The House of Sand and Blog

New Blog...

2008-03-17T16:25:00.001-07:00

I know, I know...Nick started another new blog...la-ti-da.

Honestly I wasnt even sure if I was going to update this blog to let you all know, but then I realized that there are a few of you out there that need the wonderful world of friends updating their blogs to get them through their often boring work days...much like me.

This blog is going to be very simply me. So prepare yourself as it may get boring.

I am going to try to post once a day. Random thoughts, lyric ideas, etc, etc.

I just need a medium to keep the creative juices flowing as the non-creative side slowly takes over the rest of my freetime.

Anyways, Ill see a few of you over there:

http://iamnotanairplane.blogspot.com

How I Deal With Loss...

2007-10-25T16:29:00.000-07:00

So I didn't exactly have the best day yesterday with the loss of my year old flip flops, which were worn down to nothing in certain areas. Some would argue that is no loss, but really it is. Now I have to venture out into the world with thick heavy new flip flops. At least I can take solace in the fact that they will be worn in soon.

I also lost my myspace page for the second time in three weeks. That was a crushing blow to the not an Airplane world, as I really had just gotten over the last deletion. But in reality it has done nothing but open my eyes to the pointless-ness of myspace. Or moreso, the ability for it to just disappear in minutes...and how to prevent that from making me feel like I am completely starting over (mailing lists, etc.) - but I wont sit here and discuss my strategies and boring music talk.

But what I will do is tell you all (or rather show you) how I cope with my losses, as the pictures below are of my newly purchased 1969 Gibson Barney Kessel original;

Now I realize my losses are pretty trivial compared to this monumental purchase. As a matter of fact my recent 'losses' are trivial to just about anything. They really mean nothing.

But this guitar is something.

When I found it online at Gruhn Guitars, I knew I had to have it. There are obviously other influences at work here as well (see picture below);

But lastly, I of course wanted to upstage Sparky who had recently blogged about spending some money on his passion of sharing a sleeping bag with Nate. I am not at liberty to discuss how much I just spent on this guitar, but I can honestly say its the most money Ive ever spent at one time on anything.

So on and So Forth...

2007-10-22T16:39:00.000-07:00

I have to admit, a lot of the reason why I am writing is because Sparky has been riding my coattails about keeping my blog up to date lately. Maybe he really wants to know whats going on in my life, or maybe he just needs a cure for boredom in the same way that I do when I seek out my friends blog posts.

Mostly though, I feel like I NEED to write.

I have been going through a painstaking period of writers block, and it honestly has been driving me mad. Spilling my guts in non-song form could have no results whatsoever either, but at least it gets the mind going, and acquaints me with my old friend - words.

I could blame my job for the lack of creativity lately, but honestly I know thats not the bulk of it. I mean sure, it takes up at least 8 hours of my day, but even when I am working I find it very easy to reflect on things in my quiet cubicle with my ear-buds in listening to 'Crane Wife' or whatever my flavor of the month might be. I mean really I just have been bombarded lately, and dont even have time to be considered an insomniac. Not that I'm not sleeping. Believe me, when my head finds its way to a pillow, it stays there for as long as it can.

I guess I can't even really say I'm not being creative. Most of my time I am teaching myself how to not entirely suck at playing electric guitar, which is an amazingly different beast then that pretty little Martin Acoustic I have come to know so well. I am also taking apart songs I've written in the past few months and seeing how I can maybe shape them from acoustic folk songs to in your face rock songs with thirty minute drum solos for Dwights listening pleasure. And of course, this all stems from the fact that I have formed a new band (currently a three piece) and have been working with them on shaping some new material and getting ready for an upcoming gig.

I am learning a lot about myself, my musical abilities, the music industry, and really everything I can. I have made countless friends, and a few incredible close friends, almost to the point of brothers. I have been sharing what I've learned with people, and I have been given countless amounts of great advice from others.

Things are changing and re-defining themselves every week. Its hard to keep up, but I have to say 2008 is going to be a good year. A hard year. But a good year.

U.F.O.'s at the Zoo

2007-08-21T13:37:00.000-07:00

Back when I was playing only cover songs in New York my good pal Dwight suggested to me that I should check out the song 'Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots' by the Flaming Lips, and that I would enjoy it. Of course I had heard about the Flaming Lips from their brief success with the song 'She Don't Use Jelly', but I never knew what I was getting into when I picked up my copy of 'Yoshimi...' the album.

I was working the day I bought it and brought the album into the lab with me where there was a CD boombox I could play it on. I was blown away not only by the suggested title track, but the album as a whole. Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots has easily become the one song I have probably played the most in my life since that moment.

This album in itself was genius, and on top of that, the Lips incorporated a 5.1 surround sound DVD audio disc which just added to the experience. And I asked myself...who are these Lips that are Flaming?

Only weeks later (if that) I found myself perusing a record store and found a copy of the Lips' album 'Zaireeka'. I have only listened to this album fully about twice in my entire career of owning it, because it requires four CD players to do so. Each CD contains certain instrumentation and when all played together, it forms one hell of a listening experience. Not only that but it really provides the opportunity to make each time you listen to it completely different. And this was released ten years ago.

Since then the more I hear and learn about the Flaming Lips, the more I realize how innovative and incredible they are, as they are constantly trying to make each musical experience better then the last. Even my friend George (who is an avid attendee of concerts) has claimed to me that the Flaming Lips are one of (if not the) best live act to see today.

Which is what this DVD intends to prove to me. I haven't even watched it yet, but here is what it has to offer.

I am listening to the mp3 files that you can download from the DVD as I type this for one. On top of that, I can download the booklet digitally, create ringtones of about ten Flaming Lips tracks, RE-MIX my own version of 'The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song' using existing arrangements, and even download buddy icons and desktop wallpaper. All this contained on an MVI (Music Video Interactive) DVD, and I haven't even checked out some of the other miscellaneous features.

Needless to say, the Flaming Lips have done it again.

The Bourne Ultimatum

2007-08-09T09:05:00.000-07:00

What I expected from this movie - At least one really cool fist fight scene, a lot of action (specifically defined by the question 'Where the hell is Bourne?!'), and very little to no story that was any different then the Bourne Supremacy.

What I got from this movie...exactly that.

Dont get me wrong, I was entertained, but for some reason I just didnt care about what happened to Jason Bourne anymore. Maybe it was me, or maybe it was the movie, its hard to say.

I let out a sigh of relief when they managed to avoid the love story between him and Nicky Parsons for at least one more movie, but I winced in pain at the rooftop confrontation scene between Bourne and the Asset (but I can't wait for the spin-off movies starring Edgar Ramirez as he searches for his past - note sarcasm).

Does what Bourne finds out about his past make the movie any more exciting? No. Do we even find out everything? Of course not.

Im sure the fourth movie will tell us all about how Bourne volunteered for this project because of one reason - Nicky Parsons...

The Simpsons

2007-08-06T15:22:00.000-07:00

So what is there to say about a movie that I have been waiting for for 10 years or more, that not only met my expectations, but exceeded them? Where can I go from there?

I guess my biggest fear was the movie being a 'longer episode', but this was certainly not the case. This movie had all the charm and pizzazz of the Simpsons I have come to love, but with a big screen summer blockbuster attitude. The animation, the music, the story, it was all pure movie material. I should have known Matt Groening would not have let me down.

This movie had everything whether you have been watching the Simpsons for the last 18 years or not. On top of that it contained things like a Stampy cameo, Nelson's inability to resist laughing at someone's misfortune, and - most noteably - the final jumping of Springfield Gorge to give us Simpson's fanatics our little inside humor (despite most of it being from within the first 5-10 seasons).

The Simpsons is going as strong as ever and its great to see the Movie is right there in the front of the pack. I may be biased, but I dare you to go to this movie and not have a great time.

It may not be the best movie ever, but it's certainly one of the best this year, and one of the most consistent comedies I have seen in a long time. It is definitely the best Simpson's Movie...

The best Simpson's Movie so far...

The Simpsons, Seattle, Sentimentality, and Some Alliteration.

2007-07-31T17:31:00.000-07:00

What a great weekend.

I flew into Seattle late thursday night, and after an affordable limousine drive to my pal Sparky's new place, where he lives with none-other then Nate the Great, I found myself with a beer in hand engaged in conversation with the both of them as I unsuccessfully tried to output my computer to Sparky's recently purchased used TV. I eventually gave up after dragging Sparky's computer into the living room and finally deciding that I would be watching Simpson's reruns on my laptop all weekend.

Early the next morning we headed out so Sparky could visit the Post Office, which then lead to us heading down to Pike's Place to get freshly made donuts. It was there that I bought three dozen of the best donuts I had ever tasted. Since I now had Donuts, and a fridge stocked with Buzz Cola at home, I did what anyone would do - watched 10 consecutive hours of the Simpsons while ingesting said objects. I then recieved a phone call and decided some fresh air would do some good, so I walked down to meet Dwight and McMahon at a bar near SafeCo Stadium to await Sparky and Nate getting off of work. A few hours and even more drinks later, and we were all back in Sparky's living room falling asleep to Simpson's episodes with Pizza in our belly's.

Neil arrived that night at around three a.m. I was the only one still awake (by which I mean awakened by Neil's call to my cell phone), so I let him in the building and we preceded to watch a few more episodes until we both passed out.

Then came Saturday - the big day (I know friday was technically the big day, or even Thursday night could be classified as that - but as you can tell from previous sentences, we had to wait for everyone to arrive, plus Sparky and Nate had to work Friday night and Saturday). The day started off with a walk to SafeCo stadium to meet Sparky who had game tickets for all of us. We hung out at the game (I don't even think I watched one play), drank free beer, and ate some deliciously free food, then we made the tiring walk back up the hill to Sparky's place.

It was at this point where we all pretty much napped in a big pile in the living room while the Simpson's reruns played for the few who were awake from time to time. We had tickets for a showing around eight-thirty p.m. and I was growing anxious - but eventually the time came.

The movie was great. I will be posting my detailed review soon (seperate from this story post).

So not only was the weekend, and my life completed that night around ten-thirty p.m., we managed to stumble across a FREE Spoon concert on Capitol Hill while looking for a bar called Cha-Cha's. I didn't get to catch much but it was just the icing on the cake. So after I caught the end of Spoon's performance, we made our way to Cha-Cha's where we all met up, made some new friends, drank more beer, and enjoyed delicious street vendor hot dogs on our way home. And the weekend wasn't even over yet.

Sunday a few of us (Sparky and Nate had to work, and Dwight and McMahon had flights to catch) took the ferry over to Bainbridge Island where we got lunch and hung out before Neil had to take off back to his home. We talked of work, and life, and even read an uneducated Simpsons review from some botard in Arizona who gave it two-stars.

Then that night Sparky and Nate took us out to the main Ivar's (the restaurant where they work inside SafeCo Stadium) out on the Pier. We enjoyed a big dinner with Sparky's monthly food allowance. It was delicious. Then we again made the tiring walk back to Sparky's place while discussing things like Sparky's plans for charity work and all sorts of great things he is doing in Seattle to help out the beloved Mastatal Ranch, as well as plans to help out bigger and better charities and such. It is cool to see him using every resource he can to make a job of necessity into a job of passion and one where he can continue helping others.

That night I tried watching 'Ghost Rider' after everyone was asleep - but I fell asleep about forty five minutes through, and from what I saw it was one of the worst movies I'd ever even tried to watch.

Then early the next morning I got to hang out with Sparky as we walked back to SafeCo field, then to Ivar's on the Pier, then back to his place. Then we walked back towards SafeCo with Nate for lunch and then they were off to work, and I was off to see the Simpson's movie again. Which was still great. Although I missed Neil's boisterous laughter, I did not miss all the annoying people laughing and screaming during on-going jokes, and I even got to catch some stuff I didn't catch in the first viewing.

Then it was back to the airport to await my flight (which was delayed a couple hours), and finally back to California, and back to the good ole world of working...eww.

I want to go see the Simpson's movie.

The Meaning of Life...

2007-07-19T08:26:00.000-07:00

So the time has come. To pack my bags and journey to Seattle for what will be the biggest moment of my life so far. Sure I've had little brothers, and little sisters born, nieces, and a nephew. I've fallen in and out of love, and yes I've even seen a bear in real life. But all is moot when it comes to the release of the Simpsons feature film coming to theatres next weekend.

All of my friends and I (the only ones missing will be George and Kearney - cause Dwight is going to come - right Dwight?!) are meeting in Seattle for this glorious day as I mentioned above. Seattle is the current habitat of Sparky, and he was unable to get off of work that weekend, so we all planned accordingly.

I have already claimed a seat next to Neil, which will ensure to increase the hilarity of the movie by at least 10% with his giddy laughter. I have been quoted as saying 'when Neil laughs, the world laughs with him'.

So why is it such a big deal? Because the Simpsons has shaped our lives and is responsible for our friendship (particularly Neil and myself). I remember the day Neil went off to college in Baltimore and the only thing he left behind was his collection of nine VHS tapes full of Simpsons episodes...Which I used to pass the time since all of my friends had gone off to school and I was still living with my parents attending community college. It was then that I continued and catalogued the collection (which is now twenty-five tapes and includes futurama episodes) until the DVDs started being officially released.

More recently than that, Neil was on his first tour in Iraq, and to help him forget that insurgents were trying to kill him, I (with the help of one of my co-workers, Nancy) was able to burn new episodes onto DVDs and mail them so he could watch them in his tank (or so I assume). It was the only thing better then recieving large quantities of Pringles.

So not only has the Simpsons been a huge part of my life, but it has probably been the most pinnacle part, considering my entire life's education really comes from those twenty-two glorious minutes of entertainment. I have had entire conversations using only quotes from the show, I have trampled many opponents in Simpsons trivia games and now thanks to 7-Eleven's brilliant promotional scheming, I can enjoy Squishees, Krusty-O's and Buzz Cola.

So for me, this marks the end all - be all of existence. I don't know whats going to happen after I see the movie, other then the fact that I will go see it again and again and again...

Transformers

2007-07-04T20:44:00.000-07:00

More then meets the eye?

Well, I'm not exactly a Transformers expert, and really I wouldn't even consider myself to be a Transformer LOVER persay - more of just a fan...its Nostalgia at best. Just like this movie is entertaining AT BEST...

The effects and action certainly do not make up for the lack of character development and numerous cheesy moments - and whats the deal with the Chevy commercial popping out in the middle of the movie. I just can't wait to go out and buy a new Camaro, I mean Mustang...Oh wait...

If Shia Lebouf didn't remind me so much of my brother Bob at moments I would have been cheering for the Decepticons. Not even John Torturro could make you care about a character in this movie.

My biggest complaint is when movies create these computer generated characters and make them all cartoony personality wise. This wasn't that present in this movie, except with the miniature decepticons - that guy was annoying.

But its all good. I mean think about it...did I expect it to be the best movie ever? Of course not, but it certainly had potential. I wouldn't put it in the Spiderman 3 category, but I certainly wouldn't go see it again. You know - its got a Pirates of the Carribean 3 'lets get married on the deck during a battle' feel to it. Its just one of those movies that had just a couple cool moments, and the rest of the time, you were waiting for another cool moment to appear (it rarely ever did), and you often found yourself wincing in pain at the amount of cheesy moments in between. Even the obvious build-up for the sequel was TOO obvious.

On that note - spend your money on 'Live Free Or Die Hard': Its not exactly the most well written movie either, but at least its fucking awesome.

iDecisions...

2007-06-29T10:07:00.000-07:00

Well I've already established with Verizon that I cannot use the new iPhone with their service if I purchase one. I know this is obvious to some, but Im not the most Tech-savvy person. I just know how things work, not why.

So now I am faced with a choice, cause for one, Verizon does have the best coverage you can get these days, and I've certainly never had a problem. Whereas I have horrible memories of Cingular back from my days in college and running up huge phone bills every month, and then having to deal with customer service all the time.

Perhaps that was my own fault, or perhaps Cingular (now Cingular/AT&T) just sucks...who knows.

I called Verizon today, and after shooting me down with the iPhone, they started explaining all the other phones they had that held music. I calmly tried to explain that the iPhone has the same I/O jack as the iPod (atleast I assume it does), and therefore works in all my iPod accessories, including my BOSE stereo system, and my car adapter. So why would I want the Verizon chocolate and an iPod for my car, when I could have an iPhone to serve both purposes?

I guess I am just going to have to make a decision here - So please offer me your input. Here are my two options;

Buy an iPhone - I know it only holds up to 8GB, but right now I am living with 4GB, and its not all bad. Sure there is probably a lot I am missing in doing so with my vast music collection, but I just need to spend more time developing a rotation system. Financially this is going to be a burden, cause not only will I have to buy the iPhone, but I will have to pay the Verizon cancellation fees, as well as the new Cingular activation fees and such...so this could easily run me close to $1500, when all is said and done. All that and I'd only have to carry one thing in my pocket at all times...
Buy a new iPod - Compared to my other option, buying a new 80GB would be cheap. Then I could load my entire collection on there (barely), just in case someone wanted to hear 'Another Bad Creation'. Then I will still have this gi-normous phone in my pocket, as well as an 80GB iPod, everywhere I go...

I now open the floor to discussion...

A 'Pizza' My Heart...

2007-06-07T16:19:00.000-07:00

So yesterday I went to a new pizza place right here in Vacaville called 'Amici's', which claims to be an 'East Coast Pizzeria'. Seeing as how I am from the East Coast I decided to check it out.

I have to say I wasn't dissatisfied.

I have been in California for over a year and a half now and I have never found a slice of pizza that has been to my liking after living in New York my entire life. I am no pizza conneiseur by any means (as a matter of fact I just love food), but even below average New York pizza is better then most California pizzas I have had.

The good news is, this place Amici's was pretty damn good. The prices were a bit steep, but they had a lot more to offer then just New York style pizza. Overall it seemed like a pretty good restaurant for a hot friday night date or something.

Most importantly I urge all of you Native Californians to get over there (or to your nearest Amici's), order a New York style pizza with pepperoni, sprinkle some parmesan on it, and eat it. It may not be exact, but it is definitely the closest you will get around here.

The Dick-Scover-Ey Channel Part IV

2007-06-01T14:04:00.000-07:00

Gay, Straight Or Taken: Its like Elimidate with a hilarious twist. Even more hilarious then most of the twists Elimidate has recently been implementing. The premise starts with a girl (or guy but we will use the girl for my example) who is going on a date with three 'eligible' bachelors. After brief introductions with her three dates her phone rings. On the other end is one of her dates girlfriend/wife explaining that if she picks her boyfriend/husband, they get to take the prize vacation that is on the table. Needless to say, this shocks the hell out of the girl and she starts questioning everyone in the group. Just when you think she couldn't get more upset, her phone rings again, only this time it is a man explaining that one of her dates is his gay significant other, and they too want that prize vacation. So the date continues as everyone tries to convince this girl that not only are the other two guys gay, but that they are the right one for her, so they can win a trip at the end. The best part is how they make them do the most homo-erotic dates ever like Gymnastics, Roller-Disco, and Cheerleading, so everyone looks gay. And I know I already said this, but the real best part is when the girl accuses the single/straight guy of being gay at the end and loses. Who wouldn't want to be on this show?

Hot Jolly Ranchers: Those of you that know me, know I have a problem with being too relaxed while driving, which sometimes may lead to driving into farmhouses or something along those lines. I have learned tricks to help prevent this like listening to certain Albums, and having hard candy readily available for long trips. Jolly Ranchers are my favorite as they last the longest since they are super compressed and impossible to bite through. Its as if it originally starts out as a piece of hard candy ten stories high, and then they pressurize it to shrink it all down to its actual size. Its like trying to bite through a diamond with a Watermelon taste. But I digress - Due to the massive heat of the Valley in the summer, my car gets up to 100+ degrees this time of year. And let me tell you, nothing is more disgusting then popping a Sour Apple Jolly Rancher in your mouth at twenty degrees above your body temperature. It makes driving into a house seem like an amusement park ride.

Wearing Shoes: Honestly I don't know how people do it. I have started working again, and I can't wear flip-flops to the office. It is the worst feeling in the world. Maybe I am just not used to it anymore, but the thing I look forward to the most about going home is being able to not have shoes on anymore. I have even been kicking em off when I am in my cubicle and hanging out typing in socks...My feet are claustrophobic. Seriously I HATE it.

I've Got Worms

2007-05-29T15:16:00.001-07:00

While I was home in May, I entertained myself mostly by playing Worms: Armageddon for Playstation with my brother Joe, and anyone else who happened to be around when we started a new round. This is a game I played a little bit with my friend Sparky in college, and then on and off over the last 4 years with my brother. We have even tried out Worms: 3D, which has a certain novelty to it, but just isn't the same.

So upon leaving New York again to head back to my home in California, I realized something. Not only did I want to continue playing worms, but I did not want to have to sit around and play the automated computer teams or the unworthy opponents awaiting me at home, cause lets face it, I would kick Kathy's ass.

So I assumed there had to be a Worms game designed for online play, and I was right. After some research and a minor expense to my bank account, I had purchased Worms: World Party for my PC. After trying it out I am now urging everyone I know to also buy it, so that on those lonely California, New York, Texas, Indiana, North Carolina, Colorado, or Seattle nights, we can all gather in a Worms online battle to the death, in which I will always win - most likely.

So if you haven't already, go out and get Worms: World Party and join the fun.

I call not being Iraq.

Where The Red Fern Grows...

2007-05-18T11:10:00.000-07:00

So I started a new job...blah blah blah.

Im doing the same type of work I have been doing on and off since I got out of school. Although technically I am just sitting around doing nothing right now, cause its only my second day. Its a much better company then I have worked for in the past, in that I have a great benefits package and the money is great. Not to mention there is a lot of room and opportunity for advancement and professional development at this company. Which isnt a big deal to me at this stage in my life, but is still good to have on the back-burner.

The transitional phase is a little stressful, as I am used to being able to work on and practice music all day (which I have been doing for the past few months). So I am a little stressed about my lack of practice and time for music, but I will be able to find a balance as I get settled.

The bottom line is, I need the money. Music is and will always be my top priority, but with my finances the way they are without this job, there is no way I would be able to keep things going. The only reason I have been able to so far is because Kathy is the greatest and most supportive girlfriend in the universe.

