This one...
It's really good song from a great album. Pet Sounds was a landmark recording. A lot of good cuts including this one, and really, the inspiration for the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper Lonely Hearts Club Band. Plus, there's a theremin during the hook section of the song. Very cool!
This one...
When I hear this I think of Euro Disco for Men's Club only! J/K I got love for everyone! But really, I just wanted an excuse to post this song up. Feel it, feel it! Seriously, love him or hate him, without this song Marky Mark would just be a New Kid drop out, but I have to give it up, he parlayed it into something beyond any expectations. Without this housed-out faux hip hop by a white dude hit, we would have this...
Yes, you said it. No Boogie Nights. This might have been the highlight of his career, but it was a damn good movie. Roller Girl and all. Julianne Moore's Red Bush, Cannonball Run Guy, and the funny Step Bro dude (John C. Reilly).
My favorite scenes of the movie. You can see the Walberg's range here...
Short Documentary...
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Friday, March 05, 2010
uses of a Wiimote
I've always wanted to own a theremin. It's this musical device that you don't touch. It works like some kind of proximity sensor and depending on your hand movements and distance from the device, it can be used as to emit musical notes. I don't know how it exactly it works but just watch the sample videos. I looked up theremins on ebay and you can find a decent one for $199.99 but after stumbling on some videos, I found the perfect alternative...
Zelda!
Star Trek!
Zelda!
Star Trek!
Friday Cover of the Day... J Church on Radiohead
Welcome to a new thread I hope to keep up. Everybody loves covers, especially me. Today we have a cover from one of my favorite bands of another great band.
J Church is one of my favorite bands. Lance Hahn, the heart and soul of J church(RIP) was an SF transplant via Hawaii and eventually Austin, TX-bound was on a hardcore band Cringer. Once Cringer disbanded, Lance and one of his bandmates started up J church, named after a bus line in SF. J church was different from Cringer's hardcore punk style and adopted the east bay punk style popularized by many of the Lookout act's. JC, put out many albums, 7's and EP's over the years until Lance succumbed to kidney disease.
The song, they covered was Radiohead's Creep. They're first hit that put them on the map. Radiohead really doesn't need and intro so I'll get on with this post.
JC is known to make alot of covers and when I saw that they did this, I thought it was really well done. The rhythm guitar is well done (Lance was usually the lone guitarist). Here's to the 3 minute pop punk cover!
J Church is one of my favorite bands. Lance Hahn, the heart and soul of J church(RIP) was an SF transplant via Hawaii and eventually Austin, TX-bound was on a hardcore band Cringer. Once Cringer disbanded, Lance and one of his bandmates started up J church, named after a bus line in SF. J church was different from Cringer's hardcore punk style and adopted the east bay punk style popularized by many of the Lookout act's. JC, put out many albums, 7's and EP's over the years until Lance succumbed to kidney disease.
The song, they covered was Radiohead's Creep. They're first hit that put them on the map. Radiohead really doesn't need and intro so I'll get on with this post.
JC is known to make alot of covers and when I saw that they did this, I thought it was really well done. The rhythm guitar is well done (Lance was usually the lone guitarist). Here's to the 3 minute pop punk cover!
Caffeinated Nation part Deux
Starsucks is pretty damn good. Peets is really pretty damn good. Ritual is pretty good as well minus the hipsters. Blue Bottle is the SH*T! Man, The Ethiopian Yirg is excellent. Robust, yet delicate. Chocolaty scent with floral aftertaste. Damn, talk about complexity! I stopped by during lunch to pick up a half pound of the Temescal Blend. Look forward to trying that sometime soon.
Friday, February 19, 2010
RAAAAAAAAAANDY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Aziz Ansari is my new favorite brown comedian. Funny as hell. I first noticed him on Human Giant and then caught the first few episodes of Parks and Recreation. I wanted to see him on his Human Glowlight tour but none of my friends wanted to go so I ended up canning the idea. I regretted it. He's touring again and the shows sold out. I waited for the green light from my wife. I snooze, I lose. Recently he's released a DVD. That's the closest I'll get to seeing him for now.
His delivery is high energy and rapid fire. He's got a swagger and confidence to his delivery so that even the joke is subpar, you'll chuckle and he'll be ahead already by 3 jokes before you know it. His material is somewhat semi-clean, and for his more adult material, he has an alter-ego with hip hop DJ sidekick to go along with it. He's adopted second stage persona from his role in Funny
People as Randy.
Here's a clip from a small role in Observe and Report. Embedding was disabled so click this link here
Here's a stand up set from his Human Giant co-star. Freakin' Hilarious!
As the fruit guy stand in Flight of the Concords.
A clip from the DVD:
AZIZ ANSARI IS A FUCKING BAD ASS!!!!!!! (You'll get it if you watch the middle clip)
His delivery is high energy and rapid fire. He's got a swagger and confidence to his delivery so that even the joke is subpar, you'll chuckle and he'll be ahead already by 3 jokes before you know it. His material is somewhat semi-clean, and for his more adult material, he has an alter-ego with hip hop DJ sidekick to go along with it. He's adopted second stage persona from his role in Funny
People as Randy.
Here's a clip from a small role in Observe and Report. Embedding was disabled so click this link here
Here's a stand up set from his Human Giant co-star. Freakin' Hilarious!
As the fruit guy stand in Flight of the Concords.
A clip from the DVD:
AZIZ ANSARI IS A FUCKING BAD ASS!!!!!!! (You'll get it if you watch the middle clip)
Monday, February 08, 2010
Caffeinated Revelation
So I've been on a coffee drinking rampage, enjoying all these new and different coffees from a over the world thanks to places like Starbucks and Bay Area's own Peet's. I had a revelation walking my dogs with my wife on First St. in Benicia on Superbowl Sunday. (Missed the first half)
We passed by Duvall's Coffee Roasters and noticed they were open. So we decided to check it out. They had similar robust offerings to what you could find from Peets, like coffees from Sumatra, which I've been drinking a lot of lately. (Peet's Blue Batak is heavenly)
I met owner Marty Duvall and he was in the middle of roasting process. It was very interesting and educational. I saw his roaster in action, waiting for the popping sound, which is what similar to what popcorn does when you heat it up. What you're looking for is that first series of pops, and then the second series. What I discovered is that depending on how long you roast (which is indicated by the increasing darkness of the coffee bean) determines the complexity of the taste of the coffee is when it is brewed. He mentioned that he buys his green coffee (coffee that is unroasted) from Royal Coffee, a wholesale importer and distributor. Problem is that I'm not in need of 100+ lbs. bags of unroasted coffee, which will probably go stale before I go through it all. I ended up buying a 1lb bag each of the Sumatra and Tanzania Pea Berry already roasted.
I went home and did some research. Then it dawned on me. Homeroasting! Yes it is a little labor intensive (not that really) and it only gets as difficult (and/or expensive) as you make it. You can spend hundreds and thousands of dollars on all the expensive equipment you need, but you don't necessarilly have to. I stumbled upon a website and a local small business called Sweet Maria's. They're here in the East Bay, they sell green coffee from all over the world WAY below the cost of what you'd pay anywhere else. I just may have found myself a new hobby, and an affordable one at that. I have yet to try it out but the prospect of it seems really exciting. More to come...
We passed by Duvall's Coffee Roasters and noticed they were open. So we decided to check it out. They had similar robust offerings to what you could find from Peets, like coffees from Sumatra, which I've been drinking a lot of lately. (Peet's Blue Batak is heavenly)
I met owner Marty Duvall and he was in the middle of roasting process. It was very interesting and educational. I saw his roaster in action, waiting for the popping sound, which is what similar to what popcorn does when you heat it up. What you're looking for is that first series of pops, and then the second series. What I discovered is that depending on how long you roast (which is indicated by the increasing darkness of the coffee bean) determines the complexity of the taste of the coffee is when it is brewed. He mentioned that he buys his green coffee (coffee that is unroasted) from Royal Coffee, a wholesale importer and distributor. Problem is that I'm not in need of 100+ lbs. bags of unroasted coffee, which will probably go stale before I go through it all. I ended up buying a 1lb bag each of the Sumatra and Tanzania Pea Berry already roasted.
I went home and did some research. Then it dawned on me. Homeroasting! Yes it is a little labor intensive (not that really) and it only gets as difficult (and/or expensive) as you make it. You can spend hundreds and thousands of dollars on all the expensive equipment you need, but you don't necessarilly have to. I stumbled upon a website and a local small business called Sweet Maria's. They're here in the East Bay, they sell green coffee from all over the world WAY below the cost of what you'd pay anywhere else. I just may have found myself a new hobby, and an affordable one at that. I have yet to try it out but the prospect of it seems really exciting. More to come...
OK I'll eat it...
So the Colts lost. Big deal. I got to give it up to the Saints, they were just a little hungrier. Just as a disclaimer I will say that I am NOT a Indy fan. First and foremost, I'm a NINER fan. The Saints did a great job, coach Payton and QB1 Brees did a great job this season. Just look at the road to the superbowl. The had to go through Favre, Warner AND Manning. Three QB giants slain in a row. Statistically, Manning is one of the best and it is debatable that he may be best ever. The numbers are there. Winning another superbowl would have cemented him as being one of top 3-5 and move him closer to BEING that, but I'm not sure if that may ever be the case. Look at his last superbowl win and who was his opponent? Rex Grossman of the Chicago Bears?!!! Barely a challenge! Plus, they ran the ball with Addai and Rhodes which contributed to their success. Manning had a great regular season, and tore up D's with a rookie head coach; some say that he was the mastermind behind most of the wins this year leaving the coaching staff to coast. But in this game, he threw a costly interception.
Real story here is Brees. He has really come to his own. Dumped by San Diego only to be picked up by New Orleans. This win is truly a masterpiece. A great regular season topped off with a incredible difficult road to to the superbowl. This has to be one of the best since the Joe Cool's Niners during the 80's.
Which leaves me to this, Joe Montana, won a college championship in at Notre Dame, he's been to 4 superbowls, and NEVER lost. Not only was he good, he was clutch, and undefeated in the big game. That makes him the best QB ever in my book. 'nuff said.
Real story here is Brees. He has really come to his own. Dumped by San Diego only to be picked up by New Orleans. This win is truly a masterpiece. A great regular season topped off with a incredible difficult road to to the superbowl. This has to be one of the best since the Joe Cool's Niners during the 80's.
Which leaves me to this, Joe Montana, won a college championship in at Notre Dame, he's been to 4 superbowls, and NEVER lost. Not only was he good, he was clutch, and undefeated in the big game. That makes him the best QB ever in my book. 'nuff said.
Friday, February 05, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
2010 Comedy to start of the new year...
One of my favorite comedians ever. I didn't watch his show regularly because back in the days it was past my bed time. Now that I'm older, and he's taken over Tonight show I haven't watched it past the 3rd episode. He hasn't been that funny lately, but when drama ensues and 'ol Conan is pushed against the wall, he's dead on fire funny. Funny like a madman in hell. Recently, NBC has been pushed back into a corner, the evil boss, looking stupid while we watch closely to see what their next move is. To those that aren't aware, since Leno left he's gone primetime and Conan has taken the reigns, and perhaps it will come to end at 7 months due to stupid suits making the decisions at NBC. Conan was offered the ultimatum to go back to his late night spot, and 30 minutes at that... What an insult! The man is a proven winner and more importantly, he's paid his dues. Today he posted a statement discussing his situation and it has all the hallmarks of a Conan monologue. Funny, respectful, and self deprecating as ever, it's a big F.U. to NBC. The show tonight is still going on and it will be interesting.
People of Earth:
In the last few days, I've been getting a lot of sympathy calls, and I want to start by making it clear that no one should waste a second feeling sorry for me. For 17 years, Ive been getting paid to do what I love most and, in a world with real problems, I've been absurdly lucky. That said, I've been suddenly put in a very public predicament and my bosses are demanding an immediate decision.
Six years ago, I signed a contract with NBC to take over The Tonight Show in June of 2009. Like a lot of us, I grew up watching Johnny Carson every night and the chance to one day sit in that chair has meant everything to me. I worked long and hard to get that opportunity, passed up far more lucrative offers, and since 2004 I have spent literally hundreds of hours thinking of ways to extend the franchise long into the future. It was my mistaken belief that, like my predecessor, I would have the benefit of some time and, just as important, some degree of ratings support from the prime-time schedule. Building a lasting audience at 11:30 is impossible without both.
But sadly, we were never given that chance. After only seven months, with my Tonight Show in its infancy, NBC has decided to react to their terrible difficulties in prime-time by making a change in their long-established late night schedule.
Last Thursday, NBC executives told me they intended to move the Tonight Show to 12:05 to accommodate the Jay Leno Show at 11:35. For 60 years the Tonight Show has aired immediately following the late local news. I sincerely believe that delaying the Tonight Show into the next day to accommodate another comedy program will seriously damage what I consider to be the greatest franchise in the history of broadcasting. The Tonight Show at 12:05 simply isn't the Tonight Show. Also, if I accept this move I will be knocking the Late Night show, which I inherited from David Letterman and passed on to Jimmy Fallon, out of its long-held time slot. That would hurt the other NBC franchise that I love, and it would be unfair to Jimmy.
