Finding my voice.

This weekend at Tucson Comic-Con reminded me of something very important. I started making comics to tale stories of all kinds to any audience that would listen. I have lost that drive and the passion due to a hectic schedule and a person trying (whether he realizes it or not) to ruin this end goal. It took Tucson Comic-Con to show me that.

Going forward, I am going to take advantage of every opportunity, commit myself to writing at least a page or outline a day and begin submitting a pitch a week to studios. 

I have made this proclamation before, but my resolve is stronger then ever. I have met someone special in my life and her support has been amazing. One she and I will most likely have kids. Do I want those kids to have a father who simply gets up everyday and goes to a job that means nothing to him but a paycheck to support them. No. I want to show them that dreams are achievable, even if it is a couple weekends a year. 

I love comic books. I love film. I love art. I am going to find a studio that believes in me. That believes in my artist. That believes in me like my special someone does. 

We will find or voice. We will find our story a home. We will....

-Tommy

Tommy Needs Your Help!

Howdy, Ya'll.

As Many People know, I write comic books (well... I try to.). Issue two of my book is raising money for it's print run. We aren't looking for a handout, in fact, you get awesome, awesome things in return for your contribution to the cause. In the sense, It's more of a pre-order then anything else.

Here is the break down.

$1-- For this, you get our undying gratitude for contributing and you can have your name included in the book on the "thank you page" for your contributions! (I'm a writer, it's what I can offer with my talents.)

$5-- You will get a signed copy of "Brief History in Time" issue 2 and an ashcan size of issue 1(that way you are not lost in the story) and you can have your name included in the book on the "thank you page" for your contributions! 

$10-- You will get a signed copy of issue 1 and 2 of Brief History in Time. (Issue one will be a standard size comic as opposed to the ashcan size from the $5 reward.) and you can have your name included in the book on the "thank you page" for your contributions!

$20-- You will get a signed copy of issue 1 and 2 of Brief History in Time as well as 2 8.5 X 11 prints inspired by "Brief History in Time" and you can have your name included in the book on the "thank you page" for your contributions!

$30-- Here is where the real fun starts. You will get a signed copy of issue 1 and 2 of Brief History in Time as well as a the Variant cover for issue 2 by Jeff Pina of Sideways 8 Studios. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sideways-8-Studios/352035155472 and you can have your name included in the book on the "thank you page" for your contributions!

$40-- Here is where the real fun starts. You will get a signed copy of issue 1 and 2 of Brief History in Time as well as a the Variant cover for issue 2 by Jeff Pina of Sideways 8 Studios and Caleb (artists of "Brief History in Time" and the other dude from the video) will do a 8.5 X 11 original sketch for you based on one of our books! and you can have your name included in the book on the "thank you page" for your contributions!

$50-- Here is the big one! You will get a signed copy of issue 1 and 2 of Brief History in Time as well as a the Variant cover for issue 2 by Jeff Pina of Sideways 8 Studios and Caleb (artists of "Brief History in Time" and the other dude from the video) will do a 11 X 17 original sketch for you (full inks) based on one of our books! and you can have your name included in the book on the "thank you page" for your contributions!

$75-- Here is the big one! You will get a signed copy of issue 1 and 2 of Brief History in Time as well as a the Variant cover for issue 2 by Jeff Pina of Sideways 8 Studios and Caleb (artists of "Brief History in Time" and the other dude from the video) will include a random page from either issue 1 or 2 of "Brief History in Time"! and you can have your name included in the book on the "thank you page" for your contributions!

You can reserve your copies today at here

We hope we can count on you with our goal of sharing our love of comics, story telling, art and learning. 

thanks,

Tommy.

the truth of it all

the truth of it all

I spoke. she laughed.

Her eyes turned to me.

electricity.

an idiosyncratic moment which can never be repeated.

no. but, why no?

there is no tomorrow for those who live today.

leafs may change as do the color of the heavens.

in you I find a tomorrow.

in me you found a yesterday.

today we find a truth.

A truth that runs deep enough to leave it's mark where no one can see.

it's evidence only appears when fate crosses our path.

oh, yesterday. I remember you well enough to still have faith.

faith, however, is a young man's game and my soul hasn't the time.  

I forgot how much poetry i used to write. It soothes the soul when worldly remedies seem to fall short.  

My response to a comment on healthcare.