So its back to the working life for me. Which means nights will be dedicated to practicing and promoting and all that good stuff. So my freetime is much more limited, but I suppose it comes with the territory, and its not like it isnt worth every second to me.

So I thought I'd update, cause its been awhile, and it beats reading SOPs...

Spiderman 3 - The Disappointment...

2007-05-04T03:19:00.000-07:00

(BEWARE OF SPOILERS)

I'm not sure if thats the official title, but it should be.

This movie is probably going to be the most disappointing of the year, although I'm sure 'Transformers' is still in the running. Although Micheal Bay did direct it, so I'm sure there will be more explosions.

Comic book accuracy aside, Spidey 3 was full of tacked on bullshit, even more then the wonderfully boring love story between Peter and the apparently anorexic Mary Jane. Seriously Kirsten Dunst resembles a recovering heroine addict in this movie.

This movie tries to develop too many new characters, two of which turn out to be main villians, and just force too much stuff into one movie. I think that was the biggest problem. They tried to force too much into the two and a half hour timeslot, and it really led to the movie being dry and ridiculously cheesy.

The Sandman story was probably the worst part, besides the Green Goblin joining the side of good (but one created the other problem). The Sandman story was added on for two reasons, to give Parker a reason to get angry, and the other so Venom would have a teammate which would ultimately lead to the Green Goblin and Spidey teaming up. Can you say LAME? They went so far as to go back and change how Uncle Ben died. I thought this was just poor writing.

The Venom story was also pretty tacked on. I mean its hard to not get excited about Venom. While they did a decent job with him, I was hoping for something much more badass. I don't know, I just wasn't impressed. Venom is one of the best villian/vigilante characters in comic book history...I dont know if it was 'Eric Foreman's' sarcastic wit, but there was just something about him that I just couldn't get into.

Dont even get me started on Harry Osbourne, and the new Green Goblin. I don't want to spoil too much, but this part of the story is the ultimate downfall of the movie...

I know comic books aren't known for their dialogue or anything, but this movie was even more bland then a frame by frame reading of still drawings. It was poorly written, inaccurate (for the nerds out there who care), and just plain cheesy. And like I said, they tried to do too much. This could have easily been broken into at least 2 movies...and the Sandman character should never have existed (at least not with this existing back story)...but I guess even Loyle from 'Wings' needs a job these days.

Bad Movies Volume 1

2007-04-11T00:15:00.000-07:00

Bad Movie You Shouldn't See:

Delta Farce, Starring Larry the Cable Guy and Bill Engvall.

Due out: May 11, 2007

I had to see this preview the other night when I went to see 'Blades of Glory', and this looks like it could potentially be the worst movie ever made.

We've got three obvious rednecks (or blue collar guys - thanks to brilliant casting), who get 'mistaken' as army reservists, and shipped off to Iraq. As if that's not bad enough, they then get dumped in Mexico, because for some reason their plane dumps a Humvee that they are sleeping in over mexico, along with an apparently large amount of weapons and ammunition.

Of course, the real genius comes when they think they are in Iraq...get it? Yeah.

So we got a movie where a few stupid rednecks invade Mexico and hilarious hijinx ensue, and I use the term hilarious very very loosely. Not only is this movie not worth seeing, but it should have never ever been made. Just take a survey of who would actually enjoy this movie and spend the money throwing a monster truck rally where Larry the Cable Guy Comes out and says 'Get 'er Done!' somewhere in the middle. Then the rest of us will take Bill Engvall and the skinny dude from 'Road Trip' and execute them, to teach everyone not to even talk of making a movie like this ever again.

The only thing remotely cool about this movie is the brilliant casting of Danny Trejo - the ultimate actor no one has ever heard of.

Bad Movie You Should See:

Live Free Or Die Hard, Starring Bruce Willis, Timothy Olyphant

Due out: July 4, 2007

Who knew the John McClane saga wasnt over?

This time the terrorists are bigger, as are the explosions and even Kevin Smith makes an appearance.

I caught this preview thanks to the amazing technology of Youtube, and there is actually a scene where John McClane uses a highspeed car crash into a tollbooth to catapult the car in order to take out a helicopter. Yippee-Kay-Yay Motherfucker.

This movie is going to kickass. However if Bonnie Bedelia shows up, I might just change my mind.

I Never Wanted To Believe In Blogs...

2007-03-20T23:39:00.000-07:00

I know I haven't been writing much - I mean I am even upset with my slow pace involving the Simpsons rewatch - but what can I say, I am actually seriously motivated about something and busy with that said thing.

The album I have been working on for the last ten months is coming to a close, and I have already sent the completed master to pressing. It is my first serious piece of work, that I can honestly say I am proud of and want people to hear, unlike the demo which was done rapidly for the sole purpose of being a demo. It is a piece of art that I created, and put a lot of sacrifice and emotion into (not that its emo - ha).

Of course, it wouldnt be the same without the help of Mike and my new friend Craig. Craig did a great job of helping me get my ideas outside of my head and into something soluble. He made it possible to express myself through music, and the whole process has taught me so much about songwriting, musicianship, and my own personal style which I am still discovering everyday. I look forward to working with Craig a lot in the future.

Mike also did a great job of thinking outside of the box, which is a big deal for him as a musician. He was very patient with my demands and desires to explore new tones, and ideas with him. He didnt mind (too much) that I made him play over songs take after take, and then he had to watch as I cut up his parts and re-arrange them here and there. Not to mention his use of melody is impeccable and he has really added a lot to the album. If you know me, you know my first love of music was guitar, and to be able to have such a talented guitarist be so prominent in my songs is perfect.

On top of that, my new friend Camille Rogers came through ten-fold with helping me with the artwork (album cover shown). She submitted a bunch of ideas randomly after I posted that I needed help on myspace. After several email exchanges she really came through and came up with a great design for the entire album package.

This has really been a great experience. Stressful at times yes, but all worth it. I am very happy to have completed my first full length album. If you asked me even a year ago, I would have never been able to predict this outcome.

I will have it available to the public soon. Keep your eyes peeled on the website, this blog, or our myspace page...a preview will be coming even sooner.

Skiing is for Fags...

2007-03-05T18:49:00.000-08:00

Well its official, I'm a snowboarder...and we all know that makes me way cooler then people who ski. I mean lets face it, we have better style, and we are way more badass. So if you guys know any skier jokes, let me know.

In other words, we went to Tahoe while Sparky was here and I took a crack at snowboarding (I'm holding two snowboards cause Kathy was there too, duh). My favorite part was learning by going as fast as I can and forcing myself to learn control and faceplanting hilariously a lot. Im pretty sure I gave myself whiplash.

So I have been slacking on the blogging I know, but I've been especially busy since Sparky was in town and the recording sessions are coming to a close. I am in the studio three days a week now mixing and soon to be mastering. The album will be ready for pressing by the end of March.

Not too mention I have been playing show after show after show. The band is up and running and we already have played three full band shows. Ive also continued to do the solo acoustic shows with my friends Tara Tinsley and Jon Valenti. Its been a busy time, which is good, and hopefully it will keep getting busier.

Unfortunately work has slowed down for me a lot. Although after the album is done I am going to try to get a full time local job so I can save up some money again for new equipment we need and for the overall expense of keeping the music going.

In even worse news, Sparky is gone. He has moved to Seattle for the time being. He is a million times closer and cheaper to reach, so that is a plus, but I was looking forward to having him around for a bit. Secretly my heart is broken. *Tear*

Whatever happened to that show 'Change of Heart'? Man that was a great show.

W-N-I-C-K

2007-02-06T23:39:00.000-08:00

Its common law that the key to survival in a foreign city is to find an Oldie's radio station to drive around listening to.

It wasn't til recently that I came to the realization that my music collection itself was missing this luxury. So I did what any man would do, and got a bunch of pirated Oldie's albums.

Im still sorting through it all, some of it is great (i.e. Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers), and some of it is pretty sub-par. But my goal is to eventually have my own 'Oldies Station' available on my Ipod where I can just hit random and bounce to the pop hits of the 50's. If you have any suggestions, please feel free to leave a comment.

Stuart Little

2007-01-26T00:04:00.000-08:00

Last night when I was driving home from work my car stalled. This isnt that big of a deal, unless you work sixty miles from your home, which I do. Luckily I had made it pretty far until this stalling happened, and even more so, the car started back up after sitting for a few minutes.

Not understanding anything about how computers work, I knew it would be a good idea to take it to the dealer in the morning, especially cause I needed an oil change anyways.

After being without vehicle for a couple hours, I finally got a call back from the Shellworth Chevrolet Service Department. It seems a mouse had made itself a little home in my engine, and managed to do some damage to a few wires.

This initially seemed like horrible news, because the Service Manager went on to explain how they would have to take the car apart to see just how extensive the damage was. I thought for sure they were going to make me even more poor then I already am.

I managed to luck out somehow, as the mouse did very minimal damage, and the only actual part that was broken is still covered under warranty, despite most of the car not being so. So I got off only having to pay for the oil change which could be argued as a positive note. However, I do have to sacrifice my car til Monday, since the part had to be ordered - this could be the negative side of the story.

So here I am, carless. I wish Stuart Little would stick to that mini convertible he has in the movies. What a dick. If he didnt sound so much like Micheal J. Fox I'd kick his ass.

Advertisements and You

2007-01-18T22:13:00.000-08:00

The subject of my last post has really got me thinking about other Ad icons out there. Some have come and gone, and some have really touched our lives, whether they were responsible for our first cavity, or our first heart attack.

Take Tony the Tiger for instance. Who doesn't know his slogan? Who hasn't had a bowl of frosted flakes and stared at his striped face while reading the puzzles on the back of the box or while searching through a bunch of flakes for a small toy of the same tiger staring back at you?

The weird thing I've noticed (and maybe its because I don't watch as much TV anymore), is the absense of Tony lately. As a matter of fact, I have noticed a lack of all sweet cereal promoting creatures. Like the 'Smack's' Frog, that 'Silly Rabbit' who just wants some trix, and the infamous Toucan Sam. Maybe this is a result of some hippie new age parents somewhere complaining that these are negative role models to our children and they are the reason their children are so overweight? Maybe I just need to watch more commercials?

Next we have the Colonel. I'm no huge fan of the Kentucky Fried variety of Chicken, despite the magnificently cheap food they offer. But I thought it was appropriate to talk about another dead icon.

Of course KFC still uses his image, but at least they have cartoonized the Colonel instead of making him a hip zombie (I dont care how much I overuse the zombie joke).

I mean honestly we have to love this guy so much, whether it be the dancing cartoon version or the real thing some years ago...why else would we eat genetically altered chicken strips on a bun with a piece of lettuce for a buck?

Say what you want about KFC, but if they bring back 'The Twister' at the original low price it was introduced I would eat there everyday.

Finally we get to the ad icon among ad icon's. Everyone who grew up in the 90's knows exactly what I am talking about.

Possibly the best and worst decision Energizer has ever made.

The commercials were original and hilarious back in their heyday. Who doesn't remember watching a commercial for some no name product you never heard of, and then the Bunny popping in with that drum beat, doing a spin or two and exiting, leaving the actors in the 'other ' commercial confused as all hell. That was genius.

Any ad symbol or character is technically temporary no matter how long its been around, but not the Bunny. If Energizer gets rid of the Bunny it is advertisement suicide. If something that 'Keeps going and going' ever disappears from my life, I'm going to start questioning the integrity of whatever he was pushing on me. I'll be a copper top man for life.

Computer Generation Gone Too Far

2007-01-17T11:42:00.000-08:00

Last night while watching TV, a dead person tried to sell me popcorn.

Not just any dead person either. A dead icon, whom we have all known, loved, ridiculed and mourned.

Yes last night on my TV, Orville Redenbacher returned from the dead looking as hip as ever with a fancy MP3 player (to somehow prove to us it wasnt old footage). It was then that he tried to explain to me that his popcorn is even lighter and fluffier then before - I'm not even sure what he was saying because I was in shock.

I mean I am all for computer generation, although if overdone it can ruin a lot of things (i.e. Star Wars), but this is going too far no matter how you look at it. There are certain ad mascots that will never disappear like the Energizer Bunny, but Orville needs to rest in peace.

So if you like Sadistic Popcorn, be sure to buy some from the rockin' Zombie.

Two Weeks In

2007-01-14T13:10:00.000-08:00

The one 'resolution' I made was to stop avoiding the business aspect of the music I am making. I have been telling myself to start sending out annoying emails, and making phone calls galore to work on getting more and more shows and to increase exposure. While my number of annoying emails sent has dramatically increased in the last two weeks, I still am subconsciously avoiding taking huge steps. I just don't like the business side of it, despite the fact I know it is a necessity.

Honestly with the increased amount of studio time coming up, its actually alright because Mike and I need every spare second to prepare his parts for his upcoming sessions. If we were off running from town to town we would not have time to learn any of the new material and would be unprepared when it came time to record.

The good thing is we have met a lot of new great songwriters/friends who have helped us out with getting a lot more shows, and we have even somewhat established ourselves as a common occurence in the town of Modesto, CA. I hope to be able to return the favor someday.

A lot has happened this year already, and with the album getting closer and closer to completion every week, there is a lot more to come.

How I Learned Spanish

2007-01-06T00:29:00.000-08:00

I figure there is no better way to start off the new year of blogging then to write, in detail about my end of the year/holiday trip to Rancho Mastatal in Costa Rica. It goes a little something like this;

We arrived in San Jose, Costa Rica on Christmas Eve morning around 11:00am (I will say we a lot, because Kathy was with me on this trip - duh). After breezing through customs and exchanging some money for a shitload of colones we found Fernando, a Puriscal local who was giving us a ride to Mastatal. After sitting in some traffic because of some accident, and many bumpy roads later, we arrived in Mastatal around 3:30pm. We were greeted by the half drunk/half hungover residents of Rancho Mastatal and of course, the always on the verge of passing out, Sparky. Sparky gave us a quick tour after we ditched our stuff in our room and we got the low down of all the current building projects and even got to see Timo and Robin's house that Sparky spent most of his time there helping to build.

That night was the annual Drink n'Sync, where everyone gets drunk and lip sync's songs. There were some hilarious moments and some frightening moments, including Sparky dressed up as a woman, and Sparky dressed up as Boy George.

The next day was Christmas and we all awoke to a delicious breakfast - which is apparently done everyday there. This day was just everyone relaxing and recovering from a long night of drinking and catching up. I'm pretty sure most of the day was spent playing Dominoes, in which I Dominated...pun definitely intended.

The following day was Boxing Day, which is apparently a great holiday (thank you English people). We immediately broke off into two teams of about 7 people and began playing games throughout the day. We played Ultimate Frisbee, Tug Of War, Kickball, Egg Toss, Wiffle Ball, Ping Pong and even Horseshoes. It was a great day that was supposed to end in a massive game of Cranium, but our team kicked ass so we decided to spend the rest of the night drinking and sleeping.

We then headed to the beach town called Manuel Antonio and spent a couple days there. A lot of bus riding and walking was involved to get there but it was well worth it. By the time we actually got to the beach the first day it was pouring rain, but the rain was so warm it didnt matter. We still managed to play frisbee in the ocean for a couple hours before working on getting some dinner. The next day was more of the same but without the rain and with a lot more sun. We even got to see some cool wildlife (which Kathy got some great pictures of). That night we watched the sunset from a hotel pool bar in one of the local hotels that we weren't even staying at, and even met a nice couple from the Fairfield, CA area.

Then the fun really began as we headed out that night after drinking rum and cokes out of beer cans due to lack of cups. We hung out with a bunch of locals at a billiards bar and made some new friends. My nickname (Dickey) didnt translate well in Spanish so Sparky explained to everyone that my name was 'Penegador' (I don't know how to spell it) which literally translates to "Master of Dick'. So the locals got a kick out of that one and everyone laughed at my expense.

We then wandered aimlessly about town looking for food and even ended up in a Gay Bar called The Red Beard where an American kid leaving the bar hastily pleaded with us to believe that he wasn't gay. We obviously didn't.

The next day we hopped back on a bus back to Mastatal where I spent the last hour holding onto the seat in front of me and trying not to shit my pants. It was the longest bus ride in history. But it goes to show that I would rather risk shitting myself on a bus then get out and walk.

The next day in Mastatal we actually worked since it was somewhat between holidays and everyone wanted to get some work done. So Sparky, Timo, Kathy and I, all put up a second basketball hoop in the Mastatal Community center so we could get in a full court game sometime. Despite the three-legged scaffolding, it was a huge success.

The last day we were there was New Years Eve and we had a huge bonfire after hitting up the waterfall for a swim. We then headed to the 'Pulperia' and drank some beers and rum with the locals. It was a great night and I learned all sorts of vulgar terms in Spanish.

The trip was well worth it despite the hours on a plane and other hours on buses and driving up windy dirt roads. We made a lot of great new friends and met a lot of cool people. Not too mention we got to see Sparky and get to know Timo and Robin a lot better. It was one of the best weeks in my life even if I didnt get to eat meat for 6 out of the 10 days.

Nate is Great.

The Holiday Season

2006-12-23T02:44:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow night I am boarding a plane which will eventually take me to San Jose, Costa Rica. It is there that I will look for a man named Fernando holding a sign that will signify I should go with him. Despite the fact that he doesnt speak any English, Kathy and I will be spending three hours or so in a truck with him on our way to Rancho Mastatal, which is where we will be spending our holidays.

Sparky is already there, and will be for about a month longer then us as well, so he will be awaiting our arrival. After Christmas, I believe we are heading to some nearby beach to hang out and do odd things, most of which I hope involve hammocks.

I have to say I am not looking forward to the actual act of travelling this time around. The nine hours on a plane is going to make me wish the feeling 'uncomfortable' was never invented. Followed by three hours of a bumpy truck drive...woohoo...Merry Fuckin' Christmas to me.

But once I actually get to the ranch it is going to be one hell of a great time. Although I don't know what to expect, my unknown expectations are in the high category. Anyone who has talked to Sparky in the last year, I'm sure you've heard all about it and understand.

I am looking forward to getting away from it all. I'm looking forward to relaxing, and freeing my mind of everything. No cell phone, no computer, no studio, no work - just me, a notebook for jotting thoughts, a headlamp to avoid snakes at night, a couple t-shirts, and a frisbee. I'm sure it will all go by much too fast.

2007 is on the way, and there is much to be done, so this will be my last vacation for a long time.

The Lifeless Life Of Me

2006-12-20T02:16:00.000-08:00

In spite of my last post, I have decided to start ANOTHER blog in which I will be documenting my journey through the Great Simpsons Re-watch. And I will be watching Season 1.

Which is bad for me, but good for you readers because you will get to hear me gripe about it's suckiness.

The Great Simpsons Watch of 2007

2006-12-17T23:36:00.000-08:00

In honor of the monumentus release of 'the Simpsons' feature film this summer, I have begun the great Simpsons re-watch in which I will watch all the current existing Simpsons episodes in chronological order - minus Season 1.

Those of you nerds out there will simply declare it is blasphemous that I make this claim without watching Season 1. While Season 1 did provide us with the word 'KWYJIBO' (a big, dumb, balding ape with no chin), Santa's Little Helper, and the beginning of the Sideshow Bob saga, it simply isnt worth it to have to witness Marge's failed attempt at a love-affair with Jacques (the worst Simpson's character ever made), or the Lisa heavy episode in which we are introduced to 'Bleeding Gum's' Murphy.

Season 2 is arguably skippable as well. It starts off pretty slow with episodes like 'Bart Gets An F' and 'Simpson and Delilah'. Even the debut of the Treehouse of Horrors was a major disappointment even if it does pay tribute to the late Edgar Allan Poe. However, Season 2 does pick up a lot of steam and brings us a lot of classics like 'Bart Gets Hit By A Car', and 'Principal Charming'. Not too mention we find out Homer has a long lost brother, we witness the near death of Homer, and Bart even spends a brief stint as Mr. Burns' heir. It also contains cameo's from stars such as Ringo Starr, Dustin Hoffman, and Danny Devito. So really Season 2 is a great place to start, especially when you get to watch the NON-syndicated versions available on DVD Today!!!

Of course I will not get to watch all the episodes without running into syndication problems, because once I get past season 8 or 9, I will have to resort to the illegally downloaded episodes I have on my computer that were given to me by a friend (Thanks Nate).

And I know it would appear this will be the end of my life as I know it, but I do plan on pacing myself. I don't intend on watching all 18 seasons in the next month or two. I just intend to always have a disc in the DVD player so when the time comes, I can just watch another episode in the greatest saga ever told. I look forward to re-living every moment that I have been quoting and basing my entire life philosophy on for years.

**In Other Simpsons Related News:**

In tonight's episode, entitled 'Kill Gil, Volumes I and II', the intro was re-animated for (I believe) the first time in Simpson's history. I know the chalkboard and couch gag are 'always' different, but this time the entire thing was redone with a christmas theme, including Bart being on a snowboard instead of a Skateboard. The only time the intro has ever been completely redone was the one time they used real people (made in the UK of course). It was quite the day in Simpson's history as Gil finally got a shot as a central character, Smither's faced a little competition, and Poochie made another cameo in Krusty's Kristmas Ice Show as 'Matrix Poochie'.

I was moved.

Roll Me On To New Madrid

2006-12-16T23:39:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking about the New Year approaching, which is odd, since its not something I ever contemplate. But this year is different.

So much has happened in the span of 2006, its weird to be starting a new chapter, and that is exactly what I am doing. I have learned so much about myself, about self-expression and taken leaps and bounds in the right direction, and other leaps and bounds in the wrong direction. I believe I have come out on top so far, and no matter what I certainly got something out of all the good and all the bad.

Literally my life is being filed under the 2006 tab on the right hand side of this blog. For most of you, my life consists of what you read here, or find on my numerous other blogs and whatnot on this world wide web of information. To me this is a sign. At least its a representation of how I feel at this point.

I've gone from having nowhere but a couple open mics to having a couple (while low key) regular gigs to atleast keep my desire to play live in check. I've expanded my library significantly in the one year I have been writing songs, and I've even begun making a record of this library with one demo EP already complete, and a full length album on the way (which I am extremely excited about). And most importantly I have established a solid relationship with a couple great new friends and musicians...most notably Mike (obviously).

