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.
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Tuesday, January 12, 2010
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.
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