indianapolis and most of the country several times in his long-served career.

A few tickets are still available for this very intimate event and purchasing information and other details are available through the Undertow Music Collective.

The Life of Bartending: Cheap Therapy

Perhaps it's the beard, or the age-old fact that people come to bars to drown their sorrows - but after 7 years in the bar-tending industry... I've heard it all. The establishment that I sling drinks at provides the unique opportunity for me to have a regular crowd of sorts in the early evenings and most nights a completely foreign crowd by 10 o'clock at night during a musical performance.

What is it that drives us to visit our local watering hole to drown our sorrows and catch the ear of a kind bartender? We've all been guilty of it at some time in our adult drinking lives. Is it the fact that a bartender is usually a guaranteed captive audience? It's always been interesting to me; seeking the sage advice of a barkeep.

The true test of patience comes when I get hit with the (what I like to call) "Open Couch Night". Akin to the process of an Open Mic Night - the Open Couch Night occurs on any night when two or more patrons are eager for your attention simultaneously. Sometimes there might as well be a sign-up sheet at the door.

Those seeking advice are easy to spot. They've likely been in before to chat, and in this occurrence they typically (and magically) end up on opposite ends of the bar. Depending on my attention level and the number of people in or around the bar, I can see it in their eyes... "it" being that need to talk to me or have me hear them work things out on their own. Either way I try my best to oblige and entertain their rhetorical questions. At times it is very difficult balance all of it, and sometimes I've heard stories and problems from people that I wish I hadn't.

Fortunately, most nights I can (like my professional accredited counterparts: therapists) leave their problems at the bar when I leave.

Fall Has Arrived: Let's Make Chili!

Earlier this week the cool temperature and falling leaves provoked me to make chili for my wonderful girlfriend and I. A bit of a preface - back when I ate beef I would make chili all Fall/Winter long, but two years ago when I stopped eating beef.. I'll have to admit, my chili making days have been numbered to few.

This week re-lit the chili spark and I gathered up the supplies to make a great turkey chili. Here's the low down:

• 2 large cans of diced tomatoes (those containing garlic & onions are a plus)
• 1 can of kidney beans
• 1 can of black beans
• 1 can of chili beans (choose your spice level)
• 1 to 2lbs of ground turkey (if you want it super meaty, go crazy)
• 1 large can of tomato juice
• 2 cloves of minced garlic (or your favorite garlic powder substitute) 
• chili powder, parsley, bay leaves, thyme, oregano, and liquid smoke

Brown the turkey in a skillet with some olive oil, garlic, a fair amount of pepper, and a tablespoon of liquid smoke. (I usually like to add liquor or wine at this point, for this session I added a shot of Jose Cuervo tequila). Add the turkey to a large cooking pot/soup pot and set the temperature on Med-High. Add all canned ingredients from above. Add 2 or 3 whole dried bay leaves, or a palm-full of dried flakes. Also add several pinches of parsley, thyme, and oregano. Adding chili powder is completely at your discretion (start small).

Once the soup begins to roll or boil, cut the temperature to low/simmer for 30 minutes. Check the pot a few times. The soup is now ready to eat and will be even better the next day as the flavors have time to mingle. Top with saltines, shredded cheese, and sour cream (or spice it up with diced jalapenos).

Feel free to share your own chili recipe in the comments below.

The Bearded Man Has Moved

About a year ago I started a blog titled The Bearded Man's Unsolicited Views on Life. It didn't go very far. Maybe the title was just too hokey. Maybe I just didn't want to blog. Well, welcome back.. me.

Know More Beards is a new blog with no specific genre. I'll blog about food, weather, travel, culture, society, local Indianapolis happenings, music, and maybe more. It's free form at its finest (or worst). I hope someone reads it. Either way, this blog is the first step of many steps towards becoming an adult (turning 30).