So what will 2007 bring? Hopefully a lot. I hate to be repetitive, but you know how I feel about predictions. I have a lot of things I want to do, and a lot of things I should do...but most importantly a lot of things I will do, and ultimately, those will be what makes the year what it is.

Perceptive Receptors

2006-12-13T00:27:00.000-08:00

I have nothing to write about anymore.

Its weird because I used to be running to the computer, or scrambling to find a pen so I could jot down more and more ideas...and now I've got nothing, and sometimes I strain my brain to think of new things to say.

I think it has a lot to do with the plateau I have reached in my discovering of new art. I havent really been diving into new albums day after day, instead I have just been absorbing my favorites over and over again. I have learned most everything I can learn from them.

See for me, ideas are usually sparked by something that catches my ear/eye in an existing piece of work, and the thought process that begins in my head afterwards. And for situations like that is always good to surround yourself with the rantings of as many different lunatics as you can, to optimize your own interpretations, and to harvest new ideas for yourself. This is lacking in my life right now.

Of course I have taken steps to change it.

For instance, Meghann and I recently started a blog project called 'Smitheringtonville' (see the link to the right), and that has opened up a whole world of abstract thinking and wordplay I have yet to discover. I can learn a lot from other peoples use of words, and even discover a lot of new ones, because the biggest word I know is 'biggest'. Not too mention it is really fun.

George has also helped me out by getting his hands on over fifty new albums at a flea market (by new I mean, we don't have them yet). You see, George and I have a collaborative music collection that grows in vast amounts sometimes, and with all these great finds he has picked up, I will have a lot of new stuff to forcefeed my brain.

I am in a lull. Its too be expected for sure, but this year has just been so productive for me creatively it feels weird to stop for a bit and think things over.

I will be in the rainforest soon. No that is not a metaphor.

The Top Of Your Head Is Blinding Me

2006-12-10T23:45:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow morning I am waking up, loading my guitar into my car, taking the non-scenic drive to Sacramento, CA and heading back into the studio to continue working on my upcoming album of songs to be released at a later date. Then after being there in front of a microphone and dripping man sweat on a hardwood floor for a bit, I am going to re-enter my car and drive to the Sacramento Airport to pick up my best friend Sparky.

It is there that I will find him with pubes on his face and who knows how much baggage (emotional and physical) - I'm guessing close to zero in both categories - and we will once again return to my vehicle for a short drive back to the studio.

Who knows what sort of awe inspiring thing will happen the next few days, but the arrival of Sparky to California, albeit brief, is a milestone in the making. Surely it is the beginning of something great. Much greater then Nintendo Wii, or even Low Sodium Saltines (which until recently I thought were manufactured using Wizardry).

So there you have it.

Wow-Wii!

2006-12-08T12:28:00.000-08:00

Is Nintendo Wii the greatest gaming system ever created?

Up to this point in the history of time and video game consoles, I would have to argue, absolutely.

For starters it has motion sensitive controls, which means it makes games more interesting to play for us people who aren't that big into the whole video game scene. Instead we can all get together and go bowling, or box each other, without ever leaving the house. Think of the drunken possibilites. This has definitely opened up the video game demographic and, depending on what kindof games they plan on making, could unite the world of video games with the world of family fun. Not too mention there is a semblance of physical activity during playing.

At the same time, you can purchase a 'Classic Controller' made specifically for the Wii (or a Gamecube controller will work just as well) in order to play many classic games which are available to download right from the main menu of the Wii. Of course it costs a little money (around 10 bucks for N64 games) but the game can then be accessed at any time. The releases are minimal now, but obviously there will be more to come.

Next you have the Wii channels, which supply weather, news, and eventually even internet browsing. None of these channels are operational yet, but its only a matter of time before everything you need is right on your television screen.

Of course there are downsides. For instance, its a new system, so the games are still not that great, and most overuse the motion controller aspect like an excited kid who eats too much candy just because he can. But this will eventually work itself out...I mean remember when Crazy Taxi was one of the only PS2 games? And with the personalized Mii's hopefully making more appearances in Wii games, there is potentially a lot of greatness in the Wii's future.

The only other downside would be the SD cards used to store games, and memory. The SD cards are small, and expensive for not a whole lot of memory.

But overall, if everything goes well, Nintendo Wii will be the greatest video game console ever created, until someone steals all the innovative things they've thought of and creates something even better.

George

2006-11-15T11:42:00.000-08:00

Probably the most important part of going home, besides the wedding and whatnot, was catching up with my old pal George.

After discovering we couldnt really live with each other about 2 years ago, we sort of grew apart a little, but he still remained on my list of people to stay in touch with, and I on his. Sure our motives were alterior at first because we both love to steal each others music, but in the end we managed to become great friends again.

My point is, I spent a lot of time chillin with George while I was home. I wasnt able to enough because of his nightly work schedule at the happiest place on earth...Hell. But we still managed to have quite a few drinks together, a couple late night trips to Denny's and even a viewing of the new Jeff Tweedy DVD that came out while I was home.

In conclusion, hanging out with George was one of the highlights of my trip home. We had a lot of good discussions, and he does a pretty good job of providing insight into my own head when I need it. Even if insight is overrated...

Via Chicago...

2006-11-05T10:08:00.000-08:00

The last couple weeks were cold, relaxing, boring, and sometimes even drinking. Im not sure if drinking is a feeling, but Im making it one.

I made it home for my sisters wedding, and immediately the festivities started for that with the rehearsal dinner that night. Everyone was soaked from the terrential downpours that plagued the land of precipitation more commonly known as Syracuse, NY. It rained from the time I got off the plane, to the time I got back on another plane around two weeks later.

The wedding was nice and the reception was a lot of fun. It was good to see everyone, get together, have a few beers, and catch up on everything. It was an hors d'oeuvre wedding instead of a dinner, which worked out nicely, because it was much more social that way. People were walking around to different food tables and there was no sit down dinner that allows everyone to get into a lull at their own specific spots. A great time was had by all.

After that there were some boring moments during the day time, and very little sleep happening. I got to witness Jobi-Wan Kenobi and Rywalker fight the Clone Wars, and I got to get caught up on 'Desperate Housewives' with Rose.

Then Sparky and Dwight showed up that last weekend for a Candid show and a Halloween Party at Kevin and Michelles. It was a great weekend, and I got to meet the infamous Timo and Robin who were both hilarious. Madison and I also got to torture the crap out of Dwight...

I dont know what else to tell you, I just felt like updating cause its been awhile.

Im off to Texas in about 9 days for the Return of Neil from Iraq and Thanksgiving Festivities.

The Fundamental Flaw of LOST...

2006-10-12T11:08:00.000-07:00

Of course I love this show, it is very well written and it keeps me glued to my seat during each episode, and most of all, it keeps me looking forward to the next installment. But despite all this, there is one huge flaw that recently struck me while watching the beginning of Season 3.

Lets say, for instance, you are on Oceanic Flight 815 out of Sydney, Australia with a bunch of strangers, and the next thing you know you are a survivor of a horrible plane crash on what appears to be a deserted island. Within the first day, you can come to a safe conclusion that there is some sort of giant monster on this island, and it often scares the shit out of everyone when its heard late at night. To top things off, it slowly becomes more and more apparent that no one is looking for your plane anymore, and even if they were, they wouldnt know where to look.

Its about this time that everyone makes like Lord of the Flies meets Swiss Family Robinson, and the thought of getting rescued is replaced with the thought of settling in on your new beach community eating fish caught by the asian guy, and vegetables grown by his wife (its a good thing they were on the plane). Of course things look up for you when all of a sudden food starts falling from the sky in the form of Macaroni and Cheese and other non-perishable goodness.

Then things start to get weird, as you start to find out that there are other people on this island of yours. Not only that but they are smart, and it would appear they have been there for a long time. Sure they apparently like to steal children, but who knows what for, maybe they are Republican.

Then one day, you get tricked into being a kidnapping victim before you even know what hits you. You wake up in an underwater aquarium, or a polar bear's former cage. And you think to yourself, how can this get any worse?

But why? Why can't these people ever think about the up-side of things. Lets look at this whole situation from Kate's point of view. You spend your life running from the law, and avoiding being yourself...then one day you get dropped on an island paradise. No more running. But yeah I'd get sick of eating dried fish and cold cereal everyday too...until one day I get 'kidnapped' and someone is offering me a delicious eggs and bacon breakfast on the beach outside of their island villa. So if I was Kate, I'd obviousy get more mad right? Wrong. Who wouldnt throw down their arms at this point and immediately embrace 'Fake Henry Gale' as your new best friend.

Oh thats right, you cant betray your old 'friends'. You know, the ones you met about 2 months before. You know all those people who you have not been honest with at all, and neither have they been to you. Just because you want some hot man love from Sawyer and Jack, doesnt make you a bad person for wanting to join Gilligan's Island society.

Sure someday you might end up like Julliette and cry listening to 'Downtown', but I say its worth it for the bacon and eggs.

Nothing's Changed All Over Again

2006-10-06T01:31:00.000-07:00

What to say, what to say?

Its been a pretty monumental week. Ok, so maybe monumental wouldn't be the way you would describe your week, but it has been an important one for all of us.

First of all, 'Lost' season 3 started two days ago. And let me tell you it was well worth the wait. I can't go into details, as there are readers of this blog who are still catching up, but I can atleast say that within the first 2 minutes of the episode I was shitting myself as a reminder of how great this show truly is. If you haven't seen it, it is well worth the purchase of Season 1 and Season 2 to get caught up.

And speaking of TV shows, 'South Park' opened up with a bang. That show gets better and better, and I know its been a long time since they started stepping away from using mostly shock humor, but I am just beginning to realize it and have been watching a lot of 'South Park' to get caught up. They have a lot of clever episodes that I haven't seen, and I feel all the better for catching a few here and there.

And of course there is 'the Office', which is proving to be the funniest show on the air once again, especially now that 'Arrested Development' was cancelled and that 'Scrubs' hasnt started yet. Oh wait, I forgot 'Family Guy'...Oh wait, that is the second worse show ever made (the first being 'American Dad').

Seth Macfarlane is less funny then my onstage banter.

Speaking of me being on stage, I just got back from playing my first show in San Francisco at a place called the Red Victorian. It was a lot of fun, despite the late notice, my unpreparedness, and the small crowd. I am still working on the nerves when playing alone. I got so used to playing with Mike this last year, I feel a lot more naked up there by myself, and there is no one to cover my ass when I screw up. But I have a lot of shows coming up, so that will hopefully change, cause most of them will be just me. Despite all that, I love playing more then ever, and get really antsy to play if I have to wait even a week to play again. Which is good motivation and will force me to stop talking about it and start hitting up open mics this winter and whatnot.

Even the little bit I have put myself out there has turned out to be a blast, and I've already met a lot of cool musicians, and people in general. I look forward to what this city has to offer.

What does it say about my own self-confidence that I posted about TV before my first ever show in San Francisco? I love TV.

I.E. My Last Post...

2006-10-01T01:11:00.000-07:00

Here I go again, rambling on and on about Jeff Tweedy...or moreso the effect he has had on me.

Tweedy is really the first songwriter I have studied extensively. Researching the type of chord progressions he uses, examining his wordplay, song structure, and other tricks he uses. He was also a major reason I started using alternate bass-notes in my own playing. Of course its a standard practice for pretty much any and all guitar players (especially in folk), but I first started to look at it under the microscope thanks to Tweedy (and my good pal Mike).

Everyone knows I got into music about 6 years ago and picked up my first guitar thanks to Trey Anastasio the former frontman of Phish, and now the current frontman of many crappy bands. But I never really studied him for the sake of learning techniques and getting insite into creating music/songs. Sure I learned a lot of Phish covers, especially the easy ones, but that was more for the sake of learning songs for the thrill of being able to play a song or two.

And of course, those who know me and when I started writing songs almost a year ago, know that Jeff Tweedy was (and is) my favorite songwriter and it only makes sense that it would lead to me studying him. Obviously I have branched out and listened to a buttload of music since then, and studied almost every technique I found interesting to the ears. Some have worked, some have not, some I'm still studying, some I haven't even discovered yet, and some I've even happened upon by accident.

So blah blah blah, I am just rambling.

"If you feel like singin a song
And you want other people to sing along
Just sing what you feel
Dont let anyone say its wrong" - Jeff Tweedy (What Light)

I Started Growin' Jeff Tweedy's Beard...

2006-09-25T02:17:00.000-07:00

So I wanna be Jeff Tweedy? Whats it to you?

Ok so I dont want to be Jeff Tweedy. If anything, this last year has done nothing but make me realize how comfortable I am in my own skin. The whole songwriting experience has taught me nothing other then to be yourself, and that as long as I am expressing myself, the end product will be more fun to play, and more exciting in general. Blah blah blah, I love me.

But I was recently asked an interesting question by a fellow local songwriter which was phrased something like this; 'Whose career would you most like to model yours after?'. Or something along those lines. It didnt take me much thought to determine that I would most like to be in Jeff Tweedy's shoes from a songwriting standpoint.

Here is someone who has unlimited capabilites as far as making records. He records, and performs with several bands, including the obvious Wilco, and the lesser known such as Golden Smog and Loose Fur. At the same time he can also tour by himself and fill small stadiums with people who just want to watch him do his thing with an acoustic guitar and that wonderful folk voice of his I have grown to love. What musician wouldnt want to be in his shoes?

So yeah I suppose everyone could say they wanna be like Jeff Tweedy, much like I am saying now. He has worked endlessly on perfecting his art and in my opinion is one of the greatest the world has ever seen. He is living his dream...He has embraced himself much better then most people, and everyone has responded in such a positive way. So yes, I definitely want to be like Jeff Tweedy, and I like to think I am off to a good start, and at the same time I know there is a lot more to work to be done.

Pete Was Almost Right

2006-09-21T21:57:00.000-07:00

I recently watched Dane Cook's HBO special 'Vicious Circle'. I honestly wasnt that impressed with his humor. Don't get me wrong, some of his jokes were great, and I definitely laughed a couple times. He was very animated as well which, I thought, was the funniest part. Watching him imitate a female masturbating makes the whole special worth watching.

Some of his stories I thought dragged on, sometimes leading to other funny side jokes, and other times leading to unfunny slow moments. Of course you can't always hit homeruns.

One thing I admire about Dane Cook is his ability to blow up to the scale he has. There aren't a lot of comedians out there that can fill a stadium of that size, stand in the middle, and do their routine leaving everyone satisfied. You have to admire his obvious effort towards perfecting his own art, and for all that hard work paying off.

So in conclusion, I'm gonna give this one to Pete, cause he was listening to Dane Cook before everyone I know. He was the one trying to convince me that he was funny. Granted he isnt the funniest out there (in my opinion), but he is good at what he does. I've never been one for comedy CDs, so I can't help him out that way, but I would watch another special if it took place. Watching him stomp around the stage is all it takes for me to crack up.

For those of you keeping score thats Pete 1, Nick 563.

The Dick-scover-ey Channel Part III

2006-09-20T23:27:00.000-07:00

Grey's Anatomy - If 'Scrubs' and 'ER' were bored in the off season, they would screw and have a baby. The end result would be Grey's Anatomy. And even if this was how the show was formed, rather then just pure plagiarism (the same way most popular shows are created i.e. Family Guy), it would still suck, even though I've never even seen it.

Sugar Ray Leonard Minus Ray Leonard - I've redeveloped my sweettooth ever since giving up fast food and soda. It makes sense due to the lack of refined sugars in my diet, if that even is such a thing. I've had cravings for ice cream, and splurge on candy purchases every now and then. My body is compensating for the lack of deliciousness, and unhealthiness. Its causing me to revert to the good ole days when my lunches consisted of a box of ho-ho's and a jar of pickles. Everyone loved sitting with me at the lunch table, cause I always had a spare twix bar considering I would just stuff the whole box into my little brown bag. I wish I was eating a triple classic wrapped in donut glaze right now.

Wifeswap - Ok I admit, I've been hooked on this one for awhile, but after this weeks two hour season premiere I almost laughed the shit out of my butt. One of the husbands said 'Women are like Puppy Dogs, you reward them with a treat when they do something right, and then you're alright' - and that wasnt even on the episode with the family of Pirates. And no that is not a typo. There was a family that lived by the code of Pirattitude, and even invented 'Talk like a Pirate Day', which was September 19th. This is the stuff you are all missing by skipping this gem of a reality show.

New Blog...Surprise Surprise.

2006-09-18T01:38:00.000-07:00

I swear this one wasn't even my idea, but it is a great idea, and I will be a regular contributor.

Click the link for 'Time Travel' to the right. Its a new blog Sparky and I have started for the obvious topic of Time Travel.

iDisney...

2006-09-13T14:28:00.000-07:00

iTunes has finally made its way into the Movie business. Obviously we all saw it coming, and personally I've been awaiting it.

Personally I am no DVD buying buff, and its very rare that I actually do buy a movie. TV shows are another story. I buy lots of those, so I was thrilled when I could just make a couple clicks and get my hands on the Office, Scrubs, and Lost, three of my favorite currently running television shows. And now I can do the same with Movies.

Of course, it will be awhile before the available library opens up, but I was doing a little browsing today, and even found 'The Great Mouse Detective' - which is (as some may recall) on my top ten Disney movie's list, because of its greatness (hence the name).

It seems only Disney has jumped on the bandwagon so far, but I am sure many will follow suit, depending on its popularity among the consumer world. Of course not even all the television networks have jumped on the TV bandwagon, so will I eventually be able to get all movies on iTunes? I hope so, but it could be a while.

I for one am all for this digital media age. Sure its a pain in the ass to hook my computer up to my television for proper viewing pleasure, but there are ways around that which I haven't really looked into as of yet. Not too mention the days of bookshelves full of DVDs and CDs are over. Which is a huge advantage for someone like myself who has a tendency to move every year or so.

I am aware that stuff like this has been available through 'illegal' torrent sites for a long time, but I've never been much of an advocate for these (plus you never know what you are gonna get). I am all about file sharing with your friends and whatnot, but for some reason the whole torrent thing is a turn off to me. Ive gotten a few things here and there from friends that were from torrent sites, and the quality hasnt been superb all the time. And of course there are other times where Ive gotten things from friends that I could never get anywhere else (like the complete Simpsons Series Seasons 1-17 - Thanks Nate).

So in conclusion there will be no more waiting for the next day for me to get new release albums, movies, or the TV shows I missed the night before. Because at midnight I can start downloading them from Itunes, plus I have TiVo. God Bless iAmerica.

Some Good News About Star Wars

2006-09-11T19:54:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow they are releasing the original three Star Wars movies (episodes IV, V, and VI) in a limited edition two disc DVD collection that will fortunately contain the original cuts. This is such great news for us real Star Wars fans.

It turns out I will be able to watch this trilogy I so love without having to see Greedo shoot first, or the cartoon alien dance seen. I can finally watch Luke blossom from a power converter nerd, to a Jedi Master, without having to worry about seeing Hayden Christiansen in the final moments. I mean sure the Death Star explosion wont be as eventful, but at least I don't have to see Han Solo walk over Jabba's tail...

Finally I can go on with my life ignoring the existence of episodes I, II, and III, which were quite possibly the worst three movies ever made. Its a good thing they don't exist.

The Dick-scover-ey Channel Part II

2006-08-24T14:26:00.000-07:00

Nose Hairs - Pulling out a nose hair is a lot like getting hit in the face with a Basketball. It makes your eyes water and your whole general face region tingle with unpleasant numbness. Why am I figuring this out already? I don't know, but it sucks. I thought I could get away with combing the long stragglers into my mustache, but apparently not. They just dont blend well together. I cant wait til my ear hairs start to impair my hearing. Being a werewolf isnt all fun and games people.

Spices - Following the example of my cooking, thrifty friend Sparky, I have started using various spices while cooking regular meals (since I gave up fast food). Im not using anything fancy, just the regular stuff, like salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic, etc. etc. and it really comes in handy. Before when I would cook chicken or something of the sort, I would use a bottle of marinade or so, which is much less healthy and far more expensive then my current method. With a pinch of this and a pinch of that I can get better flavoring then with that entire three dollar bottle of marinade. Plus you can even get pre-mixed seasonings like mesquite, or lemon pepper. Not too mention it can turn a regular meal of pasta into a delicious burst of flavor.

California Hockey - It turns out there is more ice here then just in people's drinks. And I skate on it at least once a week, and am living proof that hockey is better in the 315. Represent!!!

NEW! Action Dickey with Kung-Fu Grip!

2006-08-22T01:26:00.000-07:00

Its nice to be active again, and to have a busy schedule. I am working two jobs (Genentech and Target), hitting the gym on a daily basis, and even playing hockey again at least two days a week. I feel a hundred percent healthier and even more comfortable in my own skin then ever before.

Sure working does suck. Validation is pretty easy, for the most part, and the money is good. But the money is already spent as well, thanks to my third - non-paying - job as an aspiring musician. Which is also picking up as well. Ive got a seven track demo on the way in the next week or two at the most. Its a good representation of our current live sound, by which I mean its just me and Mike and our guitars. It will certainly serve its purpose.

The few fans that we have have also really stepped up and really supported us in this starting process. Our friends at the Mocha House are doing everything they can to get people to come to our shows, and people are being really supportive. You can even find a video of us posted on Youtube, thanks to one of our fans. I am really appreciative of everyone's support, and it definitely makes all the hard work worthwhile.

Despite my busy schedule I do continue to work hard on the music, and I have big plans for our first full length album which I hope to start recording as soon as possible. I am definitely excited to get those ideas into something soluble and I hope it will really put me on the serious side of being considered a songwriter. But we will see what happens. You know how I feel about predictions.

Anyways, I dont really have anything interesting to post about. But I am listening to 'Idlewild' right now, so I'm cool.

I Just Have to Say One Thing.

2006-08-18T01:13:00.000-07:00

'I've had it with these motherfuckin snakes on this motherfuckin plane!!!'

Snakes on a Plane was all that and so much more. I don't want to ruin anything for all those people who can't resist spoilers. But it is by far the greatest movie ever made. Go see it now, MOTHERFUCKER!!!!

