Helping the Firefighters

Sherry Ruff posted to the Redding Homeschool email list -

"Finally able to make direct connection with the Fireman's base at the Fairgrounds. They would love to receive fresh fruits & vegetables and snacks. They have plenty of water and Gatorade. Due to the smoke, or other reasons, it may not be convenient for you to drive to the fairgrounds, (there's also an issue with security clearance) but would like to contribute to help out and show your appreciation! We will have a couple of SUV's at the K-Mart (Cypress) parking lot tomorrow to collect donations. You can drop off your fresh fruits/vegetables, snacks, cards & signs from 4-5pm on Sunday 6/29. We will then immediately deliver them to the fair grounds. (they're expecting us) I also asked if our children/families made thank you/encouragement cards if the fireman would receive them. She said, "Absolutely, that would be great!" Sorry for the short notice, but this will be a real blessing to the firemen and the staff at the fairgrounds! Drop Off - Sunday 4-5pm 6/29 K-Mart Nursery Parking Lot (look for Fireman sign) Fresh fruits & vegetables Home made encouraging/ T.Y cards from your children don't forget to sign your name (If the West side of Redding is more convenient to drop off call Sherry/Eric @ 242-0325 If the South side of Redding is more convenient to drop off call Angie/Mike @275-1567"

White Chocolate Brownies

Dear Buddy - and Birthday Boy - Bob posted my recipe on his new dedicated-to-good-food website -- Foodwhores.com. (It only sounds naughty.) Click on the Recipe tab...

Shut Up in the Key of G

Most people go to bars to booze it up, hang with their buds, kick up their heels and survey the social scene.

It's a rare barfly who declares: "Man, I'm REALLY in the mood to listen to a couple hours of lyrically intensive songs that I've never heard before. I sure hope a singer-songwriter shows up!"

Shut Up in the Key of G is dedicated to all musicians who've ever tried to be heard over drunks with dice.

Thanks to my in-laws, BobbyLee and Ron, who were spot-on as the rowdy boozers in the background. I married into the right family. And many thanks to Max Friedman, who directed and produced the video - all he asked for in return was a chocolate cake. Oh, yeah, and credit. In writing. Here 'tis.

Shut Up in The Key of G -- words and music by Erin Friedman, performed by Still Married and friends.



The crowd was loud
Slammin' down dice
The band floundered
Through “Tequila Sunrise”
We hit the last chord and we bowed
When a drunk at the back of the room
Gave a shout
“If you’re takin’ requests from us
I suggest ya Shut Up”

Shut Up, Shut Up
The crowd goes wild when we sing
“Shut Up!” they say it
And we’re happy to play it
Shut Up in the key of G
Shut Up
Brings them all to their feet
Ask and you shall receive
“Shut Up” they say it
And we’re happy to play it
Shut Up in the Key of G

You never know
Where inspiration comes from
As anthems go
It’s not “Born to Run”
But it suits us and we’re indebted
We owe the hecklers
Co-writer credit
A rowdy crowd
But fortunately
They kept their shouts
Obscenity-free

Shut Up, Shut Up
The crowd goes wild when we sing
“Shut Up!” they say it
And we’re happy to play it
Shut Up in the key of G
Shut Up
It brings them all to their feet
Ask and you shall receive
“Shut Up” they say it
And we’re happy to play it
Shut Up in the Key of G

We give ‘em our best
Every time they request
Shut Up in the Key of G

(When we perform live, for an all-adult audience, we use slightly different lyrics.)

One of these days, I'll figure out how to post audio-only files, but I've been unsuccessful in all of my attempts. So till then, you get a cheezy music video to go with the tune.