So it has come to this: I cannot express in words how much I enjoy hosting this program and what an enormous personal disappointment it is for me to consider losing it. My staff and I have worked unbelievably hard and we are very proud of our contribution to the legacy of The Tonight Show. But I cannot participate in what I honestly believe is its destruction. Some people will make the argument that with DVRs and the Internet a time slot doesn't matter. But with the Tonight Show, I believe nothing could matter more.
There has been speculation about my going to another network but, to set the record straight, I currently have no other offer and honestly have no idea what happens next. My hope is that NBC and I can resolve this quickly so that my staff, crew, and I can do a show we can be proud of, for a company that values our work.
Have a great day and, for the record, I am truly sorry about my hair: it's always been that way.
Yours,Conan
Well said and with class!!!!
The icing on the cake, he'll be at sfsketchfest in January. I was lucky to score two tickets! I couldn't get the Doogie or Reno 911 sets. =( I'll settle for Conan. It's a good 2010 so far....
Still haven't seen Avatar yet. I'll try sometime this week.
People of Earth:
In the last few days, I've been getting a lot of sympathy calls, and I want to start by making it clear that no one should waste a second feeling sorry for me. For 17 years, Ive been getting paid to do what I love most and, in a world with real problems, I've been absurdly lucky. That said, I've been suddenly put in a very public predicament and my bosses are demanding an immediate decision.
Six years ago, I signed a contract with NBC to take over The Tonight Show in June of 2009. Like a lot of us, I grew up watching Johnny Carson every night and the chance to one day sit in that chair has meant everything to me. I worked long and hard to get that opportunity, passed up far more lucrative offers, and since 2004 I have spent literally hundreds of hours thinking of ways to extend the franchise long into the future. It was my mistaken belief that, like my predecessor, I would have the benefit of some time and, just as important, some degree of ratings support from the prime-time schedule. Building a lasting audience at 11:30 is impossible without both.
But sadly, we were never given that chance. After only seven months, with my Tonight Show in its infancy, NBC has decided to react to their terrible difficulties in prime-time by making a change in their long-established late night schedule.
Last Thursday, NBC executives told me they intended to move the Tonight Show to 12:05 to accommodate the Jay Leno Show at 11:35. For 60 years the Tonight Show has aired immediately following the late local news. I sincerely believe that delaying the Tonight Show into the next day to accommodate another comedy program will seriously damage what I consider to be the greatest franchise in the history of broadcasting. The Tonight Show at 12:05 simply isn't the Tonight Show. Also, if I accept this move I will be knocking the Late Night show, which I inherited from David Letterman and passed on to Jimmy Fallon, out of its long-held time slot. That would hurt the other NBC franchise that I love, and it would be unfair to Jimmy.
So it has come to this: I cannot express in words how much I enjoy hosting this program and what an enormous personal disappointment it is for me to consider losing it. My staff and I have worked unbelievably hard and we are very proud of our contribution to the legacy of The Tonight Show. But I cannot participate in what I honestly believe is its destruction. Some people will make the argument that with DVRs and the Internet a time slot doesn't matter. But with the Tonight Show, I believe nothing could matter more.
There has been speculation about my going to another network but, to set the record straight, I currently have no other offer and honestly have no idea what happens next. My hope is that NBC and I can resolve this quickly so that my staff, crew, and I can do a show we can be proud of, for a company that values our work.
Have a great day and, for the record, I am truly sorry about my hair: it's always been that way.
Yours,Conan
Well said and with class!!!!
The icing on the cake, he'll be at sfsketchfest in January. I was lucky to score two tickets! I couldn't get the Doogie or Reno 911 sets. =( I'll settle for Conan. It's a good 2010 so far....
Still haven't seen Avatar yet. I'll try sometime this week.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Pixies Day 3
Word of the day: AWESOME
It was the last night of the Pixies sell out performance at the Fox Theater. Just like to previous nights, the bside warmups as well as the doolittle sets were identical. Even the banter. Elected spokeswoman, Kim Deal navigated us through the set list as if it were a cassette tape, letting the crowd know where they were at on each side. Each night, she proclaimed how beautiful the Fox Theater was, and it is. And yes, it's in Oakland. Long live the East Bay. I envisioned running into Joe Santiago and agreeing to go to Guitar Center to go buy some strings. Taking Frank Black to Bakesale Betty's and booking him to do a solo mini tour with me as his booker here in the bay. And maybe go get some feijoada at Brazil Cafe' or hit a Burrito truck in International Blvd. Ask Dave Lovering to perform some magic for me and have tea with Kim Deal and tell her how much I love her voice that it reminds me of my french bulldog, Surfer Rosa. (Yes, I love the Pixies that much)
But none of that happened. And it probably never will. (Sniff.) But I did get to see them aqain, and three times at that! My wife is probably tired and mad at me for making her go to all 3 shows. I did ask some other close friends but none were available. It pains me that a lot of people don't know about them, or how good they are. As plain and boring as they appear to be, not having the lively stage presence, that say Billie Joe of Green Day or charisma of Joe Strummer, or chatty personality like Bono of U2, I truly believe that they are one of the greatest bands that never got the paid (till '04), never got the notoriety, or acknowledgement (till now) and I wonder would they ever get inducted. Here's my push. They deserve it. They've influenced countless bands, some of them really crappy and get more acknowledgement and airtime. For an independent band that never got its due, they can really pack a place. LoudQUIETLoud, documented the reunion. The Pixies reunion was labeled the Sell Out Tour. Literally, they sold out. And they got the money paid, and it was well deserved. And it doesn't make me mad. The inner punk screaming SELL OUT, is ok with it. Like most working stiffs like you and me, this is their profession. Maybe its more glorious, but with their catalog, nostalgia and aging audience, and hipness to the new hipsters makes it all work in their favor, especially during these tough times. I can sympathize with that. To put it perspective, pre Reunion days, Kim Deal's one hit wonder band Breeder's has made more money to date that the 15 years of the Pixies existence, minus the reunion years. Dave Lovering was down and out. His father died of cancer during the reunion, and you can tell that all this was taking a toll on him. Kim, the recovering addict, triumphant at conquering her demons, put her differences aside with Frank Black, enabling this to all happen. Joey Santiago, married with children often the only bridge of communication, even though years passed between talking with each other, admitted that doing this could guarantee his children's education and better quality of life. And lastly Frank Black, usually quiet, as Kim does most of the banter between songs, is still the man behind the curtain. I refer to Black Francis, as the working showman, artist, musician. The Catholics, going solo, all this material could have been Pixies material, if the clash with Kim didn't occur. But time heals all things, and above all, money talks. In the end, you have everyone else who is happy as hell that they're back and still here to rock. A little bit slower, a little bit older, and some cases, a little bit bigger, figuratively speaking! Here is something all those cute, stupid 3 chord punk pop, emo-core bands can't contend with. This is what real music is and should sound like. This is the greatest band you've never heard...
And November 11th, it was at the Fox Theater in the Biggity 'O'!
Like I said before, 2/3rds of the show was the same. With the elaborate video set (indicator when a band is getting big with all the visuals) I never got tired watching Monkey's Gone to Heaven. Man I love simians.
At the end of the 1st Encore, each night, they ended with Into the White, and the fogged the entire venue as if they were trying to bug bomb all the hipsters that were leaving early. Kim Deal's voice is so pleasantly sounding to me, it's the voice I envision my dog Rosie having if she were able to speak.
To top it off, they ended it with Bone Machine, Broken Face, Isla de Encanta and Where is My Mind? Surfer Rosa tracks. Although each show clocked 1.5 hrs it felt all too short. Watching 3 shows in all, was enough to satiate my appetite for pixieness and in the end, I was satisfied. And a little bit sad. Will they ever release any more material? Another album maybe? Only time will tell. Hopefully it will happen.
Here's some songs I wish they played:
Winterlong
UMASS
In Heaven
It was the last night of the Pixies sell out performance at the Fox Theater. Just like to previous nights, the bside warmups as well as the doolittle sets were identical. Even the banter. Elected spokeswoman, Kim Deal navigated us through the set list as if it were a cassette tape, letting the crowd know where they were at on each side. Each night, she proclaimed how beautiful the Fox Theater was, and it is. And yes, it's in Oakland. Long live the East Bay. I envisioned running into Joe Santiago and agreeing to go to Guitar Center to go buy some strings. Taking Frank Black to Bakesale Betty's and booking him to do a solo mini tour with me as his booker here in the bay. And maybe go get some feijoada at Brazil Cafe' or hit a Burrito truck in International Blvd. Ask Dave Lovering to perform some magic for me and have tea with Kim Deal and tell her how much I love her voice that it reminds me of my french bulldog, Surfer Rosa. (Yes, I love the Pixies that much)
But none of that happened. And it probably never will. (Sniff.) But I did get to see them aqain, and three times at that! My wife is probably tired and mad at me for making her go to all 3 shows. I did ask some other close friends but none were available. It pains me that a lot of people don't know about them, or how good they are. As plain and boring as they appear to be, not having the lively stage presence, that say Billie Joe of Green Day or charisma of Joe Strummer, or chatty personality like Bono of U2, I truly believe that they are one of the greatest bands that never got the paid (till '04), never got the notoriety, or acknowledgement (till now) and I wonder would they ever get inducted. Here's my push. They deserve it. They've influenced countless bands, some of them really crappy and get more acknowledgement and airtime. For an independent band that never got its due, they can really pack a place. LoudQUIETLoud, documented the reunion. The Pixies reunion was labeled the Sell Out Tour. Literally, they sold out. And they got the money paid, and it was well deserved. And it doesn't make me mad. The inner punk screaming SELL OUT, is ok with it. Like most working stiffs like you and me, this is their profession. Maybe its more glorious, but with their catalog, nostalgia and aging audience, and hipness to the new hipsters makes it all work in their favor, especially during these tough times. I can sympathize with that. To put it perspective, pre Reunion days, Kim Deal's one hit wonder band Breeder's has made more money to date that the 15 years of the Pixies existence, minus the reunion years. Dave Lovering was down and out. His father died of cancer during the reunion, and you can tell that all this was taking a toll on him. Kim, the recovering addict, triumphant at conquering her demons, put her differences aside with Frank Black, enabling this to all happen. Joey Santiago, married with children often the only bridge of communication, even though years passed between talking with each other, admitted that doing this could guarantee his children's education and better quality of life. And lastly Frank Black, usually quiet, as Kim does most of the banter between songs, is still the man behind the curtain. I refer to Black Francis, as the working showman, artist, musician. The Catholics, going solo, all this material could have been Pixies material, if the clash with Kim didn't occur. But time heals all things, and above all, money talks. In the end, you have everyone else who is happy as hell that they're back and still here to rock. A little bit slower, a little bit older, and some cases, a little bit bigger, figuratively speaking! Here is something all those cute, stupid 3 chord punk pop, emo-core bands can't contend with. This is what real music is and should sound like. This is the greatest band you've never heard...
And November 11th, it was at the Fox Theater in the Biggity 'O'!
Like I said before, 2/3rds of the show was the same. With the elaborate video set (indicator when a band is getting big with all the visuals) I never got tired watching Monkey's Gone to Heaven. Man I love simians.
At the end of the 1st Encore, each night, they ended with Into the White, and the fogged the entire venue as if they were trying to bug bomb all the hipsters that were leaving early. Kim Deal's voice is so pleasantly sounding to me, it's the voice I envision my dog Rosie having if she were able to speak.
To top it off, they ended it with Bone Machine, Broken Face, Isla de Encanta and Where is My Mind? Surfer Rosa tracks. Although each show clocked 1.5 hrs it felt all too short. Watching 3 shows in all, was enough to satiate my appetite for pixieness and in the end, I was satisfied. And a little bit sad. Will they ever release any more material? Another album maybe? Only time will tell. Hopefully it will happen.
Here's some songs I wish they played:
Winterlong
UMASS
In Heaven
Pixies Day 2
After the first show they were selling bracelets to buy the live recordings online and I got to meet the owner of Abbey Road, formerly Disclive, Zach Blair. I was familiar of Disclive because I bought the Coachella set, Newport Acoustic Set and the SF shows from 2004. He hooked it up with an extra download coupon for being a returning customer. Thanks ! Please visit the Abbey Road site, if you want to download a concert you've attended or want to hear a particular show you've missed.
www.doolittlelive.com
I got to catch the end of the Rain Machine set. They're a twopiece drum and guitar duo with the drummer on the vocals. They sounded pretty good. I'm not familiar with their music but I enjoyed the 10 minutes I sat through. I'll definitely give their stuff a listen sometime. I did some research on the band, and its a project from TV on the Radio member, Kyp Malone.
As for the Pixies set, it was almost identical beginning, middle 1st encore, up to the second encore. The Bside warm ups, was a tribute to manta rays, with Dancing the Manta Ray, and Manta Ray. Song topics are so peculiar for Frank Black.
I hate, hate, HATE it when people think the 'Man' in Here Comes Your Man, is actually a person. The song is referencing the Fat Man/Little Boy atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki during the WWII. The boxcar, waiting is actually Bockscar, the plane responsible for dropping Fat Man on Nagasaki.
To my surpise, the played Vamos, which is where my fellow Filipino countryman Joey Santiago gets to shine on his guitar effects solo. I danced like a madman with the intro guitar riff. Frank Black's mastery of the Spanish language is admirable.