The Dick-scover-ey Channel

2006-08-15T19:22:00.000-07:00

Pandora Internet Radio - Ok so I didnt exactly discover this, it was, and has been being pointed out to me by a couple friends for a month or so now. But it wasnt til today that I decided to discover it for myself. I have only been playing around with it for about an hour and I already love it. It comes in extra handy for me especially these days because I am constantly looking for new music. And at the same time I am re-hashing a lot of my old favorites to catch things I might have missed. This radio site helps me with both. Its a great site for music lovers of all shapes and sizes, even triangle (www.pandora.com).

Vanilla Frosty's - So Wendy's has done it. They've decided to stop their segregation of all things white and make Vanilla Frosty's. The fact that they made it this far with only a chocolate frosty is amazing and shows the true greatness of the frosty itself. But in the last year alone we have seen the introduction of the Fix 'N Mix Frosty, and the Vanilla Flavor. Who knows what kindof heights the frosty will reach by the end of this decade. If only they realized that a spoon used to eat a frosty is just a regular spoon, not a fpoon. Thats like saying each time I eat cereal I use a cerpooneal. Its really holding back frosty production.

Genentech - This company makes Bristol Myers look like a Mom -N- Pop Pharmacy. It has a better public transportation system then Syracuse, and more people working there then George and McMahon have slept with combined. And to top it all off, they were rated the best company to work for in the country and do things like give all their official employees free nano ipods, and Bose speaker systems for said ipods. I mean sure I'll never see one, cause I am a contractor, but I make up for it by making way more money then most regular employees. Suckers. What do they have that I don't? Job security? Who needs it?

Re-Snooze...

2006-08-07T09:15:00.000-07:00

I decided to delete 'My Reviews' Blog since not only does nobody ever read it, but I never really update it. However, in light of the fact that I am deleting it, I decided to post my 'Superman Returns' review right here, because I think it is funny.

Superman Returns:

Well for starters, I never expected much considering all the other Superman movies were incredibly cheesy and nothing short of ridiculous. And this one is certainly no exception. The acting starts off incredibly rocky and the ridiculous situations immediately present themselves. Luckily for Lois Lane and the rest of metropolis, catastrophies and whatnot have managed to hold off five years until the exact day Superman returns. Phew! (**Consequently the same day Clark Kent returns**)

Then there is the savior references. Jesus Christ! Literally. I mean we all know superman is there to give us hope and blah blah blah, fight for truth, justice and the american way, but the scene where Superman goes up to the 'heavens' and listens to everyones cries for help, and then chooses what he feels are the most important ones, almost made me lose my popcorn. And I havent even had popcorn since I saw 'Nacho Libre' a week and a half ago.

I could go on and on about this movie and how much it sucked. How come in Superman I, Luther can put a chain around Superman's neck with a piece of Kryptonite on it and he can barely stand, but in Superman returns, he can throw an entire island made of kryptonite into space, while a shard of Kryptonite is lodged in his back? Explain that one to me. Of course that takes us back to the savior reference cause he found the strength to sacrifice himself for us, which is why he began falling to the earth in the form of a somewhat familiar religious icon...the crucifix.

And the love story? Let me put it to you this way...It was as if George Lucas teamed up with those two idiots that wrote the Matrix and then they all teamed up with C.S. Lewis and they came up with this movie. And then Peter Jackson directed the last half hour. I half expected Samwise to come running in the hospital room to embrace Superman and express his asexual hobbit love.

One good thing about the movie. The effects were cool at times. I didnt feel like I was watching a video game during a lot of the flying and action. I expected most of those scenes to resemble the matrix scenes where Neo turns into the Neo from the Matrix official video game.

Either way, I had to see this movie, cause its Superman. I had to sit through the whole thing, cause its Superman. But not even Kevin Spacey and Parker Posey can save the movie, and everyone else's horrible performances just overshadow their horrible performances. Basically I only learned two things from this movie. No amount of protected sex can stop Superman's sperm, and Spiderman III is going to be awesome (it appears they did it right).

Oh and what was up with the Gotham City reference? I mean I know its all DC comics, but they can't do that. And if they do, they should have at least had Batman show up with the Batwing while Luther was kicking Supermans ass. Then Batman should have emerged and said one sentence "You guys mind telling me what you're doing to my blue tight wearing friend", and then proceded to kick everyone's ass cause Kryptonite ain't got nothing on him.

The Ballad of Dickey Jobby...

2006-08-06T01:12:00.000-07:00

I went to see 'Talladega Nights' today and it was hilarious.

What was even funnier then the movie was the fact that this group of three dudes came in and sat in the same row as us, since the theatre was filling up quite fast. The dude sitting closest to me decided to give his friend a buffer zone of one seat, but that left him sitting directly next to me. I found that baffling, and made it a point to 'accidentally' touch him on the arm or hand everytime I reached for a sip of my water in my armrest cup-holder. Of course after listening to his friend repeat all the lines he thought was funny throughout the entire movie, I realized why that buffer zone may have been necessary.

But yeah, Will Ferrell didnt let me down, and I laughed my ass off. The supporting cast was also hilarious especially John C. Reilly and Amy Adams, who has become one of my favorite comedic actresses over the last year. Not even Applebee's could ruin this movie.

In other news, I decided to keep working nights at Target on the weekends for now. Its pretty sucky as far as my sleep schedule goes, but I am going to need every last dime I can get with my near future plans for the studio. First of all, I am going to have to pay for the mixing, mastering and pressing of the first album/demo, and second of all, I am already itching to get started on the recording and arrangement of the next one. So its going to be an expensive winter. The sacrifice of sleep and freetime will be worth it in the long run.

What is it that I find so funny about 'Dr. Quinn: Medicine Woman' references?

The San Francisco Treat

2006-08-02T19:57:00.000-07:00

Today I started working as a consultant for the Genentech Branch in South San Francisco. One of Kathy's friend's owns her own validation contracting company as well, only she has reached the point where she is bidding on jobs and hiring schmoes like me to help her make more money.

So I was brought in thanks to my unofficial expertise on the Kaye Validator 2000, as well as my extended knowledge of temperature mapping. In the next two months I will be doing re-validation studies on two cold rooms, and writing a few summary reports here and there. While doing so I will be making at least five times as much as I was working the graveyard at Target. The work will be a lot more draining on my mind, but it is only temporary and the money will help me move things along nicely, considering I still have to finish this first demo album, and I am already getting excited about starting the second one this winter.

The really sucky part will be the commute to South San Francisco. It can sometimes take a couple hours depending on what time I hit the Bay Bridge both on the way there, and on the way back. I will be able to do some of the work at home, which is nice, but most of the work I will have to be onsite for. So needless to say, I am going to be racking up the miles as well as the gas expenditures.

The good part is that if I do well, she might be hiring people this spring for the CCP2 project at Genentech in Vacaville. Which would mean no commute, and a lot of money to have to spend on music.

In music related news, I have finished recording all my parts for the upcoming demo album. I go in on tuesday with Mike to hopefully finish recording most of (if not all) of the tracks. Then it will just be a matter of mixing and pressing.

This first album is going to be 8 or 9 tracks, and is really just a formality. Like I have said a million times to so many of you, I am not going to spend the amount of time I would like to on it, because we are in desperate need of a decent demo. This will definitely do the trick. However, I have also started writing for the second album which will get all the attention to detail it will need. I am excited about the new songs I have been writing, and even more excited about what direction I can take them when I start tearing them apart and piecing them back together in the studio.

Either way, I look forward to the months ahead of working my ass off on a lot of different things, including the promotion of not an Airplane. That will be something new, and a learning experience for sure.

Who has Time for Space-Time

2006-07-31T22:14:00.000-07:00

While watching a few minutes of some sci-fi series on spike in the breakroom at target, I came across a thought I hadn't previously considered.

If one was to develop a way to instantaneously travel through the time dimension (that's a big if of course), one might end up in the middle of space, or - depending on how much time they travel - one could even end up buried underground.

Its a pretty common notion, just one I haven't really considered until now. Because we know the earth is moving in the space dimension as it moves along in the time dimension. So basically make sure you have an understanding of the entire space-time continuum before you go and do anything stupid like invent instantaneous time travel.

Or at the very least, bring a spacesuit and a shovel for those emergency cases.

VCast My Ass

2006-07-30T08:55:00.000-07:00

James Earl Jones and that dorky guy with the glasses who is always asking whether or not someone can hear him now have finally decided to start taking advantage of me.

I recently upgraded my phone and got the whole Mobile Web thing from Verizon Wireless. This allows me to do numerous things such as check my email, find movie times, directions, and even instant message people through AIM or Yahoo. Its turned out to be a nice little tool when I dont have my laptop with a wireless connection around.

But it turns out that if you are instant messaging people using AIM or any other form of instant messenger, ever message you recieve and send counts as a text message and goes into your usage. So apparently I pay a monthly flat fee for the web usage (roughly $15), but I also am supposed to pay for every single instant message that goes through this web I am already paying for.

This wouldnt be a huge deal, except everytime I am signed on both my computer and on my phone, I recieve messages on both. So if I was instant messaging you on the computer, every message you sent me also goes to my phone, and I get charged for it. So needless to say, I am getting dramatically ripped off, and not only that, but this was all never mentioned to me once when purchasing my new plan.

I am going to do my best to get out of these ridiculous charges, and of course, I am going to stop using my phone for instant messaging (which I have already done for the most part anyways). And if Verizon doesnt cooperate at all, they are going to lose a customer the same way Cingular did a few years ago, when they were always fucking up my bills.

Stupid Technology (except iPod's...mmm iPods).

Animation Proclamation

2006-07-28T14:50:00.000-07:00

I got my animated movie fix today with the anticipated viewing of 'Monster House'. For those of you who know me, I am a huge fan of animated movies, and combine that with the Zemekis, Spielberg combination, who are best known for their work together on 'Back to the Future', and you've got one happy Nick.

I haven't seen an animated movie in the theatres in a while. Since 'Wallace and Gromit' actually. There are a lot I wanted to see, but never got around to it. Like 'Over the Hedge', 'Hoodwinked', and 'Cars' even. I can honestly say 'Cars' doesnt look to thrilling, but Pixar has never failed to satisfy me.

And its that time of the year where the animated movies start piling up to. 'Open Season' and 'The Barnyard' are coming up, and the list will just keep going on.

I don't know what the point of this post was other to express my love for animated movies, and to say that 'Monster House' was good. It wasnt your average 'the house is alive...ooo' scary story. There was a hint of originality, despite the obvious 'Goonies' character influences. Its a fun filled adventure for the whole family!!!

And you get to see the preview for 'Night at the Museum' which looks great. Ben Stiller you've done it again.

The Typecast Sense Sign thats Unbreakable...

2006-07-22T01:15:00.000-07:00

...in the village? (**Spoilers**)

What happens when you make a great movie with an amazing twist at the end of the story that no one ever expected?

Apparently you are expected to do the same over and over again. Much like M. Night Shyamalan.

I went to see 'Lady in the Water' today and I was pleased. Judging from other peoples reactions, the feeling was not mutual. I heard numerous comments that sounded a lot like this, 'Where is the twist?'. As the end credits rolled, everyone was confused as to why M. Night didnt make Paul Giamatti 'dead the whole time', instead of enjoying the beautiful story he put on the screen for us.

I wasn't completely satisfied with the movie, but I did love the story, and despite what most people would say there are a few 'twists' throughout the end of the movie that were very important for the overall message of the movie.

So what I'm trying to say is that M. Night is a great story teller, and at the same time he gets in some good burns on film critics, and does quite a bit of acting himself. He combines fairy tale with realism to create a beautiful story about change and about bringing people together. I recommend seeing it.

I realize this should probably be in 'my reviews' blog, but oh well.

Share and Share alike...

2006-07-18T21:46:00.000-07:00

Whats up with those fancy-pants restaurants where everyone orders a dish or two and you share everything? I mean I know its probably common in a lot of cultures, especially when dealing with family type situations, but I've been to a couple of these places and had a couple different experiences.

The first time I went there was only about 4 of us, so it was kindof a huddled order to make sure everyone was happy. I got my fill of delicious meat products and we all drank liquor out of a giant bowl in the middle of the table with little plastic giraffes floating inside. It sounds crazy I know, but it was a lot of fun. Mainly because it was a small party and we all knew what each other would like.

The second time I went was still fun, but only cause I got lucky. There was about 10 of us this time, and we all ordered a couple small plates of food. The food was delicious and I did get to try some things I would have never thought of ordering, but I also turned down a lot of plates, cause who the hell wants to eat white bean salad while someone else is taking a mini burger off of my plate. Lucky for me, every guy at the table ordered the steak plate, so I pretty much had that one to myself. I'm not complaining, cause its cool to get together with everyone and sit around a big table and eat, but call me selfish cause I would much rather prefer to order my own food and then pick at everyone else's plates anyways.

I'm Alone, I'm an Easy Target

2006-07-17T01:34:00.000-07:00

Tonight I start working at Target. Hooray! I got the 3am til 11am shift unloading trucks and stocking shelves. It ought to be about as much fun as working at Wal-Mart. In other words, none.

The good thing is it will give me a few hundred dollars a week to spend on studio time and new equipment. And its an easy job, so it will be stress free and will still give me a lot of freedom to keep the music going and whatnot.

The even better thing is that it will most likely be over before I know it. Kathy is working on getting me some contract work which would start within the next couple weeks if I am lucky. I will have to commute all the way to San Fran, which would suck on a lot of days, but I can make a lot of money in the 2 months or so that I would be working - which will in turn give me a lot of freedom to start promoting my debut album - which will hopefully be done around the same time the job will be done. - Octoberish.

So I've got to rearrange my schedule a little bit, and most days I won't be getting too much sleep. But we will see what happens, and hopefully things will work out pretty well. I'm more then willing to sacrifice a little sleep to keep the music going, and I am reaching the point where a little money is needed in order to do so. Hopefully the hard work will pay off and some doors will start to open...but I don't like to get into that these days...I just will work hard and see what happens.

The first official not an Airplane show is this thursday.

And to top off the week, a lot of great movies come out on friday. I love movies.

Not So Ultimate Frisbee

2006-07-13T00:49:00.000-07:00

Since when did Ultimate Frisbee become a pansie sport? Short from tackling each other, I recall that it was pretty much full contact back when I used to play it on those cold thanksgiving reunion parking lot trips. Sure I know that we never played ANY rules, and Im sure that there has always had to be a few, especially in the college game, but its gone haywire.

I played a pickup game today with some UC Davis alum, and current students that I found online. Of course I was quite a bit rusty, given that its been years since I've played in an actual game. But I was unpleasantly surprised at the similarities between Ultimate Frisbee in Basketball. In other words 'Oww he fouled me' (in whiny pansie voice).

Not only was I baffled at the fact that everyone was wearing cleats and were calling plays (which were useless) but to top it off, the stoppage of play due to 'fouls' and 'picks' made things even more ridiculous. There was one time during the game where a teammate and myself criss-crossed and the defender defending him started yelling 'PICK PICK' about 5 feet before he ran into me. Of course this led to a stoppage of play where I was reprimanded for not remaining in my exact location until the frisbee was put back into play. What?!

Its amazing how California can turn such a great game as Ultimate Frisbee into such a whiny sport. I should have seen it coming considering the only people who ever end up playing Ultimate on a 'serious' level only do so because they can't succeed at any real sports.

I used to love playing the free for all back and forth non-stop Ultimate games in high school and the early college years. Those were fast paced and fun, and nobody whined, even when me and Sparky kicked everyone's ass. I would take Sparky and yes even Kearney over any of these professional cry-baby's anyday.

This is worse then what Californian's have done to Beer Pong with their allowing defensive blowing from everyone. Idiots.

Self Titled Journal Entry

2006-06-30T16:15:00.000-07:00

Texas was a blast. I got to do everything on my list of things to do before I die, and I didn't even have a list.

I got to eat giant turkey legs while watching the knights battle with swords, axes, and maces in an obviously rigged fight, because we all know the Blue Knight was superior to all the other Knights. I guess even he has to step down once in a while to let the other crappy Knights win. What I'm trying to say is that we went to Medieval Times. If you have one near you I highly recommend going, getting drunk, and getting rowdy. The best part is how it turns into a little kid night club with a dance floor and rap songs blaring when the fighting is all said and done. I wish Dwight bought me a sheild.

I got to barrel roll a TC-13 (I think that was the type of plane) straight into the ground from twenty thousand feet up, or at least simulate it. Thanks to Neil's overall popularity in every military base (because he is a war hero), Dave (Neil's brother) was able to pull some strings at his Airforce base to get Neil some time on a flight simulator. And of course Neil brought us with him, and it was awesome. Sparky is apparently a natural, so eventually when he forms his hippie militia, be prepared to be attacked from the sky. I got to go last, so when the time was up, the guy in charge just told me to crash the plane, which I had been waiting to do since I started, so I did...And I went out with style.

I ate a million burritos from all sorts of different mexican restaurants, I took a million trips to the airport and another million back from the airport. People were coming in and leaving the entire two weeks. We all got to hang out again for the first time since we all went to Denmark about a year ago. We went to Pete's Dueling Piano Bar and sang along to songs and requested 'Barbie Girl' and 'It's Raining Men'. We played 'Ghostbusters' as many times as we could on each Jukebox we encountered along the way. One bar manager cut it off before we made it to the first chorus in one bar. Neil gave them hell for that, and even got his dollar back. Hilarious.

I designed the website for my new music project not an Airplane. I watched season 1 of LOST over again so Sparky could see it, and I watched season 1 of Arrested Development again so Neil could see it. I even kept Sparky company when he went to see WWE's Vengeance at the Movie Tavern. A movie theatre that serves beer and food to you at your seat. Utopia.

It was a great couple weeks, and we packed a lot of stuff in. From Working on Dwight's House, to Working on my Happy Gilmore Drives at the driving range.

I am sad to leave it all behind, because I havent been so relaxed and care-free in a long time. Being around my friends helps me forget about everything I am ever worried about, and I barely even thought about the music, and I actually got some peaceful sleep. But of course its time to get back to work, for all of us. Neil is headed back to Iraq til November, and Sparky is headed to Finland for a film project opportunity, which I am excited about for him. And I am back in Northern California doing what I do. Ill be back in the studio July 11th, and I am looking for a part time job to pay those bills and the few other ones I have stocking up.

It was really good to see everyone again, and of course its only a matter of time until we all re-unite again. I couldn't have dreamed up a better two weeks.

Well now that I am done listing everything we did, I am going to go. Wasn't that journal entry exciting?

New Stuff

2006-06-27T10:15:00.000-07:00

Well I finished up the new website for my new music project 'not an Airplane'. I added a link to the right so check it out.

I will also be posting my usual album of the month and mix of the month a little late this month. But I will get it up as soon as I can. I am very busy here in Texas, and Neil comes back into town today for a couple days before he heads back to Iraq, so I will be even busier.

So anyways, as soon as I have the time, I will put those posts up.

I can tell everyone is super excited.

I almost got rid of this blog too, but I decided to keep it. I made the background white for some reason, and I can't tell if I like it, or if it annoys the shit out of me. What do you think?

Futuristic Nipple Gazing

2006-06-13T03:41:00.000-07:00

So today I am off to Texas for sixteen days.

I am going to get to see Neil, Sparky, Dwight, Dwight's New House, Mcmahon for a couple days, Laura (aka Mrs. Prakash), Cracker and a bunch of knights while I eat giant turkey legs (we are going to Medieval Times.

Its going to be an action-packed 16 days of non-stop hilarity and furniture building.

I am excited.

When I get back, its straight to work on a couple things. Getting a bullshit job to pay the bills and to help pay for studio time, and getting the new music project off the ground.

I may even start an official website by the end of this month with the help of Sparky and George. So all this blogging crap could get moved...who knows.

Ill keep you updated.

Either way sleep is out of the question for awhile...

Indie Culture

2006-06-07T01:29:00.000-07:00

Does anyone else think that pop culture is getting worse and worse, and Indie art is getting better and better. Maybe its because of the increase access of Indie music that I am just starting to figure this out, or maybe its because I am a moron that doesnt know what he is talking about.

I mean there has always been great art that went unnoticed until years and years later. Look at the Velvet Underground. They are considered to be one of the most influential bands these days, but back when they were around, they were playing for 80 people. I suppose time always does bring out the best stuff into a more mainstream light.

But thats why I love the internet. Because now we have everything at our disposal. You can hear the latest pop chart topper, or you can hear some schmuck recording folk songs in his basement like me. Except Im not even cool enough to have a basement.

Even in film too. Some of the best films Ive seen in the last couple years would be considered 'indie' films. Or stem from an Indie background.

I guess all I am trying to say is how great it is that we have all this at our disposal. Thats all.

Your thoughts?

When You Wake Up Feeling Old...

2006-06-02T03:13:00.000-07:00

The last couple weeks have been quite awesome-tastic.

For starters I got to see Beck last week, and the Eels tonight. I was really impressed with both acts, moreso then I ever expected. Beck put on a fantastically entertaining show including a puppet show of the concert behind the actual concert on stage, and many other quirky entertaining things as well. I enjoyed the Eels much more, which has a lot to do with the fact that I am a much bigger fan of the Eels then I am of Beck. But overall I was more impressed with the individual musicianship of the Eels, as well as the overall rocking-ness of the show. I realize I am making up words, but you can look them up in the rhyming Beck-tionary. Anyways, go see either one of these acts if they come your way...

I also recently bought a Line 6 POD 2.0 for use in the studio. It is an amp modulator that was recommended to me by the producer in the studio I am recording in. It turns out it is quite the useful tool and has given me and Mike some beautiful tones to work with. Its taken our sound into a new direction that is more modern, and a lot more professional. Its also changed the way we approach things, and has gotten us a lot more involved in the collaborative writing process.

Mike will be joining me in the studio from here on out, and we will be writing a lot, if not all, of the songs together. I have decided to spend all the time it takes to put out a decent album rather then just a decent EP. So it could be a while before anything is distributed, but it will be worth it. Its going to take time and money which I am more then willing to spend. I have completed 2 sessions in the studio by myself, and things are looking very promising, and the stuff sounds great so far. I am excited to see where everything goes, and what happens over the next few months and months.

Other then that I am just hanging out and waiting for mid-june when I take off for Texas once again. My old pal Neil is going to be on R&R from Iraq and will be in Texas for a week. Then I will stick around and hang with Sparky for another week while we wait for Neil to show back up in Texas for a couple more days. Its going to be a great couple weeks which will mostly be spent in Dwights brand new house. Its a pretty sweet house, although my one sole mission is to infiltrate Dwight's master bedroom and take a big dump in there. I really should get some higher life goals.