Why we need medical reform. My response to a negative feedback I received on Facebook about healthcare. I think it's important.

"I just lived through a very similar situation with my Uncle whom had insurance only to be denied treatment for his disorder because it would not be covered. Forcing him to forgo his work, being a productive member of society and tax payer and get on access to simply be treated. The common misconception of the issue at hand is that it will allow the government to "monopolize" the medical industry. All of us who have been directly effected by the morally corrupt business of health (I'm saying this as a raw, panning generalization) simply want to see regulation. As of now, the medical world is the wild west where business practices seemed to made as they go. Monopoly? What is more of a monopoly? Available medicine being sold at 500% profit and on the rise because you are the only maker and refuse to se the rights for others to make it as well? Thus making a treatment available for more of those who need it.

Regulation and alternative options is all we want. I am a capitalist but I am also a human being. There are countless drugs that have been made that were being sold at a reasonable profit only to have that price skyrocket when it was found to treat more serious disorders. Thus making it unaffordable for their original, niche market and cutting their new demographics market in half by tripling their costs and making it unaffordable when they should have left it at cost, or a small rise because or production cost would be acceptable due to the rise in demand, but profiteering at the cost of human life and their suffering is what needs to be examined. This isn't a republican, democrat or whatever thing. It is a human being thing. The reason that most people are against this needed change or regulation is because they can afford to be sick financially or have no problems medically. Politicians have their insurance provided by the government... Talk about hypocritical... it's like Britney Spears judging talent. Where do they get off?

I don't want private healthcare to go away. I am lucky enough to have a great insurance that covers my health needs. I'm lobbying for those who can't move on from their souls crushing jobs excuses they are tied to their company insurance because they happens to get sick once. For the kid who is suffering ecause their hard working parent(s) can't afford shoes, rent and food let alone a doctor visit and
Or more importantly, being sick should never bankrupt a family or cost them their home.

People who are sick should be treated not exploited!

The system is admittedly flawed right now, but, we are lucky enough to live in a country where are laws are not set in stone. We can amend and adjust until a law or system works.

This shouldn't be political, it should transcend politics, business and personal wants. It's a moral obligation to help. To regain our spot atop the world powers, we first have to fix our backbone, to make people, our greatest commodity, healthy again.

Regulation and alternative options is all we ask for. "We" being the people, whom simply want to do more than breath free. We simply want to breath and suffocate under a mountain of debt because they or a loved one simply got sick once.

I'm now off my soap box."

The Dark Knight Rises Above Expectations

As a long time reader of Batman, I came into this film with very high expectations. High enough to the point that I, along with two friends, drove a hundred plus miles to see this film in the best theater possible. Were my expectations reached? As a fan? Yes and beyond. As a film lover? A couple of issues with editing but that would be extreme knit-picking. I will put it to the reader of this review as simply as possible. The movie was so epic (a word I do not regularly use as a descriptor), on a level that only the Nolan brothers can afford us with a hardy assist from great acting and comic to movie heavy weight, David s. Goyer. In this era of the handy cam, first person film; dark knight along with films like Promethus, the Avengers, Amazing Spiderman and so on, are not only a throw back to the time of blockbusters but a throwback to Hollywood giving us the films we want and deserve. Not films made simply to be released.

I graduated.

I received my diploma today from the University of Arizona. The tactical affirmation that a chapter of my life is officially over.... This was simply chapter two, however. Tomorrow the new chapter of my life begins. A chapter filled with possibility (and a ton of student debt). I can't help but stop and reminisce of everything it took to get here. The drive, the perseverance, the support, the doubt, the trials and the tribulations. Most importantly. The will. I did because of family, friends and desire. I did it in spite of fear, naysayers and myself.

Today marks a proud day for me, my loved ones and my future. I have met my most formidable foe face to face and slew him. With this victory at my heels, tomorrow brings a new more exciting battle of which I am more prepared for.

Thank you to everybody who helped or inspired along the way of my adventure.

-tommy

To my Uncle whom I love...

