The Kids Are Alright (Mostly)

Last night, Eric and I went to Paul Brown Stadium, er, Paycor Stadium, to see the Bengals in preseason. We have season tickets now so we were also checking out all the folks around us who we'll be spending the season with and everyone seems great.

There is a family with many children seated one row behind us. The kids are probably in the 8 - 10ish age range. When Bon Jovi came on the stadium loudspeaker, they had no problem loudly singing all the words to "Livin' On A Prayer." (I sang too!) This comforted me. Their parents are teaching them right! Also, thank goodness the pre-season is worthless in the overall NFL standings. #GameWasUgly #NotManyStarters

WE BACK 😎 pic.twitter.com/wt64UAatQb

— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) August 12, 2022

Sunday's Best: Week 22, 2022 - Farewell Alec John Such

Our Sunday's Best today is a sad one - according to a Twitter post on the official Bon Jovi account, bassist Alec John Such has died. Right now, there is no cause of death or many other details.

Such was a founding member of Bon Jovi and left the band in 1994. Such was an underrated bass player and a huge part of the band's early hits.

Alec, you will be missed pic.twitter.com/ilfTeYyQhR

— Bon Jovi (@BonJovi) June 5, 2022

The Difference Between Jon Bon Jovi and Vince Neil Live

Bon Jovi is on tour right now. By all accounts, a lot of the shows are sounding rough. Looking through YouTube, it is hard to disagree with this. Jon Bon Jovi has been pretty upfront, talking about how hard Covid-19 hit him and it messed up his voice and stamina. Bon Jovi is doing live songs in a lower key these days and that is good.

Now, Jon does not sound as rough as Vince Neil but I have seen some comparisons online. That isn't fair because there is a major difference here: it is pretty clear Jon is still trying as hard as he can and Vince... doesn't. I have seen Motley Crue live in concert more than a dozen times and Vince Neil solo a whole bunch too, so it isn't like I'm not a big fan. I'm just calling a spade a spade here. For my money in 2022, I would choose Bon Jovi over Motley Crue live, even knowing both singers are struggling these days. What do you think?

Bon Jovi Raises Money For Ukraine

Like Pink Floyd (see yesterday's post), Bon Jovi is using their name and collective fame to raise money to help the people of Ukraine. The band recently performed “We Don’t Run” while on tour. The performance is part of Global Citizen's humanitarian efforts. You can donate through the Global Citizen link. You can also help by donating through Impact Your World.

82.4 million people globally have been forced to leave their homes due to conflict, violence, persecution, or human rights violations. #StandUpForUkraine and ensure that they get the support that they need now. @glblctzn

Full Performance & Info: https://t.co/JOyqnC3YIV

— Bon Jovi (@BonJovi) April 8, 2022

The #StandUpForUkraine Social Media Rally STARTS NOW!

Join artists, athletes, advocates, & Global Citizens all around the world as we use our voices to fight for refugees in Ukraine and in conflict areas globally.

Here's how you can join 👇 https://t.co/PFlIykunOj

— Global Citizen ⭕ (@GlblCtzn) April 8, 2022

Jon Bon Jovi Turns 60 Today

Today is Jon Bon Jovi's 60th birthday and this just makes me feel old. Bon Jovi is still hot but during the glam heyday, he was just drop dead gorgeous. Basically every woman I've ever met thinks Jon is one of the most attractive men on the planet! Now I'm early 40s middle aged and he's... old? Or older? I do truly believe age is just a number and you are only as old as you feel. Still, seeing the tweet from Bon Jovi (below) kind of felt like a gut punch to me.

Of course, I had to pop on some classic Bon Jovi to celebrate. Off I went to Amazon music and immediately pulled up Slippery When Wet. Such a great album. "Wanted Dead or Alive" is one of the single best rock songs ever recorded. It is definitely a top 5 "road song" across every genre. Plus "Never Say Goodbye" is a totally underrated power ballad. I hope Jon has a fabulous birthday celebration, worthy of a multi-zillionaire.

The happiest of birthdays and lots of love to the one and only, @jonbonjovi!! Leave him some birthday love in the replies! 🥳 pic.twitter.com/4bhyu9OBJD

— Bon Jovi (@BonJovi) March 2, 2022

In Honor of His 60th Birthday, 20 Incredible Throwback Photos of Jon Bon Jovi https://t.co/Xsqu0rpw6y

— People (@people) March 2, 2022

Happy Valentine's Day, Hair Metal Fans

Are you going out tonight for Valentine's Day? Perhaps you are staying in. Eric and I don't really celebrate these sorts of holidays, so there is nothing special planned in our household.

Perhaps you'd like to have a throwback Valentine's Day, complete with a homemade mixtape (ok, Amazon playlist) of great power ballads for the one you love. Here's some choices for a great power ballads list.

• Metallica, Nothing Else Matters
• Aerosmith, Dream On
• Whitesnake, Is This Love?
• Extreme, More Than Words
• Bon Jovi, Always
• Van Halen, Can't Stop Lovin' You

"Three things shall last forever — faith, hope, and love — and the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13:13

From our family to yours: Happy Valentine’s Day! 💕 🐾 🐈 pic.twitter.com/h6jBuDy9ro

— Jill Biden (@FLOTUS) February 14, 2022

Just In Case You Hate Love Songs

Valentine's Day is Monday... and on Monday, we'll talk love and power ballads. But today, here's a list of anti-love songs. Bon Jovi is on the list. So is Def Leppard and Nazareth and Judy Garland. Yes, it's a diverse group. The song choices are all pretty great. Do you have a favorite anti-love song?

Here are 15 of our favorite anti-love songs to escape Valentine's Day delirium. https://t.co/8MLExZy7zI

— billboard (@billboard) February 11, 2022