So yeah June will be a low-key month for me, but hopefully things will start to take off this summer when I get back to Northern California. My plan is to start playing more shows in the Bay Area (starting off just acoustic) and also to get a job to help fund studio time and new and better equipment. Mike and I are going to keep practicing and writing every chance we get, and recording as well. For once I feel like I am moving in the right direction, and it is motivating me to work harder and harder.

Anyways, I felt like I should update cause its been so long. But its just another boring rant about my musical aspirations and blah blah blah. I love you. You. No not you. You. Ok you too.

The Couch Guy

2006-05-18T00:34:00.000-07:00

I have unofficially become the couch guy at my friend's house. I have been here for about 2 weeks now give or take, and am living out of a suitcase with the comfort of my laptop, my guitar, and a few books. It is a life I haven't lived for a couple of years now, but I can't really complain, cause things like that never get to me. Nowadays alls I need is a little money for food - which is covered for now thanks to my income tax return - and a place to work.

My days usually consist of lethargically resting in front of a fan, since it is already 90+ degrees here everyday. I wallow in my own sweat reading passages from books and watching television and occasionally snacking on some cheez-its. Then as it starts to cool I usually make my way into the music room to play a little either by myself, or with Mike and/or Ryan. I spend most of my nights tweaking out my material for the upcoming time in the studio (starting monday) and messing around with a few new ideas.

I am trying to focuse solely on this upcoming recording project, so the writing has slowed down a bit. I still write words, all the time...I just havent really taken it from there. But it is a good idea to stop and develop this first wave of creativity. There will be plenty of time to amass new ideas afterwards.

Completing this album will also give me the motivation and drive to put myself out in the music world a lot more. It will give me something of substance that I will want to share with other people. It will make me take this a lot more seriously. Not that I dont take it seriously, I just havent taken the business end of it as far as I could at this point. I think this project will definitely take my motivation to the level it needs to be at.

But I hate making predictions, because for one - they never seem to come true - and for two - it leads to expectations, which leads to letdowns. Not that I dont have goals for myself, but goals and predictions are two different things. I have it all planned out in my head of how I want it to go, but we all know that nothing ever works out the way you see it inside, but I'd like to think that no matter what it will have the same outcome for myself. That outcome being - me making music, and sharing it with other people. As long as I am doing this, it doesnt matter how I got there or at what level I am doing so.

But Im ranting...Its becoming more and more difficult to organize my thoughts. The more ideas that are presented to me in exploring my own music, the more ideas surface in my head. My thought pattern is like rain coming down on a tin roof. Its very hard to distinctly recognize each idea, and even harder to present the idea in an understandable form. But its all a learning process. Will I ever be satisfied? I doubt it. But what artist ever is? What writer ever is? What painter ever is? Nothing is ever perfect, and the more and more elements you try to get involved, the more dishevelled and harder to organize the ideas become.

I dont know what I am saying. Just rambling on. Its nice to have an outlet to write (i.e. this blog). I do miss my closest friends and my family. Its hard not to have the people around whom you always turned to when you needed advice. The people that understand you the most. You know you are, and you are all sexy. Especially Neil.

By the way...'The Gingerdead Man' is the worst movie in the history of the world, despite its hilarious premise.

One Potato Couch Potato

2006-05-09T20:54:00.000-07:00

Well its back to dwelling on a couch for me for a while.

I am currently crashing with my bandmates in their house occupied by five dudes and five birds. I share a room with the birds. The only difference is, I get a leather couch and they get cages. But they also get a bowl of food and water, where as I have to fend for myself. Whats that about? Lucky birds.

I have also acquired every Simpsons episode on my computer, so needless to say my production has been very slow the last couple of days, since I have done nothing but watch said episodes while sweating my nutsacs off on my leather couch house in ninety degree heat.

On a more productive note, I have also been looking for studios to start recording my acoustic album. I have found a studio in Sacramento that seems very professional, but also very expensive, which I suppose goes hand in hand. I am meeting with them on thursday to talk over ideas and get a tour of the studio. I am excited, mainly because their professionalism may result in something I am actually content with. I think they will be a huge help in getting my ideas out of my head and into something with substance. But only time will tell.

I am looking forward to meeting them and getting things started, although it may mean some financial cutbacks on my part. I am already looking for a part time job to help pay for this, and I am even debating holding off on purchasing a new amp when my tax return check gets here. But I have never been one to have will power and the ability to save money. Although I have also never been one to have future aspirations...

Either way, I am going to see The Eels on June 1st, which is going to be cool. And I will most likely be partying in Texas mid june with the whole crew including Neil and Sparky at the same time, for the first time since we went to europe for Neils wedding a little over a year ago. So needless to say, only hilarity will ensue.

Welcome to the Working Week

2006-04-27T00:27:00.000-07:00

Well, Im gonna get a job again. At least I intend to if I can find something. In a week I will be moving to Davis to live on a couch owned by my pals, who are also my bandmates. So I think I will try to find some sort of easy job that is within bike riding distance and I can make enough money to pay my bills and have a little left over to blow on music gear every now and then. So that ought to be cool...except for the working part. Maybe I will become a male stripper?

I am also getting geared up to start branching off into the bay area soon. I keep thinking that, but always hesitate, because sub consciously I dont think I am ready.

We have a demo now as a band, which will help, but we are coming up to another busy month and a half, where everyone in the band is racked with schoolwork so we may want to be patient.

I have done a little writing again too, which is refreshing, cause I was worried it would be hard to get back into if I took a break from it. Luckily for me I have all sorts of great stuff around me to influence me, and I am trying to get better and better. Which reminds me - I would like to do a lot more reading, of poetry and books and such...so I would love to hear some suggestions of things to check out. George - I really want to check out a Henry Miller book, and was wondering what would be a good one to start on. Seriously people give me suggestions.

Anyways, I have been writing some more folky/acoustic stuff recently mainly because I was thinking of recording a solo acoustic album to give me something to do. I mean a lot of people may shake their heads at that statement, because I am also trying to record an album with Chris and continue work with The Human Fund. But due to everyones schedules right now, that work is limited and will take a long time before anything is produced. Especially with Chris, who is almost never available. I usually spend all this freetime practicing, but I would like to branch out even more, which will open up my practicing to more then that of the guitar. It will help me practice collaborating with other people (whoever I get to record and mix said album) and it will help me learn arrangement, since I will be trying to write different parts for different songs and so on.

But who knows what will happen. A lot of my songs I wouldnt be satisfied with being just acoustic, but there is a decent sized chunk I could see fitting that style. So Im gonna keep writing and see what I can come up with. If I can get a solid 8-10 tracks I will really consider completing this project as soon as possible.

I just get really antsy about getting my material out there, and making it so other people can hear what I have to say. If they dont like it, thats fine, but I would be a lot more satisfied if I could make more and more of it accessible.

Anyways Im done blah blah blahing...

Check out the album of the month and such on my mixes blog...

Also, dont forget to give me reading suggestions!!!!

Top Five Bands By Decade

2006-04-24T00:18:00.000-07:00

I went to a Cracker show last October, and while pissing, a kid in a cowboy hat came in and exclaimed to me that Cracker was the best band still around. That got me thinking about whether or not he was accurate, or even if he was remotely accurate. And so this list was born so I could determine if Cracker was even in the running, and just how good they were. Not too mention I could also figure out just who is the best band still around...or the best band ever...

I am not talking my personal favorite bands, but rather who I think was the best...Of course I am not an expert of all type's of music, so if something great gets left out, I apologize...I am only working with what I know and what I have heard.

So read it and let me know what you think...(Side Note: I limited my honorable mentions to 3 bands for each decade, because I didnt want to just throw in everyone I thought was great- and all honorable mentions are in order of importance)

The 1960's - This Decade was much much harder then I ever imagined. So many great, influential bands and musicians...

1 - The Beatles - These guys went from 'Please Please Me' (1963) to 'Abbey Road' (1969) in just one decade. And only one (12 Total) album ('Let it Be' (1970)) is left out of consideration for this decade. This is some tremendous growth as a band, and some groundbreaking shit. They had no fewer then 27 #1 hits and at the same time became the first pop/rock bands to do things like use orchestrations on recordings, re-invent production techniques, and fuse genres the way they did, especially in the eyes of pop culture. They are also sometimes given credit for inventing the concept album with the release of 'Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band' (1967). All the while they never lost focus on their brilliant use of melody and their distinct vocal harmonies. They paved the way for rock music and popular music for generations to come. Most bands on these lists were most likely inspired by the Beatles, because they were brilliant.

2 - Bob Dylan - Bob Dylan is right up there with the Beatles and together they are responsible for the most important albums to this day, all which stemmed from this decade. Dylan not only wrote some of the greatest folk songs ever written, but also some of the greatest rock songs as well. He had a knack for being one step ahead of the game and John Lennon has even been known for being influenced by Dylan because he changed the way he looked at songwriting and the way he approached the music. Dylan was releasing 'Highway 61 Revisited' (August 1965) - his follow up to 'Bringin' it All Back Home' (March 1965) - while the Beatles were still making 'Help!' (August 1965). His growth as a musician and artist in the 60's was so rapid, he often left critics and fans behind. His songs have become staples for rock and roll, folk, and the way we look at the world in general.

3 - Miles Davis - Miles Davis is another one of those great artists that made music what it is today...Davis was pretty much responsible for every major development in Jazz music in the post WWII world. He is well known for popularizing jazz as well as being one of the most innovative jazz musicians in history. He released 12 albums in this decade, including the infamous 'Bitches Brew' (1969).

4 - The Velvet Underground - The Velvet Underground was never a commercially successful band, but they are still considered to be one of the most influential rock bands of all time. Brian Eno has been noted for saying that while only a few thousand people bought a Velvet Underground album upon initial release, almost every single one of them was inspired to start a band. They were one of the first bands to use feedback during recording and are often given credit for bridging the gap between the 60's style pop rock and the 70's punk rock movement. While my personal favorite album 'Loaded' was released in 1970, there most important and influential works were all released in the 60's including 'The Velvet Underground and Nico' (1967).

5 - The Beach Boys - While most of you know them as the surk rock annoying group who often appeared with Uncle Jessie on episodes of 'Full House', the Beach Boys were and are still one of the most influential studio bands in history. Brian Wilsons obsession with detail and skill in arrangement brought about 'Pet Sounds' in 1966. Not too mention his own brilliant album 'SMiLE' which would take form as a Beach Boys album known as 'Smiley Smile' (1967). 'SMiLE' itself would never be released until 2004, but the groundwork was laid in the sixties. Some will even argue that it was still the best album of the year when released two years ago...

Honorable Mentions (60's)-

Jimi Hendrix for his work with the Experience (e.g. 'Electric Ladyland' 1968) - Frank Zappa for his solo works as well as with the Mothers of Invention (e.g. 'Freak Out' 1966, 'Hot Rats' 1969) - The Rolling Stones For the release of some of the most important pop/rock albums in this decade (e.g. 'Out of Our Heads' 1965)

The 1970's -

1 - Pink Floyd - Pink Floyd was around for multiple decades as we all know, but the 70's was the highlight of their genius. The 70's brought the release of one of the greatest albums I have ever heard, 'Animals' (1977) as well as two of the most talked about rock albums of all time, 'Dark Side of the Moon' (1973) and 'The Wall' (1979). Not too mention the song 'Wish You Were Here' was released on the album of the same name in 1975. And I don't think I have ever met someone who couldn't recognize this song. Pink Floyd dominated this decade with their experimentation in the studio and with their amazing live shows (so I have heard- I've obviously never been - but one can dream).

2 - David Bowie - David Bowie is commonly known as the Chameleon of pop. He is known for predicting trends and adjusting his style's while still maintaining his own individuality and creativity. He has re-invented genres as well as made certain genres popular...He was put on the map in 1969 with his single Space Oddity, but his continued work in the 70's is what really brought out his genius. Including the albums 'The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust...'(1972) and 'Young Americans' (1975) which contained the single 'Fame'. Not only that but he also produced Lou Reed's Breakthrough solo album as well as Iggy Pop's album 'Raw Power' (1973).

3 - Bob Marley - Bob Marley is the most widely known reggae artist and is responsible for popularizing the genre outside of jamaica. He used his music as a symbol of peace and unity and blah blah blah. He wrote some of the most famous songs, a few of which were covered by great artists and turned into rock hits. His music was very powerful and he did nothing but good things with it.

4 - The Grateful Dead - This was a hard band for me to place, as they could technically be in any list from the 60's to the 90's, but they definitely did their best work in the 70's. The 1970's brought out 'American Beauty', 'Workingman's Dead', 'Steal Your Face', 'Terrapin Station', 'Shakedown Street' and many many others. Not too mention their infamous live shows in which they are well known for being pioneers in the jamband community. They brought a new meaning to having a cult following and were constantly touring. And of course Jerry Garcia can be considered one of the greatest and most influential guitarists of all time.

5 - Black Sabbath - Black Sabbath originated Heavy Metal and took hard rock to the next level. They combined melody with their innovative metal sound, and were denounced at first by critics but would go on to be recognized as one of the most important bands of the time, and are responsible for most of the way all genres of metal were shaped. And of course they released 'Paranoid' in 1970, which is one of the best metal albums ever, as well as nine other albums during this decade.

Honorable Mentions (70's) -

The Talking Heads - For their work in the 70's (e.g. 'Talking Heads: 77' 1977, 'Fear of Music' 1979) - The Clash - For the release of one of the greatest punk rock albums of all time ('London Calling' 1979) - The Who - For their work in the 70's (e.g. 'Quadrophenia' 1973, 'Who's Next' 1971)

The 1980's -

1 - The Talking Heads - Yes thats right, the Talking Heads are being mentioned in two decades. They just missed the top five in the 70's, but easily top the list in the 80's with the release of 'Remain in Light' (1980) and 'Speaking in Tongues' (1983) as well as three other studio albums, a couple live albums (including 'The Name of This Band is the Talking Heads' (1982)) and the one of the greatest rock movies of all time, 'Stop Making Sense' (1984). They were one of the most influential bands of this decade and helped lead the way for new wave bands after disco died, even Radiohead took its name from a Talking Heads song. Not too mention the Talking Heads had the best frontman ever.

2 - Prince - Prince is highly regarded as a music genius and besides writing and composing all of his own songs, he plays most instruments on all of his studio albums, and has even been known to write some chart-toppers for other artists. 1982 saw the release of the breakthrough album '1999' and with hits like 'Little Red Corvette', Prince joined Micheal Jackson and Lionel Richie as being part of the first wave of black artists to become part of the MTV generation. Then the Album 'Purple Rain' came in 1984 and spent 24 weeks in a row at the top of the charts. Not too mention he won an academy award for the movie of the same name, for best original song score.

3 - The Pixies - The Pixies were said to be ahead of their time musically. Kurt Cobain has even claimed in an interview that 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' (the song that arguably broke alternative rock into the mainstream) was his failed attempt to write a Pixie's song. They were one of the first alternative rock bands, and influenced many alternative rock artists that came shortly thereafter. They released four albums from 1987 - 1989, including 'Doolittle' in 1989. They had a very short lived career and would go seperate ways in 1993. But they are back now.

4 - The Smiths - The Smiths were one of the most successful alternative rock bands to emerge from the British Indie scene in the 80's. They have had a major influence on the whole Indie music scene, including the britpop movement and bands such as Radiohead and Oasis. They helped return guitar based music to popularity in the UK and released four studio albums as well as numerous compilations in a five year span (1984 - 1989).

5 - Husker Du - Husker Du is another one of those bands that was never extremely successful as a band, but when looking back is found to be highly influential and extremely important in the scope of things. They paved the way for alternative music to reach the mainstream by becoming one of the first underground American rock bands to contract a major label deal. They were a hardcore band with a strong melodic sense and are known for their high energy live shows and brilliant improvisation (so Ive heard - again I've never seen). They are one of the original Hardcore Punk bands...so Pete would like them.

Honorable Mentions (80's) -

Elvis Costello - For establishing himself as a Unique and Original voice in the 1980's - U2 - For their work in the 80's (e.g. 'War' 1983, 'The Joshua Tree' 1987) - R.E.M. - For their work in the 80's (e.g. 'Green' 1988, 'Document' 1987)

The 1990's - Another hard decade to decide. So much change in the music industry and innovating bands.

1 - Nirvana - Nirvana broke alternative rock into the mainstream with the release of their album 'Nevermind' in 1991. This sparked an offshoot of numerous alternative rock bands gaining popularity and taking over radio play and becoming a dominant genre of music. Frontman Kurt Cobain was considered the spokesman of a generation. 'Nevermind' went triple platinum in 6 months time in the U.S. and replaced Micheal Jackson's 'Dangerous' at the top of the charts. This was the defining moment of the rise of alternative rock over pop music during this time. They went on to release 2 more albums before Cobain committed suicide in 1994. After Cobain's death numerous live albums and other Nirvana compilations have been released with extreme success.

2 - Radiohead - Radiohead started out the nineties as an Alternative band spawned from the grunge and britpop movements, but by the end of the decade were making some of the most important music of the time. They released one of my favorite albums 'The Bends' (1995) and then changed alternative rock forever with 'Ok Computer' in 1997. They experimented with ambience and noise to create this Grammy Winning Alternative rock album. Many people consider 'Ok Computer' to be one of the most definitive music moments in the 20th Century, let alone the decade of the nineties.

3 - The Beastie Boys - The Beastie Boys were the first successful white rap group and combined hip-hop with rock and punk which would subsequently have a huge influence on artists in all three of those genres. There third album 'Check Your Head' (1992) went double platinum and paved the way for 2 EPs and four more full length albums that decade, including the album 'Hello Nasty' (1998) which one a grammy for best alternative music album as well as best rap performance by a duo for the song 'Intergalactic'.

4 - Phish - Phish is another one of those bands that have touched the last three decades and have been somewhat sucessful in all three, but their success, as well as musical talent and importance peaked in the nineties. They took the community world the Grateful Dead created and took it to the next level and really recreated the whole live experience. They were not known for their studio work, although the nineties saw their best studio work such as 'Rift' (1993) and 'Billy Breathes' (1996). They never recieved radio-play and grew successful simply on word of mouth and the power and energy of their live shows. They touched more genres with their music then most bands ever do.

5 - Beck - Beck re-invented the alternative rock genre as well as the folk genre by combining the two and adding his own creative style. He released three chart topping (top 20) albums in this decade, including 'Mellow Gold' (1994), 'Odelay' (1996), and 'Mutations' (1998).

Honorable Mentions (90's)

Pearl Jam - For their work in the 90's (e.g. 'Ten' - 'Yield' (1991 - 1998)), - Tool - For their work in the 90's (e.g. 'Undertow' 1993, 'AEnima' 1996), Weezer - For their work in the 90's (e.g. 'Pinkerton' 1996)

The 00's -

1 - Wilco - These guys started out as alt-country rockers in the nineties and slowly evolved into the electric rock band by 1999 with their release of 'Summerteeth'. But it wasnt until 2002 with the release of 'Yankee Hotel Foxtrot' that they were really put on the map. The album reached #12 on the charts and is considered to be one of the best albums of that year, as well as one of the most innovative of all time. Their follow up album 'A Ghost is Born' (2004) shows no sign of them slowing down and peaked at #8 on the charts as well as won the band a grammy for best recording packaging and best alternative album. Since then they have released a Double Live album 'Kicking Television' (2005) and it was one of the best pieces of music I heard that year. Wilco continues to grow as musicians, entertainers, as well as in the studio. They are one of the most artistic and innovative bands of all time.

2 - Guided By Voices - This is one of the all time greatest Indie rock bands of all time. They started out recording short low-fi indie songs in their basement and have since then gathered a collection of music easily comparable to that of Frank Zappa's prolific collection. They are best known for their short catchy indie rock tunes. The new decade has seen some of their best work and most professional with the release of 'Half Smiles of the Decomposed' (2004), 'Earthquake Glue' (2003) and 'Isolation Drills' (2001) which can be considered one of the best albums of the decade. They are not known for their commercial success, but I highly recommend checking them out.

3 - Outkast - These guys are currently one of the most successful hip hop artists of all time. Their album 'SpeakerBoxx/The Love Below' (2004) won them a grammy for best rap album of the year and is one of only three hip hop albums to go diamond. They are considered to be one of the most innovative hip-hop albums and have even been compared to the Beatles because of the effect they have had on popular music by re-inventing themselves. And I dont even like Hip Hop.

4 - The Flaming Lips - Even though the nineties brought 'Zaireeka' (1997) and 'The Soft Bulletin' (1999), it was only the beginning of what would come next from this band. They released 'Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots' in 2002, and it is considered much more accessible as well as critically successful. It is one of the greatest concept albums as well as albums ever made. Their ability for arrangement and experimentation continue to make them a great studio band, as well as a great live band, and as entertainers as a whole. The recently followed up Yoshimi with 'At War With the Mystics' (2006) and also have no signs of slowing down, with this equally brilliant album that shows growth in subject matter as well as artistic value.

5 - The Eels - This is another one of those bands that have been around for a while, and have never put out any bad work, but have recently been doing amazing things. Much like the rest of this 00's list. Most of you probably will remember the Eels from their one-hit 'Novacaine for the Soul' in 1996. But since then a man named E - the mastermind behind the Eels - has released 5 studio albums, 4 of which are from this decade, including the album 'Blinking Lights and Revelations' (2005) which is widely considered one of the best albums of the year. They have also released a couple live albums and some B-sides and rarities. Another great artist that shows no sign of slowing down.

Honorable Mentions (00's) -
Radiohead - Despite their truly groundbreaking work in the 90's they continue to re-invent themselves and create brilliant work (e.g. 'Kid A' 2000, 'Hail to the Thief' 2003) - Sonic Youth - For there work so far in this decade (e.g. 'Murray Street' 2002, 'Sonic Nurse' 2004) - The White Stripes - For there work in this decade from 'De Stijl' to 'Get Behind Me Satan' (2000-2005)

Up and Coming - Here are a few bands to keep your eyes peeled out for, because they have been doing nothing but brilliant work and still have four years to get on this top five list.