I made a bet with my wife that if the set list was different she had to buy me dinner. She thought that the setlist would be identical every night because almost 2/3rds of the show was the same, and that Kim Deal said that they're playing the same thing every night. They almost did, too...
www.doolittlelive.com
I got to catch the end of the Rain Machine set. They're a twopiece drum and guitar duo with the drummer on the vocals. They sounded pretty good. I'm not familiar with their music but I enjoyed the 10 minutes I sat through. I'll definitely give their stuff a listen sometime. I did some research on the band, and its a project from TV on the Radio member, Kyp Malone.
As for the Pixies set, it was almost identical beginning, middle 1st encore, up to the second encore. The Bside warm ups, was a tribute to manta rays, with Dancing the Manta Ray, and Manta Ray. Song topics are so peculiar for Frank Black.
I hate, hate, HATE it when people think the 'Man' in Here Comes Your Man, is actually a person. The song is referencing the Fat Man/Little Boy atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki during the WWII. The boxcar, waiting is actually Bockscar, the plane responsible for dropping Fat Man on Nagasaki.
To my surpise, the played Vamos, which is where my fellow Filipino countryman Joey Santiago gets to shine on his guitar effects solo. I danced like a madman with the intro guitar riff. Frank Black's mastery of the Spanish language is admirable.
I made a bet with my wife that if the set list was different she had to buy me dinner. She thought that the setlist would be identical every night because almost 2/3rds of the show was the same, and that Kim Deal said that they're playing the same thing every night. They almost did, too...
Pixies Day 1
Kristi and I found free parking behind the venue and we managed to get there right before we started. I didn't want to get caught in the Post-show merch rush so the line was short enough to wait. I bought a Doolittle tour shirt, for both Kristi and I. I got the black, and she got the brown one. It has the monkey from Doolittle cover. For some reason, I have a mild fascination with this little simians, so I think it's really cool to have it on the shirt. I also bought a tour poster and a set of Pixies buttons to sport. We missed, the opener Rain Machine.
I knew the shows would sell out quick when I tried to get my tickets I bought the second day first because I knew I would have a better chance getting those. For the first show, we are all the way back in the boonies in the last balcony section, maybe 3-4 rows before the end, but we were in the middle and could see the stage.
Once the show started people would get up and dance on the spot. I know this is a rock show, but this is why I choose to sit in the back, 1.) to get away from the mosh pits and avoid getting kicked in the head. 2.) I'm old and I want to sit down and enjoy the show. Surprisingly there were a good mix of old folks and kids that weren't even born yet when the Pixies were out. A lot of hipsters, punk rockers, geeks and wannabee's. The place was packed for sure.
By the time we got to the Doolittle set, they were playing their main hits and every time a fast, recognizable, danceable song came on, 2 rows ahead of me a group of very big girls would get up and dance. They weren't really in our way but I couldn't see some of Stage Left, so we moved left to get a better view. Luckily half of our row wasn't there or relocated so there were spots open. It didn't really annoy me because they weren't in front of me, but I really felt for the row in front of me because they could not see at all.
The guy in front of us was pissed and I told him he can move up to our row and he obliged. In between songs a very loud mad was yelling various comments such as: "Sit the fuck down!", "You're fat and I can't see." "Just because you're fat and think you're better than us doesn't mean you can take up space." Wow, all harsh if you ask me. At some point, I saw an unidentified flying object hit the back of one of the smaller girls. She sat down eventually and I heard that she was crying. I felt kinda bad, but block people's way and you will feel the wrath! I'm glad I wasn't involved, but to tell you the truth, Kristi and I were intrigued over this comical little feud. If anything, the only thing that bothered us was the girl dancing on the far left. She had an 80's mullet and kept on running he hands through her hair while pogoing and making little interpretative dances with songs. Annoying, but funny.
As for the show itself, Doolittle has it's share of good songs, but my favorite album is Surfer Rosa personally. However, my favorite song is Wave of Mutilation, which is on the Doolittle album. After the Doolittle album, they played Wave of Mutilation UK Surf version, which is by far my favorite song.
Overall, I was shocked how short the show was. I was still satisfied, but more songs could have been played. Some of their cool covers like Winterlong, Theme from NARC, or Lady in the Radiator song, but to no avail. I looked forward to Day 2, anxious to see what else they would play. I know for a fact, they NEVER, EVER play the same set...
Here is the end of the second encore:
I knew the shows would sell out quick when I tried to get my tickets I bought the second day first because I knew I would have a better chance getting those. For the first show, we are all the way back in the boonies in the last balcony section, maybe 3-4 rows before the end, but we were in the middle and could see the stage.
Once the show started people would get up and dance on the spot. I know this is a rock show, but this is why I choose to sit in the back, 1.) to get away from the mosh pits and avoid getting kicked in the head. 2.) I'm old and I want to sit down and enjoy the show. Surprisingly there were a good mix of old folks and kids that weren't even born yet when the Pixies were out. A lot of hipsters, punk rockers, geeks and wannabee's. The place was packed for sure.
By the time we got to the Doolittle set, they were playing their main hits and every time a fast, recognizable, danceable song came on, 2 rows ahead of me a group of very big girls would get up and dance. They weren't really in our way but I couldn't see some of Stage Left, so we moved left to get a better view. Luckily half of our row wasn't there or relocated so there were spots open. It didn't really annoy me because they weren't in front of me, but I really felt for the row in front of me because they could not see at all.
The guy in front of us was pissed and I told him he can move up to our row and he obliged. In between songs a very loud mad was yelling various comments such as: "Sit the fuck down!", "You're fat and I can't see." "Just because you're fat and think you're better than us doesn't mean you can take up space." Wow, all harsh if you ask me. At some point, I saw an unidentified flying object hit the back of one of the smaller girls. She sat down eventually and I heard that she was crying. I felt kinda bad, but block people's way and you will feel the wrath! I'm glad I wasn't involved, but to tell you the truth, Kristi and I were intrigued over this comical little feud. If anything, the only thing that bothered us was the girl dancing on the far left. She had an 80's mullet and kept on running he hands through her hair while pogoing and making little interpretative dances with songs. Annoying, but funny.
As for the show itself, Doolittle has it's share of good songs, but my favorite album is Surfer Rosa personally. However, my favorite song is Wave of Mutilation, which is on the Doolittle album. After the Doolittle album, they played Wave of Mutilation UK Surf version, which is by far my favorite song.
Overall, I was shocked how short the show was. I was still satisfied, but more songs could have been played. Some of their cool covers like Winterlong, Theme from NARC, or Lady in the Radiator song, but to no avail. I looked forward to Day 2, anxious to see what else they would play. I know for a fact, they NEVER, EVER play the same set...
Here is the end of the second encore:
Pixies Doolittle 20th Anniversary Tour, Fox Theater Oakland 11/8-11/10
I haven't seen the Pixies since 2004 at Coachella and that was truly a magical night. I didn't know the reunion would last this long, to tell you the truth. Not knowing if this would be my last chance to see them, like a crazy deranged fan I bought tickets to all three days. Mad props to my wife for roughing it out like a trooper and going all three nights. Here's a little setlist and review for each show.
Sunday 11/8
B Side Warm-up
Dancing The Manta Ray
Weird at My School
Bailey's Walk
Manta Ray
Doolittle Set
Debaser
Tame
Wave of Mutilation
I Bleed
Here Comes Your Man
Dead
Monkey Gone to Heaven
Mr. Grieves
Crackity Jones
La La Love You
No. 13 Baby
There Goes My Gun
Hey
Silver
Gouge Away
Encore:
Wave of Mutilation (UK Surf)
Into the White
Encore 2:
Where Is My Mind?
Gigantic
Caribou
11/9
Everything was the same until Encore 2:
Where is My Mind?
Nimrod's Son
Vamos
Gigantic
11/10
Encore 2:
Bone Machine
Broken Face
Isla de Encanta
Where is My Mind?
Sunday 11/8
B Side Warm-up
Dancing The Manta Ray
Weird at My School
Bailey's Walk
Manta Ray
Doolittle Set
Debaser
Tame
Wave of Mutilation
I Bleed
Here Comes Your Man
Dead
Monkey Gone to Heaven
Mr. Grieves
Crackity Jones
La La Love You
No. 13 Baby
There Goes My Gun
Hey
Silver
Gouge Away
Encore:
Wave of Mutilation (UK Surf)
Into the White
Encore 2:
Where Is My Mind?
Gigantic
Caribou
11/9
Everything was the same until Encore 2:
Where is My Mind?
Nimrod's Son
Vamos
Gigantic
11/10
Encore 2:
Bone Machine
Broken Face
Isla de Encanta
Where is My Mind?
Friday, October 30, 2009
Echo and the Bunnymen at the Fox Theater 10/22/09
Echo and the Bunnymen
She Wants Revenge opening
Setlist:
Silver
Nocturnal Me
Crystal Days
The Yo Yo Man
Thorn of Crowns
The Killing Moon
Seven Seas
My Kingdom
Ocean Rain
Encore:
Rescue
Show of Strength
Villiers Terrace / Roadhouse Blues (The Doors cover)
Stormy Weather
Forgotten Fields
Bring On the Dancing Horses
All My Colours
All That Jazz
I Think I Need It Too
The Back of Love
The Cutter
Encore 2:
Nothing Lasts / Walk on the Wild Side / In The Midnight Hour
Encore 3:
Lips Like Sugar
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koGmhB-MBfg
She Wants Revenge opening
Setlist:
Silver
Nocturnal Me
Crystal Days
The Yo Yo Man
Thorn of Crowns
The Killing Moon
Seven Seas
My Kingdom
Ocean Rain
Encore:
Rescue
Show of Strength
Villiers Terrace / Roadhouse Blues (The Doors cover)
Stormy Weather
Forgotten Fields
Bring On the Dancing Horses
All My Colours
All That Jazz
I Think I Need It Too
The Back of Love
The Cutter
Encore 2:
Nothing Lasts / Walk on the Wild Side / In The Midnight Hour
Encore 3:
Lips Like Sugar
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koGmhB-MBfg
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
7 Seconds, Echo and Snoo
I've had the chance to see some really good shows lately.
A while back, got to see , Pany Division, The Kepi Band, Thorn's of Life featuring Jawbreaker's Blake Schwarzenbach, Crimpshrine and Pinhead Gunpowder's Aaron Cometbus and Gr'up's Daniella Shea.
A couple months ago I got to see Reno's best and 7 Seconds! Kevin Seconds was really awesome. Got to shake his hand and say hello.
Recently went to see Dr. Frank and Jesse Michael's do an acoustic set at Cato's for the Andromeda Klein book launch. I haven't got to see Classics of Love yet but I'm gonna try and catch them soon.
During the wedding weeks I got to catch La Plebe and Dezu at the Plea for Peace Center. Awesome venue.... Middagh rules!
Last week I went see Echo and the Bunnymen performing Ocean Rain in it's entirety with a live orchestra backing them up. Really nice.
Next week it's a Pixies filled weekend at Fox Theater as I bought tickets for all 3 shows. Yeah, I know it's a little excessive but IT's THE PIXIES!!!!!!!!
On a side note, here's a video a friend sent me, featuring the first mention of Snoo Snoo...
A while back, got to see , Pany Division, The Kepi Band, Thorn's of Life featuring Jawbreaker's Blake Schwarzenbach, Crimpshrine and Pinhead Gunpowder's Aaron Cometbus and Gr'up's Daniella Shea.
A couple months ago I got to see Reno's best and 7 Seconds! Kevin Seconds was really awesome. Got to shake his hand and say hello.
Recently went to see Dr. Frank and Jesse Michael's do an acoustic set at Cato's for the Andromeda Klein book launch. I haven't got to see Classics of Love yet but I'm gonna try and catch them soon.
During the wedding weeks I got to catch La Plebe and Dezu at the Plea for Peace Center. Awesome venue.... Middagh rules!
Last week I went see Echo and the Bunnymen performing Ocean Rain in it's entirety with a live orchestra backing them up. Really nice.
Next week it's a Pixies filled weekend at Fox Theater as I bought tickets for all 3 shows. Yeah, I know it's a little excessive but IT's THE PIXIES!!!!!!!!
On a side note, here's a video a friend sent me, featuring the first mention of Snoo Snoo...
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Sunday, June 07, 2009
World War Monkey
Today my friend Chris sent me an email about this artist named Chet Phillips. I clicked on the link and I entered simian heaven! Anyone who knows me knows I have a soft spot for monkeys. I read an article on his work and he does the pencils and then paints using Corel Paint. I was so into his work I ordered a set of the World War Monkey trading card set and a couple other prints of a rottweiler, french bulldog and this little card set called the Monkey Decider, which I think is genius when you have one of those moments of indecision. Just draw a card, and whatever the monkey says is the answer... Great.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Silence is the enemy, so gimme gimme revolution...
Green Day at the Fox Oakland Theater (Show #3) April 14th, 2009
It was a cold and windy night one the Ave. The newly renovated Fox Oakland look very grand and brightly lit. You would have thought it was a broadway show. You can see the sign from blocks away, with hundreds and hundreds of people lined up snaking around the building.
Just a couple months ago, we this great band play down the street at the Stork Club not as Green Day, but as the Foxboro Hot Tubs. No FHT or Network songs tonight. It was 100% pure Green Day.