To my Uncle, whom I love;

                Some of my earliest memories are traveling to my family’s quaint hometown of Hotchkiss, Colorado. A town of a few hundred people and where someone “egging” doors was headline news and if I were ever able to manage to get a date it would be wrong due to the fact I was releated to the entire town in one way or another…

Another memory is sitting around my Grandmother’s home watching University of Arizona basketball with my entire family. Cheering along with every Steve Kerr jump shot, leaping out of our seats with every Chris Mills fast break and finish, celebrating their wins and crying through their losses (I am referring to my beloved cousin Danny on this one). The only times we could hear ourselves talk was when we would all superstitiously sing the theme to Jack Furrier's westernTire Center so the Cats could pull out the victory. The rest of the time we were all muted, lost in the commotion if you will, as were all the commentators. There, above all, was my passionate Uncle arguing, commenting and for all intents and purposes “coaching” at the TV.  Like most adolescent memories, at the time I was annoyed, just wanting to hear the game and the roars of the crowed. Now, as a man, I look back on these times and treasure each moment; each time the ref “needed to pull the whistle from their ass” or “the refs are obviously paid off” are now sacred and sadly finding myself thinking the same things as I watch Pac12basketball.

My Uncle will always play a vital role in my life. I was lucky enough to have two parents who loved me; One affectionately and the other in his own, distant way. My Father, despite all of his faults, is a good man and I have never held anything against him or blamed him for any of my problems or him never being around, mostly because I have never felt I had anything missing from my life or childhood. Those “missing parts of our childhoods that only a father could fix” were never a concern for me. It wasn’t till later that I realized it was because the gaps were filled by an attentive Uncle who loved and treated me like a son. Teaching and playing basketball with me and his own kids, being that loud voice from the stands at all our sporting events that either was cheering us on or telling us to keep our head in the game and even helping me learn to drive a car as well as work on one…. There are many things a boy can only learn from a having a father around… I agree… I am fortunate enough to both have had a father as well as a surrogate one.

One of my faults in youth and now, to a lesser degree, is becoming easily annoyed. Mostly when people give an opinion and refuse to hear or cede that another opinion may be right. My Uncle and I would spend endless time “arguing” over the most inconsequential and trivial things. It wasn’t until years later that I realized that we weren’t arguing but discussing (be it loudly) these touchy topics. Moreover, I may have been arguing but he was always showing me that there are other opinions than my own (as wrong as they may be). These things that I once thought annoyed me are the very same that will make me laugh and smile 10, 20 and 30 years from now.

In 2010, my Uncle was diagnosed with esophageal cancer; another family member falling victim to cancer in my family. He has fought since day one by enduring chemo, radiation and multiple surgeries. Even now, as the final round of his bout approaches the end, he continues the fight.

 I have many heroes. Kevin Smith, Aaron Sorkin,Stan Lee, Robert Kirkman, Orson Welles and more. But chief among them is my Uncle. His strength, thirst for knowledge and love for his family will always serve as inspiration for me.

I wish I would have said all the above more the last 27 years, but I am saying them now. And putting it to stone in the cyber-verse for all to say and, like my Uncle has done for me, inspire all to love, pursue knowledge and understanding and, more importantly, take time to yell at the TV and coach your favorite team on to victory.

Forever your Tommy Two-Shoes,

Tommy

Rescue Lights Album Review.

One of the perks of what I do is that I am afforded the opportunity to find and experience new things and then share them with you good people. Whether it is movies, comic books, gadgets and even music; I can help you discover things going on in your own backyard you probably weren’t even aware of. Help shed light on an artistic culture here in Tucson that you may pass by everyday in your commutes. So here, on the blog I keep (and yes, I am aware I need to keep it up more often) for tandtpodcast.com, I can introduce these things and put them out there for you to go out and discover. In the end though, it is up to you to go out and experience and judge them
for yourself. I can only lead you to the water, as they say.

This last Friday, the 13th of January for those of you playing at home, I ran into an old classmate of mine whilst out and about; a guy that I remember for his love of golf, music and fashionable dress in our high school days. But he wasn’t here as a patron of the establishment. Oh, no. He was there as a performer along with his band mate, Eric Castillo. He is Corey Ferrugia and his band is Rescue Lights.