The Arcade Fire
Bright Eyes
Spoon

So it turns out that stupid Texan was wrong, and Cracker isnt one of the best bands in the last 40 years. I mean sure they are up there, but there are atleast 16 bands listed above from the 90's and the 00's...I suppose David Lowery himself could be considered great because of his work with Camper Van Beethoven and Cracker combined...especially considering Camper Van Beethoven recently released one of their best albums 'New Roman Times' in 2004. Well if he keeps trying maybe he can put himself on this list someday...

And the thing I have learned from this list is that Wilco is the best band since the 60's with the exception of maybe Radiohead.

Anyways I would love to hear what you think of my list, and get some feedback...

Upcoming Blogger Events

2006-04-18T22:36:00.000-07:00

Well I just wanted to post to forewarn all you readers of some music related blog activity in the very near future.

For those of you who aren't aware I will be handing out mixed CDs at all my acoustic shows every month. I will be making a different mix each month with a different 'theme' or whatever. Anyways I will be posting what those mixes consist of on a seperate blog in case you are at all interested in what music I am listening to...

The link for this blog can be found to the right of these posts labelled as "My Mixes" -

I will also be posting my "Album of the Month" around the same time (towards the end of each month). The album of the month is in no way restricted to albums released in that month. It will pretty much range from everything in my collection (all 1222 albums) to anything else I may acquire or hear during that month.

Anyways, its not really important but I wanted you guys to know it was there in case you are interested in what I am listening to, or if you are looking for new music to check out.

The first post will be posted around April 27th...

Karma-Chameleon

2006-04-18T00:29:00.000-07:00

In a recent conversation with my pal George, he said that he believes that once you can stop being such a huge advocate for one particular aspect of music, you can see it as a whole. I thought this was a good observation and really summed up what I have been learning all the while.

I mean I started playing the guitar because I thought it was awesome. I thought a good guitar solo really made a song great no matter what else it may have contained. I would read the occasional issue of Guitar magazine and go out and listen to all the top rated 'guitar' albums, and immediately fall in love with the new riffs and licks by some of the greats.

Mostly I just obsessed with Phish and Trey's amazingly skilled guitar playing. Which can kindof be applied to George's statement if you twist it around a bit, because the same problem applies when you obsess over a specific artist or style even. I spent the first few years learning Phish songs and wishing I could play like Trey, and it wasnt until later that I realized not only how hard it is to perfectly emulate someones style, but how its damn near worthless. What do I look like the guitarist for the String Cheese Incident? BURN. That is when I became more comfortable with learning at my own pace, and developing my own style that may have hints of some of my favorite guitarists, but it is mine nonetheless. And I still have a lot to learn.

Even recently I have been focused on trying to be someone else musically. It has branched past the guitar obsession which is a good step, but lord knows I am a huge fan of Wilco, and when I listen to Jeff Tweedy, there is some sort of connection there to everything he is doing, that makes me wish I was doing the same thing...much like the feeling I used to get from watching Trey play the guitar. But after furthur thought, that even if the world was ready for someone to completely copy Tweedy, it would be damn near impossible. For one, I write songs different, about different things, with different types of melody lines and different rhythms. I mean even if I could sound exactly like him again it would be worthless.

What I really want is to express myslef as well as he does with his songs, and as well as Trey does with his guitar playing. Thats what it comes down to. And its a good realization to be at that acceptance of yourself as an artist, but its a stressful time as well especially when you are as amateur as myself and you have no idea how to get that expression out. But like I said in previous posts, I am making steps in the right direction. I am finally beginning to hear things the way I want to hear them...and I am working on making it possible for other people to hear them.

Will I ever be satisfied? I doubt it. But thats good, because that means I will always be growing as an artist. I always get excited when I reach the next step and then find that I am outgrowing it as quickly as it came along. The only problem is that sometimes I dont have the resources to get out of the rut. It can all be compared to my days sitting in my apartment practicing guitar and hitting learning plateaus there. If you keep working on it, you eventually overcome those plateaus, and you are that much better for it.

So I just gotta keep learning and working my ass off, and maybe someday I will be satisfied. Maybe someday the music will stop playing in my head and I'll be able to get some sleep.

My Mind is Filled with Radio Cures

2006-04-17T14:20:00.000-07:00

I have been pretty busy lately with music, and am learning a lot on my own and working with everyone else as well.

I started recording with both projects I have going, with two completely different apporaches towards the process and the music. The Human Fund has always been centered around our live playing, so that has been taken into the recording sessions as well. We pretty much just do a shitload of takes of the same song and will eventually go through each take and mix and match the best takes of everything. It gives us a couple new angles to work from, because we can edit everything individually, and Mike can mess around with things more on his lead parts. It definitely sounds better then what we have recorded in the past.

Chris and I have taken a different approach to everything which is largely due to his busy schedule as much as how we both are completely obsessed with making it sound perfect. Basically I will record myself playing and singing the basis of the song to a click track (or a metronome) and then hand over the MP3 file to Chris. I then give him my notes on what I think might sound good here and there, and he spends a few days recording various things. Then he sends each track back to me seperately and we will get together and mess around with things...add more tracks if need be...or even completely restructure the song. Of course this is all specualtion because we havent gotten past step one yet, but it should play out exactly like that. In the meantime I keep thinking of new ideas, and recording seperate guitar tracks on my freetime...so there will be a lot of work to do come mixing time.

All this work in general is giving me a better feel for arrangement, that plus I have been listening to even more music then ever before. It is helping me get ideas out of my head and to see my music in different lights. The cool thing about Chris is that he is obsessed with all sorts of music much like myself, and his knowledge of the keyboards and various noises it can make help me out a lot. I can tell him what I think I want to hear at certain parts, and he makes it happen so I can hear it, and then we both decide if it works or not. The only problem is his busy schedule, which doesnt really allow me to go completely at my own pace, but that is to be expected.

So I feel like I am growing as a 'studio' musician, and even as a songwriter. I am excited to see whats going to come of all this. And I have high expectations for this summer. I would like to have completed the recording and if I have the financial ability and whatnot, I would like to fund my own tour around this great country of ours and play shows wherever I can and hand out said albums. But again thats all hearsay in my head, and we will see what happens.

Welcome to America

2006-04-04T08:13:00.000-07:00

I spent the weekend in Texas and was told this exact phrase once a few Texans had found out I was from another state. I guess Dwight was right afterall, people in Texas are insane with thier own state pride. The real depressing part about that is that their state pretty much sucks, and we certainly dont need it. I mean what has ever come out of Texas besides David Karesh and Micheal Irvin?

Dont get me wrong I did have a lot of fun there, I always do when Sparky and Dwight are involved. Throw in Darrel and a movie theatre that serves beer to your seat and you got yourself a great weekend. I also ate a lot of mexican food, and even spent some time at a rodeo. The rodeo itself was quite boring, but I was amused by watching Dwight drool over sixteen year old cow-girls and by my underlying hope that someone would get gored in the ass by a bull.

After the rodeo we went to a small bar and listened to a pretty decent country/rock band while a 70 year old ex-hooker hit on us and danced for us. We took a couple hilarious videos of her dancing which we will be posting for everyone to see on myspace, so check that out. Its disturbingly hilarious to see.

So it was an awesome weekend of relaxing and watching bad movies all night. I only slept around 8 or 9 hours the entire friday - monday trip. It caught up to me on the plane ride home and I crashed hard. Of course that didnt last because for some reason I am still awake now. But at least the new Flaming Lips album is out, so I have something to do. Not too mention I was awoken this morning when Sparky got hit by a car on his way to work - since he rides a bike. He is ok and everything, but you know I was worried for a second or two. I wonder if he realizes how biker friendly Northern California is? - HINT HINT.

Anyways, Im glad to be back, cause I have a lot of recording and other such music related work to attend to - however I sure do miss those guys already.

I Wrote a Song About a Train One Time...

2006-03-25T01:22:00.000-08:00

Tonight I started work on my seperate project from The Human Fund...I met up with my friend Chris who plays the keyboards, and dabbles in a few other instruments (including the Ukelele), and we talked over some ideas and jammed on some of my new originals, a few of my old favorites, and some covers we both enjoyed...We swapped some influences and gave each other some listening homework and an overall good vibe was shared.

We have plans to record some stuff together and see how that goes, and of course to play some shows together as well...We will be starting off small playing coffee houses and whatnot until we are ready to move up from there. Much like the situation I am in with The Human Fund.

Chris is of course, very busy...as it turns out, most people have to have jobs and cannot devote their lives to playing music with me. But because it is just Chris and I, it will be very easy for him to learn the material on his own using stuff I have recorded and fake sheets and whatnot. It will be a fun learning experience and a new outlet for me to try some new things.

I would love to say that I foresee one giant project forming out of the two, and good things coming out of everything, but I dont like to make predictions cause they lead to expectations and that can trap you in a corner.

One thing I know is that there was some drama surrounding the formation of this side project and things were taken out of context and communication barriers were not overcome for a while. Things have been worked out, and I am trying not to keep everyone in the dark about what I am thinking...But I am much more motivated about everything, even moreso then before, but I also have a general understanding of the fact that it is going to take time before I try to jump into anything too big. Id rather do it right, then be unprepared when the time comes, especially because we are somewhat going through a transitional phase, or at least heading into one in the near future. There is no telling what will happen, who is staying and who is going, and what will be left. But they are a great bunch of guys and a great bunch of musicians, and as long as we are in the same vicinity, I imagine we will be playing music together in some form. I wouldnt be on the same level without them, and that goes for all of them...

Im not one to worry about the future, as I have said numerous times in this blog...but I do hope everything works out for everyone...and most of all I hope I can maintain all this creativity and experimentation and overall drive to try new things without stepping on anyones toes...and I hope everyone understands my need for something new...and most of all I hope they understand that doesnt mean discarding the old...

So anyways keep your eyes peeled for a number of things...

The Human Fund Demo - We are working on trying to get a handful of songs tracked out before Picnic Day, so we will have something to hand out to everyone...Its gonna take some time and a lot of hard work, but we will be doing everything we can...Ryan and I have already started laying down the drum tracks...
The New Project - I will be working with Chris on doing some recording on this stuff as well...Once we get some stuff worked out keep your eyes peeled for a new myspace site, and other such things dedicated to said project. It will be a while, but like I said the wheels are in motion.
New Material - I have been trying to write a lot more and will be writing new songs for both projects. Some may even be shared and tweaked one way or the other. Also keep your eyes peeled for more covers, cause we need to expand our library a bit...I hope you all like the Cars!
More Shows - Of course I will be doing what I can to get shows more and more, and with both projects getting off the ground, there will essentially be twice as much to see. Once we get our demos recorded, we will be lookin to branch off into the Bay Area and other bigger better places nearby...

Well Im done talkin shop...I hope this has been informative, and even moreso I hope I can live up to all the hype I just laid out on the table...

Chro-Monica Man

2006-03-13T01:28:00.000-08:00

Its hard having so much going on in your head at once, especially when you dont know how to interpret a lot of it. I have a shitload of ideas kickin around inside dealing with my music and what to do and what not to do, but I dont really understand any of them...and I am still struggling to even obtain the means to extract them out of my skull without fracturing anything.

Sometimes I have a hard time dealing with the fact that I dont have complete creative control over my current band...and even if I did, I dont know enough to be able to take charge and plan out everything exactly how I want it.

To help this problem I am starting to do a lot more on my own, which includes a lot of just learning more of my instrument and even taking up new ones as well. I am hoping to learn how to get my ideas in expressable form to everyone else I work with and make things go the way I see them in my head...whatever that is.

I suppose there will always be compromises to make, especially in the current situation I am in. I know that I will never have complete control over the Human Fund, and maybe thats what has been bothering me so much lately. Maybe I want said control...but I honestly wouldnt know what I was doing if I got it, and the band would be nowhere without the contributions of the other members. But even so, that desire for that artistic control is there.

My solo working will help me gain a better perspective of the whole thing and hopefully will only help the band, and my career as a musician. Unfortunately there is no way to tell what will happen down the road, and for once in my life that bothers the shit out of me. I have never been one to worry, and I certainly have never been one to jump ahead of myself...Ive always flown by the seat of my pants. But this music is different for me. I am trying my best to strive forward and make this shit in my head expressable exactly how I need it to be expressed. And I dont even know what that is...Is this why most artists go insane?

There is just an endless amount of things I can do, but there is only one way to do it right in my head...If I knew how to get that idea out of my head, I would be a lot happier with the end product. I mean I love playing music no matter what it is, or where it is...and I especially love playing with the guys I currently play with...but my search for my sound is not even near completion and its gonna take a lot of exploration in the music world to find it.

I have accomplished a lot as a songwriter in the past months, but I want to accomplish more as a musician and an artist.

Remember The Alamo?

2006-03-07T23:15:00.000-08:00

No not that really shitty movie starring Dennis Quaid and Billy Bob Thornton as Davey Crockett...Man that movie sucked...

Moving on, I recently visited the lovely state of Texas and spent some time doing all sorts of things like playing softball, going to dueling piano bars, and visiting overrated zoos. I did have a lot of fun and drank more booze in one week then I have in months.

Softball was fun even though I sucked up the place offensively...including a one-strike strikeout in overtime. However I did make a sweet tag out at the plate (I was catcher) to keep us from losing in the bottom of the 7th. Of course if Texans could play centerfield we wouldnt have been in such a pickle to begin with.

Pete's Dueling Piano Bar was sweet. It consisted of a couple prolific piano players leading drunken sing-a-longs for tips and just for the sake of a good time. I even got to shoot the shit with one of the piano players and we talked of music and bands and such. Dwight got hammered and we all sang a song about his little penis while he sat on the piano telling one piano player that his sister was lousy in bed. Little did everyone know, Dwights nickname is Girth Brooks for a reason. So if you have a Pete's Dueling Piano Bar near you, make sure you give it a visit sometime.

And as for the Fort Worth Zoo I have to say its a bit overrated. I mean its obvious they did a nice job organizing it and there are a lot of cool activities for little kids like rhino-go-karts or something like that, and a mini-train ride through the 'safari'. Of course it ought to be really nice considering they charged an arm and a leg to get inside. It was close to eleven bucks for adults to get in. So yeah it was setup nice, but I found the animals to be lacking overall. Sure I did get to see a monitor and a hippo...A couple animals I havent seen yet and often think of eating, but I wasnt too impressed with the overall selection. They had some giraffes which are always cool, but they seemed a bit short. Dont get me wrong it wasnt too bad...and if it wasnt so overpriced and overrated as one of America's Best Zoos, I would have been quite impressed.

So Texas was fun. My asshole is still suffering from all the beer and mexican food, but I still had a blast. It was good to see Dwight again and its always good to see Sparky. Dwight's house looks awesome from the model home he showed us and I cant wait to live in it someday. Or at least visit it a lot and kill that stupid fatass cat he loves so much.

But for now its back to the music and we have our first show tomorrow night at a small club/bar. I am excited. I have also been thinking of doing some more solo stuff because the other band members school schedule is so demanding right now. I am putting some serious thought into doing a lot more solo acoustic shows and possibly even recording an acoustic album. I think I will do some experimenting with recording it on my laptop and try to learn a few things about the software I own, as well as the overall science of mixing silence and sound...

Mr. Band

2006-02-07T00:05:00.000-08:00

I never thought being in a situation where you are doing exactly what you want to be doing, and persuing the very thread of your own existence could be so stressful. I never thought it could wear on the mind as much as it has been for me.

For starters I have always wanted to be in a band, and somehow I have ended up not only a member of one, but also the frontman of one. And to add icing to the cake it is with a great bunch of guys that I consider to be friends above all else. As many positive sides that presents to this situation it still presents a lot of negatives as well. Especially when it comes down to overall ambition and goals as far as musically and whatnot.

I know that for the most part the band members consider this to be a hobby. It helps that they have told me that they will follow it through as far as it leads them. Which is definitely a plus. But I think that their devotion to other things makes it difficult for them to understand my overall ambition for this project and how important it is to me. I, of course, would never ask them to change a thing they are doing, or compromise their own life goals in anyway. I just worry sometimes that I might have to compromise my own. Which is something I am not prepared to do.

I always want it to be fun, and thats another plus, is that it is fun with this current bunch. I have a lot of fun when we are playing music, and even when we arent playing music. But I also take it very seriously. I am not saying that they dont, or anything along those lines, but it is something to think about - whether or not, in the long run, I will be starting over when they are ready to move on and stop chasing after the same dreams. Dreams that they sometime express as out of reach.

So at the same time that I am trying to be fair and focus on working together as a band, I sometimes do worry that I should be a little more greedy when it comes to taking creative control and getting my voice heard with the songs we play and record and whatnot. Because in the end, if the band wants to go their seperate ways, I am left holding whatever we managed to produce as my sort of 'resume', and it weighs on me the most and affects my eventual outcome as an artist and what type of level I will reach.

At the same time I dont want to push too many buttons and take the fun out of it for them, because then I will be back to square one now doing the solo acoustic thing after they kick me out of the band. Not too mention they have accepted me so well already, it is hard to even ask for more. I have become the majority songwriter and band leader, and pretty much decide what we play most of the time. So what more is there to ask for?

The hardest part is the potential that I see in this concoction of four dudes playing music. Together we take my songs and we make them undoubtedly rock. And it makes me realize that it is becoming more and more possible for myself to be successful in this business especially with these guys behind me. I wish I had the power to persuade them to become as dedicated as myself. I wish I could somehow know what the best decision to make was every second of every day, but isnt that what everyone wishes? And the reality of the matter is that it is always trial and error. We all make decisions, and they either lead to better things or worse things, and we all find out new things about ourselves along the way.

And for anyone who knows me, they understand this is completely out of character for myself. I have always been one to just fly by the seat of my pants and take life a moment at a time. I never think about changing the past, or spend time trying to figure out the future, and that is what is really stressing me out. Its not the band, or the work we put in week after week...In reality its the fact that I am actually setting goals for myself. I am actually reaching for something that I want - badly - badly enough to where I am worried that I wont achieve it. And quite frankly, I have to stop worrying and go back to understanding that if I work hard enough and keep trusting my instincts, everything will work out the way it is supposed to in the long run. And no I am not arguing fate, I am just saying that we all go through difficult times, and we all go through great times, and we all get confused and worried and stressed out, but the bottom line is that if we follow our hearts, and our instincts, everything will fall into place nicely and I will end up with a huge smile on my face.

I realize that was the lamest thing I have ever typed...I used the word 'hearts'.

I just want people to hear my songs.

The worst part is that it has only been a month...and I am already this antsy.

One Month in...

2006-02-01T01:10:00.000-08:00

Well we are one month into the new year and already a lot has happened. Sometimes its hard to believe its only been a month. Since I got back here to California on January 3rd I have been practicing with the new band, and we have even started playing some shows together. Granted they have only been acoustic sets and open mics, but still...its only been a month.

We are even on the verge of recording our very first demo, which will open up even more doors and create even more work for us. I am beginning to gain a lot of respect for the band situation. There is a lot more sweat and a lot more organization that goes into it then working alone. The collaboration process is something completely new to myself and I am learning little by little. I am even starting to get an idea of how I would like my songs to sound, kindof a slight taste for composition. I am no Mozart for sure, but the point is I am learning and developing as a songwriter and musician. More so as a songwriter. Of course I still have a lot to learn, and I look forward to the many adventures on the way.

In other news, Sparky is coming back to the states in a few weeks and I am meeting him in Syracuse, New York. We will be hanging out there for about three days, and then start heading south. We are meeting Dwight in St. Louis, for the sole purpose of being able to say 'So Long Screwy, See you in St. Louie' and having it properly apply. From there we will end up in Texas where we will celebrate Dwights birthday by going to the Zoo and to Medieval Times. Theres no better way to celebrate getting a year older then eating giant turkey legs and washing them down with big steins of beer. Or so I have been told.

Then I fly back here and its back to work with the band. As much work as it is, I love every second of it and look forward to every chord I play and every word I sing. Especially when it is in front of people. Thats when it really gets fun. Of course its always fun, but theres something about being up on stage that really makes me want to let loose and rock. Now if only I could play something besides mid-tempo folk music. Haha.

Extended Stay Awake America

2006-01-24T22:40:00.000-08:00

Well there is nothing left to do today except write. I can still spend my freetime and sleepless nights doing that I suppose.

My writing has slowed down a bit since the beginning of the band. I have been focusing a lot of my efforts on getting everything organized, self promotion, and of course practicing the electric guitar (rhythm and a little lead) because I have become so accustomed to playing by myself over all these years. It is a totally different style and if you are only used to one or the other, its quite difficult to seperate them at first. We all have been working hard. Ryan (the drummer) and I usually get together two days a week to work on songs, since the drum parts are the least written so far. Then we all get together on friday nights and sunday nights and throw everything together to see how it all works out. And of course there is an occasional drunken jam session in there. So it eats up a lot of time.

Neil is heading back to Iraq tomorrow. As much as I dont worry about him because he has such a level head and I know he is the man, it does suck. He was finally back in the states and within hanging out distance at least once a month or two, and now he is heading back overseas. Sure he does get to be with his wife, Laura, who is one of the coolest people ever...but we need some Neil over here as well...Haha. In thirteen months they will both be back in the states and then all hell will break loose. I am posting this hilarious picture of Neil as a reminder of the great times to come.

I am also heading back to Syracuse in a month. I am meeting Sparky back there for a short road trip as he moves to Texas to live with Dwight and work for a while (although at this point I am not 100% sure what Sparky's plans are). I will be in Syracuse for roughly six days starting on the 21st of February and I fly back here on the 5th of March. So I wont be gone too long, but long enough to where I will definitely need to get back and keep the band going. I am looking forward to spending some high quality time with two of my best friends...Sparky and myself (just kidding Dwight).

My sister is getting married in October so there is that. My older brother Tony is expecting his third child so there is that...I mean there is news all over the place. I just dont think about it that often unless someone asks. I dont know why...thats just the way it is.

Things are going great - for everyone - its awesome. Everyone is reaching this decision making point in their lives and everyone I can think of seems to be following through pretty nicely on their decisions and overall goals. Its great to see your friends and people around you succeed. And I am not talking monetarily...cause contrary to popular belief that is not the only form of success...Don't get me wrong I know a lot of people that are doing just that, and as long as there is a smile on their face during, thats the success Im talking about.