As we got in line, you could see all the fans of all ages, sizes, types and what not. You could recognize the aging Punks that were probably present from GD's Gilman days during the 90's and the 'rebellious youths walking about. Soccer mom's present along with they're kids. Teens to 30 somethings and older representing.
As my wife and I walked in it felt like we were attending a theatrical presentation, as the ushers handed out Playbills and directed us to our seats. The cover of the program had the album cover art and a list of the Players is shown on the first page. Inside, lyrics to the new upcoming album 21st Century Breakdown. So I figured the first half of the show would be the album and some of their catalog afterwards.
Some point regarding the show. It was really fun and the band sounded great. But they didn't sound as fun. Billie Joe being a great frontman as well as a showman, could still command a crowd, doing the call and answer routine and seeing which section could make the most noise. There was no Making a Band part of the set list, which I thought was always cool that they did that, where they grab people from the crowd and get them to play either Blitzkrieg Bop or Operation Ivy's Knowledge.
Also, although I was hearing a couple of songs for the first time, the subject matter he was tackling was a lot more serious than before in American Idiot. Very ambitious of them. I would have to listen more carefully when I'm able to get my hands on the CD. An lastly, a lot slower songs with Billie Joe singing falsetto voice and less of his faux-English accent. I thought that was quite odd. There were signs of this trend dating back to before the Warning album, but you can really tell now. It's in his voice, and definitely reflecting in the song writing and lyrics. It's cliche to say that Green Day is maturing and coming into their own overshadowing their punk personalities and emerging as bonafide rock stars. This is not just you 3 chord pop punk band.
After performing their they rip into their vast catalog of catchy hits and punk anthems reminding everyone that they haven't forgotten their East Bay punk roots and demonstrate that they are one of the best bands around today, still. During Jesus of Suburbia he gives a shout out to 924 Gilman, a couple miles away in nearby Berzerkly. And at the end of his set he gives a truly heartfelt dedication to his home base, Oakland playing Homecoming. Overall, it was a really great show at a beautiful venue making it a recipe for a memorable event.
Setlist:
Song of the Century
21st Century Breakdown
Know Your Enemy
¡ Viva la Gloria!
Before the Lobotomy
Christian’s Inferno
Last Night on Earth
East Jesus Nowhere
Peacemaker
Last of the American Girls
Murder City
¿ Viva la Gloria? (Little Girl)
Restless Heart Syndrome
Horseshoes & Handgrenades
The Static Age
American Eulogy:
a) Mass Hysteria
b) Modern World
See the Light
- Encore Setlist -
American Idiot
Jesus of Suburbia
St. Jimmy
Longview
Welcome to Paradise
She
Going to Pasalacqua
King for a Day / Shout
Minority
Homecoming
It was a cold and windy night one the Ave. The newly renovated Fox Oakland look very grand and brightly lit. You would have thought it was a broadway show. You can see the sign from blocks away, with hundreds and hundreds of people lined up snaking around the building.
Just a couple months ago, we this great band play down the street at the Stork Club not as Green Day, but as the Foxboro Hot Tubs. No FHT or Network songs tonight. It was 100% pure Green Day.
As we got in line, you could see all the fans of all ages, sizes, types and what not. You could recognize the aging Punks that were probably present from GD's Gilman days during the 90's and the 'rebellious youths walking about. Soccer mom's present along with they're kids. Teens to 30 somethings and older representing.
As my wife and I walked in it felt like we were attending a theatrical presentation, as the ushers handed out Playbills and directed us to our seats. The cover of the program had the album cover art and a list of the Players is shown on the first page. Inside, lyrics to the new upcoming album 21st Century Breakdown. So I figured the first half of the show would be the album and some of their catalog afterwards.
Some point regarding the show. It was really fun and the band sounded great. But they didn't sound as fun. Billie Joe being a great frontman as well as a showman, could still command a crowd, doing the call and answer routine and seeing which section could make the most noise. There was no Making a Band part of the set list, which I thought was always cool that they did that, where they grab people from the crowd and get them to play either Blitzkrieg Bop or Operation Ivy's Knowledge.
Also, although I was hearing a couple of songs for the first time, the subject matter he was tackling was a lot more serious than before in American Idiot. Very ambitious of them. I would have to listen more carefully when I'm able to get my hands on the CD. An lastly, a lot slower songs with Billie Joe singing falsetto voice and less of his faux-English accent. I thought that was quite odd. There were signs of this trend dating back to before the Warning album, but you can really tell now. It's in his voice, and definitely reflecting in the song writing and lyrics. It's cliche to say that Green Day is maturing and coming into their own overshadowing their punk personalities and emerging as bonafide rock stars. This is not just you 3 chord pop punk band.
After performing their they rip into their vast catalog of catchy hits and punk anthems reminding everyone that they haven't forgotten their East Bay punk roots and demonstrate that they are one of the best bands around today, still. During Jesus of Suburbia he gives a shout out to 924 Gilman, a couple miles away in nearby Berzerkly. And at the end of his set he gives a truly heartfelt dedication to his home base, Oakland playing Homecoming. Overall, it was a really great show at a beautiful venue making it a recipe for a memorable event.
Setlist:
Song of the Century
21st Century Breakdown
Know Your Enemy
¡ Viva la Gloria!
Before the Lobotomy
Christian’s Inferno
Last Night on Earth
East Jesus Nowhere
Peacemaker
Last of the American Girls
Murder City
¿ Viva la Gloria? (Little Girl)
Restless Heart Syndrome
Horseshoes & Handgrenades
The Static Age
American Eulogy:
a) Mass Hysteria
b) Modern World
See the Light
- Encore Setlist -
American Idiot
Jesus of Suburbia
St. Jimmy
Longview
Welcome to Paradise
She
Going to Pasalacqua
King for a Day / Shout
Minority
Homecoming
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Heavy Metal Baghdad
I recently saw this documentary about a band, Accrassicauda (Latin for Black Scorpion) playing a type of music in an area most impossible to survive. It chronicles the beginning of the band, playing through the Iraqi War and the toppling of Saddam Hussein's totalitarian dictatorship and enduring the after effects. I've never seen a band truly go through much strife and hardship. It's almost depressing but in the end, truly inspiring and goes to show you that even the hardest music can thrive in the most unlikely places.
Thank you!
I had a whirlwind of fun for my birthday week. It was pretty eventful. Started the week going to The Food and Wine festival at Mondavi Winery. Lots of good food and wines. I liked the wines from Paradux and teas from the Numi Tea folks. I was so stuffed and semi-swoast by the end of the day. Instead of taking days off, I worked short days and it went by quick. That friday went to see Paul Rudd and Jason Segal's new movie, I Love You Man with the fellowship, Bro Montana, Bro Namath and my wife. The movie starts off a little slow and uncomfortably awkward, but Rudd's on point on the camera awkwardness and comedic timing is golden. Jason Segal is always funny. When he unveils the Bro-Cave, and all of his equipment, I couldn't help but think of his character Nick Andopolis on one of my favorite shows, Freaks and Geeks. I realized I missed it so much, I started watching it again recently.
The next day, my wife and I took it easy. Went walking around the neighborhood with Rosie and Brix and then we went to Jamba Juice. That evening, we went to Ella's in Sac. The food was phenomenal. My main dish was good. I had the scallops with bacon and some foam. On the side, I had the beet salad, rabbit pot pie and potato au gratin. The food came in a little late, and we were missing the beginning of our show, Avenue Q. We scarfed everything down within 10 minutes and made our way to the theater.
The performance was no surprise to me even though I've never seen it. I'm so familiar with the songs from listening to them so often, but I still enjoyed it nonetheless.
Afterwards, our party made our way to BJ's in Vacaville to meet up with another friend. It was a pizza and beer fest. I was so stuffed by the end of the night.
Finally saw my parents on sunday and we had dinner at Princess Garden back at home.
It was a great week, and great way to kick off Year 32. Thank you all to everyone who came by, said hello and hung out. Live long and prosper!!!!!
The next day, my wife and I took it easy. Went walking around the neighborhood with Rosie and Brix and then we went to Jamba Juice. That evening, we went to Ella's in Sac. The food was phenomenal. My main dish was good. I had the scallops with bacon and some foam. On the side, I had the beet salad, rabbit pot pie and potato au gratin. The food came in a little late, and we were missing the beginning of our show, Avenue Q. We scarfed everything down within 10 minutes and made our way to the theater.
The performance was no surprise to me even though I've never seen it. I'm so familiar with the songs from listening to them so often, but I still enjoyed it nonetheless.
Afterwards, our party made our way to BJ's in Vacaville to meet up with another friend. It was a pizza and beer fest. I was so stuffed by the end of the night.
Finally saw my parents on sunday and we had dinner at Princess Garden back at home.
It was a great week, and great way to kick off Year 32. Thank you all to everyone who came by, said hello and hung out. Live long and prosper!!!!!
Thursday, March 05, 2009
DR. MANHATTAN'S GALACTIC PROPHYLACTIC!
Sorry I just found this really amusing and had to post it... It's all over the net and I thought I'd put my 2 cents in. One would say it is marketing genius. Other's would say that it bastardizes the Watchmen "franchise". I however, amongst the Watchmen hype, think its statement/move from DC/Warner Bros. to reduce the population numbers hence preventing urban sprawl and all the social and environmental ills caused. Really, I like the play off Dr. Manhattan. It would serve as a nice accessory to a Dr. Manhattan costume. Never in a (comic adaptation film) have I seen so much wang, but at least it's faithfull to the source material.
Film falls short on a couple plots within the story but I assume they were cut to shorten an already extremely long film. I guess we have the Director's edition to look forward to. The one negative I have is that for a bleak film, Hollywood somehow makes it a somewhat Happy Ending. Even with the comic translating well to film in most instances, the ending falls a little bit short. I can see why Alan Moore doesn't want anything to do with these works. It is what it is.
So if you want the full effect, pick up the Graphic Novel. Alan Moore's gotta eat too!!!
Film falls short on a couple plots within the story but I assume they were cut to shorten an already extremely long film. I guess we have the Director's edition to look forward to. The one negative I have is that for a bleak film, Hollywood somehow makes it a somewhat Happy Ending. Even with the comic translating well to film in most instances, the ending falls a little bit short. I can see why Alan Moore doesn't want anything to do with these works. It is what it is.
So if you want the full effect, pick up the Graphic Novel. Alan Moore's gotta eat too!!!
Monday, March 02, 2009
It's March Already?
Wow, the economy is going to shit. The value of people's homes are going down. Unemployment is at an all time high. Can it get any worse? Hey, happy new year!
I realized I haven't updated my blog since last November and a lot has happened since.
Had a new edition to the family. We got another french bulldog! This time a male. He's a red, black mask frenchie with more of the bulldog tendencies. His name is Brixton, named after the Clash song "Gun's of Brixton". He's really laid back, sweet. Rosie and Brixton are getting along fine. Maybe we'll have puppies by next summer.
Project Earl Grey is coming along slowly but surely. Instead of getting coilovers I opted for OEM lowering springs courtesy of VW. Last upgrade was a Neuspeed rear anti sway bar to reduce the body rolling. I'll put up pictures some day. Next will be either some spacer or a front sway bar. I'm almost at 55k and the car is still holding up.
I've bought a couple games since and I've been playing on and off for the last couple months. On the PS3, I've been playing Pixeljunk's Monsters, which is a simple but fun and addicting tower defense genre game. I find it ironic that most of the games I play on my PS3 is the online ones available on the PSN. But I'm satisfied nonetheless. Just picked up SFIV, and it's pretty good. Still no updates on Gran Turismo.
Last week (2/27) I just went to Wondercon and I brought my wife. It was her first convention of this type. I can tell she didn't have that much fun. (Hint: Don't bring your wife) We did however, get to catch a screening of Watchmen. I've been pretty good about staying away from the reviews and hype so I pretty much got to experience it untainted. Didn't buy much. I just got a 6 issue run of Spiderman and Blackcat written by Kevin Smith and drawn by Terry Dodson. Bought a couple art prints though.
I plan on catching Watchmen again for my friend's bday and then catch Avenue Q in Sac for mines!
I realized I haven't updated my blog since last November and a lot has happened since.
Had a new edition to the family. We got another french bulldog! This time a male. He's a red, black mask frenchie with more of the bulldog tendencies. His name is Brixton, named after the Clash song "Gun's of Brixton". He's really laid back, sweet. Rosie and Brixton are getting along fine. Maybe we'll have puppies by next summer.
Project Earl Grey is coming along slowly but surely. Instead of getting coilovers I opted for OEM lowering springs courtesy of VW. Last upgrade was a Neuspeed rear anti sway bar to reduce the body rolling. I'll put up pictures some day. Next will be either some spacer or a front sway bar. I'm almost at 55k and the car is still holding up.
I've bought a couple games since and I've been playing on and off for the last couple months. On the PS3, I've been playing Pixeljunk's Monsters, which is a simple but fun and addicting tower defense genre game. I find it ironic that most of the games I play on my PS3 is the online ones available on the PSN. But I'm satisfied nonetheless. Just picked up SFIV, and it's pretty good. Still no updates on Gran Turismo.
Last week (2/27) I just went to Wondercon and I brought my wife. It was her first convention of this type. I can tell she didn't have that much fun. (Hint: Don't bring your wife) We did however, get to catch a screening of Watchmen. I've been pretty good about staying away from the reviews and hype so I pretty much got to experience it untainted. Didn't buy much. I just got a 6 issue run of Spiderman and Blackcat written by Kevin Smith and drawn by Terry Dodson. Bought a couple art prints though.