Rescue Lights

Now, I have seen Cory perform before when his band was known as a Search and Rescue and I have be honest, they were good but obviously a band that was still getting there sound figured out. Don’t get me wrong, they were far from terrible or bad; like most bands, you have to go through a journey of self discovery. After briefly catching up with Cory that night I went home and bought his bands newly released full length album. As I listened to the album, One More Try, I was fortunate enough to see where that journey of self discovery has taken the members of a Search and Rescue/Rescue Lights.

click here to buy Rescue Lights' album, One More Try

Although it probably was not the goal or intention of the band, I was whisked away back to the 90’s and the height of the indie sound that dominated the airwaves. Rescue Lights on their blog and facebook page list their influences as The Script, Augustana, The Fray, Maroon 5 as well as others and that is shown in their songs lyrical styling’s; however, it is bands such as Toad the Wet Sprocket, Soul Asylum and Matchbox 20 that comes to mind as I listen. With all due respect to the Bands Rescue Lights listed as their influence, they are, in my opinion, lacking that all important “indie love of music” sound that I hear in Rescue Lights album, One More Try.

Each track stands alone in its composition and lyrical content yet still follows the general theme of the album which is an element that is often lost in most bands independent releases. Inevitably, there is a few tracks that stand out more than others. The title track, One More Try, as well as Falling Apart both contain strong opening lines that truly draw in their listeners and then go on to paint a word picture that conveys a sense of relatability in their content.

One More Try, as a first full length album, truly does hit the mark as a freshman release. There are some aspects that can ne tweaked to improve the overall sound from a production stand point, but in all honesty, I think it would take away from the overall feeling of the album and make it something completely different and not as relatable and appealing as it currently sits.

I would give it an A-.

One of the better independent albums I have heard in a long time, Rescue Lights should be on your radar when you are looking for live, local music in Tucson, AZ. You can learn more about their music and the band at http://rescuelightsmusic.com/ or at their facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/rescuelights.

You can purchase their digital download cards at varying locations in Tucson or go to their homepage where it is available as well. That’s right, they are going green by not producing a physical album which, to a collector like myself who likes a physical copy in hand, not as satisfying, However, I do reluctantly agree with Corey who said that “this is the future of music”; but I do happily submit that so is groups like Rescue Lights.

Also, be sure to check out http://www.mytownmusic.com/ to learn more about music education in your communities. MyTown Music is a music education program started my Rescue Lights front man, Corey Ferrugia that offers music lessons privately or a classroom setting. They are now accepting lesson requests or bookings to bring live music to you. Be sure to give their website a thumb through.

Be sure to check back with us here at http://thomaskeith51.blogspot.com/ to see what we have in the works over at tandtpodcast.com. Or check out our Facebook and Twitter pages to stay up to date of our going ons.

-Tommy of TandT Podcast!
Tandtpodcast.com
Email: thomas.keith@tandtpodcast.com
Twitter: @tandtpodcast or @thomaskeith51
Search us on Facebook and iTunes: TandT Podcast!
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Good People + Good Music= Awesome Night and Awesome show.

I always hate being the barer of bad news. To be that one who inevitably breaks your heart by revealing an unwanted truth that destroys your world perception. TandT fans... there is no Santa, there is no Easter Bunny and your favorite bands haven't always sold out arenas..

Every band has started out by paying their dues, as it were, by playing any venue that will have them. All to often they played for audiences that consisted of their family and friends as well as the other bands and their family and friends. I don't know about all of you, but there has been countless times that I have stood in complete awe of a band or performer on stage and wondered what would have it been like to have seen them in their early days, to watch the change in their sound back then to now, watch them rise from little to unknown opening acts to having their names written high up on marques and selling out the largest venues across the country. Oh what a feeling that would be to know that, in however small of a way, you were inherently a part of their eventual success simply by taking a chance on them before anyone else did.

This is exactly why we should support local music and venues. To witness art being created right before our eyes, to be present at the ground floor or the creation of something uniquely different and original. Something that 30 years from now we can look back fondly and see "I was there."

All that being said. I was in audience tonight for a local show here in Tucson, Arizona for some amazing up-and-coming bands. Their venue was off the beaten path at the Fraternal Order of Police Hall. A small but nice venue with full bar that was conveniently separated from the main performance hall so that you could step away from the music for a moment if needed. The show started off slow, in fact, myself and my guest were the only people in attendance that were not a member of another band for quite a while. That changed very soon after.

The first band to perform was The Gentlemen Scumbags who announced that were changing their name to No Radio effective as of November 19, 2011.