On that note...I leave you with this obviously divine photograph which was not doctored in any way.

Picture was actually quite manipulated using technology.

I Chased a Dream Down the Drain

2006-01-23T23:52:00.000-08:00

My goal as far as musically had always been to someday create something of my own that I thought was some sort of solid musical entity. Like an album that I could look back on and enjoy and think to myself how it was something that I created, and something I loved doing. Not only have I taken huge steps in that direction over the past three months, but I have also found new horizons to shoot for on the way.

Considering I have written around 20 songs since November 4th, 2005, and around 10 of them are ones that I love and would play all the time - that is not only something I am proud of - but it easily gives me enough to accomplish said goal above. Its weird because I never thought I would be so productive, and never thought I would be able to consider myself a songwriter or musician in any level. I figured I would be singing Wilco covers to myself til my tired old days in a rest home shitting my pants and eating oatmeal three meals a day.

So not only have I been a hundred times more productive then I ever dreamed I would be, I have also found new enjoyment in the process, and have rekindled my passion for music that was somewhat lost during my days as a cubicle junky.

Last night I played with my new band for the first time on stage, and it really hit home that things were moving along. Especially because we played pretty tightly given our lack of serious rehearsal. Its quite an honor to be part of something like that, not only to be accepted as a frontman for a group of tightly knit friends, but for them to enjoy your style of music, and want to play it. I mean our direct influences arent that far off, and if you were to hear one of Mike's songs you might think its one of mine, and vise versa, so that helps...but still, it makes me feel great and a hell of a lot more confident in myself.

And of course on stage I feel really comfortable. Not only do I have three guys who can cover my ass if I miss a chord or note, but because they are so laid back and we all get a long so well, each performance is really no different then when we are drinking a couple beers and jamming on a few drunken covers. Its just fun. And thats what I am totally learning about it all...is how much I really do love it. Its beyond fun...I cant see it ever getting less fun. And that is why I am so strongly pursuing it at this point. Why wouldnt I?

I guess in the end, its a good thing and a bad thing. The good thing is that I am achieving more then I ever imagined I could in this area of life...and the bad thing is that the more that happens, the more and more difficult my goals are to reach. Sure its not a bad thing to shoot for the moon, but sometimes it can lead to disappointment. Is that going to stop me? Never. For once in my life, I can say I at least tried my best if nothing happens. Which is something I think so few people can say when it comes to chasing their dreams.

By the way, if you enjoy the pictures, there are many more posted on our myspace page.

www.myspace.com/thehumanfund

The West Coast Music Scene

2006-01-19T02:31:00.000-08:00

Not having a job is turning out to be a lot of work, or perhaps it is just the whole concept of pursuing my dream that is requiring all this stress. I suppose I have never really focused all my energies on something as much as I am doing at this point in my life.

Tonight really kick starts everything off, from here on out its only going to get more time consuming. I am playing an acoustic set tonight with T-stone (the lead guitarist) and basically it is our first show as a 'band', and under our new band name. We also have plans to play at an open mic night on sunday for the first time as a full band setup, complete with drums and all. So its beginning.

We even have an audition on February 11th to play at 'Picnic Day' at UC Davis. It will only be a 20 minute set if we can get in, but it should be a good time, and a good opportunity for us to check out the local music scene and promote ourselves. We have plans to have a demo recorded by the first week of february and then the legwork really begins, as I plan on driving around Northern California in an attempt to get us as many gigs as possible. My plan is to branch us out as much as possible, and given my location it is quite optimal. With both Sacramento, and San Francisco within an hour, many college towns in between like Berkeley and Davis, and LA only a days trip south, branching out shouldnt be a problem.

It is hard not to get my hopes up, but as long as I understand the amount of work that will be involved I can keep a level head. The first year or so might suck...We are going to have to start off playing shitty opening gigs and may even end up in front of metal heads at times - of course if that happens, someone's booking agent should be fired. Not too mention it will take quite some time to even start getting gigs, especially with the numerous people that are musicians in this area, one of the downsides of this location.

Basically, alls I really need to do is keep doing what I am doing...Writing and practicing by myself and with the band, then simply add in the 'playing manager' role and things will happen if I work hard enough. Sure it will become more and more time consuming and I will have less and less time to do anything else, but that only means I am making progress. Luckily for me I have the best group of friends and supporters who always keep encouraging me and help me maintain my sanity. I can become quite frantic about this whole thing. Thanks for all your support everyone - you know who you all are. Your words of encouragement keep me from losing my mind.

Lost

2006-01-15T01:38:00.000-08:00

This is a fantastic show. I highly recommend watching it if you dont already. Watch it from the beginning and don't read my review of it located on My Review blog...

Seriously watch it...

And for those of you who do watch it...read my review and shoot me some of your thoughts...

What Will the New Year Bring?

2006-01-04T16:44:00.000-08:00

Well I am back from my brief holiday stint in New York visiting family and friends, that wasnt that brief at all. 16 days at home, most of them spent entertaining myself in the wonderful eventless world of Syracuse, NY.

I played a few shows and the setlists can be found by clicking the link to the right that says 'My Setlists'. This is another new blog I started to keep track of what I am playing and when, and other anecdotes from 'the road'. Check it out.

Other then that, it was good to be home, visiting that is. Visiting and that is all. It was being home that made me realize how glad I am to have gotten out of there, and out of the rut I had been stuck in there. By the time I had left there I was tired of playing music and wasnt really enthusiastic about much. Being out here, and being in the position where I can focus my energies on myself, I have re-kindled my passion for the whole music scene, and now wish I was playing a lot more. The days I am not onstage are the ones where I grow restless. I wish I could fast forward time and be at a point where I am playing shows on a regular basis, and even more so with my band.

I am extremely excited about what this year is going to bring. Sparky is coming back to the states, Neil will be out of the army by the end of this year, and I am starting serious work on my band and music. I have huge goals for myself and for the music, but there is a shitload of work that needs to be done in the meantime. More work then I have ever done on any job in my life...but for once I am into the work.

First things first I need to get a demo...acoustic and with the band...

Heres to 2006!!!!

A Brief Cyber Hiatus

2005-12-18T01:29:00.000-08:00

In the morning I am flying back to Syracuse, NY for the holidays. I wont actually get there til Monday the 19th at like 1am, thanks to a three hour layover in Atlanta...Stupid Georgia. That night I am playing at Downtown Manhattans, just like old times. Then it will just be about 15 days worth of seeing as many people as I can, and enjoying the crappy weather.

So I wont be online for awhile. I never thought I would care about that, but I do. With my music and all the writing I do on here, I have become quite comfortable around this world wide web of information. It is a great tool for everything. Keeping in touch with friends, getting music, promoting my own music, and really finding anything you need to know about anything.

Moving on, I hope all you readers have a great holiday...Even though there are only like 3 of you and I plan on seeing you all on or around Christmas. Ill be back in a few weeks with lots of stories to tell and hopefully a lot of new songs. Also when I get back here, the band is starting...We are in the market for a name, so any ideas will be taken into consideration...

And one other thing...If anyone wants to drive across the country with me, let me know...

Official News

2005-12-14T03:36:00.000-08:00

Well I recieved a call from the Lead Guitarist of 'The Awks' today with the news that they had been discussing amongst themsleves all day. They have decided to lose the other lead singer and officially form a band with me as the front man. After the holiday break they want to start having more frequent practices and start to get some songs solid for performing.

So with the way I have been writing, a lot of my stuff will most likely be used. And I know they have a lot of originals too. Some of which are pretty good. A little different then my style of writing, but hopefully you will enjoy them if you hear them...and of course a lot of choice covers.

Either way this means a lot more music in my near future, and in you, the listeners future. Because I will obviously make it all available to you when and however I can.

Moving on, I also saw the Midnight show of 'King Kong' and my review can be found by clicking the link to 'My Reviews' on the right...Beware of Spoilers.

The San Francisco Treat

2005-12-11T16:55:00.000-08:00

What a weekend, action packed and full of Neil adventures with a hint of McMahon.

So friday night, I headed to San Francisco to catch up with Neil who was at his friend Tony's apartment, since he had flown in for the weekend. Tony lives like 3 blocks from the world famous Fishermans Wharf, so that was pretty cool, and also gives me another friend pretty close by to hang out with.

Moving on, I arrived around 7ish and we immediately just grabbed a cab and headed to eat dinner at 'Betel Nut', which is a pretty famous Asian restaurant. The food is designed to be shared by everyone at the table, and you just order a shitload of rice, meat, and noodles and other whatnot...try a little bit of it all and wash it down with a 'Scorpion Bowl', which is a huge bowl of some fancy liquor drink that sits in the middle of the table with four large straws to drink from. It was an alcoholic hooka...persay. So we ate a pretty good meal, and at the same time got a pretty good buzz. We also saw an actress who plays a Nympho Maniac in 'Nip Tuck'. I have never seen the show, but everyone else knew who she was, and the waiter told us how he served Sharon Stone, and Sean Penn in the past. Remember when Sean Penn was cool, i.e. 'Falcon and the Snowman'.

So after dinner we headed to some bar that was a perfect atmosphere for college drunkeness. There were beer pong tables set up, so me and Neil got in on that. We lost though, cause neither one of us could hit the last cup...We sure could have used Dwight for that. So after our depressing loss - even though we got to drink more beer that way - we headed to the strip clubs. Obviously. We hit up the topless places first, since they served alcohol and eventually made our way to the full nudes for some glances at vagina that lasted til around 4 in the morning. McMahon showed up around 3 am and joined us in our discussions of which stripper had the best boobs...Basically the only thing I learned at the strip clubs was that Kathy is as dumb as the guys that think strippers like them. Every time a stripper would come shoot the shit with her, she would brag saying that they were best friends and the stripper was in love with her. Despite the fact that they immediately ran away as soon as Kathy would turn down offers for lap-dances. Of course, if I had a job, I would have paid to see that...

So we called it a night, because we still had the huge party the next night to attend.

So the next morning we all went to go get some breakfast, and then hung out while Tony took care of some cleaning and gathering of booze and whatnot for the party. People started arriving around 8 or 9 and Neil and I were well into it by then. The party eventually got really crowded and some dork in a pink tie kept turning the music up and playing the worst songs ever. Keep in mind this party was just a big hang out, and people were trying to hold conversations, so it was quite annoying. Neil countered by turning the music down as much as he could, and I did my part by playing 'The Jackson 5'. We spent the last half hour of the night scroungin all the leftover food and eating every scrap we could find. McMahon was up to his usual shenanigans, but you will have to ask me about that story...cause I cant do it justice here.

I also had Absinth for the first time. You may know it as the Green Fairy stuff from 'Euro Trip'. Man let me tell you, I have had some gross tasting liquor in my day, but this stuff strictly burns. Thats it - it tastes like burning. It immediately burns your throat on contact. Its disgusting, but if you wash it down with some Egg Nog it really does the trick.

So it was a great time, and we made some kickass new Northern California friends. So I will be spending more time in San Francisco after the holiday season is over. It was great to see Neil again, and catch up where we left off. However it was sad to see him go again, but I will get to see him again soon I hope. I am most likely going to do the cross country trip again in January, and will spend some time in Texas with Neil and Dwight. Does anyone want to come? I could sure use the company.

The Truth about Vacaville

2005-12-09T02:41:00.000-08:00

I just got back from the midnight showing of "The Chronicles of Narnia" (My review can be found by clicking the link to the right labelled "My Reviews" - Beware of Spoilers) and I have to say, spending that much time in a theatre with a generally young vacavillian crowd has opened my eyes just to what this spanish translated "cow town" is all about.

It seems to me that they are much behind the times. I mean they were all fascinated with picture phones and kept showing each other the funny pictures that came up when so and so called. I mean Ive never even had a picture phone and I dont even find it interesting that its possible. There were also kids that dressed "punk" because it was cool, not because they were punk. How do I know...simple, I overheard one talking about how he works at MERVYN's which is a lesser known Wal-Mart. What kindof punk throws on a polo-shirt and goes to work as a corporate whore everyday. But after work, he is cool, cause he wears Chuck Taylors and dresses like the Ramones.

Not too mention they think that stupid things are funny. Of course this usually describes all of America in general. And the cheering at movie theatres is so "Star Wars Special Edition Release"...I mean get with the times people. Some kids were even yelling out "I cant wait to see Star Wars" in line and during the wait in the theatre, thinking it was hilarious. But that joke is so "Harry Potter"...Man vacavillians are lame.

I dont really know if I expected any better, especially because it was probably all high school kids who had nothing better to do, much like myself, who has been suffering from some major insomnia lately. Although does it count as Insomnia if you sleep during the day?...Probably not...

My biological clock is all fucked up, and its gonna be ridiculous when I am back in Eastern time for the holidays considering I never fall asleep til around 4 or 5am here...which translates to 7 or 8am there...Whoopee.

The Shape Im In...

2005-12-05T01:19:00.000-08:00

So I just got done playing an Open Mic Night at a Bar called the G street Pub. I played with my guitarist friend Mike and another friend Ryan on bass (Ryan normally plays drums). We didnt really rehearse any of what we were going to play, but mostly just stemmed our setlist from drunken jam sessions where we play some fun covers. And I have to say its probably the most fun I have had on stage ever.

The best part about that is that I think they felt the same way. Which means a lot to me, since they are really good musicians, and the fact that they feel so comfortable with me on stage is important. There were even hints of dropping the other singer in their band, and just focusing with me.

After playing we did a lot of talking about what to do, and basically we had so much fun playing covers for drunk people, it became obvious what to do. Basically you have two different types of Open Mic Nights....You have the bar ones...where no one really wants to hear you play your new original that you wrote that day. Instead they are all full of pitchers of beer and whatnot, and they really only want to hear some songs they know, and can sing along too, or atleast rock out to a little. For example, we opened up with "I will Survive" which was an immediate hit...but at the same time we played "Get off This" by Cracker, and people loved it...Whether or not they knew what it was, it didnt matter, because its a rockin song, its catchy, and its easy to pick up on if you do want to sing a long. Of course in these situations its ok to throw in an original or two if you want to. I mean it doesnt hurt...especially if you keep playing the same one or two every week, people may start to remember it. But the bottom line is, that at these bar scenes, you need to rock the house a little, or people dont really care.

Then you have the Coffee Shop/Bookstore Open Mic Nights...where people are just hanging out and come to see people perform, or hear some talented musicianship. This is a much better atmosphere for kickin out your originals and trying to get people to see if what you have to say in your songs is worth listening to...Because these audiences are going to listen, whether they know the song or not. Its always a good thing to catch everyones eye with an opening cover song, that really grabs their attention. Thats what I use "Yoshimi" for (thanks Dwight).

So basically tonight went really well. And it made me kindof branch off in two different, but important directions. One where I play fun covers, go up on stage with no expectations with my friends and just rock the place. If people enjoy what they hear, its only a matter of time before the bar notices and wants you to play more. Cover bands are a good place to start. Especially because once you get a crowd base, you can slowly sneak your originals in there, and before the audience knows it they are fans of your songs as well. Especially if you choose covers that are suiting to your style of writing. Like you cant cover Metallica and then after getting a fanbase, start playing your classical originals...That wouldnt really make sense. Of course I am using extremes, but you get the idea.

Besides that direction, I will still continue to write and work on my originals, and pitch them in the other setting...When people are listening. Eventually the two will hopefully meld together and I will have the perfect situation...and the perfect mix of my own songs, and fun covers.

Either way, its going to be a fun ride, especially because every time I play with my friends, it just re-inforces the idea of me fronting the band, because of how much we all enjoy playing together and the comfort we all feel together on stage.

So we will see what happens...

Another Update

2005-11-29T00:34:00.000-08:00

So as you know, I have quit my job and am strictly focusing on my writing, guitar playing, and showmanship. I have been writing a lot, meeting people in an attempt to network, recording, practicing the guitar, and just thinking about everything.

I realized tonight that my expectations are too high. I am hoping that things will move a lot faster then possible. I am expecting reactions and to be noticed. Not in a serious way or an infamous way. More like in the next step kindof way, where people enjoy my music, and other doors start to open. At the same time that has been happening and it is getting me excited about where that will lead. I mean by playing one open mic night a month ago, I met people who want me to sing in their band, and I have found two new places to play through them. I have also met a handful of other musicians doing the same thing I am doing. Some great, some average. I am learning more and more by the day about what I want to do, what I should do, and what I have to do...So its hard not to get too excited.

The bottom line is I just need to keep doing what I am doing. Writing and playing out every chance I get. Things will fall in place, as they always do. I just have to remember that.

After the New Year, I think I will get a bullshit job to pay for some studio time and will hopefully have enough material to finish my first demo album/EP...Who knows. I mean I have written 10 songs since November 4th and there are 4 or 5 of them that I love to play, and think are pretty solid songs. That is a good ratio to be working with. So we will see what the future brings.

Then There Were Two

2005-11-18T09:50:00.000-08:00

Big Plans in the making here. I just heard from Neil Prakash, the sexiest and coolest person on the planet - Yes, even more so then the infamous Candid Bass Player - and he is back in the states. He arrived in Texas a couple days ago and has been going about the usual Army business that a highly respected officer like himself goes through. He has been answering emails from Senators and other officers and blah blah blah, he is the man.

Moving on, He is going back to Iraq, which sucks but at least he is going back on his terms and will get to be with his wife. So thats cool. But he also has until January and has a little vacation time around the holidays. So what does this mean. I will tell you.

Kathy needs her car driven from Maryland out here to California. So Neil and I are gonna drive it. Neil is planning on meeting me in Syracuse after the New Year, and we will leave sometime around the 3rd of January. It wont be an extended - lets see everything road trip - rather it will be somewhat rushed as Neil will have to be back within a weeks time. But nonetheless it is going to kickass. One last hoorah with Neil before he heads back, and becomes married Neil forever. There will be little time for Road Trips after all the little Neils start popping out of Mrs. Prakash.

Its still pending because Neil may have to leave mid-December, but after just talking to him today, odds are in our favor. Its not like he has to let me know immediately anyways. As long as he lets me know before January 3rd (when my flight leaves Syracuse) then we are golden. And he will know within the next couple weeks, so I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Man I sure am glad I dont have a job.

The Way We Was...

2005-11-18T09:42:00.000-08:00

Well, Well, Well...I quit my job.

Hows that for news. I only worked a total of 6 days, and I quit. Some people might argue that I am an idiot, or that I should have stuck it out, but they are wrong. The job was boring for one thing. More boring then church. Second of all it was frustrating me and making me quite unhappy with my life. I felt the same way I did during the last two years at RIT when I wanted to quit school. The only difference is that I am somewhat glad I stuck that out, because I ended up with a degree I can always fall back on, even though it cost me a lot of money.

So I am jobless and I am just working on my music. After the christmas vacation to Syracuse that I have planned in about a month, I will get myself a bullshit job stocking shelves or something. Something that wont eat up my time, or energy. I just need enough cash to get by, and would rather focus my energies on something more important then a career. I will have plenty of time to establish myself in the working world later on. I mean afterall, I am only 25 years old.

So basically I did what I had to do, in order to maintain happiness and productivity in the areas of my life that are most important to me. I have been writing a lot and if you havent checked out my site, there is a link to the right that says, 'My Music'. So check it out.

The Musical Whimsies of Davis

2005-11-14T10:41:00.000-08:00

For those of you who dont know, I have been playing Open Mic Nights again at a college town called Davis, CA. I play every sunday at a bar called the G Street Pub, and every first friday of the month at Borders Bookstore.

Davis is really receptive. Its quite refreshing. If you put on a good set, people will stop playing pool and darts to listen to you and cheer you on. So its a nice change of pace. And there are also less covers and more original material, so it has made me a lot more comfortable with putting my originals out there, because I know people are there to check out a little bit of new music. So its been fun. I get compliments after each time I play, from random people in the bar, and from other musicians, and have even made a few friends out of the whole ordeal.

After meeting a guitarist named Mike, who plays with this band called "the Awks", we started talking cause he really enjoyed "Yoshimi Battels the Pink Robots" - which is always a huge fan favorite (thanks Dwight) - He told me after he heard me play that song, he became obsessed with it and was listening to it non-stop. So I arranged for him to join me on stage to play it with me, and he obviously agreed that that would be fun. And it was. I love playin music with anyone, especially if they are good, but Mike really enjoyed it as well, which meant a lot because he was in a band with a lot of really good musicians.

So "the Awks" invited me to join them for a jam session every sunday night before open mic at the G Street, and I gave them my number and told them it was a grand idea. After one jam session and another set with Mike which consisted of "Yoshimi", "One Dollar Bill", and "Get off This", they invited me to join the band. They want me to play rhythym guitar and share the singing duties with their lead singer John, whom they describe as a ego-tistical maniac. John has a really good voice, but he is kindof a douchebag, and since they love me, they are hoping to slowly ween him out of the band. Mike also really enjoyed my original "One Dollar Bill" which we jammed on together a few times already and is excited about working with me. So I am ecstatic if you can imagine. I havent been part of a band yet, and I can only learn from it all. I have no expectations, other then to show up and have fun playing whatever it is we are playing. They are all cool guys too, and are always open to your song ideas and what not, so it will be a good forum to get feedback on my originals, and learn the songwriting process.

So basically I am in a band. Although we havent had a formal practice yet, Mike and I have formed somewhat of a duo already anyways. We dont practice much, because we are both busy with work and him with school, but he is good enough to follow me through the songs I normally play, and it sounds fantastic. People wanted an encore last night from us, but they wouldnt allow it because some hardcore band called "GLUG" was supposed to play.

That was the only negative part of the Open Mic. There were 5 artists playing that night, plus GLUG and the Kid Adam who runs it. After talking to Adam about time constraints he told me that GLUG had to be on from 11 - 11:45 and then Adam was to play his set the rest of the night. I was kindof upset by this situation and felt it defeat the purpose of the open mic night. If this band GLUG is supposed to be good enough to play gigs, then they should not be coming to open mic nights and preventing people like myself from more playing time...Maybe Im just being ridiculous because their music makes me want to murder puppies. But after being spoiled at Downtown Manhattans with a half hour set, it is hard to get my point across in three songs...