I plan on catching Watchmen again for my friend's bday and then catch Avenue Q in Sac for mines!
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
It's All About Ackbar
Nien Numb. Lobot. Kit Fisto. Countless others... These characters only appear for a couple seconds in the holy trilogy. But among the obscure characters, stands tall: Admiral Ackbar. Admiral Ackbar has always been one of my favorite characters. Severely underrated, but not to be underestimated with his couple cameos in Return of the Jedi, albeit important, he has cemented himself in the pantheon of Star Wars mythos.
The dialogue in the infamous scene in Jedi where Rebel forces come out of a light speed jump during the Death Star Battle Scene has become a popular internet meme as of recent.
He's become fairly popular as of recent due to that famous line. Here's some clips of youtube. This one takes several scenes from different movies.
Here's one mimicking the comedic styles of Benny Hill. Simple, yet amusing.
And the infamous commercial sketch from Robot Chicken.
Cut scene?
Vintage commercial for a special edition Admiral Ackbar figure.
A movie? (It's a trap!)
The dialogue in the infamous scene in Jedi where Rebel forces come out of a light speed jump during the Death Star Battle Scene has become a popular internet meme as of recent.
He's become fairly popular as of recent due to that famous line. Here's some clips of youtube. This one takes several scenes from different movies.
Here's one mimicking the comedic styles of Benny Hill. Simple, yet amusing.
And the infamous commercial sketch from Robot Chicken.
Cut scene?
Vintage commercial for a special edition Admiral Ackbar figure.
A movie? (It's a trap!)
Monday, October 27, 2008
Twitter, technology, life and roses
My friend Sandocious added me... I didn't want to join. But like always, I click the link to check it out. Twitter is a really cool site. Quick way to update folks on what your doing in a quick one -liner. So I haven't really unleashed the power of Twitter by going mobile. I'm fine with logging in online for now. I don't want to be joined at the hip by my phone.
I find myself becoming more and more less a tech junkie as I get old. I don't know if its ineptidude or laziness. I don't want to be controlled by my phone or my computer or whatever electronic device that tells me what to do. A couple months ago I dropped my data plan on my smart phone and traded it in for a simple talkie phone. I guess thats a start. On the other hand, I still go to my facebooks, my myspaces or what not... Why has information been so streamlined and easily accessible and I find myself not caring as much. I tell my friends I feel desensitized to the pleasures of media because of the access. There's no more thrill anymore.
I haven't really done this in a while, I reverted to my former self for a day.
After work, I actually went out and shop. I didn't go on Ebay. I didn't go to Amazon. I didn't download anything. I just went out... drove to Amoeba's. Bought a couple Records, CD's and DVD's. Walked around, bought a new Eastbay shirt at the Cal Store. Even though this may have cost me more money. I got to walk around, breath (semi) fresh air. People watch and interact. And guess, what? I miss it. I can't remember the last time I went down Telegraph.
I guess what people say is true. Sometimes you have to just stop and smell the roses... or my case cornucopia of smells sights and sounds to appreciate the world around you.
When I get home, its back to the daily grind. Download some stuff, read blogs, play some video games and get my news from Google reader. I feel guilty for being such a hippocrite. But tech reigns supreme and in a sense, rules my life. I just hope Skynet doesn't take over...
It was nice to be on the other side and doing things the old fashioned way. Even if they were little things. I reckon I should do this more often.
I find myself becoming more and more less a tech junkie as I get old. I don't know if its ineptidude or laziness. I don't want to be controlled by my phone or my computer or whatever electronic device that tells me what to do. A couple months ago I dropped my data plan on my smart phone and traded it in for a simple talkie phone. I guess thats a start. On the other hand, I still go to my facebooks, my myspaces or what not... Why has information been so streamlined and easily accessible and I find myself not caring as much. I tell my friends I feel desensitized to the pleasures of media because of the access. There's no more thrill anymore.
I haven't really done this in a while, I reverted to my former self for a day.
After work, I actually went out and shop. I didn't go on Ebay. I didn't go to Amazon. I didn't download anything. I just went out... drove to Amoeba's. Bought a couple Records, CD's and DVD's. Walked around, bought a new Eastbay shirt at the Cal Store. Even though this may have cost me more money. I got to walk around, breath (semi) fresh air. People watch and interact. And guess, what? I miss it. I can't remember the last time I went down Telegraph.
I guess what people say is true. Sometimes you have to just stop and smell the roses... or my case cornucopia of smells sights and sounds to appreciate the world around you.
When I get home, its back to the daily grind. Download some stuff, read blogs, play some video games and get my news from Google reader. I feel guilty for being such a hippocrite. But tech reigns supreme and in a sense, rules my life. I just hope Skynet doesn't take over...
It was nice to be on the other side and doing things the old fashioned way. Even if they were little things. I reckon I should do this more often.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Dedication
Man I love the Clash. I just watched Joe Strummer: The Future is Unwritten. It makes me sad what could have been. Everyone was getting back together. The Sex Pistols. The Ramones. And the Clash... It almost actually happened. So I've been on a Clash rampage lately. Listening to a whole bunch of records. London Calling, Combat Rock, and even Sandinista! (which I don't listen to much) Even listened to some 101'ers and Big Audio Dynamite. For more Joe fixes, I listened to the Mescaleros.
So back to Joe, I get sad when I think of what could have been. And a chance to maybe witness it. It would have been a once in a lifetime kinda thing. No point on wondering on what could have been.
So why the headline? It is what it is. A simple dedication. To whom, you don't need to know. If you know me, then you do know. To this person, I doubt they would read this. If so, please leave me alone.
So back to Joe, I get sad when I think of what could have been. And a chance to maybe witness it. It would have been a once in a lifetime kinda thing. No point on wondering on what could have been.
So why the headline? It is what it is. A simple dedication. To whom, you don't need to know. If you know me, then you do know. To this person, I doubt they would read this. If so, please leave me alone.
Latest Happenings...
Went to Tahoe. Almost drowned. Ate a lot of meat. Gained 4 pounds.
Came back home. I Ran it off. Went back to work. Then I went to Vegas.
I drank a lot. I ate a lot. Saw lots of girls. And drunk some more.
Spent lots of money. And now I'm broke. Now I'm getting married. That ain't no joke.
Came back home. I Ran it off. Went back to work. Then I went to Vegas.
I drank a lot. I ate a lot. Saw lots of girls. And drunk some more.
Spent lots of money. And now I'm broke. Now I'm getting married. That ain't no joke.
Monday, May 19, 2008
RIP Mr. Root
I'm really at a loss. To me he was the real life comic book guy, except cool. He was a really nice guy and always gave me really great recommendations on new books to read. Thanks for opening comic relief. Your legacy will always live on. You are the patron saint of comic book shops. Rest in peace Rory.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Reppin' the V
The past two times I've tried to post I keep getting interrupted and I end up scrapping them. A lot of things going on on my mind. So far it's been a busy '08. I've been checking out the job market and with the current economy I don't think I should leave just yet (although I keep telling myself I will)
My hometown of Vallejo is on the verge of bankruptcy due to contracts with the local public safety union. I would think the problems are a vast combination of things.
1. Bad decisions with the fate of Mare Island.
2. Not enough businesses.
3. High crime rate, and upscaling violence and homicide rates.
4. Current housing market.
5. Costs of public safety (i.e. firemen and policemen working OT)
The list can go on and on but I think these things have to be addressed.
Vallejo wanted MI to be a housing area. MI isn't built for it. It should be commercial/industrial. We don't need more houses people won't buy and probably can not afford. I'm sure the city was banking on people buying up property to cover costs, but with the slow market and dwindling house market, it just couldn't help cover the costs. Vallejo was banking on something they were projecting they would get, but in the end, would never have.
With a booming population, the citizens of Vallejo are spending their money outside of town. Pretty much everywhere except Vallejo. Ironically, everything is 10 minutes to an hour in every direction, and all we have to show is Target and Costco. The downtown is dead, except the days they have the farmers market. And no one dares to walk around at night, especially with crime rates going up. Rival gangs, shootings, drugs dealers and prostitutes are showing up. We're a smaller scale Oakland and an upcoming Richmond. I don't know how our little town can be this bad, considering that we are literally 5 minutes away from each town, all of which are booming, safe and thriving on the business front.
As for Public Safety? Yes it is important. But why should they have to be paid all this extra OT, for partying and what not? I think they should be driving around at night, especially in high crime hotspots to make our town more secure. Like I've said, the list can go on and on. Schools, teachers and education... an actual bookstore... Overpaid city officials that don't do squat. There's alot of needs, but with all the impending budget cuts that are going to happen. I foresee that our little town will be going through a long, deeper slump.
For every positive there's 3 negatives to bring it down. Although the future looks bleak, Vallejo is still my home. And it's where I'm from. I'm still optimistic about some things. I really hope the new mayor can do something, but most of all, I hope the people and citizens of Vallejo will speak their mind and do something to help improve our town.
My hometown of Vallejo is on the verge of bankruptcy due to contracts with the local public safety union. I would think the problems are a vast combination of things.
1. Bad decisions with the fate of Mare Island.
2. Not enough businesses.
3. High crime rate, and upscaling violence and homicide rates.
4. Current housing market.
5. Costs of public safety (i.e. firemen and policemen working OT)
The list can go on and on but I think these things have to be addressed.
Vallejo wanted MI to be a housing area. MI isn't built for it. It should be commercial/industrial. We don't need more houses people won't buy and probably can not afford. I'm sure the city was banking on people buying up property to cover costs, but with the slow market and dwindling house market, it just couldn't help cover the costs. Vallejo was banking on something they were projecting they would get, but in the end, would never have.
With a booming population, the citizens of Vallejo are spending their money outside of town. Pretty much everywhere except Vallejo. Ironically, everything is 10 minutes to an hour in every direction, and all we have to show is Target and Costco. The downtown is dead, except the days they have the farmers market. And no one dares to walk around at night, especially with crime rates going up. Rival gangs, shootings, drugs dealers and prostitutes are showing up. We're a smaller scale Oakland and an upcoming Richmond. I don't know how our little town can be this bad, considering that we are literally 5 minutes away from each town, all of which are booming, safe and thriving on the business front.
As for Public Safety? Yes it is important. But why should they have to be paid all this extra OT, for partying and what not? I think they should be driving around at night, especially in high crime hotspots to make our town more secure. Like I've said, the list can go on and on. Schools, teachers and education... an actual bookstore... Overpaid city officials that don't do squat. There's alot of needs, but with all the impending budget cuts that are going to happen. I foresee that our little town will be going through a long, deeper slump.
For every positive there's 3 negatives to bring it down. Although the future looks bleak, Vallejo is still my home. And it's where I'm from. I'm still optimistic about some things. I really hope the new mayor can do something, but most of all, I hope the people and citizens of Vallejo will speak their mind and do something to help improve our town.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Happy New Year!
I took a day off after New Years to recover... Funny thing is I really didn't do anything. Kristi and I just visted family. Eat. Watch movies. Eat again. Watch Dick Clark's countdown. Go to bed. Eat more the next day. And here I am. Happy New Years everyone!
My Resolution for '08.
1. Lose some weight. (Same every year)
2. Pay the bills and eliminate debt. (A Never-Ending Battle)
3. Get a heater for the house (To add to debt)
4. Fix the 318i and GTI. (Even more debt)
I've been watching Superbad a lot, and I never seem to get tired of it. It kind of reminds me of my HS days, except I was geekier, and wasn't cool with the chicks. But it makes me happy for some reason. Finally got to playing Guitar Hero III, and it rocks. More of the same thing. I'm tempted to get Rock Band for PS3 or Wii. It's gonna have to wait cause Gran Turismo is out... YES!
Below, two videos that sum up 2007:
My Resolution for '08.
1. Lose some weight. (Same every year)
2. Pay the bills and eliminate debt. (A Never-Ending Battle)
3. Get a heater for the house (To add to debt)
4. Fix the 318i and GTI. (Even more debt)
I've been watching Superbad a lot, and I never seem to get tired of it. It kind of reminds me of my HS days, except I was geekier, and wasn't cool with the chicks. But it makes me happy for some reason. Finally got to playing Guitar Hero III, and it rocks. More of the same thing. I'm tempted to get Rock Band for PS3 or Wii. It's gonna have to wait cause Gran Turismo is out... YES!
Below, two videos that sum up 2007:
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Happiness is a warm gun...
I've been listening to White Album and Sgt. Pepper repeatedly for the last 2 months straight. I can't get this song out of my head. It's from White Album, and is sung by John Lennon. The lyrics are abstract and really powerful. It is said that the lyrics are about Lennon's heroin addiction. Glad he kicked the habit before he died, but if not for it there wouldn't be this great song. I looked it up on youtube and found a couple interesting renditions. Check them out.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
my first youtube video post...
Clarendon Hills covering Brent's TV "In January" at Bindlestiff circa 2001
Update on my life!
House -
It's freakin' cold! Installed a ceiling fan/heater in the master bedroom. It helps a lot. Gotta check with the house warranty to see if it'll cover the out of commision floor furnace. I want to go with the central air-heater but it'll cost $7000-10000 that I don't have so you can check that off the list...
