We're very excited about Rick because he brings a wealth of experience and is very high on fundamentals. He brings energy and ideas and believes, as I do, that we can have success here.

Everything we do really stems from being record collectors rather than musicians. I suppose that's where we're basically different from most bands. When we started, we were fairly heavily inspired by hip-hop from a production perspective because of the way a song is constructed with breaks. That's something people weren't really doing with pop tunes at the time, and it seemed like an obvious way of making music without having to learn how to play an instrument, which had always been my dream.

We got word that they're looting on Jefferson Highway, which is our neighborhood. We've quit worrying about the water. Now we're worried about the looting.

nothing to complain about, and a lot to be thankful for.

I knew him a lot of years in grade school,

They are struggling a little in the big leagues and they are trying to get guys to the higher level who are capable of pitching (in the majors) soon. Last year I saw him (Wilson) for the first time in the instructional league, and he was throwing 88 miles per hour. He came up here throwing 95, 96 and has hit 97 at times. He's a hard worker and he's making the most of his opportunity.