The Boring World That is Validation

2005-11-11T10:34:00.000-08:00

Well Im back into things full swing, and Im hating every second of it. I forgot how truly boring Validation really really is. To make matters worse, I have slightly moved up the scale and am no longer working with young kids like myself, which makes me miss workin with Dwight and Pete even more. At least we made it a lot less boring by making fun of each other - well - mostly we made fun of Pete - its just not the same.

To top it all off, I dont really know what I am doing outside of Temperature Mapping and SIP studies. I mean all validation is the same and can be learned pretty quickly, its just a matter of becoming comfortable with your new companies formats, however they are kindof throwing me in the heat of things pretty fast here. There is a lot of temperature mapping that needs to be done, which is easy...but there are other things that are going to involve some research and talking with other departments. This isnt too bad, except not only did they not train me on their documentation format, but I havent been introduced to anyone. I havent even been given a phone list.

My contact is taking a 3 week vacation at the end of next week, and then I will be running the show for the most part until she gets back. So I dont know where to begin. So this could be disastrous, although I am probably overreacting as I usually do. Because in the end, I will realize just how easy validation is, and that you could train a monkey to do what we do. Ok fine, a really smart monkey. A really smart monkey that will be rich if he can figure it out.

The New Order of Things

2005-11-09T12:32:00.000-08:00

Where to begin...

I got a new job now. I am working for Total Validation Services - although I am hired through Global Turn Key Services - and am contracted out to do Validation work to various companies. TVS is using GTKS as a trial hiring period for me, because I came off as a 'Transient' during the interviewing process. They wanted to be sure I was comfortable here before considering me for permanent hire. However, California sucks, so the jokes on them. In the long run I will probably choose to stay with GTKS since they contract workers out everywhere, whereas TVS is only focused on Northern California.

The job I am at now involves a 65 mile commute which doesnt seem that bad, considering its all highway, but its also 4 lanes of solid non-moving California traffic. It took me close to 2 hours to get home last night. This is a major setback and makes me want to quit already. I mentioned to my boss that my car is leased and the commute is killing me, and he said this job will only be til mid-january then I will be contracted out to a company in Vacaville. So it will be worth it in the long run, cause they are paying me well. So a couple months of long drives, and then I will be ten miles or less from my new place of employment.

This job is easy. There is only one warehouse that needs to be validated which includes like 7 refridgerators, a few air handling units, and the HVAC system. Its all equipment validation. For those of you who dont know what I am talking about, its BORING. Thats all the details you need. So its gonna be a long couple of months, but like I said, will be worth it since I should be able to save enough money in the next year or so to pay off most of my loans, if not all...

On a lighter note, I have begun home recording my own originals. I have only written two so far, and recorded one...It sounds ok, but there were some timing issues since I could only record one track at a time. I have started a web-page through myspace, and you can hear my song, and get all updates there. There is a link to the right - just click on 'My Music' - Last night I went out and bought a USB powered interface so I could record 2 tracks together which will solve my vocal timing problem. So I will be re-recording the first song, as well as a new one I wrote the other day. So keep your eyes peeled on that site for new songs, and better quality recording.

McMahon is coming to see me tomorrow night, and we will probably spend most of the weekend partying in San Francisco for my birthday. It should be interesting if anything.

Congratulate me for posting the most boring update ever...

Oh Cracker Where art Thou?

2005-10-29T02:42:00.000-07:00

Fort Worth, Texas? Surprisingly yes. In the six day period that I am visiting this fair city to catch up with my pal Dwight, Cracker was playing here. Well actually it was only Dave Lowery and John Hickmann, advertised as Cracker Unplugged. So you can imagine my excitement when I found this information on their myspace webpage. It turns out this show wasnt advertised much anywhere else, it was somewhat off the radar.

The tickets were 20 dollars at the door, and the place was a shithole. It was a little venue called Aardvarks near TCU in Fort Worth. It was kindof like an old garage with a stage on one side and a bar on the other side. It was smaller then every venue I have ever seen Candid at, and the crowd was smaller then any Candid crowd I have ever seen. There were, at the most, 50 people there. This made the show even cooler.

Dwight and I arrived extremely early cause we had read the doors opened at 8 30. We got there around 8, bought our tickets and went to another bar down the street to have a beer. There we watched a cover band play some old Stones tunes and such. We actually ended up talking to the Bass player and his girlfriend at the Cracker show later on.

After we had a beer, we headed back to Aardvarks to settle in for the show. Little did we know that there were two opening bands, and Cracker didnt go on until around midnight. I suppose we should have seen that coming. Either way, we were just chilling with our beers and listening to some crappy no name openers. I could have got the crowd more into it with Wilco covers and whatnot, because it was a strictly Cracker fanatic crowd.

Eventually Hickmann took the stage and played a couple songs off of his new solo album, and then Dave come up for the rest. It was superb. They played a lot of fan favorites, and you could tell cause everyone would jump out of their seats when it was a song they recognized. "Low" got the biggest reaction, which was only because "Teen Angst" was a slowed down version. And of course who doesnt love "Eurotrash Girl". They combined these Cracker classics with Camper songs such as "All Her Favorite Fruit", "That Gum You Like is Back in Style", and even "Take the Skinheads Bowling"...It was a great show for me to have gone to, I couldnt have been more pleased with the song selection, not too mention the double encore.

I even got to "meet" David Lowery. Like I said it was a real intimate setting, small bar, and few people. So the opportunity was there. I didnt really want to be one of those annoying fans, especially because everyone in a cowboy hat was approaching him. And there were a lot of people in cowboy hats, I mean we were in Texas. And you could tell Lowery wasnt really interested in what anyone had to say, he just wanted to pack up his gear and do his next thing. But I couldnt just not do anything, so I approached him, shook his hand, and said "Im happy to finally meet someone who enjoys Pootie Tang as much as myself." He laughed and I told him he played a great set and I was on my way.

On a side note, one of the crazy cowboy hat wearing dudes was telling me how Cracker was the best band of our time. I didnt really have an argument for this, I mean he did tell me at the Urinals. I was caught off guard. Then he said "Although it would have been cool to see what Alice and Chains could have done". Which I responded with "Welp, that ends that discussion". But either way, I think Cracker would be pretty high up on my list of best bands since, say, the late eighties or early nineties. They are a great band, no arguments there.

A Long Overdue Update...

2005-10-25T01:10:00.000-07:00

So the Dickey and Sparky connection is once again a thing of the past. And we are both left with our stories to tell and our seperate paths until they cross yet again in the future.

I have ended up in Vacaville, California where I got a job for Total Validation Services and will be contracted out to work for Genentech, a large pharmaceutical company based all over California. Now I havent officially been hired, or started working, but I have been informed that I should be hearing from them this week, and starting the first week of November. So its back to the ole Protocol writing and Validator 2000 training with me. Piece of cake...Piece of really boring cake. But its no big deal, because I should be able to save money quickly, thus making it easier for me to get back on the road and possibly meet up with Sparky. We have major plans for the next few years as far as travelling goes, but nothing is written in stone...such is life.

So in my freetime I have been reading and writing (link to my poetry on the right), creating and absorbing new music, and just kindof thinking. Its been great, but its been maddening at times. The things I want to do, and the things I have to do are clashing again but this is a problem that is easy to solve. Like Ive already said, a solution has already been found. Time is all it will take now...and we all have plenty of that.

Sparky is back in Costa Rica already, and Dwight is in Texas. I am leaving tomorrow for a week long visit with Dwight where we will tear up the city of Dallas with jokes about their beloved Emmitt Smith. Next I will return here to this hotel room in Cow-Ville and hopefully begin working. A month or so later I will be back in Syracuse for the Christmas holidays, and will hopefully be able to see everyone I want to, and maybe play a couple nights at Manhattan's again...I have missed that. Mcmahon will be joining me here the weekend of my birthday and we are going to head to the Bay area for some tomfoolery and whatnot...It will be fun, as crazy antics are always involved when Mcmahon is entered into the equation.

So thats it...I am just chillin. I havent become complacent in this room yet, and have been too full of thought to be bored, so I havent ventured much into the world Northern California has to offer yet. Although that will change soon, especially when I get some money in my pocket and start roaming the nearby cities for Open-Mic Nights...

Although I have been to the Sacramento Zoo, and they didnt even have any bears...

Jack Kerouac and the World as We Know It...

2005-10-24T14:20:00.000-07:00

I recently finished reading "On the Road" for the first time. First of all I want to say I am glad I never read this book before now...I think I read it at the perfect time for myself. This book has sparked a huge desire for me to be back on the road, and to take full advantage of everything it has to offer, and meet every person possible on the way. Live life, I mean really experience everything. It just so happens that I am also in the perfect position for myself to make this all happen. Of course, it will take some time, at least a year or two...but I have found a pretty decent job, and being on the road two summers from now is more then feasible. The only problem is, I have to wait patiently and save some money.

Second of all, I thought this book was very interesting. It shows that even with how different America was back then, the ideals were pretty much the same. The people and experiences described in this book made me recap everyone I know, and have met, and everything I have done and compare the two. There are, suprisingly enough, a lot of similarities. There were the loud obnoxious frat boys, the artsy loners, the artsy loners that just rip old artists off, the people who settle down, the woman chaser, the mad, the happy, the poor, the sane, the insane, the judgemental, the doing, the dying, and so on. America hasnt changed muched. I mean little things have changed. Like people feel a lot less comfortable about things like hitch-hiking these days, whereas then it was a great means of company for a long trip. But the ideals and the generalities are not much different from today at all. Its like when Kerouac writes "I can go anywhere in America and get what I want because its the same in every corner..." This quote is so true. I have driven all around this fair land, and its all the same. Sure just like the 50's were slightly different then today, Seattle, WA is slightly different from Great Falls, MT but the generalities are the same. I dont know a better way to explain it, but I hope you get my point.

It made me think of everything I have thought about life, and the definition of living, and re-think the whole idea. Another quote "This is the American way...People are doing what they feel they're supposed to be doing"...can you think of a better description of the majority of America? Thats exactly what he was referring to...the majority...he certainly wasnt talking about himself and his mad group of "beat" friends...he certainly wasnt talking about Dean. We all have a time in our lives where we think, maybe im supposed to do this...or maybe im supposed to live like this...I for one, know that I have, and have learned thats not what lifes all about. There doesnt have to be supposed to's...There needs to be more going to's...

I dont know what else to say, except read this book...

We Know Funny...

2005-10-20T00:22:00.000-07:00

Is there anyone out there as pissed off as I am at those TBS commercials where they have an office that people call and tell people whats funny?

I mean where do they get the nerve telling us what we can laugh at and what we cant. I can remember when this station was used for mainly old sitcoms and made for TV movies, and now because they show Home Improvement and Everybody Loves Raymond we are supposed to hold them as kings of comedy...Or as they say..."We know funny".

Sure they show some great shows these days, like Seinfeld, and even Futurama...and of course there are some people out there that would argue Family Guy. (To avoid any chance of being called a hypocrite, I wont tell you my opinion on how un-funny Family Guy really is.) Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, and in that respect, their own sense of humors. I for one have always had a different sense of humor then most people...and TBS is robbing us of our right to think whatever we want is funny. They are starting off slow with these lame commercials, but who know whats next. The idea has been planted.

But Im telling you I wont stand for it. No man/woman behind a desk can tell me how much to laugh at situations. I dont care if they dont think its funny, if society doesnt think its funny, or what...the bottom line is, if I think its funny, I am going to laugh. Cause if Reader's Digest has taught us anything its that Laughter is the best medicine.

The Life of Sam Rockwell...

2005-10-17T20:59:00.000-07:00

Most everyone knows him as the brilliant con-man who got the best of the obsessive compulsive Nicolas Cage in "Matchstick Men"...Or perhaps, for those of us who saw this brilliant film, you know him as the quite mentally diseased Chuck Barris from "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind. Most recently he played that annoying two headed guy Zaphod from "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy".

But I bet you didnt know that before he became a more serious actor, he was scared straight by Wayne Gretzky on steroids...who is of course better known as Casey Jones. When Casey and Danny were saving Splinter from the clutches of the Shredder, Sam was there, with the rest of the thugs, backing Master Tatsu himself.

After Master Tatsu was "driven" away by Casey himself, Sam was the one who wanted to stand up to Casey and teach him a lesson for fuckin with his "Father's" right-hand man. And I quote...

"We have a loyalty to the Shredder...we're a family."

So you see, Sam Rockwell wasnt always a renowned hollywood actor. He used to be a punk kid trying to work his way up in the footclan, who was scared straight by a washed-up hockey player with a golf club. It was a matter of minutes before he pointed the cops to the footclan's hideout and began his pursuit of an acting career. And look at him now.

I dont know what to do in this situation...Thank Casey Jones, or slap Sam Rockwell in the face and tell him what a pussy he is. I mean to be scared straight by Michealangelo, Donatello, Leonardo or Raphael would be one thing...but being scared straight by the man who fell for the "Ugly April" is worse then being talked into joining the good side by the Giant Rat version of Yoda...Danny!!!

No Direction Home...

2005-10-13T12:13:00.000-07:00

I recently finished watching this documentary about the one and only Robert Zimmerman...Who is better known as Bob Dylan. Not only was this an extremely well done documentary (Martin Scorsese Directed), but it also made me think Dylan was that much cooler.

The entire music scene was completely different back then. There was so much more freedom and people always getting together and just playing and singing. Especially in the Folk scene. It was amazing to see. Stuff like that doesnt happen anymore...And a lot of the Musicians were out there to change the world, or do there part. Which we all know isnt very common place anymore. I dont remember who said it in the Movie, but it was some painter guy who was Dylans friend...and he talked about how art wasnt financially driven back then. People were rated by whether or not they had something to say.

Which was the ironic part about Dylan. Dylan had a lot to say as a musician, and even as a writer...I mean the stuff just poured out of him. But the world saw this as him having a lot to say about the world, and politics and whatnot. He became known as this topical songwriter. But in my opinion, alls he wanted to be was an entertainer, and you could tell how much he hated being labelled as otherwise.

Its like when he recieved some sort of Freedom award...Im not exactly sure what it was Id have to go back and check the movie sometime...But anyways, upon recieving the award his speech involved him telling the crowd that he was no political thinker, he was young, he liked being young, and politicians were old. It was a huge kick in the ass to the award, and the people who gave it to him. Which I thought was great. And he was constantly fucking with interviewers and the media and everything. He refused to be their dancing bear. There was one scene where a photographer was asking Bob to "suck on his glasses" for a photo...Bob just looked confused and was like "no...here you want to suck on my glasses?". I mean the guy was great. He did whatever he wanted in the studio, in front of the media, and on stage...he was a genius.

Like when he brought out the blues band to back him at the Newport folk festival and people booed him. It was amazing to see, and to think about. And this happened to him for a while, as he toured the US and eventually Europe with the guys who would later become "The Band". People would call him "Judas" and yell at him to get off the stage, or they would ask "whos side are you on?" or "where are the protest songs?"...And Bob would just shrug it off and say something like "this isnt British Music, its American Music"...and he would turn to the band behind him and say "Play fuckin loud". He loved every second of it. And in the interviews for the documentary he said "I dont think the boos had anything to do with what the people were hearing". Which I believe is true, because the music was great. People were just so upset about the ideology behind it. They felt Bob was bastardizing his brilliance. But he was merely just showcasing it in a new way...the way he wanted to, as an entertainer. Even the fellow musicians were upset about it. Pete Seeger (I believe from Peter, Paul and Mary) had to be subdued backstage at the Newport Folk Festival because he was going to cut the electrical chords. Thats how upset he was.

Dylan wrote some of the most important songs ever written. And what makes them so important is that most of them, if not all...can still be applied today. They dont mean the same thing as they did back then, but they continue to be passed down, cause they still have powerful meanings. He is by far the greatest, and most important songwriter who ever lived, and alls he wanted to do was be a song and dance man.

The Story Behind the Name...

2005-10-08T22:12:00.000-07:00

It was somewhere in Idaho, or maybe Utah...Sparky and I had been driving for half the day already, and we would be on the road for another 8 hours, maybe more. I was behind the wheel, while Sparky was brushing up his Spanish using his recently purchased Spanish/English dictionary. He started telling me translations as if I really cared including that of "arriba", and it turns out all this time Speedy Gonzalez was yelling "up, up" or "above, above" before he took off in his speedy way...

Moving on...During one of his translations, he managed to emit a decent amount of spit from his mouth to my face. So I asked him if he could teach me to say "Say it, don't Spray it" in spanish...so that he would understand in two languages that he was spitting on me more then that Dinosaur that killed the fat guy from Jurassic Park who remarkably resembled Newman from Seinfeld.

After investigating, Sparky found that his Spanish/English dictionary did not contain the translation for "spray". But it did have the translation for Staple Remover. "Sacagrapas". At first I was astonished and a little pissed off that it was lacking in the "Spray" department, which I thought was a more useful term then "Staple Remover", while Sparky merely just pointed out what a cool nickname "Sacagrapas" would be.

Hence, my new stage name...Sacagrapas...

The Coexistance of Wiggers

2005-09-30T11:20:00.000-07:00

After a recent visit to Great Falls, I have found out that wiggers still exist. I was under the impression that they went extinct after Eminem became famous, because then it was cool to be white again. Apparently some cities missed this memo.

I mean Ive seen a lot of gangsta white people, or Urban if you will...but this is very different then being a wigger. Wiggers are much bigger losers. They walk with much more of a limp, usually cause they still wear their pants around the bottom of their asses and have to hold them up while they walk. They also date white girls with really crimped hair that is practically glued to their head. These are usually female wiggers. And correct me if I am wrong, but black people hate wiggers just as much as everyone else.

I was sitting in my car in the parking lot of Albertsons (which is a grocery store) when I came in contact with these wiggers. They pulled their car up to the curb the wrong way and got out one at a time "limping" to the soda machine. Upon their exit one of them saw me laughing, and immediately assumed I was laughing at him. He of course was right, because I was. He got out of his car, which took a few minutes (I think because of the pants problem stated earlier) and came to my window. I rolled down my window to prevent getting it smashed in, considering these people are morons. I calmly said I didnt have a problem with him, and he responded with an 'I got a problem'. So I wished him luck with his problem. He then hit me through the open car window. Then alls I had to do was put my arm up while he kept swinging with no real affect on anything...cause wiggers hit like girls. Then I told him his girlfriend was fat, and he went back to his car and drove off...

Now why didnt I, or Sparky, do anything. First, we were in shock that wiggers still exist, cause I havent seen one in real life since high school...Second, there was still a whole car full of wiggers and wiggerettes who could have wanna be-guns, knifes or other type weapons, and with Jims wedding two days away, we didnt want anything bad to happen. Besides knocking their teeth out would be a favor, cause then they could get gold ones.

So everyone beware, they are still out there, and they still wanna-be...even more then ever.

The Road Trip

2005-09-09T09:56:00.000-07:00

I dont have much motivation for writing this detail oriented post about what me and Sparky have been up to on this trip. Cause it isnt that funny. I mean sure its been hilarious and Sparky and I have had a lot of funny things happen to us, like that one time...remember that one Sparky? Man that was hilarious.

Anyways, my point is...if you want all the details, go to Sparky's blog which you can find a link to on the right. He has already finished describing most of what we have done and all the boring details as well as his own hilarious observations.

Here are my observations in no particular order.

If Dwight came with us to Tijuana for McMahons birthday, we probably would have been killed. And we definitely would have killed that whistle blowing, tequila hustling whore that charged us money for forcing tequila down our throats...and by down our throats I mean all over our faces. Dwight would have held her down while I shoved that whistle up her ass.

Seattle is a cool city, except when it rains. And Bumbershoot is a pretty sweet festival. Although not without its dissapointments, like the price of food. Also check out my review of the Trey show on my review page.

Log Frisbee is a great game. The second greatest frisbee game ever created next to Frisbee tennis, which incorporates violence, frisbee, and tennis all into one big bonanza of fun.

MT. Saint Helens sucks. I mean you have to pay fees to do anything...Including hiking on trails. And most of the trails were closed off due to volcanic activity. I mean why else would we come to MT. Saint Helens?...to not see volcanic activity? There are a million mountains we can do that at. I hope it erupts again without warning and kills everyone who kept me from walkin on volcanic ashes and the remains of a dead eco-system.

I shouldnt ever bring my guitar camping with me, especially since I am too obsessed with it to keep it in anything besides a hard case...which results in it being heavy and bulky, thus a royal pain in the ass to carry 1.5 miles uphill back to the car.

Sparky and I are the king of road trips...cause we dont care what happens and we fly by the seat of our pants. Which is what something like this is all about. I mean one night we will be sleepin in the middle of nowhere with the threat of bears eating our delicious Spaghetti-Os, and the next night we will go see a movie and go to Wal-Mart so Sparky can get some clean clothes. Or when it starts raining in Seattle, we just leave. That'll teach god to make it rain where we are.

Like Tango and Cash

2005-09-06T13:27:00.000-07:00

This road trip marks the return of the Dickey and Sparky connection which has been absent for quite some time. So far the results have been tremendous and outrageous. Although I am sure all of you already know this thanks to Sparky's Blog, since he does a much better job of keeping it updated...

The day before I picked up Sparky I hung out at Miranda's place in Denver. It was a pretty chill night of drinking and Jamming with a bunch of her friends. By the end of the night it was her friend Tom and I chillin and playin phish songs together...It was a relaxing time.

The next day I made my way to the Denver International Airport to go find Sparky. I was happy to see the airport contained a Burger King so I indulged myself there and then waited...Soon enough Sparky came walking out of the gate with pubes all over his face and the stench of Monkey semen all over him...I could tell he was a dirty mexican...So the homoerotic friendship began almost immediately as we ventured out of the airport. We went back to Miranda's place where most of my stuff was, ordered a pizza, got ahold of Colin (Sparky's Friend) and headed to Fort Collins...Despite the name Fort Collins had no actual fortification, and it didnt even belong to Colin...So as you can tell I was quite pissed...almost as pissed as I got during our trip to Mt. Saint Helens which I will get to in future updating.

So we met up with Colin in the Parking Lot of a Wal-Mart and started our Fort Collins adventures which mostly involved watching Colin get hammered and laughing. And it also involved another chill night of shootin the shit and making music with friends. The thing I learned most from being in Colorado is that Colin is hilarious. Thats it...

More to come...