Gardening -
Yes, my new hobbie... Transplant the pomello tree (probably when it gets warmer) I've been growing onions and garlic with my home-made hydroponic set-up. Pretty easy. Looking to plant some tomatoes and pluots when it gets warmer as well.
Ebay-
Buy my shit! I need the money... Bid high! Look up punkcichlid on ebay for my latest auctions. Selling old Starwars toys, Transformers and some comics too!
Top of the news, Kristi and I bought a Frenchie. Her name is Surfer Rosa (named after the Pixies album) She's a handfull. She's about 6 months and a whole lot of fun.
Music-
See post below.
Eskapo released a CD containing Bruce's last recordings called Wind of Hell. Balisong Records will release some Seven's soon....
Sputterdoll is done. Hopefully indefinitely.
Skyflakes will release there CD (someday).
Led Zeppellin got back together... Will they tour??? If so I'm there!
Project Earl Grey
-At first I thought it was my turbo, but my friend OEM suggested it might be my diverter valve blown. I agree. Haven't done much but APR released Stage III on there site. When I'm a millionaire I'll fix my car... I don't know how other people do it...
Videogames-
Played Assassin's Creed on the PS3 and it is KICK ASS!!! About time Sony!
On the PC, its been CnC3, and City of Heroes!
Movies-
Watched Golden Compass and it was ok. I can see how the Catholic League had beef, but its just a movie... F I C T I O N! and who is the Catholic League to say what's wrong or right anyways?
Also saw Control and I have to say it was pretty depressing. Interesting bio-pic of the late Ian Curtis, but in the end, was sad.
Bought Superbad on DVD. This one is gonna go down as one of the comedy classics of my generation... Can't wait for Pineapple Express!
Fishing and Crabbing
With the recent oil spill in the bay, I won't be fishing here for a while. But i do plan on going crabbing sometime... Maybe i'll try a charter out for once... it's been a while. It's been freezing cold lately.
Comics
Y is almost finished. Boys is coming along strongly. Black Dossier came out but I haven't read it yet. My new favorite title is Invincible by Robert Kirkman, who also writes Walking Dead. All Star Superman has been really good too.
Events I'm lookin forward too:
Led Zeppellin Tour (If it happens!)
Wonder-con
CES
It's freakin' cold! Installed a ceiling fan/heater in the master bedroom. It helps a lot. Gotta check with the house warranty to see if it'll cover the out of commision floor furnace. I want to go with the central air-heater but it'll cost $7000-10000 that I don't have so you can check that off the list...
Gardening -
Yes, my new hobbie... Transplant the pomello tree (probably when it gets warmer) I've been growing onions and garlic with my home-made hydroponic set-up. Pretty easy. Looking to plant some tomatoes and pluots when it gets warmer as well.
Ebay-
Buy my shit! I need the money... Bid high! Look up punkcichlid on ebay for my latest auctions. Selling old Starwars toys, Transformers and some comics too!
Top of the news, Kristi and I bought a Frenchie. Her name is Surfer Rosa (named after the Pixies album) She's a handfull. She's about 6 months and a whole lot of fun.
Music-
See post below.
Eskapo released a CD containing Bruce's last recordings called Wind of Hell. Balisong Records will release some Seven's soon....
Sputterdoll is done. Hopefully indefinitely.
Skyflakes will release there CD (someday).
Led Zeppellin got back together... Will they tour??? If so I'm there!
Project Earl Grey
-At first I thought it was my turbo, but my friend OEM suggested it might be my diverter valve blown. I agree. Haven't done much but APR released Stage III on there site. When I'm a millionaire I'll fix my car... I don't know how other people do it...
Videogames-
Played Assassin's Creed on the PS3 and it is KICK ASS!!! About time Sony!
On the PC, its been CnC3, and City of Heroes!
Movies-
Watched Golden Compass and it was ok. I can see how the Catholic League had beef, but its just a movie... F I C T I O N! and who is the Catholic League to say what's wrong or right anyways?
Also saw Control and I have to say it was pretty depressing. Interesting bio-pic of the late Ian Curtis, but in the end, was sad.
Bought Superbad on DVD. This one is gonna go down as one of the comedy classics of my generation... Can't wait for Pineapple Express!
Fishing and Crabbing
With the recent oil spill in the bay, I won't be fishing here for a while. But i do plan on going crabbing sometime... Maybe i'll try a charter out for once... it's been a while. It's been freezing cold lately.
Comics
Y is almost finished. Boys is coming along strongly. Black Dossier came out but I haven't read it yet. My new favorite title is Invincible by Robert Kirkman, who also writes Walking Dead. All Star Superman has been really good too.
Events I'm lookin forward too:
Led Zeppellin Tour (If it happens!)
Wonder-con
CES
I've been hiding under a rock...
but the new singer for Journey is Filipino!!! Right on!!!! Journey is one of my favorite soft rock bands of all time... You can't get any cheesier or cool at the same time than Journey but having a fellow countryman front a great band like this is just awesome. Some news going around:
-JOURNEY's Website News--Neal Schon (guitar), Jonathan Cain (keyboards), Ross Valory (bass), Deen Castronovo (drums)--is proud to introduce fans all over the world to their new lead singer, Arnel Pineda ("pin-eh-da"). He replaces Jeff Scott Soto, who parted ways with the band earlier this year after stepping in for Steve Augeri, who had to leave the band in 2006 for medical reasons.
Arnel hails from Quezon City in the Philippines and has been singing Journey songs--in addition to original material--with his band, The Zoo, for the past couple of years in clubs all over his homeland. Joining the legendary band is a dream come true for him. “It’s so exciting to sing with one of the best bands in the world. It’ll be a lot of hard work on my part and I’m actually looking forward to the scrutiny I’ll get from the hardcore JOURNEY fans. I know they’ll expect me to sound exactly like ‘the voice’ (Steve Perry), but that will never happen. I know there's only one Steve Perry in this world.”
-"Arnel brings a soulful and passionate voice to JOURNEY," continues keyboardist Jonathan Cain. "His personality is very well-suited to our music. He's a sincere, authentic person with a great smile and a big heart. I think fans are really going to love him. With Arnel's soaring tenor, Journey returns to our heritage sound." --- Jonathan Cain
Wow, the power of the internet at work, bringing people together... I wonder if Journey will let Pineda write songs, or will he be just a puppet... a la "Rockstar" But regardless this is great news. Hope everything works out. Here's Pineda doing a beautiful cover "Faithfull"
-JOURNEY's Website News--Neal Schon (guitar), Jonathan Cain (keyboards), Ross Valory (bass), Deen Castronovo (drums)--is proud to introduce fans all over the world to their new lead singer, Arnel Pineda ("pin-eh-da"). He replaces Jeff Scott Soto, who parted ways with the band earlier this year after stepping in for Steve Augeri, who had to leave the band in 2006 for medical reasons.
Arnel hails from Quezon City in the Philippines and has been singing Journey songs--in addition to original material--with his band, The Zoo, for the past couple of years in clubs all over his homeland. Joining the legendary band is a dream come true for him. “It’s so exciting to sing with one of the best bands in the world. It’ll be a lot of hard work on my part and I’m actually looking forward to the scrutiny I’ll get from the hardcore JOURNEY fans. I know they’ll expect me to sound exactly like ‘the voice’ (Steve Perry), but that will never happen. I know there's only one Steve Perry in this world.”
-"Arnel brings a soulful and passionate voice to JOURNEY," continues keyboardist Jonathan Cain. "His personality is very well-suited to our music. He's a sincere, authentic person with a great smile and a big heart. I think fans are really going to love him. With Arnel's soaring tenor, Journey returns to our heritage sound." --- Jonathan Cain
Wow, the power of the internet at work, bringing people together... I wonder if Journey will let Pineda write songs, or will he be just a puppet... a la "Rockstar" But regardless this is great news. Hope everything works out. Here's Pineda doing a beautiful cover "Faithfull"
Monday, June 04, 2007
Things to do...
After a long hiatus from my pseudo blog/obituary to geek greats and people whom I'd admire, I decided to take my blog in a different direction.
One that is directionless. It will be about nothing and everything. Useless crap and pretty important stuff. (To me at least.)
First things first, I need to get a camera. And learn how to use it pronto. It's something I've been wanting to do lately but I keep putting it off. I promise to do this soon so I can provide MY OWN quality pics, instead of snatching stuff of the net.
Movies-
Last week I saw 2 movies.
1. Pirates 3, the summer blockbuster. The story is so confusing it is complete and utter crap. The visuals however are great.
2. Knocked Up - I've long been a fan of Apatow and his works. I've been waiting for this one. And it's everything I thought it would be. Great comedy. Great story. Great Characters. It's a Freaks and Geeks fest!!!! All this and Heigl is a goddess!
House Update:
I'm entering month #2 and I've settled in well. Things are coming along slowly but surely. Gonna start the deck once Kristi's dad comes. I'll get the materials and we're off.
My uncle Joe is going to help me sound proof the garage so I can start making noise. I'm not bringing my amps and drums till this is done. I don't want to scare the old people.
Rob helped me set up the network last week. After playing Civ 3 for almost 2 and a half weeks I can finally log on and do my normal daily internets (as GW would say) activities which consist of constantly checking mail. Perusing craigslist for furniture (who would have thought), wishing to get a french bulldog and perhaps another rottweiler, going on myspace, or researching VWVortex looking at parts for the GTI.
1. Deck
2. Big Ass TV
3. Kick ass Computer
4. Sofas
5. Area Rugs
6. Dining table w/ chairs
Videogames -
Like I've said, I've been playing mostly CIV3. I haven't hooked up the PS3, WII or anything yet... They're still at my parents. I have brought the PS2 in but haven't set it up yet. As for games, I haven't been playing lately.
GTI update -
Developments on Project Earl Grey are at a standstill. My childhood dreams of being a closet wannabe racer are close to being crushed. With a house mortgage and car payments + bills, bills and more bills, I can't work on it. So my plan is to do some affordable mods, interior stuff and by aerodynamic parts, part by part periodically. I plan of working on the LED interior lights and when I can, get some coilovers. In terms of aerodynamics, I was set on Oettinger, but now eying OSIR. There stuff is just downright sexy.
1. Megan Racing Coilovers or Bilstein PSS9s
2. OSIR kit vs. Oettinger kits
3. APR full catback system w/ downpipe
4. K04 Turbo
Add this up and its a whole lotta clams...
Music -
I've been itching to play. I'm supposed to jam with Rich sometime but our schedules aren't quite up to sync.
I was in for quite a surprise last weekend. A couple of my friends invited me to go to a filipino music concert. Some OPM stuff. I follow more of the bands, especially the rock ones. I'm not into covers and sappy love songs... but turns out Side A was an act. They are really good. I haven't seen them in 7 years. The other act was Freestyle. Not my type of flavor, but they were good and entertaining. My favorite part was Side A doing a Queen set. They played We are the Champions and Bohemian Rhapsody. The most rockinest moment of the show. They ended with their famous balads Forevermore. And all of this in Vallejo of all places! At the fairgrounds!
I went to go see Elbert and Hellen's new project Thundershevitz at the Stork Club. I haven't been to a local show in a while. I've gone to mostly Skyflakes shows (last Dec.), a couple Eskapo shows at Gilman and even got to catch them play with El Dopa. Jay's Bday bash a couple months ago had to be the livest, most kick ass show I've seen in a while. I was actually excited about it. It was the best show I've seen since Eskapo came back.
Hopefully, I can make some time to see some of the old bands and check out some new bands in the scene.
Softball news -
We didn't make the playoffs this year, but it was still a good season. Statistically, it has been my best one to date. My batting has gotten a little better with some tips from Juan, Rob and Ralph. Summer league will be starting soon so I'm looking forward to that. If I save enough I may plan on purchasing a Juggernaut. (The hottest bat right now) Fortunately, our team has the best arsenal of bats around. I don't know if we'll be called the Banyan Loan Rangers still. I've heard Cobra Kai and the Tri-Lambs. I don't know about either of those... I still like Barrel Men.
Fishing -
It's salmon season and the bite has been really bad. Delta Smelt is on a decline and have been put on the endangered species list. Their presence is said to be an indicator for the health of the ecosystem in the area. I remember fishing with my grandpa and dad and smelts were abundant. So much that you could just drop your line, with no bait at all and pull one up. To counter this, the state of CA has decided to stop the water pumps, which is considered to be the cause of the fish's decline. I hope that it's not too late. Maybe this is why the Salmon aren't being caught.... I want to put my license to use so I plan on going fishing a couple times this summer.
Comics -
The Boys are back! Issue 7 is out and its alright. After a long hiatus, Optic Nerve came out with a new issue as well. Here are the books I'm currently reading.
1. The Boys
2. Walking Dead
3. Y, the Last Man
4. Hell Boy
5. BPRD
6. Batman (Morrisson)
I'll see whats up with World War Hulk, but I've been steering clear of Marvel crap lately.
Books I'm looking forward to -
League of Extraordinary Gentlemen - Black Dossiers.
To top things off, Chris, Len, Adrian and I are going to SD Comic-con this year. It should be madness. I actually fear for my life... Hopefully it's fun like always.
that's all for now folks.
One that is directionless. It will be about nothing and everything. Useless crap and pretty important stuff. (To me at least.)