The Gentlemen Scumbags (No Radio)

I have to say, they won me over quick. They were one of those bands that you knew immediately loved music and playing it. Their sound is not one I can easily describe so I will let you judge for yourself. I was reminded of a early Blink 182, however. I mean that in the most complimentary way as possible. Their energy, their technique and their sense of humor was all top notch. You can listen to them free at their Facebook page through the link above. Out of the allotted  free tracks, I like Narcissists and Socialites as well as Virgo, however, they had a song that they performed live that knocked my socks off. Paying homage to one of the greatest american trio's off all time by performing Destiny's Child's Say My Name. If given the opportunity to see this Tucson trio perform, I suggest you jump on it. Remember, The Gentlemen Scumbags will be known hence forth as No Radio, so keep an ear open.

The Next band was Four Against One

Four Against One

I will be honest... During their first few songs I wasn't to thrilled. They had great energy, but I felt I was watching a group of guys playing separately from one another and not as a group. However! as their set progressed they started to win me over and pushed me over the "fan edge" in their favor when they coverd one of my favorite songs of all time, Say it Ain't So by Weezer. Joining them onstage were several concert goers and The Gentlemen Scumbags who joined in on the performance. I started off as not the biggest fan but was quickly converted. Their energy and fan interaction alone is worth seeing them live so make sure you check their facebook through the above link to keep tabs on their shows. 

The last band I saw was TandT favorite, The Zoo Incident.

The Zoo Incident

We spotlighted this Band in episode 7: Exterminate the Babies at tandtpodcast.com or on iTunes by searching TandT Podcast! By the time of their performance people had started to file into the venue. I found out  shortly after their performance that this was their first live show and, my friends, they did not disappoint! I brought a friend along to enjoy the music with me and so that I would not be alone... Seconds into the first song she leaned in to tell me ".. wow. they sound really good!" and this was dispite the fact there was a loud feedback echoing through their equipment is they played. the feedback was only noticeable in between songs. In addtion to lead singer, Andrea Alaniz's uncanny voice that you would never believe came out of this tiny girls body, you have the smooth and captivating rifts from Guitarists, Alex Hamby. On bass was Chris Bikerdike who stood out in a night filled with very talented bassists. Lastly was Logan Mitchell on drums who sat the tone with intricate drumming that kept my feet moving the whole set. All in all, The Zoo Incident lived up to the very high expectations I had set for them. You can hear them for yourself at bandcamp.com as well as buy their album for what you see fit... but don't be cheap... 

There was a final band who performed; however, I had to unfortunately leave before they took the stage. But! where I dropped the ball you can pick it up. The band was the Debased Eights, so if you hear of a show that includes them, check them out and let us know what you think or listen to them free at their facebook page through the provided link. 

Thank you to all the bands that performed for giving your audience an awesome experience and a show well worth the price! I, for one, can not wait to see any of them again perform live.

Tommy with The Zoo Incident after their show

November 18, 2011 at the FOP Hall Tucson, Arizona

-Tommy of TandT Podcast!

tandtpodcast.com

twitter: tandtpodcast

facebook and iTunes search TandT Podcast!

Exciting Stuff Coming Soon For TandT!

Howdy TandTanites!

So... as teased in the last few episodes, we have some awesome things coming up. First off, Thanks to all those who participated in our charity auction which raised nearly a 100$ for the American Cancer Society. Hey! It's better then nothing and besides, how much have you raised?.. Also, Don't forget to help others as we approach the holiday season, one think you can do is donate your time, money and especially your blood to your local American Red Cross. A single blood donation can be broken down to help 3 separate people and it takes an hour of your time. Be a hero, save a life.

...back to our big news...

We have been teasing merchandise from TandT and it is almost here, I have seen some of the rough sketches and drawings for their designs and Holy Cow! are they exciting! All done be local artists, printed locally and sold be a couple of local guys. So when you buy from us you get awesome apparel and you get to support a local business.

sweet art is coming your way too. The same artists that are designing those shirts are also doing some prints for sell as well. If you like original art that can help your pad, portfolio or print collection stand out you will need to check them out. again, amazing! and a lot more stuff in development.

for our community we are planning on arranging some local shows and events (not just our show recording). We want to help you see and support people far more talented then we and their craft(s).  Music shows, days in the park, charity sporting events to help raise money.

