Keith Allen's blog

The Hives said it right: "Fall is just something that grownups invented"

The fall is nearing and if you have children, sports and Scouting and karate and other activities have you running all over the place.

It’s hard to stop and smell the roses as you shop for Capri Suns for your sons’ post-soccer game drinks after you quickly fill up the minivan or sports utility vehicle in between trips across town. And in between, you’re trying to get relatives and friends to pitch in $20 or so to give one or more of your children’s organizations fund-raising money.

Take me to a higher place: Congratulations to SV school for its blue ribbon award

Do you remember elementary school and the teachers you had?

I remember Mrs. Summerfeld and my 21 weeks of perfect spelling in her class. I remember my fifth-grade teacher, Mrs. Bruce, who cried every time she read the ending of "Where the Red Fern Grows."

Can’t we all just get along? Story about beliefs, community worth a listen

There are some days when the radio is just in the background. Then there are those when it catches your ear and says something to you.

Are you ready? Sharing a few notes about tunes and a movie

It’s been a quick summer, and the school and work days are back to normal with Labor Day not looking too far away right now.

So, I’ve compiled a few musical notes and movies that I’ve enjoyed recently and think that are worth sharing.

"Are You Ready?"

The Suburbs: Vision, music behind why I like Arcade Fire's new album

Arcade Fire have built a reputation as an indie rock band that keeps its focus on creating great music.

They’ve done just that with their new 16-song album, "The Suburbs."

Stormy weather: Monsoon is a beautiful time in Arizona

Arizonans have heard for years that drought is upon us, but the monsoon can help us forget it all for a little while.

The buildup of clouds provides drama in the sky with shades of gray, bringing anticipation and anxiety that something exciting - a storm - may be headed your way.

The lightning flashes as it zigs and zags to the ground, creating a burst of quick light that rivals any big Fourth of July show.

The catches: Two tosses from big leaguers reach my mitt

Like many American boys, I never turned down a chance to play catch with my dad.

We’d go into the back yard and start tossing the baseball. He’d throw fly balls, grounders, and line drives that I’d have to catch over my shoulder while I tried to mimic my outfield heroes Willie Wilson and Brian McRae.

Now I have sons and we throw the ball, too. I try to do all of the things that my dad did for me, hoping to teach them a thing or two. My boys do well.

Electric: Landon Donovan's return to the pitch in U.S. a magic moment

For the rest of my life, the Fourth of July in 2010 will be unforgettable because my family and I got to see the best soccer player in the United States make what felt like a triumphant return from the World Cup.

Say it ain't so: LeBron's showtime disappointing

As I read the chatter about NBA baskeball star LeBron James and where he was going to go in free agency, I was rooting for him to stay home.

Why not? I didn’t have anything in it, and Cleveland needs a sports positive after years of being shoved to the wayside. And the Cavaliers have been close to that for the past few years.

Yet again, Cleveland lost out.

Kids alright: Teenage Fanclub continue to shine in maturity

I remember the first time I saw Teenage Fanclub on television. They were playing "Saturday Night Live" and played "The Concept," the 1991 hit from their breakthrough album "Bandwagonesque."

The long-haired band members played loud guitar parts mixed with quiet, reflective vocals that seemed out of place in the noisy grunge era.