First things first, I need to get a camera. And learn how to use it pronto. It's something I've been wanting to do lately but I keep putting it off. I promise to do this soon so I can provide MY OWN quality pics, instead of snatching stuff of the net.
Movies-
Last week I saw 2 movies.
1. Pirates 3, the summer blockbuster. The story is so confusing it is complete and utter crap. The visuals however are great.
2. Knocked Up - I've long been a fan of Apatow and his works. I've been waiting for this one. And it's everything I thought it would be. Great comedy. Great story. Great Characters. It's a Freaks and Geeks fest!!!! All this and Heigl is a goddess!
House Update:
I'm entering month #2 and I've settled in well. Things are coming along slowly but surely. Gonna start the deck once Kristi's dad comes. I'll get the materials and we're off.
My uncle Joe is going to help me sound proof the garage so I can start making noise. I'm not bringing my amps and drums till this is done. I don't want to scare the old people.
Rob helped me set up the network last week. After playing Civ 3 for almost 2 and a half weeks I can finally log on and do my normal daily internets (as GW would say) activities which consist of constantly checking mail. Perusing craigslist for furniture (who would have thought), wishing to get a french bulldog and perhaps another rottweiler, going on myspace, or researching VWVortex looking at parts for the GTI.
1. Deck
2. Big Ass TV
3. Kick ass Computer
4. Sofas
5. Area Rugs
6. Dining table w/ chairs
Videogames -
Like I've said, I've been playing mostly CIV3. I haven't hooked up the PS3, WII or anything yet... They're still at my parents. I have brought the PS2 in but haven't set it up yet. As for games, I haven't been playing lately.
GTI update -
Developments on Project Earl Grey are at a standstill. My childhood dreams of being a closet wannabe racer are close to being crushed. With a house mortgage and car payments + bills, bills and more bills, I can't work on it. So my plan is to do some affordable mods, interior stuff and by aerodynamic parts, part by part periodically. I plan of working on the LED interior lights and when I can, get some coilovers. In terms of aerodynamics, I was set on Oettinger, but now eying OSIR. There stuff is just downright sexy.
1. Megan Racing Coilovers or Bilstein PSS9s
2. OSIR kit vs. Oettinger kits
3. APR full catback system w/ downpipe
4. K04 Turbo
Add this up and its a whole lotta clams...
Music -
I've been itching to play. I'm supposed to jam with Rich sometime but our schedules aren't quite up to sync.
I was in for quite a surprise last weekend. A couple of my friends invited me to go to a filipino music concert. Some OPM stuff. I follow more of the bands, especially the rock ones. I'm not into covers and sappy love songs... but turns out Side A was an act. They are really good. I haven't seen them in 7 years. The other act was Freestyle. Not my type of flavor, but they were good and entertaining. My favorite part was Side A doing a Queen set. They played We are the Champions and Bohemian Rhapsody. The most rockinest moment of the show. They ended with their famous balads Forevermore. And all of this in Vallejo of all places! At the fairgrounds!
I went to go see Elbert and Hellen's new project Thundershevitz at the Stork Club. I haven't been to a local show in a while. I've gone to mostly Skyflakes shows (last Dec.), a couple Eskapo shows at Gilman and even got to catch them play with El Dopa. Jay's Bday bash a couple months ago had to be the livest, most kick ass show I've seen in a while. I was actually excited about it. It was the best show I've seen since Eskapo came back.
Hopefully, I can make some time to see some of the old bands and check out some new bands in the scene.
Softball news -
We didn't make the playoffs this year, but it was still a good season. Statistically, it has been my best one to date. My batting has gotten a little better with some tips from Juan, Rob and Ralph. Summer league will be starting soon so I'm looking forward to that. If I save enough I may plan on purchasing a Juggernaut. (The hottest bat right now) Fortunately, our team has the best arsenal of bats around. I don't know if we'll be called the Banyan Loan Rangers still. I've heard Cobra Kai and the Tri-Lambs. I don't know about either of those... I still like Barrel Men.
Fishing -
It's salmon season and the bite has been really bad. Delta Smelt is on a decline and have been put on the endangered species list. Their presence is said to be an indicator for the health of the ecosystem in the area. I remember fishing with my grandpa and dad and smelts were abundant. So much that you could just drop your line, with no bait at all and pull one up. To counter this, the state of CA has decided to stop the water pumps, which is considered to be the cause of the fish's decline. I hope that it's not too late. Maybe this is why the Salmon aren't being caught.... I want to put my license to use so I plan on going fishing a couple times this summer.
Comics -
The Boys are back! Issue 7 is out and its alright. After a long hiatus, Optic Nerve came out with a new issue as well. Here are the books I'm currently reading.
1. The Boys
2. Walking Dead
3. Y, the Last Man
4. Hell Boy
5. BPRD
6. Batman (Morrisson)
I'll see whats up with World War Hulk, but I've been steering clear of Marvel crap lately.
Books I'm looking forward to -
League of Extraordinary Gentlemen - Black Dossiers.
To top things off, Chris, Len, Adrian and I are going to SD Comic-con this year. It should be madness. I actually fear for my life... Hopefully it's fun like always.
that's all for now folks.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Thursday, April 12, 2007
The words of Kurt Vonnegut
In honor of Kurt's passing, here are some quotes from wiki...
Human beings will be happier — not when they cure cancer or get to Mars or eliminate racial prejudice or flush Lake Erie — but when they find ways to inhabit primitive communities again. That’s my utopia.
___________________
We're terrible animals. I think that the Earth's immune system is trying to get rid of us, as well it should.
___________________
I do feel that evolution is being controlled by some sort of divine engineer. I can't help thinking that. And this engineer knows exactly what he or she is doing and why, and where evolution is headed. That’s why we’ve got giraffes and hippopotami and the clap.
___________________
There are plenty of good reasons for fighting," I said, "but no good reason ever to hate without reservation, to imagine that God Almighty Himself hates with you, too. Where's evil? It's that large part of every man that wants to hate without limit, that wants to hate with God on its side.
___________________
Live by the harmless untruths that make you brave and kind and healthy and happy.
___________________
The most important thing I learned on Tralfamadore was that when a person dies he only appears to die. He is still very much alive in the past, so it is very silly for people to cry at his funeral. All moments, past, present and future, always have existed, always will exist…It is just an illusion we have here on Earth that one moment follows another one, like beads on a string, and that once a moment is gone it is gone forever.
___________________
The arts put man at the center of the universe, whether he belongs there or not. Military science, on the other hand, treats man as garbage— and his children, and his cities, too. Military science is probably right about the contemptibility of man in the vastness of the universe. Still— I deny that contemptibility, and I beg you to deny it, through the creation and appreciation of art.
___________________
"You hate America, don't you?" she said.
"That would be as silly as loving it," I said. "It's impossible for me to get emotional about it, because real estate doesn't interest me. It's no doubt a great flaw in my personality, but I can't think in terms of boundaries. Those imaginary lines are as unreal to me as elves and pixies. I can't believe that they mark the end or the beginning of anything of real concern to the human soul. Virtues and vices, pleasures and pains cross boundaries at will."
___________________
A great swindle of our time is the assumption that science has made religion obsolete. All science has damaged is the story of Adam and Eve and the story of Jonah and the Whale. Everything else holds up pretty well, particularly lessons about fairness and gentleness. People who find those lessons irrelevant in the twentieth century are simply using science as an excuse for greed and harshness. Science has nothing to do with it, friends.
___________________
Human beings are chimpanzees who get crazy drunk on power. By saying that our leaders are power-drunk chimpanzees, am I in danger of wrecking the morale of our soldiers fighting and dying in the Middle East? Their morale, like so many bodies, is already shot to pieces. They are being treated, as I never was, like toys a rich kid got for Christmas.
___________________
Here’s what I think the truth is: We are all addicts of fossil fuels in a state of denial, about to face cold turkey. And like so many addicts about to face cold turkey, our leaders are now committing violent crimes to get what little is left of what we’re hooked on.
___________________
For some reason, the most vocal Christians among us never mention the Beatitudes. But, often with tears in their eyes, they demand that the Ten Commandments be posted in public buildings. And of course that’s Moses, not Jesus. I haven’t heard one of them demand that the Sermon on the Mount, the Beatitudes, be posted anywhere.
"Blessed are the merciful" in a courtroom? "Blessed are the peacemakers" in the Pentagon? Give me a break!
___________________
I am a humanist, which means, in part, that I have tried to behave decently without any expectation of rewards or punishments after I’m dead.
___________________
I am, incidentally, Honorary President of the American Humanist Association, having succeeded the late, great science fiction writer Isaac Asimov in that totally functionless capacity. We had a memorial service for Isaac a few years back, and I spoke and said at one point, "Isaac is up in heaven now." It was the funniest thing I could have said to an audience of humanists. I rolled them in the aisles. It was several minutes before order could be restored. And if I should ever die, God forbid, I hope you will say, "Kurt is up in heaven now." That's my favorite joke.
___________________
The moral of the story is we're here on Earth to fart around. And, of course, the computers will do us out of that. And, what the computer people don't realize, or they don't care, is we're dancing animals. You know, we love to move around.
___________________
Peculiar travel suggestions are dancing lessons from God.
Monday, April 09, 2007
belated happy new year!!!!
wow! It has been a long while... to much has happened the last couple months. This blog has started to become a obituary column and tribute page, and it started to bum me out.
But this will remain to be my one and only blog so I intend to keep it that way.
I'm entering my 3rd season as a Banyan Loan Ranger and it's been awesome. I've made some new friends, strengthen old relationships and at the same time, get a good work out. My hitting has gotten a lot better. Playing catcher is fun. I'd like to try other positions but this is where I have ended up.
I haven't been involved in the "scene" lately. I've almost detached myself from it. But I do miss it. I miss watching my favorite bands. I miss banging my head off and rocking out. I haven't been to Gilman in a while... Bindlestiff can't support a music scene as of now. At least not till they move to the new spot. I've heard recently, even Balazo closed down. Hopefully its not permanent. Once in a blue moon, I'll go out and support the bands that I've always followed but it's been a while since I gone out to check out new sounds. When there's reason to, maybe one day I'll organize another show. But not anytime soon...
Movies I've recently watched:
Grindhouse Double Feature - Double Thumbs up...
300 - awesome!!!!
DVD I've rented recently:
Brick - modern film noir. different, but cool...
But this will remain to be my one and only blog so I intend to keep it that way.
I'm entering my 3rd season as a Banyan Loan Ranger and it's been awesome. I've made some new friends, strengthen old relationships and at the same time, get a good work out. My hitting has gotten a lot better. Playing catcher is fun. I'd like to try other positions but this is where I have ended up.
I haven't been involved in the "scene" lately. I've almost detached myself from it. But I do miss it. I miss watching my favorite bands. I miss banging my head off and rocking out. I haven't been to Gilman in a while... Bindlestiff can't support a music scene as of now. At least not till they move to the new spot. I've heard recently, even Balazo closed down. Hopefully its not permanent. Once in a blue moon, I'll go out and support the bands that I've always followed but it's been a while since I gone out to check out new sounds. When there's reason to, maybe one day I'll organize another show. But not anytime soon...
Movies I've recently watched:
Grindhouse Double Feature - Double Thumbs up...
300 - awesome!!!!
DVD I've rented recently:
Brick - modern film noir. different, but cool...
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
RIP Art Nodell
Art Nodell, creator of Green Lantern has passed. GL has always been one of my favorite books. Although most would consider Hal Jordan, the definitive and most favorite GL, Nodell's creation of the OG Lantern (Alan Scott) is the first, and with him, the current GL's would not exist today.
Here's an article about him:
Green Lantern Creator Nodell Dies at 91Dec 12, 4:19 PM EST
The Associated Press
Martin Nodell, the creator of Green Lantern, the comic book superhero who uses his magical ring to help him fight crime, has died. He was 91.
Nodell died at a nursing home in Muskego, Wis., on Saturday of natural causes, his son Spencer Nodell told The Associated Press on Tuesday. He previously lived in West Palm Beach.
Nodell was looking for a new idea for a comic book in 1940 when he was waiting for a New York subway and saw a train operator waving a lantern displaying a green light, said Maggie Thompson, senior editor of Comics Buyer's Guide.
Nodell was looking for a new idea for a comic book in 1940 when he was waiting for a New York subway and saw a train operator waving a lantern displaying a green light, said Maggie Thompson, senior editor of Comics Buyer's Guide.
Nodell imagined a young engineer, Alan Scott, a train crash survivor who discovers in the debris an ancient lantern forged from a green meteor. Scott constructs a ring from the lamp that gives him super powers, and becomes a crime fighter.
He brought his drawings and story lines to All-American Publications, which later became a part of National Periodical Publications, the company that was to become DC Comics, Thompson said.
The first Green Lantern appearance came in July 1940, an eight-page story in a comic book also featuring other characters. The character then got his own series, and Nodell drew it until 1947 under the name Mart Dellon.
The first Green Lantern appearance came in July 1940, an eight-page story in a comic book also featuring other characters. The character then got his own series, and Nodell drew it until 1947 under the name Mart Dellon.
After its cancellation in 1949, the series was reborn in 1959 with a revised story line, and it has been revived several times.
Meanwhile, Nodell left the comics field for an advertising career. In the 1960s, he was on a design team that helped develop the Pillsbury Doughboy.