This little thing was started one night by "throwing our hat over the wall" or, in the parlance of Kevin Smith, "going where the puck is" has already exceeded my (our) wildest exceptions. 6 episodes in and we are rapidly approaching 1,000 downloads! all with no advertising or campaigning outside of social media and word of mouth. I was a self-described "lost" individual in regards to my place or station in life for a long time; I love film, I love music (despite Troy's claims) and love art and all that encompasses but never new how I fit into any of that. Then I discovered Podcasts like Smodcast, Tell'em Steve-Dave!, Nerdist, Hollywood Babble-On, WTF and so on; suddenly, I started to make sense of what I was supposed to do; I found the medium for my artistic outlet. All those shows I mentioned deserve full credit for inspiring me to pursue all this. Thank you, Kevin Smith and fam, Chris Hardwick and co, Marc Maron and cats...

biggest thank you of all goes to my co-host, Troy. If I hadn't met you this would all still be an idea. You do something that only a few others can, make me genuinely laugh.

getting a little bitch-like, I know. I just celebrated my Birthday on the 1st of November and for the first time in a long time I am perfectly happy with my spot in life... I could use some booty... :)

Keep checking back for updates, events, new shows, shirts, prints, mouth hugs from Troy, Josh will wash your car, I do windows... Just Keeping checking back!

-Tommy of TandT Podcast!
@thomaskeith51 on twitter

TandT Charities

So... as mentioned in our last show, A New Hope?, we have some big things in the works and some images to show you for our upcoming charity auction. 

These auctions will support the American Cancer Society . 

The first item we have for auction will be a signed copy of Zero Hour by the band Tongue Dried Sun's lead singer, Paul. 

also, there is  a copy of Versus the Mirror album Home that is signed by the bands Guitarist, Gabe Borquez.

For our comic book fans here is an Amazing Spider-Man #304 signed by artist Todd McFarlane. McFarlane is often credited with the artistic changes in Spider-Man that gives the character we know today; His limber poses, more detailed webbing and the creation of Spider-Man villain,Venom

The last item is a signed University of Arizona basketball. Signatures  include hall of famer Lute Olson, NBA players Mike Bibby and Jason Terry. Former NCAA Tournament MOP Miles Simon and more.

Now, I would like to share a photo and a story to help provide some perspective on why TandT is putting this auction and hopefully more in the future....

 This is a younger, Tommy. Hanging out with his cousin. Most people know their cousins but I was raised with mine to the point we were more recognized as being siblings. Often introducing eachother to people as brothers or sisters. The person behind me is my oldest cousin, Elizabeth (Liz). She was the antithesis of the "All-American Girl". Team Captain of her High School basketball team, cross country team, drum major of her schools marching band and some how found the time to also be her graduating classes salutatorian. After graduation she set off to achieve her dream of becoming a School Teacher by attending the University of Arizona where she was a proud member of the schools marching band. She played Tuba, simply because "you never see girls playing tuba."

During her time at the University of Arizona she also married her "high school sweetheart" and seemed to be on her way to her dream future. A journey which started with very humbled beginnings.

I will never forget the day she came over to my house to talk to my Mother (who, for all intents and purposes was her Mother as well). Liz had been taking a basketball class at school and being one who would never be outdone was a very physical player. So bruises were never an uncommon occurrence with Liz. Lately they had been taking longer to go away and eventually not going away at all.

After finally going to the Doctor at the request of her husband, in-laws and immediate family; Liz was given a diagnosis that changed the course of her life and all those around her.

I am 26 now, but the words that I heard my mother tearfully share with me when I was 10 still resonates with me everyday; "Tommy. Liz has Leukemia...". I still feel the hug she gave me. A hug only a Mother can give when she has a child that is hurting and sick and you have no way to make it better. Of all the moments in my life, that was perhaps among the most defining. It was a testament to the connection my Family once had. Even though we have all gone our separate ways, I know that many of us would drop everything if one of us were to be truly in need.

Liz, through her whole struggle, never truly complained, cursed her bad fortune or even felt sympathy for herself or asked for empathy by others. In fact, one of the only moments I truly remember her crying over her illness was when she was told she would never be able to donate blood with the American Red Cross again. That moment could not have been a more pristine example of the person she was. It was never about her. it was about those she could help, touch or inspire; most of the time she did all those things without even knowing it. She fought this cruel disease boldly and bravely. We were all be her side, even shaving our heads as a family so she wouldn't go through it alone.

Cancer is similar to a title fight. Often consisting of several rounds and all the drama that goes with it. You trade a few punches, who has the upper hand and sometimes you get your opponent on the ropes and have the victory in site.