In later years, Nodell traveled the comic book convention circuit with his wife, Caroline, who died in 2004. "There were myriad of fans who would come up to my dad and would say `Green Lantern got me to read' or `Green Lantern got me to do something in my life,'" Spencer Nodell said.
Nodell was born in Philadelphia and studied at art schools in Chicago and New York. Besides Spencer Nodell, survivors include another son, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Skyflakes, Vtown Have-Nots, Jack London Squares and the WOUNDS!!!!
Hello everyone... Like anyone reads this. This is my second show I set up at Gilman thanks to Jay. It's on Dec. 22nd, which is a Friday... the last Friday before X-MAS! If you're free please come!
why schmidtty??!!!!!
jason schmidt went to the dodgers... =(
ideal situation - giants keep bonds AND gets Zito...
what would be cool - if they get manny...
oh well.
ideal situation - giants keep bonds AND gets Zito...
what would be cool - if they get manny...
oh well.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
RIP Dave Cockrum... and F*CK MARVEL
This makes me not want to support Marvel due to their treatment of past artists, writers and not giveing the creators what they properly deserve. It's almost a catch 22. You want to support the artist.... but unless corporate practices don't change, as my wise friend Len said to me in an email
"It is one of those things that make me wish more artists have the power and not the idiots in suits. But, in a world where C.R.E.A.M, and the idiots in suits know how to sell and distribute a product, artists, no matter how talented they are, are still just grunt workers at the bottom of the pipeline."
How true. Sad, but true.
When I was growing up as a kid, my favorite comics were X-men. My favorite teams, where Claremont and Cockrum. Nightcrawler was one of my favorite characters who was a character he created. He's responsible for the creation of the modern day X-men... a la Storm, Colossus, Wolverine and so on... but that fact that he never got any royalties makes my blood boil.
About Dave Cockrum:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_Cockrum
Article on his recent passing: http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/11/28/comic.death.ap/index.html
Tribute Site:
http://www.davecockrum.net/
RIP, Sir.
"It is one of those things that make me wish more artists have the power and not the idiots in suits. But, in a world where C.R.E.A.M, and the idiots in suits know how to sell and distribute a product, artists, no matter how talented they are, are still just grunt workers at the bottom of the pipeline."
How true. Sad, but true.
When I was growing up as a kid, my favorite comics were X-men. My favorite teams, where Claremont and Cockrum. Nightcrawler was one of my favorite characters who was a character he created. He's responsible for the creation of the modern day X-men... a la Storm, Colossus, Wolverine and so on... but that fact that he never got any royalties makes my blood boil.
About Dave Cockrum:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_Cockrum
Article on his recent passing: http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/11/28/comic.death.ap/index.html
Tribute Site:
http://www.davecockrum.net/
RIP, Sir.
burnout, fountain, massive spendings and xmas
No more shows... man I'm burnt. I'm going to fill in my obligations then just lay low. I have 2 shows in Dec, both are short bills and haven't even been advertised yet. Unfortunately, the last show takes place in Feb. ::sigh:: Caving in to pressure, being victim of politics, or being caught in a bind... it just takes the fun out of it for me. Maybe I should just go back to being a spectator... Trying to put on shows is a lot of fun. And in the end, its always satisfying. But it always takes a part of me, as if I'm shortening my life everytime. I guess I just tend to worry too much and over react. My times cut short, my money's being blown... Plus all the added stress. I KNOW for a fact that I can't do it alone. But without the resources, support and much needed manpower, it just isn't possible. It makes me think sometimes that it not worth it. I do it for the love of the music. But I'm starting to think that love can only take you so far, at least in this capacity. They say if you love something, set it free... (I think this is a Sting song??) And I feel I'm really close to doing that...
I don't even know if BR Project is going to take off.... I'm not getting any support for that either. I just want to make some damn '45s!!!
Other than that... I plan on going crabbing this weekend in Crescent City... yes the place that just had a tsunami. The crabbing is excellent there. The best pier crabbing that is. Going with Kristi and possibly her parentals. This should be fun! Last time we went we caught A LOT of crab within the 3 days we were there. I can't wait. I'm gonna try to catch some lingcod too.
Also on the plus side, I've paid off all my cc bills. On the down, I still got 5+ yrs on the car and I'm a long way from buying a home. One of my self imposed goals. I still think at most I'm a year away to achieving that goal.
To end my Thanksgiving weekend vacation I did not want to end, I went to go see The Fountain with my buds Chris and Len. It was a nice story with a good ending. A little confusing with 3 inter related stories. Very visual, as all Darren Aronofsky's films are.
I've also gone on a shopping spree. And I haven't even finished my xmas shopping. I picked up the Riverdales 1st album re-issue on Asian Man Records. I love the Ramones and Ramones-style music. Also picked up a used El Dopa CD at Amoeba's. They're playing one of the Gilman 20th Anniversary Shows and I wanted to listen. East Bay Hardcore at its finest. At Rasputins in the V, while posting some gilman flyers i picked up the new Evens and 2G's album. In the span of 3 days over the break, at Best Buy I picked up Arrested Development 1-3, Scrubs Season 4, Simpsons Season 8 (1st app. of Duffman... oh yeah!!!!), Rome Season 1, Guitar Hero 2, 2 2g flash drives, FF3-5 for my 'new' DS. PS2 games Bully, Okami and FFXII... and also King Dork by Dr. Frank... yikes!
next up... XMAS shopping and XMAS stuff
I don't even know if BR Project is going to take off.... I'm not getting any support for that either. I just want to make some damn '45s!!!
Other than that... I plan on going crabbing this weekend in Crescent City... yes the place that just had a tsunami. The crabbing is excellent there. The best pier crabbing that is. Going with Kristi and possibly her parentals. This should be fun! Last time we went we caught A LOT of crab within the 3 days we were there. I can't wait. I'm gonna try to catch some lingcod too.
Also on the plus side, I've paid off all my cc bills. On the down, I still got 5+ yrs on the car and I'm a long way from buying a home. One of my self imposed goals. I still think at most I'm a year away to achieving that goal.
To end my Thanksgiving weekend vacation I did not want to end, I went to go see The Fountain with my buds Chris and Len. It was a nice story with a good ending. A little confusing with 3 inter related stories. Very visual, as all Darren Aronofsky's films are.
I've also gone on a shopping spree. And I haven't even finished my xmas shopping. I picked up the Riverdales 1st album re-issue on Asian Man Records. I love the Ramones and Ramones-style music. Also picked up a used El Dopa CD at Amoeba's. They're playing one of the Gilman 20th Anniversary Shows and I wanted to listen. East Bay Hardcore at its finest. At Rasputins in the V, while posting some gilman flyers i picked up the new Evens and 2G's album. In the span of 3 days over the break, at Best Buy I picked up Arrested Development 1-3, Scrubs Season 4, Simpsons Season 8 (1st app. of Duffman... oh yeah!!!!), Rome Season 1, Guitar Hero 2, 2 2g flash drives, FF3-5 for my 'new' DS. PS2 games Bully, Okami and FFXII... and also King Dork by Dr. Frank... yikes!
next up... XMAS shopping and XMAS stuff
Monday, November 27, 2006
Giving Thanks, Black Friday
No Turducken this year. Last year it sucked so did without it this time around. As always, around this time of year there was a lot of good food. I stayed at my grandma's to help take care of her and got to spend time with my Aunt and cousin, whom I don't get to see often, but live right across the bridge in DC.
I spent the most time playing video games. I don't know why it's just around the holidays, I binge on the games. I guess its the one time I'm free from everything. Work, friends, the "scene"... And man was it relaxing. Just family, food, all the games I haven't played yet but own... It was pure bliss. On top of this, I just bought Guitar Hero 2 and it is really addicting. Fun as hell!
The kick off for holiday shopping was crazy too. I tried to go to Best Buy and there were 100's of people lined up, on top of 100's of people running around looking for stuff to buy. I only managed to find a couple flash drives on sale. But I wasn't about to stay in line for those two items.... so I decided to come back later in the day and pick them up. Luckily they were still where I put them.
ZZZ
I spent the most time playing video games. I don't know why it's just around the holidays, I binge on the games. I guess its the one time I'm free from everything. Work, friends, the "scene"... And man was it relaxing. Just family, food, all the games I haven't played yet but own... It was pure bliss. On top of this, I just bought Guitar Hero 2 and it is really addicting. Fun as hell!
The kick off for holiday shopping was crazy too. I tried to go to Best Buy and there were 100's of people lined up, on top of 100's of people running around looking for stuff to buy. I only managed to find a couple flash drives on sale. But I wasn't about to stay in line for those two items.... so I decided to come back later in the day and pick them up. Luckily they were still where I put them.
ZZZ
Monday, November 06, 2006
deep thoughts...
I just wanted to blog briefly on the past shows this weekend. I had a blast...
Thanks to everyone who came out to the shows...
Thanks to the bands: Chestfull of Arrows, Echo of Bullets, Sahn Maru, Sin Remedio, Flattbush, Eskapo, Masacre, La Grita and Resistant Culture.
Thanks to the venues and volunteers and the co-presenter U.G.Z.
Thanks to everyone who came out to the shows...
Thanks to the bands: Chestfull of Arrows, Echo of Bullets, Sahn Maru, Sin Remedio, Flattbush, Eskapo, Masacre, La Grita and Resistant Culture.
Thanks to the venues and volunteers and the co-presenter U.G.Z.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Happy Halloween!
Life has been good lately. Although I've been lacking a lot of sleep and been really busy! Banyan Loan Rangers finished 3-2-1 and we're heading to the playoffs! PLAYOFFS!!!! Last friday spent the night at Gilman to study how the operation works. I've been asked to help book at Gilman at least 1 show a month. And what an honor it is. This place has so much punk history. To have a shot at working here, I'm really excited about it. More on this later...
Saturday was a busy day as we went to Santa Clara for my friend Mike's christening for his baby boy, Mattheo Joaquin. I talked to an old friend of mine, Chris C. who I haven't seen in a couple years. He's doing well.
Later that night, Calvin Chris and I treked to the city as we celebrated as 4 of our members celebrated birthdays. We went to Azul's in the city. We also celebrated James' bday and it was my first time going out with the guys in a while. Everyone was rolling deep and the place had to be packed with half of the place full of Vallejo folks.
Later we went to Mels. Everyone was tired or "swoasted". I tried to get caffeinated as much as possible so I could make the drive back...
Sunday was football day. Stopped by Carl's house with Rob and Chris to celebrate his bday. The rest of the day was spent at home to celebrate my grandpa's bday. The family came over for lunch. Afterwards, I went to Kristi's and we prepared for our fishing trip to Pacifica.
I caught a couple smelt and Kristi caught some smelt and mackerel. Crab season is starting and we can't wait for that. Crescent City here we come!!!
Saturday was a busy day as we went to Santa Clara for my friend Mike's christening for his baby boy, Mattheo Joaquin. I talked to an old friend of mine, Chris C. who I haven't seen in a couple years. He's doing well.
Later that night, Calvin Chris and I treked to the city as we celebrated as 4 of our members celebrated birthdays. We went to Azul's in the city. We also celebrated James' bday and it was my first time going out with the guys in a while. Everyone was rolling deep and the place had to be packed with half of the place full of Vallejo folks.
Later we went to Mels. Everyone was tired or "swoasted". I tried to get caffeinated as much as possible so I could make the drive back...
Sunday was football day. Stopped by Carl's house with Rob and Chris to celebrate his bday. The rest of the day was spent at home to celebrate my grandpa's bday. The family came over for lunch. Afterwards, I went to Kristi's and we prepared for our fishing trip to Pacifica.
I caught a couple smelt and Kristi caught some smelt and mackerel. Crab season is starting and we can't wait for that. Crescent City here we come!!!
Friday, September 08, 2006
Nouvelle Vague
Really busy these past couple weeks. In respect of Steve Irwin, I decided to go dark for a couple days. I can't say how much Crocodile Hunter had a impact on me. I always enjoyed his shows and enthusiasm for animals and nature. I have the utmost respect for this man, a man who died doing what he loved. It's tragic that he had to go so soon, and leave his family behind. Condolences to the Irwin family. Please visit their website, www.crocodilehunter.com for information and links to donate funds to their non profit organizations.
On a lighter note, it's been two weeks into our second softball season. After a winless first season, we won our first game against the the second place team of last and on our second game, tied. Better a tie than a loss I say. But who knows, maybe we can go all the way. Go BANYAN LOAN RANGERS!!!!
Tonight, I went to see Nouvelle Vague at The Fillmore in SF. It was awesome. They are a New Wave/Bossa Nova 80's cover band. Their renditions are some of the best I've ever heard. They come from France and so far they've released 2 albums. Check out this website for info and music samples.
http://www.nouvellesvagues.com
http://www.myspace.com/nouvellevague
On a lighter note, it's been two weeks into our second softball season. After a winless first season, we won our first game against the the second place team of last and on our second game, tied. Better a tie than a loss I say. But who knows, maybe we can go all the way. Go BANYAN LOAN RANGERS!!!!
Tonight, I went to see Nouvelle Vague at The Fillmore in SF. It was awesome. They are a New Wave/Bossa Nova 80's cover band. Their renditions are some of the best I've ever heard. They come from France and so far they've released 2 albums. Check out this website for info and music samples.
http://www.nouvellesvagues.com
http://www.myspace.com/nouvellevague
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
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