Liz fought like a champ against her illness. Fought to the point where they found a donor for a bone morrow transplant. I have never met the person who was the angel that gave Liz that second chance at life; if I ever were too, she would feel the embrace that my mother gave me so many years ago. Cause she was as our angel in a time where hope was fading for everyone but Liz.

Liz did not waste her time after her transplant and finding out she was in remission. Getting up, going out working for her beloved American Red Cross. "Just cause you can't donate, doesn't mean you can 't do your part" I remember her saying to me once. She lived her life to the fullest in this time frame.

Like a title fight, however, having someone on the ropes is never a guarantee of victory. Liz's opponent fought back. Fought back with a vengeance. Her illness came back and attacked other parts of her body. I stayed many nights with Liz. Leaving school to go to the hospital, doing homework, sleeping then I would go home and shower and go back back to school  only redo the cycle again that night. I slowly watched her decline. Her body breaking down, her mind slowly fading and the spark in her eye that allowed her to fight this monster everyday eventually go out...

Elizabeth Pace-Hill left us Febuary 7, 1997; just two days after her 22nd birthday.

Even in death though, her spirit, inspiration and legacy was apparent. I have been a part of too many funerals in my life and I have never seen the turnout and love shown that day. The chapel, so full, many of the attendees had to wait patiently outside for their turn to pay respects. Former teachers, principals and classmates shared each others shoulder to cry on. friends of friends lined the walls, all sharing a moment that they shared with Liz. Away from the service she was honored as well; her basketball number hung for all to see and to inspire the players at her formal High School on to their victory. In her 22 years on this earth she touched and influnced so many lives that her true impact couldn't be appreciated until her all to early death.

Everyday that I attend the University of Arizona to complete my degree in History to one day teach, every moment that i worked at the American Red Cross to help recruit new and returning donors, every time one of us in her family proudly wear the number 51 that Liz loved so much and every time we doubt ourselves only to have that voice in the back of our heads that sounds strangely like Liz say "you can do it" are all unshakable testaments to the impacts she still has had on our lives. The likes of which are only seen once, if we are lucky, in a life time.

Liz's story is simply one of the many reasons that we at TandT Podcast! want to have these Auctions to raise money to combat this killer known as cancer.

I know this was a little "heavy" or "real" but it is a story that needed to be shared. With your winning Bids you get the gift of knowing that you are helping save someone like Liz and are getting really cool items that people are kindly enough to provide to help us out with these TandT charitable auctions.

When the Items are up on our eBay account we will notify you via Twitter (@tandtpodcast) or facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/TandT-Podcast/282527071757533) and on our show now availiable on iTunes (http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/tandt-podcast!/id469999092)

Thanks, for reading and for your future bids.

you can support our show by subscribing on iTunes, following on Twitter and "Liking" on Facebook.

-Tommy

On iTunes!

That is it... we are on iTunes now. search "TandT Podcast", Download, Listen, Love and Repeat...

So, It beigns....

Since as far back as I can remember I have wanted to create and understand. Understand all that has come before me and use that knowledge to create something new. I was blessed with a few things in life. I have a good family, great friends and enough passion to fill the grand canyon. My problem has always been motivation, that drive to take an idea and see blossom into something greater than even I had hoped it could be. I have friends who are far talented and more driven then I, at least this is what I believe. It has always been my goal to work along side them all in some capacity to create a network of avenues where we can all showcase our individual talents.

The four things I love are sports, comedy, comics and movies; the two things I am good at is generating content with my endless ability of gab and my passion for this new venture. I always have an opinion and I try to make it funny or insightful and at the very least informative. I want to write and discuss films, sporting events, things that make me laugh, things that frustrate me, comic books (new and old) and anything that strike my interest.

I have friends that have always inspired me but I just don't think I have ever equally inspired them in the past. I hope this changes soon with the launch of a new podcast and blog site of which I am the owner Co-founder and host of ( tandtpodcast.com ). Along with my friend Troy we want to entertain ourselves our friends and anyone else along the way.

Here is my promise to you (the eventual viewer and listener). We will always be us... whatever that means to you... because we will change, as is evolution and adaption. We will do this as long as we can and the interwebs will have us. it is currently the 9/17/2011 11:57PM. as the cliche goes... tomorrow truly is the beginning of a brand new day... Please, God. Don't let us screw this up....